Focus on what you can fix
After enduring too many West Hawaii folks’ complaints about air quality and irrational demands that the government “do something,” it’s time for a reality check on some things that can and can’t be fixed by our government, using our tax dollars.
CAN’T BE FIXED: Eruptions, earthquakes and vog. If you don’t like living alongside these, call Matson and move to another island or the mainland. Or try my simple vog solution: I call it “volcano smoke” or “Pele’s breath.” My attitude and body respond more positively to words that don’t sound like “smog,” perhaps yours will too. Remember: volcanoes and their smoke are not new here; without them none of the Hawaiian Islands would exist. Furthermore, an active volcano is the primary reason countless tourists visit our island.
CAN BE FIXED: North Kona’s water pump system. In case you missed this news item: DWS is threatening another major rationing this summer due to failed pumps. Haven’t our officials had a year-plus to sort this out and make changes? When our water stops, I doubt anyone will care about air quality monitoring.
CAN BE FIXED: Traffic problems — some inexpensive fixes include:
* The Lako Street traffic light’s timing; it’s the only major intersection on the highway that is poorly timed (a single car wanting to turn left from Puapuaanui, Malulani, or Laaloa can bring the highway to a screeching halt, while on Lako cars sometimes back up for blocks waiting to turn left).
* Changing the Henry Street makai-bound right-hand lane to right-turn-only at the highway.
* And how about a solar-powered flashing pedestrian warning light for the busy crosswalk outside the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu? I’ve seen too many close calls there.
CAN BE FIXED (but not by the government): Our attitudes. These can be fixed every day. Wake up, put smiles on our faces, and aloha in our hearts.
Randall Shirley
Kailua-Kona
Guest opinion spot on with DACA
Thank you, David Case, for presenting a very logical and non-biased opinion on DACA.
It came at a very opportune time as Trump again today announced that Democrats should change their law that allows children to be separated from their parents during the immigration detentions.
This is absolutely not a left law. This is the Trump/Sessions policy. Cruel and wicked, (According to even the Bible!)
Dan McRoberts
Naalehu