Ironman should leave some lanes open
For 39 years, the Ironman World Championship has closed Queen Kaahumanu Highway using two lanes from Palani Road to Hawi. This closure has impacted local taxpaying public citizens, visitors and businesses. Where in the United States does a for-profit event close a public right of way highway for 24 hours?
Recently all phases of Queen Kaahumanu Highway were deemed complete by Hawaii Gov. David Ige. Kona residents now have two sets of two separate north and south highway rights of way with a barrier between, from Palani to Kona Airport.
As citizens we have the right to compromise and be able to use the mauka side of the highway to travel and patronize businesses. Ironman is a special event for Kona, however, Kona does not believe the event warrants closing a major four-lane highway for an event that Ironman ran on two lanes for 39 years.
If you believe that Ironman can use the two lanes of the makai side of the highway like they have for 39 years and leave the mauka side of the highway for public use, please make your voice be heard by contacting public officials. Kona deserves the right to travel on our highway.
Al Gustavson
Kailua-Kona
Just wait for the weeds
In response to Mr. McNamara’s letter on lava placed between the new highway, wait six months and then see all the weeds in the lava then figure how to get rid of them.
They can’t take care of the road from the past widening project. Imagine trying to pick trash and rubbish from the lava.
Ready to volunteer, Mr. McNamara?
Richard Rogers
Waimea
Air Attack!
Like vultures, the helicopters circle over the dying embers of Fissure 8. Noise pounds down on the people below all day long.
Many of us are trying to recover from the pain of this eruption. Now we come back to our homes and find all peace and quiet taken from us again.
Anyone can see that this is a crime against the aina and the people of this island. Our elected officials and the bureaucrats of Civil Defense do nothing to stop it.
Now Leilani Estates suffers with the residents of Volcano Village, who have lodged thousands of complaints for many years to no avail.
Any island could suffer a major disaster. Please help us! You could be next.
Dan K. Knowlton
Pahoa