Decide for yourself on TMT
I have lived in Hawaii for only 50 years, and on the Big Island for only 35 years. I was not born here, and my family has not lived here for generations past. I am only a visitor to this land that I have made my home. I speak only for myself.
I have personal opinions about the building of TMT on Maunakea. I am conflicted, because I know that great wrongs have been committed in the past against the people of Hawaii, both on Maunakea and elsewhere in this land.
But I am also in favor of using the gift of Maunakea, unique in this world, to further the quest of all mankind to understand our world and contribute to our navigation of the universe.
There are strong opinions on all sides.
I ask only that all of you, especially true Hawaiians and Big Island kamaaina whose families have lived here for generations and are directly affected, please talk story with your family, your neighbors, and your friends, before making up your mind and taking strong action either for or against TMT. What is truly right for you and your family? What is pono for you, the true people of Hawaii?
Be strong, but also be pono, and act with true aloha for your people, and for the aina.
Joel Aycock
Hawaiian Acres
Follow Mazie’s advice, fellas
All men should vote for Mazie Hirono, especially after her ringing admonition for all men to “shut up.” Just think, we won’t have to talk to our wives or mothers-in-law any more.
Thank you, Mazie.
Jim Higgins
Puuanahulu
Redemption limited in recycling story
Well, folks, the government has done it to us again. The Hi5 container recycle program that was forced on us by law is a complete failure. When the law was first enacted in 2005, the Waimea Transfer Station recycle center was open three days a week, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Atlas also had a Waimea recycle center on Mamalahoa Highway that was open six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Recycling was easy and the program was working until the transfer station was turned over to Atlas. Now the Waimea Transfer Station recycle center is only open one day a week, Saturday. The Atlas recycle center on Mamalahoa Highway has closed, leaving no information outside, only a “Sorry We’re Closed” sign. It took a couple tries before I realized that they were not going to be open and then I called their main office only to be told that they were closed in Waimea.
Clearly, containers are being purchased every day and the deposit paid. If you have containers to recycle in Waimea there is only one option once a week. The Health Department’s website says “Through recycling, consumers are helping to remove these containers from the waste stream and also reducing litter in the community.”
This statement is insincere and does not ring true!
Randy Douglas
Kamuela