Hirono A-OK
In response to Bob Johnson’s Dec. 11 letter, I have a message for Sen. Mazie Hirono: You are doing just fine.
John Sucke
Kamuela
Roast ‘em
With such an excess of wild pigs, why are they not used as a food source? There must be some good reason.
Liston Jack Hillyer
Kealakekua
5 stages of abandoned cars
The abandoned vehicles seem to be piling up along the highway in South Kona again, many in stage 3 and stage 4 with an occasional stage 5. Let me point out that here in South Kona we rate AV on how long they have been abandoned.
Stage 1: Left for dead on the side of the road.
Stage 2: Car now sits on four lava rocks instead of tires
Stage 3: Hood, trunk and doors open with everything of any value removed or ripped out.
Stage 4: Car windows smashed; car has been severely vandalized with foul language spray painted all over.
Stage 5: Car has been set on fire and a black carcass replaces what was once a shiny new car.
With the new county pick up free of charge, why are people still leaving cars on the road?
Tombo Lono
Milolii
Medical pros deserve our thanks
Last weekend I was taken to Kona Community Hospital by ambulance for severe back pain. I could no longer walk or think clearly and the pain was overwhelming.
I want to thank the firemen who were able to move me, the nurses and doctor at the hospital who did an amazing job to reduce the pain and spasms from which I suffered. All of those who took care of me were friendly, totally professional and efficient which helped to alleviate a very stressful experience. We should all be thankful to have these professionals serving the community.
Ken Love
Kealakekua
NIMBY at its finest
Why is Malama Hamakua chastising Sen. Lorraine Inouye (WHT Dec. 10) for not interfering with the legal process regarding Hu Honua Bioenergy? According to the Department of Health, Hu Honua has complied with their requirements to operate. The department is also addressing the unfortunate spill that happened recently. Also, how do you prevent the truckers from hauling logs if they comply with the law?
Gov. David Ige wants our power grid to be completely supplied with renewable energy. Which form does Malama Hamakua and like-minded people want? Opponents on three islands are claiming windmills are killing too many endangered Hawaiian hoary bats. They propose shutting down the windmills at night. Residents of Hawaiian Ranchos Estates in Ka’u have been successful, so far, in halting a solar energy project.
Every form of generating electricity has trade-offs. Some more controversial than others. Huge, expensive storage batteries are necessary for some in order to provide reliable 24/7 power.
Malama Hamakua’s website has some misleading information regarding the existing eucalyptus farms. While burning logs for fuel may not be the most desirable option, the suggestions for other uses are not economically viable at this time. The NIMBYs in Ookala helped to shoot down a proposed sawmill and veneer plant.
As for use as building material, the county building code requires all framing lumber to be treated for insect infestation. Is eucalyptus grandis suitable for the wood treatment presently used? Then again, who wants a sawmill in their backyard?
Don Baker
Volcano
