Taxed off the road
Increase car registration $25? That means I would pay over $200 for a 1994 Pontiac to drive on the worse roads in the United States so Harry can remove abandon vehicles. Where does our money go? He can’t even keep the buses running — not to mention the Maunakea mess!
In my 19 years of residence, the only public official worth their salt was Linda Lingle. Living in the best climate on the planet is becoming more difficult on a daily basis.
Art McMahon
Hualalai Elderly, Kona
How to coexist with changes
I am responding to the “Kona’s changed – is there any getting it back?” My Turn column, Jan. 10.
My answer to that question would be a quick no, but I am tempted to ruminate on to what has changed in Kona during the past 60 years.
In 1959 Hawaii became the 50th State of the United States of America.
With that many changes came about politically and economically.
But, oligarchy still controlled the State. Autocracy persisted. Advocacy changed.
Kona was affected demographically. Private infrastructure outgrew public infrastructure.
Resident and visitor population grew without the proper economy to accommodate necessary living standard adjustments. Homelessness grew fast much to the dismay of people and government.
The author has asked: “Please, please, please help me to wake up the powers-that-be and make them do something” The so called ‘the powers-that-be’ is entrenched in autocracy and advocacy. However, the County of Hawaii is helping the homeless. Homelessness is a tougher syndrome to tackle.
To the author, I would say: I don’t know how to handle inertia in public and private infrastructures. Both lack the motivation to do the right thing in reducing homelessness. At this time, all I can say is the contradiction exists: try move an immovable object with an irresistible force. Making someone do something right about homelessness is complicated. Good luck!
Harold Murata
Kealakekua
Biking to reverse climate chaos
It’s no wonder we have a climate crisis. If we could only change our addiction to convenience, laziness and consumption. We are continually bombarded by ‘Vehement Vehicular Vociferousness.’ Ads broadcasting: “Buy New, 2020 Models Here Now.” Glossy photos, pulsating commercials on TV have hijacked our priorities and values. On the front page of the Tribune Herald appears a truck ad.
Cars and trucks have sentenced cities globally to years of imprisonment. Noise, deadly carbon monoxide, lung-contaminating particulates, filthy buildings, pedestrian injuries and deaths have all punished people, towns and cities. So, bring on more car sales, bigger gas hogs, warmer seas, increasingly unhealthy coral reefs, dirtier skies, trees and oceans. My Hilo credit union is complacent in promoting vehicular influence across Hawaii County. Its incessant, continuous ads for new vehicle financing and loans brainwashes the masses.
Think outside the box. Rideshare with neighbors, be an activist for bus service that comfortably serves our demographic. Ride a bike and walk more. Learn to live with less errands, underconsume, simplify: lower your carbon — and stress — levels.
Gary Harrold
Hilo
