Ranger support
needed at volcano
I was at the Kilauea overlook at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early Tuesday morning before a Ranger came on duty. It was a very, very dangerous situation inasmuch as many families with kids ignored the ropes and went to view tutu from the ledges. Many of us asked those folks to kindly step back for their own safety but we were rudely rebuffed. It was dark, the terrain is uneven, and the ledge unstable. Once the ranger told people to move back, there was compliance.
Today, I spoke with a volunteer staffing the park information line. I expressed my concern over this urgent safety issue. I wanted him to relay my request to the Park Superintendent that additional Ranger support is needed during peak viewing times post-sunset and pre-dawn. Now that hordes of onlookers are streaming in, especially during those hours when there is no ranger present, there is, unfortunately, an immediate need for the National Park Service to increase its staffing of the area and regulate stupid behavior.
I understand the personnel shortage the park is experiencing. However, this is an extraordinary security and safety situation that needs immediate attention.
I have sent an email to the NPS via its general website platform. My fingers are crossed that someone with authority sees it and that appropriate staffing levels are instituted immediately before it’s too late.
Nina Eejima
Captain Cook
Why the objection?
Regarding Ms. Melendez’s Saturday letter to the editor, it should be up to the owner, manager, etc. to establish rules for entry onto private property. If it was a public or government parcel, the rules could be different. What if Costco established that no one under 16 is allowed in without a parent, would she object?
I wonder why some people who object to government regulations still wear seat belts? It should be a matter of individual liberty and not the dictates of the state. I always wear seat belts, not because of the law, but rather it prevents me from possibly getting injured in a crash. Doesn’t God protect believers with respect to non-use of face coverings or seat belts?
If I was at Costco (or wherever) and the requirement of the establishment requires face masks, I have a choice — no mask, no service. Likewise, if I noticed someone without a mask, I’d ask the representative of the establishment to enforce the requirements.
Unlike Ms. Melendez, I never trust God for anything. Just like the Easter bunny or Santa Claus, imaginary figures never help anyone. She’d better drink the Kool-Aid.
Michael L. Last
Naalehu
Letters policy
Letters to the editor should be 300 words or less and will be edited for style and grammar. Longer viewpoint guest columns may not exceed 800 words. Submit online at www.westhawaiitoday.com/?p=118321, via email to letters@westhawaiitoday.com or address them to:
Editor
West Hawaii Today
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Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
