Make compliance affordable
I have enjoyed life here for more than 31 years, and care greatly for the aina, and our Big Island ohana. In my design and draft work, I see projects stalled when families or individuals cannot afford the new required septic systems to receive a building permit. The word “pono” comes to mind, the septic systems are meant to protect our ground water and near shore waters, in the face of growing population Most people would like to comply, but the cost is prohibitive for many without sufficient cash, or loan capabilities.
My thought is that perhaps the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands administrators consider how they might help Hawaiians trying to build or add on.
Additionally, our credit unions and banks, might consider how they could make compliance affordable for those of general population, ambitious enough to build or add on.
Finally, state and federal leaders, consider this specific need. Long-term loans, grants or other ways to help would be a positive step, both to help our people, and protect the aina (land) and kai (sea). Please consider this idea, and lobby those who can make a difference. All will benefit.
Jay Failing
Puako
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Better late than never
I was relieved to see the article about the U.S. and China coming together to work out how to curb global warming, I just hope it isn’t already too late as our sea levels rise and the storms and flooding across the states only worsen.
In any event, it’s better late than never if we can stop further damage to our precious planet. It’s not as if we can hop on a rocket to another planet that is inhabitable.
Colleen Miyose-Wallis
Kailua-Kona
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