Live like a local?
In the West Hawaii Today June 2 article “Survey finds tourism frustration,” Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, said the vacation rentals “have created a visitor who wants to live like a local … for one week.”
∂We do not agree with that statement. Tourists that stay in “unhosted” vacation rentals do not intermingle with locals except at restaurants, grocery stores and the beach. These tourists prefer the unhosted vacation rentals because it gives them the freedom to do as they want without any local manager stopping them.
Most unhosted vacation rentals are owned by someone from the mainland and do not even have a local property management. The owner acts as manager by passing any of that money from Hawaii. Many tourists actually prefer unhosted vacation rentals because they feel they are free to party day and night with no consequences. Most locals cannot stay out drinking and partying every night.
If tourists wanted to live like a local, they would stay in hosted vacation rentals where they would interact with locals. In unhosted vacation rentals, there is no local living there as an example for them to see. Tourists that stay in hotels and resorts interact more with locals when they talk to hotel managers and staff getting the local flavor.
Vicky Halquist
Kailua-Kona
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What a waste
Who needs several phone books, printed ones, the old fashioned ones? I received two this morning in our mail boxes. Then one arrived onto our driveway this afternoon.
When recycling is so important these days — I sort my cans, bottles, plastics — where do the unwanted phone books go. Can’t Hawaiian Tel just put a pile somewhere and let those who really want one pick one up.
Why give them out via the Post Office and then deliver to homes too? Makes no sense.
What a waste of trees, and manpower, everything from the printing to delivery is a waste.
Now when people need a phone number they can be easily found online with computers, phones, and iPads.
Who is in charge at Hawaiian Tel that they see a need for paper phone books. Anyone want my phone books before I find a recycle can for them? Or, can I just mail them back to Hawaiian Tel.
Deborah Murakami
Waimea
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Operational improvements needed at Kona intersection
On June 8, West Hawaii Today printed the article “Public asked to help prioritize federal transportation spending.” “Prioritization” is coded language for the decision-makers. In theory it means that we, ordinary people, tell the officials which STIP project is more important, but in finality the authorities get to choose.
STIP project, HS18. Kuakini Highway Intersection Improvements at Lako Street, $1.5 million — Intersection operational improvements at Kuakini Highway and Lako Street to improve traffic flow and congestion, is significant to us Kona people. This intersection is troublesome to daily commuters and regular users. There are lots of cars which do not move smoothly in the approaching lanes and the intersection itself.
One and a half million dollars have been allocated for operational improvements. To me this means improved signalization or smart traffic lights. Hopefully, that would include improved channelization of the southbound through the intersection.
HS18 is meant to improve the intersection movement capacity of Lako Street and Kuakini Highway. Better if through traffic flow is improved, too.
Harold Murata
Kealakekua
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