Kailua-Kona
Divisive comments
The wrong stuff
I had to go back and read the article on “Plastic bag ban passes council” (Dec. 22) again to make sure that I was reading Councilman Donald Ikeda’s statement correctly.
I was extremely dismayed that this councilman could say what he did. For those of you who don’t remember his words, he said, “Funny, I didn’t recognize any of the names,” “Why are you forcing the majority of the population to do what the minority wants. … becoming the minority versus the majority again, the locals against the newcomers.”
This was in response to a petition bearing 1,090 names favoring a plastic bag restriction. I am born and raised in Hawaii and cannot believe that this statement is from a public official who is supposed to represent his constituents and be working positively toward solving some of our county’s challenges. This us-against-them mentality has got to stop. If Hawaii is to make any progress in its myriad of problems, it is going to take all who are committed and willing to give their time and effort in advancing us toward a better society.
Having been involved in too many political campaigns to count, I find it refreshing when locals and newcomers from many different backgrounds come together to share their thoughts, experiences and knowledge in working toward changes that will improve our community.
Our society has changed, and with that, we have to change our perception on what can and will work. Being divisive is not the answer; working together with all people is.
Congratulations to Councilman Pete Hoffmann for supporting this bill and for persevering on this ban during his entire council career, and to council members Brenda Ford, Brittany Smart, Fred Blas and Angel Pilago for doing the right thing and voting for this bill. They have promoted less waste, a more sustainable society and a commitment to our environment by doing so.
Melissa Otaguro
Kailua-Kona
Transportation plans
Center costs exorbitant
I attended the talk story meeting with Sen. Josh Green at King Kamehemaha’s Kona Beach Hotel last Thursday evening. State Director of Transportation Glenn Okimoto spoke about upcoming projects at the Keahole International Airport, Kawaihae Harbor and various highway projects, including widening the road between Kealakehe and the airport at an estimated cost of $80 million.
The project that caught my attention was the relocation of the Onizuka Space Center.
Of course, no one present would say why the center was being relocated. The estimated total cost for a new 5,500-square-foot facility is $5.5 million. That is $1,000 per square foot.
Anyone familiar with building costs will realize this is an exorbitant amount.
Some readers may recall the outrage at the revealed cost of the new West Hawaii Civic Center at Kealakehe. The per square foot cost on that center was far less.
Evidently, the state-connected cronies can pad a job better than our local guys.
John Totten
Kailua-Kona