‘Coral artwork’
‘Coral artwork’
It does not belong on the public highway
I have been following with interest the controversy regarding the “coral artwork” along Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
Ruth Doran recently wrote she believed the “messages” were cutesy, often placed by locals, and were not graffiti because it is not permanent. I could not disagree more. In my view, there is nothing cutesy or artful about “John loves Sally,” “Mary 2012” or “Podunk, New Jersey.”
Most of this graffiti is produced by visitors and not locals and if they feel free to put it along our roads, we have the right to remove it.
It is graffiti, has nothing to do with culture or artwork and will be permanent unless removed.
If you love this kind of art, go to Detroit. It has no place along our beautiful island’s highway.
Mark E. Kuechenmeister
Kailua-Kona
Beliefs
Ultimately, truth will prevail over beliefs
This is in response to Kalani Pe’a’s submittal on his beliefs concerning Pele.
Many people have their beliefs. Beliefs, however, are not necessarily truths — to wit, the Southern, tongue-speaking Christian preacher, who believed his faith would protect him as he put his hand in a basket of poisonous snakes. He died of an overdose of neurotoxins after being repeatedly bitten.
Often personal beliefs of one group conflict with the beliefs of others. The result of these conflicts can be seen worldwide, frequently resulting in civil strife, turmoil, terrorism and even war.
The key is to be tolerant of each others’ beliefs. We must coexist. It is not a matter of my beliefs being better or more deserving than yours. Never should one’s own personal beliefs be forced on anyone else nor interfere with others’ beliefs. They are internal and personal.
When one tries to force his beliefs on others as the truth, beware, as others may have already uncovered the truth. Ultimately, truth will prevail over belief, as you cannot fool truth. Everyone should strive to seek the truth.
As for me, I would rather drink my gin than spill it on a volcano.
Richard Fucik
Kalaoa
Conservation Counts
Farm Bill conservation programs matter
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee recently approved its version of the 2012 Farm Bill. In today’s partisan climate, where everything seems to turn into a political issue, the committee deserves high accolades for its swift, bipartisan passage of a common-sense plan that protects American agriculture, while at the same time reducing our nation’s debt by an estimated $23 billion
While the Commodity Title gets most of the attention in the news, I would argue the Conservation Title is just as important, if not more important, to the future of America. After all, if we don’t protect and preserve our nation’s natural resources, we won’t have any land on which to farm in the future.
Whether you’re involved in agriculture or not, this is something that matters to all of us — the benefits of a strong Conservation Title benefit everyone. After all, we all eat, and we all need clean air and water. And with the world’s population on the rise, the sustainability of our food supply has never been more critical.
The Senate bill includes a strong Conservation Title that streamlines and consolidates programs for increased efficiency and ease-of-use for producers, while maintaining critical funding for valuable technical assistance helping provide adequate boots on the ground to implement conservation where it counts.
While the bill would cut $6 billion in conservation program funding, I fully understand all of us, in every sector of the economy, must be prepared to make sacrifices in the current economic climate. However, additional cuts beyond this amount could put the viability of these programs at risk.
Producers in Hawaii and all across the country are already faced with the challenge of doing more with less, and conservation is a tool that is available to every producer. Not only do Farm Bill conservation programs play a key role in supporting clean air, clean water and productive soils, they also help producers implement conservation practices through voluntary, incentive-based methods — rather than through a top-down regulatory approach — as well as support our nation’s long-term economic and food security. I think everyone would agree it’s better to make a long-term investment in our natural resources today, than to be forced to pay escalated costs for repair in the future.
It’s time for Congress to take action and pass a Farm Bill before it’s too late.
Rick Robinson
Chairman
Kona Soil and Water Conservation District
Kealakekua
Mammograms
Bill passage beneficial for test coverage
Four years ago I contacted state Sen. Josh Green regarding passing a bill allowing all women over the age of 40 to get an annual mammogram covered by insurance, without first having a physician’s referral.
This bill is similar to one I helped get enacted in Nevada in 1996. SB2084 was passed by both houses of the state Legislature and awaits Gov. Abercrombie’s signature.
I have known many women who have put off the mammogram test due to the cost of obtaining a referral combined with the co-pay of the test. We all know early detection is a key to successful cancer treatment. I’m hopeful this bill will do just that and save lives through early detection.
My deepest gratitude to Green for making this bill become a reality for all the women of Hawaii.
Michele Robinson
Kailua-Kona
Political ‘logic’
Comments will be rewarded by voters
Using the “logic” of George Will regarding free speech, it seems he would find it unconstitutional to prevent someone from shouting “fire” in a crowded theater. Yet this is a long established principle of U.S. law.
He also seems to agree with Republican Candidate Mitt Romney, who told a crowd when asked about the Citizens United decision: “corporations are people, my friend.”
I hope Will and his candidate keep making that statement all the way to election day, since more than 80 percent of the American people completely disagree with them.
No doubt their comments will be properly rewarded by the voters in November.
William F. Johnston
Kailua-Kona