Maternity services
Maternity services
Revamp the system
Regarding NHCH maternity unit: I can agree that “something” needs to be done, but I have some unpopular questions that weren’t answered in the article.
How many of births on Hawaii Island are to unmarried teens?
How many of these mothers have no insurance?
Why isn’t more being done to educate young teens regarding birth control?
The curious thing I have observed while living here is that many young girls seem to ignore the fact they can get birth control devices for little or no money here in Hawaii.
Another thing I have observed is some families actually encourage pregnancy because of the state assistance (money) they get with the addition of another child.
Perhaps we need to look into a system that discourages unmarried pregnancy and the “rewards” the families get for these children?
Our health care system, in general, is seriously broken.
Frank Dickinson
Kailua-Kona
Headline
Say thanks, instead
This is regarding the article, “Blame Pele” dated April 27
This front page headline, “Blame Pele” is an unjust, derogatory statement to address emissions of vog.
Legendary Goddess Pele has a dramatic and interesting heritage. There are many legends of her bringing the gift of fire and finally finding her home here, thousands of years before. There are many genealogical ties to our Native Hawaiians. Some refer to her as part of their ohana. She also inspired many hula and chants to evolve.
To use her name in vain in the front center, bold print “Blame Pele” is disrespectful to one of our most revered of Hawaiian goddesses.
Be careful how you use her name, she is a powerful and volatile entity and demands respect.
Why do you think many hula halau go to volcano to do their oli and give hookupu? It is to honor her.
When people come from other lands, they need to spend time to educate themselves and learn the depths of creation. For if you did so, you would think before writing such a negative title. If you are talking about vog, then “Blame Vog.”
A positive title would be in bold print, center page “Thank Pele.” Thank her for new lands and the beauty of her growth, and continual inspiration to oli, hula, and the perpetuator of our Polynesian heritage.
Mehana Kihoi
Honaunau