Coral graffiti
Coral graffiti
A problem we can fix
There are obviously two camps of people who have opinions on the white coral graffiti: those who think this is OK and those of us who think this is a complete disaster that has disgraced the beauty and spirit of these magnificent lava flows — spectacular natural wonders.
It would be hard to imagine someone putting graffiti on the walls of the Grand Canyon, carving their names on the giant redwoods, or spraying oil on the Gulf Coast beaches saying, “Johnny loves Suzie” or “run Kimo run,” but that’s what we have here.
People have the right to paint their houses whatever color they wish. They can put stickers on their cars and trucks and tattoo their skin, because these things belong to them.
The lava flows do not belong to any of us. We are merely the temporary caretakers of these magnificent natural geological formations that will be here long after we are gone.
So far, we haven’t done a very good job of keeping them the way Madam Pele left them for us. We can, however, fix the graffiti problem by returning the coral to the beaches, where it belongs, developing an appreciation for Madam Pele’s gifts that aren’t shared by some.
We can’t do much as individuals about many of the world’s ills: global warming, ocean trash, corrupt governments or world hunger and inequality, but we can fix this.
The group of volunteers doing the cleanup is constantly picking up trash, bottles, cans and even plate lunch containers left behind by some of the graffiti “artists.”
Some places even have spray paint on the most precious lava formations on earth, as well as silicone caulk used to glue the coral to the lava. We can’t imagine anyone objecting to the removal of this tragic defacement.
The fact we have the Queen Kaahumanu Highway running through this spectacular landscape allows us easy access to natural scenery as stunning as any on earth. With the blue sky, the Kohala Mountains, Mauna Kea, the coast, the ocean and Maui in the distance, we should be able to share a pristine nature and environment with residents and visitors alike.
Scott Giles
Kailua-Kona
New license
Stressful, tearful task
I believe my DMV post traumatic condition needs attention by the therapist Patrick McCary.
He handles his PTC much better than I did. I used tears.
It is time for me to contact the the infamous ACLU as I believe this is also a gender discrimination problem. When I went for my second traumatic visit to the Civic Center, I was instructed to bring marriage licenses, divorce papers, birth certificate and Social Security card. I am 84 years old, born in the U.S., been driving since I was 16 and have a clean driving record — and I still have to prove I am here legally because my last name was different than the one on my birth certificate.
Most men don’t change their last name.
Oh, yes, the marriage licenses were originals, which is not acceptable.
If I am still able to renew my driver’s license in two years, I will bring my renewed passport, cost $110 plus $6 postage.
It is much easier to obtain a passport than a driver’s license.
Let’s hope in two years our legislators haven’t figured out another set of laws to make life more stressful and therapists wealthy.
I do want to say the lady at the DMV was as kind as possible under her stressful job conditions.
Shirlee M. Shumway
Kailua-Kona