Aina Koa Pono
Aina Koa Pono
Say no to HELCO
I have lived in Waiohinu 35 years and am appalled that outside business interest can come in and expect a 20-year guaranteed fixed-rate contract with HELCO. What start-up business would not love an opportunity like this — guaranteed income and a very sweet deal — all this based on unproven microwave technology.
Plus this increases the electric rates for all HELCO users.
There is a strong disconnect here. Something is missing. Who or what will ultimately benefit from this venture? I do not believe it will be those of who live in Hawaii.
We have already told the PUC once before we do not support this. Yet here we are, once again, with Aina Koa Pono requesting another sweet contract.
There are so many unanswered concerns from the last request. Now it has pared down its plan, but still ultimately the same basic issues stand.
This is not cleaner, cheaper alternative fuel. It is not proven. It is by no means cost-effective. It ties us to an industry that is dying — fossil fuel. (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will test an electric battery, hydrogen fuel cell hybrid shuttle and host a hydrogen fuel transfer station.)
Why not look outside the box, such as subsidizing solar tie grids to homes or other possibilities that are cleaner and sustainable?
Twenty years is a long time; let’s create a solution that honors the people and the aina, not favor options that benefit the few.
Say NO to HECLO accepting this contract.
Helen Behrmann
Naalehu
Political activities
Put wavers on notice
The political sign-wavers who continue to clog our dangerous intersections need to be put on notice: If they cause or contribute to an accident, they could be held liable.
At least for now, we can take note of the names on these signs and either boycott the candidates themselves, or outright vote against them for allowing this practice to continue.
Scott Giles
Kailua-Kona
Honl’s beach
Neglected by county
I am employed at a resort next to Honl’s Beach. It is disgusting how the Parks Department has let a nice, beautiful beach go to the dumps.
The lawn hasn’t been watered in months (golden brown) and it has an automatic system, yet the Queen Kaahumanu Highway pavement gets watered and sidewalks around town get their share. I see this all the time.
So, what’s up with the beach?
Jim Wiese
Kona