Letters | 8-24-15

Mahalo for looking at Mauna Kea issue differently

This is in response to Duane Sherman’s viewpoint article in West Hawaii Today on Aug. 18, “Mauna Kea a symbol of struggle.”

Mahalo to Mr. Sherman for his take-a-look-in-the-mirror characterization of those pundits critical of the sacredness that Hawaiians place on Mauna a Wakea (Mauna Kea). How often do we read letter after letter to the editor that starts with “I’ve lived in Hawaii for ‘X’ number of years …” that goes on to imply that their transplanted status makes them an expert “Christian” in Hawaiian culture, history, and struggle? Perhaps the next time these pundits decide to get on their soap box to marginalize the challenges of the Hawaiian people, they might want to re-read Mr. Sherman’s article to reflect upon their own hypocrisy.

Personally, I remain optimistic that a reasonable resolution in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope may be forthcoming, and hopefully — after all is said and done — future generations won’t be looking back and asking, “What were they thinking?”

Mr. Sherman referred to himself as “haole.” I’d say he’s Hawaiian at heart, something that speaks volumes of his character in his truth.

Likeke Bumanglag

Kailua-Kona

Valley residents should have final say on access road improvements

I believe Waipio Valley is definitely a sacred site with much cultural significance and history. In a perfect world, the residents and farmers of Waipio Valley should have the say in what happens to such a pristine and treasured site for they are the ones inhabiting the area.

I wrote this letter because I was very disturbed by people in favor of improvements to Waipio Valley Access Road, talking about such things as a possible bypass road to Waimea from it and a possible Waikiki in the near future. I don’t know if such people who are in favor of the improvements to Waipio Valley Access Road have much merit, but if they are talking about such ramifications, one with a conscious heart has to question such motives.

All in all, the residents and the hard-working farmers of Waipio Valley should be the ones speaking up about improvements to Waipio Valley Access Road for it is they who inhabit this sacred area. It is they who would be impacted the most by more traffic to the area if improvements to the Waipio Valley Access Road become reality.

Dean Nagasako

Honokaa

How could Hawaii skip celebrating statehood?

Being proud of being an American, I am still reeling from the lack of celebration for our 50th statehood anniversary. There was an article in the West Hawaii Today recently about Hawaii being the 50th state (at the bottom on many important issues) and I guess, if a survey was taken of the state with the least amount of statehood celebration and pride, it would be another 50th for Hawaii.

I can’t believe that our state government and the majority of our population are so intimidated by such a small minority. Yes, their ancestors were here before the rest of ours, but that is true of most of the populations of the world. Education and hard work are the answer; not sitting in protest worshipping mountains and mythical gods of yore. We all are entitled to practice our religious beliefs as we see fit as long as they are not forced onto others — it is called “freedom of worship.”

Being a Christian, while believing in sound environmental practices, I can not buy into the above mentioned Native Hawaiian beliefs no matter how disruptive our government allows them to become. And, yes, I am for the Thirty Meter Telescope and proud of my rise from the quagmire of Appalachian poverty through education and enlightenment.

P. Kamiya

Waikoloa