Don’t sabotage medical dispensaries
Don’t sabotage medical dispensaries
According to an article in the West Hawaii Today (Dec. 16,) a group called the North Kohala Community Association is opposing the licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries on the Big Island.
Championing this cause is Council member Margaret Willie, who convinced the County Council to pass a resolution allowing counties more say on the structure of the program. Clearly, Councilwoman Wille is attempting to scuttle the program.
In another article in the West Hawaii Today (Oct. 1,) Ms. Wille is quoted indicating that “this effort was about stopping a new drug from getting into the community.”
According to the recent article, “there are approximately 13,800 registered medical marijuana users in the state, with most living on the Big Island.” I urge the County Council to show compassion and caring and eliminate hurdles to the implementation of this worthwhile program.
Dennis Brown
Waimea
Political asylum letter is misleading
Rickie Buher’s letter of Dec. 14, “Political asylum not what it used to be,” is misleading and filled with preposterous statements. The Cuban refugees were not “vetted” before they were allowed to enter this country. The only requirement (and I presume it is still in effect) is that any Cuban who set foot on U. S. soil could stay without question.
Has Buher personally heard from a newsperson from Vienna or did he read it somewhere that only 10 percent of the refugees were actually old, young and with family while the rest were young, healthy men of fighting age. I find it hard to believe that nine of 10 persons were young men. Also, can Buher show what agency was the “supposed legal source” that provided most of the refugees with certifications indicating that they would be killed unless they were given asylum? Did this apply to refugees from all countries?
Buher should keep in mind that the tragedy on France was caused by mostly “home-grown” citizens and not refugees. Also, the incident at San Bernardino was primarily due to a “home-grown” American citizen. We should be more concerned with “home-grown” terrorists rather than refugees. I believe that Buher is over-reacting a bit as I doubt that any refugee would be assigned to Waikoloa. Would allowing only orphans under the age of five be acceptable?
Buher may not agree with President Barack Obama on immigration but at least he is with the president on “climate change.”
Burton Y. Ito
Kealakekua
Update on club’s renovations needed
As a visitor to the Big Island for almost 30 years, I was disappointed to find out the Kona Country Club had closed in 2013 “for renovations.” The Ocean course was one of my favorites. I have been checking every six months or so and was hopeful when I saw the statement “looking forward to reopening in December 2015” on their website.
Since then I have been checking and can find no further information about the reopening.
Can anyone shed some light on what is going on there?
Wes Barkwill
Merced, Calif.