Dengue battle should be
massive operation ADVERTISING Dengue battle should be
massive operation In today’s West Hawaii Today there is an article that the state is going to hire additional workers to battle the mosquitoes which carry the dengue virus.
Dengue battle should be
massive operation
In today’s West Hawaii Today there is an article that the state is going to hire additional workers to battle the mosquitoes which carry the dengue virus.
It is my understanding, the way the state is trying to control the virus, is by workers walking and carrying hand sprayers. This is like using a fly swatter to kill a elephant. There may be other ways workers are attempting to control the mosquito population, as they work an area, but there’s no mention of it in the ongoing articles.
However, what I do know is if they really want to control and stop the problem, there is a need to pull out the big guns. What I mean by that is, look at how states like Texas control their problem, with the deadly West Nile virus. With the use of nighttime fogging machines on trucks, large areas are covered, and for inaccessible areas, helicopters and airplanes spray.
The need to cover known areas of infestation should be swift and widespread. These hard-working state employees are assured many months or even years of hard labor, as they tote these sprayers on their backs. Meanwhile, the mosquitoes are busily spreading the dengue virus. To me, if the dengue virus was as deadly as the West Nile virus there would be no question what and how to control it. Thanks for your time and please remember this is just one man’s opinion.
Hershel Freeman
Kailua-Kona
Choppers equipped
for Hawaii wildfires
In reference to the letter from Mr. Dave Kisor concerning better firefighting equipment, his idea of acquiring a Canadair CL 215 or another fixed wing aircraft must take careful consideration. Those types of aircraft are great for areas that may be miles from water sources. A helicopter is more capable of hitting fires remotely with pinpoint accuracy more efficiently.
An example, a CH 47 Chinook can carry approx 3,000 gallon bucket and hit several spots at will, or the whole load. It is capable of dipping into small creeks, lakes and rivers. The fixed wing aircraft based in Hawaii would not have any sources for fresh water. If it had to gather water from the ocean, you would need a calm surface to land and take off. And the salt water is corrosive on the aircraft and engines. Not a good match.
I have many hours flying helicopters on the Mainland fighting fires in all kinds of conditions. A fixed wing has its place in certain areas but I cannot see them working fires in Hawaii. A fixed wing would have trouble trying to rescue people in rough waters and the Coast Guard is well trained and staffed to do emergencies.
Robert Baker
Waikoloa
