Letters to the Editor: 12-20-16

Thankful to be part of parade

As president of Big Island Marshallese Community Association (BIMCA), it has been another year that our Marshallese community was able to take part in the annual Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade and showcase our Marshallese culture.

I’d like to extend a big thank you to the organizers and sponsors of the parade and County of Hawaii. We also are very appreciative of Mr. Jieyu Zhu Shepard, who kindly lent the use of his truck for the parade. We are also grateful for the ongoing support of Next Steps Committee that works with us throughout the year on issues that are important to the Marshallese community and support some of our social activities such as the annual Kona Marshallese Constitution Day Celebration.

For funding assistance, we thank West Hawaii Community Health Center for providing us the needed help to purchase decorations, candies, and other supplies for the float. Special thanks to Yokwe Service Center, Galle Henry for the use of his sound system, Kona New Beginning Church, members of KMCA, Waimea Marshallese AOG, Hilo Marshallese AOG, Kona BNJ, and families who brought candies to give out. It has been a good experience every year as we have received acknowledgement by the parade organizers with awards for the music and our float.

We are very much appreciative of the ongoing support from so many people in making it a memorable float. We wish everyone happy holidays!

Embi Jude

President, BIMCA

Kailua-Kona

Road needs major work

Would sure love to know when Lunapule Road will be brought up to county road standards. Currently it is reminiscent of the Old Saddle Road. Pot holes and uneven pavement from top to bottom. Cars are commonly driving in the middle or on the narrow shoulder. It is one of the major mauka-makai connections to Alii Drive.

Randy Botti

Kailua-Kona