Commissioners right in keeping public involved
Commissioners right in keeping public involved
I attended the joint Leeward Windward Planning Commission’s meeting on Monday, April 10. The Planning Department’s presentation to the commission included recommendations that would have limited public notices and prohibited testimony at contested case hearings.
Twelve people gave testimony, including members from my community, others who drove from Hilo (just for this meeting) and council members Karen Eoff and Maile David. All voiced their dismay, concerns and reasons why these changes in rules would be detrimental to the basic rights of, we, the people.
At one point, the question was asked, “how many contested cases a year are there?” The answer, “two, last year.” I watched the commissioners faces as they heard the answer. I saw the subtle nods of commissions heads in silent agreement to testimony.
I stayed after testimony and through the discussion between the commissioners and heard the motion and vote. I now know, for this moment, the commissioners chose the Eastern philosophy/scenario of the three wise monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. The commissioners wisely voted in favor of keeping the public notices and public testimony in place.
Thank you, commissioners, for being of good mind, speech and action. May your wisdom continue on a path that fairly addresses the needs and concerns of the public, in contested cases and all other issues that come before you.
Laurie Freeman
Kailua-Kona
Report on flight crew that really caused uproar
I’m waiting to read the account of how the Republic Airline cockpit and cabin crew of UA 3411 operated as United Express on that recent fateful day.
Right about now, American and Delta must be relieved that their respective Republic Airline flights operating as Delta Connection and American Eagle were flying elsewhere on that horrific day.
All we read, see, and hear is United Airlines. The aircraft pictured in the media consistently shows United planes, not Republic’s Embraer 170 or 175. There’s lots of accounting yet to be learned. The hair-trigger reporting thus far has managed to stir up the stock market, the governor of New Jersey, a maimed passenger, commentaries from the CEO of Delta and United, a Facebook frenzy, ad nauseum.
Ann Medve
Hawi