HELCO not irresponsible
As a retired HELCO lineman, I know that a large part of the company’s budget is dedicated to keeping the grid free of vegetation. The company has always been concerned with balancing its tree trimming budget with the need to provide reliable power. It is responsible for its lines within its easement.
I doubt seriously that Rich told you, Paul (WHT letters, Dec. 17), that the tree was not a concern. If the tree was 30 feet away from the line, then that tree was out of HELCO’s easement. If the company were to expand its tree management outside of the easements at the request of the public, the cost to the ratepayers on the island and the legality of that expansion would certainly come under scrutiny by the PUC. The cost of the trouble calls to put the lines back up have to be balanced with the cost of islandwide trimming and the need to provide power to the most customers.
Also, when you bought property in Kaloko, did you notice that you were in an old-growth forest? It is beautiful and it is an integral part of our watershed but old trees do fall down.
John Gavelek
Holualoa
Trump’s not trying to help
Replying to Bob Johnson’s letter Dec. 16, Bob, you are indeed a person who’s opinions are based on fake news. You say that Trump is just trying to help. He has not abided by the U.S. laws and continues to use the presidency to promote his businesses around the world and has damaged the U.S. credibility and standing throughout the world.
He defunded state departments and is using bullying instead of diplomacy, which may start another world war. He said everyone would have wonderful health care at lower costs, he wouldn’t profit from the Republican tax plan, he would balance the budget, and he would not touch Social Security or Medicare.
He continually denies the Russian interference in our election, said of neo Nazis and white supremacists that there are good people on both sides. He continually lies to obstruct the Russian investigation, he never released his tax returns, lies on a daily bases on his Twitter, lies about sexually molesting women, brags about it on radio, access Hollywood tapes, paid $25 million in out-of-court settlements for defrauding people at Trump College, and dodged the draft five times.
What universe do you live in Bob? It’s probably with Steve Bannon and Brietbart News and Fox. I met Janice Palma-Glennie about 22 years ago. She is smart, compassionate, loves and cares for the environment and her community.
She is honest person — everything that your hero is not.
Leslie Iijima
Waikoloa