We’re all kids when it
comes to decorations
I know when Christmas is around the corner when I see Brad Feliciano the super cop on his roof, putting up his Christmas lights. He does a really “super” good job and my husband and I really enjoy seeing his house light up every night. I’m sure all the neighbors enjoy it also. We know that he does it for the kids of the neighborhood and Christmas is really for kids, but we’re all big kids when it comes to beautiful Christmas decorations. Much mahalo to Brad Feliciano and Lorna.
Marie and Wes Uchida
Lualai Subdivision, Waimea
Do not import snakes
Please do not approve the import of snakes to Hawaii for any reason. It is opening a Pandora’s box of snakes approved as pets and/or security animals.
I have spent many long nights huddled under vines and trees listening for the call of the coqui in order to catch these invasive species and keep our town coqui free. I would never do that if I thought there was a chance of a snake lurking above! Send the dogs to Guam to be trained … Don’t bring another invasive creature to our island!
Joyce OConnor
Waimea
A better name for TMT?
There is a simple solution to the dispute on whether a large telescope should be placed atop Maunakea. After doing some research on the development of astronomy in Hawaii, I was drawn to an article titled “Origins of Astronomy in Hawaii,” written by Walter Steiger, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii, in 1995. “Interest in the heavens goes back far into the ancient fabric of Polynesian culture,” he stated. He goes on to document King David Kalakaua’s own desire to see Hawaii become a hub of astrological study by purchasing the first permanent telescope in Hawaii installed at Punahou School in 1884. Kalakaua, Hawaii’s reigning monarch from 1874 to 1891, had a personal interest in astronomy and expressed an interest in having an observatory in Hawaii. Over the years many small telescopes were located on Oahu and atop Haleakala on Maui, but unfortunately, due to fog and clouds, these were not ideal. Maunakea, high above the clouds, was a much better site.
Why not name Thirty Meter Telescope atop Hawaii’s tallest mountain after King Kalakaua? It would be symbolic of the “Eyes of Pele.” If the telescope were to be named after King Kalakaua it would honor his vision for his kingdom. Would the people of Hawaii want to deny King Kalakaua’s own wishes by protesting against the development of astronomy in Hawaii? Sen. Daniel Inouye has the Honolulu International Airport, the new Matson container ship, and the Saddle Road on the Big Island named after him. Big Island Mayor Kim just received a national award for the hurricane, lava flow and flood destruction management.
Perhaps then activists would not want to demonstrate against and block access to an environmentally clean and cutting-edge scientific development that brings world recognition to our tiny island state.
Capt. Jack Ross
Kailua-Kona
Duff’s got the stuff
Each Sunday, I eagerly look forward to Diana Duff’s column.
As a former small-town news editor and feature writer, I am impressed with her talented articles.
Ms. Duff brings a unique style of writing that combines her master gardening expertise and excellence with relatable information to her readers. I really appreciate how she incorporates human interest into each of her articles.
Well done, West Hawaii Today. Mahalo.
Anita Walker
Kailua-Kona
