Stretched legs not worth smashed body
In response to Mr. Binder’s letter concerning the lava tube, I think the state did the right thing. If you’ve had a tourist pull out in front of you from the shoulder — from a dead stop — into traffic going 55 mph or faster, you wouldn’t be so gung-ho about someone needing to stretch their legs.
On the makai side of the highway, imagine somebody stepping onto the highway in front of you. I’ve had this happen on a regular basis, so good job state, you’re saving the lives of tourists.
Bubba Rogers
Waimea
Selfish president leading us to chaos
It is incomprehensible to me that one deranged, mentally unstable person sitting in the Oval Office has so much power that he partially closes the federal government and puts 800,000 federal workers and their families’ lives into utter chaos. He is in essence jeopardizing the safety and well-being of many more people by his selfish actions.
What country are we living in?
This is the USA. Trump had two years to get his wall funding in place with the Republicans controlling the House and the Senate even though he claimed that Mexico would pay for it. Not happening. The man will say and do anything to divert attention from his Russia connection. I feel that he is a tyrant and a dictator and I pray every day for everyone because it affects all of us.
Step up, Trump. It’s not all about you. Think about all the people who are suffering, but I forgot, you are incapable of that, so sad.
Doreen Vail
Kailua-Kona
Welcome to Cali-waii
Not too long ago, Kailua-Kona was a quiet, small town with very little traffic, and not a lot of housing subdivisions. Lako Street did not go all the way up to Mamalahoa Highway. There was no light at Puapuaanui Street and the highway because there was no Puapuaanui Street.
Then, much to the disappointment of the island residents living here at that time, housing construction put in new additions, Kona Vistas and Pualani Estates, along with many other homes as well. Of course, this increased the traffic tremendously with more residents, while some homeowners even had two vehicles. Now Lako Street extends all the way to Mamalahoa Highway and Puapuaanui is complete with a traffic light.
There are some folks who are snow birds coming only in the winter time while maintaining homes in two places at once. Everyone wants to stop the influx of new homes and more people along with more traffic. What happened to our aloha spirit? We now are getting the great California attitude, “Welcome to Hawaii. Now go home.” I’m here now so shut the door and don’t let any more people or housing in.
Relax folks, it will all work out, just as it did when you moved in. Next time you’re sitting in traffic, look around you, there are probably many people around you who were here before you. Just sit back, relax and think about how lucky we are to be here instead of being snowbound in St. Louis, Missouri, or stuck in LA traffic. Let’s all share our aloha again and not become the “It’s all about me” state.
Michael Hunt
Captain Cook
Future of Keauhou Bay vital
The My Turn column written by Tami Warren recently is dear to my own heart, too.
I worked for Kamehameha Investment Corporation (KIC) from 1977 to ‘88 as a nurseryman and roadside maintenance. I also lived in one of KIC’s homes on the bay for several years (two bedrooms/one bath shack for just $150/month, taken out of my paycheck). I know the bay well.
I can’t imagine KIC developing that area and displacing the Keauhou Canoe Club and volleyball court. The court was there when I was working there, but the canoe club wasn’t.
My recommendation to Tami is to visit the KIC offices in the first phase of the Keauhou Shopping Center (at least they were there last time I looked) and ask questions. Get the facts from the horse’s mouth. KIC is very sensitive to the Hawaiian traditions and cultural practices. They are the development-for-profit arm of Bishop Estate. Those profits are for the Hawaiian schools.
I hope you’ll take my advice and report back for the rest of us interested in the future of Keauhou Bay. I’m especially concerned because it’s where my ashes will be scattered.
Dennis Lawson
Kalaoa