Outstanding effort deserves kudos
What a wonderful outpouring of support for the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Kailua-Kona Community Celebration on Sunday at Old Kona Airport Park, and at one point there was standing room only! This shows the enthusiasm of community members of annual event, organized by a dedicated group of West Hawaii community members.
The organizing committee should be proud of the huge crowd and great enthusiasm showed at this year’s celebration. An estimated 400-plus showed up to celebrate the life and achievements of the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. The wonderful variety of talent — from the University of Nations Dance Performance Group, to the Kealakehe High School Band students’ performances — made this year’s event electrifying. The audience was especially excited to hear this year’s line up from the Kona Choral Society (directed by Susan Duprey); and their was genuine appreciation for the angelic voices of the Kona Choral Society Youth Chorus (directed by Wendy Buzby.) The community was also treated to performances by the Big Island Marshallese Community Association Chorus, and the gorgeous dancers of the Jalisco Mexican Dancers troupe.
Many Mahalos to those who put in their time, effort and energy into making this a wonderful Kona community event. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration exemplifies the Aloha Spirit, and is a great community display that we should all appreciate and support.
Antoinette “Toni” Reynolds
Kailua-Kona
Is Hawaii County committed to ag?
Hey Sen. Russell Ruderman, I see you question the state’s commitment to agriculture. Any thoughts on the County of Hawaii commitment to agriculture?
Are you aware that the property tax system will kick parcels under 1 acre out of the program? Three thousand parcels will be moved out and the county predicts they will collect an additional $6 million in taxes. Do the math. These ag parcels will now pay an additional $2,000 each to the county. Do you think that is a commitment to agriculture?
For those remaining in the ag classification, the county plans to base valuation on land market value rather than agriculture value. I believe they plan to get an additional $1,000 per parcel with this change. Again, Sen. Ruderman do you think this a commitment to agriculture at the local level?
Maybe you could call Mayor Harry Kim and the County Council and ask if they have a commitment to agriculture or if their commitment is to increase county revenues.
Phillip Koszarek
Captain Cook
Who did what?
On the front page of WHT on Monday, Jan. 21, the story of “volunteers clean up Maunakea,” protest leader Andre Perez insinuates that only protesters were there to clean up the mess that protesters made. Not so fast, Andre. Many TMT supporters have been up cleaning up the mess. Did your group foot the bill for the dumpster that was brought up there to haul away the rubbish they left on the sacred mountain?
Tombo Lono
Milolii