What it’s really like
I called a friend last week who lives outside NYC to ask what’s happening there: “Well, my sister lives across the street from Brooklyn Hospital and from her window, she’s watching body bags being brought out every day. My friend just died from the coronavirus. I can’t go comfort my grandchildren while their other set of grandparents are hospitalized with coronavirus. I’m worried about my mother who’s in the nursing home in Florida. I’m taking sleeping pills to rest at night.” That’s a lot for any one person to bear.
Is it any wonder that I’m angry that this coronavirus situation isn’t being handled better with all of the suffering going on? Help from around the world came to NYC’s aid during 9/11. The coronavirus has already killed more than twice the number that died in the Twin Towers. I don’t think any of us will forget then-President George W. Bush standing on the rubble speaking to the American people in their time of distress. Why isn’t our “commander in chief” marshaling every federal resource to get control of the NYC “hot zone” and curb it from spreading. The death rate per million in the adjoining states, based on individual state population, are already topping the charts. (NJ, CT, MA).
Who is making it political, other than the president, when he criticizes and blames, rather than using every means available to go to the aid of a Democrat governor? What is wrong with this impossibly self-centered, ego-driven, reelection paranoid man? (Oh, I think I just answered my own question.)
This is what real people are enduring. If the president doesn’t do something, then who will? Be grateful that we are here in Hawaii, hopefully safe with our loved ones, making the sacrifice of self-isolating to help one another.
Martha Hodges
Kailua-Kona
Wait until the courts make a decision
The Hawaii County Council feels as though they should be reimbursed for $5.2 million dollars for their participation in supporting the illegal TMT protesting and camping.
For the last several months we have heard over and over again from Noe Noe Wong-Wilson and supporters of the Kia’i, that all decisions regarding the Maunakea Access Road needs to be placed on hold until the courts make a determination as to whether that access road falls under the jurisdiction of DOT or DHHL, as per their most recent lawsuit filed against the state.
So, now that the county is hard up for money, they are going to flip over the coin to the other side because they are now wanting funds from all of us? Are you serious? You can’t have it both ways. What is OHA’s contribution to all of this? Uh huh, so I figured as much.
I would have to say; considering that the general public, as well as the protesters, have to wait for a response from the courts per Wong-Wilson’s demands, then so should the county.
Who has jurisdiction of the Maunakea Access Road is the question of the decade.
The courts determination (once again) should be the deciding factor to all of this insanity and stupidity.
So thanks Matt for being the only true-to-heart board member, and sensible leader of that group.
As for Wong-Wilson, I agree with her wholeheartedly. We all should have to wait for the court’s final decision regarding jurisdiction before any more decisions are made. Including the county who is in support of the Kia’i. Where’s your sense of loyalty for heaven sakes?
Lisa Malakaua
Hilo
Project will put island in the red
Karl Marx tells us that a disaster is necessary before a revolution can begin. We already have an expensive viral catastrophe and the Hawaii County budget is coming up soon.
The unnecessary Naalehu wastewater lagoons will put all Big Island citizens deeper in the red.
You want toilet paper, comrade? One square for you.
Jerry Warren
Naalehu
Say aloha with masks
If you are fortunate enough to own a properly fit tested N95 mask you may avoid inhaling particles of the coronavirus, although you can still absorb the virus if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Otherwise, the cloth mask I wear contains the virus to me and protects you. If you choose not to wear a mask you disrespect me and anyone, including your loved ones, you get close to; including our kupuna. Show some aloha.
Steve Palmer
Kona
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