How about a drive-in movie theater in Kona?
I am a movie junkie! I have enjoyed some form of cinema since I was a child. The first movie i ever saw was Disney’s 101 Dalmatians in 1961 in glorious color. No we did not have a color TV if you can imagine that now days. So here we are in quarantine with no movie options. My idea may indeed be far-fetched but what if we used the $40,000 we usually spend on fireworks for the Fourth of July and create a drive-in theater at the Old Kona Airport Park (Old A). This would be a fun, nostalgic way to introduce family’s to a drive-in and still practice social distancing. Admission could be a canned food donation to The Food Basket. Volunteers would be needed to run the operation. Still if the drive-in operated every Friday and Saturday night this could be a win-win! Kona I would love to hear your thoughts.
Steve Ford
Kailua Kona
BLNR made right decision
I was so happy to read the good news that the BLNR was not permitting those aquarium fishermen from taking our precious reef fishes — for now anyway. I know those people will continue to fight them but I hope BLNR sticks to their position as with all the adversities we are now facing with global warming, which none of us can control, at lest we humans can do what we can to preserve what nature has provided for us to share this planet.
Colleen Miyose-Wallis
Kailua-Kona
Open churches for services this Sunday
Mayor Harry Kim: Many thousands of us Christians are happy to meet again at our churches. But please change the date to Sunday, May 31! One day earlier than June 1 should not make any difference. We are waiting your decision on this important matter.
Ron Raridon
Kailua-Kona
Make life better
Starting over, let’s consider how to make life better than it was before COVID-19 with diversified industries, instant affordable housing, and ways for hotels, restaurants and businesses to recover as quickly as possible.
Depending primarily on tourism and real estate development has been short-sighted. Strikes, terrorism, pandemics, economic downturns are some of many things directly affecting Hawaii’s economy. Though tourist numbers increased through the decades, the overall economic impact and quality of life decreased.
With potential for self-sufficiency, create sustainable employment while enhancing Hawaii’s tourism industry and protecting the environment. Develop forestry and agriculture for food, textiles, energy, and all kinds of products for local use, exports, and souvenirs.
COVID-19 restrictions helped resolve traffic jams. Moving forward, reduce the number of rental cars proportionately to traffic impacts. Many tourist destinations around the world are car-less. Increasing shuttle transportation services and reliable public transit, people will adjust accordingly.
Using residences for vacation rentals is detrimental to the lodging industry. Return to the housing inventory condos and homes originally designated as residential. Though revenues may be less, long-term rental income is guaranteed. This increased housing helps stabilize the market.
Besides homes for residents, eliminating these short-term rentals will help increase occupancy of resorts, hotels and condominiums that were developed to accommodate visitors.
Considering hotel rooms lack kitchen facilities, going out to eat helps restaurants and businesses. Getting out, people shop and are enticed with tourist activities.
Though pandemic recovery presents challenges, it offers opportunities and hope for a beautiful and prosperous future.
Michele Lincoln
Lahaina, Maui
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