Values matter
Whatever future we have on our island is based on values, and we all know each person comes with their own set of values. So how do we find common ground and reach for a future based on our island values? TMT has challenged all of us on our value of sacred lands, value of science, value of culture, value of religion, value of the sky, and value of the economy. Only a person knows their values. I for one know what I value.
Sometimes reaching for the stars, in other words reaching for our dreams, reaching for financial security, reaching for our children’s future, we come face to face with the other person. Who is the other person when we talk about TMT?
I am acutely aware of the passion and arguments as to why or why not to support the construction and operation of the TMT? Serving as state representative for North Kohala and South Kohala, I watched and listened. One of my takeaways was “it is about time our island found its voice.” This is not a criticism but an observation of how, over time, the people who were invested in astronomy forgot the family they joined when they chose their career located on our island.
Families talk about the whole and at the same time each person makes up the whole. There is no doubt in my mind that many forgot to talk about the makeup of the family (residents of our island) and the cost and benefit to each person in the family.
Do we have a way forward? If you listen to our kupuna, the answer is yes. The answer lies in each individual knowing they are valued and benefit from working together to build a future of prosperity and respect.
It is exciting to know we can work together to reach for communities that thrive, children who have hope, and individuals who feel they are a part of the community. What I just wrote is what I value. So for me the construction of the TMT is a good thing. What do you think? Your opinion matters.
Cindy Evans
Kohala
A new strategy
On New Year’s Day 2020, my resolution was to do what I could do to replace the current inhabitant of the White House. At the time, it was unknown who the Democratic challenger would be. I had no clear preference. Now that the Biden/Harris ticket is known, here’s my strategy.
Due to the dominance of Democrats in Hawaii, it’s a foregone conclusion that Hawaii’s four Electoral College votes will go to Biden/Harris. The question is, do our votes really count? Up until now, the outcome of the presidential election has generally been known before the counting of votes in Hawaii is known. So do our votes count? Not usually.
Let’s use our time, money and energy to contact voters in battleground states, where votes very much do count, to encourage them to vote.
I have contacted the Biden campaign with my idea but have gotten little traction with it. Does the Democratic Party of Hawaii have the will to organize this effort and put it into action?
Michael Traub
Kailua-Kona
Letters policy
Letters to the editor should be 300 words or less and will be edited for style and grammar. Longer viewpoint guest columns may not exceed 800 words. Submit online at www.westhawaiitoday.com/?p=118321, via email to letters@westhawaiitoday.com or address them to:
Editor
West Hawaii Today
PO Box 789
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745