Regarding the use of fireworks
As a retired RN, I am going to share my concerns over the use of “illegal” fireworks recently over the holidays. Social media has been “ablaze” with complaints and concerns. Ablaze is defined as “filled with anger or another strong emotion.”
The are many individuals recovering at home with the COVID virus and other health issues. There are other patients who just struggle with breathing due to lung disease and the smoke is very irritating. It is with great effort, medical treatment and medications just to breathe.
There are others who suffer from chronic PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which simply is when they hear a loud noise or perceive a threat, there is a rush of hormones in their system getting them ready to “survive” and in the meantime they re-live the initial trauma. Traumatic events such as an accident, assault or military or even a natural disaster can have long lasting effects on a person’s mental health.
Now to our furry, four-legged friends who don’t understand the noise and smoke and they too are traumatized and frightened.
There are workers who need rest as they go to work, despite the holiday to provide goods and services for our community. Can you imagine a tired health care worker taking care of you when they are sleepy in your crisis situation? This can have negative consequences.
I understand there are cultural traditions especially over New Year’s, however, I am asking to you to reconsider your use of fireworks that are noisy and produce smoke. Please examine your behavior and the real need to use fireworks for the reasons I have discussed. Is it really that necessary when this behavior negative affects our family, friends, pets and neighbors?
Think about it.
Karen Klemme
Kailua-Kona
How does that work?
The James Webb space telescope is on a quest to behold light from the first stars and galaxies formed shortly after the universe was formed. Pardon my asking, but if light from the Big Bang is just reaching us now, how is it that we got here first?
Chuck Jonas
Kailua-Kona
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A pleasant experience
I wanted to share all the experience I had with the building department. I had some permits that had not been finalized, 22 years ago. When I went in to talk with the folks they were respectful, helpful and kind. We arranged for the three inspectors to come out when they had time. I just finished with the last one, a building inspector. Each was courteous and polite. All done in less than two weeks. My hats off to these people, you have really turned your department around to be a pleasant experience.
Tom Pyne
Kailua-Kona
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