Why not try to prevent damage
I live on the Big Island, but have wondered for years why we don’t try to prevent damage from lava flows like they do in Iceland and on Sicily.
Mauna Loa is threatening to damage the Saddle Road which is a main artery for our island. The USGS website includes paper about how a town in Iceland saved its port in 1973 by just using fire hoses. In Sicily, bulldozers and concrete walls are used to redirect lava away from homes and critical facilities.
Why do we just sit and watch while our homes and roads are destroyed?
Brian Haney
Kailua-Kona
^
An awakening from God
The only positive I see about the current Mauna Loa eruption is that is an awakening from God. Other than that, this destructive eruption may cause havoc on our indigenous ohia forests which we depend on for oxygen. I am praying that it stops soon to make way for cleaner air and not wreck our ohia forests.
This current Mauna Loa eruption can also cause havoc on Hilo town, which would be devastating. Also, it could take a turn anywhere, even toward Waikoloa and even the resorts. That would be totally devastating for the Big Island’s economy if resorts on the West side of the Big Island were run over by the Mauna Loa lava flows for jobs would be compromised and lost.
Whether if the Mauna Loa eruption flows towards Hilo or Waikoloa, it’s God’s message to the people of the Big Island that he is forever mighty. I have personally gotten a close distance to lava flows and never enjoyed them for it causes major destruction. Enough said, case closed.
Dean Nagasako
Waimea
^
Tell us about it
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Is there a community problem that has not been addressed? Do you know someone unique, whose story should be shared and enjoyed with the rest of the community? We want to know. Email the West Hawaii Today newsroom at news@westhawaiitoday.com and share the information with our readers.
^
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 https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/letter-to-the-editor/ or address letters to:
Editor
West Hawaii Today
PO Box 789
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
Email: letters@