Coconut Island must be preserved

This is in reference to the Dec. 6 West Hawaii Today article, “Hilo is not Florida!”

Whatever so-called development is to occur in the area, the sanctity and cultural significance of Moku Ola (Coconut Island) and the related area around it must be preserved.

The area contains the remains and mana of the ancestors and deserves our respect and protection.

Its sense of place should not be altered to the extent of increased foot and other traffic on the island and peninsula.

Let’s not turn a sacred place into a spectacle for the sake of uncareful developments that are inconsistent with our local values, or ignore a destiny that awaits us all — such as global warming.

Indeed it is not Florida … or any other place, for that matter.

Likeke Bumanglag

Kailua-Kona

Friendship on the eve of Hanukkah

On the eve of Hanukkah in New York City, an interfaith candlelight service was held at Temple Emanu-El led by the N.Y. Board of Rabbis, a Catholic archbishop and a Christian pastor. In attendance was the author of the book “We Refuse to be Enemies: How Muslims and Jews Can Make Peace One Friendship at a Time.”

What a beacon of hope if we could all “make peace one friendship at a time,” whether it be with someone of a different religion, race or political opinion. It is only through the willingness to bridge a gap with open-minded conversation that we are able to recognize our commonalities. (We all love our families, desire peace and stability, good health and sufficient prosperity to meet our basic needs.)

Secular and spiritual leaders who drive us apart by turning fellow human beings against one another have done such horrific damage in the history of the world. And now it’s getting worse, even in this country, because of media moguls, extremist religious leaders and grandstanding politicians who use the “divide and conquer” Hitler-style to net them coveted power and control.

I think many of us are feeling the great divide of separation in America, since the GOP no longer veils its open disdain for immigrants, LGBTQ, Blacks, Democrats, etc.

Sadder still are those who have fallen prey to the negative, fear-mongering language that’s used to justify the necessity to hate those who think or behave differently.

What possible benefit can there be in hating another human being that you have never met, never talked to, never shared a meal with or a smile? Fortunately, many people in this country are willing to reach a hand of friendship across the aisle of differences.

Let us each be inspired to learn from interaction with those who are different, rather than being led by preconceived notions and angry propaganda to flat out reject and condemn another fellow human being.

Martha Hodges

Kailua Kona