Tri-party agreement insufficient for future growth
The creditors of Paniolo Cable Company, Sandwich Isles Communications, and Paniolo’s bankruptcy trustee reached a settlement agreement recently that preserves connectivity for homesteaders on Hawaiian Homelands. The agreement stipulates that Paniolo lease a maximum of two fiber pairs to Sandwich Isles Communications for statewide connectivity for $1 a year, in addition to office, administrative and management costs. SIC, or its successor in interest, can lease additional bandwidth at market rates if more capacity is needed. Sandwich Isles leased capacity from Hawaiian Telcom for interisland connectivity pre-Paniolo for $1.9 million a year.
This tri-party agreement provides insufficient bandwidth for future growth on Hawaiian Homelands. The homesteaders are already receiving shoddy service from SIC. This agreement, if executed, will continue that poor service going forward. The only winners from this agreement are Paniolo’s creditors, who’ve agreed this sweetheart deal. They’re able to auction the Paniolo asset without any significant liens, or capacity constraints.
I strongly urge the Department of Hawaiian Homelands object to this settlement agreement when its being reviewed by the bankruptcy judge on June 1.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
Which crime is worse?
Recently on the nightly news, we learned of two crimes that occurred here in Hawaii. The first involved a man who struck a bus driver and damaged the bus’ door after being told he needed to wear a mask. The report went on to say the man has a whopping 300 previous arrests and run-ins with law enforcement. Authorities slapped his wrists and sent him on his way.
The second “criminal” was a woman who returned to her island home, but left it before the 14 days of quarantine were up (perhaps, she needed groceries? — was she expected to fast for two weeks?). Despite the reason for leaving her home — justified or not — this woman’s “heinous act” was met with arrest and a possible $5,000 fine.
Now, I’m not saying that it’s okay to violate quarantine laws (although I do think the data coming in appears to show we’ve tipped the scales too cautiously), but I just want to ask a question: Which of the two is the worst offender? Which “criminal” deserves arrest and spending time in jail (and a large fine). Which punishment fits the illegality?
You can probably guess where I lean.
Bob Waliszewski
Waikoloa
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
