Letters: 11-27-16

Shocked at highway project

My wife and I, early (late 50s) retirees, decided to make the Kailua-Kona area our new home after decades in the Midwest.

We have lived in other areas around the world over the years so we’re not inexperienced at moving, nor unwilling to adapt to new situations. I intend to document some of our observations about the Big Island as we settle into our new home.

We have been frequent visitors to the Kona area since 1981. On our arrival to the Kona Coast several weeks ago, we were shocked to see the upgrade to the Queen Kaahumanu Highway project still “underway” (Is it? we’ve not seen any construction workers.) after over two years of work. And more shocked to see the reports that the work is still perhaps up to two years until completion.

With infrastructure high on the list for new federal programs, it’s unfortunate that apparently Hawaii County can’t be a little more efficient in these high-dollar projects. They are high-paid jobs for the community. Why is this taking so long?

Jim and Jane McMillan

Waikaloa

Island life should lean conservative

Congratulations to Jim Higgins for his attempt at setting the record straight as to the Hawaii Democrats who have shown up in the last 40 years.

I would like to add one more addendum to Mr. Higgins’ list of accomplishments, fostered by ye Democrats of this state, which is why do so very many of these Hawaii citizens choose to live a conservatives form of life without really wanting to acknowledge it.

By that, I mean the vast majority of Democrats who strive for a fine upscale home (with a pool) and more and more in gated communities, to have at least two cars in the garage and one on the driveway, enrolling their children in a private school and shopping in places such as Nordstrom at Ala Moana while also indulging at fine restaurants and on and on.

All such things that actually fall under the rule of conservatism (aka capitalism). At least the old 442 Democrats (Sen. Dan Inouye), who took over after statehood, knew that living on an island meant one had to lean to conservatism and yet foster their beliefs when it came to equality (egalitarianism) etc. for all.

Somewhere, in the last 40 years, our modern day Democrats have become lackadaisical, trying to outdo themselves by oneupmanship that has gotten our state embroiled in the mess as stated by Mr. Higgins. I guess what is trying to be said is that a leaky ship cannot stay afloat forever.

Hugo von Platen Luder

Holualoa

New prez shouldn’t drill

I know our new president doesn’t care about wildlife and the environment but I sure hope he doesn’t try to reverse or hinder Obama’s plan to block drilling in the Arctic.

Aren’t we supposed to be moving away from fossil fuel? We already had a disaster happen in the Gulf area and we definitely don’t want another oil spill in the pristine Arctic region where no one, except the animals, will feel the effects. This is our planet and we all need to care for it before mankind destroys what we have been blessed with.

Colleen Miyose-Wallis

Kailua-Kona

Global warming ‘facts’ not strong

The oceans are rising, you just can’t see it. That’s why we don’t see the ocean rising in Hawaii, we’re in what’s called a low zone.

But there is irrefutable evidence of sea level rise in other places. Not the East and West coasts of America, but other places. Not Japan, Australia or New Zealand, but other places. Have you noticed all the “evidence” to support the global warming agenda is not able to be seen?

“We’ve just experienced the hottest year on record.” “The Ozone hole is expanding at an alarming rate.” “The polar bears’ habitat has all but vanished.”

There is an obscure island somewhere that is now under water because the oceans are rising. I have to believe if there was such an island it would be all over the media. Funny, it never is.

Dave Chrisman

Kailua-Kona