Hawaiian Paradise Park
Why not here?
Why has “The Descendants” never shown in Hilo? Made in and around Hawaii, this fine film has been everywhere but here. Just wondering.
Francine Pearson
Hilo
Clean elections
Beginning in 1998, I was a citizen observer for the tally machines at the county elections center. For four election cycles, including a statewide recount of every vote cast, I witnessed the work of the Hawaii County Office of Elections.
I can say without reservation that the former election program administrator, Pat Nakamoto, was exemplary, fair and a top-notch elections official. Not judging the details of the four elections office terminations, it is unfortunate that Ms. Nakamoto was relieved of her duties during an election year (Tribune-Herald, Jan. 12).
Through my election observer duties, I saw Scott T. Nago make his way to become … chief election officer. Irrespective of Ms. Nakamoto’s talents and termination, Mr. Nago’s character, elections acumen and consultation are critical for Hawaii County to ensure a fair ballot in 2012.
Robert G. Duerr Jr.
Hilo
Molokai vs. ship
The Coast Guard will run interference for the tourist industry and give all parties involved — especially the corporate interests and the tourists themselves — a perhaps indelible smirch upon their countenance.
Let’s see what happens if, in one of those exciting playoff games, the referees and the police decide to run interference for one team. Would or could the fans cheer for the winner? Where’s the democracy in this?
This is an act of “damn the wishes of the governed.” Once one knows the history of this tiny island, they can only stand with bowed heads in reverence. The Coast Guard and the tourism industry should back out now before they commit a “bagunsa” (Brazilian term for an error in judgment that leads to a catastrophe).
Tomas Belsky
Hilo
Mayor and ‘bag ban’
I wish that the County Council would apply as much effort to the budget as they do to bills such as this nanny-state “bag ban.” Is the mayor surfing too much and has salt water on the brain? Zero waste? Are you kidding me?
The only way we will get to zero waste is when we have zero human beings on this island of ours.
Please wake up and spend your time fixing problems instead of creating more.
Kevin Bradley
Hawaiian Paradise Park