Ban sign-waving
Ban sign-waving
I find it ironic that with such emphasis on the hazards of driving while using our cellphones or texting — not to mention the legalities — the same politicians who support this ban are with their friends/supporters standing on the side of busy roads, holding signs and waving to passing traffic.
I find this a HUGE distraction to me and the other drivers, who should be focused on driving instead of who is on the side of the road. I remember as a kid when Andy Levin was the lone waver; for me, the novelty has worn off.
I say ban the roadside sign-waving.
John S. R. Roach
Fern Forest
Safety vs. freedom
I live in the Kapoho Vacationland farm lots above Ililani Street.
According to maps in the phone book, Ililani Street is the boundary for the tsunami evacuation zone. When I tried to return home on Saturday, Oct. 27, I encountered a roadblock on Highway 132 manned by county police. The officer told me that he was not letting anyone through at that time, even though I explained to him that my house was outside the tsunami evacuation zone.
I do not understand why such a situation exists. Either enough manpower should be provided to man the intersections along Ililani Street, or the officers should be instructed to allow residents who live outside the tsunami evacuation zone to be allowed to pass the blockade.
I know that the reason I would be given for not letting anyone pass is safety. This word is used to take away many rights and freedoms, and it really bothers me. Our country was founded on freedom, not safety.
We brag to the world that American citizens have the most freedom anywhere. We send our troops to fight and die in order to protect our freedom. But in practice, all one has to say is the word “safety” and our government gladly repeals freedom.
While safety is a legitimate concern of government, it should not take away from the primary duty of government, which is to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.
Personally I think officers at these roadblocks should inform citizens of the tsunami danger and then let the citizen decide if he wants to proceed on. But at the very least, those who have residences past the roadblock should be allowed to proceed.
Jerry Lindman
Pahoa
No respect
The rubbish along Kaumana Drive (near Chong Street) is terrible. Recently, I saw a driver throw out a beer bottle from his car and it shattered all over the road. I was shocked and disappointed.
We as citizens need to work together to make our community clean and safe. The rubbish and debris on the sides of the road is not right. It makes us look and feel bad. We need to malama the aina. This is the foundation to make the future better.
We start by taking care of the land and all else will fall into place.
Joshua Guerrero
Hilo