Violation of culture
Violation of culture
I am writing to strongly oppose any legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
I wish to share some mana‘o. First, I believe that as individual Native Hawaiians, our cellular DNA is not compatible with any substance that upsets the health and balance of our mind, body and spirit. Second, as a group of Native Hawaiians, I believe that our cultural DNA is not compatible with any activity that does not reflect the protocol or practices of our nation.
As Native Hawaiians, we must retrieve and honor our kuleana. We have a standard of conduct that is steeped in cultural and historical precedence. As the hosts to this great state, it would be a violation of our Native Hawaiian culture to allow the continued abuse of substances or activities that are harmful to our society.
There is no protocol for “getting high,” including practices of smoking, drinking, drugging, or using any other substance in a manner contrary to instructions or existing protocol. This includes but is not limited to the abuse of prescription medications, alcohol, cigarettes and all illegal or illicit drugs. Additionally, there is no protocol for gambling, or for violence in any form.
Certainly, our culture will continue to struggle with all types and conditions of addiction. I learned this well, earning my CSAC (certified substance abuse counselor) and MFT (marriage and family therapy) with Argosy; this continues to be the case as I complete my doctorate degree. However, long ago our culture established the standards and protocol. Therefore, we must retrieve and honor them.
Lastly, I offer this for your consideration. Opium was foisted upon the Chinese, and alcohol was provided to the Native American Indian and Native American Eskimo. The results speak for themselves.
Is marijuana the nail in the coffin for us Native Hawaiians? That hammer should not be used.
F.L. Castagnetti
Hilo
It’s discrimination
Congestion at driver’s license renewal sites could be lessened if those over 75 were not required to renew every two years, instead of the common six-year renewal. The renewal process is exactly the same for those under and those over 75; there are no additional checks, tests or requirements, not even vision checks, for the older group.
Personnel at DMV could only say statuary authority existed for this shortened renewal period, but could not identify WHY it was done and referred me to my legislator. Sen. Gil Kahele’s office only cited the same authority, and would not respond to repeated requests asking WHY this authority was being exercised in the absence of any process or procedure which might increase safety for drivers and the general public.
I do not argue that the older we are, the more likely we are to have impediments to our driving ability. Nor do I argue that more frequent testing of this group is not appropriate. But in the absence of any distinctive action(s) which would identify those in this group who, perhaps, should not be issued licenses, this is nothing other than blatant age discrimination and another reason those lines are so long.
Having the authority to act does not mean action is required, it simply permits action. Either identify those licensed drivers over 75 (and younger) who should not be driving, or renew licenses for all in the same manner.
Discrimination, especially by the government, is not a good thing.
Stephen Gross
Hilo
My view of TMT
Who hasn’t been on the road at sometime or another and looked up to see Mauna Kea in all its full glory on a beautiful sunny day? Sometimes we are blessed to see her, snow-capped and brilliant, on a cooler “winter” day.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I feel a sense of pride — pride because Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, if measured from the sea floor, and tall enough if measured from where the land meets the sea. Here in our own Hawaii, on our own Hawaii Island!
Sometimes I can make out the white forms of some of the observatories, and that also makes me proud. We here in Hawaii are able to offer the world such a fine place to view the universe. Some say there’s not a better place anywhere, what with the elevation and the clear night sky.
Now once again, we (our “little” Big Island) have the opportunity to offer the world a perfect location for the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope.
The “giant” TMT is certainly suited to our giant mountain, and with big hearts and a big aloha for our island, we can share our ‘aina and be proud.
Judi Motteler
Pahoa