Paving paradise
Paving paradise
Again, I was awakened by the noisy sound of clanking, squeaky heavy equipment stripping yet another acre of Paradise Park down to lava so some new landowner can build a house. This “clean sweep” land clearing must stop.
Yes, I realize that a landowner is entitled to do as he sees fit with his property, except for storing radioactive materials, pouring toxic chemicals on the ground, meth cooking and other illegal activities. However, in the end, all he’s got is a nice house in the middle of a hot “moonscape” of crushed lava.
Frequent articles in Tribune-Herald make much of the old Hawaiian belief in caring for the ‘aina. Butchering trees and plants just for building is not caring for the ‘aina. It is wanton destruction of East Hawaii’s ecosystem, tall trees and natural habitat. What happens to the little creatures who have made their homes in the jungle? Are they killed? Where do they go?
When we cleared our land, we made sure to clear only a driveway, a spot for the house and catchment tank, and just enough lawn for the kids to play on.
About two-thirds of the acre was left in pristine jungle to provide habitat for the birds, geckos and other creatures. We have noticed that with so many trees around the house, the house stays cooler than many of the neighbors’. Daily we are treated to the sight of local birds coming to bathe in the simple fountain on our lanai. Our house is cool, quiet and private.
I challenge others to preserve as much of the jungle as possible. Digging a hole in ripped lava is hard and needless work. Let us save what Madame Pele has provided.
And, no, our driveway is not paved so the rain can soak into the land.
Linda Dusek Ravenell
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Selfless contribution
When one measures the many benefits to the island, state and nation that Graham Ellis and his troupe of young circus entertainers have given to Hawaii, I would think there would be a financial grant and public appreciation for his domain in deep Puna. The real problem is that there is no way in the “Americanization” of Hawaii to measure joy, fun and good times, not to mention the extraordinary talent and teaching skills Mr. Ellis and his friends have donated to the numerous marginalized youngsters that have come under his charge. To those who know, his work has been selfless and much appreciated.
As for cutting down trees, I don’t know the particulars, but I do know that many healthy trees in Hilo are cut down with suspicious regularity.
The real enemy of modern man is mindless, all-intrusive, bungling bureaucracies. This, with a dash of nepotism, lobbying and self-served, makes for one hell of a Fourth of July dish.
Tomas Belsky
Hilo