‘Get ahead of her’
‘Get ahead of her’
I am puzzled by the lack of positive action from our leaders that are in power concerning the lava flow, because they are afraid of offending someone. I do not work for NASA, but I am smart enough to realize that the flow of lava is simple hydraulics. Any fluid will take the path of least resistance. Therefore, it will flow downhill and in a valley if one is there.
Everyone with any working brain cells already knows that Madame Pele is going to go through the middle of Pahoa. Sad but true. So stop living in the past and get ahead of her.
The natural valley that the center of Pahoa rests in comes out the other side of town behind the drug store. That was filled in to make what is known as the “Pahoa bypass.” As I have said before, make a cut through there while you can still divert traffic through the center of town, and then put a pontoon bridge over the cut so people can still continue to use that highway. That way she (Madame Pele) can still flow uninterrupted on her march to the sea.
In the meanwhile, you can get bridge companies to start designing an arch-style bridge that would put the structure high enough so the lava would not be affected. You now have a win-win situation.
You not only have the transportation issue solved, but you ALSO have one of the best tourist attractions nature could ever provide, and you worked with Madame Pele instead of against her.
But, as I said, I do not work for NASA. And I do not mean any disrespect to the residents of Pahoa. It is just that this to me is the one solution that makes the most sense at the lowest cost.
Jay Wason
Hilo
No regrets
It seems Madame Pele wants her land back quite often. She takes it. Leaves it. And reclaims it often. She’s done that thousands of times. She allows the grass and ferns and then the ohia trees to become lush and thrive.
The birds, too, become comfortable. The fauna thrives. Such a paradise entices all comers.
And then it’s a reminder of who is boss of it all. She takes it all away and leaves a blank slate to start over once more, for those strong enough to try.
Well, she can wait for me to leave, right up to the last minute, even though I know she will win the argument in the end. I still loved every minute here and would do it all again.
Marcel Turmelle
Pahoa