In whose interest?
In whose interest?
Earlier this month, the state attorney general, on behalf of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, sued the County of Hawaii over its ban on aerial hunting. Why is DLNR trying to overturn a county ban that was enacted to force the state to pay attention to its own laws? A statute applies to everyone, as both governor-elect David Ige and former judge Duke Aiona have affirmed publicly. Hawaii Revised Statute (§263-10, no hunting from aircraft) applies to DLNR as well as it does to you and me.
In whose interest is it to have the state waste taxpayer money from both the County of Hawaii and statewide to go to court to have a judge set aside DLNR’s obligation to abide by the law? HRS §263-10 … is very clear, and offers no exceptions: Any aeronaut or passenger who, while in flight across or above the state, intentionally kills or attempts to kill any birds or animals shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
In whose interest is it for the DLNR to continue to have disrespect and disregard for doing things properly and without public support? DLNR is still trying to do things the easy way — through litigation rather than dialog with the affected community; through a judge rather than through statute; or through a judge rather than through the processes of an Environmental Impact Statement.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources needs to be restructured to reflect the needs and desires of the whole community, not just those of a vocal and well-financed minority. Establishment of a Game Management Commission and development of a Game Management Plan would bring some balance to management of the state’s natural resources.
Tom Lodge
Keaau
Mahalo to all
Regarding the Nov. 11 lava traffic flow letter (Tribune-Herald, Your Views): I’m very impressed and relieved how our mayor, Civil Defense, USGS, HELCO, Hawaiian Telcom and all others involved have put our daily lives and safety first.
I don’t see how the National Guard or police have put us in jeopardy or have separated Puna. And thank you, National Guard, for protecting the properties of those who have decided to leave the area and others who may soon be cut off. I see the importance of this protection to keep everyone safe and keeping clear those areas that are closest to the lava.
And thank you to all those who are involved with clearing more roads for travel and evacuations.
As my property may be flowed upon by Pele someday, I would also see the importance of keeping my space clear of cars and traffic.
We can’t expect to have things move smoother than it is now, but we are free to help make suggestions.
Helene A. Love
Keaau