Flag politics
Flag politics
According to the article, “UH-Hilo to fly U.S., Hawaii flags” (Tribune-Herald, July 15), Joseph Kaolulo is quoted as stating that “by putting two separate poles up, they (UH-Hilo) have recognized us as a nation not conquered.”
Kaolulo appears to be correct: In raising both flags to equal height on separate poles, the University of Hawaii is recognizing, under U.S. law, that Hawaii is a separate nation outside U.S. jurisdiction.
Under U.S. law (4 U.S. Code § 7), the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs, or at the peak when displayed on the same halyard.
However, when displayed with the flags of other nations, all flags are to be displayed on separate staffs of equal height.
While UH-Hilo is struggling to keep tuition costs down, as UH-Manoa continues to push for more increases, the $33,333 price tag is an unnecessary addition to the budget. These are funds that could be used to hire an additional lecturer, repair damaged facilities or maintain campus grounds, rather than encourage students to continue to break the law.
Rather than use campus funds, why not allow the Kingdom of Hawaii to provide the funds for their new staff?
Michael Valentine
Hilo
Regarding squatters
After reading, “IIagan seeks public input on squatters,” dated Tuesday, July 14, I wonder how many landowners such as myself are out there with land-locked property creating the same situation of not being able to service or protect their properties?
Because of poor planning by the Planning Department and deeding my access road to private parties, I only have the right to “hold the bag,” pay taxes and be liable.
Because I cannot access my property legally, anyone living there can take ownership in 20 years? My property is located in Pahoa village 200 feet from the road behind “the future home of Cash &Carry,” and all I can do is watch while people enter my property in the evening and exit in the morning.
I have files of communications with the Planning Department since 2005 through 2014 on this matter, with no resolve. Final word from the Mayor’s Office, Planning Department, Police Department: “Get a lawyer.”
I think it is time for the county to start cleaning up its self-created mess.
Rueselle Lewis
Pahoa