Your Views for February 18

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Neglected station?

Neglected station?

After another trip to the Pahoa transfer station, I am left scratching my head, wondering why the place still seems to be a bit out of order.

The large appliances have not been touched in weeks and are overflowing into the weed-choked landscaped area in the front.

It is sad the once award-winning station seems to have not recovered fully from its lava flow closure and is somewhat neglected now.

I asked a county worker about the neglect and he said they do not have the staff to maintain the transfer station properly.

I hope this does not continue.

Gregg Niceley

Pahoa

Stop with the bans

Dear County Council members, especially Margaret Wille: Please, oh, please stop! ENOUGH! Our island has so many other pressing issues to address. Seriously. I am so over this “save the planet” by singling out one specific thing that can get much attention and hype.

If you want to do all you say in regard to the foam container bill, then ban all plastics and foam — foam containers, cups, plates, bowls, Ziploc bags, plastic lids for foam containers, Ziploc containers, plastic cups and lids, plastic utensils, trash bags, diapers, coffee cups, straws, plastic and foam parts for various things, etc.

Seriously! Go to the transfer stations and landfill and notice ALL the other types of plastics and foam being discarded. Notice the other materials being tossed that take up space and leave toxic runoff?

I saw the word “incinerator” in the article. If we had an H-Power plant, we could be killing two birds with one stone, maybe even three, by diverting trash from the landfill, creating energy and lessening the pollutants into the ground. I know some will argue about the smoke produced from incinerating, well, in this day and age, they are able to filter it through scrubbers and other methods to remove toxic particles.

The public in general is burdened and regulated enough. If businesses and consumers feel so strongly and compelled to be green, then they can choose to offer such alternatives, as well as consume it.

Please, Council members, take care of the issues that need more time and attention. And, to the rest of you who are like myself in the “silent majority” group, write letters, make calls and speak up!

Do not let those who are retired, unemployed or have nothing else to do but attend Council hearings speak for the rest of us.

Cary Tahara

Hilo