Use the sidewalks
Use the sidewalks
To all the spendthrifts: What are you thinking, if you are?
I read in (Tuesday’s) issue of the Tribune-Herald, dated May 31, that you are getting ready to build a trail system throughout Bayfront, linking it with the university and downtown. While I think such an idea would be wonderful, I am slightly confused! Is this not what sidewalks are supposed to be for?
And that being said, the map you provide shows the majority of your “trail” going alongside the main highway that was just recently finished with some of the best sidewalks in this town! Wouldn’t this money be better spent putting in sidewalks elsewhere in this town, so people could travel without having to be in harm’s way in traffic?
Jay Wason
Hilo
Memorial Day politics
On a day that should be reserved in solemn apolitical ceremony to remember our fallen heroes, it upsets me when politicians who normally just pay lip service to our veterans show up “to pay respects.”
This happened during Monday’s Memorial Day service at Hilo Veterans Cemetery No. 1, when the master of ceremonies recognized by name the presence of incumbents running for office again.
Mayor Billy Kenoi gave appropriate remembrance in his remarks, but when asked after the ceremony why his own Veterans Advisory Committee was recently placed on inactive status because of unfilled vacancies, he said he was unaware the committee was no longer active (and hasn’t been for a long time).
And there was ol’ reliable Harry Kim, who “represented” the Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial project by presenting a floral arrangement on HIVM’s behalf. Harry has assisted and advised HIVM, which has been trying for many years to develop a veterans center and housing. But to take advantage of the Memorial Day ceremony to be announced and make an appearance like this when he is running for office again is at least a bit sneaky and shows a lack of common sense. I asked him why he did this, and he said he was just “asked yesterday” to represent HIVM. Hmmmm.
Many will disagree with me and ask why am I picking on our beloved pols, but the veterans out there will understand my points. Maybe it’s time for a true veteran to “reside” at 25 Aupuni St. and put an end to our vets being used and taken for granted.
Neal Herbert
U.S. Coast Guard, retired, Hilo