Preserve the names
Preserve the names
For those unfamiliar with place names and locations on our Island of Hawaii, Mahana Bay is located off the southwestern rift zone within the island’s South Point extremity.
I have seen references to it being labeled and misspelled as Papakolea rather than Papakulea Beach, Mehana instead of Mahana Bay and now Green Sand Beach, depending on the tourist guide book at which you’re looking.
Erosion of Pu‘u‘O‘o, Mahana’s volcanic cone, has deposited olivine crystals onto the beach and surrounding area. As the olivine crystals are very dense, the ocean has carried away many of the other lighter sand particles, leaving the characteristic olive green beach.
As a sidelight, I remember vividly when our Islands were “saturated” with servicemen during World War II. They had trouble remembering Hawaiian names, especially of the beaches, pools and locations they visited. That was the beginning of such names and labels you see today, such as Warm Springs for Wai-welawela, Queen’s Bath for Pu‘uloa and Black Sand Beach for Kaimu, to name a few specific locations.
It’s imperative we keep the names of these locations Hawaiian and call these locations as intended, with correct spelling as a concern. Otherwise, to detract from it would cause these and other areas to lose their identity and eventually fade from memory.
Who we are is what we leave behind.
McWarren J. Mehau
Mountain View
Ige’s behavior
A familiar theme of no collaboration or just downright inaction is developing throughout the Gov. David Ige administration and state departments.
According to a story in the July 25 edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is now planning to sue the state and the University of Hawaii for mismanagement of Mauna Kea.
The lawsuit is being brought only after OHA was “rebuffed in its attempts” to resolve the issue.
It appears the only time Ige and his team are collaborative is when they are forced to be through litigation.
Gov. Ige, stop acting like a baby!
Kalani Motta
Hilo
Questionable IQ
Chelsea Kent’s one-finger gesture on national television does not represent Hawaii’s aloha spirit, but instead represents her background and IQ level, and those such as William Wade (Your Views, Tribune-Herald), if they think Bernie Sanders was going to be able to lead our country with no help from Congress or the backing of any established political party.
Gordon A. Ignacio Sr.
Hilo