Protect refuge
Protect refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of our nation’s last great wilderness areas — and the only one specifically designed for wilderness purposes. Yet, it’s also home to lands and wildlife vital for the subsistence way of life of Alaska Native communities.
Along with other native peoples, the Gwich’in have relied on the bounty of the Arctic Refuge’s coastal plain for centuries. Unfortunately, the delicate balance formed by wildlife, nature and the local people is being upset as the Arctic warms at twice the rate of the rest of the world. Recognizing the threat to this special place, the Gwich’in Nation called on President Barack Obama to permanently protect the coastal plain of the refuge.
Even those of us who don’t live there, or might never go there, should take note — the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge belongs to all Americans and not a corporation. We have a responsibility to keep it the way it is for our future generations as well as to keep as much oil in the ground in the Arctic to combat global climate change.
The refuge is an important demonstration of what a changing climate would mean for us all. When the Arctic melts, we feel the sea level rise in Hawaii. It might not be obvious to see the connection between Hawaii and the Arctic. But I do. Besides the climate change, I know some local birds begin their lives in the Arctic.
I’d like to add my voice to that of the Gwich’in and the more than 1 million other people in calling our Congress to act. Now is the time for the U.S. to be a leader on climate and indigenous rights.
Alizon Atkins
Keaau
Oust squatters
Beginning with an aerial survey, we need to find out where squatters are who might be thieving terrorists hiding out in the forest.
For squatters in an unpermitted structure, measure the perimeter and send the landowner a tax bill, a list of deficiencies in the structure, along with an estimated cost to have the structure permitted, if at all possible, because fewer things get a person more upset than being charged for something they did not purchase.
This is to get their attention. Then leave them an out by asking if they authorized this structure and occupancy of their land. If they respond it is unauthorized, have them return the form in a prepaid envelope (it works much better that way because making them pay the postage is called adding insult to injury), authorizing the proper authorities to remove the unpermitted structure and occupants from the parcel, releasing the landowner from paying the bill.
Dave Kisor
Pahoa