A good discussion
A good discussion
Thanks to the Tribune-Herald for promoting discussion of disparities resulting from under-representing rural subdivision populations in long-range plans.
I understand that plans, budget decisions and other actions do not intentionally discriminate against populations based on race, national origin, disability or income level.
I remain hopeful that state, county and subdivision decision-makers will focus on simple, positive steps to improve access for all county residents.
Toward that end, the General Plan and the Mass Transit Master Plan could incorporate requirements of the Civil Rights Act and of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Subdivision leaders and residents also need to be aware of these requirements.
During the May 16 hearing, several residents from Fern Forest and Eden Roc explained their efforts to get “roads” boards to remove barriers blocking the existing road connecting their subdivisions.
Thanks to Councilwoman Jennifer Ruggles, we have support in approaching various department heads about supporting the most basic civil rights for upper Puna residents: access to their homes and to employment, education and health care services.
Hannah Hedrick
Fern Forest
Mahalo, HTH
Thank you very much for the excellent review of Judge Shunichi Kimura’s contributions to our community (Tribune-Herald, May 24). Seldom has one served the public on all three levels of government with such excellence.
I shall remember him for two instances.
He presided over the trial involving a gang-land slaying in the late 1970s in Hilo, and some of the evidence was the terribly smelly bedding that was wrapped around the corpse. During the trial, Judge Kimura kept it near his bench to serve as a grim reminder to the jury and everyone else in the courtroom of the heinous nature of the crime.
On a more pleasant occasion, he spoke at a presentation of National Honor Society awards to students at Hilo High School and made it a point to acknowledge those in the audience for their past contributions to Hilo.
He truly was an exceptional person, and again we thank you for the reminder of his legacy to the Big Island.
A. Stephen Woo Jr.
Hilo