One race, one home
When Hokulea sailed around the world, they were greeted as family — brothers and sisters, at every stop.
They learned that although we are all individuals with many cultures, there is only one race, the human race, and one home Earth.
Aloha, brothers and sisters.
Tony Guiteras
Papaikou
What’s “sacred”?
Seems the word “sacred” isn’t so sacred. Its meaning, as defined, varies vastly by interpretation. People decide what’s regarded as “sacred” or not.
The Maunakea protesters (who aren’t all Native Hawaiian) declare that the mount is “sacred,” so it should be left in its native, natural state.
Yet, the protesters live in homes and shop at shopping centers, play at parks, etc., all of which were made available for human usage by destruction of the original ‘aina so that the structures and facilities could be built. Amenities they now enjoy.
Even the cellphones they so conveniently employ contain rare metals that were obtained by excavating humongous piles of earth which molested the natural ‘aina for extraction purposes.
So, what’s the definition of “sacred” since it apparently varies? Even small monuments or places of worship, in order to be built, by human intervention changes and displaces whatever original native flora and fauna and environment that existed on that ‘aina.
Just asking.
Lloyd Fukuki
Waimea
Recipe for eradication
Does Gov. David Ige realize his push for sustainability and protection of the environment is being undermined by his Department of Land and Natural Resources?
The Big Island Game Management Advisory Commission has been informed by DLNR’s Division of Wildlife and Forestry there will no game management program and instead a hunting program will be implemented.
The so-called hunting program calls for a year-round open season, with no time off for game reproduction. If the hunting community decides to self-regulate themselves, eradication is next.
While introduced goats and sheep are responsible for some damage to native plants, they also help to control introduced invasive vegetation which contributes to a major fire hazard if left unchecked.
Eradication of sheep on Maunakea has provided a perfect storm for a disastrous fire which could destroy the palila habitat that the eradication was supposed to protect.
GMAC has also been told their comments and recommendations are irrelevant because they lack the credentials of DOFAW staff. In other words, academics trumps experience and common sense.
Don Baker
Volcano