Leadership failure
I am once again perplexed by Mayor Harry Kim’s logic in making decisions during this pandemic. Just for now, our island is COVID-19 free. Everyone should be congratulated for taking responsibility in making this happen so quickly.
Salons, gyms, beaches and restaurants are open. Great. So, why haven’t the transfer stations resumed normal activity?
I didn’t understand the reason for closing them in the first place. Is it because they are continuously short-staffed, or is this a safety issue? Why is it not possible to drop off my two-month collection of newspapers, but OK to get a manicure?
We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation, and these are low-paying jobs that require minimal training. We need to hire the staff needed to bring the transfer stations back to full capacity.
As with the mayor’s decisions during the 2018 eruption and his lack of a stand in either endorsing or condemning the Maunakea protests, he has once again proven his inability to govern during challenging situations.
While my decision to vote for our next mayor is still pending, I do know who won’t be getting my vote.
Beth Block
Pahoa
Broken promise
My name is Eric Cockcroft, and I am writing to voice my support for the restoration of Highway 137 to provide access to the Kapoho Vacationland subdivision.
There is a community that is prepared to re-establish itself immediately if the county would simply restore the road at least to the old intersection at Kapoho Beach Road at the base of Green Mountain. The funding is already in place.
The lack of this short section of road is an irresponsible decision on the part of the Mayor Harry Kim to not live up to his promise, made in a meeting in August of 2018 with Vacationland Hawaii Community Association, that “as soon as the road is finished to the corner of 137 and 132, we will extend 137 to the Kapoho Kai entrance to the subdivision.”
Please stop ignoring the 2,000 people who signed a petition, submitted to the County Council in March 2020, expressing their support for the restoration of Highway 137.
Eric Cockcroft
Hawaiian Paradise Park (until I can return home)
‘Stupid’ cartoon
I found the cartoon published in the June 3 edition confusing and disturbing — and stupid.
My read: The artist is saying that centrist and progressive media are stirring the pot of racial discord in America, in the face of blatant and deadly right-wing behaviors.
The outrage shown on these news media is not only in our country, but is international. This coverage shows that American social issues and concerns have international impacts and consequences.
We, and the rest of the world, are waiting and watching us to see how we Americans restore our constitutional rights and responsibilities while resuming our role as an international leader, and provide justice for all citizens.
A free and objective press is essential for our way of life.
Michael Grigsby
Keaau
PUC and Young Brothers
As a monopoly virtually holding Hawaii barge shipping transportation as hostage, Young Bothers has us exactly where it wants us.
Young Bothers has been granted two raises, with one pending, in four years! If Young Bothers is as bad off financially as it claims, the assumption is it’s a poorly run business.
If Young Bothers wants the federal government to bail it out, let’s see what the books reveal. When a consumer applies for a loan at a bank, we must submit to a review of our taxes, banking, employment, etc., before a check is handed over.
Meantime, take a lesson from Southwest Airlines. Within days after Southwest began selling air fare tickets at an average of 50% less than Hawaiian Airlines, we consumers won! Hawaiian Air dropped ticket prices an average 30%. Capitalism thrives on competition.
That said, the state needs more than just one barge operator for many reasons. Whether it is the PUC’s job or the state government’s job, get busy protecting the state with another barge operator, before a real disaster occurs.
Thanks to Consumer Advocate Dean Nishina for doing his job — protecting consumers.
Bob Smith
Pepeekeo
