Senator responds to letter writer
Aloha, R.J. Wong.
I am writing in response to your letter to the Tribune-Herald editor on Oct. 3. I understand your valid concerns about the traffic and safety problem occurring near Ernest B. deSilva Elementary School and appreciate the time you took to bring this to my attention.
As a longtime senator born and raised in Hilo, I am committed to solving the issues faced in my community. Following the redistricting in 2022, I have proudly represented District 1 from 2023 to the present, continuing my work to advocate for the needs of my constituents.
I sincerely apologize that you had difficulty contacting my office. In correspondence such as yours, we strive to ensure that all concerns are addressed. Our office has searched through all records of emails and calls, and worked with our IT department to ensure nothing was left unchecked. However, we were unable to locate any missed correspondence.
Serving as senator for District 1, I continue to diligently work to secure funding for improvements to our airport, schools, infrastructures, hospitals and provide support to our nurses, teachers, students and all of our community members.
This includes addressing long-overdue issues, such as the neglected Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. We can thank Gov. Green for releasing funds for the immediate dredging of the harbor, which will benefit our boating community.
Please know that I greatly care about my constituents and our facilities. Since taking office as senator for District 1 two years ago, my staff and I continue to actively work collaboratively with the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education through many district visits to find solutions to issues arising from the significant population increase in Hilo.
Additionally, we were successful in securing some funding to mitigate these problems and provide electrical and internet upgrades. However, there is still much work to be done.
During recent school visits, I met with school administrators and the deputy superintendent at Waiakea Intermediate School to address structural cracks in the building’s foundation, as well as water leaks. At Waiakeawaena Elementary School, the most pressing issue is the lack of air-conditioning, a significant concern for the comfort and well-being of students and teachers.
I also recognize that many Big Island schools have yet to be upgraded to solar energy, and I am committed to advocating for those improvements.
It is my goal to continue to find effective solutions to avoid overcrowding and other problems that may arise from our growing community.
I welcome any other concerns you may have and happy to assist. Please contact my office through Tammie Kotani, office manager, at t.kotani@capitol.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-7355.
Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye
Senate District 1 (Hilo, Paukaa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo)
Some thoughts about ‘affordable’ housing
Every time I hear about “affordable” housing, I think, what planet do you live on? Affordable to whom?
You call $1,900 a month affordable? Unless there’s two people working and making good money, not minimum wage or slightly higher wages, the people who need the housing can’t do it.
I am glad I own my house, because I would be homeless if I had to pay $1,900 a month plus utilities, plus gas, plus food, car insurance, etc.
Lets get real in government. Think of the people who work hard, but don’t make a lot of money.
Maybe we’d have less homeless.
Holly Bell
Waimea