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Costly eyesore at the municipal golf course

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Without this paper, we wouldn’t know about an apparently “done deal” by Mayor Kimo Alameda to spend $1 million on a chain-link fence around the Hilo Municipal Golf Course (Tribune-Herald, March 12).

That’s money diverted from something — like new, clean and safe public restrooms and parks, homeless shelters, support for local students, youth and senior programs, and, hey, what about fixing our illegal and dangerous wastewater treatment plants in Hilo and West Hawaii?

If the occasional drop-in, sunset golfer or ATV is on the course after hours, neighbors can complain, and the police can come. Even if it was every night of the year, it wouldn’t cost $1 million.

So, Mayor Alameda, we ask that you nix the un-aloha eyesore fence that wasn’t agreed upon by taxpayers, nor the surrounding community.

Please focus on enhancing and expanding public green space and other necessary public infrastructure instead of fencing it in (and the public out).

Janice Palma-Glennie

Kailua-Kona

HECO pole project is ‘beyond irresponsible’

Hawaiian Electric’s 6-month project along two miles of Highway 11 is above and beyond irresponsible.

Their “traffic advisory” dated Feb. 28 offers no explanations whatsoever of why this is needed. They say that this work, between mile markers 28 and 30, will require Highway 11 be shut down to one lane on weekdays between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m!

However, their recently installed flashing signs say between 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., without stating it will take six months from March 3 until September!

This work should all be rescheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. It could all be done at night, with minimal disruptions!

Hawaiian Electric certainly has the electricity to power lights for night work. HECO certainly has the funds, via one of the highest electric rates in the U.S., to pay for any extra overtime work.

Does it seriously take six months to replace 56 utility poles?

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park superintendent should be ashamed for allowing this. The mayor and County Council should likewise be ashamed!

John Paul Wright

Volcano

Criminal incidents are increasingly alarming

The Big Island, known for its stunning nature, aloha spirit and generous people, is experiencing a troubling shift.

Recent incidents of violence and shootings are tarnishing our reputation. Innocent lives are being lost, schools are frequently going into lockdown, and many residents are feeling unsafe going out.

As someone who has lived on this island my whole life, I find this situation increasingly alarming.

Families are unable to maintain their normal routines due to the loss of loved ones, parents are afraid to send their children to school, and people are missing out on the chance to explore our beautiful island.

We must address this issue to restore safety and peace in our community. We have a responsibility to support one another and uplift those in need.

It’s crucial that we seek peace and security from those who instill fear in us. This situation is utterly unacceptable and must be addressed.

Recently, there was a shooting in Hilo, and an officer was unfortunately shot. It took some time to locate both of the shooters, which left many people feeling worried.

Thankfully, no one else was hurt, and that’s a relief. It’s a reminder of how important it is to stay safe in our community.

I sincerely hope that in the future, we can put an end to this violence and embrace a spirit of aloha that spreads kindness and compassion.

Luann Luke

Pahoa