Rally in Hilo was an
exhilarating experience
Attending the Saturday, April 5, “Hands Off!” protest in Hilo was an encouraging, exhilarating experience.
The Hilo crowd received positive responses from the vast majority of passing cars. The one MAGA supporter who showed up was fairly well-behaved, and we didn’t see or hear anyone reacting negatively towards him.
It was extremely gratifying to see the large turnout across the nation despite the fear tactics employed by the Trump administration.
Protests held internationally demonstrated that while many object to what’s happening here politically, they support American citizens. My hope is that protests continue on a regular basis and the message soon gets through to Congress.
Karen Cooper
Hilo
Defend what you
love or risk losing it
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Situated just down the road from my home, this expansive park spans over 500 square miles with elevations ranging from sea level to over 13,000 feet. It’s not only a sanctuary for natural beauty and biodiversity, but also a cornerstone of the island’s economy.
Each year, the federal government allocates approximately $9 million to support its maintenance and operations. However, a significant portion of its funding comes from millions of visitors, who pay an entry fee of around $30 per vehicle.
Last year, the park generated an estimated $197 million in economic activity for the island, underscoring its vital role in supporting local businesses and the community.
Open 24/7, the park typically operates with a modest staff of just 79 full-time employees. However, recent staffing cuts — reportedly a 10% reduction — have impacted several key roles.
Positions eliminated include custodians, trail maintenance crews, visitor center workers, fee collectors, scientists and educators. Among the hardest hit were interpretive rangers, who play a crucial role in educating children and school groups about the park’s unique features and history.
James William Cardin
Volcano
