Kim was invited ADVERTISING Kim was invited Neal Herbert’s comments (Your Views, June 1) regarding former Mayor Harry Kim’s representation of Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial were mean-spirited and entirely without foundation. Mr. Kim was asked, by Co-Chairman Bob Williams to
Kim was invited
Neal Herbert’s comments (Your Views, June 1) regarding former Mayor Harry Kim’s representation of Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial were mean-spirited and entirely without foundation.
Mr. Kim was asked, by Co-Chairman Bob Williams to represent HIVM in my place because I was unable, at the last minute, to attend the ceremony.
Mr. Kim, as is his habit and history, stepped up and helped our organization in a time of need. Perhaps Neal has forgotten, were it not for Mayor Kim’s lobbying of Sen. Daniel Inouye, the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home would be in Honolulu, not Hilo.
The only Memorial Day ceremony I remember Mayor Kim ever missing was when he was ill. Mr. Kim is a veteran whose family has suffered loss of life in the service of our country. Finally, Neal’s comments smack of sour grapes, as he resigned from our board because we wouldn’t do it his way. Shame on you, Neal.
Rex A. Weigel
Co-chairman, Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial
Buy it
I am writing in support of the county purchase of Hakalau Point and Hakalau Gulch.
Big Island residents have enjoyed this beautiful place for generations on their own terms, regardless of monetary wealth or other markers of elitism. I’ve either visited Hawaii Island or have lived here since 1959, because I love it with all my heart. I’ve seen huge changes here wrought by people from elsewhere — changes fueled by their own vision of what a Hawaii island experience should be.
All too often, these changes do nothing to enhance the lives of local folks. Enough is enough. The county program to divert a portion of property taxes to save and protect beloved places MUST acquire Hakalau.
The joy I feel when I’m at Honuapo or Kauhola Point in Kohala is boundless. These are just two places the county open space fund has purchased, for all to enjoy.
The arrogance and ignorance of some developers is staggering. Why do they have to try to take all the best places? We’re sick of it. Evidently what motivates them is dollar signs neatly wrapped in the belief “that there is a need for this type of development.” And whose need is that? They’re going for the canned Hawaii instead of the real Hawaii.
This proposed development blatantly tramples on the rights of residents. Homes and shops will severely alter Hakalau Point. Such development is not automatically superior to essentially leaving things the way they are. While I’m at it, a big aloha to those who have landscaped Hakalau makai. You guys are heroes.
The seller offers to sell Hakalau Point to the county on condition that the 87 acres in the gulch be included in the deal. Together the point and the gulch make a complete Hakalau experience, and the county should go for it.
Recently, the owners of what amounts to the village square in Hawi backed down from their development plans after listening to the protests of residents.
Get a clue, Mr. Steve Shropshire.
Imua, county. Let’s do this.
Mary Lee Knapstad
Volcano
