I can’t believe my beloved Hawaii has become the isles of greed. I was stationed here from December 1966 to March 1969 at Camp Smith. I fell in love with the people and Waikiki Beach. We used to come down to Waikiki Beach and build a fire and sing songs. We also drank Primo along with some Ripple wine. I have come back to Oahu every other year since 1991 and have never been this disappointed.

All Hawaii beaches are allegedly public. First it was the hotels that started invading the beach because of greed. More and more of the beach in front of the hotels is filled with umbrellas and chairs for rent. And now diving companies and surf-lesson operators have filled the beach with their businesses, renting umbrellas and chairs.

Is the spirit of aloha gone forever, or can the greedy share the beaches once again with the people who just want a little space to enjoy themselves?

Rick Holt

Waikiki

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.