The tragedies occurring in Puna have been compounded by the past bad decisions of county and state governments, which allowed residential subdivisions in the most hazardous volcanic zones in Hawaii.
The wanton disregard of natural forces by earlier county and state governments clearly tell us about the corrupt processes that encouraged citizens to live in areas of great potential harm and financial loss. Honest and responsible governments never permit likely natural disasters to be compounded by the suspect decisions of venal officials.
Correcting the problems created by bad decisions begins with no more homes being built or rebuilt in acute lava hazard zones, and no more state or county funds spent on public infrastructure to support housing in those areas.
Lono Correa
Kalihi Uka
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Respectful residents aren’t lava ‘gawkers’
I take issue with the choice of words in the article, “State cites lava gawkers” (Star-Advertiser, May 30).
Many of us have felt called to “visit” with Tutu Pele to offer prayers and other offerings during this and other eruptions.
The times I went out there, I saw most people praying and showing respect, being in awe of her beauty while being saddened by the destruction and pain of those affected. The majority of those on the ground were local residents, who also could lose their homes and should not be classified as “gawkers.”
If there are “gawkers,” they more likely are on board the tour boats and helicopters.
I hope the operators of those tours are donating part of their profits to those who are suffering from the same events that are bringing paying customers to their tours.
Let’s not create animosity toward those who come to pay respect. There are relatively safe places to do this, if proper precautions are taken. Let’s allow people this, please.
Alfredo Gormezano
Kealakekua, Hawaii island
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HART taping violates whistleblower law
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s requirement that their employees tape-record interviews by the state Auditor is to me a clear violation of Hawaii’s whistleblower act.
Section 378-62(2) prohibits any kind of discrimination or adverse action against an employee who participates in an “investigation” or “inquiry” by a public body. Here, placing a tape recording before the employee has the effect of shutting that employee up, preventing him or her from speaking candidly and truthfully about the Honolulu rail project.
Who is going to speak frankly and tell state Auditor Les Kondo anything that might be negative about their bosses? That tape recorder is a form of witness intimidation to keep rail employees quiet.
Michael A. Lilly
Former Hawaii attorney general
Pacific Heights
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Mainlanders should embrace aloha spirit
Watching and reading news reports of recent devastation on Kauai and Hawaii island, it’s been hard not to notice a large number of mainlanders who have recently made Hawaii their home. The many transplants I’ve met here on Oahu all say they stayed because of the beauty, our diversity, inclusiveness and aloha spirit.
Most seem to have embraced this, with the exceptions of driving habits and behavior at neighborhood board meetings.
Our kupuna will tell you they see a decline in this spirit of aloha over recent years. Should we worry that all of the assets that attract some really nice people also could be welcoming to the Roseanne Barrs of the world?
Barr’s recent intolerant tweets have no place in our great state (“ABC cancels ‘Roseanne’ following star’s racist tweet,” Star-Advertiser, Top News, May 29). I urge all kamaaina in Honokaa, where she has a home and farm, to remind her of this.
Mark Ida
Salt Lake
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President acts like he is guilty
President Donald Trump continues to fan the flames with more allusions to his ridiculous and distorted Spygate claims about the FBI inserting a spy into his campaign.
Trump’s posturing and lying reminds me of his previous bogus claim that the Obama administration had wiretapped Trump Tower. Even Republican leaders Trey Gowdy and Mitch McConnell said that nothing they learned in meetings last week caused them to question the integrity of the Mueller investigation.
With his constant spewing of falsehoods, Trump is striving to arouse his base of support and undermine trust in the Mueller investigation and in key governmental institutions. Trump’s lies and actions are those of a guilty individual fearful of the truth and the consequences of his illegal actions.
John Witeck
Kamehameha Heights
