Happy New Year, friends and neighbors.

Auwe: I was walking my dog on my own street, past a house where folks were cleaning up party debris in their driveway. A few leftover firecrackers went off, scaring my dog enough for him to panic, last night’s tranquilizer having worn off.

I said to Beau, “It’s OK, guy, take it easy,” and kept walking. A woman standing on that driveway said to my back, “Go back to the mainland, then!”

My stomach turned and I froze. Where did this open anger toward me come from? I don’t know this neighbor, never saw her before. Now I fear to even pass by that house on my daily walk. This idea that only “outsiders” want illegal fireworks controlled is untrue.

People of all colors, shapes, sizes and origins want the peace and quiet of their residential communities protected.

Leigh Prentiss

Kailua

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