Your Views for July 13

Fight Jones Act

Fight Jones Act

Your July 4 story about the Colleen Hanabusa/Brian Schatz face-off reported that both of these Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate endorse the Jones Act and think it should remain unaltered.

I find this completely dumbfounding because the Jones Act makes everything we purchase here in Hawaii unnecessarily expensive: electricity, fuel, food, clothing, building supplies — everything we buy here is more expensive than it needs to be.

It is remarkable these two candidates would rather solicit donations and votes from the shipping monopolies and maritime trade unions than support the people of Hawaii whom they want to represent as senator.

A pox on each; I’ll seek alternative candidates who promise to represent Hawaii voters by fighting for a Jones Act exemption for Hawaii.

Skip Sims

Ninole

Fireworks apology

As a company, we offer our most sincere apologies to the people of Hilo and to all who came out and waited to enjoy the planned fireworks display (on the Fourth of July). We understand and share in your great disappointment that things did not go as intended, and we promise to make it right.

First and foremost, we are so grateful that despite what happened, everybody went home safe and no one got hurt. We love the people of the Big Island and Hilo is our own hometown. This is where we grew up and raised our family, so we know what Fourth of July is like in this community.

Additionally, we extend a very heartfelt mahalo to the sponsors and everyone who contributed to the show in any capacity, and all participating agencies that did their part expertly to keep things safe.

Personally, as homegrown products of the Big Island, we say: We cannot change the past, but we look forward to the future and to an opportunity for providing Hilo with all the sparkle and joy of a truly awesome fireworks production.

In closing, we want to say “stay tuned — the best is yet to come.” There will be an announcement soon for an end-of-summer celebration in Hilo. This is a chance for us to gather once again as a community, and we assure you the skies above Hilo Bay will light up with the promised fireworks program, a show that has been specifically designed for our beloved Hilo.

The staff and management of

Hawaii Explosives &Pyrotechnics Inc.

Don’t trust government

Ed Comstock, you point out the government is reporting a low inflation rate (Your Views, Tribune-Herald). Perhaps, Ed, you were unaware the inflation of food and fuel costs are not included in that inflation rate.

Why?

Because they are considered “too volatile.” Been to the grocery store or gas pump recently?

Whether it’s “global warming,” IRS political targeting, “keeping your doctor,” or the ever-changing food pyramid, you had best not count on the government for accurate information.

Lon Hocker

Hilo

Abuse of park

I’ve been bothered by James Borden’s hateful signage on Kinoole Street but figured it’s the price I pay for being able to express my opinions in turn.

However, he promotes himself as the “Christian Lincoln Park Church,” and he’s now gotten pennants that advertise God and Jehovah — and a crucifix — attached to the park fence.

At the very least, these religious symbols and icons must be removed from the public park fencing. Taxpayer-supported public structures can’t be used to promote religious beliefs.

In fact, his lounging around in the park and interacting with the public about the content of his messages might well be construed as a religious activity that also should be halted.

Patrick Donovan

Keaau

Learn about signs

I invite anyone who wants to know first hand what I am all about, and why I park my truck at Lincoln Park, to come to the park and speak with me.

I will gladly have an intelligent conversation about why I have my signs displayed on my truck.

James G. Borden

Hilo