Ban fireworks
When the lava started flowing in Puna a few months ago, Civil Defense and the county were quick to mandate all types of restrictions.
Why didn’t they ban fireworks this year?
With the poor air quality all over the Big Island, why must we deal with more smoke and sulfur injected into our air?
Kamaoa Parker
Hilo
Bite the bullet
We have a general excise tax increase bestowed on us in Hawaii County. All we heard from the powers that be is that all options to generate additional revenue have been exhausted. Some community members might abhor my suggestions to grow county coffers, but so be it.
All the “high makamaka” who were awarded salary increases recently by the salary commission can donate their increase to the general fund of the county. From the mayor on down in the county hierarchy who were fortunate to receive such an obese monetary award, such a donation will be a true manifestation of their commitment to public service.
All politicians running for office can have their donors reroute their donation to the respective counties in which the fundraiser is held. Or, they can donate to an organization on Hawaii Island that is servicing those affected by the current volcanic activity.
Since more than a few charitable organizations receive funding assistance from the county, donations to charities, versus a politician, will serve a greater need.
These are just a few suggestions. Many more abound. Some are very simple, such as adjusting the thermostat in the climate-controlled structures of the County Building and its satellite outlets, to turning off screen savers of computer monitors when departing at the terminus of the workday, to bringing your own coffee versus leaving the coffee percolator on all day, among others.
When President Ronald Reagan was faced with an economic challenge during a particular chronological juncture, he said: “Everyone must be willing to bite the bullet during these trying economic times.” And everyone, in my opinion, begins with the county administrative and legislative leadership structure biting hardest on that bullet.
Kerry Meyer
Hilo
