Not a P&R priority
Not a P&R priority
I don’t own a horse, but I have enjoyed the beauty of the Panaewa Equestrian Center for as long as I can remember. Amazing views of Mauna Kea, cool weather and lovely open spaces make this park right off the highway a peaceful rest stop, at least, and a comfortable sprawling venue for rodeos, at most.
One of the highlights of this area has always been the majestic monkeypod trees — plotted and intentionally planted years ago for the purpose of shading horse tie-outs, parking, spectator stands and grazing areas. Recently, the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, who manages the park, has started systematically removing these trees.
I have to question the department’s rationale for this decision. Recent hot, dry weather has left park grasses dry and wilted and horses extra warm and thirsty. The relief these trees offered was not inconsequential. Small problems like leaf litter or mud puddles can be easily managed without the loss of shade. Tropical Storm Iselle downed invasive albizias growing unchecked directly behind stalls, threatening horses, while the monkeypods weathered the storm with very little breakage.
Efforts to control albizia growth and manage the monkeypods would result in maintaining the beauty of this park. However, judging by the missing roof panels, rotting and rusting stall walls, and neglected race track, maintenance of this park is clearly not a high priority of the department.
Kendra Tidwell
Pahoa
Bridge concerns
Building a bridge over lava would seem an appropriate solution (Sept. 25, Tribune-Herald). You would be able to travel in and out of the Puna area, housing and property values would be sustained, and businesses would continue to prosper. However, it seems little about the engineering side of building a bridge is being thought about.
The residual heat from a lava flow is intense. The lava from Kilauea is noted to be at 2,000 degrees. Even though it cools some and forms a crust to encase the flow in a tube, the intensity of the heat would be cause for concern.
Can you imagine driving over a bridge that is being weakened structurally by gasses and heat from an active lava flow?
Laura Marable
Keaau