Open the road ADVERTISING Open the road So, now that it’s pretty much a sure thing the lava will disrupt the schools in Pahoa, maybe the county should think about opening up Railroad Avenue all the way to Hilo. With
Open the road
So, now that it’s pretty much a sure thing the lava will disrupt the schools in Pahoa, maybe the county should think about opening up Railroad Avenue all the way to Hilo. With Pahoa school students living north of the flow relocating to Keaau High School, morning and evening traffic to and from Hawaiian Paradise Park will be worse than ever!
I think it’s about time, don’t you?
J. Ingman
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Show some respect
I’ve been reading and listening to comments being made regarding the lava flow and all the other issues and drama that has come about from it.
First off all, for many visitors or others who so urgently feel the need to get up close and personal with the lava flow and the destruction and displacement it is causing, please exercise more respect, understanding, compassion and constraint to … the residents and all utility and emergency crews doing their business in the affected area.
It’s disrespectful to just enter private property, let alone against the law. Furthermore, you will be in the way of evacuation efforts and other work being done. It’s also a matter of public safety.
It was made known by some that they supposedly have a “right” to disobey the government’s authority and temporary rules or guidelines that have been set. They think they are “entitled” to be allowed to do as they please, and disregard all other aspects of the situation.
Another topic I constantly hear about is diverting the lava flow. I can only speak for myself, and I can say that I would not be able to sleep if I diverted the lava flow to protect my home and diverted it into my neighbor’s home. Selfishness? Maybe. Diversions have been done in our past with negative results. But just the thought of sacrificing others to save myself does not morally fit with me.
Lastly, the “bridge” idea. I’m not a NASA scientist or anything remotely close. But I do possess common sense. Even if we were to construct a channel for the lava to travel, it is definitely not a guarantee it will follow the selected path. And to build a bridge over the assumed path, I think is very risky. I think we would have better odds in Vegas!
One letter to the editor spoke of the principles of hydraulics. Unfortunately, it does not apply to all lava flows, I feel. The outer crust hardens, but the inner workings of the lava flow is molten and applying pressure from within. The flow moves in the direction the outer crusts allows. Small to large breakouts can occur anywhere, whether it’s directly in front, on the flanks or on the top of the flow.
I think many are disillusioned by the movie “Volcano” (the eruption in Los Angeles), where the lava was portrayed as a liquid and was diverted and channeled into the ocean.
We welcome all visitors who come to our beautiful island to take in its beauty, people and their aloha, but respect the residents, beliefs, customs, guidelines and laws. And, if you wish to see volcanic activity, just head up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Halema‘uma‘u Crater, where you can view it safely and respectfully, as well as be educated about the local or Hawaiian culture.
Cary Tahara
Hilo
