Bad tax hike
I am disappointed to hear that County Council voted to approve an increase in the general excise tax, without making an attempt to cut back expenses. The $5 million sought by the county can easily be raised.
The first thing to do is to repeal the 2 percent land fund set aside, by charter, to purchase land for conservation. Over the past few years, the county has expended $27 million. There is plenty of land allocated for conservation and owned by the three major land owners on this island: The state, Kamehameha Schools and the federal government, as well as other private trusts. Hawaii County taxpayers should not be burdened with this task.
Two percent of our nearly half-billion-dollar budget amounts to nearly $10 million. That’s more than enough to take care of the $5 million shortfall in our budget, without raising taxes.
Pradeepta Chowdhury
Hilo
Lava platform
Why not build a large, safe platform and mount it on the bed of a small semi? The platform would be the size of a Matson container. Have safety rails and a portable safety ramp or steps to ascend to the movable platform.
This movable platform might be positioned wherever the lava is most viewable. If the viewing field changes, the platform might be easily trucked away to a new position.
Thus, the tourists might view the lava, and we would know where they are and be able to keep an eye on them.
I would not charge anything, but if there is a charge, it should go to the county, which is bearing the brunt of loss of revenue.
As soon as tourists have a safe place to view, they will return. This will also ease the pressure of first responders who must look for stray tourists who are already here.
After this event passes, the platform may be on display in a park with a plaque commemorating what has happened.
G. O’Connor
Volcano
Remembering Koko
Koko, the gorilla who learned how to communicate using sign language, passed away in her sleep. She was 46 years old.
I remember Koko and her kitten. I remember her sadness and grief when the kitten died.
Rest in peace, Koko, and thanks for teaching us how to be gentle. Sadly, our federal government has forgotten compassion and now cages children who come seeking refuge in this once great country of ours.
Jacquelyn Benton Ching
Keaau