Calculated risk
In response to Gelsie Jacobellis’s letter to the editor, “In limbo” (Your Views, Aug. 24): I do have empathy for all those who lost their homes by the recent lava activity.
If one knowingly lives on land where lava destruction is possible, or a beach home known to have hurricanes and tsunamis, or on land that is prone to tornadoes as well as major floods, then that is the risk one takes living in such areas.
I live in the Waiakea Uka area, near a last known lava flow from Mauna Loa from the 1860s. Knowing this, it is a chance I took when I bought this home, that another lava flow activity could happen again where I live, even if the last lava flow was more than 150 years ago.
I know it is easy for me to say, because I still have a home.
However, should my home succumb to some sort of natural disaster, and our public officials are either slow to respond or can only do the minimal for me, then that is what I accept, knowing that I choose to live in an area that is prone to disasters.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
Mahalo, HTH
I have been following your newspaper intently for the past months through disaster, tragedy, and through the present hurricane/tropical storm. Sometimes, I read the paper in print, and daily online. Thank you for offering your paper for free online.
Your compassionate coverage of heroes, victims and survivors, as well as first responders, is very much appreciated.
I look forward to seeing the pictures and finding your emails in my inbox. As the storm rages on, I am viewing your website online.
Please know that the Tribune-Herald has brought myself and many others so much comfort each day.
LynMari Fukuda
Pahala
Address law compliance
For the second time beginning last summer, I was asked to direct my sister in law visiting from Thailand to the Hilo Urgent Care Center.
Last summer, after driving to the Mohouli address I used for many years, I learned they had moved to a new facility somewhere around Big Island Candies.
There was no address visible, and still none today, at the Kekuanaoa location.
I know Mr. Harry Kim has bigger problems, but it is possible to do two things in the last 14 years: dealing with volcanoes and pushing for compliance of his address law.
I have written to the fire chief and police chief about this, as well as pushing the Board of Realtors. There are many stakeholders that will benefit.
Judging by two new businesses on Kekuanaoa and most of those fronting Kanoelehua, commercial and industrial businesses appear to be exempt from this law.
Try a flyer with your annual tax mailout.
Jerry E. Bragdon
Hilo