Reopen Pahoa pool
The beautiful pool at the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center has been enjoyed by many adults and keiki in the past for family gatherings, therapeutic exercise and just plain fun and a place to beat the heat.
With everything Puna has been through, I’m hoping a plan is in place to have it reopened as soon as possible. To de-stress and relax for even a little while is good for the soul.
Cher Miles
Pahoa
‘The caravan’
While I respect and have compassion for the views of writer Leighton Loo (Tribune-Herald, Your Views) about problems that could face communities if “the caravan” of immigrants is allowed into our country, I need to add my view to this important conversation.
As far back as I can remember, immigrants from “south of the border” have come into our country, where they become, for the most part, hard-working, law-abiding citizens willing to do very hard labor jobs many of us do not want or need to do.
I think of the old Bracero Program in California, where produce pickers would come in and become migrant farm workers, working very hard jobs at very low wages and with no benefits — keeping our food costs low and giving us a world of plenty. The point I want to add to this conversation is that most of these people coming in, at such a high cost to their personal lives, can be expected to contribute, not be a burden.
Andrea Rosanoff
Pahoa
Homeless problem
Tribune-Herald’s recent story about the homeless problems fronting the downtown Hilo businesses got me thinking.
Other than homeless individuals with mental, emotional and/or limited mobility issues, there are many able-bodied homeless individuals who also occupy the private alcove areas of these businesses. They should take the initiative to clean up these areas whether it’s their mess or not. Then perhaps some of the business owners might not have a problem with people innocently sleeping at the foot of their storefronts after hours.
There are many businesses in the public and private sectors, including many nonprofits, that take the initiative to clear out homeless campsites of the hundreds of pounds of trash left behind, as well as volunteering their time at food distribution centers.
Able-bodied homeless individuals should give back to the community by volunteering their time in getting involved in these humanitarian services instead of just lounging under a shady tree or building in between meals.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
