What other issues?
Finally, we have found other issues to rant about other than politics, which might be shocking to the readers of this newspaper.
Some are concerned about the cost of menstruation, although, personally, I guess I never gave much thought about this! What about the cost of dealing with prostate enlargement, erectile dysfunction and the cost of adult diapers for incontinence?
Alarmingly, the big increase in domestic abuse by strangulation right here on the so-called Big Island wound up in the headlines. Far less in comparison, the feral pig problem pops up now and again, and there is the ever-increasing feral chicken population, which could soon result in renaming the Big Island to the Big Barnyard.
For a while, we had volcanic eruptions with resulting lava flows and devastation to fill the pages and take our minds off politics. We could shout about ridding our island of abandoned vehicles and enforcing the law with regard to expired inspection stickers, the fines for which could be a huge source of revenue to pay for additional salary increases for the county employees responsible for dealing with these two problems.
So, you see, there are indeed other issues in our lives here that are important enough to talk about, other than the mess in Washington, D.C.
Peyronie’s disease anyone?
Carl F. Goebel
Naalehu
‘Beautiful memories’
Dear Kapoho property owners: To all who lost something of such specialness, such beauty, such warmth and so impossible to replace, this message is for you.
The Wai‘opae Tide Pools — the tide pools of Kapoho — were established as a marine life conservation district, which prohibited the fishing, the taking or injuring of any marine life. Prohibited activities also included any commercial activities and the taking of any coral.
This marine life conservation district designated by the state and signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle was accomplished in 2003. This was after a six-year effort led by our dear friend, Jim Blakey, because of his love of a special place and witnessing such senseless destruction of marine life for years.
The residents of Vacationland committed to the community and the state government that the Wai‘opae Tide Pools, if designated a marine life conservation district, would be kept open to the public to enjoy the beauty and wonderment of the tide pools. Not only was the promise kept, but signs, portables and parking areas were developed to accommodate the visitors. This was all done with no government assistance.
This commitment to the public was of such sincerity that when access to and parking at the ponds were disrupted by Tropical Storm Iselle, the community responded. I marvel at and admire the homemade signs and barricades that guided visitors to the areas for parking that were developed for them, as the previous ones were destroyed. This was done despite attending to their own property damage.
The loss of this place of beauty and warmth will always leave an empty space to all who loved and cared for the Wai‘opae Tide Pools.
In this sadness, know of the tens of thousands who enjoyed this gift of the Wai‘opae Tide Pools and will forever have beautiful memories. This, because you kept your promise. Thank you.
Mayor Harry Kim, Hawaii County