‘Blenders’ get a break
What is not-so-funny about the general excise tax increase (Tribune-Herald, March 14) is that the most obnoxious, stress-inducing and destructive industry in this state, the helicopter tourism industry, enjoys a direct state tax subsidy and does not pay the GET.
So the next time one of these blenders with a spoon in it flies joyriders over your home at low altitude, know that it enjoys a state subsidy that you do not have.
Did you vote for this? I didn’t think so.
So, the businesses on the ground that are struggling to survive see a GET increase, while the hand-over-fist money grab in the sky that makes life in much of rural Hawaii stressful and miserable gets a free pass.
This is so absurd that it belongs in the “You couldn’t make this up” category.
Such is life in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
John Powers
Pahoa
‘A measure of hope’
Kudos to Care Hawaii and the many other community organizations and county officials who collaborated to bring us last Sunday’s “Community Day of Healing” at Shipman Park.
As a displaced and disabled lava refugee who is still trying to find stable housing and move forward, it was good to reconnect with the many community players who continue to look out for those of us still seeking solid ground after losing everything to the eruption.
I was pleased to learn about the extensive county effort to carefully document Puna’s demographics in order to address continuing issues we as a community face in rebuilding for a stronger, more resilient future.
Early talk about simply building a new subdivision to move displaced residents to didn’t make sense then or now, and I’m glad the county is reconsidering the impulse to keep doing things the same old way.
The aftermath of the eruption is providing a golden opportunity to take serious stock of how to proceed to an abundant future, mindful of Puna’s unique geophysical realities, its fiercely independent and talented population, and the realities of climate change plus an evolving economic trajectory.
Hawaii County seeks to facilitate small, local talk story sessions wherein everyone’s voices and needs can be heard. This community-centered approach is essential to creating a future wherein no one is left behind.
I came away from the event with a measure of hope that inspires me to keep on keeping on after so many months of instability, stress and worry for my future.
Mahalo nui loa to the organizers and many participants who brought us this much-welcomed “Community Day of Healing.”
Tina Floyd
Pahoa