They aren’t ‘trash’
In response to Mr. Mike Combs’ April 24 reference (Tribune-Herald, Your Views) to the state of California’s judges’ practice of sending homeless citizens with one-way tickets to Hawaii: I agree that it is not a solution.
I also see the negative impact. I work in downtown Hilo, and encounter our less fortunate neighbors daily.
However, I am a fourth-generation, lifelong resident of Hilo, with a connection to homelessness much closer than I would ever have imagined. I would encourage Mr. Combs to educate himself on the plight of the homeless, here and elsewhere.
My observation is that the homeless community in Hilo is NOT primarily from out of state. Many, if not most, are in that situation not of their own choosing. Many, if not most, suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues that are complicated and debilitating.
They are the most vulnerable among us. They are not the “dregs” of any society, and they are certainly not “trash.” They are human beings that, for myriad reasons, are not in stable housing.
Those of us who are fortunate to be employed, food-secure and maintain stable support systems must be able to treat all human beings with kindness and have gratitude (not superiority) for our own good fortune.
I hope Mr. Combs can find it in his heart to rethink his position.
Heather Forbes McDaniel
Keaau
Another audit, please
The Mass Transit department does it again. They did not complete the paperwork for the federal government, again.
The administration doesn’t seem to be able to hire any person able to run that agency.
If we lose the federal funding, can the county fund that agency? I don’t think so.
Apparently, the administration is also incompetent. Maybe they should have more studies and waste more of the taxpayer money.
Another complete audit would be more beneficial.
Bob Dukat
Pahoa