Influx of tourists
A community discussion needs to take place on the future of Kapoho — yes, the three intact homestead owners need to get back home, but is the lighthouse road just for them?
The public and tourists will come in mass numbers to see the sites — the flow itself, Kapoho Crater and the new black sand beach will be the attractions. Will there be lifeguards, restrooms and a sewage treatment plant? A huge parking lot?
Two million tourists each year visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and they will want to see Kapoho in the future.
Is this what we want for lower Puna? Can the government and communities handle the massive impacts?
Gregory Paul Owen
Pahoa
‘Be supportive’
April is Autism Awareness Month.
According to the Autism Society, “Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children in America.” In an average public school classroom, that means at least two children are affected.
As a parent of an autistic child, I ask all friends, family and the community for compassion, understanding and support as we deal with the high demands put on us by a condition that affects our children so profoundly that one needs a college degree and specialized training to work with autistic kids.
As parents, we don’t have that and must learn “on the job.” So, if you have a friend, family member or know of someone with autism, a little aloha goes a long way. Please don’t assume that their behaviors are caused by “bad parenting.”
We love our children, and do our best. Be supportive and nonjudgmental, learn about the condition and help where you can. Mahalo.
Shana W. Logan
Hilo
