Let’s try gates
The most effective way to keep publicly owned areas free of loiterers who leave their trash and human waste is to better secure these locations. Such is the case of the recent homeless cleanup at the Mo‘oheau Park and Bandstand, a historic and iconic part of Hilo town.
This bandstand was designed as a venue for all sorts of public programs for local residents and visitors alike, not to be used as a trash dump, campground or toilet.
The Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki has had the same problem for years. Today, you’ll find that drop-gates enclosing the bandstand there when not in use keep loiterers away. Perhaps it is time for our county officials to also implement this idea at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
Agree to disagree
One of the wonderful aspects of living on the Big Island is our cultural diversity. We all have an opportunity to learn about people other than ourselves. This turned Hawaii into a true melting pot of humanity.
Yet, I see the trickling of hate slipping into our beautiful home every day.
I have a high tolerance for others’ beliefs, and feel it is mostly reciprocated. But every week in this column, I see less tolerance for others. While I accept that some people believe life begins at inception, I believe that life inhabits with breath, the same way it leaves.
I don’t expect anyone to agree with me, other than to accept my right to believe it. Part of accepting that is the allowance to live my life the way I deem, as I accept and allow others their right. That includes any negative or guilt-inducing commentary that some writers choose to impose. It is a complete lack of respect for others’ beliefs.
I have another question for those who covet life so dearly. If you feel so strongly about protecting life, why does it stop at humans? Eating any other being that has a face and a brain doesn’t seem to bother you, not even eggs, which many say are to be coveted for life?
Then there’s the aspect of bringing a child into the world that is unwanted, conceived from rape, or has physical impairments? Or the parent cannot afford to have a child? Who will tend to these children?
This rough conversation will continue forever, but we can agree to have respect for each other’s beliefs and decisions.
Dawn Hurwitz
Pahoa
