‘Gluttonous government’
Week after week, our beloved county government cries poverty, as reported by the Tribune-Herald. Yet, county government finds sufficient funds to hire more government employees, give county department bosses pay raises, and award County Council persons slush funds so they can ingratiate themselves with the public at election time.
So far, out mayor has ruled out any additional property tax hikes. The general excise tax was raised. However, as tax raises go, it is never enough to pacify our ever gluttonous government. Thus, the county is beating the bushes to find more revenue sources, while ignoring obvious, already-on-the-books, potential revenue streams.
Here is a novel idea Mr. Mayor: Try enforcing the driving code. For example, Highway 130 used to be 55 mph on a large portion of the road. With the previous posted limit at 55 mph, many drivers routinely drove faster the speed limit, 60-plus mph. Currently, the speed limit is 45 mph from Pahoa to the Volcano Highway, the entire length of Highway 130. However, many still drive at 55 mph or faster.
The portion of the 130 from Pohaku Drive/Shower Drive intersection to the Keaau transfer station is generally littered with trash from unsecured trash bags falling from vehicles as drivers speed north. Though many folks profess respect and care for our grand island, what is one to think when one sees all this trash littering our roads? It is not tourists who are littering. Locals are the culprits.
Also, if one approaches the 130 from either Pohaku Drive or Shower Drive and has the green light to turn onto the 130, these drivers must enter the intersection very cautiously, since drivers on the 130 in both directions flagrantly run the red light.
I have witnessed drivers on 130 turning left against the red light — one even proceeding into the opposing traffic lane to bypass those ahead of him who were waiting for the left turn on green.
At the KTA and Prince Kuhio Plaza intersection, as I wait to proceed south, my signal would display green, yet, three to seven seconds into my green light, people are still making left turns to mauka.
On a related note, the small water station on 130 as one approaches Shower Drive has regressed into an actual mini transfer station but without the dumpsters. There is trash everywhere. While county crews clean up the debris in a timely manner, trash reappears within hours.
Currently, there is a nice collection of discarded tires. I have seen junked vehicles along with abandoned appliances and dead animals tossed in the foliage surrounding the hose bibs.
Respect for the ‘aina is lost on too many self-centered and ignorant people these days. The hypocrisy is appalling!
Yes, Mr. Mayor, just enforce the driving and litter laws, and the county could bring in tens of thousands of dollars.
Arthur Warren
Keaau