Lost opportunities
I’m 79 years old, so I don’t have much to gain or lose by what happens with the Thirty Meter Telescope. But in my opinion, we
older folks should be
careful about taking part in activities that will almost certainly have the effect of denying our own grandchildren the career opportunities that TMT can bring to Hawaii.
Jesse Crawford
Hilo
Support for
Ha’s idea
Thank you to Richard Ha for his reasoned, thoughtful proposed solution to the current battle by a minority against science (Tribune-Herald, July 25).
The concept of a juxtaposition of a culture and science center and the Thirty Meter Telescope honors all interests in this controversy.
He speaks for me on this issue.
Lois Margaret Drake
Volcano
‘Disbelief
and horror’
I read this Wednesday’s headlines with a mixture of disbelief and horror: Gov. David Ige has appointed Mayor Harry Kim to try and resolve the Maunakea/TMT standoff.
Our Harry! Our three-term mayor, whose first reaction to any issue is to raise taxes and distribute the proceeds to the Civil Service bureaucracy.
Our Harry’s achievements? Kona is entering the third year of water restrictions with no end or schedule in sight. The county bus system has fewer than a dozen operational buses (out of a fleet of 55). The lines and delays for construction approvals are longer than ever. Millions of dollars in funding for Puna and Hawaii County recovery from the Kilauea eruption await a comprehensive plan of action.
Smiling Harry: The answer to all of Hawaii County’s challenges.
Unfortunately, the nightmare will end only when the citizens of Hawaii County realize that “Our Harry” is not the answer. He and his minions are a large part of the problem.
Watch your wallets and pocketbooks. Any Harry Kim solution to Mauna Kea/ TMT will include separating citizens from the dollars in their pockets!
Kenneth Beilstein
Kailua-Kona
Proud Hawaiians
Some things never change.
The following is an excerpt from a speech made by Chief Seattle in 1854 which was delivered to Gov. Isaac Stevens in Pioneer Square, Seattle, Wash. It was published in 1887 in the Seattle Sunday Star.
“Every part of this Island is sacred to my people. Every hillside, every plain and grove has been hallowed by some fond memory or some sad experience of my people. Even the rocks which seem to lie dumb as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore in solemn grandeur thrill with memories of past events connected with the fate of my people. The very dust under our feet responds more lovingly to our footsteps then to yours because it is the ashes of our ancestors. Our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch for the soil is rich with the life of our kindred.
“We will ponder your proposition(s) and when we have decided, we will tell you. But should we accept (them), I here and now make this the first condition, that we not be denied the privilege,without molestation, of visiting the graves of our ancestors and friends.”
We are not strangers in our own land. We are protectors of our heritage. We are PROUD to be Hawaiians.
Bobbye St. Ambrogio
Hilo
