Postal concerns
I am wondering about the efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service in Hilo. In the past six weeks, there have been four times (the latest was Monday, Sept.9) in which entire neighborhoods did not receive any mail.
In addition, during the past three months, sometimes the mail is delivered late in the evening (8:30 p.m.!). This does NOT appear to be a mail carrier’s fault. Indeed, all mail carriers I’ve ever spoken to in 45-plus years living on this island are incredibly professional and try their best.
I was told that there is a problem with an air-cargo carrier that delivers the mail to Hilo late. Huh? If this were an isolated incident, it would be OK — planes might need servicing, etc. However, if there are new rules from Honolulu that Hawaii Island managers must follow, it should be brought to their attention that this island is bigger than all the other islands combined, and that there are many rural — off the main road — homes, particularly in the upper Kaumana and Waiakea areas.
An elderly woman I spoke with who lives in upper Kaumana stated that when the mail is delivered after dark, she is hesitant to walk down the lane to get it. Hmmm … mail that is left in boxes overnight could be an invitation for theft.
I hope my concerns are not isolated ones, and I hope USPS management can reach a workable solution (for their customers and their carriers).
Mary Hudak
Hilo
‘We will build it’
There is no doubt that the Thirty Meter Telescope will be built. Perhaps not exactly as presently envisioned but in a form that takes direction from those who defend the majesty of Maunakea.
Astronomy is a cornerstone of the original Hawaiian culture, and per that culture, tools that advance the ability to understand the messaging from the heavens would be vital to the processes of discovery, as they are essential to the sustainability of that culture.
The paradox here is that the TMT, and its placement on Maunakea, most appropriately and effectively expands the opportunity to regain and extend the knowledge that enabled the original inhabitants of this place to find it and to return to it.
The values that guided this capability came from the embrace of innovation rather than rejection. And while what was to be an inevitable encounter with the foreign concept of European sovereignty — and the elements that define that opposing application of social order — became a disaster for the people who first found this place, employing the science of modern astronomy, using the evolved tools to do so, would instead inspire a review of the ancient methods and wisdom needed to enlighten and secure the critical journey into restoration of this planet.
Ultimately, this is the worthiest of goals — a mission only achievable within the bounds of aloha.
Yes, we can do it, and, yes, we will build it.
Kelly Greenwell
Kailua-Kona