Caving in
to protesters
Puzzling question: So, like, what’s “legally right” about Maunakea and the Thirty Meter Telescope hassle?
The active opponents, as well as the proponents of TMT, continue to argue, each screaming that the other is ignorant. So will there be any resolution to this ongoing disruptive conflict?
There’s a reason we have laws. It enables us to move forward with a decision that has been determined after much debate, with many voices heard. It’s a judicial process that governs our democracy.
Yet, noticeably, these protesters apparently dictate terms and demands which they prefer to our state and county governments, all the while trespassing on government property and illegally blocking access to the summit.
Remarkable. It’s like you can “protest” by driving on the left side of the divided highway because you believe you’re “protecting” your right of freedom in this country. But laws as are currently written and understood don’t quite define it that way.
TMT has already been legally approved to proceed, after years of delays and expenses. It’s disappointing that our legitimate government authorities cave in to these lawbreakers.
I’m assuming this narrative won’t change any minds. After all, it’s basically only words. Just an opinion.
Lloyd Fukuki
Waimea
Is it OK?
I’m tired of this for or against TMT bull.
On one hand, we have people for development of the project. They have deep pockets.
Then we have people who are against it being built on sacred Maunakea. They have no deep pockets.
Both sides are entitled to their opinion in modern times. Let’s just deal with facts. The lands to be used for this proposed project is on crown lands.
One writer referred to the people against the project as “insurgents.” If what they are doing is wrong in your eyes, then why is it right for the real insurgents from Jan. 17, 1893, to be legitimate?
Everything forward of that act is OK with you? You are privileged to live in this time and space because of this fact. Is this pono to you?
If I take your precious car and sell it to another person, is it OK that even after 146 years, you still don’t have your car? You have the title, but not the vehicle. Is it OK because it’s been washed by time?
So who is right here?
Jay Kauwila Jitchaku
Hilo
About vaping
The ongoing vaping scare has brought on a plethora of false accusations and misinformation on vaping. I have seen more and more false information about vaping in the past few weeks in the newspaper. I would like to clear some air on the subject.
Firstly, the recent illness and lung issues that have been reported have all been caused by illegal black market vape cartridges containing THC.
The cartridges were cut with chemicals that become dangerous to our health when vaporized. Many articles are saying that even with nicotine-containing vapes these medical issues occur.
The fact of the matter is that e-liquid has been sold for more than 10 years without any illness or fatalities due to its consumption. States that are banning flavored e-liquid are doing it because they are scared.
I have been following research on vaping for a few years now and can tell you that authentic, legal e-liquid is made with very few ingredients, such as vegetable glycerin, polypropylene glycol, nicotine and approved flavorings. All companies that commercially produce e-liquid in the USA undergo routine inspections to ensure the safety of us, the consumers.
On the other hand, when you have a manufacturer of illegal products, there is nothing stopping them from putting their profit before safety.
I urge everyone to not believe everything you see about vaping. Do your own research, and please don’t buy black market vape cartridges.
Ryan Foster
Keaau
