Failed leadership
Gov. Ige, after viewing your State of the State Address regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope controversy, I have just a few comments to share with you in response.
1. “There is no quick or easy solution.”
You’re right, there is no quick solution. As it has already been a long, 10-year-drawn-out process for both TMT and their supporters. However, the easy part had already been made once the judge slapped down his gravel approving the project to move forward. As it would have been just as easy for you to have upheld the Supreme Court’s final ruling rather than going against it.
2. “We have to work hard if we want to resolve this conflict.”
That’s where you are wrong. The people shouldn’t have to work hard at this. Our state leaders need to work hard at this. The people have been doing their part all along, and that is screaming at the top of our lungs just to be heard. All because the Supreme Court ruling and laws mean nothing in Hawaii. Leaders would rather ignore the issue in hopes it just all goes away. Sweep it under the rug, like everything else.
3. “Authority of Law at stake.”
You mean the authority of law is at stake because it holds no weight in Hawaii, which only leaves room for literal chaos and disorder amongst our community. No laws, no justice, no peace.
4. “Also at risk is the glue that bounds us together.”
The glue is only as strong as its leaders.
5. “Ethical foundation and trust in each other is sacred.”
Nothing ethical about stealing from your people. And believe me, there is no longer any respect or trust left to consider sacred.
6. “If we lost our way.”
The only ones who have lost their way are our state leaders. I think you all need to take a good look at yourselves before pointing the fingers in another direction. Because believe me when I say that all sides of this issue are in agreement that our leaders lost their way, not the people. The people are simply responding in survival mode at this point after having been abandoned. What did you expect, without any sound leadership? So quit putting this back on the people. The people have been there all along. It’s our leaders who haven’t been.
7. “I will speak to anyone who doesn’t allow this issue to divide us.”
A little late for that statement, as the community is already severely divided. Good luck finding one person that hasn’t been placed in a uncompromising position in having to pick a side. Not to mention the people who choose to remain silent in fear of retaliation. Why? Because the laws aren’t recognized fairly or applied equally to everybody. That’s why. So good luck with that support you are now looking for. It’s too little, too late, I’m afraid.
Lisa Malakaua
Hilo
Released too early
In the Tribune-Herald dated Feb. 1, it was reported that Christopher Helmlinger, who caused the traffic death of David Mahon, was given eight years to be serve behind bars.
It is very common for those convicted never to serve the full prison time put forth by the courts. Early release often occurs because of time already served while awaiting trial, early release for good behavior, being a role model while incarcerated, or even going on work furlough programs.
If a court sentences one to five, eight, 10 or 12 years in prison, so be it. That should be the exact amount of time one should serve. And parole should only be considered and/or granted in the last few months of a prisoner’s court-ordered sentencing.
Truth in sentencing, please.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
