‘Self-centered’
I’ll put this as nicely as possible so that it will be fit for print. In the April 1 “Your Views” column, a “concerned citizen” gave us a rundown of her four trips out during this period of social distancing, all of pressing necessity, and how appalled she was that Hilo was so busy.
Her forays around town were certainly more urgent than any other folks on the road. No other people in our town have medical problems, need prescriptions filled or have a true emergency. I suggest she look in the mirror. What she will see is a self-centered hypocrite.
P.S. I am 74 years old and have Lou Gehrig’s disease. Perhaps you saw me.
Diane Lair
Hilo
Untenable situation
The situation outside of the homeless shelters in Kona, including The Friendly Place and Hale Kikaha on Pawai Place, is untenable.
Since the sweep of the Old Airport Park in Kona about 21 days ago, there are approximately 40-50 people living along the sidewalk on Pawai Place in makeshift structures with no physical distancing. At night the numbers swell with illegal activity, drinking and drugging.
The smell of urine and feces has never been more pungent, along with unwanted activity that has ramped up.
Two weeks ago, we spoke to the county’s homeless coordinator, Sharon Hirota, and she said porta-potties and some hand-washing sinks were on the way. So far, nothing.
We cannot just allow these transients to sleep on the sidewalk with no access to bathrooms or showers — it will only make the coronavirus pandemic worse!
Also, the unsanitary living conditions that this encampment is breeding is not safe for our Pawai Street neighborhood and the community!
It is important to understand that HOPE Services does not consider any of these transients that are living on the sidewalk to be their responsibility.
We have called the state Department of Health, and they have put the responsibility back on the County of Hawaii. So … what is the county’s plan?
Do we relocate the homeless to the Old Kona Airport pavilion temporarily where there is water, bathrooms and shower facilities?
Do we temporarily open the Kona gym, provide cots and access to bathroom facilities? Do we house them for two weeks at one of the shuttered hotels, like Uncle Billy’s?
Can we bring over the shower trailer? Where are bathrooms and hand-washing sinks?
We are all aware of the ramifications if we do not handle this situation as soon as possible. This is about the health of our kupuna, families and our keiki, as well as our economy.
Mattson C. Davis
Kailua-Kona
