‘Disrespect for the land’
Dear Mayor Harry Kim: Life is particularly complicated and complex during this crisis. We appreciate that your plate is on overload. We thank you for your work. That being said, the residents of Kohala are asking for help.
Mahukona Park, especially the pavilion, has been intentionally ignored for 20 years. Why?
For the past 12 years, all requests by the Community Readiness Program for Mahukona Park have been ignored. Why?
It left us speechless when we requested copies of the park budgets for 18 years and they arrived heavily redacted. Why?
A hazard report from 2008 was used by our County Council representative to shut down our efforts to restore our pavilion while a new building was constructed. Why?
After months of promises and commitments, without warning everything was shut down. We had a personal pledge from the director of Parks and Recreation. We have never heard from her. Why?
Until that moment, the county had not considered this report significant for 11 years. As there were never warnings to the public either at the online park camping permit site or at the park. Why?
Why this sudden resuscitation of an 11-year-old report when we were only asking for an update? That report is so old, it is an eye-rolling joke in Kohala. While this is just a quick overview, you can understand why there is little confidence among voters and nonvoters of present county oversight.
Mr. Mayor, we need $6 million — a guess, of course. Because of climate change and rising ocean levels, the present location will be very vulnerable.
The building site, therefore, must be moved back. There are other county parks needing attention so much so that it has been in the newspapers. Therefore, we want a Park Protection Program, comprised of residents from each district.
We know you can do this, Mr. Mayor.
Twenty years of county neglect of a historical and beautiful site. Twelve years of disrespect for the land, sir? We know there has never been a plan for Mahukona. This is a shameful situation. You can fix it. Please!
Doing this is a real opportunity to demonstrate your focus and strong sense of responsibility for the Big Island.
Karen Martinez
Kapaau
Mayor got it right
I agree with Mayor Harry Kim’s decision to cancel all county-sponsored Independence Day festivities.
We need to hold the line and maintain the secure atmosphere we are enjoying through this COVID-19 threat.
Practicing social distancing and wearing your mask, while out and about, is working.
Protect yourself, your loved ones and others.
Robert Yamada
Hilo