Disregard for public
Shame on you, Kai Kahele and Ikaika Marzo. Shame on you!
No one is shaming you for your grieving (Tribune-Herald, Sept. 6). I am sorry for your loss. What I am shaming you for is your inappropriate behavior and total disregard for the public and their safety. What is inappropriate is your flaunting the rule of law.
In case you need reminding, the rule of law is that no one is above the law.
Mr. Kahele, you claimed that you were representing the state Senate, and yet you did not follow protocol by wearing a mask or social distancing. Never mind that you were at a gathering that was well above the local limit for participants.
Mr. Marzo, did there really need to be that many people on one boat? Could you not have used more boats? Again, total disregard for safety and the rule of law. Something on which you have built a reputation.
You both seek office where you will be expected to put the good of the public above your own wants. Here was a perfect opportunity to show that you can lead, and you both totally wimped out. Peer pressure got the better of you. You were not responsible enough to do what was right.
As an example: Recently, we put my cousin to rest. Granted, there were more than the allotted number (by tens, not by hundreds) at the funeral, a tribute to the good work my cousin has done for the community. Everyone wore a mask.
There was little room in the pavilion, so except for the family and the participants in the ceremony (a total of about 12 people), everyone stood outside, in the rain, with required distancing. This proves that it can be done when it is important.
No one asked them to do it. They just all were conscientious enough to do the right thing and follow the local mandates. We are hoping to have a much larger gathering where people can eat, drink and reminisce next year, as it is inappropriate to do that now.
So, while I am sorry you are feeling picked on, you are running for public office. This holds you to a higher standard. If you do not feel you can live up to the obligations and scrutiny that you are trying to take on, maybe it is time to step away and let someone with the right moral fiber do the job.
Susan Bond
Keaau
Bubble?
So you would like to have a pandemic-free “bubble” in the Hawaiian Islands?
May I suggest you have a two-week quarantine for all islands travelers and then not release them from quarantine till they test negative.
Taiwan, an island off China, has had only 484 cases total since this all began.
It is doable! Please do your job or get out of the way.
Phil Shwarz
Papaikou
