Hawaiian Telcom responds
In light of recent concerns, I’d like to share Hawaiian Telcom’s protocol when trimming dense foliage, including ohia trees, as we build out our fiber infrastructure to extend broadband service to more residents in rural communities.
Foliage is trimmed only when necessary to clear space around our existing pole lines. Before doing so, we consulted with local experts on rapid ohia death at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources who provided guidance to help ensure that no harm is caused and the potential spread of ROD is mitigated.
We follow their expert guidance, which includes leaving cut branches on the side of the road as they should not be added to green waste in case they’re infected with the ROD fungus.
Our crews also spray the tree’s cut branches with a protective sealant and carefully clean their equipment and shoes before leaving the area they’ve worked in.
Our employees are Big Island residents who work hard to achieve a balance and cause no harm as we extend our fiber infrastructure. Tree trimming is the landowner’s responsibility, and ideally property owners would follow through.
However, when this doesn’t occur, exceptions are sometimes made due to federal support we were awarded from the Connect America Fund. Although CAF support doesn’t cover all of our costs, we move forward because we understand how critically important broadband service is to so many residents.
Based on inquiries from residents, we know that now more than ever, there’s strong demand in rural areas for broadband connectivity to access educational and economic development opportunities, telehealth, and other quality of life initiatives.
Hawaiian Telcom is the only local provider actively expanding broadband service to more residents and businesses in Hawaii’s rural communities.
We thank you for your understanding and remain dedicated to serving you.
Kelvin Watanabe
Local manager, Hawaiian Telcom
Self-fulfilling prophesy
What the heck is going on here?
First, President Trump creates and expounds yet another unfounded conspiracy that the election will be rigged, that balloting by the states, notably mail-in ballots, will be fraudulent, etc.
Then, with great regret, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passes away weeks before the national election.
Contrary to prior practice and promise, the White House and Republican-controlled Senate then insist the vacant seat be filled before the election, rather than leave it up to the next president.
Why the need for nine justices beforehand? Because there will be lots of fraud with the election results, and eight justices could cause a deadlock!
The end justifies the means, I guess.
Neal Herbert
Hilo