Litter solution
There have been many letters in the Tribune-Herald about the road litter problem.
The idea that people just throw things out the window is misguided. Most people are respectful and responsible enough that they wouldn’t think of intentionally littering.
I feel the biggest contributor to the problem are our trucks and open windows. Anything left in the bed of a truck, such as paper, plastic bags, etc., will not make it to your destination. Even a loose wrapper can be snatched from our front or back seat by the wind.
We can reduce our litter problem substantially by checking the truck bed before we drive off; anything that can blow out will become unintentional road litter.
Bruce Cate
Hilo
What a mess
Regarding the new bronze sculpture at Lili‘uokalani Gardens: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Some folks see it as strange — out of place with the park’s theme. But some see it as conducive to the environment there, right next to the shoreline.
Perhaps this art piece is just the beginning of the badly needed renovation, face-lift, makeover and revitalization of the Banyan Drive area — beginning with what appears to be an eroding, haunted-like electric power plant building, to the plywood-boarded windows of the old Uncle Billy’s hotel, to what was once a popular wooden steakhouse, now covered with fungus and wild plants growing on its roof.
The dark and dingy bus shelters, used as a bed for some during the hours of darkness, as well as the historic Banyan trees, which are certainly in bad need of a haircut, are things discussed many times.
Over the years, there has been more news about upgrading Banyan Drive than there has been actual work done to freshen up this historic site.
On another note, I voted for Mitch Roth, wished Mitch well on his recovery and still support him. However, isn’t it time for that “Mitch Roth Mayor” banner located upon the golf course opposite the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel to be removed?
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
Not so fast
Gov. David Ige’s proposal for vaccine passports does not take into account that COVID-19 variants spreading around the globe are now infecting those who have already been vaccinated and/or recovered from COVID.
So, under his plan, travelers to Hawaii who have been vaccinated could skip travel requirements such as the state’s Safe Travels program, wherein travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before arrival in order to avoid being quarantined.
Lowering incoming travelers’ requirements to keep Hawaii residents safe could push up infection rates again on this roller-coaster virus ride.
Merle Hayward
Hilo
