Nice ‘gift’
A big mahalo to beloved Hilo artist Henry Bianchini for his gift of the bronze sculpture on the shore near Lili‘uokalani Gardens.
When I first noticed the statue, I thought it must relate somehow to the local fishing community and was inspired to look up whether there was a Hawaiian fishing god.
Happily, I quickly learned about the Hawaiian god of fishing, Ku‘ula-kai, and his reputation for distributing his catch to his neighbors.
Now, when I walk by and see people standing around this reminder of Hawaiian mythology and culture, I can’t help telling the story of Ku‘ula, who is supposed to have invented the fishpond, and talking a bit about the beautiful tradition among Hawaii fishermen (and women) of sharing the catch with the community.
Nan Sumner-Mack
Hilo
Why not more?
The Tribune-Herald reported twice earlier this month that the state had ordered 570,360 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are currently being applied in Hawaii, require two doses for full immunization, Therefore, the amount of vaccine doses ordered by the state would be sufficient to immunize 285,180 people.
Given that the state has a bit more than 1.4 million inhabitants, the amount of vaccines ordered would allow the vaccination of approximately 20% of the population.
I understand that children and teenagers younger than 16 cannot be vaccinated yet. I am also acutely aware that we have a fair amount of “anti-vaxxers.” Too many, if you ask me!
Still, I would expect at least half the population (roughly 700,000 people) — hopefully a lot more — to be eligible and willing to take the vaccine. So why has the state only ordered vaccine doses to immunize less than 300,000?
Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this picture?
Marion Nipper
Hakalau