Right on point
Rochelle delaCruz’s description of her trip to Haleakala for sunrise (Their View, Oct.11) brought tears to my eyes.
Yes, there is a reservation system allowing just 150 cars up to the summit between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. But that still means there are anywhere between 300 and 500 people on any given morning cramming the summit lookout. It is appalling, a circus.
I was lucky enough to live on Maui between 1952 and 1962 and have visited numerous times in the decades since. I have bittersweet memories of Haleakala sunrises with maybe six to ten people.
Of course, nothing is like it used to be. But that doesn’t mean that our sacred places have to be ruined, as Haleakala summit has been.
Rochelle, you nailed it, and truer words were never spoken.
Maunakea planners, take notice! And don’t muck this up. Already, I am no longer allowed to pull over and stop on the Saddle Road to admire the beauty.
Mary Lee Knapstad
Volcano
Give up selfishness
We live in a world, nation and community that has lost its way. Faith, love, hope and compassion for ourselves and especially others are rapidly becoming ideals of the past for the average young person and most of us, as well.
Media is reporting that fewer and fewer people believe in God. The only thing they seem to believe in is material things of all kinds, and more and more of it – quantity is all in all.
We can see the result happening all around us in the world, our country and, alas, even in our immediate community. Many, many people believe that they have no responsibility toward fellow citizens. Many people are now getting in disputes and fights over doing what is right for the good of all.
Politicians and even religious leaders make excuses for these disputants, saying they are free to decide for themselves. Has truth become whatever the single person decides it is? Is not our obligation to listen to all sides?
I got into a dispute with my hair cutter the other day. She said she did not get a COVID shot because it was poison. I argued she was putting all her customers in jeopardy and she was gambling with our lives.
I nearly got thrown out of the shop. What?
It is time we all got serious about improving quality of life for all and giving up our selfishness. My suggestion is that we turn to God and pray for his guidance before we kill one another off in our hubris.
Donald R Anderson
Hilo
Celebrate the UN
This year, the United Nations Association is celebrating it’s 76th anniversary.
The 2021 theme is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”
The significance of United Nations Day lies in its celebration of diversity.
Did you know that the United Nations feeds over 90 million people around the world. Also, it promotes women and child health and aids refugees who are escaping wars. The United Nations works to encourage sustainable and green practices. It promotes universal respect for justice and international laws and human rights.
Because the United Nations is famous for its work in disaster relief, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and international unity, every Oct. 24 we celebrate its anniversary as a reminder of its importance.
Rosemarie Muller
UNA USA Hawaii Island Board
Hilo