Nice job
As a first semester freshmen taking English 101, my teacher made an observation that I’ve never forgotten. “You’re the most skeptical person I’ve ever met.” Ever since, I’ve tried to not be that way.
Tuesday’s Tribune-Herald had a story on the completion of a major addition to the Kona airport, the Federal Inspection Services facility.
Two aspects of this project surprised me. The project was completed two months ahead of schedule and $700,000 under budget.
Mahalo to Nan Inc, the general contractor, KYA Inc., the architectural firm which did the design, our own Department of Transportation, and, no doubt, many others who contributed to this effort.
With weary resignation, many folks assume every government project will be endless and run way over budget. The ridiculously bungled Oahu train substantiates this perception.
I, however, being a recovering skeptic, am pleased to learn about the successfully completed Kona project.
Peter Easterling
Pahoa
‘The horror’
I just returned from a two-week visit to Kauai.
Thank you, Kauai. Thank you to the beauty, the drama, the elements, the people. But this island needs to be returned to its people, plain and simple.
I defy anyone who has visited to argue with me. I expect it might be the wealthiest of the lot. They may say they have done nothing but enhance the island, brought it into the daylight of modern times, jobs, opportunities, blah, blah, blah.
I said I was thankful, but I’m infinitely more sorrowful. I felt it at every turn. The native people are tired of us — mainlanders, tourists of all ilk.
Yes, some were wonderful welcoming folks, but if you listen closely, there is a ping of heartache, deep, gut-wrenching blankness. I don’t blame them for a second. If my neighborhood was invaded daily 24/7, 365 days a year, I would be exhausted as well.
Even that is a hapless analogy. The essence of their culture is being washed away, and it needs to stop. Oh, the horror. No more resorts, no more snorkeling, no more helicopter rides. Perhaps not, but perhaps so, it would be theirs to decide.
Maybe they will allow guests. A guest is invited, a guest is respectful, a guest is not allowed to tromp willy-nilly wherever they like. New residents from afar should be vetted by elders.
I could go on and on about my version of what should be. But my opinion does not count, the Native Hawaiians’ is the only opinion that does.
Ann Hickey
Sherman Oaks, Calif.
