It needs solar
Wailani Development LLC (Tribune-Herald, Nov. 15) has no plans for installing solar.
The Hawaii County Planning Department is lacking foresight. Huge projects need to have solar plans in place before they are approved, for the welfare of our island.
Suzanne Hutchins
Hilo
Failure to feed
After 20 months or so of COVID-19, and especially with the decline of infections and with many people vaccinated, I would like to think vital offices such as Department of Human Services’ benefits division and the unemployment office would be open for business to help and assist those in needs of their benefits?
Instead, I’m repeatedly being told that people are not getting their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food stamps or unemployment because applications are not processed, offices are not accepting walk-ins, and there is no live persons to help answer important questions and assist with the process thoroughly.
Recently I took on a task to assist a family friend with children, who filed for benefits in September. She was sent an award letter in September approving her benefits and stating her card will be in the mail in three to five days. As of Nov. 16, NO CARD.
I tried calling in. Circuits are busy. Finally got through to an automated teller. I searched the government website to see where to file a complaint or to talk to someone. I could not find anything. So, I wrote a letter to submit after hours. In Hilo, they moved, so I went to their new location, old Fun Factory at Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza. No name on office door, no drop box.
Now, if I was frustrated for just a few hours to seek assistance for this person, how is this family and many others like her surviving? This is not an isolated case.
Can we stop blaming COVID and get back to working in the office, with open doors, to assist families (keiki and kupuna) in need and deserving of their benefits? Who needs to be accountable for this poorly run operation?
Advocating for efficiency!
Denby Toci
Kurtistown
