Support for Kahele
I do not appreciate Mr. Gary Hoff’s attempt to mock Kaialii Kahele’s absence from Congress (Tribune-Herald cartoon, April 17).
I, for one, am relieved that our congressman has chosen to spend more time here, amongst his actual constituents, than in the presence of lobbyists and demagogues.
Here, he can be reminded daily of the way our lives and our concerns are not reflected in the waters of the Potomac.
And at least he is as least physically isolated from the infectious divisions which plague Congress.
Finally, the world has learned to work from home, and to remain effective doing so. I have no doubt that Congressman Kahele has continued to do his job for us.
I’m sure that Mr. Hoff does not have to travel daily to the Trib offices to sit in contemplation for eight hours while he pens his masterpieces.
I’ll bet he works from home.
Elroy Osorio Jr.
Hilo
‘Ultimate desecration’
The 133,000-acre Pohakuloa Training Area is located in the center of Hawaii Island at an elevation of 6,500 feet. It’s an area that has been bombed and abused by all branches of the U.S. military for more than 70 years.
Millions of live-rounds are fired annually at PTA. A wide range of toxins, including depleted uranium radiation, have been spread throughout the land. All of us on the Big Island, residents and visitors alike, people, plants and animals, are downhill and downwind from PTA.
Of the 133,000-acres at PTA, the military wants to renew a state lease of 23,000 acres.
The bulk of the land at PTA, more than 84,000 acres, was simply seized by a presidential executive order.
I say no to the lease renewal. I say yes to require a comprehensive independent assessment of the toxic military mess at PTA, guaranteed federal funds to do a thorough cleanup, and return of the entire 133,000-acres to the Hawaiian people.
Enough is enough! Bombing the ‘aina is the ultimate desecration.
I urge others to express their thoughts publicly and to the military Environmental Impact Statement process.
Jim Albertini
Kurtistown
Less retail, more fun
We don’t need any more retail stores. We need places that are fun.
How about a miniature golf facility? Or a game place, like a ping-pong center, a bowling place, or a variety of fun to share with your family?
We need something for the ohana to share plain enjoyment — an activity for getting out of the house and to simply enjoy each other’s company. There’s enough bad news and negative events affecting our lives.
Let’s share what Helen Keller said: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart.” Food for thought.
Lynise L Tarring
Hilo
