Devastating loss
I was shocked and horrified when I pulled into the Keaau Shopping Center recently, and though the sign said “tree trimming,” they were cutting down the beautiful tree that is/was the centerpiece of the shopping center.
When the shopping center was planned 40 years ago, it was carefully planned around that tree. The tree was part of the logo. To see it gone is devastating!
As I asked the various merchants, they too were saddened and upset. They had been told the tree would be trimmed and were surprised to find it was cut down. No one had an explanation. So some “Sneaky Pete” was so afraid people would be angry that they lied so that no one would know what was happening. Not pono!
What will be gained? Nothing. Do people not understand that by cutting down the tree that there will no longer be shade? The temperature in the parking lot was already warmer.
It is as devastating as people who buy lots with beautiful trees on them and then bulldoze them flat. Three lots on my street have been clear cut, and I feel the change already. We need more trees, not less.
Saving ourselves from global warming and climate change starts at home. Please save the trees!
Suzi Bond
Keaau
Bad government
Prospective investors are aware of county rules and regulations regarding development of affordable housing.
Yet, they continue to base their success on the cessation of many of these regulations that were established in good faith to benefit both the county and its residents.
For example, if a density limit has been determined, it needs to be followed, not waived.
The intercessions proposed by the developers with the agreement of county departments, with the stipulation that the goal of the project will not be achieved without them, is simply extortion.
Why are rules and regulations established if they are not going to be enforced? Why are developers allowed to set the standards for our county?
They continue to come in with their own standards that the county is willing to accept for their project. This is not good government. This is allowing the end to justify the means.
The county needs to start following their own rules without exception.
L. E. Goldstein
Keaau