Hilo mall incident
With regard to the issue between Prince Kuhio Plaza management and singer Melveen Leed, I certainly see both sides of what had taken place at the mall during Merrie Monarch week.
My comments here are based on what was reported on the local television news stations and what I had read in the newspaper. I was not there during the incident.
I have to agree that management’s approach to just shutting down the singing and hula dancing in the middle of a song could have been better settled in another way, such as waiting until the song had ended, then explaining why they could not continue their entertainment.
On the other hand, Aunty Melveen and Aunty Iwalani (Walsh Tseu) meant well by perpetuating Hawaiian music and hula, especially during Merrie Monarch week. However, since the mall is open to the public, but under a private ownership, one just cannot arrive onto any property, unannounced, and just “make house.”
Maybe the outcome would have been better if permission was asked first by Aunty Melveen to entertain at the mall. “Demanding” a public apology or asking for manager Daniel Kea’s resignation from the mall is not proper.
Three Native Hawaiians upon Hawaiian homestead land — correct this pilikia through ho‘oponopono.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
No traffic aloha
Not too long ago, if you traveled to the mainland, you noticed how fast people drive compared to Hilo, even in residential neighborhoods. No more so here.
The traffic congestion in Hilo has become horrendous. Drivers are angry, and they speed, and they tailgate.
Try to pull out of your driveway onto the Volcano Highway in what gap in commuter traffic you can find, and a speeder in the 35 mph limit zone trying to close the gap from behind will honk their horn, uncaring how difficult it is to break into the lines of cars.
And now with concealed carry OK’d, all manner of gun nuts will be moving here from the mainland waiting for their opportunity for a probably delusional, self-perceived act of justifiable homicide.
At the very least, the speed limits on roads should be better enforced to slow this mess down.
William Mautz
Kurtistown
‘True and doable’
The letter from Martha Hodges on May 1 (Your Views, Tribune-Herald) was so poignant. Everything stated was true and doable.
If only the people in power weren’t obligated to lobbyists and elections.
If elected officials behaved like a typical classroom teacher, this country would be so better off!
Mahalo, Martha!
Maggie Bell
Pahoa
