‘Wonderful’ bus trip
We took the Hele-On county bus from Hilo to Kona for the first time in 40 years of living on the island. And, OMG, it was wonderful, and the price could not beat: free!
It was the first time not to be in the driver’s seat, and we had time to be niele about all the great scenery passing before us. We saw communities, roadways and nature which we never knew existed by being a tourist in the bus seat.
The comfort of the Roberts Hawaii bus was terrific. The auntie driver was courteous and helpful, and the drive was smooth and fun.
We recommend you take the six-hour roundtrip. Take your water and coffee, your smart phone and earphones (good Wi-Fi), sit back and be treated to the aloha of the Hele-On bus system and staff, and an island you won’t see by driving your car.
Play tourist for a day. See your beautiful island. Hele on.
Bill Paul
Hilo
What has happened?
I am writing to address what I felt was a great injustice to a wonderful local woman, athlete and a community-minded role model.
When I returned from a mainland trip, I found out that professional surfer Bethany Hamilton had voiced her opinion about transgender individuals competing in women’s surf contests.
As a past professional woman surfer who also only has one arm, who would be more qualified to voice an opinion on how woman surfers would be at a disadvantage? I was told she was bullied on social media for voicing this opinion.
What has changed in our society that now a person cannot have an opinion? How many more studies and statistics are needed before the general public says enough!?
There is a reason women who become transgender men do not compete with professional male athletes. They simply will not win.
What has happened to our woman’s movement, which was so adamant about protecting women’s rights?
I as a woman feel very strongly about this. The disappointment and anger I felt when I learned that the World Surf League did not acknowledge a nomination for Bethany that was submitted for International Woman’s Day was what motivated me to write this letter.
They should have supported this stellar woman surfer who has done so much for her sport and both girls and women in their many other community endeavors.
One day in the near future, your daughters and granddaughters are going to ask, “What did you do when this was happening in women’s sports?”
I wrote this letter to the editor so more women would be informed about what is happening in women’s sports.
Arna Parr
Lihue, Kauai