Public must fight back
“Sometimes you just gotta kick their ass.” This is a direct quote from my dad. He was a professional boxer.
He had 96 professional fights and fought for the bantam weight championship title of the world in the old Honolulu stadium in 1947. The first world title fight ever in Hawaii’s history. Sadly, he lost on a split decision. In a time when world championships are secured with less than 30 fights under your belt, 96 fights is likely out of reach by today’s standards.
Dad did not utter those words about kicking ass in reference to his boxing career. He told that to my perspective wife long after his retirement from boxing in the context of how one should demand to be treated by everyone else in the universe. By inference he meant me. She has never forgotten.
I’m a few fights short of the 96 threshold, but I totally agree that we need some ass-kicking here in Hawaii. How did we get here?
I don’t complain, because I have been fortunate and have worked hard all my life and have been rewarded for that effort. I don’t dwell on my losses or shortcomings. But I am also acutely aware of the inequities of being born indigenous.
I was told by a former worker that I shouldn’t concern myself about what another employee got, as long as I got something. I was 52 at the time. I was also told by someone who I thought was my friend that I would never achieve a senior management role with any Hawaii-based company because of my Hawaiian ethnicity. I was 21 years old. And here I am.
So, in 1990, Haunani Trask rips up the social norms by exposing the white supremacy in the life and history of Hawaii. Her words and warnings are more relevant today than they were back then. And that story goes as far back as the arrival of Capt. Cook. And here we are.
We need to know and understand that the state is an agent of that policy. In the coming months and years, we will see that policy play out under the guise of housing inequities and emergency responses.
“Land is the basis of all wealth.” So said Jerry Asam in selling out Ocean View. People fear that there will be a “run” on land and housing development as profiteers take advantage of the declared “emergencies”.” That very same logic is what the sugar-planters used to get the United States to participate in its illegal overthrow of 1893.
Civic action is what is required, and not readily active at the moment. Citizens need to interject their will into the processes that are sure to eventuate as the state, county and profiteers look for shortcuts rather than long-term solutions to the crisis that they themselves created.
“Sometimes you just gotta kick their ass.”
Charles Young
Honaunau
Abuse of parking stalls
I’m a disabled Vietnam veteran. I have a service-connected injury that ruptured three discs in my back and makes walking long distances painful.
I go to Carlsmith Beach Park frequently, as the cold water helps my back. There are two handicap stalls there, one with a sign and decal and the other with only the faded decal on the asphalt.
Frequently, people without plaques park in these stalls, and at times a small vehicle will even park in the loading zone between the stalls.
I find it a common practice in numerous places such as Safeway, Target, KTA, Home Depot and the mall, just to name a few I have witnessed.
I would like to ask for better enforcement. The county could easily fund a ticket person, considering first offenses are $500 and up from there.
I would also ask that the missing sign at Carlsmith be installed. I previously emailed the county but have yet to receive a response. Your consideration would be appreciated.
Norman Oliver Wilhoite
Hilo