Pahoa suggestion
The shopping mall (Puna Kai) at the roundabout side of Pahoa that was proposed several years ago is finally being built, and there is a traffic light at Kahakai Boulevard and Pahoa Village Road, spitting distance from the end of the roundabout heading into Pahoa.
I would recommend those going to Woodland Center stay on the highway and use the next right a Kahakai instead of the usual left at the new light, but old habits die hard.
Some think traffic will flow in pulses during afternoon “rush hour,” and traffic could be backed up to the fire station. It was backed up farther than that during the construction of the roundabout.
Just something to consider. The light is not operating yet, but it will be soon.
Dave Kisor
Pahoa
Star fruit risks
A recent “Tropical Gardening” column in the Tribune-Herald suggested that star fruit, or carambola, trees “should be more widely grown in Hawaii” — they are easy to grow and produce plenty of fruit.
However, there are some real health dangers associated with star fruit. It has a high oxalate content and, according to the National Kidney Foundation, it can be toxic for people with kidney problems.
In addition, oxalates are associated with kidney stones and gout. Furthermore, oxalates inhibit calcium absorption and, so, are associated with osteoporosis.
And, on top of that, star fruit — like grapefruit — interferes with some prescription drugs.
It is surprising how few people (including some doctors) are aware of the potential dangers of this fruit. People who are not at risk of any of the above problems should be able to process the oxalates in moderate amounts of star fruit, but everyone should be aware of the potential risks.
Jane Hoff
Hilo
Waste of money
Regarding, “County awaits word from contractor about readiness of fields at long-delayed Kuawa Street park”: It is wonderful that we are pouring so much money into yet another ball field because we have lots of extra money we don’t need for education, health care, housing, job training and employment, or the care of elders and the disabled.
So this is clearly wise government in action.
One suggestion: Add bathrooms so our poorly educated unemployed homeless children will have a proper place to go to the bathroom.
Carl Oguss
Hilo
