Opinion column
submitted by
Jonathan Helton – policy researcher
with the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi

Maui’s struggle with invasive deer might have just gotten easier to tackle thanks to a bill signed into law by Governor Josh Green.

Passed by the Legislature earlier this year, HB1382, now Act 54, allows nonprofits to donate wild game meat to “under-resourced” communities, including the homeless.

The new law also calls for the formation of a task force to study ways to improve the state’s capacity to process meat and recommend reforms to the state Legislature.

Together, these changes could help curb the growth of invasive species, such Maui’s estimated 60,000 axis deer and all the wild hogs, goats and sheep that plague communities across the state.

In testimony submitted in favor of the bill, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said, “axis deer mitigation is a serious concern in Maui County because they eat cattle food sources and farmers’ crops, cause soil erosion from over grazing, and threaten native species.”

He said enactment of the bill also “would support fighting hunger in Maui County.”

The Maui County Farm Bureau testified that changing meat-donation laws would provide “an inexpensive source of protein for the needy,” and that “states across the country have been updating their good Samaritan laws to include wild game as an authorized donation.”

Other groups that spoke out in favor of the bill included the state Agribusiness Development Corp., the state Department of Agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council and the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United.

But there are still obstacles in the way of taking full advantage of this new source of meat products, and that’s what the task force will be looking into.

For one, Hawaiʻi lacks the processing capacity to turn large amounts of wild game into edible meat, according to Bryan Mayer, a nationally recognized butcher and educator who also has been working to market Maui venison to the public.

“Access to slaughter and processing here is fairly limited — certainly here on Oʻahu, but across the state,” he said on a recent episode of “Hawaiʻi Together” on the ThinkTech Hawaiʻi network.

“The focus has pretty much been on cattle,” he said. “But we’ve got tons of other farmers here raising hogs, raising sheep and goat, chickens and other monogastric animals. … On top of that, we’ve got an invasive species population of deer and wild pig.”

Federal regulations complicate the situation too. Because wild animals such as deer are considered “non-amenable species,” federal officials won’t inspect them for free, as they do for cows, chickens, pigs and other farm-raised meat animals.

This means that anyone interested in selling wild game commercially must pay hefty inspection fees, which according to Mayer can amount to hundreds of dollars per hour.

Mayer said another issue is the dwindling number of people who want to go into the meat-processing business.

“If I were a young farmer right now, especially if I were a young hog or sheep or goat farmer, it looks kind of bleak,” he said. “And so we need to figure out a way to not only get these facilities built or allow the current facilities to process, but we need to really incentivize folks and train folks to do this work.”

According to the Maui County Farm Bureau, a “long-term sustainable solution to our feral animal problem lies in a comprehensive plan involving various government and private parties. It requires cooperation.”

This new law seems to be a small step in that direction and will hopefully open the door to more reforms that put Hawaiʻi on a path toward better management of its various invasive species.

*****Views expressed in Opinion pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.***** 

County needs to work on drainage to prevent repeat flooded areas

For the second time in just over one year, the buildings and roads around the Shave Ice and ABC Store are completely flooded. I saw lots of public works teams cleaning up the last time in December 2021.

These “once in a decade” rain events are becoming more frequent. Our newly elected Mayor Richard Bissen has an opportunity to get together with drainage experts to devise a plan to divert these flood waters and mud flows around that low lying area to prevent this from happening again.

The cost to business owners from lost revenue is considerable. To allow this to continue to happen tells them the county/state is not concerned enough about this unnecessary hardship to design a drainage system to help. — Alan Hutton, Wailuku

State Legislature should pass Carbon Cashback law

It is helpful to read about the environmental bill package proposed by the Environmental Legislative Caucus. The proposals are worthy and I would add another, Carbon Cashback. 

Currently there are two versions introduced in both the House and Senate. Half of the Environmental Legislative Caucus members are also co-sponsors of Carbon Cashback. It would lower emissions so that we can reach our emission reduction goals.

While it puts a price on carbon for the importers and emitters, anyone who files a tax return in our state would receive a bigger dividend than an increase at the pump. Of course prices seem to increase everywhere, yet this bill allows households to come out ahead financially and they can spend the money however they choose. This policy would also create jobs in renewables besides creating a healthier environment. — Bobbie Best, Wailuku

Makawao businesses affected by recent fire deserve our kokua

Two very special people to me were affected this past Monday night. The burning of the Makawao business building owned by Mr. Haole and rented by Aaron (Moose) Kranks Bicycles. Loosing $1 million to the freshly painted building and more than $200K to the contents is so much larger than reported.

I’m not sure, but I believe Kranks has donated thousands of Christmas bicycles for more than a decade with Maui’s fire department assembling them. This past year more than 400 bicycles were donated. Mr. Haole also serves Makawao with the neighboring Pharmacy n Mini Store across the street. They deserve our kokua, period. — Myko Zee, Wailuku

How are traffic, water issues to be address with Villages of Leali’i development?

I just completed review of the Villages of Lealiʻi development EIS (environmental impact statement) and a couple of things raise my concern. I see in the report that there are approximately 15 different projects on the books to be completed by 2030. In these projects, my count of additional potential residences varying from luxury estates, single family residences, muti-family and condos to agriculture lots totaling about 2,904.

In the report it states that the increase in traffic is projected to increase to 500 to 700 vehicles per peak hour per direction by 2030. https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-12-23-MA-DEA-DHHL-Villages-of-Leialii-Village-1-B.pdf.

Water demand will increase of course as well. Using the modest figure from the report of 600 gallons per day per unit, I calculate that water demand will increase to about 1,742,400 gallons per day let alone the amount sewage discharge. This is all projected by 2030.

My observation is that the varied departments do not have overlapping communications and these figures are not being properly viewed in total. We have a water shortage and traffic problems now. How are these plans being approved and projections as I am describing being managed? — Lee Chamberlain, Lahaina

Concerned police are not doing enough to find missing people on Maui

Do people missing on Maui concern the police ? Do native resident’s or the Maui P. D. have any real heartfelt, human feelings towards non-native residents or visitor’s who turn up missing?OMG, the non-native people missing from Maui is truly unbelievable.. There’s something extremely sinister and pure evil going on in Maui. It’s so sad and disturbing, beyond belief. — Robin Plants, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Touts accomplishments of former Maui County councilmember Riki Hokama

Riki Hokama won’t be returning to the Maui County Council in 2023, but his contributions as a former council member attributed to much of what Maui can be thankful for generations to come. I can only remember a few projects Council Member Hokama spearheaded, but I’m sure there are many more.  

He championed the conversion of the original 2nd Circuit Courthouse into what is now the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for Maui County; he acquired federal funding and the workforce of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the Lanai Kaumalapa’u Breakwater with massive concrete pylons (each pylon strategically anchored through computerized programming for maximum stability); and Council Member Hokama acquired the property and funding to develop the Maui Police Department Forensic Facility (large enough to handle mass disaster casualties and unattended deaths for examination and investigation).

Mahalo Council Member Riki Hokama — for all that you did for Maui.  — Gary Yabuta, Wailuku

Would like Shops in Wailea to provide better entertainment seating

Can anything be done regarding the seating for entertainment at the Shops in Wailea? So many people are complaining and rightfully so. They have eliminated the many white chairs and now have very little seating available — maybe a dozen huge, uncomfortable chairs and the seating around the trees. Plus, obnoxious security people chasing people out.

If all they want are the rich tourists who don’t really care about local musicians and music and just want them to spend their money, that’s what they will get. No locals will be going and I hope local talent will protest as well. First they put up the pay entry so now no place to sit. May as well call it Wailea California! No wonder locals are leaving Maui in droves. — Virginia Ruffulo, Kīhei

Praises Hawaiian Electric’s new shared solar program

Americans are eager for both short-term and long-term solutions to our dependence on oil, with 79% who say the priority for the country’s energy supply should be developing alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar (Pew Research Center – June 23, 2020).

With uncertainty in global markets, it is more important than ever to reduce the demand for fossil fuels by making a swift transition to locally sourced, renewable energy.

Hawaiian Electric’s new shared solar program is a fantastic example of how long-term, community-based alternatives to fossil fuels can lower electric bills for families while speeding the transition to a renewable energy future.

Combining shared solar with a carbon cash back program would build upon this momentum, making renewable energy an obvious choice. Under this program, fossil fuel importers would be taxed, and the revenue would be returned directly to Hawaiʻi residents in equal shares. Families could reinvest the cash they receive into solar subscriptions and other renewable energy projects.

A combination of solutions that incentivize alternative energy while disincentivizing fossil fuels will empower Hawaiʻi’s residents to reduce their electric bills while contributing to Hawaiʻi’s goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. — Doug Hagan, Pāʻia

West Maui needs more fire protection at Olowalu and elsewhere.

Most people do not know that there has not been any increase in fire fighters at Maui Fire Department since 2005. Nearly 18 years ago, the County prioritized Haʻikū as the next area for a fire station. Seems that they are still vacillating between two potential sites while $16.5 million dollars has been collected from taxpayers to pay for it.

The West Maui Improvement Foundation Inc. has accepted the challenge to Hana Hou and privately fund the development of its second fire station for West Maui (Napili was first). The recent fires in that area that are notorious for destroying property and shutting down the sole access to our airport and hospital prove our point.

We suggest that we can’t wait 20+ years for the County of Maui to put a fire station at Olowalu. Our revolutionary EMB modular station can be built and operational within 12 months for approximately $2 million. — Joseph Pluta, Lahaina

Longtime Maui visitos say their friends opting for Mexico, and ‘maybe we should, too’

We have come to Hawaiʻi for over 40 years, but are currently ready to cancel our reservations for 2023. The reason should be apparent to all of you — the new buzzword is “overtourism” and how to reduce it. For years we believed in the “Spirit of Aloha,” which we have decided is no longer.

The Japanese visitor is once again being welcomed with open arms (two flights daily with Hawaiian Airlines), the Japanese language menu’s will surely return, and the nice restaurants and resorts need their money. They rarely swim, snorkel and sit in the sun at the beaches.

So….. your new discriminatory attitude toward visitors is leaking out as in parking charges for the beaches, restrictions for “locals only” at certain beaches, additional resort fees and taxes, and huge condo rent taxes.

Yes…. we visitors were kicked in the teeth by locals when Covid hit and have not forgotten how we were treated. Friends are opting for Mexico, so maybe we should, too. — Roger G. Heskett, Spokane, Wash.

Says ADA discrimination at Kahuli airport’s TSA pre-check

I am writing in hopes that you will be able to address and/or investigate a recent issue that has surfaced regarding ADA discrimination of TSA pre-check passengers at the Kahului, Maui Airport.  

Unbeknownst to many, Kahului Airport and TSA officials have redesigned the TSA checkpoint to include a TSA pre-check only checkpoint area.  This two-lane screening area is called TSA Checkpoint 02.  TSA Checkpoint 02 is NOT ADA compliant and requires all wheelchair bound passengers and those passengers who are unable to opt out of the walk-through metal detector (passengers with pacemakers, artificial joints) to divert to the general TSA checkpoint area.

They are denied their TSA pre-check privileges of leaving their medium electronics and 3-1-1 liquids/gels/aerosols in their carry-on luggage. Furthermore, all disabled passengers with medical implants that cause alarm through the walk through are subject to mandatory full body pat downs. There is no clarity on whether or not disabled passengers are still afforded priority in the general boarding area. — Lorilee Freitas, Makawao

Why still only one northbound lane entering new roundabout in Kīhei?

I hope that the new Mayor can take a look at why they can’t have two lanes of traffic going through the roundabout in the northbound direction. It looks to me like there is plenty of room for two lanes and do not understand why they want to punish people everyday when they would not have to.

Going to work to Wailea from North Kīhei, the traffic was backed up past Hope Chapel. They should never have been able to start the construction until they had a detour that would handle the traffic. — Marvin Gilbert, Kīhei

Proposes “radical” solution to Axis deer population problem

I have a radical, yet practical solution to the Axis deer population problem in Maui County. Not so long ago there were 10,000 deer here; now the estimate is close to 60,000 or higher.

Here is the radical part: the United States Armed Forces train with live ammunition on many bases on the island of O‘ahu. I suggest the military fly their helicopter gunships and/or drones over Maui county and cull, if not eliminate, the herds of invasive Axis deer. 

One of the major objections is, “What would we do with the carcasses?” The same military can airlift bulldozers and bury the carcasses in mass graves. This way, the young soldiers will be trained and equipment will be used putting our hard-earned tax dollars to very good and practical use. Win win. — Larry Feinberg, Pukalani

To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form.

Op-ed Commentary
submitted by Mark Coleman
Managing editor and communications director – Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi

Maui mayor signs housing law, giving impression it will work
The Institute testified the new ordinance is likely to do more harm than good toward the cause of encouraging more homebuilding

A new Maui County law is being promoted as a way to provide more affordable housing, despite considerable testimony that the promise might not quite work out that way.

The law, formerly Bill 107, liberalizes the formula by which Maui residents can qualify to buy affordable housing. Mayor Mike Victorino said upon signing the bill on Tuesday that it will “put homeownership within reach for more Maui County residents.”

The Grassroot Institute, however, testified last month that the proposed changes would force homebuilders to lower their prices by about 20% and disincentivize future affordable home construction. The Institute also said the bill could be a drain on Maui taxpayers, which the mayor’s remarks seemed to confirm.

“We will continue to work with developers to make these home prices possible,” Victorino said. “We have examples of successful public-private partnerships that bring construction costs down through subsidies, infrastructure support, creative financing, various exemptions and bonus packages.”

Of course, the best, simplest, least costly option is to just get Maui’s government out of the way, so homebuilders can add to the county’s housing supply without having to jump through so many complicated, time-consuming and expensive regulatory hoops.

As Institute President Keli‘i Akina said in his most recent “President’s Corner”column, “This isn’t a secret. Housing activists from all parts of the political spectrum have been telling Hawaiʻi policymakers for years that the best way to increase homebuilding and bring down home prices is to reduce government barriers.

“Nevertheless,” Akina said, “calls to increase government involvement in housing persist. A perfect example of this flawed approach is Bill 107, approved Sept. 27 by the Maui County Council,” and now signed into law by the mayor.

Akina said, “No doubt it is a well-intended effort to ‘do something’ about housing in Hawaiʻi, but this is not the ‘something’ that needs to be done.”

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational institute devoted to promoting individual liberty, economic freedom and accountable government. Its goal is to improve the quality of life in Hawaiʻi by lowering the cost of living and expanding opportunities for all.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.***** 

Maui County should prioritize solving Upcountry water issues over new cultural center

Wow, [Maui County budgeted] $43 million for an unnecessary cultural center while upcountry residents have to conserve water annually because the county does not have enough water-holding infrastructure. Good choice.  I’ll be sure not to take a shower on my way down to visit the cultural center. — Paul Fasi, Kula

Where did money for Upcountry water problem go?

For the third year in a row Upcountry residents are on stage 1 water restrictions in anticipation of increased demand. Increased demand also comes from the hundreds of new meters issued over the last three years.

The Upcountry system is primarily a surface flow catchment system, and such systems are at the whims of the rainfall patterns. Obviously, it would be prudent to factor in a backup system for times of low rainfall; like wells that tap water stored in the aquifer. Wells are expensive, in the tens of millions of dollars but residents have already been charged for this expense.

For at least 35 years the water department has been raising rates to pay for “repair and maintenance” and to “find and develop new water sources”. Thus far, zero new sources. So what did they do with the money? How about using money provided by the President’s infrastructure bill; developing water sources sounds like infrastructure to me. And it’s a one time expense.

Wells in East Maui could use the ditch system to transfer water to the current treatment plants, minimizing the need for an extensive pipe system. Could even use small wind generators to power the pumps.

A local news station interviewed Maui’s water director who said we are “actively pursuing new sources of water.” Yeah, right. — Ron Pisciotto, Kula

Questions about how kids will safely cross highway to new Kīhei High School

At local focus group meetings led by G70, we learned it will take [up to] six years before “alternative grade” crossings are available at Kīhei High School. Meanwhile, grade level crossings will have to be used. This YouTube circulated by DOT really points out the challenges of a roundabout at the high school entrance. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wSlCAB_u2pM

Questions for all crossings: How do kids from Maui Meadows, and the North Kihei and other mauka neighborhoods, get to school? Do they have to cross Piʻilani [Highway] twice since there are no sidewalks to the school on the mauka side of highway. 

Could the county work with [the Department of Education] to allow county busses on campus to drop off and pick up students?  

Could the DOE, [Department of Transportation],[state Land Use Commission] and county work with adjacent ranches to put a north-south bike walking path to mid point on campus?

Inquiring minds want to know. ”What were ‘they’ thinking?” — Donna Howard, Kīhei

Editors note: To read Maui Nowʻs latest story on this issue, click here.

Three reasons why over-tourism is a big problem on Maui

Over-tourism is a real problem for every Maui resident. Three points:

• Our waste water infrastructure is so utterly out of date that untreated raw wastewater being pumped underground (injection wells) is systematically killing our reefs and sea life. Tourists don’t care.
• Our popular beaches are being overrun by hoards of tourists who think this island is theirs for the trashing. Leave it better than you found it! Tourists don’t care.
• The cost of rents have skyrocketed and it is impossible for most local folks to afford living here on an average salary of $20 per hour. Tourists don’t care. — Marco Martella, Kīhei

Tourist says wonʻt return to Maui due to overdevelopment

In our recent trip to Maui, I was baffled by the growth and lack of protection for the open space that existed when I first came here over 40 years ago. Us haoles might be responsible for this but I feel a lack of planning or the mere fact that money prevailed and has ruined the culture and the land.

After 5 years I returned to find a bypass road around Lahaina, with a ridiculous amount of building on the north side. How did this happen? Lack of planning or greed by the developers whom might have never visited the islands. I will not ever return as I don’t want to add to this nightmare for the locals. I feel for you all on Maui and hope this growth does not spread to the Big Island or Kauaʻi. Elect the right representatives.  — Ron Marks, Los Angeles, CA

More ideas about how to curb too many tourists

I applaud the City Council suspending new lodging for two years to give time to decide how to manage tourism. That being said, what about increasing fines and enforcement on illegal rentals, eliminate Turo as a vehicle rental source, tax Uber/Lyft and add an ecological airport fee of $150 per incoming flight other than inter-island flights.  

This will substantially increase the travel cost to visit Maui for both visitors and returning Hawaiians, but as was said, Maui is just too beautiful and that is being recognized globally. — Rap Piantanida, Lahaina    

New federal deal on climate change and energy is big step forward

The welcome news that Senators [Chuck] Schumer and [Joe] Manchin agreed to a deal that would include climate and energy investments totaling $369 billion in a reconciliation bill is a huge step forward.

[The Inflation Reduction Act] will make substantial progress in lowering the heat-trapping emissions that cause climate change. Estimates are that this legislation will achieve 40% emissions reductions by 2030, below the 50% by 2030 target pledged by President Biden.

There is still work to be done. Still, thankfully Senators Manchin and Schumer didn’t give up. All candidates running for Congress in this election should know that climate change is a priority. Voting is crucial. — Bobbie Best, Wailuku

Why canʻt the Maui police enforce noise limits on motorcycles?

I have spoken to police officers and they say that they have no way to measure the decibels of a motor vehicle’s exhaust.

I realize there are a lot of life and death issues that police deal with daily and this is not a top priority. [But] large numbers of tourists and residents choose Maui to get away and enjoy peace and tranquility. When motorcycles are racing up and down Piʻilani highway emitting sound that rivals that of a jet engine it is very difficult to achieve that goal.

What will it take to get the police to enforce the law as written on this matter? — Mark Susskind, Kīhei

Progress during first year of Maui County Comprehensive Housing Plan

July 19, 2022 marked the one-year anniversary of the Maui County Comprehensive Housing Plan (MCCAHP), which was developed by Hawaiian Community Assets under a $300,000 contract with the County of Maui.

MCCAHP called for the development of 5,000 affordable homes – rent or for purchase – in the next five years and was presented to the Maui County Council on July 19, 2021. On June 29, 2022, Stand Up Maui sent an email to the Maui County Council and the County Administration requesting an update of their actions to implement this much needed housing plan. We have
received a response from Council Chair Alice Lee and here is a summary of that response:

• Two Ordinances – 5315 and 5369 and Resolution 21-182 were passed by the Council. These ordinances and resolution gave local residents preference to affordable housing projects – rental and for purchase, created a county operated master list of residents
  for this housing, expanded the purposes that the Affordable Housing Fund could be used for and resolved that all Maui County residents have a right to housing.
• Two workforce housing projects – Hokuao on Lanai and Hale Pilina in Kahului – were approved with 254 affordable housing units.
• Thirteen Maui County Council meetings were held on the MCCAHP. As of this date, no response has been received from the County Administration.

Stand Up Maui will continue to work with all government agencies, nonprofits, and the people of Maui County to get homes built to rent or for purchase at incomes that our local people earn. We call on all political candidates to pledge to implement the priorities and strategies
recommended by the MCCAHP.

For additional information about MCCAHP and Stand Up Maui, visit mauihousingplan.org/standupmaui.org. — Stan Franco, President, Stand Up Maui

Research candidates

Elections. It is all about money and unions. Period. The unions tell the membership who to vote for. The union gives to the candidate who is on their payroll funding for the campaign. The union members who are working 50-60 hours plus per week do not want to research the candidates. So, they listen to the union and vote for the union candidate, as paid and bought by the union. This has been happening in the state and county government for the last 60 plus years. Wake up citizens and research the candidate. — Buff Weaver, Lahaina

Kīhei boat ramp needs regular maintenance

The Kihei boat ramp was refurbished a few years ago with a nice area for washing off boats added and the parking lot redone. But since then, nothing has been done to maintain it. 

There are high weeds and trash all around. The drain that is supposed to carry off the water from the boat washings has been clogged for at least a year. Now, the path from the boat ramp towards Surfside is inundated with black, brackish, unhealthy water and is impassible. 

DLNR has received complaints for many months and done nothing about it.  There should be a regular maintenance schedule for maintaining this one-of-a-kind area where tourists come to board boats to snorkel at Molokini.

Shame on you, County of Maui and state of Hawaiʻi for this disgrace. — Scott Lowry

New 988 number connects people in crisis to trained mental health professionals

Hawaii is facing a significant mental health crisis—and it requires an equally significant response. Too many people experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis end up in emergency rooms or jails instead of getting the care they need.

In 2020, bipartisan federal action created 988, a new three-digit number to help quickly connect people experiencing a crisis to trained mental health professionals, and ideally, local crisis services when appropriate.

It is now available nationwide for people to call or text during a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis. This is a tremendous step toward providing life-saving support that will
help countless people. While the new number is now live, efforts to build the system’s local capacity in our state to help everyone in crisis will continue in the weeks, months and years to come.

Hawaii still needs to create and fund the additional services needed to effectively respond to people in crisis who call or text 988. As a mental health advocate with NAMI Maui, I urge us all—especially our policymakers—to learn more about the 988 and how Hawaii can continue to build a full system equipped to help every person experiencing a mental health crisis and their loved ones. NAMI.org/988 is a great place to get started.

For too long, the way we respond to mental health crises ended in trauma and tragedy. We have a chance to do something different. 988 is a valuable, life-saving tool, but we need an ongoing effort to provide everyone with a mental health response to a mental health crisis. The work is only beginning. — Joan Musselman, Kīhei

To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form.

Remove the speed bumps on Kahekili Highway near Waiheʻe Town

There are now SIX speed bumps on Kahekili Highway just before and after Waiheʻe Town in about a mile distance. One driver died in this area due to speed in the last year. No pedestrians have died in 40 years. I have a chronic bad back and these bumps are dangerous for my health.

Remove the bumps. — Troy Brown, Wailuku

Roundabout under construction on Piʻilani Highway is “disaster waiting to happen”

The new Kīhei turnabout is a disaster waiting to happen. Only an idiot could have possibly conceived such a monstrosity. Whatever metrics, studies, research or anything else used to justify a turnabout on a fast highway (and reducing the posted speed limit does nothing to deter fast moving traffic) is incredibly dumb. And — GASP — it further demonstrates pure lunacy by having students actually cross the highway instead of “walking over the highway.”

How this was passed so that construction could begin now is a complete head-scratcher! Based on history alone, this ill-conceived design is going to experience a ton of problems including pedestrians getting hit, accidents in and around the turnabout and congestion before/after school like Kīhei has never seen before.

Again, I repeat, the stupidity is astounding. — Rob Shapiro, Kīhei

Individualism shouldn’t be erased at Maui High School graduation

As Maui High School senior’s parents await answers to the graduation guidelines on the ban of leis, not allowing a class song, not allowing the students to sit together as a class, limiting guests to four in a venue, … I am most eagerly still waiting for an answer from Maui High School about the ban on honor cords?

Last year, the students were unable to identify themselves by gender by removing white cap and gowns and making all students wear blue. This year, a cord was physically taken back from my daughter due to them being banned so the students who didn’t take extra classes or put in extra hours of studying don’t feel less accomplished as those who put in blood, sweat and tears to earn them.

It’s come to my conclusion they are confusing unity with uniformity and are erasing their individualism. Please help me find a logical reason and answer. — Jo-Ann Iha, Kahului

New zoning laws and higher second home taxes will reduce vacation rentals on Maui

Concerning mainlanders buying Maui properties, who wouldn’t want to live on Maui?  Changing zoning laws to not allow short term rentals (less than 91 days) and really limiting and managing illegal short term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO will reduce the financial incentive to buy investment properties and also release properties back into the full time rental market.  

Adding more taxes to second homes reduces vacation rentals since the taxes are passed on to renters in higher room rates.   — Ray Piantanida, Lahaina

Public should not pay for new sewage system for Māʻalaea Harbor condos

I do not believe public funds should be used to pay for a new sewage system [for Māʻalaea Harbor condos]. The owners should have been budgeting through the years for it just as they do for windows, roofs, pool repair etc.

Sewage systems have a life and wear out. Ten million is a lot of money, but divided by all the stakeholders it is less than $20,000 per unit. As well they should have been having inspections long before this and have known it was deteriorating and not let it get to this point. If anything, perhaps fines should be levied for the damage they are doing. — Dale Kasper, Kīhei

Beach parking fees for tourists at Big and Little beaches are a sham

Makena State Park has been charging a fee at both parking lots at Big and Little Beach to tourists, with locals being exempted. This fee started over a year ago at the beginning of COVID and the fee was $5 per vehicle. Today the fee has escalated to $10 per vehicle and $5 per person.

The problem is technically Makena State Park cannot charge a fee for parking at the lots. I can see them asking for a donation, but that’s not what they are doing. They have signs posted, a solar powered pay station, and a person that helps people operate the machine as well as enforcement of this illegal fee that’s being charged.

How are they getting away with this sham, and where does the money collected go?  The mayor and county officials should look into this, and find out what agency or entity is behind this, and under what authority can they charge a fee for parking vehicles and an entry fee to nonresidents at Makena State Park. — Robert Bakmaz, Kīhei

Resident recommends car rental facilities sell visitor beach parking passes

I’d like to recommend that beach parking passes be sold at car rental facilities. A one week pass would be $35, 2 weeks $70, etc. They should be made of cardboard and color coded for the month. This would avoid metering costs and thievery. Also, employing someone to issue tickets to those without a pass. 

Rental agencies could retain a few dollars and the reminder would go to the county. Obviously, they would have to be documented for accountability. — R. G. Van Moppes, Kīhei

Supports Mauiʻs efforts to reform the Jones Act

[Maui Councilmember] Mike Molina started a movement to reform the Jones Act. The Maui County Council followed suit unanimously. Maui County is the first of four counties [to do so]. The State of Hawaiʻi has not issued a statement on the Jones Act.

Hawaiʻi should no longer be forced to rely on foreign actors for energy in the current geopolitical climate and its citizens should not be excessively impacted when there is an ability to mitigate the harm.

Maui takes affirmative positive action, leadership in motion! — Clifton Hasegawa, Wailuku

Should not silence debate on medical treatments for COVID-19

Recent media coverage has focused on the state Regulated Industries Complaints Office in the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs clearing complaints against Maui’s Dr. Lorrin Pang and Dr. Kirk Milhoan. While it is a relief that these two honorable doctors can put this phase of the many attacks against their good names behind them, this story is far from over.

I’m not surprised that Sen. Roz Baker has declined to comment. She and her cohorts, along with Gov. David Ige, Lieutenant Gov. Josh Green, Mayor Mike Victorino and State Health Director Libby Char themselves spread dangerous misinformation when they publicly denounced not only the life-saving early treatments being discussed, but even the very rights of these doctors to discuss them.

Continuing to refer to ivermectin merely as a horse dewormer is a blatant lie. Ivermectin is an FDA-approved human medication that has been used safely for years as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. Numerous studies have shown it to be an effective antiviral as well, and there are literally thousands of first-hand accounts of its effective use as an early treatment worldwide. As with any medical treatment, this effectiveness can certainly be debated by knowledgeable doctors and scientists. Silencing this debate, however, is criminal. — Tina Lia, Kīhei

Editors Note: The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals. Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.

TSA needs to operate more efficiently at Kahului Airport

Considering it’s an ongoing problem, I’m hoping TSA in the Kahului Airport can get it together enough to where there’s not 2,000 people standing in line going down the street where the drop offs go in and out.

They’re literally were so many people I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I couldn’t even breathe I was surrounded by so many people. I understand that they get busy but they have got to have a better way of operating that it was out of control. Come on TSA. Get with it. — Helen Auweloa, Lahaina

Maui Now seeks your letters to the editor. To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form

Maui’s healthcare in ‘trouble’ with loss of doctors and nurses

Healthcare in Hawaii, especially on Maui, is in trouble.  It has been a rough past two years for those who have devoted their lives to caring for others.  Working in healthcare has never been easy. It is also no secret that Maui has a difficult time finding and retaining those special people who work in healthcare.  In the past year Maui has lost countless nurses, aides, doctors and others due to burnout, lack of resources and lack of [affordable] housing. 

On Maui, we have lost surgeons and other specialists. Doctors are leaving at a much faster pace than moving here. Often the hospital has to resort to locum or temporary doctors to help fill positions.  Nurses are stepping away from the bedside and many are leaving the island.  We have new grad nurses, but we really need the ones with years of experience too.  Most recently we are losing a large number of emergency medicine doctors. 

These are doctors who have decades of training, many from large trauma centers.  The ER doctors, who have taken the brunt of the hardship caring for Covid patients, were not able to stay home or close their “office” during a time when an increased amount of the community was seeking care. 

Now, due to hospital negotiations, the ER doctors have had their pay cut so drastically that physicians are giving their notice because it simply is not worth it to stay on Maui … where the cost of living has skyrocketed.  What this means is that Maui is losing skilled and experienced physicians and care will most definitely suffer in years to come.  We need to stop taking for granted those that do a job that many others say that they could never do. We need to appreciate our healthcare heroes and make it a priority to keep doctors who have been part of the community here on Maui. – Tere Patterson, Lahaina

County can close entrances to Kanaha Beach Park at night, but not nearby public road

The County of Maui has justifiable authorization to block off the three entrances to Kanaha Beach Park during closed park hours of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., as they do at all county parks. But the blocking of a public road, Amala Place, at the sewer treatment plant for approximately a 1.3-mile strip of ocean access of public property heading east to Ka’a Road leading to several car rental companies and Kahului Airport is illegal and unacceptable. How is Mayor [Michael] Victorino not in violation of [county law]? – Dane Jay Barnhard, Wailuku

County needs to better maintain restrooms at Kalama Park

Our family uses Kalama Park in Kīhei on a regular basis. We are heavy users of the skate park and rink. Overall it is a great park and used by many, however, the restrooms are poorly maintained. There is standing urine-tainted water on the floor on the main men’s room and it has been there for weeks.

We also use the park in Pukalani on a regular basis and never have we encountered the stench and disgusting situation as we have in Kalama Park. There is no excuse for this. – Randall Parker, Kīhei

Property tax rates on Maui are among lowest in nation only for resident owner occupied

A recent article (March 15th, Maui Now) addressed property tax rates in Maui as being among the lowest in the nation. The writer did not clarify that she was referring to RESIDENT OWNER OCCUPIED property. With the recent reclassification by the County Council of apartments, second homes, etc., as short term vacation rentals, even if they are never rented, our property taxes have doubled from around $4000 per year for a small condo in Ma’alaea to over $8000. Residents beware; when the County is done bleeding us dry, they will come after you. – Frank Pace, Wailuku

Maui should focus on stronger tax enforcement of short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO

As Maui is considering additional taxes on second homes and short term rentals, I wish Maui would take a stronger and enforceable stand on short term (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) rentals that are evolving into businesses that reduce full time local ownership and rentals, hurt hotels and do not pay TAT/BAT fees to Maui.  

People are modifying existing homes and possibly new homes into daily rental properties by setting up multiple rooms for daily rents.  Maui has historically focused on the easy targets for tax increases, but has chosen to ignore and not enforce rules for these type of properties. Why?  – Ray Piantanida, Lahaina

Mahalos to Coast Guard and Pacific Whale Foundation for saving a club canoe

In the early morning on March 16, 2022 Maui Canoe Club paddlers found that one of our canoes and the big foot trailer it was locked on was missing from the beach. We didn’t know if it was stolen by land or sea, but suspected sea, since the trailer was not the kind you can tow with a car.  

We immediately launched several canoes to look for our lost canoe but it was nowhere along the shore to be found.  We filed a police report and contacted the Coast Guard.  A couple of hours later, we were contacted by the Coast Guard that the Pacific Whale Foundation whale watching tour had spotted our canoe floating 6 miles offshore with the big wheel trailer still attached to it.

The Coast Guard immediately responded and towed our canoe and big foot back to Ma’alaea Harbor. We suspect it was crazy vandalism because the canoe could not have floated out on its own. But without the help of Pacific Whale Foundation and the Coast Guard, our canoe would have been lost forever. We are so thankful for both organizations for their rapid response and help. – Mary Dungans, Maui Canoe Club/Manaʻolana Pink Paddlers

Time for Jones Act to be suspended

It’s time for the costly Jones Act to be suspended. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the cost of gas, goods and services have steadily increased, impacting our cost of living. The parent company of Hawai’i’s only oil refinery, Par Pacific Holdings of Houston, recently announced they would stop purchasing Russian oil, which makes up 25% of their crude.

Due to the Jones Act, Hawai’i historically has had to buy oil transported on ships that are US built, flagged, owned and crewed by Americans. This has made it very expensive to ship goods to Hawai’i. I support our congressional delegation asking President Biden to grant Hawai’i a one-year exemption of the Jones Act to give our federal decision makers the opportunity to look at reforming this act, created in 1920, to be more in line with 21st century concerns.

Exempting Hawai’i could help stabilize our cost for fuel, electricity, building materials for affordable housing, delivery costs for small business and household items like batteries, canned food, toiletries and other goods and services. The time is now for Maui County to add their voice to the call for exempting the Jones Act and I will be offering a resolution to the Maui County Council to support this effort. – County Councilmember Mike Molina, Makawao

During a drought, Maui’s restaurants can help save water

As a veteran of California droughts, I was dismayed on the seemingly disinterest in drought procedures on a recent trip to Maui. All of the restaurants automatically brought water to our tables.  

I would recommend a state plan, with Maui leading the way, to only bring water to a table if the people request it. During California droughts, restaurants would put a sign stating: ” We are in a severe drought, please ask if you want water”.  This can save many gallons a day. There are many other measures you can follow as well. – Dan Dalton, Anchorage, AK

Smirnoff began as a Russian company, but now is owned by Brits and distilled in America

With reference to a Letter to the Editor published by Maui Now on March 1, 2022 that complains about Lahaina Safeway selling “Russian Smirnoff Vodka,” I think it necessary to point out that Smirnoff is 100% English owned by Diageo PLC and 100% produced for the Americas in Plainfield, Illinois, U.S.A.  Smirnoff has not been produced in Russia since 1904, and there is no ownership or production of Smirnoff Vodka by Russia or Russians. 

Smirnoff is English-owned and American-produced and there is no good reason why it should not be sold or drunk by Americans who choose to drink.  In moderation, of course. Cheers!! – Bill Thompson, Wailuku

Maui Now seeks your letters to the editor. To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form

Kaʻahumanu Church in Wailuku needs help to restore church steeple

Ka’ahumanu Church is ready to launching a capital campaign March 3 at 10 a.m. to raise money to restore the church steeple that for many years has been in need of some loving care and maintenance. Kick off will begin with a presentation of a check for $10,000 from Pastor Marocco and Kings Cathedral.

Ka’ahumanu Church is located in Wailuku Historic District 3 is an integral part of Maui and Wailuku’s history, which predates the missionaries and the church.

Over the last couple of years, even through the pandemic, the church has been blessed by work completed by Architects Hawaii. The congregation has also applied to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature for a GIA/CIP grant and continues to seek out and apply to other sources of funding.

How can you help? Share our story. Contact our state representatives. Share your stories, ideas and thoughts with us. Contact Kahu Wayne Higa at kahuwayne@live.com for more information. — Wayne Higa, Kīhei

Bike lanes in Kula need maintenance following storms

I enjoy a bike route where I spend only a little time on upper Kula Highway. It seems the county has given up on maintaining this road, including the bike lane that was so carefully considered, cleared and paved.

We all know there was a terrible storm in the last couple of months, but this is getting ridiculous. In the bike lane, there are piles of debris forcing riders into the road; garage bins blocking the whole lane (7 days a week) that force riders into the road; a one-lane-open section forcing riders into the road; and drivers that eagerly enter this lane from the other direction without yielding (even though they can clearly see a rider occupying the lane but are happy to force you off the road as they scream at you for existing).

I’ve been riding for over 20 years and have never seen this level of disregard for cyclists. — Lori de Crinis, Kula

Promoting Russian spirits inappropriate now with invasion of Ukraine

I was in the Safeway store in Lahaina (this week) and saw a very large promotion/display very prominently at the front of the store, promoting Russian Smirnoff Vodka. This is very inappropriate at this point in time considering the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. — Gary Korabeck, Lahaina

Upset with Humane Society sending animals off island for adoption

A friend went into the Humane Society for a small dog I found for him after his dog recently passed. After finding a perfect match and going to adopt the dog, they tell him the dog has a 24-hour hold. He goes back [a day later] and they tell him the dog is still in the building but they are arranging for an off island adoption.

So they are using my contributions to the Society to spend money and send the dog who knows where when there is someone standing right there to adopt. Two days, two different stories. They are messing with people’s emotions when it comes to pets. I tried to email the CEO, good luck with that. They also will never receive another donation from me. — Cary Math, Kula

UH research proposing 10 cents-a-drink tax is ‘complete nonsense’

I read the article about the dime a drink research by the University of Hawaiʻi. I really would like to know how they calculated this and who would have to pay for it. If they calculated from the sales from the wholesalers, the only way to go, they would have to charge $2.40 for a case of beer. In retail that would increase the price to the consumer by another 10 cents and in a restaurant by another 40-50 cents per beer.

If you try to figure out how much a bottle /glass of wine is calculated, it gets a little bit more complicated and when you look at hard liquor, where you have everything from 2 ounces to 1,75 liter’s bottle (anywhere between 1-50 drinks per bottle), it really raises eyebrows.

Basically, I think that the numbers are reversed fabricated. Let’s raise $58 million. How would they know how many drinks are served and how many times the 10 cents are added or multiplied to the consumer? Complete nonsense at best. — Bernard Weber, Kahului

Kudos to county and community organizations for seriously addressing underage drinking

I am so proud and excited that Maui County has taken the lead to seriously address underage drinking!

Congratulations to our Maui County Council, police department and all the caring organizations — like the Maui Family Support Services, Maui Youth and Family Services, and Maui Coalition for a Drug-Free Youth — for giving our kids respect and making our community safer.  

The Social Host Ordinance is an effective and brave civil tool that helps homeowners recognize they do have an important responsibility to be sure their property is safe for all children, and not used for young people’s drinking parties.

Our amazing middle-school, high-school and college students on Maui, Lana’i and Moloka’i tell us that house parties are the place where most underage drinking occurs, along with destructive consequences, such as drunk driving, physical fights, sexual assaults, legal problems and alcohol poisoning.  

Yes, we need more education, like Maui Economic Opportunity’s underage drinking prevention program, but we also need to build a safe environment. Life is hard enough for our youth, who are pressured by alcohol advertising, a need to conform or prove their worth, and face an uncertain future. With the Maui Social Host Ordinance, we recognize our kids can’t do it on their own, and that adults should make sure Maui youth are seen, valued and protected, even at parties.  

As a former teen drinker, retired Hawaiʻi public school teacher and perinatal substance abuse professional, I can attest that underage drinkers have a harder time building meaningful lives for themselves, and eventually for their children.  

I care about the life-long effects of alcohol inside kids: on their developing brains, on their normal growth and sexual development, on starting illegal activities early on, and creating trouble and heartache between themselves and beloved parents, schools, coaches, kumus and friends. This will truly be a happy new year with Maui’s Social Host Ordinance in place. — Laurie Tanner, Kīhei

Speed bump needed where kids play along Kokomo Road in Haʻikū

Aloha to anyone who uses the playground and other areas along Kokomo road, [which is more like Germany’s Autobahn). To go 50 to 70 miles an hour, you can always manage the small speedbumps at the bottom of the road and then it is full blast to make up 10 minutes to where ever. Why not add a speed bump by where the kids play? The speed limit is 30, but you will be passed and waved at with one finger. — Ron Deppe, Haʻikū

Beach parking and access ‘being taken away, little by little, every day’

Beach parking and access is slowly being taken away, little by little, every day. The new “No Parking” signs down by Baby Beach on Kealakahi Place in Sprecklesville cannot be legal. First the public parking lot was blocked off by rocks, and now the street parking is taken away; all for the comfort of the local residents.

Maui residents pay money to live on this island, with the understanding that there should be equal access to these beaches. I can understand signs stating, “No parking after certain hours” if the goal is theft and crime prevention. However, daytime beach access parking should not be off limits when the space is available. — Katie Brown, Pāʻia

Pickleball Noise Should Be Reduce or Eliminated in Residential Areas

I am very happy that pickleball has become such a popular sport, engaging people in good fun physical activity. However, what about the rest of us who do not participate in this sport but who live near a pickleball court and have to hear this tak tak tak noise, sometimes all day?

Isn’t there a way to do something to the paddle or the ball or both to soften this noise?  Four new pickleball courts are planned for in Kīhei — hopefully, not in residential areas. — Helena Valery, Kīhei

Maui County Needs to Publicize Enforcement Criteria for New Tax on Vacation Rentals

My wife and I own two vacation rental condominiums on Maui. We are vey concerned about the way Maui County is going about the new tax, which supposedly occurs on reservations made after Oct. 31, 2021.  Short term rental reservation made on or before Oct. 31 are exempt from this tax.

I have talked to both of our on island managers and nobody knows how the county is going to determine which reservations were made before Nov. 1, 2021 and after. I have 22 reservations that were made before Nov. 1, 2021 and they cover 2021 and 2022 until Dec. 15, 2022. I have a feeling that there will be a lot on confusion unless Maui County compiles a list of these exempt reservations.

Maui County does not even have their own forms for reporting the income. The Hawaiʻi State Tax Forms do not specify any information about the reservation date and this can lead to a lot of confusion and possibly bitter fights between the owners of the condominiums and the county. It is time for Maui County to make public how they are going to enforce the new law but not try to collect taxes that are not due. — George Stehlik, Maui

Extra Unemployment Benefits Unwise With “Now Hiring” Signs Prevalent on Maui

I just read an article indicating that FEMA had approved Hawaiʻi for a grant to pay each person unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week in addition to the $300 per week they are already receiving. It seems that this weekly give away will make it even more difficult than it is now for businesses to hire employees.

Since we are seeing “now hiring” signs on many businesses on Maui, especially the service-related industries, I wonder if this is a wise decision. It certainly will not cause those on unemployment to want to go back to work. — Leland Devore, Wailuku

Kudos to Postmaster Michelle Almeida at Kīhei Post Office

The Postmaster at Kīhei Post Office, Michelle [Almeida], went above and beyond in service to locate a package that was being “returned to sender” in error. She personally went through hundreds of packages outgoing to locate it and make it available to me instead of being returned to the mainland. With the huge volume of parcels moving through our post office everyday, I suggest we commend her and her staff on all they do to get us our mail.

There are not many postal employees, much less THE postmaster, who would have gone this extra mile. Additionally she is a veteran, already serving our country and now serving us in Kīhei. Please give her your thanks when you are in the post office. — Kay Lloyd, Wailea

US Post Offices Could Use Your Extra Pens

Pens are always welcome at our U.S. Post Offices. How many times do you have to “sign for” something at the post office and end up walking away with the clerk’s pen? We are all guilty of this, not only at the post office, but I am certain other places where your signature is needed.

I realized that buying pens with my business name and phone number would be an ideal place to advertise to many customers. So this past year, I have given over 250 pens to my US Post Office (Wailuku station) and will continue doing so. — Katharine Atchley, Wailuku

Annual Visitors to Black Rock Distressed by More Trash & Fishing By Snorkelers

Since 1998, every summer except 2020 my husband and I have visited Maui, where we have property ownership. My husband (a free diver) and I snorkel/swim every morning about three-quarters of a mile from Whaler’s Village to the other side of Black Rock and back. People call us the “Salvage Crew” because we pick up trash and lost items (sunglasses, towels, etc.) on the ocean floor to protect the barracuda, turtles, spotted eagle rays, moray eels and tropical fish that frequent the area.

What we witnessed this past summer (2021) was distressing. Beer cans, both unopened and opened (crushed), plastic cups (lots), protective mask coverings, and even diapers along the ocean floor. Every evening approximately seven tourist cruisers “packed to standing capacity”, would sail towards Black Rock during sunset. Beverages are served to those paying customers. This probably accounts for cans and trash (plastic cups/bottles) falling overboard, possibly by accident. Picking up this trash (including protective coverings for COVID-19) was almost an everyday occurrence.

We also witnessed this summer individuals fishing on Black Rock directly where many snorkelers were swimming. There is and has been an area designated for fishing at Black Rock for more than 20 years that we’ve been visiting. It is on furthest side of Black Rock (past the Sheraton) and located where most snorkelers do not swim.  

We saw a dead moray eel floating close to these fishing poles (probably thrown back) and a turtle with a fishline hanging from its mouth. With Tiger Sharks noted to be in these waters and with so many snorkelers, fishing at this location is a catastrophe waiting to happen. We love the islands and respect the ocean, beaches and sea life and want to keep this environment safe for all. — Shelly Currier, Rosewell, NM

Restaurant Vaccine Requirement Should Be Better Enforced — or Eliminated

The restaurant vaccine requirement is full of holes. When a photocopy or a digital image of a vaccination card is all that’s required, with no ID, anyone can create a vaccine card or use another personʻs card. I used a digital image of mine today, and the waitress barely glanced at it. They have no incentive to be careful because they need the business and don’t want to anger people or play the role of restaurant police.

If children can enter, and unvaccinated people can enter for pickup orders, and servers aren’t required to be vaccinated, and the rest of us aren’t being carefully vetted, then is this really offering any kind of protection? I think it’s just making unvaccinated people angry while not really helping anyone else. Please toss out the requirement or at least plug the holes in it. Thanks — Jennifer Martin, Makawao

Why Do We Live in a World Today Without Polio and Smallpox?

I would ask all the anti vaccine and anti mandate people why we live in a world today without polio and smallpox, and why more than 85% of deaths and current Delta sick people were not vaccinated. I am alive and well today because when I was a kid we were ALL mandated to get polio shots and smallpox vaccinations to protect society at large. And, as a result of these mandates, we live in a safer world. Think we, not ME! — Vincent Linares, Kula

Why Stop at Vaccine Mandates in the Best Interest of Community Health?

In one year (from September 2020 to September 2021), COVID-19 has claimed 465,00 plus lives in the United States. [Editorʻs note: According to the CDC, the deaths attributed to COVID-19 on death certificates in the United States was 756,962 through Nov. 6].

We now see businesses all around us mandate vaccination in the best effort to protect our community. But my question now becomes: Why do we stop at vaccine mandates?

Smoking kills 480,000 people a year on average. Second-hand smoke kills 41,000 of our vulnerable community members in the United States every year. Why should I have to worry about breathing toxic chemicals emitted from cigarettes in the air around me? How many people died from COVID-19 with an underlying condition of lung damage from smoking?

We could prevent thousands of lives from being taken from our community by mandating the use and sale of cigarettes to be illegal.

The ACLU says, “(Vaccine Mandates) protect the most vulnerable among us, including people with disabilities and fragile immune systems, children too young to be vaccinated and communities of color hit hard by the disease.”

We should be thinking this way when we see someone smoking as well. Our vulnerable children need to be protected from the harm of lung cancer and the death that second-hand smoke causes. And we should not be filling up our hospitals with patients who have chosen to make their health worse by smoking.

Or is that now too many “freedoms” taken away? Where do we draw the line on decisions that affect those around us? Should we start applying this logic to drinking? Or how about motorcycles that cause more than one death per week in the State of Hawaiʻi? As someone who is vaccinated, I suggest that we start prioritizing freedoms over assumed security, or we might take things way too far. — Ben Baker, Kīhei

You Have Right to Refuse Vaccine & Employers Have Right to Demand It

Let’s be honest for just a moment –  vaccines work, masks work and you do have the right to refuse the vaccine. And we have the right to legally exclude you from attending restaurants, bars, movie theaters and gyms.  

And  your employer has every right to demand that you be vaccinated or be terminated with no unemployment. And finally no, you do not have the right to be inside in a public place without a mask.  Now how hard was that. — Jack Shockley, Wailuku

Support ʻAnia Kupuna Tax Relief for Inherited Ancestral Land

If you are the owner of land that has been passed down in the family from generation to generation as of June 30, 1931, you may become eligible for a significant tax relief.

The proposed ‘Aina Kupuna’ bill can be viewed at BFED-78 CC 21-29 County Property Tax Reform (BFED-78) and, if passed, would give owners who qualify a tax break for all parcels of land considered ‘Aina Kupuna’.  The intent is to allow families to retain their ancestral lands and not be forced to sell due to their inability to pay the rising property taxes.

I think we all agree that Maui families should not be “taxed out” of the land of their ancestors just because their neighbors have developed multi-million-dollar properties. The more people who support BFED-78, the longer our Maui will remain as we know it. — Ann Bauer, Wailuku

Answer to Over Tourism: No New Rooms to the Visitor Inventory

I had to laugh when I heard talk of trying to limit flights and over tourism. Before a single hotel room can be built it has to be permitted by local government. Those permits, rules, limits etc. are, and have been put in place and approved or not, by you guys, our elected officials. There have been years of politiciansʻ campaigns on controlling growth and diversifying our economy.

To simplify it, if there are no rooms available they [tourists] will not fly. Not the other way around. Guarantee you guys can quantify how many rooms we have here and statewide. Same old story for decades, money talks and new projects get approved; and it’s always said it’s about the good jobs. Take a stand for the ʻaina and the kanaka and put a cap now on rooms. This will make existing properties more valuable and more likely to thrive. No new rooms to inventory. We are maxed out. Maui is hurting. — Richard Hartman, Lahaina

Something Should Be Done About Stench from Kanaha Pond

I was wondering if anyone notices the STENCH on Hana Highway coming from the reserve Kanaha Pond. It’s horrible!!! So polluted, danger to humans and wildlife alike. Should the Health Department get involved? — Mindy Burgess, Kahului

Hawaiʻi has a Heart Issue, Forgetting the Lessons of Our Ancestors

Today in Hawai’i we are standing to protect our freedoms, culture, and spirit of Aloha. On Sept. 29 Kīlauea volcano erupted within Halema’uma’u crater. Hawaiian mythology shares how Pele first arrived on Kaua’i and thrust her o’o stick into the ground to create space for her home. But her elder sister Namakaokaha’i would flood the pits all throughout Pele’s journey. Pele kept on moving down the islands in their geographical location and then finally resided on the Big Island.

Just as Namakaokaha’i tormented Pele, today we are tormenting one another. Today Native Hawaiians are one of the most incarcerated, low income and houseless majority of the demographic population. Why? Just as Namakaokaha’i would not forgive Pele for the trauma she was responsible for, we are not forgiving one another.
This un-forgiveness is causing us to go extinct.

Our values, tradition and rituals are being replaced by clichés, platitudes and bureaucratic jargon. We don’t have a tourist, military or economic issue. We have a heart issue, and we have forgotten who we are and the lessons our ancestors passed to us. Madam Pele resides in the heart of Kīlauea. She is not just a spectacle for the world to see. But our kupuna tells us that she is alive, breathing, and her mana is telling us something.

Native ferns, birds and plants are near extinction. Many of these are kinolau of Akua. The many forms of personified natural elements. To many Hawaiians they are also family members. They too are alive and breathing. They too are telling us something. Just as Pele is associated with the Ohia Lehua, which has been suffering from a disease called Rapid Ohia Death (ROD), our relationships are suffering. Just as the native bird the Maui ‘akepa is considered possibly extinct, our Maui people are leaving the islands. Just as our streams are being diverted, so is our attention.

We are in a crisis of confusion and deep seated heart issues that need to be addressed. Today, we need critical protection for Indigenous people to protect the freedom, culture and practices of this specific place, in this specific time. We need to protect diversity. We cannot allow ourselves to be injected with the globalization agenda to colonize our minds.

We need to stand up to continue the righteous of the land. And live like our Ali’i intended us to be. We need leaders, policy makers, layers and teachers to protect against government overreach, high property taxes and old fashion red tape. We need to flow, we need to break down the barriers for our people and raise the standards of living. — Sam Peralta, Kahului

Hawaiʻi Leaders Should Focus on Helping People Get Healthy

Hawaiʻi could bring real health leadership to its people. Stop copying the silly rules of the mainland that are actually harmful and written by Big Pharma. Instead, lead the people to get healthy. Help people grow their own food so they can eat without immune damaging pesticides and packaged food preservatives. Encourage exercise by saving parking spots for locals at the beach.

Many of the comorbidities are lifestyle choice driven. Help to really make a change by helping the people access preventative care. Pay the yoga instructors to have free yoga in the neighborhood parks. Or Tai chi. Or acupressure. There are many paths to getting healthy. That is where the focus and dollars would be more wisely placed. — Cheryl Monten, Kahului

Pregnant Woman Says Her Job Should Not Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine

I am pregnant for the first time in my life. It should be a joyful time. But the new COVID-19 mandates have taken a lot of the joy from this once in a lifetime experience. I should be allowed to choose if I want to inject my unborn baby with an untested, rushed to market emergency vaccination. When you take away the option of choice from the people of your community you take away their humanity.

The thing that makes us special and human is our right to choose what is best for are families. I am afraid of losing my job and becoming homeless and pregnant. This is not a decision any government should ever be allowed to force on its people. My medical choices are mine alone to make. I beg the people of Maui to keep our humanity, our right to choose what we do with are own bodies and are children’s bodies. — Daniela Matteoni, Makawao

Reader Loved Article on Pukalani Superette Assistant Manager Chris Borling

I just read the article on Chris Borling [Pukalani Superette assistant manager] by Andy Gross – really well written article.  Loved how he tied the beginning and ending of the article on super heroes. It was interesting all the way through, and my mind didn’t wander. I look forward to reading more articles by Mr. Gross.  Thanks Maui Now. — Robin Ventura, Makawao

Maui Now seeks your Letters to the Editor. To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form.

Kekaulike High School Not Supportive of Hawaiian Immersion Program

I have been teaching Advanced Placement Literature and Senior English at Kekaulike High School for 23 years. Since November of 2019 we have a new administration at the school who is not supportive of the Hawaiian Immersion program, Driver’s Education program or the Culinary Program. I have Kula Kaiapuni students in my English class who tell me they are being harassed by administration because they are choosing to eat their lunches outside of the Hawaiian Immersion classrooms because there is not room in the Cafeteria because of COVID-19 restrictions.  

I would like to bring this issue up to the public because although I am not Hawaiian by birth, I am Hawaiian at heart and respect and admire the strength of the Hawaiian culture.  I want to be “pono” and provide a voice for those who are afraid to voice their concerns. — Bea Arendale, Kula

Talk with Homeless People To Understand the Importance of Life

Sit with people who are houseless, like Aunty Penny, to know the importance of life. I see her more than I see most people during the week. We sit, cry, laugh, talk story. She is really funny. Isn’t it true the one who needs help from us teaches us to be grateful? We all are running a rat race and instead of being thankful for every moment, we measure happiness in things, places and money.

In my early 20s I started working with the houseless in Santa Monica, particularly mentally ill houseless women. I would see them outside the shelter and they would talk to me, some gave me gifts and one lady Janet made me a bag sewn out of her own socks. I loved that bag. I started mingling with the houseless, chatting them up, feeding them, laughing with them, even hugging them. I fell in love with each and every one. Even the drug addicts and the alcoholics.

Another shocker for you, they aren’t all addicts. Some of them just lost their way. … You never know what that woman or man’s story is and I choose to help others because I am able. I learned that people are people, no matter how dirty, poor, creepy or disgusting we think they are. I learned that even houseless people just want love and respect.

I learned that they are so sad when people are mean to them. … I learned the most humane thing taken away from the homeless is everyone’s inability to look them in the eye. I have learned that they know you pity them, that they make you uncomfortable and that you are sometimes scared, and they hate that and want to show you they are just people in a rut with kind hearts and a need to be treated the same as everyone else.

Don’t dehumanize the houseless. Look at them, talk to them and listen to them. … These people suffer their lowest moments out in the open for everyone to watch. I keep Aunty Penny in my prayers so that one day she may know peace and be able to rest. She cares so much for her community. — Maya Marquez, Paia

Vaccine Mandate, Not Locking Down the Economy, Way to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Governor David Ige’s latest attempt to blame tourists for the COVID-19 problems in Hawaiʻi ignores that the source of the growth in cases comes from locals, not tourists. Moreover, his efforts to discourage tourists from coming, and threatening another lockdown, will again kneecap the economy for all the wrong reasons.

Tourists must either test, quarantine or arrive fully vaccinated. There are no such requirements for Hawaiians who do not leave the state. So blame the tourists? What is involved here is diversion from his lack of courage to do the right things. Instead of blaming tourists, it’s time to deny unvaccinated people any access to hotels, restaurants and large public gatherings. And it’s time to mandate vaccinations for those in close contact with the public, such as retailing, restaurants, gyms, etc. Stop blaming the wrong people, Governor, and control the spread by the rest. — Larry Rosencrantz, Lahaina

Why Should Vaccinated People Protect People Who Choose Not To Protect Themselves?

Why should I, as a vaccinated person, continue to protect those who have chosen not to be vaccinated?
Why continue to threaten to close everything down again to protect those who choose not to protect themselves?

If a group of people decide to play on the freeway, do we forbid the cars and close the freeway down to protect those that chose the risk of playing there?

If you want people to get vaccinated, expose them to the risk they’re taking instead of rewarding them with restrictions on us who have chose to take the vaccine. — Theo Amend, Kahului

Witch Hunt of Dr. Lorrin Pang Should End

I completely support Dr. Lorrin Pang in all of his medical approaches to care of the patient. I first met Dr. Pang at the University of Maui College mass vaccination clinics as a volunteer. This man is truly devoted to his profession as a healer. He was always encouraging vaccination as well as educating the volunteer staff about vaccine/COVID-19 issues.  

It’s sad when a non-medical person like Sen. Roz Baker offers a medical opinion. I was trained as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Medicine is as much an art as it is a science. We used implants, devices and medications off label, regularly. Always, in the best interests of the patient. Nobody ever encouraged my resignation or asked the medical board to revoke my license. Sen. Baker should stick with legislation and give up the witch hunt.  Sad! — Nicholas Valos, Wailuku

Welcome to COVIDLAND, Now Go Home

It is time for the Govenor to man up and shut down before more people die. At this rate there will be no one left to serve the tourists.

To the tourists,  welcome to COVIDLAND! Hope you enjoyed the drought and the brush fires. Now go home! — Malia Kealoha, Paia

Vaccine Mandate Is Overreach and Based on Fear

I want to be respectful of public offices. That said, I am totally baffled by these “proclamations” made by our Governor and Mayor. What allows the government (without input from any other levels) to determine what every private business must do concerning vaccines? What suggests that this is still “a crisis”? The government is not here to prevent sickness and death. If that were the case, they should address heart disease, opioid addiction and suicide.  

When is our local government going to wake up and let people live their lives as well as allow businesses to flourish? The only people unaffected by these restrictions are those working in government. This is not public service. This is overreach and completely fear based. I am completely and utterly disappointed.  — Joshua Rempfer, Pukalani

Maui Now seeks your Letters to the Editor. To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form.

ʻIf Tuberculosis Was Raging in Our Country, Would You Have Your Child Go Mask-Less?ʻ

“Dad hospitalizes teacher in mask fight on first day of school”. This was the headline to a story in the New York Daily News today. A father was [angry] because his child had to wear a mask during school, so he punched out a teacher, sending him to the hospital.

What is wrong with this country? How much more nuts can this get? Will we next read that someone has been killed over this. There is something really wrong when people try to hurt each other because they don’t like having to do something minor like wearing a mask. A large segment of our population no longer believes the truth, even when the facts are undeniable. What makes it even worse are the politicians who feed these lies and conspiracy theories to their followers in order to amp-up their “us-against-them” feelings.

Wearing a mask is not a big deal, and it can save our lives. Wearing one isn’t taking away your freedom. It’s a common sense step to help you, your children and your neighbors stay healthy and alive. You are not a patriot when you refuse to do something that is for the common good; it’s more like you are selfish and a little off. There is a small but loud and frankly obnoxious segment of our population on Maui who believe that making our children wear a mask in school is against their rights. Please tell me this: if tuberculosis was raging in our county, would you have your child go mask-less in a room full of possibly infected people, day after day? — James Padgett, Pukalani

‘Follow New Zealand’s Lead, Shut the Gates’

Well we all shared the shock as the visitor count went through the ceiling these past months. We heard our politicians talk from the side of their mouths, blah, blah and blah blah.  Brains have been replaced by insatiable greed. We all knew it was too soon to open back up, but those in power seemed not to care in the rush in getting back to business as usual, some fantasy “norm.”  

These decisions have taxed every corner of our way of life. The “normal” we had is not something we should be striving to regain. The normal we had and which was shared worldwide greatly contributed to our predicament today.

We need to follow New Zealand’s lead. Shut the gates! It’s time to heal ourselves, instead of trying to return to what only worked for the few, and never worked for the good of all. Instead let’s focus on our own sustainability, the healing of the aina and the waters that sustain us.

We can’t pretend that we don’t know that real change is necessary. Think globally, act locally, if not for yourself for the keiki around the world. Be pono, be committed.  Vote out the fools, and support those who truly want what supports all life. Only then will we be able to experience the peace we all crave. — Elinor Meadows, Kula

Limit Healthcare Response to People Who Choose Not To Be Vaccinated

At this point in time, everyone that could be vaccinated has had an opportunity to be vaccinated. There is no need to continue all government mandates of social distancing, masks, limits on gatherings. It’s way past time we stop pleading, begging or shaming people that have made a choice to be unvaccinated, as it is their right. Rather we limit the response that we as a society are willing to render.  

A new decree, if your unvaccinated you can quarantine in place if you get COVID-19. You may only be admitted to a hospital if you have been vaccinated, or are from a group that could not be vaccinated. Our medical people, our workers, over stressed, can get back to work treating compliant people and accidents.

Everyday, we witness someone on their death bed, pleading to the public that they had wished they took the shot. This is totally unnecessary and unacceptable to society as a whole at this time.

The reward for being vaccinated is not only will you most likely save your own life from COVID-19 but you could very well save someone else’s as well. — Alan Wallace, Kīhei

Sad To See Large House Built at Five Graves Site

I just enjoyed a trip to Maui.  I understand many areas have been built up on Maui, like everywhere else in the United States, but I was shocked and saddened to see a new house at the Five Graves site (aka Chang’s Beach).  

This new, very large home has a LONG wall that must be walked around to access the beach. This wall surrounds half the grave site. Besides being an eyesore, it makes it harder to reach a public beach and is just disrespectful to the dead buried there.  

This spot should have been kept as open space, a natural treasure. It had been such a beautiful spot. I was there about 3 years ago.  Too bad greed won out.  How was this permitted? — Rokhsan Taherpour, Tarzana, CA

Maui Government Needs To Deal with Continuing Trash Problem Along Amala Place

I thought I saw everything my eyes were meant to see but imagine my horror when I drove down Amala Place in Kahului, next to the wastewater treatment plant. I saw the awful collection of trash, consisting of empty food containers, bottles, cans, abandoned cars, tires, dirty clothing, shopping carts, lumber and it goes on and on.

Why hasn’t the Maui Government done anything about it? I mean are you just going to let it go on forever? This is a disgrace, since this area has some of the prettiest beaches and is the main road into Kanaha Beach Park, a popular destination for windsurfers and picnickers, and another access road to the airport.

I am a reasonable person and I know that the cars that have been left there, people are sometimes sleeping in them, and that of course is better than them sleeping on the ground. If you are going to let them do that, then at least make them responsible of getting rid of the junk, trash, human waste, etc. If they continue to live in the cars, then they have to clean up the mess that they are leaving on the side of the road. — Desiree Ann Watson, Wailuku

Vaccinated Tourists Can Spread COVID-19 Without Knowing Until Returning Home

I am a Hawaii resident and recently read an article regarding Lieutenant Gov. Josh Green’s concern about COVID-19 cases and creating a program regarding proof of vaccination to enter indoor establishments. This frustrates me because he said we should think of this as a reward, not a punishment.

How is it a reward to take away a basic human right to go into an indoor establishment to help support local businesses. Does he realize if he restricts unvaccinated people from going into businesses, that further takes away potential profits from these local businesses.

How do you justify allowing a vaccinated person to enter the state of Hawaiʻi without taking a pre COVID-19 test; go into any establishment and enjoy the island for 5 to 7 days; then go back home while the entire time they could have been carrying COVID-19 without any knowledge of it until they are back in their state? 

I constantly hear on the news that it’s the locals to blame for the rise in numbers. But I don’t think you guys realize that the vaccinated tourist who comes to our islands will most likely show no signs of being infected because the vaccination suppresses the common signs we look for. That is why most of the travelers make it back home before getting confirmation that they have COVID-19 or their body fought it off naturally, but all the while we allowed them to travel all over our islands for the locals to get the blame. — Justine Morgan, Haʻikū

Mandate Vaccinations and Stop Blaming Tourists for Surge in COVID-19

Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige’s latest attempt to blame tourists for the COVID-19 problems in Hawaiʻi ignores that the source of the growth in cases comes from locals, not tourists. Moreover, his efforts to discourage tourists from coming, and threatening another lockdown, will again kneecap the economy for all the wrong reasons.

Tourists must either test, quarantine or arrive fully vaccinated. There are no such requirements for Hawaiians who do not leave the state. So blame the tourists? What is involved here is diversion from his lack of courage to do the right things. Instead of blaming tourists, it’s time to deny unvaccinated people any access to hotels, restaurants and large public gatherings. And it’s time to mandate vaccinations for those in close contact with the public, such as retailing, restaurants, gyms, etc. Stop blaming the wrong people Governor, and control the spread by the rest. — Larry Rosencrantz, Lahaina

For Those Who Choose Not To Get Vaccinated, Wear a Mask or Stay Home

In rebuttal to those who are not vaccinated and why. I lived on Maui for 14 years before moving a year ago as COVID-19 made it impossible for me to go back and forth to the mainland safely. I hear a lot of “my freedoms.” But the unvaccinated are infringing on my freedoms if they are COVID-19 positive and choose to spread this virus. Can I have these people arrested for assault if I get sick?

I think people need to be acutely aware that these freedoms are only possible when a community comes together for the greater good, understanding epidemics and pandemics as well. Do you part if you want freedoms and wear a mask or stay home! — Patti Baker, Salome, AZ

Maui Now seeks your Letters to the Editor. To submit a letter online: Letters to the Editor Form.