MFD should use a ‘Super Scooper’ to battle brush fires

Anyone traveling between Lahaina and the rest of the island knows fire season is well underway. Extended closures of the highway, communications cutoff by burned cables and, for the first time in memory, firefighters and hikers almost trapped by flames.

Getting water on a fire in urban environments requires a fire truck pulling up, attaching a hose to a hydrant and turning on the water. Wild fires are tougher to fight, as there are no fire hydrants in the middle of nowhere.

The Maui Fire Department has a helicopter that makes water drops, but its capacity is literally a drop in a bucket when fighting a fire spread over hundreds of acres.

Has MFD ever considered using firefighting planes known as “Super Scoopers?” One popular model is the Bombardier CL-415. They fly up to 200 mph and scoop up 1,620 gallons of fresh or saltwater in just 12 seconds. After dumping their cargo on a fire, they reload their tanks by skimming over the surface of the ocean. They are expensive. That’s why L.A. County, for example, leases them for fire season every year.

The 415 can be seen in action at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5LKF8G5huw and www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r89eXiv4FM.

MIKE SOWERS, Kaanapali

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Mahalo to the Lahaina News

This past weekend, our nonprofit, Loving Spirit, offered a free, two-day workshop for grieving adults on Maui. This event was made possible by the generous support of the Westin Resort and Spa in Kaanapali. We are grateful for all that the staff and leadership team at the Westin did to make our participants feel a special sense of welcome and aloha.

I want to say a special word about Editor Mark Vieth and the staff of the Lahaina News, including Garth Panzer. It is one thing to plan an event and work hard to deliver it, but it is an entirely different thing to get the word out and actually have people show up at attend it. The folks at the Lahaina News were so kind to us and so encouraging of this effort, and they did an amazing job with publicizing the workshop. From the day that the article appeared in the paper, folks began registering for the workshop immediately.

We are deeply appreciative that the event was covered on the front page of the newspaper and that it received such a generous amount of coverage. That placement reached a lot of folks who otherwise might have missed out on the opportunity to attend. Our participants come to these Loving Spirit Workshops because they are in pain and are grieving major losses in their lives. Your coverage meant that many of them could get the help they needed, completely free.

The Lahaina News obviously cares about its readers and the residents of this Valley Isle. Mahalo nui loa for your kokua.

DAYLE E. SPENCER

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Democrats don’t represent true American values

Hillary, the president and many others very often say “our American values,” and then show their intolerance when they call the opposition radicals and bigots.

The fact is that our original American values are not what these folks represent. You see, the original American values were based on a Judeo-Christian foundation. That foundation recognized God as the ruler of the universe, and His word, the Word Of God, the way we are to live.

Our founding fathers deeply believed in God and wanted to practice their Christian beliefs freely without interference from the newly formed federal government. The “Freedom of Religion” clause did not mean religions who worshipped idols were allowed in their respective states. They knew God called those man-made things “devils,” and that God, except for remnants, had almost destroyed Israel several times because they abandoned Him and worshipped idols.

So what are now these things they call “our American values,” and how depraved and ungodly are they? Very!!

By many reports, their cohorts are apparently trying to cleanse our military of Christians. And they call others bigots? Can you imagine our future military not able to call on God for help because they are not allowed to pray… because it may offend somebody?

During the eight days that the party conventions took place, approximately 24,000 small unborn human beings were deprived of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” For those who don’t remember, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were precious American values.

Now the Democratic Party values the life of the murderer rather than the unborn human baby. They want to ban the execution of murderers but support the murder of innocent unborn babies. And you vote for them? May God have mercy on your soul and America.

Immediately, because of God’s Law (thou shall not kill), pass a bill banning the killing of unborn babies. If the president vetoes the bill, impeach him. Show the guts to stand on God’s Word. Sorry, but it is not enough to say I am Pro-Life. Act and God will be with you!

MANUEL YBARRA JR.

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New plants look great at Lahaina Aquatic Center

As a longtime, appreciative user of the Lahaina Aquatic Center, I am so pleased with the care recently begun in beautifying areas available (past sorely neglected) within this complex.

There are now plantings of native and tropical foliage. In the past, patrons were discouraged from any gardening attempts due to liability concerns, so a few caring staff members took pride in their surroundings, and on their own time have elevated the visual beauty.

It is lovely to see and feel the budding aloha emanating from all corners of the LAC. Well done, Carl, Phil and any others who have contributed their time and effort. Mahalo!

ANIKA LOKE

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Lifeguards needed on Kaanapali Beach

I’ve unfortunately seen too many people either die or get injured at Black Rock over the past few years. Everyone knows we need a lifeguard tower, but nothing ever gets done.

It’s not the Sheraton, it’s not the city, it’s not the state, it’s not my job either. Let’s get a tower where it is desperately needed. If there are enough deaths on the highways, then traffic lights are installed. C’mon man!

NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST

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Look to history when restoring the Hawaiian Nation

History gives great perspective and insight that will be beneficial in the restoration of the Hawaiian Nation. It could have been disastrous if the Hawaiian monarchy had adhered to the United States’ influence. U.S. principles of property ownership aren’t feasible to sustain life for such a small, desirable, isolated region, and their leadership protocol has proven to be corrupt and divisive.

Recognize God’s sovereignty and establish the government with this wisdom expressed in the Hawaiian Constitution of 1840: “No law shall be enacted which is at variance with the word of the Lord Jehovah or at variance with the general spirit of His word.”

Ancient Hawaiians ruled much like God had directed Israel. They mirrored many of the guidelines of Mosaic Law and demonstrated love as their primary source of governance. However, pride led to their downfall by attributing their success to their own merit rather than to give glory to the Creator – I’o (Jehovah). We can be fairly certain of this, because “Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

The fall of the ancient Hawaiians to the Tahitian invaders resulted in severe oppression and finally the bloody unification under the reign of Kamehameha the Great. It established a dangerous precedent. Rule by might and power can be usurped by the mightier and more powerful, demonstrated by the United States’ overthrow.

Ancient Hawaiians had a far richer record of rule. “Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the LORD.” (Zechariah 4)

Leadership consisted of qualified individuals from land divisions called ahupua’a. Ahupua’a were the boundaries from the mountain to the sea apportioned to families. Leaders would represent the families by seeking God’s will. Prayer was a priority, and the rule of order was love.

It’s viable to reestablish the Hawaiian Nation as the geographical ahupua’a; genealogical records exist as well as lineal descendants. Utilizing Biblical principles resolves the fighting that hinders unity. “Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart.” (Proverbs 18:18)

Leaders with Hawaiian lineage could be chosen from each district (ahupua’a) by “casting lots.” It is not gambling, because God knows the outcome. It is preceded by sincere prayer for a divine “decision from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:33)

Acknowledging God’s ultimate authority is the mandate that ensures success with representatives that reflect His nature. Individuals willing to accept leadership responsibilities would require a reputation of integrity and exhibit sobriety, be knowledgeable and demonstrate wisdom with a servant-like heart.

“Whoever wants to become the leader among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

Jesus epitomizes the qualifications for successful leadership. Don’t mistake meek for weak – love is powerful. It’s guaranteed. “Love never fails.”

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina