Restore water to all Maui streams

(The following letter was sent to the State Commission on Water Resource Management.)

`Aina (land) and Wai (water) are inseparable elements. Within each Moku (district) are Ahupua`a (land divisions) extending from Mauka (mountain) to makai (sea). Each Ahupua`a is self-sustaining, following a river or stream, the water source, along a natural watershed, from the mountain to the sea.

Previous submittals addressed land and water previously cultivated by A&B and Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company.

Instructive, material and relevant are lands previously cultivated by Pioneer Mill, in the Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kealaloloha Districts of Maui.

The closure of Pioneer Mill and the resulting impacts were accepted with quiet reservation by the populace. Time has revealed the severe, devastating damage to the environs. To restore the balance, weighted previously towards commercialization and sugar cultivation, proactive preventative measures and models are required to allocate ground and surface water for the public trust, allowing only what can be demonstrated as required and necessary for HC&S to transition to its diversified agriculture model.

Recommended is that water allocation be approved by the commission on a sliding scale, adjusted as HC&S implements its diversified agriculture model.

The impact of sugar in the Lahaina District, Kaanapali and Kealaloloha Districts is an iconic example where once vibrant, productive diversified agriculture was overrun, overtaken and made virtually extinct. An in-depth study to formulate a realistic and achievable plan and strategy for the commission to restore water to this area is recommended.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources/State Historic Preservation Division (DLNR/SHPD) participated in Cultural Services of Hawaii’s Cultural Impact Assessment for Olowalu. Therein is extensive discussion of Kuleana Lands. “A total of 91 claims were presented to the Land Commission, of which only 13 were fully awarded, 17 were partially awarded, and the remaining 61 were not awarded at all.”

Based on my discussion with representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, specifically with regard to Maui, this is still an open and unresolved matter. Imperative in resolving rights to water is the resolution to title to the land. Land and water are intrinsically connected and inseparable.

For further reference, please refer to: Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie, “Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook,” Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii Press, 1991.

Restoring water to all Maui streams is of high priority.

CLIFTON M. HASEGAWA, Clifton M. Hasegawa & Associates LLC, Wailuku

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Housing project slated at historic site

Stop the exploitation of Hawaii’s resources and peoples. “Woe to those who issue unfair laws, says the LORD, so that there is no justice for the poor.” (Isaiah)

Evil is evident in Kahoma. Atrocities are committed. Allotment and pricing for “affordable” housing are government-sanctioned lies.

Developers take land from Hawaiians with court-endorsed quiet title and claims. Partnering with charitable organizations, they avoid criticism and justify their exploitation.

Water availability is threatened for agriculture. Historical land is destroyed.

Kahoma Village poses an eminent threat to a very historical property – a former battleground and David Malo’s homestead.

A historical community park respects Hawaiian culture and honors Malo’s “doctrine of integrity.”

Love contributions could provide park funding. Giving provides a tangible expression of appreciation for the privilege to visit, live and prosper in Hawaii. Multi-million dollar estates riddle the island, proving potential for generous donors.

The Front Street affordable apartment complex was sold. Rental increases will displace residents and cause homelessness and oppression. A benevolent owner is required. Otherwise, government acquisition or community land trust concepts could stop this unrighteousness and keep the homes affordable in perpetuity.

“Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, let your glory shine. How long will the wicked triumph? See them oppressing Your people. Who will rise up against the workers of iniquity? When doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, give me renewed hope and cheer. God will destroy them by their own plans. Come before Him with thankful hearts.” (Psalms)

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

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Respect other people’s views

The presidential election is finally over! However, the demonstrations that are occurring show how poor a job our school systems and our news media are doing. Acceptance, after the people have spoken, has always been the norm, and should still be the norm.

Another norm is respect for other people, their rights and their property.

All that is violated when crowds take over streets and highways and start destroying government or personal property. That is criminal conduct punishable by law.

Some demonstrators, and news media people, claim they are afraid of Trump. But if they supported his opponent, they should instead fear God. She stood for some things God calls abomination.

President Trump’s first official act should be to order all flags be flown at half-mast until this country stops the ungodly killing of the innocent unborn.

MANUEL YBARRA JR., Coalgate, Oklahoma

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How to truly pursue New Year’s resolutions

Almost 90 percent of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution. Less than 20 percent will succeed in accomplishing even one.

The beginning of the year is a great time for life improving resolutions. Common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, maintaining a budget, saving money, finding a better job, getting healthier, becoming more organized and spending more time with family.

Whatever your resolutions, here are some specific strategies to help you succeed. First and foremost is to take the first step, which is to start. Without action, there will be no success. Action creates results. Intention alone will not work.

Have written goals stating what you want to accomplish. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want to live within a budget, what is the amount? If you want to continue your education, what school will you go to and which classes will you take?

Take small but consistent steps. Habits are formed by frequent repetition over time. Change occurs by the same process. A resolution is not all or nothing. Partial change is okay. Any progress in the desired direction, regardless of how small, is a success. Accomplishing a resolution is a process, not a one-time effort.

Positive goals are more effective than negative ones. Rather than saying you will eat less, resolve to have a healthier diet. Instead of spending less time at work, you can endeavor to spend more time at home. Bad habits can’t just be eliminated; they have to be replaced by good ones.

Identify potential obstacles so they don’t surprise you. If you experience a setback, don’t give up. Don’t blame yourself if you stumble. Failure only occurs when you stop trying. Difficulties are an opportunity to learn. If you slide backwards, get back on track, get back in gear, and resume your progress.

Don’t keep your plans a secret. Develop a support system utilizing friends and family. Visualize how great you will feel as you succeed. Take credit for all accomplishments. It doesn’t matter if your progress is slower than you would like.

Don’t try to change too many things at once or you risk becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. You can have a long list of resolutions, so long as you realize all of the items don’t have to be addressed simultaneously. Each accomplishment can be followed by another. Change can begin at any time, not just on Jan. 1.

Believe in yourself and your ability to change. Change can feel difficult, uncomfortable or painful, but you can do it. Become determined to succeed. Don’t procrastinate. Although doing nothing is often an appealing alternative, it leads to frustration.

Each day is a new opportunity to work on your resolutions. If you were successful yesterday, fantastic – keep going. If yesterday was a disappointment, today is a new chance to make progress. Replace the word “try” with “will.” Do whatever it takes to get the results you want.

BRYAN GOLDEN