Protestors should rethink stance on telescope

Regarding a telescope on Haleakala, many of us would ask for new consideration by those protesting against the telescope.

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, when opened in 2019, will be the largest and most powerful solar telescope in existence. This is the best place in the world for it, and it will be capable of studying the sun in unprecedented detail.

While benefiting all on Earth, because of concern over solar warming and rising sea levels, it will be of special benefit to those on the islands of the Pacific, now and in future generations. In addition, the $1.4 billion for the project will provide many jobs and be of great value to our youth interested in astronomy.

Leading the world in this is something that we on Maui should be proud of and not prevent from happening. The early islanders who discovered Hawaii were explorers and most likely would have encouraged this exploration.

Based on a deity, the whole world, the universe itself, and what man can and has accomplished could be considered sacred. Respect for the past should not keep us from using science and innovation to go forward and further improve and extend our lives from those in earlier times.

I know that those with connection to our founders have grievances, but I do not think that resisting the telescope would be favored by those founders. I ask that consideration be given to stopping the protests and not over highlighting them.

DR. GEORGE S. LAVENSON, Lahaina

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Theatre Theatre Maui thanks sponsors and supporters

Theatre Theatre Maui (TTM) wraps another great summer season of theatre thanks to the phenomenal creative team of Kristi Scott, Heidi Turner, Ben Zucker, Aida Moala, Felicia Chernicki-Wulf, Mary Beth Chin and Annabehl Sinclair-Delaney.

Our heartfelt thanks to our venue providers at Sacred Hearts, Festival Solutions and Lahaina Gateway Center; additional instructors Rachel DeBoer, Jason Wulf, Francis Taua, Chris Berube and Meagan Ceccarro; the outstanding photography of Ray Chin; Maui Onstage; Village Audio; Envision; Harmer Communications; Media Flow Productions; Maui Onstage; and Ricky Jones.

Very special mahalos for our community of parents and volunteers and the many donors, sponsors and grantors that made this year’s production of “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast” possible: the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Lahaina Music, LahainaTown Action Committee, The Beast & Spoon, Tropic Water, Old Lahaina Luau, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Plush Beauty Lounge, Barnes & Noble, Lahaina Grill, Cool Cat Cafe, Maui Preparatory Academy, Maui Academy of Performing Arts, Kumulani Chapel, The Gazebo, Wailea Golf Club, Four Winds II Maui, Lahaina Pizza Company, Starfish Aloha, Serendipity Maui, Monkeypod Kitchen, Start Me Up Sports Fishing, Mahina, Roy’s Hawaii, Maui Ocean Center, CJ’s Deli & Diner, and Maui’s Beach House. ?

After 25 years, Theatre Theatre Maui has thrived from the support of our fabulous families, campers, fans, teachers, board of directors, donors, sponsors, Lahaina News and community. Mahalo nui, our ‘ohana, for making another great year possible.

For more information about TTM, go to www.ttmwestmaui.org, call 661-1168, or e-mail admin@ttmwestmaui .org. You can also find us on Facebook.

THEATRE THEATRE MAUI, Lahaina

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Reinstating the Hawaiian government would set invaluable precedents

Consider the positive global impacts if the U.S. would relinquish control and reinstate the Hawaiian government. Leading by example, it’d provide invaluable precedents.

Benefits would be immeasurable, implementing God’s ideas for distribution of land, governance and integrating peoples.

How can we expect Israel to work out their differences in that hostile environment, if we can’t conceive of a reasonable solution for restoring the Hawaiian Nation?

Like Israelis, Hawaiians identify with ancestral covenants. David Malo wrote, “perhaps these people are those spoken of in the Word of God as ‘the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ “

Biblical principles for restoration are culturally appropriate. The majority of Hawaiian ancestors professed to believe in the “living God” and called him “Father.”

“He’s our God, in charge of the whole earth. And he remembers his Covenant – for a thousand generations he’s been as good as his word… Namely, ‘I give you the land.’ ” (Psalm 105)

Queen Lili’uokalani wrote, “He will keep His promise, and will listen to the voices of His Hawaiian children lamenting for their homes…”

She died before God’s promise was fulfilled to reinstate the nation of Israel. Lili’uokalani’s ardent faith in God to restore Hawaii lives on.

Hawaiian ancestors along with the forefathers of the United States set the stage for us to act now to show the world God’s way for restoration.

God said, “Then you’ll see how faithfully I’ve loved you and you’ll want even more, saying ‘Great is the Lord – even beyond the borders of Israel!’ “

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

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Farmers markets increase access to fresh food

There is nothing better than slicing up a ripe garden tomato fresh off the vine. However, some may not have the means to grow fresh vegetables in their backyards.

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we work with rural communities to build healthy, sustainable, local food systems. That includes supporting farmers markets.

Farmers markets expand access to fresh, healthy food in communities that need it most. They provide affordable, competitive prices for low-income families, and many accept food vouchers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 5,000 farmers markets across the country accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with the number of new locations increasing at an average 40 percent per year.

Vendors are reaping the benefits. In 2014, 362,477 SNAP households made at least one purchase at a farmers market, according to the National Farmers Market Coalition. That means more families are eating healthy and fresh local fruits and vegetables.

Farmers markets also provide beginning farmers a low-cost way to enter the marketplace and grow their businesses. Small and medium existing farms can supplement their revenue by selling at markets, supporting the sustainability of family farms.

The USDA reported 8,675 markets in the country in 2016, up from 2,863 in 2000. Many consumers now have the opportunity to eat food grown within a few miles of their homes. And, that money stays in their small towns, helping local economies.

RHEA LANDHOLM, Center for Rural Affairs