Falling coconuts are dangerous

I have reached out to the deputy director of Parks and Recreation… no response. Yesterday, I called and left a detailed message with Elle Cochran… no answer yet. The day before, I spoke with the Maui Parks and Recreation Horticulture Department and expressed my concern for the 26 or so coconut trees that line the parking lot entrance to Honokowai Beach Park and the many that are nearly over the playground. The trees are full of large, full-grown coconuts. with some that are falling on the ground.

The man I spoke to said the coconut-trimming contractor for the county defaulted, and bids were going out now. It could be up to six weeks for all the public areas to be trimmed in the three islands. He would pass on my concern to the West Maui District.

I find ignoring a public safety hazard that may potentially cause injury or death to be reprehensible and want our public officials to think out-of-the-box to protect people and pets.

Ideas? I have two.

1) Bypass the normal chain of government. Alert the State of Hawaii to demand their assistance with a force of state workers to come here from Honolulu to get the job done in the immediate future.

2) Allow coconut plantations to send out workers to join with coconut processors and keep the coconuts they extract for business purposes.

Apparently, my concerns are not being taken seriously, even though this is an obvious safety issue. If your paper thinks it important, please check it out for yourselves. At the very, very least, you could get the word out for people to be cautious – especially tourists who are oblivious that danger lurks right above their heads.

ROBIN L. WATERS, Honokowai

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Why pardon a turkey?

President Trump is getting his pardon pen ready, as the Muller investigation starts indicting his associates. This Wednesday, he plans to practice on two very innocent Minnesota turkeys. The other 244 million turkeys killed in the U.S. this year have not been so lucky.

They were raised in crowded sheds filled with toxic fumes. Their beaks and toes were clipped to prevent stress-induced aggression. At 16 weeks of age, slaughterhouse workers cut their throats and dumped them in boiling water to remove their feathers.

Consumers pay a heavy price, too. Turkey flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that elevate risk of chronic killer diseases. Intense prolonged cooking is required to destroy deadly pathogens lurking inside.

Now for the good news: per capita consumption of turkeys is down by a whopping 34 percent from a 1996 high of 303 million, as one-third of our population is actively reducing meat consumption.

Our supermarkets carry a rich variety of convenient, delicious, healthful plant-based meat products, including several oven-ready roasts. This Thanksgiving holiday, as we give thanks for life and good fortune, let’s also skip the gratuitous violence and grant our own pardon to an innocent animal.

LEX NAKAHARA, Lahaina

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Bill would require Congress to approve nuclear first strike

I’m deeply worried by President Trump’s continual escalation of tensions with North Korea – a cycle that seems like it could easily devolve into nuclear war. It feels like we’re just one Tweet away from a conflict that could turn nuclear, which would put millions of lives at risk. That’s why I’m calling on my members of Congress to support the Lieu-Markey Bill. This bill would introduce much-needed checks and balances on the president’s absolute power over the U.S. nuclear arsenal by requiring congressional authorization of any nuclear first strike ordered by the president.

JACQUI SKILL, Lahaina

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Fifth Touchdowns for Tatas was a huge success

Our fifth certainly was the charm! I would like to thank everyone for supporting our fifth annual Touchdowns for Tatas held on Oct. 30, 2017, at the Beach House in Kahana. It was a huge success again this year as we raised $18,005, surpassing our goal of $15,000 and crushing last year’s total of $12,204! All monies raised are donated to the Pacific Cancer Foundation, where all donations stay in Maui County!

I wish to thank our major sponsors: Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures; Maui Jim; Ritz-Carlton Kapalua; Teddy’s Bigger Burgers; and UFO Parasail & Adventures. Of course, a big shout-out goes to Marty Dread for playing at half-time and after the game! Of course, we couldn’t hold this event without Dollie’s Pub & Cafe and the Beach House Bar & Grill. Thanks to Jim Anderson and Seth Kuperman! As always, Seth (as our emcee) outshined everyone in the pink costume department! Mahalo also to the Bud Light girls and for all the help I received from Rebecca, Jen, Rorri, Sandy, Nicole, Christine and the entire crew at the Beach House!

Nancy LaJoy from the Pacific Cancer Foundation and her helpers were at the event and sold many Maui Fire Department and Maui Police Department pink ribbon T-shirts and hats to raise even more money!

We had a hugely successful silent auction and prize raffle! Over 100 businesses contributed prizes, which really shows the love and support! Mahalo to all of our prize donors, including a special shout-out this year to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Makani Kai Air for representing Lanai and Molokai!

We look forward to next year, and we hope to see you wearing pink and joining us!

DIG ME DEB PATTON, Touchdowns for Tatas Event Coordinator, Lahaina

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Through faith, restoration is possible

Hawaii’s motto as spoken by Kamehameha III in 1843 may translate to: “the sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” By omitting “Jesus Christ,” things go downhill. The hope of nations is when people acknowledge: “The life/sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.”

Queen Keopuolani uttered those words on the day of her baptism and deathbed on Sept. 16, 1823. Believing in Jesus, baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment. Recognizing God as Sovereign, Keopuolani’s directive continued: “Take care of these lands which you have received from your father. Exercise a tender care over the people. Protect the missionaries, and be kind to them. Walk in the straight path. Keep the Sabbath. Serve God. Love him, and love Jesus Christ.”

Ranked highest, her power was greater than Kamehameha. Her authority dictated and established law. Disregarding the queen’s orders led to the demise of the kingdom. Influenced by western ways and ungodly advisers, land divisions and erroneous legislation abetted the overthrow.

Emphatically, the queen stated: “Cease not to keep the commandments of God, to love him, to obey his word.”

Keopuolani’s mandate was fulfilled by Queen Lili’uokalani’s Christ-like response to the overthrow, making them “heirs of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews)

Through the faith of these women, Hawaii’s restoration is possible. “There is hope in your future that your children shall come back to their own land… The Lord has created new thing in the earth – A woman shall encompass a man.” (Jeremiah)

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina