Earth Day cleanup slated at Honolua

Well, the volunteers are doing better than I expected (led by Dooma and friends), and my baseyard is full!

Earth Day is coming up, and we will be getting two dumpsters – one for metal, paid for by Surfrider Foundation, and another for rubbish (paid for by Save Honolua Coalition).

We will be working on Saturday, April 21, starting at about 8:30 a.m. If you want to help out, meet at the Honolua Baseyard. A Save Honolua banner will be on the gate mauka of Lipoa Point.

This cleanup is sponsored by the Save Honolua Coalition, Surfrider Foundation and Maui Land and Pine, assisted by Down the Hatch and Aloha Waste. Hope to see you there.

LES POTTS. Napili

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Celebrate spring by eating healthy

We all look forward to March 20, the first day of spring, balmy weather and flowers in bloom. It’s also a superb occasion to replace animal foods on our menu with healthy, delicious, eco-friendly vegetables, legumes, grains and fruits.

The shift toward healthy eating is everywhere. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Quiznos, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s all offer plant-based options. Major publications and popular websites tout vegan recipes.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt views replacement of meat by plant protein as the world’s #1 technical trend. The financial investment community is betting on innovative start-ups, like Beyond Meat, or Impossible Foods. Even Tyson Foods’ new CEO sees plant protein as the meat industry’s future.

Global Meat News reports that nearly half of consumers are reducing meat intake. Indeed, per capita red meat consumption has dropped by a whopping 25 percent in the past 40 years.

Every one of us can celebrate spring by checking out the rich collection of plant-based dinners and desserts in our supermarket’s frozen food, dairy and produce sections. An Internet search on vegan foods brings rich rewards.

LEX NAKAHARA, Honokowai

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Transition to humanitarian efforts

Demilitarize and revitalize the nations. Hawaii’s response to a false ballistic missile alert attests that North Korea’s nuclear threats are taken seriously. Kim Jong Un proved he is a force to be reckoned with, as is evident by the proposed summit with the United States.

President Donald Trump’s meeting with Kim Jong Un requires an innovative strategy to accomplish demilitarizing goals. After establishing common ground, including their powerful positions, military capabilities, illicit sexual conquests and obscene wealth, they can endeavor to become the world’s greatest peacemakers.

Collaborating on an extraordinary world-changing venture, President Trump, Kim Jong Un and South Korean leaders can demonstrate power to build up rather than destroy.

Exchanging ideas on international trade, industry, economic stimulation, agriculture, improved healthcare and education, and ways and means to provide safe, affordable communities can be the focus of the summit with resolutions to restore our nations.

Transitioning from military to economic and humanitarian endeavors would better serve North Korea’s world reputation. Recognize Korea as separate but equal nations that share a colorful rich heritage. Convert the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into a national peace park enjoyed by both countries.

Start planning a global event, the “Planetary Peace Party.” Eight, which represents regeneration and new beginnings, would be the days allotted for an annual international holiday. Celebrate history and culture, share food, have fun and in unity give thanks. Emphasize forgiveness and grace to learn from the past; experience joy in the present with hope for the future.

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

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Shame on you, Katy Perry

I am appalled that pop singer Katy Perry planted an unwanted kiss on an “American Idol” contestant during her judging duties for the show. Although the contestant, Benjamin Glaze, says he does not consider it to be sexual harassment, by definition it decidedly is. Glaze was even asked if he would have consented if Perry would have sought his permission for the kiss, and he said no.

Radio hosts giggled about it like nonconsensual kissing is funny. In particular, they had a good chuckle at Glaze’s comment that he “didn’t like it.” But “It’s Katy Perry!” I keep hearing, as though the fact that she’s a cute celebrity makes any difference.

This all reeks of the double standard that harms both men and women. In this case, the lack of consent for an intimate moment is being trivialized because it was a male on the receiving end. It is also supposedly funny, just like so many popular culture references to men “wanting” to be raped by “hot” women. Neither is good for men, who often struggle to report abuse and assault for fear of stigma. Nor is it good for women to reinforce the notion that unwanted sexual behavior is OK if they do it, or if the person is famous enough.

Still worse was the way the show glorifyied the moment. “American Idol” promoted it heavily before the show aired, despite Glaze saying he was a bit uncomfortable. Lionel Richie even egged her on as she did it.

I appreciate Glaze’s right to react as he wishes, and he has said he is simply happy for the experience of being on “American Idol.” Having been grabbed and kissed without my permission, I can say it made me feel dirty and disgusted, angry and sad. But the show, its fans and the trolls on radio, TV and social media who think that makes it all OK are all simply wrong. It is very definitely not OK. To engage in or condone such a repulsive ratings ploy is no better than to say it was OK for Harvey Weinstein to kiss Cara Delevingne without her consent.

LAURA FINLEY, PeaceVoice