LETTERS for the April 18 issue

“Water Theft Bill” proposed
The Sierra Club has long fought for the protection of Hawaii’s public resources and people’s rights to enjoy those resources. This morning, I am urgently writing to you about one of the worst public trust breaches of our time.
For decades, Alexander & Baldwin has diverted public water for their private profit while streams run dry and communities are forced to abandon their lo’i. Now A&B is set to profit off public trust waters in a whole new way. In their recent land sale to Mahi Pono, A&B promised the buyers access to 30 million gallons a day of public water from East Maui – or else they would give back $62 million.
But A&B is facing a problem. Their permits to divert public water are set to expire this year. Without these permits, they lose permission to divert and thus lose $62 million. So, just like in 2016, they have turned to the legislature, asking them to override a court ruling and give them another extension on their “temporary” permits.
That, my friends, is nothing but a corporate giveaway, plain and simple. If this bill, House Bill 1326, is passed, it would guarantee A&B keeps their millions of dollars they made off selling public water that they never had the right to sell in the first place, because all water in Hawaii is public. We cannot let this happen. E-mail the Senate and ask them to oppose HB 1326.
This “Water Theft Bill” solely serves A&B. It only affects A&B’s permits, and it provides absolutely no protection of our streams. Passing this bill is selling out to corporate greed – it is 100 percent not serving the people of Hawaii.
And I can assure you that A&B is working tirelessly to make sure this bill passes. We must stand together and remind our legislators that they were elected to represent us, not special interests.
Here is what you can do:
Flood their inboxes. E-mail all 25 senators.
Share your voice. Call your senator. Urge them to oppose HB 1326.
Spread the word. Tell anyone who will listen to you about this injustice. Invite them to contact the Senate.
E ola i ka wai. Water is life.
MARTI TOWNSEND, Sierra Club of Hawaii
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Help restore Kahoma heiau
On a quest to restore a heiau located in Kahoma (TMK 450100060000), it is necessary to do it the right way. If anyone can help, it would be appreciated.
Like Gideon in the book of Judges, Kahoma’s heiau has been destroyed. It’s time to: “Build an alter to the Lord your God. Build it on this high ground. Lay its stones in the right order.”
Wisdom is the major component of restoration. “The beginning of wisdom is the awe of Lord Jehovah, and the knowledge of the Righteous Ones is understanding.” (Proverbs)
When learning about Hawaii’s history, it’s best to go back to the beginning, when love was what ruled in hearts and minds. Returning to the idol-worshipping kapu system of Hawaii’s “Dark Ages” robs people of the true source of light.
Existing to this day and for these days are Hawaiians that know “the mystery.” Revival of Hawaiian culture requires these secret-keepers to reveal the truth about the One True Living Creator God – ‘Io – Jehovah.
‘Io was worshipped by Hawaii’s first inhabitants. Refusing to endorse the evil kapu system forced upon them, ancient Godly priests resigned from their positions.
Sworn to secrecy, their knowledge was imparted to selected children known as “the Pono Ones” to protect the knowledge of ‘Io.
Upon fear of death, the chosen ones were to “keep these things secret,” much like the message given to John in Revelation with imagery equal to Hawaii’s rainbow, blanket of clouds, bright sun, fiery lava and blowing the pu (trumpet).
“I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow on his head. His face was like the sun and his legs like pillars of fire… he put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land… He made a promise by the power of the One who lives forever… In the days when the seventh angel is ready to blow his trumpet, God’s secret plan will be finished. This plan is the Good News told to His servants.”
One outstanding Hawaiian servant of God is Henry Opukaha’ia. Honoring his legacy, the 2019-20 bicentennial commemorates the role he played in Hawaii becoming a nation that led the world in literacy, innovation and human rights.
Opukaha’ia was one of the most influential people of his time. Inspiring foreign missions, his testimony changed the lives of many people across the globe for eternity.
Returning in 1993 to the Big Island from Connecticut, Opukaha’ia’s remains were laid in a vault facing the sea at Kahikolu Church. In the resurrection when Christ returns, Opukaha’ia will be overjoyed to see his beloved people rising from the Hawaiian Islands.
Nearly every Hawaiian today has ancestors that believed the “Good News” receiving Jesus as their Savior. Hawaii experienced one of the greatest Christian awakenings ever recorded in history.
“Hawaii’s Great Awakening” occurring in the mid-1800s was followed by a great falling away as a result of evil doings. People calling themselves “Christians” exhibited Satan’s attributes to kill, steal and destroy.
Queen Lili’uokalani recognized the true identity of those imposters responsible for the overthrow. Her faith in Jehovah remained steadfast, evident in her Christ-like response of grace, forgiveness and love.
Revival of Hawaiian culture needs to go back to its origins of Love. For the “Pono Ones” with knowledge of ‘Io (Jehovah), now is the time for revelation.
`”The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed… God decided to let His people know this rich and glorious truth which He has for all people. This truth is Christ!” (Colossians)
MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina