Giving thanks for a few things

It’s been a very long time since I submitted a letter to any local newspaper, but for the new year I felt it fitting to give thanks for a few things along with some other thoughts.

I appreciate that the Lahaina News arrives weekly in my mailbox, its contents filled with so much of interest to read and become aware of. You maintain a truly remarkable awareness of the pulse of our Maui community.

Much appreciation is due to the many organizations and individuals who commit their time, energy and effort to making countless contributions toward the well-being of our community, our environment and so many other things deserving of special attention.

I thought some appreciation should be expressed to a long time ago Hawaii Legislature that had the vision to prohibit the installation of roadside advertising billboards. The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is so much more clearly visible to see without the presence of such large, distracting eyesores.

I have noticed, however, there has been something of a proliferation of signage over the years that has recently reached something of a conspicuous pinnacle. It is undeniable that the Pali Highway is a treacherous roadway from the isthmus to the West Side, and that constant caution is essential to travelling it safely, but I think that the 127 (I counted them) large, yellow two signs (254 total) with their black arrows is something of a serious overkill. They are much more of a distraction than an aid to driving, and their intended purpose could have been accomplished with a third or fewer number. In places, they have been located on the two sides of the road so as to almost contradict the changes of the highway direction they are to be warning drivers of. It would be interesting to know what the total project cost was – our tax dollars spent.

I was sorry to learn the Sugar Cane Train is never more to travel anywhere for any occasion. I think of it with a sense of nostalgia every time I cross over the tracks in and out of the Wahikuli area on Fleming Road and see the old roadbed practically covered over with vegetation. And all the old crossing warning signs are in a sad state of wear and deterioration, but several still remain in place. But now there’s been an addition of a new sign that was recently installed ludicrously stating “TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE.” It would seem that there is no sign removal done by Maui County, only installation.

I recall when signage was installed all along in the Lahaina beach parks prohibiting some 20 different activities, an enumeration that certainly required some considerable deliberation. And then there are the “NO PARKING” signs all along the makai side of the road at Canoes that have been there so long, they are practically illegible. Yes, it was once the main road through into Kaanapali – a long time ago – but why is parking there still prohibited? So much for filing a few complaints. I should finish on a positive note.

I cannot adequately express how thankful I am that the “DONALD” is finally being impeached. After three years of continual criminal escapades too countless to list, and now with the near provocation of a war that could have involved much of the Middle East, he has shown off even more of the convoluted facets of his flawed character. The “swamp” needs draining now worse than ever, everywhere you find those numerous Republicans who are hanging onto Trump’s coattails for dear life, beginning with Mitch.

RICHARD HENRY, Lahaina

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Kid Zone appreciates foundation’s support

Kid Zone Maui would like to thank the Sophie DeLoria Foundation Fund for their generous donation of $2,000. Humble thanks is extended to the Hawaii Community Foundation for recognizing businesses in the community who will benefit from proceeds.

The recent donation will be put partly towards the purchase of new equipment and toward team travel expenses!

At Kid Zone’s annual recital held this year at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Francesca Scapolo was awarded the Sophie Mae DeLoria Joy-filled heart award for her love of dance. Elizabeth Triplett was awarded the Excellent Expression and Attitude award at the recital as well.

Kid Zone Maui, located in the Emerald Plaza Place in Lahaina, is dedicated to providing quality dance, tumble and rhythmic gymnastics to children.

SUE MARTIN, Kid Zone Maui

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Support Imua TMT

As many of you know, other than being a father, husband, lawyer and fan of playgrounds, I am also the executive director of Imua TMT. I am writing to all of you now to ask for your support of that amazing group, founded by my friend, Malia Martin.

If you want to know about the actual facts surrounding TMT, the legal procedure, how TMT is part of Hawaiian culture – both Native Hawaiian and the State of Hawaii – and all the benefits TMT brings to our state, look no further that Imua TMT’s panel discussions at www.facebook.com/pg/ImuaTMT/videos/?ref=page_internal.

I highly recommend the latest one we held in Hilo in December, where you can hear from three Native Hawaiian astrophysics students, a Native Hawaiian astronomy professor from UH Hilo and a Native Hawaiian attorney and musician all explain why they support TMT. Go to www.facebook.com/ImuaTMT/videos/vb.1894252764196677/711836849339620/?type=2&theater.

Your donations will help Imua TMT continue to spread the truth. And the truth is that the telescopes on Mauna Kea, and the astronomy industry in Hawaii, are part of our culture.

Mauna Kea is a special place because it can unite culture and science. We all know Greek and Roman mythology, because the stars and planets have Greek and Roman names.

Because of astronomy on Mauna Kea, celestial bodies, including our own galactic supercluster Laniakea, carry Native Hawaiian names, which will drive all future generations to learn Native Hawaiian mythology and perpetuate our culture for all time.

SAM KING, Honolulu