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LETTERS for the May 5 issue

By Staff | May 6, 2022

Navy story leads to reflections on life

Before my son moved off-island, I had him assist me with techy things around the house. Starting a blog six years ago, I never followed through with posting anything. The day he left, I hurriedly wrote something to take advantage of his help. I will try to be more vigilant in the future to write things for Hawaii Lincoln Blogs at WordPress.com. The following is what I posted.

“Recently shopping at a local fundraiser flea market, my husband and I visited with a well-known community member. Commenting on his USS Enterprise hat, he told us someone stationed on the same aircraft carrier offered to help set up his booth. Though serving in the Vietnam War on the same ship, they had never met until that day. I inquired how that was possible.

It was then I learned the ship was home to 5,000 people. Having watched many war movies, it never occurred to me that so many people were on one ship. Five-thousand people is the size of a town. Logistically, it seemed impossible to function remotely in the middle of the ocean. Where do you fit that many service personnel along with food, water, toilet paper and everything else necessary for survival? After responding in awe to the magnitude of the ship’s size and capacity, he continued to share how efficient it was as well. At 2 o’clock in the morning, the entire crew would mobilize to battle stations when under attack.

Finding this all fascinating, I asked what his responsibilities entailed. He was the electrician responsible for maintaining the equipment controlling the light guiding the pilots safely on deck. In my ignorance, at first, I imagined him on the deck with flashlights. Picturing him directing aircraft like people guiding commercial planes to terminals, he patiently explained otherwise.

Special behind the scenes equipment operate a landing light called the meatball. I forgot to ask why the Navy called it that. As the ship would rise and fall with the ocean waves, the light would remain steadfast to allow pilots to navigate safely on deck. Aligning their equipment to the light, they would be able to land their plane. Obviously, the maintenance crew had a great responsibility ensuring the equipment was operating properly. The lives of the pilots depended on it.

After hearing the story, it made me think how much landing a plane on an aircraft carrier is like life. Flying my plane, I want to land safely on the deck when my mission is over. The ship is like Heaven. The court before the Throne of God like the flight deck.

After an adventurous flight of life, including thrilling experiences along with tragedies and battles, in the end, I want to land my plane safely to the arms of my Heavenly Father. Jesus is the “meatball.” Jesus is the Light responsible for me to get to God the Father. Even when the seas are rough, with all the ups and downs of life, Jesus is the Light to focus on.

Right now, with my son moving away and getting married, dealing with breast cancer, and the stress of the Kahoma Village lawsuit fiasco, keeping my eyes on Jesus, I can safely navigate these rough ocean waves.

Behind the scenes, working with the Light, is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God guides, directs, convicts, comforts and intercedes on my behalf. The Holy Spirit makes sure I can see and follow the Light.

This is why the only unforgivable sin is the blasphemous rejection of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit of God, you cannot see Jesus. Jesus is the Light of the world. Without following the Light, you miss the deck.”

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

State lawmakers should kill HB1434

(The following letter was sent to state lawmakers.)

2022 has been a whirlwind of legislation. The entire State of Hawaii is just beginning to get adjusted to the last two years of COVID-19 upheaval and adjustment in all different levels of society.

House Bill 1434 (Authorizes counties, after adoption of an ordinance, to sell private property after all notices, orders, and appeal proceedings are exhausted, and to use those revenues to pay unpaid civil fines related to that property), is premature and too dangerous to pass this legislative year.

There are many unanswered questions. Fundamentally, it egregiously lacks public engagement and in providing an open and transparent government. It’s one of the best-kept secrets this session.

To adopt such a groundbreaking and severe legislative decision WITHOUT each legislator warning, educating or engaging with his/her affected residents is malfeasance and sorely lacking in representation.

This is not just some budget or public work or social support issue — this is about the quick taking of private property by the government, which already has immense powers.

On the state level, adopting HB 1434 would be akin to simply throwing the baby out with the bath water with no thought of the unintended consequences or property rights. Why give immense blanket powers for a few “problematic” properties?

The Hawaii State Legislature cannot eliminate Due Process, Private Property Rights, and Equity and Fairness from our residents with this HB1434.

The handwriting is on the wall that HB 1434 will inevitably punish the unsophisticated residents and those without powers and connections to fight or fend for themselves. Legal fees are expensive.

Those who are affluent and connected will always find a way out.

There must be robust discussions on all fundamental facts, accuracy of information, and especially the unintended consequences that will inevitably occur should this bill is adopted.

It’s a known fact that most of our property owners work and sacrifice much to own a private property. Not many are born with a silver spoon in their mouths.

This is alarming! This agenda cannot be taken lightly. How many states are adopting this kind of power?

The public at large remains in the dark and are unaware of this severe and transformational legislation. This will come back and haunt the decision-makers in the near future.

We sincerely ask you to REJECT HB 1434/SB2110 this session. Engage, educate and warn the people in ALL COUNTIES first.

That’s the only democratic route to take on this one. Restore trust in Government.

CHOON JAMES, Honolulu