• Hawaiians deserve some assistance • Trail history walk was educational Hawaiians deserve some assistance Perhaps politicians are way ahead of me and have thought of this, then ruled it out for being unconstitutional or something, but is it impossible for lawmakers to protect residents
• Hawaiians deserve some assistance • Trail history walk was educational
Hawaiians deserve some assistance
Perhaps politicians are way ahead of me and have thought of this, then ruled it out for being unconstitutional or something, but is it impossible for lawmakers to protect residents born in Hawaii? I’m guessing that being American, we must be governed by the free enterprise system where money rules all, huh? No way to charge a lower tax rate to anyone born in Hawaii, I suppose? We’re all at the mercy of supply and demand: rich outsiders want to move here so tough luck to those of us born here? Too bad if those who can’t afford housing, can’t afford to relocate to the Mainland, huh? Just let them struggle on the sidewalks or in the bushes like feral cats.
It seems to me that being born on the most remote islands in the world should merit some kind of consideration. It’s not as though we can jump on our cars and seek a cheaper, less desirable location like those who live on the Mainland. How is it that New York had rent control and we don’t? Is it simply shortsightedness on our lawmakers’ part or some law that New York is exempt from that Hawaii is not? Is there no way to tax out-of-state buyers of Hawaii property? Why are we so eager to let more people move here when we can’t accommodate those already here? Not that I blame anyone for wanting to move here, of course, but there should be something in place to give an advantage to those already living here.
I hope some clever, conscientious lawmaker — not an oxymoron is it? — would come up with something that would give those born here a fighting chance at retaining/acquiring property. It breaks my heart to see people struggling so hard just to live where they were born … and often losing.
Colleen Toyama – Kapaa
Trail history walk was educational
My family has visited this beautiful island annually for nearly 20 years. This year, I was fortunate to attend the Hapa Trail history walk conducted by Ted K. Blake and some of his preservationist associates. I am embarrassed to admit I knew nothing about the rich agricultural history of the South Shore until this event. What an amazing tour it was! I strongly encourage all visitors, as well as new residents of Kauai to contact Malama Koloa to learn more about the efforts of local resident volunteers to preserve these ancient and historic sites.
Mahalo, Ted, for a great educational experience!
Tony Sarge – Eldorado Hills, Calif.
