Letters for Thursday, December 18, 2014

• Presidential Library below sea level? • Less blatant recognition for pier restoration

Presidential Library below sea level?

Hawaii is “in the running” to host President Obama’s Presidential Library. I certainly support this. However, I note that the proposed location in Kakaakao is currently (according to GoogleEarth) six feet above sea level. Some predict sea level will rise as much as 6 feet by 2100. What are the chances that Hawaii will get the Obama Library?

John Zwiebel, Kalaheo

Less blatant recognition for pier restoration

As a resident of Hanalei, I walk the pier on a daily basis. It was quite shocking to find a massive rock, with a large metal plaque honoring individuals and companies involved in the 2013 pier restoration, at the entrance to the pier. While we all appreciate the fine efforts of those who helped, I cannot understand the need for such a large honorarium right in the middle of the passageway, limiting access, not to mention altering the image of the pier, the end canopy and views beyond.

This is not the first pier renovation. There have been several, more involved pier projects in the course of its existence, none of which were so ingratiated with notoriety. Is it necessary for these folks to have such blatant recognition? Frankly, it is disconcerting at best.

If it must be so, then please consider putting the rock to the west side of the pier, adjacent to the entrance, where people can peruse the multitude of names without thoroughfare interruption. After all, the Hanalei Pier has existed all these years without personal aggrandizements; let’s not start now. And once again, mahalo very much to all those who contributed time, effort and money in the restoration of the Hanalei Pier.

Albert Baroni, Hanalei