Letter for Sunday, August 25, 2019

Worker deserves respect for her efforts

I am horrified at the continuing abuse of the “maintenance worker” at the Salt Pond Beach Park by a small coterie of nasty park residents. Let me be clear: this group has painted graffiti on park’s coconut trees. This group urinates in the parking lot rather than travel the distance to the restrooms. This group actually asks my husband why he picks up a rake and helps clean where he sees messes: “Why are you doing that? Are you on the payroll?” This group is answered by my husband: “Because I am a Hawaiian. Because all of us share this ‘aina and this is how we do it. If you live here you are responsible.”

This is a small group of powerless men who have found a target in an older local woman who they perceive as weaker than they are.

I lived in that park for 10 years. This is my family’s beach. I have lived through several park caretakers. And yes, there is no doubt that that the county could do a great deal to improve the park’s facilities (all of which are outside the job possibilities of one incredibly diligent woman).

Over the years, so many visitors have befriended this lovely woman and sung her praises. Over the years, we have watched her solitary efforts to tame the beast that is the making of inconsiderate park residents who have agreed to disrespect both this kupuna and the ‘aina that they claim.

Inette Miller ‘Imaikalani, Kalaheo