• Knives on planes • Thanks for the help • Absurd ticket prices • Protect marine animals • Protect marine animals Knives on planes I noticed that, largely at the request of airline employees, the TSA reversed its policy a
• Knives on planes • Thanks for the help • Absurd ticket prices • Protect marine animals • Protect marine animals
Knives on planes
I noticed that, largely at the request of airline employees, the TSA reversed its policy a couple weeks ago and reinstated its ban on pocket knives as permissible carry-on items. The employees feel that this makes flying safer.
It seems to me that the danger is not from the knives but the passengers who might use them. Obviously then, the best way to make flying safe is to ban passengers. Then we could all take trains and ships — a more fuel efficient, more relaxed way to travel that lets us get in touch with the scenery — instead of the frenzy we now live with. We would also be able to carry luggage — lots of luggage like in the good old days instead of trying to figure out how fit two weeks of clothes in a carry-on bag.
Also, we could turn the airports into enormous neighborhood centers.
Henri Carnal
Kekaha
Thanks for the help
On June 2, my husband and I were about a quarter mile below Hanakapiai Falls when I fell on a slippery, muddy rock.
A helicopter arrived (I believe they were Rescue 3, Airborn Aviation team). These gentlemen were amazing. They seemed to know exactly what my ailment was and how to get me out of the jungle. The rescue was perfectly orchestrated.
I would like to thank these four men for risking their lives. I will always remember and am so grateful for your help.
I would also like to thank all the hikers who offered food, water, pain killers, examination of my knee, and called the emergency services when they reached a phone signal. Also special thanks to Michelle who shared her soursop, and the nice couple who gave us their ace bandage.
Vickie Bisbee-Cornwall
Tacoma, Wash.
Absurd ticket prices
Hawaiian Airlines’ arbitrary charges for ticketing are holding the Hawaiian local population hostage. When it costs over $300 to fly round-trip for local folks, something is wrong.
Five days ago, the cheapest ticket from Maui to Hilo was over $160. Other time slots are well over $220 on the same date for the cheapest level of service — a month ago it was $85.
Since the demise of Aloha Airlines, Hawaiian has no real competition. In its quest to expansion into more and more far-reaching foreign and domestic non-Hawaii markets, the cost of this is on the backs of everyone flying inter-island.
It’s time to look at re-regulating Hawaiian, and I, as well as many others, request that our state representatives look at taking over the free-for-all ticketing practices this airline is so cavalier in flaunting.
The questions need to be answered regarding how much of the local cost of tickets is subsidizing Hawaiian’s far-reaching hunger for more revenue and ever-increasing out of Hawaii expansion.
We should not have to pay the burden of this monopoly’s expansion, and there should be a two-tier cost for inter-island flight — one for tourists and one for locals — like it is done in many countries.
Don’t hesitate to contact your state senators and representatives to let them know you back getting better cost tickets for locals.
Sean Lester
Pukalani
Protect marine animals
I watched videos on YouTube of whale sharks feeding off fishing nets in Indonesia. Within minutes, hundreds of pounds of fish were completely devoured from the nets.
In Indonesia, the fishermen consider the whale shark to be good luck so they are working closely with scientists and researchers to be sure that the nets are not dangerous to the creatures.
Perhaps one day a similar feeling will evolve between the monk seals and local fishermen.
Rick Promer
Anahola
Kudos Gary Hooser
I want to thank Councilman Hooser for having the courage to introduce B2491 — the bill regulating GMOs.
After going through a few phone numbers to get to his office, I finally did. I heard this warm male voice at the other end of the phone saying a simple hello. I wanted to make sure that I had the right office so I asked, “Is this Gary Hooser’s office?”
I had never heard a simple hello come from any politician’s office before and I was stunned when he said, “This is Gary Hooser.”
I told him about my interest in regulating GMOs on this island and asked what I could do to help, and he told me. I never felt rushed at any time to get off the phone or to limit my questions. When we were done he told me that if I needed to speak about any issue to call his office and he would try to help.
I live part time in Washington, D.C., and whenever I called a politician in the past, I always got a bored response from his assistant or receptionist and never ever got to speak to the politician. How lucky we are to have this man be there for us on the other end of the phone.
Kudos again, Councilman Hooser, for standing up for our island and being there personally when someone calls your office.
Voting for you will always be a honor.
Gail Rosen
Lihue
