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Letters to the Editor

Cede beaches to whoever wants to occupy them?

I have been noticing for the last few months that Poolenalena Beach Park has become an overnight camp for whoever wants to roll in and set up, any time of day. The gate is always open, in spite of posted open/close times. I realize we have some serious housing issues here on Maui, but this is essentially making a public park into a semi-permanent home to many folks and camper vans that are rented. This is unfair to the rest of the population that uses the park. I’d love to have free beach front accommodations. Our county officials seem to be selecting areas to cede to ...

Excerpts of letter sent to Sen. Brian Schatz

Lahaina desperately needs federal, state, county, and private parties working together. Since 2014, I have advocated for reclaimed water to be returned to Lahaina for agriculture and forestry to keep our community safe from wildfires. When I asked Kamehameha School/Bishop Estate why they had not done anything about the fallow agricultural land surrounding Lahaina, they informed me they needed a reliable source of water for irrigation. After discussing options with a former Pioneer Mill employee, I learned that the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility has infrastructure to pump ...

Concern over Pukalani potential fire hazard

I am writing to express my concern about a large lot in Pukalani that poses a significant fire hazard to our community. The lot, which long ago was Maui Pine, runs along Haleakala Highway and Aeloa Road, is managed by Kokua Realty. It has become severely overgrown with tall, dry brush, weeds, and trees, creating a dangerous situation that could easily lead to a destructive wildfire. As a resident of Pukalani, I am deeply concerned about the potential risks this lot presents to our homes, businesses, and natural environment. The dry, windy conditions in our area, combined with the ...

Just effort to keep Trump from winning election

Anyone who doesn’t think that this was all an effort to keep Trump from easily beating Biden is as ignorant as they come. The left isn’t even hiding their motives anymore. The blatant desperate efforts to keep Trump from being re-elected is all happening in front of our eyes and everyone from the media to the other corrupt officials are perpetuating this nonsense and normalizing these decisions. We shall see how the same people deal with it when the tables are turned one day. The left has made a mockery of this entire country and has shown that politics rule all. They will go ...

Can’t afford county affordable housing

I wish to propose a novel solution to some of Maui counties housing issues. Call the program. “I can’t afford affordable housing program.” Use substandard building materials such as Elmer’s glue press board and discarded pallets. Build them in water run-off areas of industrial parks. Please Maui County Council, the events of the last four years, (COVID, inflation, Lahaina disaster) have put a large cross-section of Maui residents in need of affordable housing. Please keep building, but please look at the rules and requirements to participate in this program. John ...

The state of mental health

I’m writing to offer collaboration on a piece regarding the current state of mental health issues and needs of my community. I have been the only Psychologist in Lahaina for 12 years with my team, and I’d like to offer some insight from not only the highest credentialed Psychologist on island but also as a Lahaina community member. We’ve served over 6k West Maui residents in our 12 years and it’s in my heart to share from this one of a kind perspective. I opened WMCC in 2011 with a Maui cruiser for collateral through MEO and a vision for quality access to mental health care for ...