Here is your chance
to help protect reef fish
I’m certain I took a civics class somewhere along the way, but to be honest, I have no recollection of what I learned. I do, however, remember the last time I appeared before the state Legislature and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to submit testimony on decisions that would affect the future of my family and my community. I think this is what a civics class was meant to achieve — civic duty, civic engagement.
What if I told you that public policy is destroying your resources. Would you engage? What if I told you that public policy diminishes the opportunities afforded to your children and your grandchildren. Would you engage?
Realistically, most of us have neither the time, resources nor the patience for that. But I believe we all have the desire to make things better for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.
On April 1, there will be a public hearing on whether to move forward on the Division of Aquatic Resources’ proposal to issue permits for the collection of West 91直播’s reef fish for aquarium use.
These fish will be shipped and sold out of state to aquariums overseas. None will be available for your or your children’s nourishment.
The public hearing affords everyone a chance to support or oppose that proposal. All you have to do is show up, take some time away from your busy lives and engage.
The underlying incentive to move forward with issuing permits is profit. Yes, some people make good money from collecting and selling aquarium fish. That choice will likely not be available to them should the proposal fail.
Those in opposition ask whether the use of a public trust that supports an industry that delivers profits to a few residents and huge profits to out-of-state sellers is a good thing. Of course, it’s more complicated than that.
Keep in mind that these fish are held in trust for your benefit.
The meeting is Wednesday, April 1, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kealakehe High School Cafeteria (in person only), 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.
Hope to see you there.
Charles Young
Honaunau
Kona’s parking problem
needs to be addressed
I am writing to express serious concern regarding the current parking situation in Kailua-Kona and its impact on both the community and local businesses.
Kailua-Kona was once a vibrant town where residents and visitors gathered regularly to dine, shop and spend time together. My friends and I used to visit multiple times a week.
Today, we — and many others — no longer go into town due to the parking limitations.
The current system does not allow enough time to meaningfully experience the town. Visitors can barely complete a meal, let alone walk through shops or support multiple businesses.
This significantly reduces foot traffic and directly affects the viability of local businesses, many of which are already struggling with high operating costs.
This is not just an inconvenience — it is having a measurable negative effect on the local economy and the sense of community that Kailua-Kona once offered.
Additionally, we already have homeowner tax allocations intended to preserve and support public spaces for community use. It would be worth seriously considering using these funds to regain control of parking and return it to the public.
Without action, the current situation will likely continue to discourage both residents and visitors from coming into town.
I respectfully urge the county to review the current parking structure and consider practical solutions that restore accessibility, support local businesses, and revitalize the town center.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Debra Crumby
Kailua-Kona
