Thoughts on deadly
Saddle Road collisions
Here we go again. Another collision with deaths on Saddle Road.
And now a Legislature person will try to lower the speed limit again, huh?
Why? From what I have read about all the collisions up there on Saddle Road is that head-on collisions are the problem. What would lowering the speed limit do?
Maybe make it illegal to drive in the oncoming traffic lane if it is occupied by another car. That might be a law to pass. That would make more sense. Or the passing car must look to make sure the oncoming traffic lane is clear before passing?
Lowering the speed limit 5 mph or even 10 mph will not change the way people drive. They just need to be educated enough to know how to drive and when it is safe to pass.
Also, at this time last year, there were 12 deaths on our highways compared to seven at this time. That is nearly a 50% reduction and the speed limit is the same.
Please do not penalized the rest of us since these same people are still going to be out there on the road.
James Lehner
Keaau
Public should be involved
in tree-removal decisions
We received e-mail from the mayor’s office responding to concerns that we and many residents have about the planned removal of Cuban mahogany trees from Honoka‘a Park. This drastic plan was approved without any public participation.
The mayor’s email implies a decision that’s already made, giving unsupported reasons for refusing to … hold formal public comment periods.
How disappointing that the mayor is not listening to hundreds of concerned citizens who depend on the park for exercise, recreation, socializing. These trees benefit children and families at games, people awaiting the bus, walkers, kupuna and attendees at special events. The trees are beautiful, a habitat for birds and an integral part of Honokaʻa.
The public requests:
• Impartial arborist and planning evaluation (without ties to county or tree-removal service).
• Consideration of alternate proposals that accommodate ADA compliance while sacrificing the least trees.
• A phased approach that removes “problem trees” only as absolutely, maintaining the majority of healthy trees and planning for afforestation and care of new trees.
In the county’s letter, the necessity of cutting the trees is also linked to proposed restroom and other improvements, citing potential damage to utilities by tree roots.
Yet, it is obvious that almost none of the trees to be cut are anywhere near these utilities.
Can the county offer concrete information about the location of the problematic roots and consider changing the location of some of the affected infrastructure, such as parking spaces, ramps or pipes?
Having seen no formal plans or budgets, and had no chance to work collaboratively on a vision for the park, our community is expected to accept a complete removal of trees. A‘ole.
J.P. Kane and K. Getchell
Honoka‘a
