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December 13, 2007
HAS BONE TO PICK WITH SHPD
Having spent almost eight years in various positions as an archaeologist in Hawai'i, primarily employed in historic preservation, one of the key problems has been the upper administration ("Skeletons in the Closet,"Dec. 6, 2007). With [Administrator Melanie] Chinen gone, [Governor Linda] Lingle on her last legs of her last term, and the hope of a new administrative change in the air at DLNR, one can only hope that the climate for historic preservation will improve.
Much of the problem, at least as I viewed it, is due to a lack of true understanding on the parts of island burial councils, archaeologists, and administrative elements. When I began working in Hawai'i in 1997, things were not pono between these groups, nor did they ever really improve.
Certainly, there were times when interaction was positive and voices were heard, but not often enough. Groups spoke at and past each other. Dealing with issues as sensitive as human remains means that all have to be equally heard. As long as there is development there will be strife. Chinen hopes that funding will improve. That would only solve part of the problem. Hearts and minds have to change and groups must be included in the consultation process. I worked with an excellent firm on Maui and Oahu and know that a spirit of cooperation exists there. Hopefully, with time, relations with developers, archaeologists, all citizens of Hawai'i, and administrative arms will continue to improve.
-John Dockall, via Mauitime.com
SPEED DEMONS
(Editor's note: the following letters are in response to Jared Libby's Dec. 6, 2007 story "Busted!: One Maui resident feels the sting of the state's tough new criminal speeding law.")
If we are to move together as elevated society, our citizens have to take responsibility for their REPEATED actions. Obviously, ticketing didn't work to help Laura Kaplan stop her excessive speeding. Seventy-seven miles per hour is unacceptable speed on the Pi'ilani Highway. Come to think of it, that speed isn't acceptable or legal anywhere in the U.S., even on mainland freeways.
Maybe a course on driver's education could help. Or a lesson in driving with aloha. Or learning the concept of what ohana is on these islands. Ironic is the fact that Laura is in the healing arts. She is also a menace and says she will continue to speed. Assertive and safe speeding? That's clear arrogance.
-Elena Lissone, Pukalani
Didn't the Maui Police Department publish over a month ago that they are doing a campaign to bust ALL drivers traveling more than the POSTED speed limit? People ASSUME they can drive 10 or [more] miles over the limit and be okay. Or just because others are riding your ass you are okay "going with the flow."
I am sure MPD published the fact that they are likely to ticket anyone... so WTF would one think 30 over—even on a "deserted" stretch—is not a prosecutable crime? I didn't know about the new law, but since I regard posted limits I really don't even need to know about it. Gotcha!
-Anonymous, via Mauitime.com
Was this article supposed to evoke sympathy for a stupid driver who can't keep it in her head that speed kills? Puhleeze! You deserve every minute you got in jail. How do you think she was driving 77 on a mostly crowded highway anyway?
-Anonymous, via Mauitime.com
Here's my favorite quote: "I was forced to spend 48 hours in a prison lock-up with long-term inmates, made to sleep on a concrete floor in a cell with two other women who lived there," she said. "Locked away 19 hours a day and made to pick bugs out of my food. How is this supposed to make me stop speeding?"
Not only does she not understand that speeding is dangerous and not appropriate behavior, I am not sure she understands that she might be risking incarceration. Even after she's spent a few nights in the gray bar hotel with her new best friends, she still plans on speeding?
-Jake Blues, via Mauitime.com
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