|
August 14, 2008
REEF-BUTTAL
I was very disappointed by the recent Rob Report and its accusations of the unregulated aquarium trade plundering Hawaii's reefs ["Reef madness," July 24]. The two collectors here on Maui are thoughtful marine resource users like anyone else and their practices are ecologically sound. To suggest they are plundering the reef, which implies they are stealing, is completely inappropriate. Rob's report offered no commentary from the collectors themselves who have consistently said that sound regulation of the fishery is essential for its wellbeing. Almost all of the testimony for SB3225 from collectors statewide echoed this sentiment. There are about 250,000 recreational and commercial fisherman and less than 150 aquarium collectors. A representative from the DAR referred to the aquarium industry as a "pinprick" compared to the problems from all the other impacts on the reef. The problem is that this just isn't about the reef, it's also about the keeping of wild animals in captivity. While I have tremendous respect for the Humane Society and the work they do, their position is about establishing overly cautious public policy, not about whether given the right circumstances the fish may do well in captivity. It's like asking NIDA for positive commentary on medicinal marijuana. I was surprised that Mr. Parsons didn't make the connection between his report and the article on the overfishing of predators by Jessica Armstrong. The two are tightly interrelated. Mr. Parsons testified at the Gov. Advisory Council right after I did, and that is exactly one of the points I made so he was aware of the connection. I sympathize with Director Thielen's comments that enforcement of regulations is always "the" challenge and I have a suggestion: Other states empower law enforcement officers to enforce environmental regulations, perhaps we could look into doing the same.
Darrel R Smith, Kihei
VOTE HOPE
Aloha, its election time again! And for me it is time to pick candidates with the awareness to see the shifting paradigm of changes here on Maui. Who is really for sustainability, or the hope of self-sufficiency? Who is ready to give up the big trucks, big construction and business-as-usual program that builds large profit luxury homes for short-term jobs, at the expense of long-term interests such as clean accessible beaches and valuable agriculture land? What is needed to be considered is more not less farms and more walkable communities like Lahaina, Paia, even Kihei. Enough drive-through bedroom communities. Must we continue to sacrifice the beauty, vitality and life-giving forces of our island to clear the way for more Wailea, more development in Honolua? Let's go forth with some choices that preserve, not surrender, what we have left.
Dot Buck, Pukalani
SPANKS A LOT
Re: Starr Begley's recent column on spanking ["Worst mom ever," Aug. 7]: I couldn't agree more! Allowing a child to be out of control, to behave in any way the child chooses, to grow up to believe that words and actions don't have consequences, that's abuse, that's neglect. Some short-term discomfort can save a lifetime of unhappiness. At 60, as an aging hippie, I find myself agreeing with Starr!
Mark Haynes, submitted online at mauitime.com
INK ABOUT IT
Hey, I liked your tattoo story ["'Ink'ing it over," August 7] but did you really make that guy get the title tatted on his back?!? If so, that's one dedicated model!
Ben Thames, Kihei
Ed. Note: No, our model wasn't that dedicated; the "tattoo" was actually drawn on with a Sharpie. But I'm sure Circle at Evolved Art, who applied it, and our production team, who added some finishing touches, will be happy to hear the illusion worked.
| |
|
|
| |
| |
| Entertainment and lifestyle news for Maui, Hawaii and the surrounding Islands. Maui Time Weekly is Mauis only independent and locally owned newspaper.
Mail this link to a friend |
|
|
