Sad for all of us
October 26, 2011 | 07:28 AM

My son, his friend and I attempted to hike the trail just yesterday. We're on the island visiting family and have walked this trail before. We met a gentleman who lived at the first gate-Even he was not sure just what the rules are now. We passed the first gate anyway and made it just about as far as the reporter, one bend BEFORE the razor wired gate. As we walked along the waterway remembering the beauty ahead, my adult son and his friend became increasingly concerned with the signage-Clearly some new next to conflicting older signs. We decided to turn back at the Wailuku Water Company sign and while on our way to the beach, googled the story. How very sad for all of us, but most especially Maui's kanaka maoli. I do not feel it my "right" as a visitor here (like the reporter has suggested) but more a privilege to experience this special place. But the local valley families are a different issue. Hopefully, this situation will be resolved so all of us can feel the power of the valley again.

Bonnie Shamblin
Pleasanton