The recent emergency rules passed by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to restrict access to Mauna Kea are a knee-jerk reaction against Native Hawaiian demonstrators and are clearly unconstitutional.

It not only shows a lack of compassion, but also a lack of respect for our host culture.

The 1995 Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH) decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, Article 12, Section 7, guarantees the rights of Native Hawaiians to practice their culture on Mauna Kea. An emergency rule cannot negate the state Constitution.

While I am cognizant of the complexity of this issue, I am very disappointed that there has been talk about intervention by the National Guard. If this happens, it will be a clear sign that the Ige administration is unwilling or unable to work out a peaceful and equitable resolution.

Rowena M. Akana
Trustee-at-large, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Science can co-exist with spirituality

Recently on television, one of the Mauna Kea protesters explained why it was wrong to build the telescope on this sacred location.

I was moved by his sincerity. There’s no question in my mind he thinks he’s doing the right thing.

Before we are quick to assume that science and spirituality cannot co-exist, though, it’s interesting to note that scientists are finding there are many parallels between the two disciplines. Much of what is presented in the ancient Vedic literatures can be shown to reflect findings found in modern scientific journals. Can we be absolutely certain Madame Pele would disapprove of this scientific endeavor?

It’s said this telescope will unlock many of the mysteries of the universe. In my mind, a fiery, but compassionate entity like Pele might very well welcome an endeavor that affords humanity such astounding data, particularly if attempts are made to ensure the personnel employed there are provided with sensitivity training, and at all times maintain utmost respect and proper decorum.

The world and humanity could be well-served by this melding of science and spirituality.

Michael Moore
Kailua-Kona

U.S. flag at rail site was great to see

Mahalo to the rail workers in Waipahu who raised an enormous American flag at the job site for the Fourth of July.

The tradewinds cooperated and unfurled the Stars and Stripes in all its glory.

It was a beautiful and proud sight to see.

The (Phyllis) Grado Ohana
Ewa Beach

Drivers need to use turn signals more

Why can’t drivers use their car turn signal all the time? It’s the easiest thing to do.

Using your turn signals won’t confuse pedestrians; it lets them know which way drivers are headed, thank you very much.

It would help prevent minor accidents and would keep the flow of traffic moving.

Patrick Carvalho
McCully

Plastic bag ban assumes all are alike

The articles about the plastic bag ban have me baffled.

I get the impression that some of the users live next to a supermarket and shop frequently for a few items. They say they take their approved bag.

We shop once a week, drive 16 miles and usually have at least 10 bags to bring home.

A statement on the plastic bag says to return it where you got it for recycling. I guess that means re-using. I think the gray household garbage cans will be receiving raw garbage and, of course, will have to be cleaned regularly.

I agree it is a major problem, but someone should be able to figure a way to destroy these unacceptable bags. Maybe all the supermarkets should contribute to a fund to do this. Users likewise could be asked to contribute.

Bob Frye
Sunset Hills

Who’s messing with beautiful viewplane?

Who is being allowed to ruin what was a beautiful viewplane across from Poamoho Estates on Kaukonahua Road?

It has become a dump for old rusty equipment, trucks, trailers, boats and other assorted junk. Old fencing has been laid out along the edge that is really ugly. There has also been some grading done — is it legal? What is the plan, if any, for this piece of land? It is an abomination.

Barbara Hazenfield
Waialua

Find a crop that doesn’t poison us

Let’s get real. The poisonous vog in Hawaii is bad and we can’t stop it. Vog plus cane smoke equals what for Maui?

If Maui’s people really want to stop sugar cane smoke from getting into our kids’ lungs, then we have to find a way that banning these poisons will put money into politicians’ pockets. We need to join the hotels, Monsanto, developers and others who’ve been paid off for decades.

Damage to lungs due to poison gas (banned globally) is a very hard, long, slow, tortured way to live and die. We have friends and relatives who are dying of lung diseases. I wonder how our cane workers’ lungs look?

Find a crop that doesn’t poison our workers or our kids.

Bobby Baker
Kihei, Maui