DoBOR harbor management disappeared with the arrival of the pandemic - word's out and illegal activity in harbors spike as primary-residence boaters forced from harbor during lockdown
Government officials eerily silent
-opinion-
The pandemic of 2020 has turned out to be the Big Reveal. While one part of our government here in Hawaii has been working to contain the effects of the coronavirus epidemic, another part of the exact same government continues to force polices on the public that actually help spread the contagion.
To most, it’s not surprising that DoBOR, once again, is at the center of the controversy. They’ve been notified, in writing, of their violations and yet they do nothing – with an almost callus arrogance. In the bigger picture this is the defining symptom of a dangerously dysfunctional government; there has been no pressure brought to bear from the State’s Attorney General’s office, Lt. Governor’s office, Governor’s office, nor from any legislator and, least we not be surprised, not a word from DLNR chief, Suzanne Case.
Taken together, one might say that our leadership is a symphony of skin flautists, intent on cultivating the perception of competence, while pandering to and delighting the wealthy out-of-towners who continue to pollute our local environment. The erosion of the quality of life for local residents here seems not to be of concern.
The mainstream media in Hawaii has been eerily mum on the DoBOR incident. But then, they’ve got bills to pay and must measure their reporting carefully, making sure, perhaps, not to step on the wrong toes. We’re in an economy-crushing pandemic, after all, and news agencies were struggling to survive long before this. Now, more than ever, would be a good time for media outlets to tread lightly -- the DoBOR thing . . . meh, suddenly not so important.
This has been our legacy here in Hawaii. This is an island community and rocking the boat here is not cool. A lot of powerful people know that now . . . and they are increasingly taking advantage of it, and the good people of Hawaii.
Residents in Hawaii should, by all means, adhere to the most current version of the social distancing guidelines. It is quite possible that someone close by, asymptomatic, is a carrier. And while you may not show symptoms right away, you could become a carrier of this extreme contagion and subsequently cause the death of a loved one somewhere in our community.