politics letters expressing opinions for August 29

In the recent edition of West Hawaii Today, an article titled "What to do about tourism?" has sparked controversy among local residents. Critics argue that the article failed to address the question itself, leaving readers without a clear solution or proposal for addressing issues related to tourism.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Ben Rose, from Hilo, is seeking statements made by police officers who were internally investigated by the Hawaii Police Department. These statements were made after the officers were advised of their Garrity rights, which state that their statements in an internal investigation cannot be used in a criminal case. It's important to note that these statements were not made with the officers' Miranda rights being read to them, as is typically done in criminal cases.

The question of tourism's impact on the community has been a topic of debate. Charles Young, from Honaunau, questions the assumption that tourism provides a pathway toward upward economic mobility for future generations (mo'opuna). Young suggests that instead of focusing on the number of tourists (the eggs), more attention should be paid to the quality of the tourism industry (the goose) and the value it creates.

Young also challenges the current business model for tourism, describing it as extractive, environmentally unfriendly, quantity-driven, and a replacement for the plantation model. These concerns echo those of Vernon Ferreira, from Hilo, who believes that the case involving Deputy Attorney General Ben Rose appears to be a witch hunt. However, Ferreira also emphasizes that Rose must remember that he is not above the law.

Judge Peter Kubota has stated that Rose's office must conduct a proper investigation from the beginning, which includes administering Miranda rights to the officers. The case law Garrity v. New Jersey may provide further explanation on this issue.

Despite the criticism, the article does not specify any particular interest groups voicing opinions about tourism. Nor does it propose any specific actions or plans to change the current business model of tourism. The lack of a clear solution or proposal has left many readers questioning whether people view tourism as a problem to be solved or as a nuisance. Young proposes that asking "what to do" about tourism may not be the right question, suggesting instead that we should be asking "who to be" in relation to tourism.