in response to the current lava flow in Lower Puna. To those who categorically oppose any effort to divert or influence the flow of lava: Its like saying we shouldnt board up windows when a hurricane is coming because that would somehow disrespect the hurricane, or not make buildings strong to withstand earthquakes...or build roofs over our heads to disrespect the sky and the rain. What about the huge concrete channels in Hilo to channel stormwater? They are incredibly ugly and destructive to the aina, animals habitat, and the water. If we had a traditional agrarian economy with no private property we could just shift and move out of the way of the lava like in the old days. If the government refuses to do anything then they should not attempt to have any restriction on private property such as building codes, zones, etc. The idea the government will not attempt to divert the flow but yet require us to build overbuilt immovable houses and other structures in Lower Puna is insane. I say divert the flow from the source or cede Lower Puna to the Hawaiian Kingdom and get rid of private property entirely in Lower Puna and return to the Ahupuaa system where we all take care of the land and each other. The government cant have it both ways. Do you really believe they would not attempt to divert the flow if it was headed to Hilo or Kailua? There is also the issue of the wounded feminine. Because of thousands of years of patriarchy and destruction of nature we are hyper-sensitive about anything perceived as hurting the feminine or nature. I understand and work with this. At the same time, fear of doing something harmful can actually manifest the fear. As much as i have respect for many aspects of Hawaiian and other indigenous cultures, i do not support a superstitious kapu system or the Alii warring, abuse and privilege. I support an integration of science, democracy, respect for nature, for integrating the masculine and the feminine. If you support all pre-European contact Hawaiian values then women cant eat bananas or eat in public and the Alii can kill you anytime they want for any reason with no recourse.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:08:50 +0000