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Altho' some may object to this posting here, I felt it was more of general than political interest. Commentary on Emily's commentary on the happenings at Pohoiki?
VIDEO: Drinking, rowdiness at Pohoiki prompts possible prohibition (without proper permit)
http://bit.ly/knhwE
How many times has the public here gone to the police as well as our government representatives about this very problem, not just at Pohoiki but throughout the district and the ISLAND?
THUMBS DOWN ALL AROUND!
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While it is good that Emily Naeole is proposing to do something about the problems, it won't matter if the police do not enforce any new regulations. They already seem to have difficulty enforcing existing laws concerning ATV use, speeding, and racing at that location.
Ratcheting up the demands for more police resources throughout Puna might be a better expenditure of effort. I attended a meeting in Volcano recently where the Chief of Police openly admitted that Puna was getting less than its share of police personnel. He did not, however, propose any permanent solution for this inequity although he had temporarily reassigned some Hilo detectives to Puna. My question is this: If we know there is a problem and we know Puna continues to be the population growth focus of the Island, why are we dealing in temporary measures? Sorry if my cynicism is showing once again, but politics is the only answer that comes to mind.
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I will point out that the Police Commission consists of nine members. One from each district.
The seat for Puna District remains vacant. All other seats are filled.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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This video was from the Mayors' Talk Story in Pahoa (excluding the beautiful scenes from Pohoiki... they make the story seem so much more real!).
I am not sure what in it would be thumbs down (eta: other than the actions by the youth & inaction by the police). Emily was very concerned that if these actions are happening with her around, then what is happening when she is not there. There is a need for more policing of peoples actions at Pohoiki, and vehicular abuses, "scrapping" and alcohol abuses are some of the things that police can act on. It is far easier for the police to act on alcohol if there are measure to limit the use, and this is for a prohibition WITHOUT permit... this has worked other county beach parks in reducing the "insanity".
The alcohol prohibition without a permit at Pohoiki has been bounced for a while, and Pohoiki was in the running when the prohibition was placed at Richardsons. The biggest concern then was allowing alcohol use in a high traffic area like a boating ramp. Now there is even more concern with the bypass and the road abuses that are happening, including the quad riding that Emily saw. (eta: some of the community members that did not want alcohol restrictions placed at Pohoiki were advised then that Pohoiki could be reconsidered in the future... I saw this as a warning, one that was not heeded)
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Please look into news and details of an assault of a long time Fire dept water safety officer at Pohoiki (Isaac Hale beach park) by a younger "local" coworker. The Police worked hard to convince the victim of the assault to "not" press charges due to the local system in place at Pohoiki, despites evident injuries sustained by the victim. Even thought the injured WSO is Hawaiian, he had to go to a police station to get assault charges rolling. The beauty of the location is ruined by violence and racial threats due unfortuntely to ignorance, alcohol and drugs, and misunderstanding. Though turning the area into a police state situation is unfortunate, what are our alternatives?
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Making the area a little less isolated would be a good start. Cell phone towers and a few county public safety officers, would go a long way. As it stands now the remoteness gives it, an anything goes isolated feel. I catch the vibe and keep on truckin, I think that is the intent
Aloha
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improved cell service would be a very good idea. isnt there a Cow(cell tower set up on a trailer) out by the lava flow, maybe they could park one at pohoiki to try it out
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Rob,
Why is Puna's seat on the Police Commission vacant?[?]
