New Water Bottling Plant in Hilo Proposed

[Rob Tucker]

I have come to the conclusion that real time life threatening environmental issues are on our horizon. Pollution of all types is as much a by product of people themselves as the basic economic system in which pollutants are generated.

Capitalism is not compatible with environmental solutions. This is not an opinion I share with pleasure or enthusiasm. I base this opinion on simple analysis of the capitalistic system which asks no questions of human occupations/production except "Is it profitable?".

If we can add the question "Is it in the best environmental interest of a healthy planet?" of any and all manufactured products then the right to manufacture any crap we can make money with must change and that is not free enterprise.

I consider this to be a disturbing prospect but one which we will inevitably have to face or ignore. Personally I think we will fail at this and a down graded environment with all that entails is on our future.

This is one basis upon which I choose the Puna District of Hawaii for my home. I can't think of a better vantage point for watching the world devolve. Luckily for me I am getting old. I will provide for my kids here as best I can.