HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0936.049 2004-2006
August 22, 200&
Councilchair and Council Members
22 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii 46720
Dear Councilman Higa:
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My name is Jasmine M. Crowe. I am currently 15 years old and attending the T~ grade,
at Hilo High School. I have been paying attention to the issues and politics of the country'
for quite a while now, and am making sure that as a participating citizen, my voice is
heard. I feel that I should focus on making the world a better place, for all people.
However, many people are aware of the affects certain products are having on their
bodies that deteriorate their health, but still continue to use them anyway. This impacts
the environment and community around people, as well as the corporations and economy
that supply and make money off of these products. This is the reason why I am writing
about Bill 300.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, this bill has brought up a lot of controversy over the subject
of whether to ban alcohol from the local parks or not. Personally, I feel that alcohol was
never intended to be ingested into the human body system. It affects the brain and harms
people that use alcohol, as well as people who are not using these drugs, such as what
happens in car accidents that involve drunk drivers.
Also, with people spending all of the money that they do on these legal intoxicants,
instead they could be spending that money on things they need like their homes and
healthy foods to eat. Beer bottles litter our parks as well as streets all over the island. I
ride my bike over broken glass everyday, trying to avoid the messes. People continue to
be irresponsible about drinking, and also many other community issues. This does not
include a minority of the people who would argue that they are responsible. If people
want to drink, I don't believe in taking away people's rights, even though I don't think
that what they are doing is healthy for them. The police should arrest people who are
getting out of hand as they see the problem, and prevent "scenes" from happening when
they intuitively feel like it could develop into a problem.
Punishments don't solve anything. If people show love and compassion and care for other
people, the example shown inspires more than enforcement does. Perhaps we are
approaching the situation in a manner that doesn't work? Encourage people to care about
themselves and they will care for other people, and their wonderful, beautiful island that
provides us all with so much prosperity. It is up to the government, the people who
represent the "people" to set that example of caring for the betterment of everyone. I will
be voting when I'm 18 years old to elect the best representative I observe.
Please make copies and share my letter with the other Council members. Thank you for
your time.
Comm. No. •q Jasmine.Miranda Crowe /
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