A point of argument is that the state inherited this unwarranted boondoggle from the territory of Hawaii which allowed this monopoly of the island and a violation of anti-trust laws. The State conveniently overlooked the obligation of the original Ranch owner which subsequent owners inherited by purchasing the properties en total. Maui county glossed over its responsibility, collected county taxes from the Molokai people and fed its coffers to maintain the island of Maui forgetting its other islands within its responsibility. The State did likewise. Now comes the time to pay the piper and it hedges on it and expect the Molokai people to assume the brunt of the maintenance of its water pipes and pumping station, roadways, and public properties.The taxes assessed to Molokai and Lana'i was primarily used to maintain and build up Mau'i and added to the State's coffers. The State and Mau'i county relied on the monopolizing owners of those islands to maintain the PUC's responsibilities and simply passed the buck of its obligations.When Aloha Airlines folded, the uproar and concern was overwhelming to get the employees back on their feet through an over-abundant assistance generated for them. Molokai people? Not so much as a belch from the State, Governor Lingle, nor the Mau'i County.The premeditated vindictive actions of the Molokai Ranch owners committed against the Molokai people is egregiously criminal, yet the local governments persist in penalizing the Molokai people while condoning the actions of the Molokai Ranch. There is something terribly wrong with this line of actions.The logical course of action would be to reprimand the Molokai Ranch for their breach of trust, obligations, and responsibilities by forcing them to bring the water system up to par and to use eminent domain to eliminate their monopoly on the island which they are scarce to afford and maintain, thereby breaking up their seditious hold over the island. They have committed a serious tort against the residents of that island; seriously injuring them economically and curtailing their independence and chosen lifestyle.Historically, Molokai community have been industrious, spiritually sound, and supportive to what is pono and just. They practice "Malama ka 'aina" and know their kuleana. We should support these remarkable people any way we can and not prey upon them like a fox in a henhouse. They deserve more respect than we have already given them which has not been more than a hiccup. Shame on the State, Mau'i County, and shame on us!Tane
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