Cuts big mistake for Hana town's health

The state's recent decision to cut funs at the only clinic in Hana, Maui, was a rash choice that could cost lives. In case of an emergency, the only alternative would be a dangerous two-hour drive to Wailuku, Maui.

Now, in addition to a potentially life-threatening drive on Hana Highway (famed for its treacherous turns and twists), patients requiring emergency medical treatment must face another concern: road construction.

The state highways division will begin repairing a collapsing section of the highway in April. This will cut off Hana highway and leave patients with potentially critical medical conditions with no alternatives.

It is the responsibility of the state to look after its citizens who support it. No matter how dire state funding is, the state cannot rightly make decisions that have the potential to cost lives.

This is particularly true now. The two departments simply cannot risk executing both of their plans at this point.