I was born, raised, educated and employed in Maine for most of my long life and have always been proud of that. However, having just returned from a “bucket-list” trip to Hawaii, I learned something that made me angry and very disappointed in our state.

Hawaii’s plentiful and wondrous beaches are all open to the public — everywhere in the entire state. There is no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii. Not in front of celebrities’ homes. Not in front of the fanciest hotels. Not even in front of our former president’s house. Not anywhere, for any reason.

I also learned that Hawaii’s hallmark “Aloha” spirit embodies a deep reverence for all living things that connects past and present through the beliefs and priorities of its people. That spirit, and Hawaii’s isolation from even their nearest neighbors, contributed to their intense care and preservation of their human and natural resources through the attitude that “we’re all in this together.” 

While I realize that there are other even more urgent issues to deal with, I’m still frustrated by the shrinking of Maine’s public spaces — especially beaches. Why can’t Maine, like Hawaii, fight to keep our beaches and more scenic recreational areas free and accessible to the public? It really is a shame.

Ellen Kornetsky
Brunswick