Now that the state Parks and Recreation Commission has heard from both the Suquamish Tribe and the Friends of Old Man House State Park, a decision as to who gets ownership looks to finally be coming down the pipe. The commission, however, may not realize that the pipe is all clogged up with dissenting views.

State officials, who don’t already know this, will find out this spring and summer during public hearings on the subject. Hearings that will bring supporters of the Friends’ proposal to keep the park in state hands and those backing the tribe’s concept of regaining a property with significant cultural meaning.

The state has held off on giving the property to the Suquamish for more than 10 years, but an ever-tightening budget belt in Olympia could change that. The commission will make an educated guess and decision in August but state officials’ ears will likely be red hot by the time this one comes to a close.

For the most part, the Friends and the Suquamish have worked independently of one another toward what each feels is the best solution. No real cooperation between the two parties has taken place but it is still not completely out of the question. Although not probable.

Trust issues still run deep between natives and non-natives in Suquamish. After all, that is what the division on Old Man House stems from. Neighbors not trusting neighbors.

Either way the state chooses, residents who got the short end of the stick will have to live with it. While they’re at it, they might want to try to live more harmoniously with their neighbors as well. Just a thought.