Isle politics: Mostly tribalTo the Forum:

I would like to congratulate you for publishing the comments by Sam Blair in

the Jan. 1 issue of The Garden Island. In my opinion it was the most honest

evaluation of the political situation on Kaua’i in the 28 years I have been a

resident and since I first came here in 1951.

It is my opinion that the

politics on Kaua’i are of the “Third World” and essentially tribal.

It is my further opinion that the problem with the government of Kaua’i will

not be corrected until Kaua’i is districted and has a business manager.

For

starters, I would suggest seven districts, West Side, Hanapepe, Kalaheo, Koloa,

Lihu’e, Kapa`a and the North Shore. Each would have one council member for a

two year term, repeatable only once.

Instead of a mayor, as at present,

there should be a business manager with at least a CPA or MBA. The office of

mayor, if it exists, should be honorary. Certainly there is no justification

in increasing the mayor’s salary for, in my opinion, there has been little

service rendered to justify it.

There is no question, as Mr. Blair pointed

out, that the present government does not have a clue about what is going

on.

They have allowed a home built in Po’ipu which is an eyesore. They have

allowed essentially low cost housing units to be built among expensive

residences and condominiums, again on Ho’opu Road. The present “Bypass

Road” is so uneven one is advised to take an anti-seasick pill before

traversing it.

There has been an abandoned automobile on the side of that

road for over a week (as of the 4th) and the road bed is being destroyed by

erosion.

It is my sincere opinion that the present government of Kaua’i is

not doing the job they were elected to do, as governments of the recent past

also did not. If Kaua’i is to get out of the Third World there must be a change

… and soon.

John B. Dillon, M.D.

Po’ipu