Letters to the Editor for Saturday — August 16, 2003

• Peacocks need to be relocated

• Spokesman sorry about sign content

• Advice for seniors

Peacocks need to be relocated

I am writing this open letter to the people who live in Wailua Homesteads, concerning the peacocks living in and around Alexander’s Nursery.

This morning, August 8th, I saw one of these beautiful birds hit by a car that did not stop. The problem of the peacocks has been growing with their population explosion. I don’t know who they belong to but they have become a danger to themselves and to motorists along Kuamo’o Road, as well as a source of irritation to those of us who like to sleep at night while they roam our neighborhood and scream.

Regarding the injured bird, I first called the Kaua’i Humane Society which was not open but a message referred me to a non-emergency phone number at the Kaua’i Police Department. The field officer from the Kaua’i Humane Society called me back within minutes; unfortunately they can not deal with an injured bird and referred me to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (NLNR). Upon phoning them, I was informed that the one biologist on Kaua’i was in a meeting but eventually someone did call me back. He seemed to be more interested in the complaints about the peacocks than in getting this injured bird to a vet but assured me he’d take care of the matter.

The real problem is that the peacocks don’t belong in a residential neighborhood and I am wondering if they could be trapped and moved to a safer location. I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions from my neighbors as to how to address this problem. It seems a shame that a gorgeous creature such as a peacock should become little more than a target for an uncaring motorist.

With Aloha,

Wailua

Spokesman sorry about sign content

Greetings and aloha to the people, the mayor and the visitors of the esteemed County of Kaua‘i from the Reinstated Hawaiian Kingdom.

When we began our efforts to revive our nation’s sovereignty in 1999 we committed ourselves to the same principles of peaceful change through non-violent protest embraced by Ghandi of India, Walesa of Poland and Mandela of South Africa. We encouraged all interested persons to wave signs with us on busy roadsides in our public notice campaigns.

These large outdoor banners are meant to educate the general public to our plight. Anyone who has ever pulled their car over to come talk to us knows that we are happy to share our insights with them and we do so in a polite manner, in accordance with the protocols of our government.

It has been brought to our attention that there have been signs displayed in conjunction with our roadside events that featured offensive language. Ultimately, the Office of Communications bears the responsibility for the wording that appears on all signage. While I am not aware of the exact words, I will take it upon myself to apologize to any and all who were personally offended by these signs. We strongly condemn any such language and behavior. The Reinstated Hawaiian Kingdom is interested in productive dialogue, not destructive rhetoric.

Every political movement has its encounters with an impatient minority advocating extremism. I hope you see this incident as I do: a victory by the sensible majority who value the credence of their nation enough to prevent it from succumbing to irrationality. Like their American brethren, the Hawaiian Kingdom performs its duties with pride, honor and integrity. Mahalo Ke Akua.

Kekoa Lake

Reinstated Hawaiian Government

Advice for seniors

News articles about a California Health Care Foundation survey confirm trends that Medicare HMO members are well aware of – premiums are going up while benefits are being reduced. Many seniors might question their plan and wonder if it is really the best health coverage for them. I would like to recommend the Personal Plan Finder on the Medicare website (medicare.gov) which helps users compare plans based on eligibility and preferences. It includes detailed information about Medicare, Medicare HMOs and Medigap and estimated monthly out-of-pocket expenses for each plan. I found it extremely helpful and easy to navigate. You can also call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) and a Customer Service Representative can mail you this information. I hope others may also benefit from this service so they can get the best possible health coverage.

Peter Bauer,

San Francisco