Letters to the Editor for Friday — May 28, 2004

• Sub-station plan

• BLNR response

• BLNR observation

• For Sarmento

• Chief Lum

Sub-station plan

I attended the public hearing concerning the above issue on Tuesday of this week and gave testimony also. Because I had to leave the hearing early, I missed the discussion concerning financing of the proposed substation. I learned these details in today’s Garden Island newspaper.

First, I want to say that it is evident from the information that came out in the meeting, that A & B Properties is using this substation site as a way of getting the substation out of their development at Kukui‘ula, and to have power all “ready to go” for future development of their Kalaheo lands. If you approve this permit, you are allowing A & B properties to evade their responsibilities at Kukui‘ula in regards to power. There is no reason, based on the information that came out in this hearing, why A & B Properties could not place this substation on or near their Kukui‘ula development. KIUC testified that Kalaheo would not be using any of the power from this substation for the foreseeable future. If additional power is required in the future for Kalaheo, it should be considered at that time as part of the normal development process with full public scrutiny and input.

Lastly, I was appalled to read that the KIUC rate payers are now going to have to foot the bill for the cost of this substation from the “KIUC Capital Budget” and from paybacks to developers when their properties are sold. I believe A & B Properties and whatever smaller developers are involved here should pay the total costs of this substation!!! They are the ones needing and benefiting from the availability of this power. The citizens of Kaua‘i should not have to pay one penny of these costs!

Summarizing, I urge you to require that the substation be relocated at or near the A & B Kukui‘ula development and to require the developers to pay the full costs of this substation.

Tricia Egger

Kalaheo

BLNR response

The State-appointed Board of Land and Natural Resources approval of lease and easement expansion of the missile base on Kaua‘i is a perfect example of how Kauaians lack direct control over their island home.

A true democratic process would see Kaua‘i voters make such important decisions for themselves by “direct democracy”.

So long as land-use decisions remain in the hands of unelected state appointees, the people of Kaua‘i stand little chance of being fairly represented on local issues.

Triaka Smith

Lihu‘e

BLNR observation

A few observations with reference to Monday’s all day session with the Hawai‘i State BLNR and Paul Curtis’ coverage of the affair in the 5/25 issue of The Garden Island!

The understatement of the day had to be Mr. Curtis’ comment that there was “… a show of sonic acrimony…” Some?? Really! Yes, I was there, even though having previously submitted my support by letter.

One thing that caught my attention more than any other was when Councilmember Yukimura declared: “The base has to learn to be a good neighbor.” She appears to have forgotten our own 9/11 adventure in 1992 with ‘Iniki and the response made by PMRF to aid out community!

In addition, Ms. Yukimura seems to have conveniently forgotten that past efforts by local farmers, proved to be uneconomical; giving up their small parcels. The land is still there for agriculture purposes and available for use as such. I’m sorry, but Ms. Yukimura’s presentation seemed to me to be nothing more than political campaign rhetoric!

In closing, I think that Mr. Curtis did quite a good job of covering what bordered on being a three-ring circus! Thanks, Paul.

Joe Stoddard

Kapa‘a

For Sarmento

I would like to commend Fred Sarmento of Lawa‘i for his pithy, pointed, and absolutely accurate description of the hateful hypocrisy of the collective leftists, not only on Kaua‘i, but throughout the whole country. His insightful description of what the “left wing, socialist, anti-Christian kook groups….from radical homosexuals to the atheist loving ACLU,” have been doing to our country, and should be held directly responsible for the moral depravity of a few of the soldiers at Abu Ghriab, is one of the best articulated I’ve ever seen.

I’ve never been in stronger agreement with any letter to the editor I’ve ever seen than Fred’s, nor have I ever been more appreciative of The Garden Isle for printing it. This is the kind of truth that should be seen much more often in the letters to the editors, rather than the lying and hypocritical garbage of the anti-American, hate-filled leftists.

Kent D. Gibboney

Kapa‘a

Chief Lum

Enough is enough. We have five educated people that have now selected a Police Chief from within the department. Give Chief Lum a chance to do the job. Like any new leader, it takes time for a change. You cannot change the entire Police Department in two months. Now you are looking for more applicants to fill the Chief of Police position.

Give Chief Lum a chance. After all, if he is good enough to be the interim Police Chief, he is certainly good enough to be the permanent Chief. I have had 33 years of active law enforcement (City Police, Sheriff, and CHP), and having met Chief Lum, I am confident he is the man for the job. He is an asset to the department. Chief Lum was left a mess by Chief Freitas, but I know he will be able to right the wrong.

It is about time that someone from within the department worked his way through the ranks to be the top man. Chief Lum’s performance has been excellent throughout his career, and he deserves a chance to fulfill the position for permanent Police Chief. His selection will also illustrate to other officers within the department that it is possible to reach all the way to the top. This in itself is a morale booster.

I ask you to support this officer and appoint him the permanent Chief. We cannot be looking for a new Chief every month.

Richard Swift

Princeville