• Open government • Scooter cars Open government In the same week all newspapers over the country speaking about open government our Kaua‘i County Council did not bother to inform the public about this week’s meeting by posting the agenda
• Open government
• Scooter cars
Open government
In the same week all newspapers over the country speaking about open government our Kaua‘i County Council did not bother to inform the public about this week’s meeting by posting the agenda on the county website. Neither were the people on the email list informed.
A comment for those who claim “we are not hiding anything,” should consider the whole sentence but you’re not forthcoming either. The punishment for those officials, who willfully violate the law, will be conviction and removal from office. They have sworn an oath to uphold the law that is their claim. I think the “oh really” question should be ask more often.
Richard Stauber
Lihu‘e
Scooter cars
I just wanted to comment on what appears to be the newest rental item here on island- the scooter car. These are the two-seater, scooter-powered buggies with the whip flag that you are beginning to see almost everywhere. I am sure they are a blast to putt around in. From a rental standpoint, they make that experience available to most anyone (anyone that can fit in one that is…) as they are operated much the same as a car. Running them around in Koloa, Po‘ipu, and even Lihu‘e to a certain degree makes the visitors time here an enjoyable one I am sure.
However, fun as they are, they really have no place being on the main highway. There are several issues with them being there, most importantly is the fact that they seem to top out at around 40 mph. On an island that is trying to solve existing commuter traffic issues, adding a slow-moving vehicle to the mix that is just wide enough to make passing impossible is dangerous. Several times I have seen the usual conga line chugging up the hill by Halfway Bridge being led by a trio or so of these things. Unfortunately, oft times you can also see drivers swerving and jetting around them. Speed issues aside, these things need the whip flag as they are about as tall as the bumper on my truck and are nearly invisible to a good portion of the drivers here.
I am not suggesting that they be removed from our roads altogether, but their use in my opinion should be limited to around-town areas. I do believe that for everyone’s safety and well being that the County consider restricting their use to keep them off the main roads and thoroughfares.
Steve Morates
Kalaheo
