• Bonsai theft • Akaka Bill Bonsai theft Being Hispanic I have never made any bones about the fact that we are “hot blooded” at times. I have expressed my opinions openly “una gritta” a gripe, and when I have
• Bonsai theft
• Akaka Bill
Bonsai theft
Being Hispanic I have never made any bones about the fact that we are “hot blooded” at times. I have expressed my opinions openly “una gritta” a gripe, and when I have gone “overboard” I have also made my apologies.
But any emotional expressions come from the fact that I care about Kaua‘i and strongly desire that there remain a Kaua‘i “way of life” for my children and their children. as one who understands the cultural essence of the bonsai tree in Asian culture, I too am saddened by the recent vandalism of the priceless plants at the county fair.
But as I read the article in The Garden Island there seemed to be one ingredient missing from the story, “anger.”
I realize that the Asian approach has always been one of “restraining one’s emotions.” But this line of thinking although admirable has played into the hands of those that would ruin our tranquil way of life. The article described a mood that was somber, quiet and deep in one’s thoughts over the loss of the priceless plants but was anyone “pissed off?”
I am one who will not subscribe to violence but it is okay to get angry. Especially as stated, since this has never happened in 37 years. My dear friends, we are losing our way of life and things will not change until the “local” community “gets angry” and does something (legally) about the sour turn of events. To those in the Bonsai Club this is a huge and irreplacable loss.
What is next down the road? As one who grew up in East Los Angeles, I have “seen it all” and I do not want to see it again. There is an election next year my friends, let us get angry, get involved and together we can reclaim our island. If you don’t do it for yourself then do it for your children. For like those that stole the bonsai trees, they are heartless and will have no compassion for either you or your children.
- Eduardo Valenciana
Lihu‘e
Akaka Bill
A better understanding of the Akaka Bill might be achieved if we put it in a worldwide and historical perspective.
The Europeans cheated, swindled, and slaughtered millions of Native Americans, but eventually the United States has given them some self-governing powers.
The American army defeated Aguinaldo and the Philippine army and ruled the Philippines for many years, but eventually granted them independence.
The Americans fought with Cuba to defeat Spain and after only three years of military governance, gave Cuba independence.
Puerto Rico has always been given the options of independence, statehood or commonwealth status.
Canada has granted the Crees and the Inuit local governing authority.
After stealing Panama from Nicaragua and building the Panama Canal, eventually the U.S. turned it over to the Panamanians, even though a United States senator protested, saying, “We stole it fair and square.”
England returned Suez Egypt and Hong Kong to China. Portugal returned Macao to China. Even Okinawa, bitterly acquired by thousands of American dead, has been returned to Japan.
No one can predict with any certainty whether the Akaka bill will achieve its intended purposes. Further, no one can anticipate the unintended consequences. But since the United States took over the Kingdom of Hawai‘i by most despicable means, how can the Hawaiians be denied a small effort to restore some of their rights and dignity. If the Hawaiians want it, no one has the right to deny them.
This is not written by a Native Hawaiian, but by a haole who fell in love with Hawai‘i in 1943 and finally achieved a long-held desire to live here permanently to enjoy the beauty of Hawai‘i and the warmth and charm of the Hawaiian peoples.
DLNR interview
Peter Young is the Lingle appointed chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. In an interview with The Garden Island reported August 28, Young stated that…”the DLNR leaders plan to put an entry gate on Koke‘e Road, and are looking to charge entry fees only to non-residents.”
According to Ron Agor, architect and Kaua‘i DLNR Board representative, this was a misstatement. Peter Young made a similar statement last week and Ron said he corrected Peter on the issue. According to Ron, the DLNR plans to collect a fee from non-residents without a physical gate. As far as I can see, how this might be accomplished without a gate may be no better than having a gate in the first place.
In any case, the DLNR scheme to raise money flies in the face of the overwhelming revulsion of a gate and fee felt by the residents of Kaua‘i. In petitions and public meetings the vast majority of island residents testified that a gate and fee charged to visit Koke‘e was a terrible idea.
There was enough pressure on the Board of the DLNR that they included an amendment to their approval of the Kokee Draft Master Plan that eliminated the gate.
If the approval of the Draft Master Plan by the Board includes a gate and fee it means that the DLNR only pretended to listen to the people who attended all those public meetings.
The DLNR has shown itself to be a rogue government department acting as an agent of corporations, the military and its own private monetary interest. It is certainly not fulfilling its mission as a protector of the public trust – “malama ka aina.”
- Juan Wilson: Architect-Planner
Hanapepe
Koke‘e fees
I just read the article regarding charging visitors only for access to the Koke‘e / Waimea Canyon area and think it’s a very good idea.
As I was reading the list of improvements they propose making with the extra revenue, there was one I didn’t see…Pu‘u O Kila. The road leading to this breathtaking lookout has been closed for 3 years now due to the road conditions. This image is plastered all over various visitor planners, postcards, guidebooks, etc yet has been virtually inaccessible for all of this time.
Can nothing be done to rectify this? I’m sure locals would love access to this as well; is a fundraiser of some kind with all proceeds going to repair the road out of the question? Or perhaps some companies would be willing to donate materials and labor in exchange for tax relief?
I don’t know if any of these are feasible but if the DLNR doesn’t have plans for it, how will anyone ever be able to enjoy the view again?
We’ve driven some of the worst roads in all of the islands and though we don’t know the condition of the road could it at least be passable for 4WD’S and have a sign saying so?
Thanks for listening!
- Angie Platt
Columbus, Ohio
