• Ka Loko Dam still needed • Case in Point • Kaua‘i needs to be ‘pono’ • Future resident sends thoughts Ka Loko Dam still needed This is to call your attention to a serious error in The Garden Island
• Ka Loko Dam still needed
• Case in Point
• Kaua‘i needs to be ‘pono’
• Future resident sends thoughts
Ka Loko Dam still needed
This is to call your attention to a serious error in The Garden Island report of March 16, 2006, on the Ka Loko reservoir dam failure.
David Sproat is quoted as saying the the time for reservoirs is “past” and further that “today they don’t serve a purpose.’ Mr. Sproat was gravely mistaken!
The Ka Loko reservoir is an important source of agricultural water for the Kilauea Farms area. Its 18 inch water line provides irrigation but also provides high pressure water for washing ginger. Ginger and turmeric are important components of Kaua‘i’ agriculture which are raised and processed for shipping in the Kilauea area. The total weight of the ginger crop is approximately 1500 lb. per week which is valued at about $30,000 per week.
The current season is from November to May, so it is clear that this is not a minor crop.
In the same area there are three lettuce farmers who produce greens for the local markets. The total number of full-time agricultural workers who are completely dependent on Ka Loko reservoir water is at least 20. The assumption that, because the original purpose of the reservoir was for sugar and there is no other need, is erroneous due to lack of information.
There may be some readers who think that North Shore agriculture is made up of only semiretired gentle-men farmers and I feel it is important that the readers of The Garden Island know the truth. That there is still an important and growing agriculture industry on the north shore which deserves recognition and support.
Agriculture needs water! The reservoirs need to be repaired and maintained in a safe and disaster proof condition and should not be discounted.
The Ka Loko reservoir is still functioning as its 18” water pipe intake is below the current surface level. Repair and safe monitoring are in order and should be supported and funded as soon as possible.
- Robert Ferris F.A.I.A.
Kilauea
Case in Point
In response to Leonard Lyons article of 3-14-06 concerning Sen. Case’s voting in favor of reauthorizing the USA Patriot Act resulting in a “violation of the Constitution and thumbing its nose at the rule of law” I wish not to dispute his opinion though I feel differently about this issue.
This Act fosters a practice that has been used equally by Democrats and Republican presidents during times of armed engagements with enemies of America and has proven itself to have produced positive results.
What I would rather see Mr. Lyons do is express some of his ire via an article concerning the “violation of the Constitution (and Kaua‘i Charter) and thumbing its nose at the rule of law” as displayed by our present County Administration and County Council. Our elected servants daily thumb their noses, and finger, in the face of Kaua‘i’s “body politic” and this intrusion, this denying us of our rights must cease.
Case (not Senator Case), or should I say cases in point, are numerous: their blatant disenfranchisement of the voters legal vote and victory concerning the Ohana Kaua‘i Property Tax Relief Charter Amendment after the 2004 General Election; the total disregard toward the Kaua‘i Charter by not establishing a “Cost Control Commission” as directed by the Charter; the total disregard toward the Kaua‘i Charter by not conducting an “independent audit of all county funds and accounts to be made by a certified public accountant or firm of certified public accountants” at “least once every two years”; by refusing to obey the State’s “Sunshine Law” just to mention a few that we know of.
In my mind, it is a positive function to surrender some degree of rights during a time of war, killing and mayhem, unlawful behavior to protect our families and Country. On the other hand, it is a negative function to flaunt total disrespect towards the electorate’s vote, concerns and desires as well at the Law as written.
The strength of America’s governing system lies in the fact that liberty and rights are only taken from us if we allow it to happen. We have the mechanisms to regain any liberties or rights that have been lessened for a period of time IF we, the voter, have the backbone, the will and the intelligence to re-instate or retrieve them. It is up to you and me to do just that at the ballot box, not thru violence, corruption, intimidation or personal interpretation of a law.
Only through the ballot can the voter regulate and ensure that proper governance will prevail, be administrated and maintained to protect our society, our island, and preserve it for the future. That future being our children. If change is to be made, make it through your vote. This being an election year, get registered, get out, get involved and get voting.
Kaua‘i needs to be ‘pono’
Mahalo for all your hard work in keeping Kaua‘i informed in regards to our hazardous weather. Because of your informative news, we are aware of the dangerous zones inflicted by the storm.
However, it is through great concern that I voice my opinion and I hope that you will take my warm convictions and share them with the people of Kaua‘i for there are many “Hawaiians” and Hawaiians at heart that understand “why” this fatal disaster is occurring.
As we all know, these islands are all filled with tremendous “Mana” and its spiritual elements are encompassed by its nature and its people. And more over, when we are all divine and working in harmony, everything is “Pono” and done right.
However, it is evident that our beautiful island has been going through turmoil. Thus, we believe that our Hawaiian ancestors are mourning. Nonetheless the results are destructive! A good example is the overwhelming development. Not only are the Hawaiians incapable of affording their own homeland, but the ancestral burial sites have been rearranged and disturbed. Without thorough planning, many of the developers as well as newcomers a.k.a. “the haoles” have shaken up our “Aina” and contributed NEGATIVE energy to our land. In turn because there is lack of respect for our people and our Kaua’i this land of aloha, we have undoubtedly faced the wrath of mass destruction and the worst is still yet to come!
Future resident sends thoughts
I just wanted to write and express my concern for those who were affected by the dam collapse. My prayers are with all those whose homes were lost or damaged and most importantly those who may have lost loved ones.
My wife and I will be moving to Kaua’i in July and have a great and deep love for the land and the people. Much love and blessings.
- Frederick Kuhne
Albany, New York
