• Yukimura piece questionable • Higher prices benefit community • Vote for Manu • In memory of ‘Kipu’ • Seeks support for personal allowance increase Yukimura piece questionable I just read JoAnn A. Yukimura’s explanation of why the county sued
• Yukimura piece questionable
• Higher prices benefit community
• Vote for Manu
• In memory of ‘Kipu’
• Seeks support for personal allowance increase
Yukimura piece questionable
I just read JoAnn A. Yukimura’s explanation of why the county sued the county in response to the Ohana Kaua‘i Tax initiative, which was passed by a two-to-one voter margin. Trained as an attorney, JoAnn continues to use her argumentative skill to promote clearly invalid and fallacious arguments.
High taxes resulting from high priced property sales and speculation is not a valid conclusion. High taxes are a direct result of expensive government. Our assessments have risen, but every year the County Council establishes the tax rate. It’s the rate that establishes the tax we pay to meet the escalating county budget, not the assessments. To argue that real estate investment raises taxes is deceitful.
Koloa
Higher prices benefit community
Okay. I think I finally get it about big box stores on Kaua‘i.
If lower prices and better service are harmful to the community, then it necessarily follows that higher prices and lousy service benefits the community.
Lihu‘e
Vote for Manu
I am pleased to support the candidacy of my long-time student and friend, Manu Boyd, as an at-large trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which he has served for more than 14 years as culture specialist, editor and public information director.
I first met Manu when he was attending Kamehameha Schools and began dancing in my Hälau Nä Kamalei. After 17 years of training and experience, I graduated him through traditional ‘uniki rites as a kumu hula, a hula master.
In 1997, he established his own school, Hälau o ke ‘A‘ali‘i Kü Makani. Fluent in Hawaiian, Manu is also a prolific songwriter and a highly regarded chanter. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i Kamakaküokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, and has served the community on numerous boards and commissions.
He is a strong leader, a respected cultural resource and a celebrated entertainer. Since he established the Hawaiian music group Ho‘okena, he has collected numerous Nä Hökü Hanohano awards, and in 2005, a Grammy nomination.
I invite everyone to find out more at manuboyd.com, and to join me in supporting Manu as a candidate for the OHA Board of Trustees. I trust him to inspire positive change. So should you.
Kaneohe, Hawai‘i
In memory of ‘Kipu’
“Kipu” was pure pet.
Hunted and captured from the wilds of Kaua‘i and placed in my arms at about six weeks of age, he had me from his first “grunt.” He was privileged, pampered and admired by many from his very visible front yard — oceanfront — Kapa‘a beach park. He was a personal friend to preschool children who walked past his domain on their daily walks to the park. “Kipu-uuuu …” they would call out in chorus if he weren’t already waiting for them. His subjects included every stray cat in the beach park area and our pet dogs to play with. He was bright, lovable and a good friend.
In June of 2004 my shack on the shore was to be renovated and I had to move. I was desperate to find a home for Kipu and ran an ad in the personal section with his picture and the line, “My name is Kipu … please don’t eat me.” There was an overwhelming response from people but the trick was to find the perfect match. That match was made and Kipu went to live on a rural estate farm in Kilauea. His new caregiver built him his own house and Kipu settled into a very happy retirement life.
“Auwe’!” Shots rang out.
Two young men trespassed, jumped over fences into Kipu’s life and shot him as he lay sunbathing. The homeowner rushed out in response to the gunshots and Kipu’s screams. There was a struggle, Kipu’s owner was injured and ultimately required surgery to repair damage to his shoulder.
Kipu survived the initial attack and was fed antibiotics stuffed in Twinkies. How he loved his sweets. In time, Kipu died from his gunshot wound. His caregiver is recovering from his surgery and two young men are facing charges.
Justice demands this senseless act of violence will bear consequences. This was not hunting. Kipu’s neighborhood is rural, not wild. Whatever happens to the men that killed Kipu I am left with only sadness. I so wanted him to die a peaceful old age.
Heartbroken.
Kapa‘a
Seeks support for personal allowance increase
Since October is Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to talk about some very vulnerable members of our society.
As Kauai Community College nursing students, we, Krystalyn Kashiwabara and Sharlene Ford, had the privilege of spending time with members of the Friendship House. The Friendship House is a voluntary program in which members learn skills to help them lead more independent lifestyles as well as receive support in assuring all their needs are met. This includes training that helps these individuals succeed in the transitional employment available in the community.
We interviewed two members of the clubhouse, Kurt and Danny, and asked them how the Friendship House was able to help them. Kurt explained that he now works part-time as a groundskeeper and explained that he was able to secure his employment through the support of the Friendship House. He further explained how contact with peers who are “in the same boat” was invaluable. Danny shared with us a speech he made at a recent annual meeting. With Danny’s permission, we share the following with you: “I like to play music. I feel comfortable strummin’ the guitar, always have felt that way. During my life I have had a hard time figuring out the chords of life and how to play them. Friendship House has been like my life guitar I’ve learned different chords which have helped me lead a good and productive life and now I feel as comfortable in life as I do strummin’ my guitar.”
During our visit to the Friendship House, it came to our attention that those individuals who have a mental illness and reside in Adult Resident Care Homes receive the nominal amount of $30 per month as a personal allowance. This equates to $1 per day with which these individuals must clothe themselves, purchase personal hygiene items and over the counter medications, as well as meet transportation needs. We respectfully urge you to write letters to our legislators in support of increasing the personal needs allowance for these underrepresented individuals.
- Krystalyn Kashiwabara and Sharlene Ford
Kauai Community College
