• Keeping a low profile • The ripple effect of big box stores • Taking it to the courts • Looking for peace in all the wrong places • A step in the right direction • The gift that keeps
• Keeping a low profile
• The ripple effect of big box stores
• Taking it to the courts
• Looking for peace in all the wrong places
• A step in the right direction
• The gift that keeps on giving
Keeping a low profile
We all know Kaua‘i is a special place to call home. We can be thankful for our rural lifestyle that exists with low-rise developments that complement our beautiful environment.
The credit for our lifestyle without high-rises goes to the late Tony Kunimura, who believed that “no building on Kaua‘i should be taller than the tallest coconut tree.” During his tenure as a member of the County Board of Supervisors in the late 1950s, Uncle Tony proposed this future-sighted county ordinance and, with his conviction and courage, made it law.
Our present mayor, Bryan Baptiste, has also taken a courageous stand to curtail more “big box” developments that threaten our island lifestyle. I support the mayor’s strong stand and his commitment to keep Kaua‘i our special home.
Amy T. Maeda
Kapa‘a
The ripple effect of big box stores
As Athletic Director of Waimea High School, I am extremely aware of the importance of our local businesses and their contributions to help make our programs successful. Successful sports programs are a major contributor to the building of character, work ethics, fair play and determination in today’s youth. Successful sports programs also are expensive to run, and I have consistently asked our local businesses to contribute and they gladly donate, because they have a vested interest in the youth of their community.
The planning of more big box super centers threatens our Kaua‘i lifestyle and our local businesses. If our local businesses are forced to close, there will be a ripple effect throughout our communities — and our sports program at Waimea will definitely be affected.
Jon Kobayashi
Athletic Director
Waimea High School
Kalaheo
Taking it to the courts
Well, now that Steve Cummings has gotten a mountain of publicity over his unbelievable mistreatment of these poor dogs, I’m sure he must be embarrassed. Or is he?
He will have his day in court which will be on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. at district court in Lihu‘e. I will be there. Is there anyone else sickened enough by this despicable act of cruelty to want to also be there to show support for all animals and to also let the courts know that this kind of abuse has to stop?
Yeah, I know. Mr. Cummings is innocent until proven guilty. It is now up to the county prosecutor’s office and the presiding judge to bring justice to these poor, suffering animals. I hope the courts will treat this case with the attention that it deserves. I cannot comprehend how uncaring and cruel people can be. Lucky in this country it’s not “eye for an eye,” yeah?
Stephen Shioi
Kapa‘a
Looking for peace in all the wrong places
Darfur has no oil. Darfur has no Saddam. Darfur at present has no worldwide threatening terrorists (just like Iraq when we invaded).
However Darfur has more casualties, more starving people, more raped women and more displaced people that Iraq did when we invaded.
So my question is: Why are we spending a billion dollars a day in Iraq? Why are our sons and daughters standing and dying between two groups of Iraq citizens?
Why is our government, that preaches the virtues of democracy for the whole world, not practicing mercy and compassion in the face of such an obvious need?
We need to tell our government to stop conning us to continue what started as, continued as, and still is an unnecessary and unjust war.
We need to show the world that Americans are truly compassionate and caring, which we are.
But more important, we need to help those in desperate need.
Help Darfur.
Scott Robeson
Hanalei
A step in the right direction
It is good news, indeed, to read that Mr. Peter Young recommended dropping plans for a 40- to 60-room hotel. It’s a step in the right direction.
Koke‘e is God’s special gift to all who visit this magnificent and precious mountain. We need to keep this ‘aina pure and adulterated for our children and generations to follow. Allow all to savor indelible memories of nature’s wonders only an unseen hand can lay claim to.
Allowing concessions will not attract but detract. Souvenirs, postcards, soda, chips, candies, etc., can all be bought at our local stores or at the lodge or museum.
Keep to the goals to preserve, protect, maintain. Upgrade intelligently. Sometimes less is better than more and nothing is best overall.
Pauline Kupo
Waimea
The gift that keeps on giving
I was at one of the local eateries on Saturday, just minding my own business, eating a burger, admiring the surf across the street and working a crossword puzzle to try to unwind from the week. A large blue truck with tinted windows drove by, and someone inside yelled from the partially cracked passenger’s side window that certain six-letter “n-word” that causes the heart to sink.
This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this kind of behavior since being on Kaua‘i.
During another trip to this same eatery a few months ago, a female black tourist had someone yell racial epithets at her as she was crossing the street.
Shortly after I purchased my house, my kanaka maoli next-door neighbor referred to me with the derogatory “boy” for expressing my displeasure at his leashless dog continually barking at me when I was in my own yard.
Just over two years living here, and three incidents. That track record is not good.
I lived in California for nearly 10 years and never had this happen. I lived in Tennessee for 19 years and never had this happen.
My two years on Kaua‘i is currently on par with my four years in Boston. Aloha, indeed!
I just want to thank the coward in the blue truck for managing to dredge up such darkness from the depths of his heart, and making me the recipient of his special brand of “glad tidings.”
Merry Christmas to us, one and all.
Michael Mann
‘Ele‘ele
