• We need to know • Get your own island • Best lunch deal • A green history lesson We need to know On “State says location of 605 sex offenders unknown,” A1, Aug. 2. As it is the law,
• We need to know
• Get your own island
• Best lunch deal
• A green history lesson
We need to know
On “State says location of 605 sex offenders unknown,” A1, Aug. 2.
As it is the law, leave it up to the individuals (sex offender) to register their location every time they relocate.
In my opinion, these people don’t want their whereabouts known. Because of their sex offense.
So, the best way to know their whereabouts is to put a computer chip with GPS capabilities under their skin. Kinda like those ankle bracelets that track an inmate while on work release. If they decide to go off island, have their names registered in all the terminal computers (airports and now at the Superferry port) with a red flag next to their names. That way airport and boat security can contact the right authorities to see if these people are okayed to leave the island.
Another alternative is to emphasize to the sex offender (upon their release) that if he/she does not register at their new location at all times, they will go back to jail when caught.
Also upon their (sex offenders) release, print it in the police blotter with a picture.
This way the public will be informed and be aware if the sex offender is in the community.
For the safety of our children and our communities.
Howard Tolbe
‘Ele‘ele
Get your own island
This is in response to a Tuesday letter (“Give them higher tax rate,” Letters, July 31). Dennis Chaquette’s letter tries to identify vacation rentals as the culprit of renters woes. On one hand if vacation rentals were outlawed he thinks the rentals would be cheaper. At the end of his letter he sounds like a typical politician saying “allow people to use their houses for vacation rentals, but charge them a much higher business tax.” His letter bad-mouths vacation rentals. He seems to feel that vacation rentals keep rental cost up for locals, and the best one of all they are all about greed and nothing else. First of all vacation rentals have nothing to do with the cost of rentals for locals. The reason rentals for locals are high is because our median housing prices are over $600,000. If you think “affordable rentals” are going to exist under these conditions better think again. Anyone able to qualify for the hefty price of housing here is not about to rent their houses just to lose thousands of dollars in mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance etc., etc. Second I haven’t run into anyone who rents their vacation rental just to be greedy. The average scenario I’m seeing is that the vacation rentals are helping owners to pay the big mortgages and expenses they are all experiencing. It has truly become a way for many to be able to live here and make ends meet. Face it, it’s far more expensive to live here now and it’s not going to get cheaper. The property taxes we pay now and all the other expenses we incur to live here is crazy. The county is filthy rich with tax money, and because of the amount of people choosing to use vacation rentals as a means to help their income the council is rushing to finalize a bill so they can get even deeper into the people’s pockets. The bottom line here is, Mr. Chaquette should worry about his own affairs and realize it’s none of his business what I or anyone does on their property. If I want to rent my house out to locals or vacationers, or free to a stranger it’s my business. Everyone on this island is going to do whatever it takes to make ends meet. I’m sick and tired of reading letters of people who want to control everything we do. The typical pro county council lobbyists who feed the council with suggestions of more controls on our lives. This Forum reflects a consistent trail of letter writers who always try finding ways to control and butt in to everyone’s business. If your neighbor has a vacation rental and it’s not bothering you go worry about your own affairs instead. I think all of those who just have to continually butt into someones affairs, get together break out your checkbooks and buy an island together. That way you can have everything the way you want it and the best part, no one else can move there.
Steven Martin
Wailua
Best lunch deal
Recently I was having a gourmet lunch of a Sinai kosher 1/4 lb. Polish frank with all the “fixins” and a refillable soft drink for only $1.50 at Costco.
I started thinking about all the people who say they are against the big box corporations coming to our island. The Costco outdoor cafe is always standing room only and for good reason; it’s the best quality lunch for the price anywhere on the island.
When you are done at the cosmic gourmet $1.50 cafe you can wander through the store and sample many different foods on any given day.
The sample people are always cordial and do not mind you coming back for seconds and thirds.
Besides my Polish frank, I sampled wild Alaska salmon, beef Wellington, pizza bagels, Teriyaki chicken balls, grapefruit slices and Japanese mochi ice-cream all for $1.50. That’s not even a decent tip at most restaurants.
I usually don’t like to give my secrets away, however Costco without a doubt is your best bang for your luncheon $1.50.
All I can say is at least there’s Costco.
James “Kimo” Rosen
Kapa‘a
A green history lesson
I would like to respond to Roger Wards letter (“How ‘green’ alternative energy?” Letters, Aug. 1).
I think Mr. Ward needs a history lesson, something that a lot of Americans do not seem to want to learn from.
Autos have been getting better gas mileage over time.
But when you have a presidential administration who does not set higher standards for gas engine efficiency, then this process takes longer.
Photovoltaic cells/solar panels are getting more efficient over time.
But if you have opposition to progress and clean energy, then this process will take longer.
What would happen if every house on Kaua‘i had a roof covering of solar panels?
What do you think your electric bills would be every month?
I think Mr. Ward missed the point entirely, as do most on the right.
Progression happens with will and desire.
And it is often momentarily slowed down by those who have other agendas.
What we stand up for, and what we support, helps define our character.
Dennis Chaquette
Kapa‘a
