Letters for Thursday, August 30, 2007

• Higher rates for more consumption

• LIVESTRONG Kaua‘i

• Ferry target of frustrations

• Respect law and order

• Representative, wake up

Higher rates for more consumption

I noticed on the back of the August edition of the “KIUC Current” (the coop’s monthly magazine) an article by Randy Hee breaking down the costs to produce electricity here. Around half of the cost to produce electricity is now fuel and as fuel prices rise that percentage will get higher. Randy states the best way to keep costs down is to conserve energy. I then read a pie chart in another publication that showed island energy usage. Even though visitors make up only around 20 percent of the island population on any given day, they use 50 percent of the energy, most of which is used by large resorts. If conservation is the key to lowering energy costs, KIUC should institute electricity rates on a sliding scale based on your usage. The cost of electricity should be lower for the first 100 kilowatt hours. As you, or your business, or a large corporation uses more power, then the rate increases. Those who are driving up the cost for electricity should be paying the bill.

Jason S. Nichols

Koloa

LIVESTRONG Kaua‘i

Well, I successfully failed with my promotion at the county fair. I was very successful in raising awareness for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and getting the word out to Kaua‘i residents about all the help that is available for those fighting and surviving cancer but I had a goal of raising $30,000 as well and only brought in $1,500 at the fair.

As some of you may know, I’m cycling 100 miles in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, Texas, with Lance on Oct. 14 to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Three months ago I got a wake-up call that couldn’t be ignored. My sister’s life was turned upside-down when she was diagnosed with cancer. She has now had a double radical mastectomy and has just begun aggressive chemotherapy treatment and is in the fight of her life.

It’s such a helpless feeling, watching someone you love fight this disease.

Whenever I feel like pressing the snooze button instead of going for my early morning training ride, I remind myself of why I chose to do this event. I’m doing this because one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. I’m doing this for my sister, who has become one of those three. I’m doing this because I’m grateful to have five healthy children and I don’t want to take that for granted. I’m doing this so if cancer affects your family, the LAF will be there for you. Mostly, though, I’m doing this because I can.

Please support me by making a donation to this worthy cause. You can donate online at www.iCycle2BeatCancer.com You can mail a check in as well. Please contact me and I will e-mail or fax you the form. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can make a difference.

Ron Fleet

Kapa‘a

Ferry target of frustrations

I think that what is really going on with this Superferry upheaval is that people, especially here on Kaua‘i, are extremely frustrated about what is happening around them. We drive through Po‘ipu and are sickened by all the developments and mess. Streams are drying up, traffic is horrific, we’re upset about the snake, mongoose and coqui frog sightings, and most of all about the drugs that are ruining so many people’s lives.

The Superferry is not the problem. These things already exist and the Superferry cannot possibly, singelhandedly, make it anything but marginally worse. The Superferry is merely the target for all the frustration that people are feeling. It’s a tangible cause for frustrated individuals to get involved with and, momentarily, feel like they’ve made a difference. It’s sad that this frustration is so misplaced and is way too late to fix what is ailing this island. The demonstrations against the ferry are not going to solve the things that are truly wrong.

I understand that the people against the Superferry feel their convictions with great passion. There are as many people who think the ferry is wonderful — they’re just being quieter about it, which is normal. Supporters don’t go to demonstrations, thank God, or there would be huge brawls.

The courts will decide, and that, very simply, should be that. These demonstrations have hurt and divided our island people. There is no way that is a good thing. All of you who have ever shamed Kaua‘i, please remember the meaning of aloha and live it.

Gayle Hughes

Kalaheo

Respect law and order

I have to take exception to the Guest Viewpoint “Kauai citizens rise,” Aug. 29, by Jimmy Torio.

In it he commends his 11-year-old grandchild for standing up to and being arrested by “so-called lawmen.” But in actuality what he’s doing is teaching that child to disrespect law and order.

Mr. Torio, no society can function without law and order.

And, as for men “standing in full military fatigues with guns” not going down well with you … what do you expect when you advocate breaking the law? Especially in this day and age, and especially in a federally protected area like a harbor.

The whole point of this is, if you feel the Superferry is operating illegally, please use the legal system to make changes.

Mr. Torio, rather than teach your grandchild how to break the law, teach him how to use it to change things.

Kay Obloy

Wailua

Representative, wake up

It made me sick to see Rep. Mina Morita on KHON TV last night whining that peaceful protestors were arrested. You need not be a top scholar, Mina, to see what was occuring. The ones who were arrested were the troublemakers. Wake up and watch the video. I don’t advocate violence but if you were messing with my vehicle, you would have a problem as I have a right to protect myself and my property. Peaceful protest is one thing but violence needs to be met with force. Maybe we should call out the National Guard like what is done in California and see how you like that.

Richard Swift

Princeville