• Why so negative toward visitors? • Advice for Superferry employees • Dollars would be better spent elsewhere Why so negative toward visitors? Recently, I had the opportunity of taking two of my children on a wonderful trip to Europe.
• Why so negative toward visitors?
• Advice for Superferry employees
• Dollars would be better spent elsewhere
Why so negative toward visitors?
Recently, I had the opportunity of taking two of my children on a wonderful trip to Europe. Both my daughter and son were born in Hawai’ i and I find it very rewarding when they can experience the rich culture and history of not only other states, but also other countries. I also wanted them to experience what it was like to be the “visitor” … to be a stranger in a strange land.
I was a little concerned that some European countries may not welcome us due to the current state of our foreign affairs. However, we visited six countries and everywhere we went, we found people to be extremely friendly and very respectful. We were there to learn about their culture and to appreciate their rich heritage and beautiful country.
I found that although some made it clear that they did not like our President, or some of our foreign policies, they did not bestow this ill feeling towards us. They made us feel very welcome and it truly had a very positive impact on all of us. The “aloha spirit” is everywhere.
I returned to Kaua‘i on the day that Governor Lingle was on the island to discuss the issues with the Superferry. It impressed me when I learned the War Memorial had been filled to capacity. I then heard from both supporters and protestors on what transpired during the discussions. It was very sad day for our island. Our island, which is considered home to those born and raised here and to those who were so mesmerized by Kauai’ s natural beauty and that of its people that they were compelled to stay.
We are taught to listen to both sides of an argument. To give each side an opportunity to voice their opinion. To find solutions to problems, or to come to a mutual agreement. The disrespect shown by both sides went against everything that I was taught by family and more amazingly, it went against everything I learned from the people who took me in some 35 years ago when I decided to make Kaua‘i my home.
I hope as we move forward on this unfortunate task that we can all show more respect for all people … no matter what side of an issue they happen to be on. And visitors shouldn’ t be made to feel unwanted. They are trying to gain firsthand knowledge of what they’ ve been told about Kauai…its beauty cannot be compared, our many cultures helped coin the phrase that we are all so proud of, “melting pot of the Pacific.”
Many of our visitors (including O‘ahu and outer islands) have made lifelong friends with our local people. As locals have opened their homes to visitors so have they to us. I’m sure when locals visit friends in the mainland, their friends don’ t refer to them as “tourist” and I’m sure they don’t get blamed for economic growth. More than likely, they get introduced as “my friends visiting from Kaua‘i.”
When national syndications run articles depicting Kaua‘i as an island with a strong dislike for visitors, we run the risk of losing our true vision and could end up with nothing more than the stereotypical “tourists.” The derogatory manner in which Ms. Huff refers to locals who work at luau shows is also highly insulting. I invite Ms. Huff to attend our Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana. I believe after she sees the performance, she will be as proud of our musicians and entertainers as they are.
When other issues arise in the future of this magnitude, maybe we can have it first be an initiative on our ballot. If it gets majority vote, then it could proceed to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), if one is required. If it passes an EIS, then the interested parties can proceed with permitting and finding the appropriate funding.
If we could harness the energy of those who are so negative towards our island’s visitors and use it to transform the many challenges, which our island faces, progress might be made. It’s never difficult to stand up and shout out obscenities, it’s never difficult to be the loudest, but it is difficult to work as a team to change our island for the better. To make Kaua‘i truly a better place for the next generation.
If we could just do it with respect and a lot of aloha.
Fred Atkins
Lihu’ e
Advice for Superferry employees
I was saddened to see the front-page photos on several island papers of the tear-stricken Superferry employees who were recently laid off. I know that it is not easy to lose a job when there are bills to pay and family members to feed. I would like to encourage these laid-off Superferry employees to keep the faith.
Even though I did not lose a job myself this year, I did turn away some long-time clients who were sending me work for the weapons industry. The work in question was the preparation of pamphlets concerning ethics. While I do believe in defense, I am also aware enough to know that pre-emptive strikes, like the ones the U.S. waged against Afghanistan and Iran are offensive maneuvers, which are prohibited by international law. For this reason, even if I truly need the extra money in my pocket, I cannot ethically continue to enable these corporations.
Please be assured, dear former Supeferry employees, that knowing that you are working in an industry that is for the betterment of the community, and which operates according to the law, rather than “purchasing” desired laws, is your best option in the long run. I am certain that if you set your sights on a different company, one that is environmentally conscious, new opportunities will manifest for you.
My very best wishes for a brighter future soon.
Krisztina Samu
Kalaheo
Dollars would be better spent elsewhere
Very interesting articles today about the $980,000 awarded to the female police officer. Then the article that the county lost when sued by the developer for the Koloa commercial development.
I am a relative newcomer, working on 14 years of full time residency. I admit my memory is not the best, maybe old age. I can’t seem to remember the county winning any lawsuit in that time. It seems the council and the county attorneys can’t seem to realize or won’t admit they are going to lose.
Hundreds of thousands in awards against the county and then the council keeps secret how much the county is paying for legal fees Maybe the council should hire an outside firm to determine when to admit we were wrong and pay off before expending thousands for legal fees.
As much as the bike path is a boondoggle perhaps the money spent on legal fees could be better spent on it.
Bob Yount
Kalaheo
