• Ban ignorance, not pit bulls • Homeless help appreciated • Sad day for humans • Employee support Ban ignorance, not pit bulls To the Princeville resident who has been having problems with off-leash dogs and their owners (“Rampaging dogs,”
• Ban ignorance, not pit bulls
• Homeless help appreciated
• Sad day for humans
• Employee support
Ban ignorance, not pit bulls
To the Princeville resident who has been having problems with off-leash dogs and their owners (“Rampaging dogs,” Letters, Nov. 1).
While I fully sympathize with your plight and am a fervent supporter and follower of our leash law and am happy to read that you are being proactive … I do have a small problem with your letter.
By your own stated count, you, your wife and your dog have been accosted or attacked 12 to 16 times in the past 10 years. Why did you feel it necessary to make specific mention of the “pit bull mixes” that, according to your letter, only were problems on two occasions? Do you consider yourself familiar enough with dog breeds to accurately identify a pit bull mix in the first place? What breeds were involved in the other incidents? Did you know that statistically you are much more likely to be attacked/bit by both Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers then by an American pit bull terrier? Did you know that when tested for aggression the American pit bull terrier consistently finishes as one of the least likely to attack/bite people?
In case you hadn’t guessed by now, I am the proud owner of an American pit bull terrier. I train her in basic obedience and walk her on a short leash — not because she is looking to attack anything, but because I am well aware of the negative stigma attached to her breed, and so when other people’s unleashed dogs come running up to her face, I am able to physically control her — and if she is attacked, save that ignorant person’s dog from harm. Is she vicious? No, far from it.
She doesn’t like horses, cats and small dogs like yours; however, when we are on our walks, I utilize her training and my voice to lead her along and right past small dogs peacefully. She has made me proud on more then one occasion. Between Michael Vick and casual off-the-cuff mentions of this breed in letters like yours, they have become one of the most maligned and legislated-against dog breeds in America.
Space constraints prevent me from going into their rich and long history within American society, although I would encourage those interested to read about this remarkable breed at reputable Web sites such as the United Kennel Club, the Working Pit Bull Terrier Club of America and the American Dog Breeders Association.
Ban ignorance, not pit bulls.
Stan Koga
Kapa‘a
Homeless help appreciated
I have been golfing at Wailua Golf Course for nearly 15 years and have noticed a few uncomfortable sightings of homeless people, unauthorized campers, etc. Especially on the 14th, 15th and 17th holes. There were times when human feces, rotten food, animal (pets) droppings and even drugs were very noticeable when the tradewinds were blowing towards the tee box, especially on No 15.
People who golf at Wailua may have experienced what we have experienced there on a weekly basis. However, it was time to do something so I contacted a friend who gave me some information as to who could get this resolved. Lo and behold, the Kaua‘i County Park and Recreation staff came to the rescue along with the assistance from the police department and other agencies. All of their efforts and planning in getting these individuals out from there made this possible, although patience played a major role in getting the job done.
I know it wasn’t an easy task because of certain procedures and the “due process” of these individuals needed to be recognized. It takes team effort working hand-in-hand to coordinate and plan on getting the job done efficiently and correctly. I am very proud to say that although it’s going to be a long haul to keep our island intact, I must commend John Martin, parks permits and security coordinator, and Lt. Perez of the Kaua‘i Police Department for the tremendous job they have demonstrated in serving the community. Ed Sarita has been my “point of contact” and I would like to acknowledge him for his help and guidance.
I golf at Wailua every week and I’m sure my friends and others will enjoy the beautiful scenery there as we pass the 14th, 15th and 17th hole. Let’s all keep our eyes and ears open and be concerned citizens in keeping Kaua‘i beautiful.
Sonny Querubin
Lihu‘e
Sad day for humans
It is a sad day for Hawai‘i when our government decides that business is more important than our environment and caring for our ‘aina. Allowing the Superferry to sail without an EIS and circumventing the law to accomplish this is just plain wrong. All of those in favor of the Superferry operating without an EIS first really ought to watch CNN’s “Planet in Peril.”
It’s a wake-up call to those of you who think convenience and options are more important than saving our planet. This is just one more example of how humans are destroying the Earth in order to make a profit.
I, for one, am ashamed to be part of the human race.
Kim Lucas
Kalaheo
Employee support
Do you know, or do you care that the employees of Pacific Beach Hotel (in Honolulu) are losing their jobs?
What does this have to do with us? Many of us here on Kaua‘i can relate to the employees. We ourselves have been in the similar situations that these employees face. They are being terminated and asked to re-apply for their jobs. Does this remind you of some of the places here on Kaua‘i? I can think of a few.
The past practice which has been occurring here on Kaua‘i is happening at Pacific Beach Hotel. The workers are treated poorly. The Pacific Beach Hotel is refusing to hire all of them back. This is like deja vu for employees on our island.
Please kokua your support for Pacific Beach Hotel by speaking to your neighbors, calling your council members, writing to your senators, and most of all giving your aloha to all the employees of Pacific Beach Hotel.
Alanna Agustin, Jesse Vaughn, Camela G, Corazon Suguitan, Jerry Lazzo, L. Gojario, Rhonda Morris, Earl Montes, Marlene Morton, Aurora Reposas, Jen Gaveas
