• Where are the eggs? • Superferry shock doctrine? • Christmas display lost to graffiti vandals • More lights, crosswalk needed • Disagrees with Mickens • Trees have memory Where are the eggs? What happens to the eggs that are
• Where are the eggs?
• Superferry shock doctrine?
• Christmas display lost to graffiti vandals
• More lights, crosswalk needed
• Disagrees with Mickens
• Trees have memory
Where are the eggs?
What happens to the eggs that are laid by the many wild hens that are seen throughout Kaua‘i. We’re visiting friends who own condos in Po‘ipu Beach and we see plenty of chickens but no eggs. What gives?
Malcolm Read Newport Beach, Calif.
Superferry shock doctrine?
Why does the state of Hawai‘i “err as a matter of law,” but citizens who err become felons?
Why did Gov. Lingle promote Barry Fukunaga, the director of the Department of Transportation, to her chief of staff after he erred by allowing the Superferry to operate in violation of state law? Was the promotion just punishment for the error? Will protestors face such punishment or be thrown in prison?
Why was a 30-year-old law changed within a matter of weeks by a special legislative session to exempt the Superferry?
Why have the penalties for civil disobedience suddenly become draconian (10 years in jail and $32,000 fine) compared to the penalties faced by those who committed acts of civil disobedience during the civil rights, women’s and anti-Vietnam War movements?
Are these reactions to the Kaua‘i Superferry protesters the latest example of government “shock doctrine” implemented by the unified command in their relentless efforts to impose a new economic order of corporatization, privatization and militarization here on Kaua‘i, or are these the misguided musings of a conspiracy theorist?
Ed Coll Lihu‘e
Christmas display lost to graffiti vandals
My kids brought us a special moment in 2007. The first part of the year we got a new grandson. What a wonderful thing babies are, especially when it’s their first Christmas and families can share the special moments of decorations, lights and all the hoopla that goes with it.
This Christmas we couldn’t wait to take our grandson to see the wonderful display of Christmas, as seen every year in Wailua Homesteads. This family is so special with what they share with all residents that it creates a traffic jam every year.
This year it didn’t happen. Instead we drove by to a revolving sign that said no Christmas decor this year because of graffiti.
I was in shock to think that somebody would ruin the whole event by doing something so rude and brainless. But then driving throughout the area lately, there has been a lot of graffiti on people’s walls, signs, etc. The graffiti is even sprayed on people’s homes.
I hope this letter helps the parents of the youth who commit brainless acts recognize who is running around all hours of the night spraying MTS and the word “sin” all over our road signs, as well as people’s homes, retaining walls and on the Olohena bridge walls.
One thing for sure is that kids with spray cans will do it at home to practice. I hope someone will catch them at it so they don’t ruin the special display next year.
Steven Martin Kapa‘a
More lights, crosswalk needed
In Kalaheo there is a danger waiting to happen on Kaumuali‘i Highway. It seems that the area should be more lighted and a crosswalk should be painted on the highway.
One night I was driving east on Kaumuali‘i Highway through Kalaheo town, and as I was approaching Brick Oven Pizza and Kalaheo Cafe area, I observed a vehicle coming out of Brick Oven Pizza, turning eastbound on the highway. At the same time there were some pedestrians crossing the highway from Kalaheo Cafe side.
The driver of the vehicle almost hit the pedestrians (probably because of lack of lights there the driver didn’t see the people crossing). During the daylight it is hard for one to cross either side. (BOP to KC or, vice versa) As a popular eatery area, especially at nights, there should be a crosswalk and it should be well-lit.
State or county, don’t wait for an
accident to happen there. Let’s put better lighting and a crosswalk there.
Howard Tolbe ‘Ele‘ele
Disagrees with Mickens
This letter is in response to Glenn Mickens letter “Dream not worth the cost,” (Letters, Dec. 31).
Mr. Mickens goes into great detail to explain the cost to us financially, but not once does he mention the cost to our environment by putting more cars on our roads.
Personally, I think pedestrians and bicyclists have more of a right to our roads than those driving oil-burning vehicles — they have not one effect on our environment.
It’s sad when someone like Mr. Mickens says he cares about the island, but only considers monetary implications. We live in a time where the environment should be a top priority. Or maybe Mr. Mickens is one of those who thinks that global warming is a farce?
Rusty Baker Lihu‘e
Trees have memory
As an anthropologist with specialization in behavioral ecology and psychology, I have also worked as a counselor and conducted research that reveals human beings in sickness and in health.
To be well, humans must remain part of nature and take their place in it, which is among (not above) all the other species that exist on our planet. Without regard and understanding of the importance of plants, trees and animal life native to an ecology, we suffer all kinds of peril.
It is the kind that begins with soulless taking away of healthy trees which are much older (and wiser, most likely) than we are.
Any mindful and ecologically concerned business would either find an alternative location for building or create a way to construct around the artifacts that could well become a centerpiece.
Do we need another Julia Butterfly Hill? She saved a tree in Oregon from logging by sitting in it and over time developed the connection one must have to be able to comfortably make decisions about changing a landscape.
These developers obviously care little about what Kauaians care about so much: God’s beauty in our own backyards. No sooner should these trees be ripped from the womb of their origin than we ourselves be willing to shop in a place that takes them away. Trees, like our own bodies, have memory.
Ingrid Middleton Kapa‘a
