• I’m voting KIUC incumbents • Use natural resources • What is a nation? • Headline encourages resentment I’m voting KIUC incumbents In light of the recent negative letters regarding the KIUC board of directors, one can only wonder where’s
• I’m voting KIUC incumbents
• Use natural resources
• What is a nation?
• Headline encourages resentment
I’m voting KIUC incumbents
In light of the recent negative letters regarding the KIUC board of directors, one can only wonder where’s the beef?
Anyone can sit at home and blast away but is there really any meat in their stance? Paul Lucas states (“KIUC needs to wake up,” Guest Viewpoint, Feb. 27) that Derek Kawakami’s letter (“Let’s re-elect KIUC incumbents,” Guest Viewpoint, Feb. 25) is verbose and a little over the top. I see nothing over the top in his piece. He seems to be stating his personal working experience with the directors and is pointing out their diversity and why he believes that they are the best choice for KIUC. Here is a young (30 years old), local man who has stepped up to accept the many challenges that this island has to offer by serving his community on many levels and it is sad to see so many people trying to “gag” him. And most of these people are probably not from here. Talk about trying to create an “us versus them” rift.
Shame on you.
We need more young leaders like him to voice their feelings and concerns. God knows he has every right to give his opinion and what a solid opinion he has. He states his beliefs that are backed by facts. Take a good look. Can you really argue with any of his points?
Anybody who has roots here knows that Peter Yukimura has an extensive business background that sure comes in handy when reviewing financial statements and budgets. Anyone who has inquired knows that under the current chair, KIUC has come out with not only an excellent Strategic Plan that aggressively incorporates renewables, but a plan that has been embraced by the staff at KIUC. Maybe you should talk to the management to get their feedback on whether the plan is feasible or not. Most of us know that Phil Tacbian has built relationships with government leaders that come in handy when KIUC needs to call on them on issues that could adversely impact the members (which is me and you). If Derek Kawakami’s letter seemed verbose than it is rightfully so. I, as well as many other local people who don’t usually voice our opinions have a lot to say. But as a culture we have been raised to be soft spoken, humble, to not make any waves, to avoid being obnoxious. It is obvious that Lucas has some ill will toward KIUC for not being able to participate as a contractor and that is his right.
But why? Why didn’t they allow you to participate? Must be for some reason or another. Back it up with some facts. Lucas also agrees that it will take years for their renewable initiatives to get going but gets upset that it isn’t happening overnight. Steering a cooperative of this size is not like turning a speed boat on a dime, it is like turning a barge around. It takes time. And fortunately, this board has realized that their duty is long term planning.
I applaud Derek for his bravery. I’m sure he knew the response he would get from the few who get threatened anytime a young local speaks his mind. But that didn’t stop him. As for this year’s election, I’m voting for the incumbents for the simple fact that it is common sense that the only change we will get is new faces unless we allow the current set to operate for more than a year at a time.
My words to Derek: Keep your head up and go get um.
Pono Pananganan
Kapa‘a
Use natural resources
In response to: “People should know about KIUC,” Letters, Feb. 29, by Linda Silva.
To your question, “Where is the action on Kaua‘i?”
My guess is their (KIUC) mind is set on biofuels (palm oil). Every now and then I converse with one KIUC personnel and once I brought up the windmill to generate power to a subdivision (residential area). That person quickly avoided the conversation and walked away.
We have all the natural resources (the wind, the waves, and the sun) to help generate power. Let’s start somewhere. These sources can be used if there is ever a shortage of fuel (biofuel or fossil fuel).
Let’s step up to the plate and join Maui and O‘ahu. Make use of our natural resources now.
Howard Tolbe
‘Ele‘ele
What is a nation?
Katy Rose (“Narrow views of immigration,” Letters, Feb. 25) surely doesn’t need me to defend her from Michael Meek or the views he expresses in his Feb. 28 letter “Trade and immigration,” so I won’t.
I would ask Micheal to share his own views on “what a nation is” and try addressing some of these questions: What was Hawai‘i when the sugar planters took over? If the laws of nations (international law, treaties and the like) are put aside, first by military force at the bequest of economic robber barons (semi-evolved pirates) and then by annexation and then by a statehood process, and which in all phases those actions violated the pertinent laws (see Apology Resolution, Pub. L. No 103-150, 107 Stat. 1510 and more recently the Hawaii Supreme Court opinion No. 25570 in OHA, et al vs HCDCH, et al CIV NO 94-4207 for more historical details) and it is admitted those laws were basically “jettisoned at will,” does that make you an illegal immigrant to Hawai‘i? How should that affect your contracts, your property rights and all manner of legal dealings among citizens here in Hawai‘i? And citizens of what “nation” are we talking about now?
Blessed are the Meek but I still have a few questions about the “inherit the earth” part. Lots of questions yeah? Any answers Michael Meek?
Don’t be too worried though. You’re not in it by yourself. I consider myself an immigrant but I’m not worrying about it — until the big voice in the sky (or anywhere else) asks me “How long can you tread water?” These are some of the questions I’m asking myself. I have lots more questions too. This could turn into a great conversation.
Happy Leap Day to all you leapers out there.
David Makana Martin
Waipouli
Headline encourages resentment
I was somewhat troubled when I read the headline in Friday’s paper concerning a traffic accident. The headline reads: “Moped driver hit by visitors.”
I am not sure what useful purpose it serves to identify the status of the drivers as “visitors.” The statement might encourage resentment toward tourists and other visitors to the island.
Byron Haugh
Kapa‘a
