• My pain was real • Religion as justification • Get amendment on ballot • Nice work, trail crew My pain was real I would like to set the record straight. I am not John Love’s grandfather (“Ease of travel,”
• My pain was real
• Religion as justification
• Get amendment on ballot
• Nice work, trail crew
My pain was real
I would like to set the record straight. I am not John Love’s grandfather (“Ease of travel,” Letters, May 9).
However, we took that trip to Honolulu with the Loves. We are the 80-year-old couple involved (“Harrowing travel,” “Ease of travel for Maui?” “Easily suspect,” Letters, May 10).
And as stated, it was a pain to go through airport security where I believe I received a more thorough check than was necessary.
Please do not misunderstand me as I realize the security is necessary, but I was ordered to stand while my wheelchair was inspected. The only way I can do the stand up exercise is to hold on the wheelchair arms.
When I was escorted to the aircraft, the flight attendants saw I had a very difficult time moving to a seat, but that wonderful special wheelchair that fits in the aisle was not offered or even suggested.
You might want to check your information more fully before writing and calling an observation a falsehood, Dennis Chaquette. I was not told that such an item existed, nor was I offered assistance.
Now let’s discuss the Superferry. First, I was never asked my opinion about that form of travel. I would welcome it with open arms and even bend over to kiss the deck. After five years in the U.S. Navy, I seriously doubt my need for a barf bag.
I did travel on the first ferry service between Kaua‘i and Honolulu years ago and they did have problems so our arrival was late the first time I used the service. However, I did travel that way a number of times with no problem.
It is interesting to note that the majority of Superferry protesters were young and impressionable non-locals.
My wife and I have called Kaua‘i home for nearly 50 years. This is probably more time than Robert Nesti of Princeville, John Tyler of Anahola, and Dennis Chaquette have spent on Kaua‘i if added together.
There is a need for the Superferry as those of us who have gone through two or more devastating hurricanes can vouch.
Those of you who do not want the ferry don’t have to use it or support it in any way. Many of us want the service, will use it and be happy to have it.
We will get it sooner or later, so if you don’t like it, you can always move back to the Mainland.
Robert Wilson
Kapa‘a
Religion as justification
In response to Sunday’s letter (“Taking is not the same as giving,” Letters, May 11):
It’s not that voting for liberal, progressive or aware candidates is morally superior. It’s that getting suckered by corporate elitist usually Republican candidates using religion to justify their selfish agendas is intellectually inferior.
Unless you are one of the few that benefits from their actions, then maybe you are smart financially, but morally deficient.
Jason Nichols
Koloa
Get amendment on ballot
Been to Po‘ipu lately? Anyone feel that the growth of tourist accommodations on Kaua‘i is over the top? Have you noticed that the Kauai Planning Commission is giving away building permits like they are hot malasadas?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these, read on.
We registered voters will have an opportunity to slow down runaway resort development in the fall election.
Remember the General Plan, a well-thought-out county document that spells out the future growth rate for Kaua‘i? It seems that the Kauai Planning Commission forgot to read the General Plan since they clearly have not been complying with it. Now it’s up to us to keep them honest
The “high growth” scenario of the 2000 update of the General Plan corresponds to an additional 2,500 tourist units between 2000 and 2020 (or 1,000 units from 2000 through 2007), a 1.5 percent annual growth rate.
From 2000 through 2007 the Planning Commission allowed the construction of more than 4,000 tourist units.
If each of these units was built, the resulting growth rate would be more than four times the high growth scenario in the General Plan.
Don’t despair. This is what we can do now. Sign a petition to get the charter amendment on the fall ballot that would:
• Transfer the permitting process for tourist accommodations from the Planning Commission (appointed by the mayor) to the County Council (elected by us).
• Prior to granting any permit, the County Council would have to conduct a public hearing and determine that the growth rate is consistent with the General Plan. And only after determining that a permit would be in the best interests for the county and its residents, could the permit be granted by a 2/3 vote of the full council.
This petition is not the final word, but getting it on the ballot for the November election will allow the people of Kaua‘i to decide how they want their government to work. If passed in November, it will become law in January 2009.
Voters will only be able to consider this issue if we act now. There are only a few weeks left to get this charter amendment on the ballot. Registered voters, please sign the petition if a signature gatherer asks you.
Download a petition and instructions at the Coalition for Responsible Government Web site www.crgkauai.org
Contact one of the district contacts listed on the Web site.
Gabriela Taylor
Kapa‘a
Nice work, trail crew
Many thanks to the crew from Forestry and Wildlife for their efforts in clearing the Sleeping Giant trail last week.
The dedicated few of us who are up there on a daily basis really appreciate your prompt response to our calls.
Kim Manchester
Kapa‘a
