• The future we want • Policing prom paid off • We all came from somewhere • Let’s not be O‘ahu The future we want In the last two days I was surprised by the tone of critiques of my
• The future we want
• Policing prom paid off
• We all came from somewhere
• Let’s not be O‘ahu
The future we want
In the last two days I was surprised by the tone of critiques of my commentary (“Toward a Kaua‘i police mission statement,” Island Breath, May 24) concerning the mission of the Kaua‘i Police Department that were written by Darryl Perry, police chief (“Understand what police officers do,” Letters, May 26), and then Thomas Iannucci ( “Police department operates in the real world,” Guest Viewpoint, May 27), chairman of the Police Commission.
They seem to see frank questions concerning the operation of the KPD as equivalent to personal attacks on police officers.
I see it as public participation in community.
Is this the way we engage in an examination and restructuring of the department? By hyperbolic rhetoric and putdown of the public if they question the status quo?
Both Tom and Darryl hint that fear should guide us. My sense is that it is the administrators of the KPD who are fearful … of change … of the future. That should be mitigated.
Vast change appears to be coming, but high-speed police cruisers, Tasers and riot shields will not be the tools needed to handle it. Let’s cool off and try for a real dialog between the people of Kaua‘i and those who serve to protect them.
We have limited resources and need to plan for the future carefully, so that it turns out to be the future we want.
Juan Wilson
Hanapepe
Policing prom paid off
Having read the recent articles in The Garden Island about the Kaua‘i Police Department, I was inspired to take a moment to acknowledge some of the great work they have done recently. In particular, I would like to thank Kenneth Carvalho, sergeant for Youth Services, for helping us develop a plan for a safe and sober Kula Senior Prom on Saturday.
Having only been principal of Kula for a few months, I was quite worried about how I could ensure a safe and sober prom attended not only by our students but also by many guests from other North Shore and Eastside schools as well as homeschool students.
I believe that the vast majority of Kaua‘i’s youth are respectful, talented, hard-working kids who deserve a chance to have fun events with their friends, and, in fact, it may be that more of these types of events will help them to avoid less safe events such as the unsupervised beach parties that seem to have become the norm.
I first asked the students to come forward with a comprehensive plan to ensure a safe and sober event and after they brought me this detailed plan, I then consulted Sgt. Carvalho who was extremely helpful in working with us to develop numerous safeguards and also in offering two officers to assist us.
The students were very much in favor of these policies as many were unhappy that some past community dances they had attended had been tarnished by the improper behavior of just a few. Students agreed that anyone showing any signs of inebriation would immediately be driven home. If there was any doubt, they would agree to submit to a breathalyzer or other tests for substance abuse.
Students also parked in a secured parking area (near the Makai Club) monitored by attendants and security, and relinquished their car keys to the attendant just in case there was any incident. This was actually well received by the students because a limousine provided transportation to the hotel from the parking area, allowing them a grand arrival.
Students from several North Shore schools and also Kapa‘a attended this prom and to their great credit, all of the students kept their word in every aspect of the detailed agreement they signed regarding behavior, dress code, substance abuse, etc.
Everyone came and left sober, and it was a very successful prom.
The safeguards we put in place — with the assistance of police and with the consensus of the students and also the communications in advance that made sure everyone was well-informed that this would definitely be a safe and sober event — were all very helpful. As a result, no one even tried to violate the policies. Instead wonderful memories were created as they all dressed up and came to have fun, also posing for great photos taken by Mark and Diane Daniells at the entrance to the Princeville Hotel as the students emerged from the limousine.
Thanks again to Sgt. Carvalho and the Kaua‘i Police Department as well as Princeville Hotel security and also parent and teacher chaperones for working to make sure the students had a safe and fun event with no problems at all. It was a memorable gathering to honor a great group of graduating seniors, all of whom are now about to head off to college.
None of us has all the answers as we face a statewide ice epidemic, and also the rampant abuse of alcohol and other drugs such as pharmaceuticals besetting the youth and adults of our communities; yet I do believe that working together we can continue to come up with constructive ways to help students achieve their goals of safe and sober gatherings. I encourage anyone organizing public events for teens to contact KPD, and utilize their wisdom to help provide fun activities for youth while also ensuring their safety.
Daniel Harrington, principal
Kula Intermediate and High School
We all came from somewhere
My history may be a little off, but I think it went something like this (“Kaua‘i to be overrun by illegal immigrants?” Letters, May 22):
The Mu were displaced by the Menehune who disappeared when the Marquesans arrived. The Marquesans were conquered by the Tahitians, who became the Hawaiians, who are still angry about the arrival of the British.
The British were miffed by Russian influence and the “Damn Yankees.”
The Americans brought the Chinese who were then replaced by Japanese workers who mostly lost their jobs to Filipinos. Throw in a few paniolos and German “lunas” and whatever you are, and I am sure there is someone who does not want you here.
Seems to me we are all illegal immigrants, get over it.
Hector Ryzak
Kapa‘a
Let’s not be O‘ahu
Dear island ‘ohana, locals as well as new residents.
I’m writing fom Tajii, Iraq. Let’s as a community come together and realize we need better leaders, who get the job done, when it comes to smart development, planning and protecting our island’s beauty.
Too often we all fight and the people who are shortsighted and greedy win. If you think Kaua‘i has to go the way of O‘ahu to succeed, you need to really think what we are throwing away.
I’ve traveled much of the world and Kaua‘i is a true gem. When I needed to pay the high taxes, I joined the Army. I did not demand someone develop another beach so I could support myself as a waiter. Sacrifices, yes. Is Kaua‘i worth a few sacrifices for ‘ohana? I think so, how about you?
David Denson
Hanalei
