• To serve and protect • Mayor a fifth-grade classmate • KIUC’s meeting ‘lip service’ • Comment was stereotypical and racist • Let’s do it To serve and protect I am so proud of our Police Chief Darryl Perry for
• To serve and protect
• Mayor a fifth-grade classmate
• KIUC’s meeting ‘lip service’
• Comment was stereotypical and racist
• Let’s do it
To serve and protect
I am so proud of our Police Chief Darryl Perry for not allowing construction to begin on the burial grounds in Wainiha. I just read the Police Department’s mission statement on respect, integrity and professionalism. To be PONO.
All were used in making the decision to use HRS 711-1107(b), which prohibits the desecration of grave sites. Mahalo, Kaua‘i Police Department, you have my utmost respect.
Marcia Mcphail
Kapa‘a
Mayor a fifth-grade classmate
It was with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Mayor Bryan Baptiste. I was one of the mayor’s classmates since fifth grade. I remember him as a sweet, funny man who would always take the time to listen and talk story.
The mayor used to play tennis with my husband, Rodney, years ago. He was quite the athlete back then. When he saw us together, he’d tease us and call us the “Lovebirds.” Even though he was five months younger than I, he’d jokingly refer to me as his kupuna. He was so pleased when he learned of our marriage.
The mayor seemed to be everywhere — at community events, family parties and political events. He was always approachable and seriously considered our input on island matters.
I know that he is with our Lord and probably already making his rounds to his loved ones, talking story, cracking jokes and looking down on his beloved people of Kaua‘i. May God bless you, Mr. Mayor, and may your legacy live on for generations. You will be missed.
Jan Pascua
Lawa‘i
KIUC’s meeting ‘lip service’
I was ever so pleased that the KIUC board decided to “think beyond the barrel” and use our (member/owners) money to host yet another party which most of us could not attend.
Surely the money spent on this so-called “general membership meeting” could have been directed toward the expressed theme of the meeting: renewable energy development. Alternatively, the cost of the party could have been applied to the KIUC debt service or applied toward members’ monthly bills.
The KIUC membership/owners do not need a fancy “renewable energy trailer.” They already know that their electric bills have skyrocketed thanks to the co-op’s dependence on fossil fuels for power generation.
They don’t need to pay more to display the trailer in their neighborhoods. Instead, the trailer should be parked where the KIUC board and management must pass through it on the way to the office. That might encourage some real effort, not “lip service” to the co-op members.
Steve Hansen
Kekaha
Comment was stereotypical and racist
I just read the article “Fathers, faith and family” (Forum, June 25) and I just wanted to inform the island that Steve and Cokie Roberts’ comment stating “Obama might yet prove that a black child can grow up to be president. He’s already provided a valuable model by showing that a black child can grow up to be a ‘good father’” was the most stereotypical and racist comment I’ve read in The Garden Island.
Black men have been “good/great fathers” since the beginning of time. The media has portrayed a negative image; however, the media is mostly run by non-blacks. Viacom (which owns MTV, BET and VH1) helps perpetuate the negative perception. In fact, the percentage of men paying child support is higher among whites than blacks.
Black men have not been given the proper opportunities; give a black child or man the proper resources and opportunity and they would flourish and excel.
Alfonz Pratt
Lihu‘e
Let’s do it
The island of Kaua‘i can and should be completely energy self-sufficient.
We absolutely could generate enough wind and solar power to accomplish this.
Using this power we could build a monorail light rapid transport system for the one main highway and eliminate half the traffic and pollution in one stroke.
We also could feed ourselves if we really wanted to.
Just by doing these two things Kaua‘i could set an astounding example as the most beautiful self-sustaining place on earth.
It doesn’t have to be a dream, it can be real. Lets do it!
Thank you for The Garden Island newspaper. It is a valuable and important resource for Kaua‘i.
David Spaulding
Princeville
