• Where is the bypass? • Self-reliance is key • Have a cool Yule • No delay for path • Rudolph has rights, too Where is the bypass? I can attest to the log jam that was created — the
• Where is the bypass?
• Self-reliance is key
• Have a cool Yule
• No delay for path
• Rudolph has rights, too
Where is the bypass?
I can attest to the log jam that was created — the southbound lane was bumper-to-bumper, moving at a snail’s pace, all the way north past the Safeway in Waipouli! (“Four-car crash halts Kuhio Highway traffic,” The Garden Island, Dec. 23)
This brings to mind the emergency bypass, that presumably was put into effect several years ago, where the entrance was directly across the highway from the Aloha Beach Resort.
Utilizing old haul cane roads, this would ease frequent tie-ups such as Monday’s multi-vehicle episode.
Please, can someone explain the reason that this by-pass was never put into effect?
• Joe Stoddard, Kapa‘a
Self-reliance is key
I’m confused. Biden announced that a task force will pay some mind attention to the needs of the middle-class American who has borne the burden of being “overtaxed and overlooked,” and the criticism for that is that the middle class will be mercilessly scrutinized. (“On government control,” Letters, Dec. 22)
The proposal to get big business to pay higher taxes is seen as a threat to sound business practice that will adversely affect the economy. Now, which is which?
Sounds like the same old arguments that the Democrats are like zoo keepers and the Republicans are like kings of the jungle. One side wants to do too much and the other says that less is better.
I think it’s time for people to become as self-reliant as possible, and in the process, be compassionate with one another. Along the way, as we take care of ourselves and each other, we have an equal responsibility to “malama ‘aina” — be stewards of the land.
And while we are in the midst of the holiday season, let’s be mindful of the essence of “peace and good will.”
• Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Have a cool Yule
The laws of our land, our courts, are man-made laws. The laws of the churches and religions are proclaimed by God. Often, the two don’t mesh. (“Censoring Christmas carols,” Letters, Dec. 21)
America is not a theocracy, for which all of us, believers and non-believers alike, should be thankful.
Christmas, the Yule season, is an ancient celebration. For the ardent sky watchers among you, on Dec. 23, the three stars in Orion’s Belt, the three wise men, line up with the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, and point directly at the spot on the horizon where the sun will rise on Dec. 25 and begin its journey north as the days will grow longer and the nights shorter.
That’s why the three wise men follow the king to the newborn sun.
As a devout non-believer I wish all of you a “Cool Yule.” Deck the halls and eat, drink, and be good for goodness sake.
• Bettejo Dux, Kalaheo
No delay for path
Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the Kaua‘i Path, is an amazing resource. ( “Residents protest path route,” The Garden Island, Dec. 8) Its users enjoy access to beautiful areas, recreational opportunities, and an active transportation route.
County officials and the project consultants gave a public information presentation on the Lydgate Park to Lihi Park portion of the project on Dec. 4.
They described the project’s status, addressed the public input process leading to the completed Environmental Assessment, and reminded us that the Lydgate to Lihi path route has been determined through that completed public process.
A Finding of No Significant Impact was issued by the funding agency. It was clear that public comment and input on this alignment was sought at that meeting, but not on other previously eliminated alignments.
Unfortunately, those challenging the path’s alignment on Wailua Beach, paralleling the highway, largely dominated the public input period.
Tree removal concerns were expressed, but a simple and reasonable solution that preserves greenery would be to open the path alignment by removing invasive trees, and replacing them with desirable native species adjacent to the path.
The design endorsed by Dr. Chip Fletcher, Hawai‘i’s respected coastal geologist, is to float a ground-level boardwalk on the beach. This minimizes the visual impact while assuring ADA-compliant access to the beach.
A more walkable and bicycle-friendly Kapa‘a is a strongly voiced and widely held vision. Extending our path without further delay will elevate our quality of life, just as other well planned communities around the country enjoy their active transportation facilities.
• Greg Robison, Kapa‘a
Rudolph has rights, too
If we’re going to ban Christian carols in airports, I think we should also ban Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the animal rights activists. (“On religious Christmas carols,” Letters, Dec. 20)
And, let’s not forget about that toe-tapping tune “Dashing Through the Snow in a One-Horse Open Sleigh.” That must be exhausting for one horse, perhaps even bordering on animal abuse.
And what about that fat guy Santa? What kind of example is he setting for good health? He sure isn’t doing his hairdresser any justice either. Does anyone else wonder what he keeps stashed in that huge beard?
I’m not a Christian, but I accept my Christian friends and neighbors for who they are. I’m not Jewish, but I accept and acknowledge my Jewish friends on their special holidays, too.
We all need to focus more on that, and especially during the holiday season when we have such diverse beliefs. I’m sure the Christians enjoy those carols, so for those who don’t, I bet they’ll understand if you don’t hum along.
Here’s hoping we can all just respect and tolerate individuality, be kind to others, live aloha and have a safe, happy holiday season.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
• Laurel Kenney, Kilauea
