•Discretion earns respect •The Hawaiian substitute •Kaua‘i could learn from El Hierro •Pay tribute to loved ones Discretion earns respect It greatly saddens me to see the March 24 front page picture of a woman and young children protesting House
•Discretion earns respect
•The Hawaiian substitute
•Kaua‘i could learn from El Hierro
•Pay tribute to loved ones
Discretion earns respect
It greatly saddens me to see the March 24 front page picture of a woman and young children protesting House Bill 444.
Equal rights are something that should be taught to children. To teach them prejudice and discrimination only perpetuates these negative qualities.
Children do not fully understand adult sexual relationships.
I think these protesting adults are blatantly showing their ignorance by involving these kids in their narrow-minded beliefs.
Some discretion on the part of these adults would make them a bit more respectable.
Patti En, Kapa‘a
The Hawaiian substitute
After the illegal overthrow of 1893, the state of Hawai‘i adopted, supported and created civil laws that brought forward a fictitious substitute with no qualifications to assume and represent the aboriginal native of Hawai‘i.
With no blame to the beneficiaries the state’s application process has successfully taken the Hawaiian substitute out of his inheritance of land and assets.
Today the state seeks to own that land it has trust responsibilities to and for the Hawaiian people. This blatant and notorious action breaches its fiduciary duties set forth in the state constitution. This appeal to Washington seriously undermines and taints the state’s authority to continue to manage these so-called ceded lands.
The apology resolution states that American Marines supported the illegal overthrowing of a treaty partner, the taking of a friendly government, the breaking of its own constitutional laws. These violations are of such magnitude that the only appropriate remedy is restitution. Restitution in, now we are free to determine our own fate pursuant to the principal of self-determination.
The “cat” is out of the bag, an illegal act has come full circle. This foreign government through its foreign governor seeks to fully assimilate the last assets of a peaceful people.
Could this be the final draw that pushes the Hawaiian people back to their own kuleana, their own laws and birth rights?
Reinstate your government. Reinstate your kingdom.
Keohokui Kauihana, Anahola
Kaua‘i could learn from El Hierro
“Within the next year, the Spanish island of El Hierro (main town Valverde) hopes to become completely energy independent.”
That’s the claim made on Monday’s BBC Web site in a video from the Canary Islands. KIUC directors, county officials, and anybody even remotely interested in island sustainability and phasing out fossil- fuel energy should take a few minutes to watch this inspiring video.
The leadership of this small island in the Atlantic has a comprehensive plan where their utility will soon harness energy from wind and store excess electricity by using it to pump water uphill into reservoirs. When needed, energy stored in the reservoir will be converted back to electricity as water falls onto turbines below.
They also have firm plans for solar and hydrogen technologies. Some are critical of cost, but the community has bravely gone ahead anyway.
Like ours, El Hierro is a volcanic island in the trade wind zone. The people there make the point that small islands are ideal demonstration sites for creative energy solutions.
Kaua‘i could learn something from these pioneers. Good luck to the new KIUC Board of Directors and its efforts to improve the way we use our limited resources.
John Edson, Kapa‘a
Pay tribute to loved ones
Recently someone wrote Dear Abby to alert the public about irresponsible charities who were not appropriately processing donations “In Honor Of.”
I wanted to take a moment to assure the Kaua‘i community that though unfortunately mishaps do take place in the world, most all charities behave responsibly and that the situation outlined in the Dear Abby letter is an exception, not the rule.
The Wilcox Health Foundation specifically takes great care with all donations received. If a donation is made in tribute to, or in honor of someone, we immediately acknowledge the giver as well as make sure a letter is sent informing the family of the gift that was made in their loved one’s name.
In general, both the person making the gift and the person or family being honored should always feel comfortable in communicating with the Director of the organization either before gifts are to be made, or at anytime after.
I encourage the community to not be afraid of paying tribute to their loved one in this way. Taking into consideration the interests and passions of the person in question, there are many fine organizations on Kauai who can help.
Jill Lowry, Director of Philanthropy, Wilcox Health Foundation
