•Don’t fear the reefer •Sweet ‘Sugar’ • Everyone plants trees • Wrong place, great time •Kaua‘i loves you too Don’t fear the reefer “We should be treating drug abuse like the disease that it is, and not the crime that
•Don’t fear the reefer
•Sweet ‘Sugar’
• Everyone plants trees
• Wrong place, great time
•Kaua‘i loves you too
Don’t fear the reefer
“We should be treating drug abuse like the disease that it is, and not the crime that it isn’t.”
In a nutshell, that says it all. TGI’s editorial focuses on a local and nationwide perception on marijuana which gives hemp a bad name. (“Red light for Green Harvest,” Forum, May 31)
The sheer fear of that evil plant has created a mindset that makes it virtually impossible to consider the positive uses and applications of industrial hemp which are versatile.
With specific reference to that variety of hemp that induces “mind-altering propensities,” emphasis should be placed on education, prevention, and/or treatment (if needed).
By doing that, the prison population will drop substantially and our police officers can apply their time and resources to other law enforcement priorities.
If we’re going to create laws to prevent the ways we choose to kill ourselves with the things we ingest, we need to revisit the taxed and lawful commodities of alcoholic beverages and nicotine-laced cigarettes.
While we’re at it, what can or should we do about too much fat and sugar in our diets? Or, how about the mis-use of prescription drugs?
In other words, we shouldn’t be justifying what’s legal based on selective “do’s and don’t’s” or the manipulations of propaganda techniques in joining the bandwagon of popular opinion.
It’s better for us to gather the facts, analyze and assess the information, and base our choices and actions with clarity and integrity.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Sweet ‘Sugar’
To anyone who hasn’t seen “Sugar! Oh, sugar!” put on by the Kaua‘i Community Players at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse, I would urge you to do so before it closes June 14.
It is original, very well done, and great fun!
Sheila Honeywell, Lihu‘e
Everyone plants trees
The recent discussion of “reciprocal rights” (burglary) gives new potency to the term “loony left.” (“Sovereigns vs. slaveholders,” Letters, May 19)
The author terms work as “slavery” Nothing new in that observation. Yet, no one has found a way to get things done on a “feel good” basis. Next, these “slaves” should occupy other people’s homes. So much for the sanctity of the home.
The government is struggling to maintain home ownership for people who have no right to occupy their dwellings. My favorite “bon mot” condemns rich people planting trees. The Alliance for Peace and Social Justice is planning the same (which is somehow good.)
To sensible people, planting trees by anyone is an normal activity.
Suzanne Woodruff, Kapa‘a
Wrong place, great time
Kudos to the Hanalei Canoe Club, the North Shore lifeguards, and all the volunteers and organizers of the Na Molokama Regatta on Saturday.
It was a breathtaking exhibition of sportsmanship and Hawaiiana. What a pleasure and privilege to be present at Hanalei for the event.
Regarding the placement of the race-course, as it relates to the Designated Mooring Area seasonally assigned by the DLNR Boating Office, we need to find a way in the future to assure that moored boats don’t interfere with the race course.
When the crew showed up Friday evening to prepare the course, several of us with moored boats found ourselves smack in the way of the race. Having just set my anchors, I am sorry to admit that I was not excited about moving.
Fortunately, the lifeguards were very respectful and friendly in their request that we move our boats, and once I realized the scope and grandeur of the event I was glad to get out of the way.
Perhaps DLNR could allow the Pu-uwai and Hanalei Canoe Clubs to place a “permanent” buoy marking the “northernmost” point of the course, so those of us on moorings can avoid being in the way, as I was last weekend.
This would also save race organizers the liability of moving boats themselves. The bay is big enough for us all. Again, I apologize for my initial reticence, and in retrospect I’m glad I was there to accommodate you guys by moving.
Your event was awesome.
James Thompson, Koloa
Kaua‘i loves you too
I have become quite tired of haoles’ complaints about the lack of aloha spirit here. (“I still love you, Kaua‘i,” Letters, June 1)
I have always been treated with aloha and have many local friends. Aloha is not phony. In order to receive aloha, you need to give it.
When you came here did you try to pronounce the names correctly? Did you learn something of the culture and appreciate what you learned?
Do you shop local? Go to local events? Do you smile at strangers? Do you help people? Treat others with kindness?
In order for you to receive aloha, you must also give aloha. You no give aloha, you no get aloha.
Janice Weiner, Kalaheo
