• Expedite beach improvements • We are all one • Welcome to my world • No more second chances • Slow down, everyone Expedite beach improvements We and our family have been coming to Kaua‘i for the past 25 years.
• Expedite beach improvements
• We are all one
• Welcome to my world
• No more second chances
• Slow down, everyone
Expedite beach improvements
We and our family have been coming to Kaua‘i for the past 25 years. We particularly enjoy Po‘ipu Beach.
However, over the past four to five years snorkeling has become increasingly unsafe due to the currents. Based on a recent article in The Garden Island, we understand that there are plans to improve the beach and perhaps remedy the problem with the strong currents.
We would urge all residents and visitors to request that these improvement be expedited.
Dick and Judy Hames, Richland, Wash.
We are all one
Mrs. Celeste Bordner’s letter has sparked a lively debate here. Is racism worse on Kaua‘i than other places? I think not.
Having been raised where I was part of a small minority of whites, and having lived in foreign countries where whites were an even smaller part of the population, I have had the unique experience of having been white, and in the minority, most of my life.
I have found that the proportion of small-minded people is remarkably similar wherever you go. But I have also found that the spirit of aloha lives everywhere.
When I am confronted with an individual who resents others for what, not who, they are, I try to remind myself that the one harboring hatred is suffering far more than me.
I hope that those people can find peace with our diversity for the good of their own soul, not simply to spare me the inconvenience of their ire. No one ever said it better than Dr. King when he dreamt of a world where his children would be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
I find great hope and comfort in that sentiment, no matter my color or yours. Live aloha, Kaua‘i. We are all one.
James Thompson, Koloa
Welcome to my world
It’s always unpleasant when we are asked to “tighten our belts” and survive on less money than we are able to. I can empathize with the state workers’ plight.
I know all too well the effects of what budget cuts have on a household. Working in the hospitality industry for 30 years, I have personally experienced first hand the ever changing catalyst it has on our economy.
During my career in the corporate world you are constantly forced to take hourly cuts based on hotel occupancy — which is nearly equivalent to the cuts the state workers are being asked to make. All the while we are still required to perform the same duties, if not more, in less time and even less manpower than before.
Words like “restructuring” and “downsizing” were used to explain these cuts. Let’s not even open that can of worms!
More recently we’re constantly reminded of the “state of our economy.” Visitor arrivals to Hawai‘i are at their lowest in years. The effects are truly widespread.
The hospitality industry labors in this fashion all the while continuing to provide exceptional service as “Ambassadors of the Aloha Spirit” to both kama‘aina and malahini alike.
In closing, although I feel for the state workers’ pain I’m reminded of that classic country song composed by Jim Reeves entitled, “Welcome To My World.”
Michele Davis, Kilauea
No more second chances
I was very saddened to open my morning paper and see the news about the abused dogs in Po‘ipu. I feel that our animal laws in Hawai‘i need to be more strict.
The fact that this guy even got a second chance to “try” and change his habits is appalling. I think once you screw up taking care of an animal, you should be stripped of all rights of ever owning another animal.
The fact that he left a dead dog in the kennel months ago should have been a red flag that he does not deserve a second chance. Had he not been given a second chance at that time, I’m convinced that the dog would still be alive today.
Maybe this will be the start of some kind of change. I can’t understand how someone can neglect such loving animals. The animal lovers of Kaua‘i need to unite to change the laws — not just for the dogs and cats we call our family — but for the people who would do anything to protect the animals they love.
Things need to change quickly before this is allowed to happen again. No more second chances for animal abusers. How many innocent animals need to die before something is done?
Kristi Sasachika, Kilauea
Slow down, everyone
In regards to John Tyler’s letter July 13, “Saddened, not shocked,” I totally disagree!
We don’t need barriers to divide our roads. In my opinion they would only make it worse.
What everyone has to do is: get up earlier, leave earlier, pay closer attention, get off the cell phone while driving and for God’s sake, slow down!
There are many parents with small children who come out of the store and sometimes small children just run without thinking.
Kilinoe Okami, Anahola
