• Sustainable lifestyle • Theft of money? • What’s in a name • Vote for KIUC Board members Sustainable lifestyle Due to a population that’s exponentially increasing, there will be pollution. Although we’re unable to make this rubbish disappear, we
• Sustainable lifestyle • Theft of
money? • What’s in a name • Vote
for KIUC Board members
Sustainable lifestyle
Due to a population that’s exponentially increasing, there will be pollution. Although we’re unable to make this rubbish disappear, we can help reduce the problem. One way is to stop producing plastic bags and use reusable items, which is the whole point to the plastic bag ban — mitigation.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Kaua‘i for passing this law. This is the first step to helping Earth heal. We are one community taking a step forward to changing our lifestyle.
Others will see your positive, sustainable actions and will lead them to do the same. I continually share this great news with my environmental classmates and professors here at Central Washington University, and let me tell you, they are envious of this accomplishment.
Be proud that our community is leading the way to sustainability. This type of law is difficult to pass — I know because we’ve been trying to ban plastic on my campus.
Just think about it, you are on an island where space is very limited. No one wants a landfill in their backyard right? Well, the only way to prevent that action is to change your actions.
Clarissa Bulosan, Lihu‘e
Theft of money?
Mr. Zwiebel in his letter of 5 March is right on blaming the Republicans but why not add the Democrats to his condemnation. They too are guilty.
However, “corporations not paying taxes” is a good thing. If they did they would have to raise the cost of their products. The consumer pays the total freight – there is no such thing as a free lunch.
I submit that all the owners of businesses along with their high priced help pay an inordinate amount of our total tax revenue.
And, with regard to the melt-down of financial institutions, where were the high salaried government people paid to monitor these things, like zero down payment buying a house. Any idiot could for-see problems with this condition. I’m sure our government (nation-state) was and is deeply involved with all the bad things happening to us.
Got to go. It’s time for my 87-year-old bod to take a nap.
Ralph Tamm, Lihu‘e
What’s in a name
Two years ago almost to this date I adopted a four-legged friend, a miniature greyhound terrier mix, with white paws, a white chest and a black body. I named her “Obama.”
My dog’s name has affected many of my friendship’s and acquaintances. I am no longer invited to potlucks or many social gatherings I once attended since I happen to like President Obama and named my dog Obama.
Many of my friends actually believe President Obama is a closet Muslim and was not born in the United states. I tell them Hawai‘i where he was born is a state, the 50th state, and that President Obama attended the same Christian church for 15 years prior to being elected.
I believe that the people who actually believe he is not a U.S. citizen, and a closet Muslim, are actually closet racists themselves, although they would never admit to it.
OK, I named my dog Obama, therefore everyone always ask me what Obama the president intends to do with this or that. I am not the president’s chief of staff just because I named my dog Obama.
I guess it’s somewhat of a compliment that people believe I am the president’s chief of staff, but just as much an insult to humanity that they challenge his birthplace or religion.
I have one friend who can’t even call my dog by her name, therefore she has taken on the moniker of ‘Bommers.’
Imagine your dog’s name changing your entire social life; imagine people still being racists.
I wonder what might had been if I had named my dog “Palin”?
Kimo Rosen, Kapa‘a
Vote for KIUC Board members
We all have our ballots in the mail, now who do we vote for?
I was lucky to attend the KCC Candidates Forum, they did an awesome job partnering with Apollo Kaua‘i to write pertinent questions to hopeful newcomers and incumbents alike.
With volatile oil pricing and availability why don’t we take matters in our own hands and develop our own energy? The jobs stay here. The money stays here. We are not vulnerable to what goes on outside our island. It is so possible and exciting to realize our future and be an example to the rest of the world.
If you have ever met Pat Gegen you would know he works tirelessly at the grassroots level to make this place a better place. He is exchanging lightbulbs in the schools, walking the talk with his personal windmill, promoting Zero Waste and reducing our waste stream. I can’t say enough positive remarks on the efforts he puts out for us, the citizens of Kaua’i.
We are also lucky to have Ken Stokes running for the board. Sustainability is his whole focus. He teaches it. He blogs it. He lives it and wants to see Kaua‘i be an example. We can feed ourselves, we can create our own energy.
At the candidates forum I was also impressed with Peter Yukimura, an incumbent. He is a visionary with a successful Kaua‘i business background and knowledge that will enable us to move towards a sustainable energy future.
Vote.
Pamela Burrell, Kilauea
