Lingering questions about Kekaha Sugar Mill The in-depth report regarding the Kekaha Mill site’s contamination issues is reflective of the continued efforts the community has maintained in seeing to it that the health and well being of its residents are
Lingering questions about Kekaha Sugar Mill
The in-depth report regarding the Kekaha Mill site’s contamination issues is reflective of the continued efforts the community has maintained in seeing to it that the health and well being of its residents are being monitored with due diligence. An asbestos-abatement program is anticipated in the demolition process, which is soon to take place. That is commendable, but much more is required.
There are these lingering questions and concerns:
First, asbestos-abatement is only one of several major issues. What about the presence and handling of other contaminants at the mill site? What precautionary measures will be taken to assure the health and well being of community residents in the demolition process?
Second, rat infestation is prevalent at the mill site. How will that problem be handled?
Third, a ditch system running through the mill is interconnected with the irrigation system that goes through the entire town of Kekaha. That system occasionally empties out into the ocean. How will contamination issues be addressed with regard to our water and marine resources?
Fourth, what is the remediation processes being considered with respect to soil contamination at the mill site? There needs to be accountability, transparency and clarity on these matters not only for today, but for generations to come.
Even the children in Kekaha are discussing these things. These complex and interrelated concerns are clear indications that collaborative efforts between public agencies and community endeavors need to be coordinated.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Super scary
I agree with Mr. McCall’s Letter to the editor (“Pill mill on Kaua‘i,” Nov. 19). Bravo to The Garden Island for its coverage of this very important issue.
The fact that the owner of the Kaua‘i Chronic Pain Center in Kapa‘a has chosen to migrate from Florida and settle on Kaua‘i raises a few red flags. The problem with pain management clinics in Florida (where he apparently owned two) has become so prominent and acute that addiction has become a major epidemic.
These clinics are as common and plentiful in Florida as Starbucks. People are traveling across state borders just to get prescriptions for these highly addictive narcotics and many of them have to sell a portion of their meds just so they can support their addictions. No wonder he wanted his kids out of there. But why bring it to Kaua‘i? (I urge everyone to watch “Oxycontin Express” on YouTube.)
I am not denying the legitimate need for relief of chronic pain associated with debilitating disease, injury, recovery from major surgery, etc. Pain management is a bona fide reality for many.
Dr. Sian Evans of the Kapa‘a clinic claims that “nearly a third of people have chronic pain syndrome.” This is an unrealistic statistic. I have seen no research that supports this. That would be one out of every three people having constant, debilitating pain. In reality, it’s probably more like a third of people on pain medication have chronic pain syndrome.
It’s likely the majority of people that frequent and support these pain management businesses are addicted to opiates and narcotics. They pay huge sums of money to obtain this medication when they can’t afford it, so they become pushers as well. As Mr. McCall’s letter states, these pills are worth a fortune on the street. And so, we have this dysfunctional cycle.
Our community needs to be made aware of the difference between chronic pain and addiction. We need ethical doctors and adequate insurance for people with real chronic pain issues and affordable pain relief options not covered by insurance. Kaua‘i needs a detox/rehab facility on the island more than we need pain management clinics.
This is way worse than the Super Ferry, people. This is the super scary.
Pamela Salibi, Wailua
Occupy what?
The Occupy Wall Street groups are acting like bunches of adolescent children lashing out at supposed boogie men, not realizing it’s suicide if successful.
Big government, corrupting all avenues of rational social intercourse, is their true enemy, not the few with more of the “marbles” than the other 99 percent.
The Wall Street-ers must still believe in Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy.
Ralph Tamm, Lihu‘e
Aloha Peace Project combats bullying, too
When reading in today’s paper about the assembly at Kalaheo on bullying, I asked myself why haven’t they heard about the Aloha Peace Project. We are currently working in six public elementary schools on Kaua‘i and offer a free, interactive program based on respect and self-esteem.
We offer a six-week unit on bullying to the fifth graders. We begin our curriculum with kindergarten and offer different activities for each grade level that build on the understanding of becoming peacemakers as our young children are forming values and habits. We began our work 12 years ago.
Isn’t it sad to think this effective program has been working and growing in our school system and there are still many people on the island who haven’t heard about it? Are you interested in having this program offered island wide? We now work in Hanalei, Kilauea, Kapa‘a, King Kaumuali‘i, Wilcox and ‘Ele‘ele.
We need more volunteers in these schools and also for our program to continue and to expand. We are volunteer based but will need funds to support this expansion.
Get excited about the possibilities of an educational curriculum to help our children make good choices. Sign up to participate. Arrange for presentations so everyone on this island knows we have the Aloha Peace Project working with our children. Become part of the program that makes a difference and spread the word.
Laura Taylor, Aloha Peace Project
