Santa’s visit by canoe Once again, the annual delivery of Santa by Outrigger Canoe to Kalapaki Beach was a huge success, thanks in big part to the cooperation of Mother Nature and the support of many of Santa’ little helpers.
Santa’s visit by canoe
Once again, the annual delivery of Santa by Outrigger Canoe to Kalapaki Beach was a huge success, thanks in big part to the cooperation of Mother Nature and the support of many of Santa’ little helpers.
I am pretty sure this year’s attendance was the biggest of the last four years.
A special big mahalo goes out to Santa for arriving again. The added support of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club and director of loss prevention, Kaupena Kinimaka, made for a fun, safe and memorable event for all kids young and old with plenty of candy handed out.
Without the hard work of the “reindeer,” it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you to Lei Wann, Deb Debusca, Rachel Lim, Midori Fernandez, Joy Chow, Kaupena Kinimaka and fellow steersman Arthur Chow. A special mention goes to Santa’s main elf, Hanalei Wann, for his jingle bells and conch shell blowing.
Each year, we all look forward to putting this together and providing a fun event for participants and spectators alike. Personally, my favorite thing is watching all the people running down the beach to meet Santa and, when they finally get there, seeing the big smiles and looks of amazement.
Unfortunately, this year, two of the main reindeer and organizers could not join us because of prior commitments on the East Coast. We missed having Beth and Chris Kauwe being a part of this year’s festivities. They both bring added holiday spirit and plenty of aloha along. They will be back next year, for sure.
To all of the other escorts paddling in the arrival procession and the Niumalu Canoe Club men’s crew, thank you for your holiday spirit and show of support. May next year’s event be even better.
On behalf of Honihoni Honey, Hoku Water Sports and the Po‘ipu Beach Canoe Surfing Club, a big mahalo and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Greg Davis, Wailua
Funds to fix ‘Blood Alley’
I don’t recall $950,000 being released by former Gov. Linda Lingle to Kaua‘i for “Blood Alley” improvements.
However, correct me if I’m wrong: I recalled that she released approximately $337,500 for Kaua‘i’s road improvements.
The money could have been used for an alternate way of travel to bypass “Blood Alley.” I, too, like the former governor, was in favor of the Superferry coming to life between islands, just to have a more inexpensive way to travel between islands and to give the airways some competition. Maybe the airway prices might have been more affordable today.
It’s sad to know that the former governor is reneging and denying release of those funds for Kaua‘i’s improvements for roads and charter schools. Furthermore, it’s painful to know our present govenor is holding back the money.
Are our politicians in office only to have authority over our lifestyle and be in control? Aren’t they concerned about more possible deaths on Kaua‘i’s highways, especially in places like “Blood Alley” on Kuhio Highway?
Gov. Neil Abercrombie, you need to release the funds for our safety and improvments for our highways and charter schools.
The former governor needs to grow up and move on, especially now that she is seeking higher office. Quit reneging and denying us help here on Kaua‘i. Give us the funds for a better lifestye and to better our schools here on Kaua‘i.
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
Another seal death
I just read that a third young seal has been found dead within one month on the island of Molokai. It sickens the heart!
Why do the local fisherman blame the monk seals for the depletion of our fishes when overfishing with spears and nets is the true cause. Of course, hook and line fishing does not cause any problems.
At times I have counted as many as 18 divers taking every fish in sight within a half-mile reef in one day in front of my house. Sometimes I have seen nets placed at dusk from the reef to shore, night after night, and not checked until late afternoon.
The native Hawaiians would never have allowed this to happen. Even after all the monk seals have disappeared, humans will continue to deplete our oceans until absolutely nothing is left.
Nancee McTernan, Anahola
Funds for Death Alley
Kaua’i not getting 950K for Death Alley and ‘Forever’ Bypass Road is probably due to the game play of one governor who blatantly earmarked funding the Superferry fiasco, which ultimately caused our furlough and education scenarios to become a bigger disaster.
Now, the audacity of some to point fingers at charter school mismanagement, specifically the MBTA, is over the top.
I see how it is, and I’m sure Kauaians do, also. Bend-over policy and ol’ boy maneuverings are running rampant.
Debra Kekaualua, Kapa‘a
