• Say no to a cell phone tower in Kilauea • Know before you go • Who is kidding who? Say no to a cell phone tower in Kilauea To this day, the Telecom Act of 1996 stifles the power of
• Say no to a cell phone tower in Kilauea • Know before you go • Who is kidding who?
Say no to a cell phone tower in Kilauea
To this day, the Telecom Act of 1996 stifles the power of local governmental agencies to reject the construction of cellular towers based on environmental issues.
As a result, communities all across America are forced to search for reasons other than health-related issues in order to prevent the high frequency radiation from these towers.
There can be serious health problems with these towers if they are not sited in a responsible manner.
So, we make our voices heard and remind them that they work for the people, not big business.
There is overwhelming scientific studies showing the negative health effects caused by cell tower base stations.
So we present our case: Concerned neighbors of the proposed towers need the zoning variance to be denied. To our knowledge the North Shore Development Plan Ordinance Section (e)(1) on page 5 is clear about the 25-foot height limit in all districts.
The language requires prior review and recommendation by the North Shore Improvement Advisory Committee (see pages 8 and 9) — a committee that the mayor has not yet created.
Until that happens, the use permit cannot be granted. AT&T says on its report that the permitted heights in agricultural districts are 50 feet, with an additional 20 feet allowed for regulated utility poles.
The 50-foot limit in the CZO is superseded by the limit in the NSD Plan.
I ask you to oppose the variance request on the project.
Lori Patch, Kilauea
Know before you go
Following up a letter to TGI (published March 14) suggesting signage as a way of protecting folks who visit our beaches, I wish to say aloha and welcome to Kaua‘i, our island of discovery. We want you to be safe while you enjoy your visit, so we ask you to be aware of the dangers that lurk within our natural beauty.
We are saddened by the deaths of visitors who did not know or chose to risk them. We don’t want you to become one of those tragic statistics. Allow me to offer a few suggestions.
Know before you go!
• Know the specific dangers of the venue you are visiting.
• Know that rocks are slippery and waves can sweep you out into the ocean.
• Know that the ocean can appear calm and huge waves arrive 30 minutes later.
• Know where rip currents are and how to escape if caught in one.
• Know that shore breaks can pound you into the sand causing serious injuries.
• Know that waves breaking on reefs can hold you underwater.
• Know that crossing streams during and after heavy rains can be treacherous.
• Know that lifeguards and local folks have this knowledge and can advise you.
• Know that swimming near a lifeguard is strongly recommended.
• Know that lifeguards are skilled and ready to offer assistance if you need it.
• Know that our free Kaua‘i Beach Guide shows the location of lifeguard towers and provides ocean safety information.
• Know that KauaiExplorer.com reports current ocean conditions.
When in doubt, don’t go out!
Jim Jung, VP, Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association. Kapa‘a
Who is kidding who?
I read lately the Hawai‘i State House and Senate have approved proposals to raise the minimum wage.
The initiative comes just weeks after President Obama announced a plan to raise the national minimum wage to $9 an hour.
Proponents of the proposals say raising the minimum wages will help Hawai‘i residents to keep up with the rising cost of living here.
The way I see it that’s an increase of approximately 24 percent.
As any wage earner knows any time we get a raise we generally look upon those responsible as our “heroes” and are grateful of their actions.
In the current situation of our economy, the sure to come “super inflation” increase will have no impact in helping a minimum wage earner.
It’s like and aspirin for an amputee.
Only the state and federal government will be the real winners of a minimum wage increase.
For all the millions of minimum wage earners the so-called heroes Mr. Obama and Mr. Abercrombie will continue their endless out-of-control spending and add millions in new tax revenue to the deep pockets of government.
Who is kidding who here?
Steve Martin, Kapa‘a
