• Just the truth, please • Heroes in our midst • Be aware of assaults Just the truth, please If Syngenta wants to tell us “The Truth about Atrazine” why are they saying there has been no detection of Atrazine
• Just the truth, please • Heroes in our midst • Be aware of assaults
Just the truth, please
If Syngenta wants to tell us “The Truth about Atrazine” why are they saying there has been no detection of Atrazine since 2005?
Atrazine was detected at Waimea Canyon Middle School in 2011. How can we trust a company that won’t admit to the facts. They want us to believe Atrazine is a safe and mild herbicide with no side effects.
The scientific studies are out, Atrazine lowers testosterone and increases estrogen. This can cause our hormones to be unbalanced, which can cause a multitude of health problems.
They go on to say they are using their chemicals carefully. How can you carefully spray poison outdoors? The wind and the rain are going to carry them to places unintended.
Something else that’s troubling is it’s accumulative, which means our grandchildren and great-grandchildren could be affected by the poisons being used today. This is just one of the many chemicals they are using. We have to start eliminating them at some point, why not eliminate Atrazine now! Our sons, grandsons, and great grandsons will thank us as well as the whole future generation.
Linda Bothe
Kalaheo
Heroes in our midst
Administrators rarely receive things in writing commending teachers for the work they do in and out of the classroom. This is a letter Kalaheo School administration is proud to share:
“This past weekend, I was blessed to be a parent chaperone for my son’s 4th grade educational and explorative camping trip to Kokee Discovery Center with his teacher, Mr. Joel Kawate, and the Program leader, Billy Decosta. On the second day of the trip, we hiked on a trail that was perfect for the kids with views and a variety of plants species they had just learned about in the morning.
“Everything was going really well until one of the mothers fell to the ground clutching a broken ankle. Mr. Decosta and Mr. Kawate immediately responded; they made sure the students were safe and began first aid. They worked together with a few of the other parent volunteers using sticks, shirts and rain parkas to stabilize the severely injured ankle.
“Even with a bad wrist and also having already hiked a great distance, Mr. Kawate and a parent took turns carrying the injured mom the rest of the way out. This was an extremely daunting endeavor due to the trail conditions as a result of the rain. During this time of adversity I believe an outstanding display of trust and strong personal character emanated. I personally want to thank everyone and of course our Lord for allowing me to be in the midst of heroes!”
Taharaa Stein
Kalaheo
Be aware of assaults
As we look back on the month of April it is wonderful to see our island community working together to raise awareness about so many important issues facing us today.
From events to help educate us about the threat our youth face from drugs and alcohol, to the mayor and our local law enforcement gathering together to recognize victims of crime- everywhere you look there are good people coming together to make this island a more safe and peaceful place.
In light of this heightened awareness, we would like to take a moment to recognize another cause that many people hold close to their hearts: sexual assault. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Sexual assault happens. It happens often and it happens here on Kaua’i. The reality can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that sexual assault and abuse can be prevented when we all do our part.
We may find it difficult to discuss sexual development with our children, but the need remains. As adults, we can support age-appropriate behaviors, model healthy boundaries and speak to other adults as they are an ally to prevention. It is also our job to respect our keiki and confront adults when they act in ways that are not appropriate.
Have you ever talked to your teenagers about healthy relationships? Boundaries? Consent? These conversations can be challenging, but they are a vital tool in preventing your child from experiencing sexual assault. What does consent really look like? As one teen recently told me so wisely “anything but a “YES” is a “NO!”” This is known as “enthusiastic consent” and a concept we would all benefit from practicing.
Talking about sexual development can be difficult, but it is important to understand it is a normal experience we all share. By opening communication, sharing age-appropriate information with children and educating one another we are taking steps toward a safer community.
Come on Kaua’i … Let’s Talk About It!
Chelsea Crapser
Prevention Educator
YWCA of Kaua‘i
