• KPD responds to “Who really are the bad cops?” • Aloha Esther Williams • Can DOW build a better budget? • Mahalo Larry Rivera KPD responds to “Who really are the bad cops?” Recently Mr. Gary Rodrigues wrote an
• KPD responds to “Who really are the bad cops?” • Aloha Esther Williams • Can DOW build a better budget? • Mahalo Larry Rivera
KPD responds to “Who really are the bad cops?”
Recently Mr. Gary Rodrigues wrote an article titled “Who really are the bad cops?” citing internal labor issues, which are still being addressed; some of which occurred prior to my tenure. And while Mr. Rodrigues’ has a right to his own opinion, he does not have a right to his own set of facts.
This letter is to assure and to share with the community that KPD does live its mission statement of being pono. And although we are not perfect, we are always striving to provide the highest level of professional services; this is our promise to you.
Before closing, I would like to wish Mr. Rodrigues all the successes in the world toward his integration back into the community after being sentenced to over five years in the federal prison system for 101 felony convictions.
He has recently returned to Kauai, and as with most convicted felons, he has paid his debt to society and we welcome him back.
Darryl D. Perry
Chief of Police
Kauai Police Department
Aloha Esther Williams
On a sunny weekday afternoon after school in early 1950, I was all alone body surfing at Brennecke’s Beach in Poipu. Just then a black sedan pulled over on the road up above, the driver opened the back door and two gorgeous haole young women emerged in one-piece bathing suits.
They tiptoed across the sand and gingerly waded into the mild surf. I watched entranced as a modest four-foot wave tumbled both of them head over okole trying to ride to shore. Without a word they got up and walked back to the car and left. Only then did I realize I’d seen Esther Williams and, probably, her double on a day off from filming “Pagan Love Song.”
Aloha at age 91 to a lovely mermaid.
Ray Smith
Carol Strea, Ill.
Can DOW build a better budget?
The June 7 article titled “Water fee hikes create a splash: Some say proposed fees hit needy families hardest” explained proposed new costs by the Department of Water. TGI reporter Darin Moriki stated that advocates for affordable housing (Habitat for Humanity) raised concerns that the increase in water fees will impact affordable housing.
These proposed fees are in the “hundreds of thousands of dollars” for low income projects. The result: Inhibiting the construction of homes for low income people. I believe this boils down to lack of homes for keiki (children) and increase of homeless people. From reading the article, Honolulu consultant and Defense Company SAIC conducted the study, released in January 2013.
Next, with DOW’s proposed drilling into the flank of sacred Waialeale, which would send millions upon millions of gallons a day for developments of multi-million dollar luxury homes/subdivisions, “gentlemen farming,” golf and gated communities on Grove Farm lands. Lack of water has prevented this from happening already.
Clearly, the DOW’s desire is encouraging a vast wealthy populace for Kauai.
The Department of Water is planning to construct a new administrative offices that will cost $7 million — breaking ground across from their current office. The current DOW office will continue to be used by the DOW’s field personnel. I believe that local people and keiki of Kauai deserve affordable homes rather than spending $7 million for an extended “home” for the DOW.
Is there no shame?
And, how much did the taxpayers pay defense company SAIC?
Bonnie P. Bator
Anahola
Mahalo Larry Rivera
Read with interest the article on Larry Rivera.
A few years ago, a close friend was terminal at Wilcox long-term care. As she was close to death, I asked her if there was anything she needed. She replied she would love to hear Larry Rivera play one more time. Many years earlier she was a regular at Coco Palms.
Shortly thereafter, I ran into Larry at Safeway. As I didn’t know him, I introduced myself and shared with him my friend’s situation and request. He replied, “Let’s go to Wilcox right now.”
He serenaded her for over an hour with her in tears as he took her back to earlier times, with many hospital personal and patients attending. Thanks Larry for your strong aloha. You truly lifted her spirits!
Billy Whelan
Kilauea
