• Not the right time to build resort • Take time to see the ‘Wizard’ • Put the audit issue to the test Not the right time to build resort Last Friday morning, my wife and I were heading to Kapaa to do some
• Not the right time to build resort • Take time to see the ‘Wizard’ • Put the audit issue to the test
Not the right time to build resort
Last Friday morning, my wife and I were heading to Kapaa to do some shopping. We had arrived on-island only a few days earlier after an extended stay on the Mainland. As we drove by the dilapidated Coco Palms Resort, I turned to her and made the somewhat flippant remark, “You know, the best thing that could happen to this place is that somebody burns it down.” Two hours later, as we passed back through Wailua, I saw, apparently, that my wish had been granted. Afterwards, I heard that Kimo Rosen had accepted the blame— even though, as I have just revealed, it was really my fault, not his.
A couple of days before the fire The Garden Island newspaper published an editorial titled “Coco Palms project needs to happen.” It didn’t say anything we hadn’t already heard many times before. But the attempt to rationalize building a new hotel because to not do so would hurt the economy, was absurd. Further on in the editorial, I read that no overpass was even planned by the developers (Coco Palms Hui, LLC) to allow patrons of the proposed hotel access to the beach.
This only illustrates how ill-conceived this plan really is. The time for replacing Coco Palms with another hotel is long past. It’s the wrong idea at the wrong time. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, Kauai has changed over the past 60 years. What was once a sleepy, literally undiscovered, island has become a major tourist destination with major infrastructure issues. And unless those are resolved, no hotel should ever be green-lighted for this or any other location.
Better yet, finish what Iniki started. Some very committed individuals have already put forth a strong argument to tear down the eyesore and convert the sacred grounds into a park. Now, wouldn’t that be wonderful? It’s time to turn the page, people.
Steven McMacken
Lihue
Take time to see the ‘Wizard’
I’m off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. Spectacular beyond belief! Every child was a “star.” Every child was rewarded with something they will have the rest to their lives — a big, wonderful experience of happiness at its best. In life you can look back and see moments in time that you wish you could go back to. I loved the Wizard of Oz the first time I saw it. I was 8, maybe 9, and I remember being taken to a place only my imagination could dream of. Friday’s performance will have that same impact on the audience. I’m off to see the Wizard. The creative genius of the one and only seamstress and her magical sewing machine, ladies and gentleman … Mrs Poppy Shell. Please take a much deserved bow! Again, bravo Poppy Shell.
Need I say more? Yes, thank you, Hawaii Children Theatre. Our children are so blessed to have the parent support and a team of dreamers that simply love a chance to create happiness and memories. Bravo, bravo, bravo — and the Tony this year goes to the entire cast of Wizard of Oz Jr.
Ronald Horoshko
Kalaheo
Put the audit issue to the test
The front page story in TGI (6/5) “Mayor, auditor clash over report” regarding the 2010 furlough program was well done.
Ernie Pasion is my friend — one of the most honest, dedicated people I have ever known. Whatever job he has undertaken, it was done with efficiency and the hoped for results that would be beneficial to everyone.
The 36-page audit he did on this issue “revealed deficiencies in planning and lack of transparency and accountability in the execution of the furlough program,” he was quoted as saying.
On the other hand, our mayor said, “Furthermore, the auditor’s release (press release) contains inaccurate statements and inflammatory comments that are not consistent with the audit findings.
A check of the two documents will prove them basically echoing each other. Let’s remember one very important factor. Mr. Pasion hires competent outside firms with expertise to do his audits leaving politics completely out of the equation. The facts are documented and if they point the finger at anyone or show corrective action that needs to be taken, then the auditor cannot be blamed for partiality.
Since Mr. Carvalho seems to be questioning the truthfulness of Mr Pasion’s report and press release, why not have both he and Ernie take a lie detector test and let the truth be revealed. This back and forth is confusing for the public to understand but a lie detector test would give the truth.
Glenn Mickens
Kapaa
