Letters for Feb. 15, 2016 Experience counts to have valid opinion Opinions are OK, everyone is entitled to them, but too often they are based on too little information. This is the problem with the opinion of the European visitor
Letters for Feb. 15, 2016
Experience counts to have valid opinion
Opinions are OK, everyone is entitled to them, but too often they are based on too little information. This is the problem with the opinion of the European visitor trying to assess Kauai’s traffic problem: no previous personal experience of Kauai to base their opinion on.
They don’t know what Kauai’s traffic was like 10, 20, 30 or more years ago. They don’t know how much life has changed for the island since sugar ceased being one of two industries supporting our economy, nor the implications and impact of relying solely on tourism.
They have no idea what Kauai has lost already, and why. I could go to whatever country that visitor was from, make uninformed observations and recommendations for their communities. It’s mere hubris to think that, as a first-time visitor to any foreign place, you have some insight without the requisite background knowledge.
Kerry Woods
Kapaa
Support industrial hemp production
I’m fortunate to spend a few months on Kauai every year visiting family, and was thrilled to read your recent article entitled, “Lawmakers push for industrial hemp production.”
As co-chair of the Colorado Hemp Education Association (CHEA), I was delighted to read that lawmakers Cynthia Thielen and Kaniela Ing have introduced a bill to get hemp into production in Hawaii. All the old cane and pineapple fields should be utilized to grow this crop. I applaud these lawmakers and hope that Gov. Ige can lead the charge to make this happen for Hawaii.
With over 25,000 different uses and benefits for mankind, the industrial hemp plant can’t make you high but can literally make just about everything else. From houses for the homeless (did you know that hempcrete and hempboard isn’t subject to termite damage like wood?) to the shoes on your feet.
The list of products is almost endless and the thought that we could replace all the petroleum-based plastics now amassing in our oceans, keep our trees in the forests, feed and heal ourselves with just this one plant, gives me great hope. The fact that hemp also cleans the environment (sequesters carbon and remediates the soil) while creating jobs and greater economic prosperity makes it imperative that it be grown in this country, now!
That’s why we need everyone to help intensify the effort for full nationwide legalization this year. We are close. Over 30 states now support this, but your support is vital! Just visit the National Hemp Association website (www.nationalhempassociation.org) and join the campaign to fully legalize industrial hemp at the federal level. A few minutes is all it takes.
Jackie Chenoweth
Princeville
