Letters for April 18, 2016

Letters for April 18, 2016

Dairy not the problem

Ms. Bridget Hammerquist’s op-ed “Waiopili contamination remains a concern” (TGI, April 12) is misleading.

What stands out in the report for me is the number of waste water injection wells, cesspools and “onsite disposal systems” in Omao, Koloa and Poipu which are far, far more likely to contaminate the Koloa drinking water sources than the dairy.

While there are elevated levels of bacteria in Mahaulepu, the dairy is not the source.

John Zwiebel

Kalaheo

Common sense should prevail

Kauai’s uncluttered open spaces are an integral interaction of color and space that makes a rare, natural mosaic of natural beauty. It is that image and outdoor experience that has thrilled and touched the soul of people from all over the world. Tourists generally take pictures and leave nothing of harm but footprints. And yes, enough money to support thousands that otherwise would be penniless.

At this time, forces instead look at these colorful but “empty” spaces as a venture capital opportunity typified by huge tax deductions, lax regulations and trusting citizens. Companies such as Ulepono Initiative/Hawaii Dairy Farms owned by billionaire Pierre Omidyar see immense profit in them. Their vision narrowed by greed and disdain for others. Common sense abandoned.

The citizenry is unfortunately represented by some who find the smell of big money influence attractive. The odor of such seemingly clouding the understanding level that third-graders demonstrate each day in school. Non-draining soil, hard surface roads, pathways and miles of hardened sprinkler wheel rutting will simply become run-off areas for fluid. At a normal level, 27,000 gallons of rain per inch per acre occurs.

Who in the chambers of the Mayor’s Office, County Council or Planning Department cannot/will not do simple math and determine for themselves what will happen? Basic to it all is that 360 of 570 acres have a zero- to 1/5th-inch ability to absorb water and will run immediately downhill. (Has not one of you seen rapid rainfall in that area? What is all that water blocking the road and filling the gutters below Mahaulepu? Where did it come from? Where is it going? Why was it so often impossible to harvest cane when a cane field?)

What third-grader would they allow at the next county meeting? It shouldn’t take more than five minutes to explain it and what county official could possibly question that simple data?

Ronald John

Salt Lake City, Utah

Stiffer fines needed

In response to the article “Distracted driving can be deadly,” (TGI, April 9) I think one of the biggest concerns is that millions upon millions of people are addicted to their phones as an addict is to heroin. I know, some will say it’s a bit strong to say, but let’s be truthful here, it’s not far off base.

I feel strongly for those families that must live the rest of their lives with the loss of loved ones all because of a driver who was texting. This has become an extremely serious issue that deserves a fine that expresses the seriousness. I feel a fine in the same area as driving without insurance ($1,000) might just show how serious we should be on this.

I find it to be strange that with all the technology with the fancy phones there should be a way to talk and drive and make it do what you want without having to touch it. Oh wait, I just remembered we already have that. For the addicts, it’s time to break the habit; and for our government, this might be your best “fee” raise there is to help with the traffic congestion.

Steve Martin

Kapaa