Letters for Aug. 21, 2016 ‘No man is an island’ Thank you to the writers and staff at The Garden Island newspaper for their op-ed and I would like to re-emphasis their words. On World Humanitarian Day it brings special
Letters for Aug. 21, 2016
‘No man is an island’
Thank you to the writers and staff at The Garden Island newspaper for their op-ed and I would like to re-emphasis their words.
On World Humanitarian Day it brings special emphasis to the statement, “No man is an island” and that no person, community or nation is alone. We are all together in this world, even if an ocean separates us. When you reach out to help your brother or sister, whether it is across the street, across the country and even across the globe, you in turn help out yourself and all of those around you. I am sure we can all remember a time when you received help, whether it was a safe place to stay the night during a flood or a hurricane, or a warm meal made by a neighbor, or simply an encouraging word given at the right time.
There are so many ways to help out, if you can’t help out with a monetary donation, think about donating your time. The Red Cross is always looking for more volunteers, you can donate as little as a few hours a month or sign up to be a “ready when the time comes” volunteer. You will be trained to help out when the need arises and thus helping out your family, your neighbors and everyone across the island. When you know what to do in the event of a disaster and you empower yourself, so you won’t be a bystander, you will be helping out the greater good to make this island and the world a better safer place for everyone.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Padraic Gallagher, Red Cross, Director of Disaster Services for Kauai
Dairy has potential to create marine catastrophe
As a half-year resident of Kauai for the past 11 years, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the degradation of marine life based on the proposal put forth by Hawaii Dairy Farms for their dairy operation at Mahaulepu.
The study failed to contain any sound scientific evaluation of the marine life that will likely be impacted by admitted nutrient discharge. Similarly, there was no discussion of hormones on the endangered and threatened species of the critical habitat area or the ocean.
Also lacking was any scientific assessment or explanation of how the reefs would be protected from certain death when nutrients result in suffocating algae blooms.
With the amount of cow manure predicted from this level of operation, there could be 900 to 4,000 pounds per annum of phosphorous and 10,000 pounds per annum of nitrogen added to to the ocean from manure seepage through the clay soil. This deluge of nutrients will predictably have a detrimental effect on the coral through increased algae bloom.
As well, the natural hormones from cows could predictably affect a change in the reproductive abilities of the natural marine life.
Due to unforeseen weather conditions affecting future pasture grass production, it is likely that additional nutrients will be produced by fertilizers applied to the livestock feed which could exponentially increase these already high levels of phosphorous, nitrogen and hormones.
The closure of Florida beaches this summer due to the impact of nutrients from an industrial dairy operation demonstrate a reality that must not be ignored.
Sound logic needs to be applied in time to prevent a marine catastrophe.
Michael Coon, MSc, Marine Biology Senior Manager, Land Use Planning (retired) Province of British Columbia, Victoria, B.C.
