Frustrated by large agriculture companies, inadequate roads
Aloha. I wanted to comment on a couple things.
First is the situation with all the pesticide companies on the islands. Monsanto was recently fined $12 million for not properly storing toxic chemicals here on our island. That really worries me. If they aren’t being responsible about a serious matter such as that, what else are they not being responsible about? I always wondered how can you responsibly spray poisonous chemicals on our land and in the air.
Obviously, they are going to travel to our communities and ocean. Why are our elected leaders, who proclaim their love for the islands and the people, continuing to allow this? It sickens me to think they allow it for monetary gain.
Please, people, speak up; let our elected officials know we want these companies gone!
The other issue is the ongoing problem with balancing growth and infrastructure. At present, the population is outpacing our infrastructure. I just sat on the Kapa‘a bypass for 45 minutes trying to get to Lihu‘e. This is not acceptable.
We have had 20 years of prosperity. There should be plenty of money in the coffers for road expansion. Instead, our leaders want more housing. Well, sure, that means more money in county pockets. But is it the best thing for the island right now?
This is very frustrating. And as a side note, filling potholes is not creating infrastructure.
Linda Bothe, Kalaheo
More virus restrictions needed
The only mayor that is truly wanting and is doing something is Mayor Victorino on Maui. He is setting ground rules, restricting gathering, etc.
If the rest of the mayors, our lieutenant governr and our governor won’t do anything to keep the omicron virus away from our state, I think they (state and counties leaders) should show face and greet the people with lei and a kiss of aloha at the airports!
Tourists are coming into the island in great numbers and are not masking.
Also, a lot of them have no respect for us. They think because they are spending some money they can move about anywhere they please.
Please, Governor Ige, do something!
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
Mystery solved!
The tree-smashing, dirt-churning, shiny new fencing and the final touch: black plastic has become “transparent.” No, it’s not a new restaurant, no new mini-golf, forget low-income housing, how many guesses did you make about the naked red dirt on the mountainside across from “Neptunes” turn off into Princeville.
Surprise! It’s a new lookout for Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Well, at least we have a newspaper that keeps us informed.
This is a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Transportation Highways Division, apparently about a $4-million partnership. There will be signs and interpretive displays. I think that will be great.
However, perhaps someone could start practicing by making a sign in big, readable letters: FUTURE SITE OF…
Lawrence Hornbeck, Kilauea
Why are theses chemical companies? Is it because we LET them be here?
Are there any on the other island.?
If not. … why not?
Why are these chemical companies on Kauai anyway?? Is it because we LET them? Are there any chemical companies on the other islands? If not… why not?
Howard – I agree with you that more should be done to protect Kaua’i from this latest Covid surge. And I wish there were more restrictions as well. Luckily we do know how to protect ourselves. I for one, am staying home more, and grateful that I have the choice to be able to work from home and be able to stay home and stay safe. The only light I see at the end of the tunnel is that cases counts are dropping on the mainland and we usually follow their lead – until then it is obviously up to us to be smart enough to protect ourselves because it is evident that no one else will do it for us at this point in time.
Howard; I hate to break it to you but the Omicron variant is already on the Island big time. It is so widespread, that we all have been, or will shortly be, exposed. What tourists do, or don’t do, is a drop in the bucket. It is rampant in our community, in our churches, in restaurants, farmer’s markets, adult softball games, schools, grocery stores, food courts, hospitals, and everywhere else you can possibly imagine. I don’t think it is possible to stop the spread as this point. It is too contagious. Protect yourself and your family as you see fit, don’t worry about what Maui or the State is doing, and live your life as best you can.
James is correct – last I saw roughly 77% of case are Omni so you can basically catch this by being anywhere and that’s why I am limiting my activity right now. I’d rather not experience it if I have the choice even being completely vaccinated given that I have pre existing conditions. That’s where having common sense comes in.