Odd closing statement at recent candidates forum
Thirteen Kaua’i County Council Candidates attended the first County Council Candidate Forums held on Oct. 13-14 at the War Memorial Exhibit Hall. The event was sponsored by the YWCA and its community partners and focused on critical issues for women and children.
I was fortunate to attend both nights in person. Most of the candidates had a firm grasp of the issues facing Kaua‘i. They also showed a passion for our island and its people, often thinking outside the box for solutions to local issues.
However, one candidate really stood out, and not in a good way. It was unclear whether Nelson Mukai understood the questions as he was the only candidate who didn’t seem to actually answer them in any concrete way.
At the end of the Forums each candidate had two minutes for a closing statement. Here are some excerpts from Mr. Mukai’s: “All I want is 4 years so that I can crystallize my thoughts. After four years, in 2028, I’m going to run for president of America. …. I’m not worried about Kaua‘i, I’m worried for the world. … I will lead the world. That’s a campaign promise.”
Kaua‘i needs county leaders who are actually concerned about the well-being of the people of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau first; not leaders who are using a valuable position on Kaua‘i to “crystalize” their “thoughts” for a different level of government all together.
If you would like to hear all of the candidates’ answers from the forum (except Shirley Simbre-Medeiros who didn’t attend) you can listen on the KKCR Archives or watch later this week on Ho‘ike.
Dawna White, Kapa‘a
‘Itinerant’ people are human beings, too
That “mess” you speak about of “Itinerant” people are actual human beings. Most of them kanaka maoli. Houseless folks deserve our compassion, not our scorn. I say houseless because they have no house, but they definitely have a home. Kauai is their home.
Maybe we should stop worrying what tourists might think and start to find ways to help. Volunteer some time. Bring a meal and sit and talk. It’s a good start. But let’s stop seeing houseless as the “other”. They are us and we need help.
Daniel Bernal, Kapa‘a
Thanks for your viewpoint Daniel. Here is another one.
https://www.thegardenisland.com/2022/10/17/hawaii-news/addressing-homelessness-on-public-lands/
Even if these folks were financially able there just are not rentals for these people to occupy! It’s simple as that here on Kauai
Daniel Bernal, Kapa‘a made an interesting response to my recent letter that complained about conditions at Waimea’s Pier Park. He criticized my use of the word “itinerant” to describe park occupants.
Waimea Pier Park is supposed to be closed to overnight camping. Waimea Pier Pier Park rules say no alcohol. And yet both of these rules are ignored.
I wonder where he thinks the money will come from to solve the Park’s problems when tourists quit coming here. Recently a family from the Midwest announced that they were quitting coming to Kauai after 25 years because of the way they were treated.
I’ve lived next to this Park for over 25 years. Since before it was a park. It’s only been in the last few years that conditions have gotten out of control.
I’d like to send some of these “houseless” to live in Daniel Bernal’s back yard. See how he likes listening to screaming obsceneties and cracking whips day and night. These “screamers” are obviously mentally ill, but that fact isn’t much consolation in the middle of the night.
This “mess” needs fixing.
Raley Peterson
Shirley Simbre-Medeiros has no athletic skills. No sports knowledge. So she felt out of place, not welcomed.