Colonialism
The firestorm that burned Lahaina is a marker in the 150-year history of colonialism in Hawai‘i.
First, a short-term profits extractive economy replaced Indigenous management that was in harmony with the long term health of Lahaina’s wetland environment.
Then, when profits were exhausted, a second phase of colonialism set in. The cane fields and mills shut down, and the land above Lahaina was neglected, growing fuel load for wildfires where sugar cane once grew.
A third act of colonialism, whether a predatory land grab of the homes and businesses of Lahaina victims occurs, or a redeeming of past wrongs being managed by residents of Lahaina, is unfolding now.
On Kaua‘i, we see a legacy of colonialism with continuing massive diversions of water with unjust distribution, the same abandonment of former cane land on the south and west sides, and aging reservoirs left over from that era.
One example is Grove Farm’s Waita reservoir, the state’s biggest.
Waita was built in 1906 and holds 9,900 acre feet of water. Imagine a structure an acre big at the base, and 99 stories tall. It’s barely a mile uphill from Koloa town.
It was last inspected in 2018, when it was ranked in fair condition, with a high hazard classification, meaning a high potential for loss of life.
We are already experiencing the predicted continuing drought, extreme wind events and extreme rain events.
It’s ironic that nostalgia lingers for that time when an industry ruled Hawai‘i.
Koloa, downwind from recurring brush fires and in the shadow of Waita reservoir, celebrates that industry with Plantation Days, and descendant companies of the Big 5 continue extractive water and land management practices while benefiting from a residual of public trust.
Kip Goodwin, Kapa‘a
Pu‘u Road
Safety on and around Pu‘u Road in Kalaheo, approaching the Kalaheo Elementary School, is a major concern of the residents here.
Over the past five years, I have spoken with and shared my concerns with you and several council members.
Children use the Pu‘u Road sidewalk for attending school; residents regularly walk along to exercise.
Everyone who uses this pathway is in jeopardy of serious injury because of careless drivers speeding up and down this road.
As discussed earlier, I believe this road should be fully evaluated for current and proper signage, with possible installation of speed bumps, and any other improvements that will advance the safety along this vital community corridor.
The safety of our children and residents is paramount.
Dickie Silva, Kalaheo
