• When in doubt, don’t go out • Mahalo for protecting Wailua • A flash of a smile • What happened to the bike lanes? When in doubt, don’t go out Last week Kaua‘i experienced the tragic drowning of three
• When in doubt, don’t go out • Mahalo for protecting Wailua • A flash of a smile • What happened to the bike lanes?
When in doubt, don’t go out
Last week Kaua‘i experienced the tragic drowning of three visitors — the fifth drowning to occur so far this year.
Four years ago, I had a near drowning experience myself, and since then only swim in the public pool. The Kapa‘a Public Pool offers the feeling of security and safety with three of the best lifeguards in the world, Jeremy Haupt, Brandon Jacinto and Aric Acorda.
I wish to share a few paragraphs from a blog I wrote four years ago:
I saw dolphins and decided to go in the water, I started swimming parallel with the shore but drifted out, I drifted so far out, on a day I should never had gone in the water, rough surf and white caps everywhere. I figured I could body surf in. I was gaining no ground and waves were covering me making it hard to breathe, I swam on my back and tried to relax but kept getting overpowered and drenched with more waves, this went on for over 20 minutes and I was losing strength and could barely breathe, my thought was I was going to die.
I was exhausted and could not handle the situation much longer. I prayed the Jewish signature prayer called the “Shema” and thought this is it.
… I was getting exhausted and with no lifeguard and only one other person within my eyesight, I thought this was it. I was going to die at my favorite beach, Secret Beach.
Miraculously, I gained ground and could feel bottom, but then got sucked out again, finally a large wave rode me in, I managed to walk to shore in exhaustion and fell to the ground thanking the Lord for giving me yet another chance at this thing we call life.
Mother Nature is a powerful source, and life is short and precious. I was one of the blessed and lucky ones. I felt the need to share this in hopes this may help save a life. This may sound cliche, “but when in doubt, don’t go out.”
James “Kimo” Rosen
Kapa‘a
Mahalo for protecting Wailua
Aloha: In response to the article “Protesters arrested at Wailua Beach”: I want to take this time to thank these Kaua‘i people who were brave enough to take a stand and try to protect the Wailua Beach area; people like Puanani, Jamea, Ray, Waldeen, Kip, Sharon and Sandy. I want them to know that they are not alone in wanting to preserve the sacredness of Wailua Beach.
Much of my growing up on Kaua‘i was at Wailua Beach where we body surfed, swam and had lot of fun times. Seeing the ocean and smelling the sea breeze when I visit is a spiritual experience for me .I’m glad that Waldeen did research on that area.
She has particular interest, since she also grew up enjoying Wailua Beach.
I think we would all benefit from Waldeen’s expertise and knowledge in preserving Wailua Beach.
Kaua‘i is a special place, inhabited by special people. Visitors come to Kaua‘i to relax and enjoy life through Kauai’s beauty — to be found no where else.
Let’s join in on the discussions to save our Kaua‘i, and most specially Wailua Beach.
Jan Grayson
Aiea
A flash of a smile
I’m awfully little. Awfully cute. Pretty darn old — in years, not in spirit.
I’ve got a great galloping grin and a ho-ho hearty laugh. Just ask Kimo and Jeffrey Pears.
I also live in old Hawai‘i, surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, kids, an occasional fly away Macaw, joggers, bikers and hikers. My green valley — so small, so curvy, so narrow, so rich with natural beauty, human and otherwise — is an island treasure.
I request therefore, in this brief epistle, more and more of you driving down my road obey the 10-mile-an-hour speed limit. Slow down.
A flash of a smile and a wave of a friendly hand, will send you on your way.
Enjoy. Enjoy.
Please.
Peace and love
Bettejo Dux
Kalaheo
What happened to the bike lanes?
Whatever happened to the bicycle figures that were painted along the shoulder of the highway?
Isn’t the shoulder for bicycles to travel and share the highway?
Maybe, should the shoulder’s line be painted to a double solid line?
And the bicycle figures should be painted in, along with the pedestrian figure. That way it will clear up the mind set of drivers.
The rule will clearly be, “no taking over on the right.”
Better yet, place the bright lime green signs with a bike/pedestrian figures every 500 yards apart, or whatever is sufficient.
Howard Tolbe
‘Ele‘ele
