• Park improvement suggestions benefit all • Humanity needed • Powerline path Park improvement suggestions benefit all Thank you TGI for your in-depth reporting on the Council’s committee meeting Aug. 24, “Committee approves Lydgate campgrounds.” As the article points out,
• Park improvement suggestions benefit all •
Humanity needed • Powerline
path
Park improvement suggestions benefit all
Thank you TGI for your in-depth reporting on the Council’s committee meeting Aug. 24, “Committee approves Lydgate campgrounds.”
As the article points out, there are still some major problems that need addressing before the grounds are opened. Both Council members Rapozo and Kuali‘i were absent at the meeting and both had some serious questions about opening these grounds which will be addressed at the full council.
The laser sharp testimony of Ken Taylor at the meeting was informational and educational for everyone to read or watch on Ho‘ike and I hope that no one will miss it.
After hearing our new parks director who has limited experience with Kaua‘i parks and little with parks elsewhere call the Lydgate park a “world-class facility,” Ken properly took exception to that statement. He is very well qualified to make his evaluations having been a landscape contractor for 35 years including his travels observing “world-class parks” in Japan and many European countries.
In the opinion of many, including Ken, the condition of Lydgate Park is far from the well-maintained and manicured appearance of facilities that deserve to be considered world class.
Although my friend Dickie Chang sought to defend the parks director’s comments, the reality is that while the facility has considerable potential, in its present condition it leaves much to be desired.
But, as has been pointed out on so many issues by the learned Walter Lewis, (A Better Kaua‘i), what is wrong with improving the system and making it better? As Ken said, “the bones are there” — the infrastructure — but let’s improve the “body.”
Remember, Dickie, that any improvement we make on Kaua‘i is beneficial to all of us — not just the transplants. This is not an “us” or “them” issue but one that we all need.
People here once transported themselves on dirt roads but now these roads are paved. Could they still move around on dirt roads? Certainly they could. But change came for improvements and the citizens are the benefactors of this change.
When Mel Rapozo first came on the Council he was very concerned about the shoddy conditions our parks were in. He gave a power point showing broken swings, dirt where there should be grass and sprinklers that didn’t work. Today, these areas are the same as they were many years ago and Mel is still championing this cause.
With volunteers, donations, and a few dollars taken from our $32 million surplus (aka overcharged taxes) we could install an automatic irrigation system in Lydgate Park. We could use the same No. 2 water used on the golf course (irrigating at night) and keep this park green and move it towards a “class” area.
We should remember that many years ago the camping areas of Lydgate Park were closed due to heavy drug use and a murder. Are not these same risks even more prevalent today?
Glenn Mickens, Kapa‘a
Humanity needed
Regarding the Aug. 24 letter “Extend aloha to animals,” yes, I’m appalled.
I felt so helpless. (Who will listen?) But you are right. We must speak up for those who can’t, such as the animals or children.
As the old adage says: When they came for the Jews, I didn’t speak up. When the came for the mentally ill, I didn’t speak up. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak up!
I was actually sick to my stomach and wanted to get that person and throw them out my car window. All they had to do was drive a bit further to the Humane Society, and if the kitties were not adopted, at least they would be euthanized humanely, not left to suffer by the road.
By the way, any psychologist will tell you, people who abuse animals will hurt humans. I wouldn’t want to be this person’s kid! So come on people, let this person know that we know what a jerk they are.
Anne Welsh, Kilauea
Powerline path
Let’s end the bike path where it lays and think of a better scenic spot. Somewhere one can enjoy a brisk walk/bike ride with fresh mountain air on their face and with each step one can overlook where the land meets the sea.
An ideal area for this mentioned above would be Powerline Trail. It’s high enough yet we will have mountains in the backdrop and beautiful scenery of lush green land meeting the sea. It would be an experience for those of us who never really notice the beauty Kaua‘i offers.
With Kipu Falls being closed for safety reasons, why not create a safe nature walk where locals and tourists alike can appreciate and enjoy one of God’s beautiful creations on Earth that the ancients named “Kaua‘i.”
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
