•Paper nor plastic •Path =/= Superferry • Outstanding care Paper nor plastic I want to thank Pearl Hahn of the Grassroot Institute for her letter to the editor of Oct. 8 regarding the recently passed Plastic Bag Reduction Bill 2321
•Paper nor plastic
•Path =/= Superferry
• Outstanding care
Paper nor plastic
I want to thank Pearl Hahn of the Grassroot Institute for her letter to the editor of Oct. 8 regarding the recently passed Plastic Bag Reduction Bill 2321 (“Plastic bag ban makes zero sense”) and take this opportunity to share information about the new ordinance.
The bill was introduced and passed to address the significant impacts on the environment of single-use, plastic checkout bags and the use of fossil fuel to manufacture them.
Ms. Hahn is to be commended for recognizing and cautioning the public that the instinctive move for retailers and shoppers is to use paper bags instead of plastic. The issues with paper bags are well-stated in her letter and were all factors considered in crafting the Plastic Bag Reduction Bill.
The further purpose of the legislation is to specifically encourage customers to bring their own reuseable bags when shopping — clearly emphasizing the importance of making the necessary transition away from both plastic and paper bags for the sake of our environment.
With 92 billion plastic bags distributed yearly nationwide, this bill addresses the most important aspect of the three Rs of sustainable practices: Reduce. By reducing our use of plastic bags, and continuing to reuse and recycle those bags we already have, we move toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
By changing our behavior we can demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the delicate balance between what we need today while preserving natural resources and our precious environment for the generations to follow.
Lani T. Kawahara, Member, Kaua‘i County Council
Path =/= Superferry
Please do not compare the Wailua Beach path project and community input processes to what happened with the Hawai‘i Superferry. (“Preserve Wailua Beach,” Letters, Sept. 12)
One has nothing to do with the other. It is unfair and inaccurate to attempt to draw those connections, and clouds the issue. The path project leadership team, government agencies and community have worked closely together throughout this process and will also continue to do so.
Throughout the path’s planning, the environmental assessments and other studies were completed, and the information was made available to the public and evaluated carefully throughout the entire process. The decision-makers have to date followed the recommendations provided through such means and carefully considered options provided.
The EA or public processes were not sidelined or sidestepped as your letter appears to insinuate; therefore I believe the motive behind the comments related to the Superferry are only to add emotion and fuel negativity that may still linger from the ferry fiasco.
Just because the current plan and initial recommendations do not support a group’s collective opinion, it doesn’t mean they should start making accusations that are unfounded. The Kaua‘i people involved care very much about preserving the beach access and the island, and many of them are volunteers who have worked hard to get us to this point.
I was also in attendance at those meetings mentioned in your letter, and there were not only a handful of supporters present as was stated. Many people supported and came there to learn, but respectfully listened while the hosts allowed some people to vocalize their concerns.
The purpose of the meeting referenced (in December 2008) was to show the community where the project stood at the time, results of assessments that had been completed and what decisions had been made based on the process that had been followed; it was not a public forum to gather feedback and yet still I believe no one was denied a chance to speak.
Wailua Beach does not currently have a safe route or sidewalk which means it is not ADA compliant, nor is it accessible to seniors and those with mobility challenges. The letter contained a description of the path’s location that might lead one to believe that there is a plan to build a path away from the highway and closer to the water which again is not the case.
I have seen a photo simulation of what the plan might look like at www.Kauaipath.org and would encourage people to view this picture for a more accurate description Wailua path plan which actually has the path running along the rock wall, just on the ocean side of the highway. This would be an ADA compliant option and make the beach accessible for all to enjoy.
Either way it goes, I would just ask that process continued be followed and that people provide fair and accurate information when attempting to get the word out about what they believe to be a good alternative.
Melissa Costales, Kapa‘a
Outstanding care
While visiting our daughter and granddaughter from South Africa, my husband Roy became ill. After a visit with Dr. Thomas Capelli, he referred us to Wilcox Hospital.
Once in the emergency room, my husband was attended to by Dr. Thomas Hemmingway and staff. Through his dedication to patient care, my husband’s life was saved.
From the ambulance staff to the Hawai‘i Air Ambulance crew, and then to Straub Hospital, we received the best possible treatment. A special thank you Dr. Wesley Kai and staff on the 3rd floor at Straub.
We are now able to enjoy the rest of our vacation. Words are inadequate to describe our appreciation and gratitude to all these wonderful people who helped make this possible.
Peggy Browning, South Africa
Chevy and Tamra Martin, Kilauea
