• Time for reality check • Heart of the matter • Help Black Pot Time for reality check It is truly commendable that so many people are so passionate about saving the monkeypod trees in Koloa. However, it may be
• Time for reality check
• Heart of the matter
• Help Black Pot
Time for reality check
It is truly commendable that so many people are so passionate about saving the monkeypod trees in Koloa.
However, it may be time for a reality check.
Having been born and raised in Hawai‘i, we all have the “back in the old days” or “small kid time” memories, as the locals say. So seeing trees chopped down or fields bulldozed to make way for another gated community, million-dollar beach mansion, vacation destination, shopping center, resort or big box store is nothing new to us.
We each hold special memories of some particular places in our hearts. All the while the phrase “Too Little, Too Late” plays on in our minds.
I’m sure when the fields were bulldozed to make way for the Kukui Grove Shopping Center some kupuna was saying “auwe.” Probably the same sentiment when the Rice Shopping Center, the Kiahuna Shopping Center (Poipu Shopping Village), the Kaua‘i Surf Hotel (The Kaua‘i Marriott) the Hyatt (The Grand Hyatt), Wal-Mart, Home Depot and just a couple of years ago the removal of Kukui Grove Pavilion to make way for Costco. Don’t forget the protests to “Save Nukoli‘i” and the latest being at the site of the now up and running Waipouli Beach Resort. How about that home you’re living in? I’m sure someone has a memory of that being a special place to them; the list goes on and on.
Time is marching on and so is progress. And yes, I’m sure someone will comment that we need to allow progress to proceed, but cautiously or in a controlled manner. Yep, you’re probably right, but oops — too late. Progress on this island is so out of control. Just take a drive to Po‘ipu.
I found it quite laughable a couple of weeks ago when I listened to some callers on the “Thursday Mornings With The Garden Island” talk show on AM570 patting JoAnn Yukimura on the back for standing up with, and for, the protesters of the Hawaii Superferry.
My opinion still holds, that as a former mayor of Kaua‘i, she is responsible for a lot of this overdevelopment and lack of infrastructure that is now occurring.
As Joseph Vraratic asked in his letter (“Responds to ‘Trees have memory,’” Letters, Jan. 5) “Do you know what hypocrisy means?” My definition would mean: All those protesters who will take the time to hold signs and loudly state their positions against cutting down trees, building shopping centers and big box stores, or allowing the Hawaii Superferry. Then stopping at the nearest Starbucks for a cup of espresso or latte on their way home. I mean, no shopping center usually means no Starbucks.
One comment to Steven Martin’s previous letter (“Education is the key,” Letters, Jan. 1) of people being wealthy because that’s the life they chose. I’d just like to say, “Hey Steve, if we were all wealthy, who’d be cleaning those wealthy people’s yards or serving them their espresso?”
I’d like to close with one final thought about a woman who called Ron Wiley at KQNG 93.5FM one morning to express her dislike of his playing too many Braddah IZ songs. (Not listening to contemporary Hawaiian music in Hawai‘i would compare to not listening to Country/Western music in Nashville) If she were to listen, she’d know that Braddah IZ got it right years ago with his Hawai‘i 78 lyrics of “How would the king and queen feel if they saw the state of our islands now”?
And yes, right about now, I’m sure they are crying.
Francine Grace
Kalaheo
Heart of the matter
In regards to the article “KKCR station refutes racism claim,” A1, Jan. 5:
“‘It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,’ (KKCR Program Director Donna) Lewis said.”
The article included the above quote from a woman in denial.
Mahalo Nathan Eagle for covering this story. What is really unfortunate is that the incidents that led to Hale’s arrest could’ve been prevented if Lewis had been professional in her management of the whole affair.
Consistently, from the majority of folks informed of the issues at KKCR, most would agree that this was not handled properly and the community would’ve been better served by dealing with the issues at hand, face to face, with respectful dialogue and discussion of the facts. Instead impersonal and vague e-mails were the communication tools of choice employed by Lewis.
The failure of KKCR management to deal with the issues in a timely and professional manner have brought increased scrutiny and raised suspicions and hard feelings in the community. Silence, avoidance and denial are not effective management tools to be used when dealing with controversial community issues.
James Trujillo
Kapa‘a
Help Black Pot
Spending quality time on weekends relaxing, with ‘ohana and friends at Black Pot Beach Park is only a memory. Surges of tourists lured to this favorite “local spot” by food vendors, surfing and coastal expedition concessions have killed the “laid back” atmosphere. The added traffic has packed the small parking lot, lined the narrow pot-holed access road and beach parking with rental cars. Such “congestion” is at the expense of those who live here and frequent this location.
Our quality of life is compromised, as we can no longer enjoy a spot many used to decompress from daily stress. It is not a wonder that locals and natives are burned out with the saying “Live Aloha.”
Fortunately, a rare opportunity is available as one of the few undeveloped pieces of property in Hanalei that adjoins Black Pot, located to the south, or left, of the Hanalei Pier is back on the market. With the revenues from the concessions and the property taxes collected on the many luxury homes fronting Hanalei Bay, perhaps the county of Kaua‘i can consider procuring this piece of land to accommodate the permitted vendors and upgrade this beach park to reflect the neighborhood that it is in.
Black Pot is in dire need of designated land and water concession areas, additional parking, and a decent emergency access road as well as upgrades to its toilets and sewage system. This will only enhance our tourist economy as well as benefit the locals.
County officials should contact the person on the “For Sale” sign, Steve Moody, and negotiate acquiring this property for the visitors and people of Kaua‘i to enjoy.
Sophie Josselin
Kapa‘a
