• Save the trees • Shocked to hear about trees • Run for office • Lucky we live on Kaua‘i • Mahalo from the Garzas Save the trees I don’t spend much time in Koloa these days because I hate
• Save the trees
• Shocked to hear about trees
• Run for office
• Lucky we live on Kaua‘i
• Mahalo from the Garzas
Save the trees
I don’t spend much time in Koloa these days because I hate to see what’s happening there. But tonight I was visiting a friend living in Koloa and stopped at the post office to mail a letter. It was magical parking my car under those old trees. I felt something so special being under their cover.
Then I was there in Koloa on Christmas Eve night at an assembly in a quaint little church. And again I felt the wondrous presence of the old monkeypod trees this time in the church parking lot. On my way out of town I drove by the crosses stuck under the trees in question forewarning us of their impending doom. The sign read “7 more days before these trees die.” Despite the assurances of the mayor in his Sunday column that all 16 of them will find new homes in Po‘ipu, the thought of the tree’s generous outstretched limbs being sawed off makes me shudder. I know at my age I’ll never see the day they recover. As for the 12-inch diameter trees that are to replace them, given the kind of care fledgling trees get in Lihu‘e parking lots, I doubt I’ll ever see them amount to anything.
I’ve been told that two local architects have drawn up plans that rearrange and reduce the parking by 10 percent at the planned new shopping mall to accommodate most of the trees. The plans have been submitted to those negotiating the saving of the trees. I hope the decision makers see the benefits of sparing the trees.
And to think all of this could have been avoided if the Planning Department had issued their rejection of the blueprints for the mall within the stipulated time limit. The plans for this mall are ones approved solely after the planners breached the time limit for responding to the developer. In court, the judge ruled in the favor of the developer due to this technicality. Either build it or be willing to pay the developer millions in claimed damages. The Planning Department’s previous decision had been to deny the plan for a number of reasons, one of them being the removal of the trees.
But we of Kaua‘i know it takes persistence and going the last mile as they say to save so much of what we consider precious about this island.
The next demonstration to save the trees is going to be this coming Saturday between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be music. Bring a dish for the pot luck and candlelight vigil.
If public sentiment means anything to the Knudsen family and the trustee of the land and trees in question, Stacy Wong, I ask that every able-bodied person show up to protest the taking of these trees.
Linda Harmon, Hanapepe
Shocked to hear about trees
I am writing from Seattle, Wash. Having lived on Kaua‘i for 17 years and recently moved to the mainland I was shocked to hear about the chopping down of the beautiful trees in Koloa. I think it is a SIN to cut them down for progress and greed.
I pray that this is not true and does not happen as stated, to begin Jan. 2, 2008.
Shame on all of you who agree to this desecration of this beautiful island in the name of MONEY.
Katie Clark, Seattle, Wash.
Run for office
Dear letter writers and those who frequent these editorial pages. Obviously you have an interest in your local community.
I am pleading with you to run for local government. 2008 will bring on a new county council election. I am actually thinking of running myself. Why not a new year’s resolution to elect competent people who can publicly speak, think and get things done in a timely manner.
To register as a candidate you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18-years-old and a Kaua‘i-registered voter living on Kaua‘i at least two years, pay a filing fee of $25 and have at least 25 signatures although 35 are recommended.
Last but not least this part-time job pays $33,400 for council members and $37,600 a year for the county chair. You must attend one meeting per week besides that your time is self-managed!
You can contact the office of the county clerk at 4396 Rice St.. or call 241-6350 or toll free (800) 442-8683.
Nomination papers will be available from the first working day in February 2008 until the filing deadline on July 22, 2008.
The mayor’s race is not until 2010. Filing can be made for that race starting the first working day of February 2010.
Please think about running for county government. We all complain on these editorial pages about what’s wrong. Let’s make a difference. Don’t get mad get even, re-elect nobody and run for office yourself!
It’s time to get the good ole boys (and girls) out and get some educated intelligent people in local government.
Our council is entertaining and hilarious to watch on public access television but an embarrassment to all.
James “Kimo” Rosen, Kapa‘a
Lucky we live on Kaua‘i
On Christmas morning, I went to Longs Drug Store to have a prescription filled and as I was patiently waiting for the pharmacy to open, a wonderful man came by and asked me why I was sitting there, I replied that I was waiting for the pharmacy to open.
He informed me that the pharmacy would not be open that day and only the Lihu‘e one will be open and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I was very reluctant to drive to Lihu‘e as I had taken a painkiller after my visit at the Mahelona ER. This gentleman sensed my concern and said: “I will drive you there.”
Of course I was little bit apprehensive not knowing this person. He immediately introduced himself as the store manager. He was very gracious and so collected that I decided to accept his generous offer.
In no time I was in Lihu‘e getting the prescription filled and he drove me back to my car in Kapa‘a. This why I say, “Lucky we live on Kaua‘i.” If this is not Aloha at it’s best then I don’t know what is, and for that reason, I will stay a loyal customer.
A big mahalo to you, Mr. Manager, and a sincere Aloha.
Leonie Dabancourt, Kapa‘a
Mahalo from the Garzas
Mahalo nui loa to the Arroyo ‘ohana for their generous giving of the bikes to the island children.
My mo’opuna received his bike and we were astounded to see the quality of his prize. Although he just turned ten, his height alone dwarfed the gift.
Upon seeing his size, without any hesitation they upgraded his bike to a beautiful Fisher mountain bike!
What a blessing. Mahalo, mahalo — what a testimony to the community. May you continue to prosper in the coming year. With warm wishes to you.
The Garza ‘ohana
