• Visitor’s views • More on visitor’s views • Sunday morning musings • Real property tax Visitor’s views I remind Mr. Kennedy that Kaua‘i is not and never has been an “amusement park”! And anyone who views the Island from
• Visitor’s views
• More on visitor’s views
• Sunday morning musings
• Real property tax
Visitor’s views
I remind Mr. Kennedy that Kaua‘i is not and never has been an “amusement park”! And anyone who views the Island from this standpoint is unclear on the concept of the islands “Natural Wonders” and aloha! His request for more paved parking and roads tells me that he is missing the point of the special places on Kaua’i! Maybe when it is once again, difficult to reach a Beach or Trail, there shall be fewer visitors to cause the problems that so bother Mr. Kennedy. Kalalau Trail has never been for the casual visitor. Did your wife not have proper shoes?
Kaua‘i is a Natural Paradise with all the risks that come with a Natural environment!
The beaches are not the same from day to day, the trails change with the weather, and there should not be guarantees of “easy Parking”! I also do not believe that roads need to be paved to accommodate low rise cars. Rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle if you want to feel safer! I remember a time when, due to the difficulties to reach special spots kept the areas clean, not overrun, and more accessible to Locals!
As for the “facilities”; while some could be cleaner, part of the problem is too many people using the beaches, trails and facilities. Too Many People who choose not to go to one of the many other beaches or trails that are not overrun. (The Beach across from Coco Palms is one example, or a hike to the “Blue Hole”) Since Mr. Kennedy spoke of places that attract more tourists than locals, I believe that he needed to put blame where it belongs. With the tourists who disrespect the beaches, trails and other wonders of Kaua‘i! (Try a visit to one of the great Botanical Gardens to learn how to help)
Peter Hirsch
Part Time Local
More on visitor’s views
What an outstanding article Mike Kennedy from Kirkland WA wrote in the Garden Island 9/4 – “A Washington State visitor looks back at a Kauai visit”. Outstanding not because of the flaws in the way our infrastructure has been neglected for the many years he has been coming to Kaua‘i but for the factual manner in which he presented them and offered solutions. And remember that his is not just an isolated voice from a disgruntled visitor. His examples of mass neglect to our rest rooms, beaches and parks, and hiking trails are so vividly true and have been going on for way too many years – and his words have been echoed by hundreds of visitors and locals alike. Plus what he said was not just meant to be negativism but words of constructive criticism with the hope that someone in government – county, state or Federal – would move in a pro-active direction to fix these glaring faults!
Mr. Kennedy particularly points to the deterioration of the Kalalau trail to Hanakapi‘ai Beach and falls. A citizens group led by Dr. Ray Chuan has spent many months documenting the over-use of this historic trail (along with recommended solutions) and yet time marches on and no one in DLNR wishes to step up to the plate to stop the destruction of this world-renown trail.
The best solution that Mr. Kennedy offers (as has been suggested many times over the years) is to fund the rejuvenation of these areas with some of the $60 million allocated to the HVB for tourist attraction – what could be more fair than that?
Being an election year, lets see if we can find someone who will walk the walk and really push to get these problems solved.
Glenn Mickens
Kapa‘a
Sunday morning musings
Ever wonder why anyone gets upset at anyone in paradise?
I wonder why someone doesn’t tell George Bush that it’s nu-clear, not new-kew-lur.
In my long life in and around politics, I’ve never heard such venemous spew as Zell (what the hell is a Zell) Miller’s “keynote” speech at the R.N.C.
All that was missing was the rantings of Pat Buchanan, Newt (the Newt that stole Christmas) Gingrich, and Rush (Drug users should do time) Limbaugh.
I’m a Vietnam vet. I saw the things that John Kerry described in his 1970 testimony to the U.S. Senate (can anyone remember the My Lai and Song My “incidents”?)
I also spoke out. Speaking out was as difficult as my service.
Is it true that Zell Miller was a protege’ of Lester Maddox, the acclaimed racist who chased blacks from his diner with ax-handles?
John Kerry served two tours of duty in Vietnam. George Bush an Dick Cheney stayed home.
Why do so many displaced foreigners complain so often and so loudly about the U.S.? the door swings both ways.
Democrats should really support Gov. Lingle’s seven school district plan. Local control and responsible board members can make huge advancements for our children.
Two key terms conspicuous by their absense at the R.N.C.: peace; and Osama bin Laden. they were outpaced by Richard Nixon twice.
This beautiful island has quickly turned out to be a divided place; have lots and have nots.
Who’s going to stop the developers? We are on the verge of outgrowing our resources. Is anyone listening?
There’s no affordable housing for those who serve the affluent and tourists.
Kaua’i has the highest utility rates in the U.S..
Dr. H.J. Skip Rush
Princeville
Real property tax
I would like to thank the Real Property Tax Task Force for their hard work and recommendations. The windfall of additional tax dollars to the County from rising valuations of all Kaua‘i property needed to be addressed. A 50% increase in the revenues over the past four years has been too much, too fast. Most of the Task Force’s recommendations would serve the citizens of Kaua‘i well.
However, I disagree with their formula for resident homeowners. The 1-3 ratio weight is heavy on the residence rather than location, location, location. Six dollars per thousand for buildings and two dollars per thousand for land is not fair. At today’s building costs, a large “family” with a large home in a less popular location could be taxed off their property. The Tax Force recommends using the Honolulu Consumer Price Index. We are on Kaua‘i. Do we really want to tie our future to this?
I believe the Ohana Group and Task Force have more in common rather than differences. But, the Ohana Plan is on the ballot this November. Being a charter amendment means that it will take another vote by we the people, to change the process, rather than a vote from the County Council members.
Vote to make the Ohana Plan a reality for Kaua‘i, so you and your family can plan for your future with confidence.
Bill Steed
Kilauea
