Not all bad driving is tourists’ fault

We were recently on your lovely island in August for a two-week vacation. I had

the opportunity to read the Forum section and noticed Louisa Wooton’s input on

the reckless driving on the Garden Island, and her thoughts seemed to blame

both tourists and locals. But the “information” to be given out was only

focused on tourists.

Between our two vacations, we have spent a total of

one month there, and my wife and I have consistently made the following

observations:

1. A majority of the speeding and reckless driving we

witnessed was not by tourists, but by island residents. In particular, the

reckless passing we observed was the most troubling, which resulted in the

head-on accident we passed on the way in Lihu’e from Po’ipu. Note that both

vehicles involved in that crash appeared to be owned by residents. Most of the

passing that we observed was by residents traveling at 15 to 20 miles per hour

above the posted speed limits. Younger drivers appeared to be the majority of

the offenders.

2. Tailgating: We were often tailgated and then subsequently

passed in an unsafe manner on numerous occasions by residents. In every case,

we were driving the posted speed limit.

I certainly understand the locals’

frustration with Kauai’s many visitors and the traffic that they create.

However, dealing with the issue by the above two actions creates an unsafe

driving atmosphere for everyone and creates somewhat of a hostile environment

for tourists who do provide the island and its inhabitants with substantial

economic benefit.

Tourists need to do their part by being mindful of their

driving behavior on the island, especially when sightseeing or traveling to a

destination for the first time. They need to be responsible with their speed as

well as their selection of a place to park while sightseeing.

Residents

need to be responsible and mindful of their actions, as well.

Scott

Perry

Austin, Texas