A better way to eliminate rodents
I was recently on the mainland and heard about a project that should be looked into for our islands. It was how people were working to get rid of rodent overpopulation at a landfill. They were installing owl boxes and having success. Owls hunt at night so chicks should be safe, rodents come out at night so owls had plenty to eat.
We really need to think outside the box when confronted with environmental problems. Dumping tons of poison on islands to get rid of rodents seems dangerous and irresponsible for our oceans and birds living on the islands.
The method used on Lehua island, which was not a complete success, reminds me of the saying, “It doesn’t take a sledgehammer to turn off a light switch.”
Linda Bothe, Kalaheo
Not feeling the love anymore, Kauai
Kauai, you have broken our hearts.
We first came to Kauai 30 years ago, and fell completely in love. Since then, we have visited 17 times, always for two to three weeks. We came, first with children, now with grandchildren, and developed a deep attachment and aloha aina to this beautiful place.
The last 15 visits have all been to the unique, spiritually cleansing, and spectacular North Shore. Like most non-natives, we have felt a responsibility to respect and take care of this special place.
So, it is with shock and great sadness that we learned of the plans to significantly curtail our access to the North Shore past Hanalei. We have seen so many sunsets at Ke‘e Beach, our kids and now grandchildren have swung from those ropes into the Lumahai River, we have spent such wonderful times at Tunnels Beach.
Now, all this will be sorely restricted, both financially and logistically. We are supposed to buy $11 tickets and take buses from Princeville? Really?
This is such a mistake. I understand that people who live up that way would prefer to keep people like us out, but that paradise does not just belong to them — it belongs to all of us. What happened to the core Hawaiian concept (indeed law) that all beaches must be open and easily accessible to the public?
We have been up that way innumerable times over the years, and never have we had trouble finding a legal place to park. If indeed that is an issue, the answer is to open more spaces, especially near Ke‘e Beach, not to keep us out.
On a more general level, I am afraid this is a symptom of the widespread hostility against part-timers like us, which is obvious to anyone who, like me, reads this newspaper regularly. I certainly understand some of the frustrating issues, especially the traffic situation in Kapaa, but be careful what you wish for.
Like it or not, tourism is now the core industry of Kauai. Alienate visitors, make them feel unwelcome, and the economy of the island will suffer deeply, which means a loss of jobs and significant tax revenue.
Honestly, our love has been shattered. Rather than feel like honored and welcome guests, we have now been made to feel like undesirable pests. I don’t know if we will ever return to this land we love so much.
Robert Minkus, M.D., Chicago
Robert, …a lot of people seem to be confused with “beach access” not just visitors, but “locals” as well. Just because there is a beach does not mean that you can use any road, or run through anyone’s property, to get to it. Beaches are not owned, thus open to everyone. I’ll leave out the “Native Hawaiian” access for now.
Two sides on the Parking……….”But I’ve always been allowed to Park there” is kind of sophomoric…..things have changed a bit on the North Shore. On the flip side, the State should have improved the road and created more parking years….and years…. ago. Like everything else on this island that requires some critical thinking or an ability to see past Friday, our County Officials can’t get anything done until there is a crisis……..then the sky is falling and we get some (very slow) movement. It has been a year!
For the record: Visitors, Tourists, Traffic, are all the “Symptoms”……not the “cause” of our problems. Again, Government Elected Officials, with no sense of urgency or desire to change things (aka improvements), on this island is the real “Hostile Movement”. The 50/60-something elected officials want to keep Kauai like it was when they were kids, keep the roads the same, keep North Shore access with one-lane bridges and roads, prevent construction of improved parking, “limit, limit, limit” any changes to keep the island the same. The Plantation days are gone, but all this island has is the tourists…..might as well deal with it.
I agree with you Jake. And Robert. Don’t let the haters undermine that most of us are thinking logically.
Dear Mr. Minkus. Teach us local people a valuable lesson. Spend your next 17 vacations somewhere other than Kauai. We dont need you, and we definitely dont want your attitude here.
Extremely constructive comment. You tell him. SMH.
Another extremely constructive comment.
“But I was here first”!
SMH
You sound nice! You’re kidding yourself if you think most tourists won’t agree with author of the letter. If you essentially cut off access to the most beautiful beaches on the island by making it so difficult and inconvenient to get there that de facto people can’t go, there will be serious repercussions in terms of tourism and visitors. It’s a really nasty move. I know, I know– “We don’t need you!” and you hate all tourists, we get it–but see if you feel the same way when your whole local economy collapses, and all the rental properties stand empty. And guess what– you aren’t the only people who have visitors and tourists come to where you live. This isn’t a unique scenario. You think people in Manhattan don’t get tired of the trains being crowded with people going to see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, etc? You think people in San Francisco don’t get irritated, and aren’t sometimes inconvenienced by visitors to Golden Gate park, filling their farmers markets, etc? That’s how it goes. People travel, and want to see interesting and beautiful places. And being a native of Kauai doesn’t give you sole claim to these areas anymore than I have sole claim to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the beauty within it because I live in Manhattan. Showing utter antipathy and antagonism to people coming to visit and experience your home is not the answer. Keep it up and see how it works out for you. How totally shortsighted and foolish. Get over yourself– you’re not the only people in the world who deal with visitors. There are better ways to handle this than alienating your main source of revenue, and– believe it or not– people who also, even though they may not be locals, care about Kauai.
^^^author of original letter^^^ access is not cut off. but romper rooms were outta control. people want to come to kauai because IT IS NOT NEW YORK, then they wanna stay and turn it into new york? sorry but a lot of very respectful visitors deeply agree with the changes to try to preserve an actual environmentally aware new way of doing things here. any tourists lost to a new, better way of keeping kauai , kauai with some rules in place to benefit all,,, SHOULD go to new york. or miami
You are sadly not alone in your feelings and resultant decision not to return to Kauai. Will we see a return to the ‘good ol’ plantation days on Kauai’?
Who cares about your neighborhood, I want to watch the sunset!
Please don’t come back, we will not miss you.
Best idea,if at all, is to open the kalalau trail head from Waipouli Church, with a one way lane to accommodate tourists walking to Ke’e instead of whining how THEY have lost that loving feeling. No one Ever considers the island or its peoples and what these same tourists have already damaged far more than the storm. If tourism is our main “economy”, we island peoples must turn the tables and collect a large entry fee, like disneyland, before their arrival, or should i say before the daily onslaught gets on a carrier headed to these islands, Especially Kauai. Until then, “undesirable pests” are going to feel more “unwelcome” as they already are. Sorry, we are full.
This is a great idea (entry fee). We can call it a tax. We just need to figure out who is going to collect it and embezzle it…I mean spend it wisely.
It’s not Hawaiian that are doing that Robert…
it’s the rich haoles that have nested on the north side.
Some beaches are restricted from fishing and diving for fish.
When Hawaiian were living on that side there were no restrictions everyone is welcome.. now tribe of Rich Haoles moved in, lived here a few years called themselves locals Suddenly just started changing all the rules.
If you want a good laugh whach the South Park episode where Butters finds out he’s from Kauai.
Is not only ridiculously hilarious it’s also educational and it will explain a lot..
It is 2019 Bud……How about laying off the “H” word?
I know you live in one of the most isolated places on the planet, but get over yourself, and your obvious stated bigotry. FFS!
The term “Haole” isn’t a bad word, first off. It’s 2019, let’s get educated that it literally translates to foreign. Any plant, person, language, or even idea that hasn’t originated in Hawaiʻi is haole.
So since it’s 2019, let’s NOT take a step back and tell people not to use Hawaiian language, thanks.
Ms. Bothe,
The native Hawaiian owl is actually diurnal, meaning they hunt in the day. Introducing more or bringing more efforts to help out the Barn owl situation will only make our endangered pueo even more endangered.
Great idea for other places though.
It is because of ignorant, capitalistic, entitled Hāʻole like you that Native Hawaiians are marginalized. If someone came into your home, kicked you out, and told you how they were going to manage it, maybe you wouldn’t be so critical and dismissive of the important point being brought up; the indigenous people of the area should be deciding the management and access to the land.
One of the kaona (levels of meaning) to Hāʻole is a person without breath, life, or humanity. Settler colonists were referred to as such because of their imperialistic and self-centered nature. Until, that individualistic, unsustainable, appropriative nature ceases to exist, we have every right to refer to the perpetuators of that hewa mentality as Hāʻole.
You have a good point, especially since Federal funds were used to make most of the repairs and improvements. Also, what about the rest of us who live here but on different parts of the Island; will we be required to pay a fee? Will North Shore residents pay a fee if they go to Polihole or Hanapepe? How do you determine who lives here and who is visiting? A checkpoint where you have to show your papers like some border crossing? Really? Paying for parking up there makes more sense, as we would all be treated the same. Or a road fee for everyone, including those that live there would also make more sense if funds are required. Let’s think before making any knee-jerk reactions. Everyone should be treated the same no matter where they live.
That seems pretty selfish. If you love the north shore so much you should be happy that it is not being trampled by hoards of tourists. Try another destination and enjoy your time there, all good things come to an end, especially in this overcrowded world.
Dr. Minkus, There needs to be balance. I’m sorry you can’t have everything you want every time you want it, but the closure of access for the past many months has demonstrated how well the local ecology can thrive with a little less human activity.
Don’t use it all up at once, practice a little portioning to save this great resource for the future.
Dear Dr. Minkus,
I don’t usually respond to letters to the editor, but yours has just floored me. You have had the means, opportunity, and PRIVILEGE of visiting Kauai 17 times. And this entitles you to feel bad because there are steps being taken to protect sensitive areas that have been over-run by too many visitors? Your heart is broken because you may have to pay $11 to take a shuttle to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth? Your solution is to just build more parking lots, so that even more cars and visitors can go there? That doesn’t sound like love to me. I’m not feeling the love there.
The proposed changes to access to the north shore affect all of us, not just the visitors. It’s not some plot to keep you out. It’s not overt hostility against visitors, no matter how entitled they act. Do I miss the days years ago when we could get a parking space and there weren’t 500 people on the beach and you could leave your gear without fear that it would be stolen? Yes, I miss those days. I will be glad to pay the shuttle fee and be able to visit Kee again.
Most thoughtful & smart response ^^
Perhaps the letter writer about the north shore should stay away from Kauai if it upsets them to not be able to go past Hanalei without paying to take a shuttle. It’s been years since we locals could go to Kee and find a parking space and enjoy the beauty. Let’ keep it limited to visitors in the future to preserve the area and allow for locals.
Well Robert, the problem is that there are too many people who want to visit Ke’e beach, and it is being destroyed. Just read the article in today’s paper about the beach, and how it is coming back since the road was closed, and you will understand. California had to do the same thing with Yosemite, they have a reservation system now because there are just too many people who want to go there. Even as a resident, if the parking reserved for residents is full I will be turned away from Ke’e, and I’m okay with that in order to preserve the beach. It’s also the many that ruin it for the few, just a few weeks ago I witnessed an incident at Poipu where a sea turtle had climbed up onto the beach and even though they had put rope around it to keep people away, the lifeguards had to issue several warnings over the loudspeaker because some people just don’t get it, and those people ruin it for everyone. Hopefully with this new system Ke’e will continue to come back and blossom and be the beautiful beach it once was…..
Aloha,
Doug, Kapaa
Dr. Minkus, you and your family have spent two to three weeks on Kauai 17 times; how fortunate you are to have had those wonderful experiences; so many, many others who yearn to see Hawaii will never be afforded that opportunity.
I am a resident of Kauai; it is my money, along with that of my fellow taxpayers, that supports Ha’ena State Park. Regarding your balking at paying a possible $11 fee: this is not unusual; I have been to many public parks and visitor attractions across America where I, as a non-resident, have paid an entrance fee higher than that of a resident. You have painted a lovely picture of the many ways in which you and your children and grandchildren have enjoyed the Ha’ena/Ke’e Beach/Tunnels area. So, all of you have had the advantage of those experiences free – at absolutely no cost to you – 17 times over 30 years. And now you complain about paying $11?? I suggest you simply consider it an expense added to the thousands of dollars your vacation costs.
You ask: “What happened to the core Hawaiian concept (indeed law) that all beaches must be open and easily accessible to the public?” Your added word “easily” appears nowhere. Can you prove that word is “indeed law?” Both Ke’e Beach and Tunnels Beach are open and accessible. Simply walk up the road leading to either and walk up to and onto the beach. I know of no requirement that one must be allowed to drive a car and park it within a specified number of feet to the beach.
Your statements “keep people like us out”; “widespread hostility against part timers”; “alienate visitors, make them feel unwelcome”; “we have now been made to feel like undesirable pests” are unfounded, untrue and are insulting and offensive to me. Your implicit threat in the statement: “be careful what you wish for” is the antithesis of the aloha spirit that permeates our island.
It is unfortunate that your anger – at paying $11 and taking a bus to the beach – has been unleashed against me and my fellow Kauaians and against the beautiful paradise that is our home.
I welcome you and your family back to Kauai with, what I hope will be your change of heart, with an open heart, so that you can give and receive the true spirit of aloha that exists here.
I thought we had learned our lesson about introducing new predators, like the mongoose, etc. Owls eat birds also. They are very effective predators. They would probably eat the bird parents first, then the chicks, especially if they run out of rats.
Agreed. Last I checked, the already introduced Barn Owl has been severely limiting the survival of our own native Pueo. Let’s not go encouraging more invasive species from getting a stronger foothold. What’s next – not addressing the growing parakeet problem, importing mongoose, or allowing for unrestricted feeding of the tens of thousands of feral cats?
That’s the point, right? To discourage visitors. The check point will remain. Not to forbid visitors, but to deter them. That should be interesting. Visitors have to make a reservation to park. Residents have unfettered access. Visitors pay 5 times as much for the shuttle. Keep working at it. You’ll get that visitor count down.
Ms Bothe,
The owl native to Kauai is endangered. Perhaps you can talk to conservationists to see what they have to say about your idea.
I too am from Chicago and enjoy visiting Kauai. Although I do want to see Kauai continue to welcome those that appreciate the island with aloha, I do not agree that everything should be made available at no cost and with full access. Should the entire Napali Coast have a road built so we can selfishly see the beauty without being inconvenienced by a long hike? In Chicago, if I really plan ahead, I can find parking for $16/day…airport is $40/day…most hotels downtown are $60+. But in Kauai, it should all be free for you? Why?
Or perhaps it’d be better if Disney just built Kauai-land in California or Florida and those that don’t feel a responsibility to give back and protect the land can travel there rather than the actual island. You may have to pay $11 for a bottle of water but a free shuttle golf cart will take you right up to the attractions.
I would like your grandchildren as well their grandchildren continue to see beautiful sunsets in Kauai but in order to do so, we all have a duty to protect the land. And yes, things will change…that’s what happens in life.
^^^THESE are the kind of visitors kauai wants to attract. THANK YOU alohaaa
Does having to pay airfare also upset you too? That’s the mother of all beach access fees. Toll roads? C’mon Dr. get real. Access fees to public areas is common as it is necessary in order to preserve areas, to manage overcrowding of vehicular traffic and parking. We have about 85-90,000 visitors every month now and most all want to trek to the end of the road with their rental car. You still have access so drop the victim attitude. This bus system is designed to return some peace and tranquility to the Area that existed until about 8 -10 years ago. Cut out a few latte’s a month and take the bus and enjoy Haena.
Wow, sure are a lot of nasty and smug commenters here! As a visitor to Kauai, I’m offended. Haven’t any of you ever been visitors anywhere? Have none of you ever taken a trip? What if you spent money and your vacation time to go to, say, New York City, and then got there and they said oh hey, you can’t go to the Statue of Liberty or the Metropolitan Museum of Art of Central Park because frankly, there’s too many tourists and we find it annoying and we want to preserve or neighborhood feel, but enjoy hanging out in Queens! Would you go to New York again? Almost certainly not. The difference is New York has plenty of other industries besides tourism. Kauai… not so much. Be careful what you wish for indeed! What nastiness and what short sightedness. I find the arrogance in these comments shocking and off-putting. See how well you do and how long your neighborhoods last once you’ve alienated all your tourists and visitors.
The sad, and the funny thing is……you are correct to assume that most of the commentators have never lived anywhere else. Believe it or not,….but many locals on Kauai have never been south of Oahu.
The Caribbean is sooooo much cheaper and offers the same, minus the surfing. Plantation days are over. Sadly, locals are inculcated from birth to hate Visitors, Tourists, Mainlanders, Newcomers, and any change to the island. Locals must be “respected”….whatever that means.
Jake, I find your statement very offensive -you and ignorant people assume that most locals have never been South of Oahu. Do you realize how prejudice and judgmental you are? Please do not return to our beautiful Kauai.
Ah, um, too late……I still live here.
The idea of getting an owl box is very appealing to me. Are you sure that owls would start eating birds? Which ones? The nasty parrots? Let’s learn more about this possibility.
2018: 1.38 million visitors to Kaua’i, the most ever, and a 7.6 percent increase over 2017. Total spending = $2 billion.
You’re right > tourism is the main source of income on Kaua’i, however the road closure obviously didn’t affect the record number of visitors in 2018.
Sure you’re disappointed you won’t have the freedom to travel past Hanalei like you used to, but as one of the many long time residents we won’t have as much freedom either. Is this restriction needed? Absolutely! It’s been insanely overcrowded up there for far too long. I too can remember when there was no paved parking at Ke’e, a handful of cars daily, and I knew almost everyone on the beach. Those days are long gone, I’m grateful I was able to experience that, but gave up trying to enjoy Ke’e many years ago due to the constant lack of parking. Did you and your family take my spot? Perhaps.
Cherish your memories, and just accept that these changes are necessary. And, after purchasing flights, accommodation, etc. will $11/per person for the shuttle really bust your budget Dr. Minkus? I doubt it.
This is not just about your feelings, nor a symptom of hostility against visitors, it’s about preserving an area that’s been trampled on, and overlooked far too long. Since you feel like “undesirable pests” then it’s time to alter your way of thinking, and appreciate the effort being put forth to preserve this area for current, and future generations. If you’re unable to understand the logic behind these changes then it’s probably time to find another destination for your tropical vacations.
What makes this area of Kauai more special than any other area? They had their one year off from tourist traffic, so everyone up there needs to stop complaining. The rest of us still had the traffic, even more so. Deal with it. The tourists bring in the money and jobs that most people on island benefit from in one way or another. If I want to surf up there, as a local, why should I have to pay $2 to park, but I don’t have t at Kealia? You are not more special, haole rich people of the north shore!
Mr. Minkus
Forget Kauai, you should go to Molokai. I’m sure they will welcome you with open arms.
Wow…the good Dr. is sure feeling entitled. He must be used to getting his way all the time. Wa Wa We just returned from our 26th trip to the islands and have seen the changes to the North shore and Kauai in general. Yes..we also used to park unrestricted at the end of the highway and enjoy the beach and surroundings w/ out feeling crowded…but things change. The past few times we have attempted to drive to Ke’e Beach area..we have just turned around and come back because of the congestion. I will gladly pay for an $11.00 parking pass or ride the shuttle. The multitude of cars/people were ruining the overall experience and I welcome the new restrictions.
4/15/19: San Francisco (AP) — “Thousands of tourists could soon have to pay as much as $10 to drive down world-famous Lombard Street in San Francisco. City and state officials on Monday announced a bill that would give San Francisco the authority to establish a toll and reservation system for the street that winds down a steep hill, in an effort to reduce crowds and traffic congestion.”
$10.00 just to drive down a hill? And what makes it ok for them to do this in SF, but not here?
At least on Kaua’i, once you’ve paid for the shuttle or pre-reserved parking space, there’s a beautiful place to spend the day.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-15/san-francisco-could-charge-to-drive-its-famed-crooked-street
Linda: about those owls: yep let’s bring in another invasive species to ruin Kauai! Yep, great idea! (sarcasm) You never know what an invasive species will do in the end.
None of the Hawaiian Islands will honor you. I suggest you go to Mexico. You are part of the problem here on Kauai
Repeat after me……”I was here first”!! SMH
So simple solution for Jake to send everyone who disagrees with him off island.
Frustrated reality star, yeah? “Jus’ me and my friends! Everybody else, off! Off! Go ‘way! Get lost!”
How about maybe instead Jake finally notices other people have same rights as he does?
Better, even, maybe a nicer place if Jake just bought himself that plane ticket he offers everyone else.
I welcome constructive criticism. I appreciate accountability and personal responsibility. I “disagree” with taxpayer supported Welfare Queens, lifetime Section 8 Housing, no parent SNAP entitlements, and 100% taxpayer provided Healthcare for the nonworking on one of the most expensive places on planet Earth. They should move for better opportunities, better jobs, and to a lower cost of living area. It’s really not that hard.
Jake; actually agree somewhat with you for once. I’m a big believer in personal responsibility. If you break it, you should fix it. Since corporations are considered legally to be “persons”, they should be held to have the same responsibilities as the rest of us. If they pollute, commit fraud, promote opioids recklessly, etc, they should be held responsible. There should not be corporate subsidies. Lenders of student loans shouldn’t receive special treatment and students should be allowed to eliminate such loans if they are forced to file bankruptcy (special laws prevent this giving the industry a sweetheart deal). Payday lenders should be held responsible for their actions. The real bloodsuckers of our tax dollars are not single moms using SNAP, but corporations paying no taxes and getting special treatment to avoid responsibility for their actions. What’s good for the goose, should be good for billionaires and corporations, but it’s not.
Right on, Jake! You are spot on!!
After 40 years I must admit my love for tourism is also dying
I am confused, if I live here and I am only allowed to go to the North Shore via shuttle because of the work on the bridge, why does this person feel they are so special they should be able to drive their car there? So disrespectful!