Driver’s patience a must on our small island home
More and more on the highway and streets, drivers are getting impatient and careless.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, I was travelling eastbound on Kaumuali‘i Highway by the scenic overlook of Hanapepe Valley. As I approached, I noticed a vehicle already in progress to make a turn around to head east. The vehicle making the turn had his front of the vehicle in my lane and the back of the vehicle in the westbound lane. I stopped at a safe distance to let the vehicle complete its operation to head eastbound.
While at a stop and waiting, a westbound vehicle came flying through between the rear of the vehicle and the scenic overlook (where cars were parked and people walking around to get out/in of their vehicles).
It could have been an accident that would have taken out people (children and parents), and a vehicle or two out.
Also, on my street, I make parallel parking to park my vehicle and several times while in the process, a vehicle driver would speed bypassing by driving unto the oncoming lane.
Drivers, Kaua‘i is a small island there is no reason to not give consideration and stop for vehicles in progress of their movements (parallel parking, turn around, etc.).
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
Appreciate the volunteers, but turtles, monk seals deserve official protection
I am writing to share my hope that Kaua‘i will make a more robust effort to protect the endangered sea turtles that come to the Po‘ipu beach area each day. I am a tourist that is absolutely enchanted by seeing the turtles come ashore around sunset or just rest during the day. What an amazing thing to be able to see!
I was shocked to find out that the haphazardly placed cones protecting these endangered creatures are only there thanks to random volunteers who may or may not have the time or inclination to support this effort on a regular basis. Volunteers are doing an amazing job! But shouldn’t there be a more formal approach to this situation? We watched kids who didn’t know any better try to engage with the turtles and thankfully these same volunteers encouraged the kids to give the turtles space and they did.
Since these endangered creatures are so significant to Hawai‘i, and also protected by federal and state laws, it seems wrong that there is no official protection for them at a beach they regularly visit. Where is the organized support to ensure their safety in such a high-traffic area?
Additionally, at least one of the turtles we saw was clearly sick, with diseased and bulging eyes.
It has been one of the most amazing parts of my vacation to see these magnificent turtles and the monk seals resting on the beach each day.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and please reach out if I can be of additional help.
With gratitude,
Andra Davidson, Denver, Colorado
