Letters for July 18, 2015

Letters for July 18, 2015

Rules restricting Mauna Kea access are unconstitutional

The recent emergency rules passed by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to restrict access to Mauna Kea are a knee-jerk reaction against Native Hawaiian demonstrators and are clearly unconstitutional. It not only shows a lack of compassion, but also a lack of respect for our host culture.

The 1995 Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH) decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, Article 12, Section 7, guarantees the rights of Native Hawaiians to practice their culture on Mauna Kea. An emergency rule cannot negate the State Constitution.

While I am cognizant of the complexity of this issue, I am very disappointed that there has been talk about intervention by the National Guard. If this happens, it will be a clear sign that the Ige administration is unwilling or unable to work out a peaceful and equitable resolution.

Rowena M. Akana

Trustee-at-Large

Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Adolescent treatment center needed

I would like to take the time to thank Mayor Carvalho and Life’s Choices Coordinator Theresa Koki for spearheading the effort to build an adolescent treatment and healing center here on Kauai.

I would also like to thank Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo for his leadership in supporting this initiative and for working together with the mayor’s administration. Mahalo also to all of the councilmembers who continue to support this project, and to Grove Farm for their generous land donation to the County of Kauai to give this project a home.

An adolescent drug treatment facility is long overdue. Like many of you, I have friends and family affected by drugs. Our community needs this service and I stand in full support. I hope our community can work together to make this happen for Kauai’s keiki.

Jerome “The Shadow” Freitas, Sr.

Kealia

Break-in, theft hurts ‘Friendship House’

Friendship House, an organization that serves so many in the community, was broken into and over $400 dollars of equipment and money was stolen from them.

My Dad used to work for Friendship House and I grew up around this fantastic community of people. Friendship House provides rehabilitation services to people who have a mental illness but really, my sister and I just know them as our friends, aunties and uncles. Friendship House has given so much to the community and it’s a shame to hear about someone stealing from them. This organization is an amazing place which helps so many, participates in service projects in the community, and is a place just filled with compassion, inspiration and support. I couldn’t even imagine someone ever doing this to such a wonderful place yet, someone did.

Me and my family want to help replace the equipment and money that was stolen. I am giving $10, my sister is giving $10 and my parents are giving $20. I’m hoping the community will help them with similar donations to not only replace their loss but also let them know we appreciate what they do for our Kauai community. Please send your donation to:

Friendship Club, 4-1751 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, HI 96746

Grace Yatsko

11th grader at Kapaa High School

Honor Guard simply the best

Kauai Veterans Honor Guard:

Above all others, you gentlemen have set an excellent example for the remainder of your fellow veterans here on Kauai. Through your deeds, you have exemplified what “giving back to your community” really means. If this is to be the end of the “Kauai Veterans Honor Guard,” please let it be an ending blessed with the displayed spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie that has carried the day for yet another generation. May the tall tales of your selfless accomplishments be celebrated for many years to come.

Semper Fidelis,

Tony Elliott

Lihue