• Road work a good sign • The people voted, was the mayor listening? • Women will make own health decisions Road work a good sign Many thanks to the powers behind the months of closed door haggling that led to a
• Road work a good sign • The people voted, was the mayor listening? • Women will make own health decisions
Road work a good sign
Many thanks to the powers behind the months of closed door haggling that led to a successful project. The love and mystique of Kauai endures through a murky political scene but when push comes to shove, things gets done. Not complete, there are a few more obstacles down the road to be addressed that will assure 96722 remains a great place to be.
Sandra J. Abrajano, Chicago
The people voted, was the mayor listening?
In the recent County Council election, some, but not enough, long-time councilmembers were finally voted out, making way for new members and ideas. Jay Furfaro lost his $64,000 job in the process. Now we read that our mayor, elected to uphold the will of the people, has promoted Mr. Furfaro to director of County Boards and Commissions with a salary of $96,000 per year, an pay increase of 50 percent. This latest move is an insult to the people of Kauai. Is there any logic to this action? Until the old regime is ousted and a county manager is put in place, the will of the people will continue to be ignored.
Sandy Johnson, Kapaa
Women will make own health decisions
In response to Aspen Humiston’s March 5 letter, all women have the right to make their own health decisions, including the right to choose whether and when to have a child. Women who decide not to proceed with a pregnancy should not be denied that right because of their zip code or income.
Yet, on Kauai, the lack of abortion providers may present obstacles for women seeking to exercise their rights. While some insurance providers may pay for abortion care and travel costs, those without insurance face cost barriers.
When seeking care, Kauai women should contact their insurance providers, including Med-Quest, and/or Planned Parenthood of Hawaii at (808) 589-1149 for more information.
The unfortunate reality is that Hawaii is tied for the second-highest rate of unintended pregnancy in the nation. We can do more to prevent unintended pregnancy, including providing access to comprehensive, medically accurate, age appropriate sexual health education for every young person on Kauai.
We can work to ensure that all women on Kauai have equitable access to all birth control methods, and can make the choice about when or if they want to start families. We can expand access to publicly funded family planning services and support efforts to strengthen and protect our state insurance so women and families who most need affordable health care are covered. Together, we can ensure that all of Kauai’s women have access to health services and the education tools they need to build stronger families and stronger communities.
Chris Carbonneau, Interim CEO, Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, Honolulu
