• Country spends too much on military • Path a terrific asset to island • ‘David Blume’ has the energy answer • Support our single parent community • Island missing leadership of ‘IZ’ Country spends too much on military Every
• Country spends too much on military • Path a terrific asset to island • ‘David Blume’ has the energy answer • Support our single parent community • Island missing leadership of ‘IZ’
Country spends too much on military
Every time I drive by the bus stop in Hanamaulu, with its dilapidated, donated plastic chairs and no roof, I think about the shade structure on lava rock pillars at PMRF, built for 50 dignitaries to watch rocket launches. Its cost could have funded many of the bus shelters needed around the island.
Real security can be defined in many ways. That the government blows billions of dollars on weapons systems that won’t work with certainty and we don’t need — the Aegis missile boondoggle comes to mind — while ordinary people wait in the rain or hot sun for a bus is a fair enough example of our distorted priorities.
The military today comprises 57 percent of the federal discretionary budget. Secretary of War Chuck Hagel recently announced the Pentagon budget for the upcoming year. It calls for a boost of $4.5 billion for missile “defense.”
Wall Street reacted joyfully, giving Lockheed Martin, lead contractor for the Aegis missile, all time stock gains. This is great news for CEOs and principal share holders of war for-profit corporations, but not good for investing in infrastructure, health services and especially education that dollar for dollar produce more and better paying jobs than military spending.
And Hagel’s budget is not good news for junior enlisted troops who will see cutbacks in pay, housing and commissary subsidies on bases. Taken with cuts in food stamps that they qualify for and often need, many young military families will see their lives become more difficult.
Kip Goodwin
Kapaa
Path a terrific asset to island
My husband and I returned to Oregon Sunday after completing our fifth year of staying in Kapaa. Every year your wonderful walking/biking trail gets better. We wish to thank the County of Kauai, the town of Kapaa and all the people living in this area for this beautiful path. What an asset to the area! It’s a big reason we come back to this area each year.
Again, mahalo to all who have helped create this excellent trail.
Jean Harmon
Hood River, Ore.
‘David Blume’ has the energy answer
The solution to our island’s energy needs was and is staring us right in the face. No need for GMO, pesticides, etc. Plenty jobs also.
The ignorance and lack of vision of our leadership and electorate never ceases to amaze me even after observing it for more than 30 years.
Anyone interested in learning more just Google the name: David Blume.
Michael Wells
Moloaa
Support our single parent community
I’m writing this letter in response to the small grassroots single parents group, “The Hui” as in Hui O Na Makua Hookahi O`Kauai and the write up on Marilyn Mohler (Jan. 19, Lifestyles, TGI).
Since that article there has been an awareness of single parents and the need here on Kauai. Marilyn was raised by a single mom, it inspired and shaped her to become that much stronger. I’m a single mom and I know personally the daily struggles life entails. I’ve known Marilyn for six years now by walking along side her helping other single parents while she encourages me through this journey, this is much appreciated and a blessing to help others. The local community of Kauai, our ohana and even visitors have had a heart to give and support this little group who does big things! Mahalo Nui to all those who have helped and do help our single parent community. Your support helps to feed those in need, encourage the parents to be their best and to inspire a generation who may be without!
A note of encouragement: There are many organizations that help our community of Kauai. If you can, find what works for you by volunteering or gifting your finances to those in need. It’s a blessing to you and those who receive.
Alice Hunt
Lihue
Island missing leadership of ‘IZ’
Mahalo ke Akua Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole is no longer alive. He loved Kauai so … the big man himself would be so disappointed locals would harm the Garden Isle for 10-15 jobs and a weak promise of cheaper milk: non-organic raw milk that will be shipped to Oahu to be processed and then shipped back to Kauai markets. Locals and leaders have forgotten what kuleana means — to be responsible stewards of this paradise.
The proposed grass-fed dairy will be located on land leased by Grove Farm. This is pristine land near Kipu Kai beach, which was featured in the movie “The Descendants.” Hawaii Dairy Farms will make a fortune; Grove Farm will make millions from the leases. Some 53 million pounds of cow feces annually and overcrowded conditions will poison and destroy this land, streams and ocean waters.
I weep for Kauai … miss your leadership Bruddah IZ!
Scott Goold
Koloa
