Hawai‘i could quit chlorpyrifos now
Governor Ige could immediately cancel chlorpyrifos permits for Waimea and Kekaha and create 1/4-mile buffers for other destructive pesticides, like Roundup, without waiting for the Hawai‘i Legislature.
The coronavirus is not a joking matter
There are many jokes out there on social media about the coronavirus featuring the popular beer of the same name. I once shared them and thought them funny. However, at this point, this virus must be taken seriously, and there is nothing funny about it.
Predicting Council Votes/Actions – Bill 2775
Today, on the Kauai County Council Agenda is Bill 2775, a measure introduced by Councilmembers Mason Chock and KipuKai Kuali‘i that would effectively ban the use of most styrofoam or polystyrene fast-food containers. This in my opinion is a very good thing (and this is an opinion column for those that are concerned about my offering an opinion).
Moving to electric vehicles will save lots of $$$; you in?
It’s hard to keep up with all the fast-moving information on EVs (electric vehicles) and self-driving cars and trucks.
What Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover
Medicare helps pay for a wide variety of medical services and goods in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare settings. But it doesn’t cover everything, and it’s useful to know what is and isn’t covered.
Looking the other way is not an option
Drinking from a fire hose, blind-folded with both arms tied behind your back. This is a description that comes to mind when folks ask me to describe what it’s like working in the legislative arena as an advocate.
Parks director explains Black Pot parking lot decisions
Mahalo for the public’s patience while we continue to improve our facilities at Black Pot after the flood. As we embark on our public planning process concerning additional improvements at the park, we know there have been questions concerning the material choice and maintenance of the parking lot surface.
Let’s not do an Iowa – Voting the Democratic Primary
The news is finally coming out of Iowa! Well, not really. I’m guessing it will be several more days before the final, final, final results are announced.
Young Brothers rate-increase request deserves scrutiny
If you’re like me, you probably think of Young Brothers Ltd., the inter-island shipping company, as a public utility, much like the water department, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom or Spectrum cable.
Three cheers for organic foods
Managers and workers of Costco, Safeway, Vim ‘N Vigor, HealthGo Market, and all other Kauai food establishments who promote “USDA Organic” and “Non-GMO Project Verified” food labels should get medals of honor.
Legislative Primer #101
A testifier stated at a recent legislative hearing, “I’m very happy to participate in this process because I was born in a country where this is not possible.”
You can change the political landscape
There are many issues that concern local residents. Lack of affordable rentals and housing, poorly maintained roads and visitors overcrowding our islands are problems everyone has to deal with daily. In fact, we have been dealing with them daily for the last twenty five years.
Trump stripping away safety nets for needy, elderly
In TGI’s Guest Opinion January 22nd, Gary Hooser shared that “the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has determined that for a single person without children the hourly wage needed to simply ‘subsist’ is approximately $17.50 per hour.”
Man caught in Hanakapi‘ai rogue wave will return
“Will you come back to Kauai?”
$13 by 2024 is not a ‘good first step’
Anyone working 40 hours a week, deserves to earn a wage sufficient to provide a dry and safe place to sleep, 3 meals a day and basic health care.
Council Bill 2767 is a tragic lose-lose
The challenge of the visitor industry overwhelming neighborhoods has had much policy focus in the last twelve years regarding vacation rentals.
Kouchi outlines legislative priorities
• Editor’s note: State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi of Lihue delivered the following address at the opening of the 30th state Legislature, Jan. 15.
Let’s create our ‘beloved community’ together
With Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday and the gathering that I have been coordinating just a few days away, I ask myself is the effort worthwhile? The answer is a resounding yes!
All politics is local — Kapaa traffic
All politics is local — which is why I can’t figure out why we are still stuck in Kapaa traffic.
Protect our streams and fresh water resources
Thank you TGI for sharing Mahana Dunn’s letter on Jan. 11, Diverting Wai‘ale‘ale waters a terrible idea.