Sanity must prevail in our elected politicians
I cast my first vote in 1969. I have voted in every election since, local, state and federal. I have always been a registered Independent. I prided myself in voting for the person and policy, not the party.
Only policy wonks, affordable housing advocates should proceed
What are the most significant problems facing Kauai that county government has the power to address via changes in public policy?
Kilauea ag park becoming something bigger
When the Kilauea Community Agricultural Center (now also known as Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea) was first incorporated as a nonprofit in 2015, it was probably true that most people on Kauai — if they’d heard about it at all — thought of it as small plots that community gardeners would tend.
Smoother ride — and faster — on Kilauea Road
It’s always important to be careful what you wish for. Some Kilauea residents, especially those on Kilauea Road, are finding this is a practical — not just a theoretical — truth.
With the stroke of a pen, the power of a majority
The power of a single legislator, whether on the council, at the state Legislature, or in the U.S. Congress, is limited to that of being one voice and one vote.
Coulter column packed full of whoppers
So many big whoppers in Coulter’s Oct. 1 column, you’d think her avatar, Trump, was Burger King, rather than president.
KHS feral cat fee necessary to cover costs
The Kauai Humane Society’s current policies on stray animals and feral cats were inaccurately characterized in Susan Straight’s letter to TGI published on 10/1. To be clear, KHS accepts ALL stray dogs without fee. KHS accepts ALL friendly stray cats and kittens without fee.
4 powers every legislator has, and one they don’t
What exactly does my legislator do? What power do they have and what exactly can they do, or not do?
Hana hou-ing the ‘Hidden life of trees’
It’s always pure pleasure to receive feedback from fans of TGI’s Forum column, “The Green Flash.” This Monday I’m moved to reprise, or “hana hou,” the Aug. 5, 2019, column, “Confessing to a love of trees,” which brought several interesting responses. I had included some of these (and am always open to feedback).
Theft is heartbreaking, changes feelings for Kauai
This is a difficult letter to write because I have loved Kauai for the past 35 years. It has been our loving home away from home. We are kama‘aina!
DOT has done outstanding job
I would like to acknowledge the state Department of Transportation Highways Division for its outstanding performance in: 1) repaving the roads under its jurisdiction on Kauai and 2) restoring the road on the North Shore damaged by the 2018 flood.
When the electoral paradigm creates a political epiphany
Traditional campaign logic says that candidates should spend their limited resources talking to people who vote, rather than people who for whatever reason, do not.
Sun, sand and sea may influence suicide rates
Suicide was the eighth-leading cause of death in Florida in 2017. The number of people who died by suicide totaled 3,187. Florida suicide rates for white and black males were higher than the rates for white and black females. The suicide rate for white males was the highest, while the suicide rate for black females was the lowest.
Standing for what is right in TMT standoff
In regards to Maunakea, the state has launched an effective campaign using the art of distractions: DLNR claims damage to native plants; the governor cites media threats; newspapers publish the cost of law enforcement; editorials claim hypothetical loss of potential income to the state.
Be there Friday — climate change is real
Please join me, and a whole lot of other people from across the planet — Friday, Sept. 20 (see details at bottom) - Help send a message to policymakers and government leaders everywhere and tell them:
New car lusting, questing and educating
“I am not a ‘thing’-oriented person,” I reminded myself as two of my friends came tootling up in red cars that shone sassy-sweet as candy apples. “I am not my car,” I reminded myself again as others came along in snappy, ocean-blue and polar-white, brand-new SUVs and hybrids equipped with all the newest bells and whistles, including back-up views.
It’s OK to have pride about Trump
2020 is around the corner and it’s almost time for another presidential election.
Corporatists pose as Democrats, really Centrists
It’s not an exaggeration to say 2020 will be, and in fact, must be - a pivotal year of change.
Key questions every candidate must answer
So you are thinking about running for election to public office?
Inviting students: Back-to-school bird-watching opportunity
Usually I picture my readers at all ages, but this column will focus upon students from fifth through 12th grades, particularly students who are drawn to nature and like to think carefully about what they see, hear and imagine.