One reason people say Kaua’i is in such dire straits is because Kaua’i doesn’t have any local heroes.
Eduardo Valenciana took his quick-paced speaking style to 22 members of his Lihu’e community Tuesday night at the first Leo ‘O Kaua’i meeting.
Valenciana, who unsuccessfully ran for council in 2002, and runs a Hispanic-focused business on the island, said he is running weekly specials about “local heroes” on Ho’ike, the local-access television channel.
Mayor Bryan Baptiste made a campaign promise of collaboration between the public and government; when elected, reintroduced the concept of town hall meetings and set up a “County Community Response Team.” The team will oversee meetings and work as liaisons. The Mayor has insisted the meetings do not turn into “gripe sessions,” and is requiring people who talk about a problem also bring a solution.
Gordon Doo will assist the North district, Wailua Houselots to Hanalei. Bev Pang will assist the Central district, Wailua Homesteads to Po’ipu. Vida Mossman will assist the West district, Kalaheo to Kekaha.
Lihu’e meeting facilitator was Jimmy Trujillo, Lihue Court Townhomes program resource coordinator.
As promised, county agency department heads who live in the area attended the meeting-Ed Tschupp of the Department of Water, and Mike Tresler of the Department of Finance.
Pohaku Nishimitsu, a teacher at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, said the increasing drug problem at his school needs to be reversed, and suggested continuing to go after state and federal funding and lobbying legislators.
High interisland airfare, for example, $258 from Kaua’i to Maui, affects tourists and travelers, and the taxpayers who shoulder the costs of travel for government officials, said Curtis Tom, Lihu’e Business Association president. He also mentioned a need to update to the Lihu’e Development Plan.
Obatake and Watershed Council treasurer Mahelani Silva both pointed to the importance of water in our community, Silva commented that part-time residents don’t contribute to the community, and that people should learn cultural responsibility to take care of our resources.
Those who would like a shcedule of Leo ‘O Kaua’i meetings in their neighborhood may call Beverley Pang at 241-6392, or access The Garden Island report published Sunday, March 2 via http://www.kauaiworld.com.
