Letters to the Editor Saturday – January 17, 2004

• Thanks for nothing

• Aloha in Kapa’a

• Worried about fish

Thanks for nothing

I recently received a notice from Social Security of a 2.1 percent cost of living increase in my benefits for 2004 and also a increase of Medicare Deduction from $58.00 to $66.00 a month.

When I calculated the difference between the increase in my benefits and the increase of my deductions I arrived at a net increase of $1.00 per month. Which means that for the year of 2004 my total cost of living increase will be $12.00. That would probably work if I lived around or near the Artic Circle but not here.

I would like to know if this is happening to anyone else out there, I would also like to thank any and all the politicans who voted for the cost of living increase it really changed my station in life. Thank you guys again.

Michael Fuccello

Princeville

Aloha in Kapa’a

Last week I found I was not the only one who had left the keys in a locked car with the motor running, but I did find again the Aloha help that was given to me by Burger King and Ace Hardware employees in Kapa’a. There are so many caring people on Kaua’i always ready to help someone in need.

Thank you again Burger King and Ace Hardware employees.

SHIRLEY JONES

Princeville

Worried about fish

My name is Bryan Hayashi and I am currently a junior attending Waimea High School. I am an active fisherman here on the island of Kaua’i. The population of aquatic species here in the waters surrounding Kaua’i is noticeably decreasing. In 2002, it was brought to my attention that size regulations of specified aquatic species was increased to conserve certain species of fish. My initial reaction to this was shock, but then as I thought about it a bit more I realized that raising the size regulations won’t help the aquatic population problem.

As all fishermen should know, the decreasing population of fish is a serious problem we face as “Kauaiians”. Although raising size minimums of particular fish may seem as a plausible solution, it really isn’t. What should’ve been done was to ensure that the previous size regulations of fish were enforced better by officials. Being a fisherman myself, I know for a fact that illegal taking of fish happens everyday. Therefore, simply better enforcing of the old law instead of making a new lay would’ve been a better solution to the given problem.

Thank you for your time and I hope you take the proposition seriously. Some may see this problem as unimportant, but to us local fishermen it is a huge problem we have to face.

Bryan Hayashi

Student at Waimea High School