• Akin to smoking in church
• Ridiculous permit process
• Thoughtful criticism welcomed
• O‘ahu’s farm belt
• Baffled by health care
Akin to smoking in church
Recently I was fortunate to find myself with the luxury of having a spare hour on my hands — what should I do? Shoots, I’ll head down to the ocean and see if i can manage to catch a wave or two.
Well, Kalapaki was pretty flat, but I paddled out anyway. There were a few others out there that had the same fine idea, and we were all enjoying the sun, saltwater and fresh ocean breeze along with the knee-high ripples that broke every now and again. As I was paddling into a wave I suddenly caught scent of a most noxious odor. What could it be?
Unbelievable, but yes, cigar smoke! But how could I be smelling something so malodorous so far from shore? Then I saw the culprit.
A fellow water person was paddling out to the line-up with a fat burning stogie between his lips. I was shocked and disgusted that this was actually happening — so surprised and then even angered at this invasion that, even though I am acquainted with this otherwise very likable gentleman, I felt I could not nicely and with proper civility verbally confront the offender.
So with that in mind, I write this letter to ask anyone that feels the need to light up to do so before or after entering our ocean, and even then, to do so well away from fellow breathers.
Smoking in the line up is akin to smoking in church. Auwe!
Stan Koga, Kapa‘a
Ridiculous permit process
I recently was cited for not having a special use permit/day permit to hike to Kalalau and found myself in court for the first time.
It was not a pleasant first experience but for hiking into Kalalau without a day permit? Is this process necessary?
I went to two different court dates, met with a public defender and went for booking for what seems to me like a minor violation I never even knew existed in the first place. I know you need a camping permit but a day permit?
I never heard of it and I just wanted to let the island of Kauai know if you plan on hiking Kalalau in one day bring a permit or don’t get caught. I don’t think it’s worth the time and money on both ends of the table and these resources should be spent elsewhere.
The whole process seemed a bit ridiculous in my case and I hope that I will never have to go through this process again. Shoots.
Kiah Imai, Kapa‘a
Thoughtful criticism welcomed
In response to a letter (“Show a little class,” Letters, Aug. 25), I would like to respond briefly that the author is correct in that name-calling in newspaper opinion pieces among other forums is not the ideal approach, in which he could tell you himself in his own past opinions that include the phrases “chuckleheads”; “noisy minority” and “a bunch of old wealthy people.”
Having ultimate respect and empathy for elected and appointed officials, government employees, as well as an inspired public who do the required work that make democracy possible, I admire those earnest participants. It’s a tough job keeping the government going and tougher one still holding it accountable.
In deciding a year ago to join the political fray in a forthright way, I knew very well players in the public realm are never beyond reproach. I expect and welcome thoughtful criticism.
Additionally, I expect to learn from criticism be it thoughtful or otherwise.
Rolf Bieber, Kapa‘a
O‘ahu’s farm belt
Maybe it’s time we all stopped fooling around.
Get beyond sustainable Kaua‘i. Forget politics, political debate and quarreling parties.
If Kaua‘i’s land were put to proper use, we could feed the state; and there may come a time — sooner than you think — when one of the outer islands will have to do that. Why not us?
The outer islands are O‘ahu’s farm belt. We are its fresh organic vegetable bin, its fruit bin, its butcher shop and dairy section.
We need not be, we cannot be, we will not be, its suburbs and high-priced bedroom/hotel/vacation/resort spot.
Some people are tourists, some people are rich, but all us guys gotta eat. Money in it, too. Peace and love.
Bettejo Dux, Kalaheo
Baffled by health care
I’m baffled by this health care issue facing our nation.
If government health care is the answer, then all government employees, including the president, Congress, etc., should be “forced” to accept the same health care as all of us.
If this were to happen, I just might be in favor of it.
Alice Monaghan, Princeville
