•Time for a plan • Behind the statistics • Theater lovers unite Time for a plan Not too long ago, Ben Sullivan, a member of the KIUC board, appeared as a speaker before the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach. While
•Time for a plan
• Behind the statistics
• Theater lovers unite
Time for a plan
Not too long ago, Ben Sullivan, a member of the KIUC board, appeared as a speaker before the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach.
While his comments were most enlightening as well as intelligent, I learned nothing new as to what direction our utility was going. It appeared that no decision or economic ability existed for alternative power such as wind power or photovoltaic.
There was no way I concluded that we, as a cooperative, have the financial capacity to look elsewhere other than fossil fuel to provide electric power for Kaua‘i, while at the same time attempting to maintain an older system fraught with all the pitfalls and liabilities of decay.
So where do we go from here? I have heard nothing from the CEO of KIUC as to methods of financing change other than the current rate increase to maintain the status quo. The time has come for full disclosure on the part of our elected KIUC board to come forth in a frank and honest manner and show where is the money and what is the direction to pursue.
Whether it is wind power or sun power or nuclear power, a dependence on fossil fuel will only mean future rate hikes far beyond what you can visualize now.
Monroe Richman, Koloa
Behind the statistics
All over the state we read statistics from pundits at various seminars. Tourism and construction down are two I would like to comment on, since the underlying reasons for Kaua‘i’s economy are rarely articulated. (“Jobs sparse as construction slows down,” The Garden Island, Aug. 28)
First, one of the two luxury hotels on Kaua‘i, formerly the famous and popular Princeville Hotel, now moved up-market to the Starwood St. Regis brand, has been closed for at least a year for remodel. Accordingly, the thousands of tourists who might have stayed there didn’t.
Second, the very popular Makai Golf Course in Princeville, is being totally re-sculpted and updated, and in my opinion at a slow pace until very recently, is closed so thousands of golfers don’t come. Sure, they can play the Prince Course if they bring three cartons of extra balls.
Third, the Kaua‘i Lagoons/Ritz Carlton exceedingly optimistic plan to sell multi-million dollar condos, lots, and estates, languishes. Could this be because who wants to pay big bucks a hundred yards or two from Lihu‘e Airport? This development also tore up the popular Kiele/Mokihana golf courses which were gerrymandered into a single course.
So sales are slim or none. Probably the Marriott next door is feeling a little pain as a result, too.
Fourth, Lihu‘e airport only accommodates 737-type short run planes (interisland) and the decrepit Boeing 757s (United, America, Delta) and, I am told, one aging 767 from Denver non-stop. No 747s or big Airbus planes to bring in more tourists. The runway is too short. All the other major islands’ airports can accommodate 747s and other jumbo jets.
Fifth, the hideous former Coco Palms remains a rotting hulk, and the owners have just been given a three-year extension with apparently no incentive to the owners to at least tear it down. What a nice artifact for thousands of malahini to gaze upon.
Six, there appears to be a slow-growth or no-growth mindset in all levels of government, elected and bureaucrats, and much of the public. Does this incent developers to increase construction, and tourism?
Seven, we had the rainiest, windiest, coldest winter in many decades. Visitors were widely quoted they would never return fearing they would be holed up in a hotel or condo for a week or two at great expense.
Finally, there is the evolving confusion about non-Vacation Destination Areas and Transient Vacation Rentals, so potential visitors go elsewhere because who needs hassles while on vacation.
There is also obviously a trickle-down effect on rental cars, dining, tourist highlights, and snorkel cruises, and so on.
In conclusion, I am sure good people are trying hard to move these matters forward, and I commend them and wish them well. But these and similar realities mean more than mere statistics.
Tom Rice, Princeville
Theater lovers unite
Everyone who loves theater on Kauai should see “All My Sons,” a wonderfully well-written play by Arthur Miller, rendered superbly by a great cast at Kapa theater in Puhi.
I saw this play many years ago and it has remained a favorite. I wondered if it could live up to my memory of it. With the main characters played by Arnold Meister and Laurel Petterson McGraw, how could it not? We are so lucky to have the talent this whole cast represents on this small island.
The play’s topic is right up to date considering what has happened to all of us in the current economic climate and it contains so many layers to ponder that it will work well for any age from teenager on up.
Please make time to see it. You will be moved, I’m sure, as I was. I thank all of those who called me to say, “Don’t miss it!”
Joy Jobson, Kapa‘a
