• Pono play • Activist tactics The other part of the story The reporter Paul Curtis, in his article about albatross in Princeville, (“Stacey the albatross,” The Garden Island, June 14), refers to “one lady, the self-appointed human guardian of
• Pono play • Activist tactics
The other part of the story
The reporter Paul Curtis, in his article about albatross in Princeville, (“Stacey the albatross,” The Garden Island, June 14), refers to “one lady, the self-appointed human guardian of the albatross, roams the neighborhood …” The unfortunate choice of words struck me wrong, since she is not self-appointed and she does much more than roam the neighborhood. The impression is a casual, home-grown effort of one person, meandering around.
This lady is Cathy Granholm. Most importantly, she is not “self-appointed.” She has been a volunteer at the Kilauea Lighthouse for eight years, working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has been trained for many years by the FWS biologists working to protect the albatross. She has been instructed how to pick up a bird if it is in danger. She is officially sanctioned to approach active nests to gather data and inspect the egg or chick.
For years, she teamed with her sister Cindy, who recently moved the Big Island. Cathy and Cindy have long been recognized as trained and knowledgeable resources working with FWS. Trouble calls have long been forwarded to Cathy and Cindy. She saved a chick which was choking on flotsam mixed in with the food. Cathy and Cindy are approved by the FWS to rescue birds injured or in danger.
When chicks fledge, sometimes they become entangled in trees or bushes deep in the valley. Cathy coordinates with FWS to take action. This usually means that Cathy (with Cindy in the past) climbs down to the bird, frees it, secures it to protect its fragile wings, and climbs back up the cliff with bird in hand to release it. I have seen this on at least 10 occasions, saving the chick to fledge later.
The second part is also misleading, “roams the neighborhood.” That does not begin to describe what Cathy does. Over the years, Cathy and Cindy have probably monitored more than 300 nests from Punahele to Pepelani Loop to Aloalli. During nesting season, Cathy makes daily visits to each nest. This is not a casual stroll down the street. It takes her hours each day to complete the rounds.
She provides information for the official FWS records about nest locations, parent pairs, parent visits, viability of the eggs, hatchings, chick health, and fledge events.
Cathy, working closely with FWS, has played a large role with the albatross. In addition to Cathy and Cindy, there are other volunteers who climb down into ravines and search through brush to find chicks in distress. They ensure people do not get too close the albatross and they watch for loose dogs. They alert motorists when a bird is in the street. They respond to rescue calls. The phrase “one lady … self-appointed … roams the neighborhood” does not do justice to this fine lady or to the other volunteers who are dedicated to the albatross.
Bob Waid, Princeville
Pono play
Jonathan Jay and Juan Wilson have indicated that submittal of plans (or proposals) for the widening of Kuhio Highway have been sent to various officials and appropriate departments for perusal.
It has been further indicated that no response has been forthcoming. Nada. Zilch. Absolute silence.
My hope is that a courtesy of a reply will be forthcoming to demonstrate how it may be possible for individuals and entities in the public and private sectors may collaborate in endeavors of shared concerns.
It would be wonderful to see the processes of dialogue, clarification, and transparency in action as the realm of possibilities is explored in seeking ways in which traffic congestion problems may be resolved while addressing culturally sensitive concerns as well.
It would be the “pono” way of addressing issues rather than by taking opposing viewpoints and hurling vitriolic perspectives and assessments at each other. We’re all on this island together.
If it is indeed possible to be financially feasible in adopting the engineering adjustments to the highway plan, it may be worth our while to have this proposal seriously considered.
Is it too much to ask for a clear explanation as to what can or cannot be done? It is not only fair, it is right.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Activist tactics
Regarding the June 14 letter on the Curvalho curve proposal. A close reading of the June 8 article on the subject would reveal: “… even another one-month delay would likely kill the [road-widening] project.”
This is a chapter right out of the Sierra Club’s “Block Whatever” Handbook.
Make a last minute proposal that appeals to intuitive thinking, rather than reality, create a groundswell, sit back and enjoy.
The timing of this is simply an activist tactic. It’s a cynical and insincere proposal made by a pair of cynical and insincere activists.
Pete Antonson, Kalaheo
