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• Witness to newspaper theft • Why no animal-control ordinance? • Lifeguard saved her life • Mahalo for motocross event

Witness to newspaper theft

I am always surprised by people’s lack of integrity.

Yesterday I was standing in front of a newspaper-vending machine checking out the headlines when a man walked up, opened the machine, took two newspapers and then gently reset the door so the next person could also steal. I shut it. I stopped at a farmers’ market where they were selling local pears and apples. I would love to see those trees. I asked another “farmer” if her pineapples were grown on Kaua‘i, she said “yes.” I get it home and noticed a plastic-price-tag ring she forgot to cut off. I no longer buy from them. I live my life by the Golden Rule — “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Because I know that if I lie, cheat or steal it is not hurting the person I’m doing it to, it is hurting me, it is hurting my soul. So the next time you think it would be a good idea to lie to someone, cheat someone or steal something, look yourself in the mirror and ask “Is this the person I want to be?” My hope is that you will drop the quarters in the machine.

Kelly Sato, Kilauea

Why no animal-control ordinance?

Mahalo to Ms. Williams at barkingdogskauai@gmail.com for speaking out in the article June 7th, “Neighbors Band Together Against Barking Dogs.” We moved into this neighborhood two years ago and we love the house and the area. But since day one we have listened to barking, howling, and yelping day and night from this neighbor’s kennel. First we called the humane society fearing for the health of the dogs. They arrived, told us the dogs were sufficiently cared for by law and that there is no barking-dog ordinance on Kaua‘i. One night about 2 a.m. I called the police after listening to them bark for over an hour and was told the same thing (there is no barking-dog ordinance). I was advised to call the humane society. What kind of run-around is this?

I wrote to Mayor Carvalho for his help stating, “if we do not have a law on the books now, maybe we should see about getting a law passed that protects the citizen rights to ‘peace and quiet.’ The response was to seek “mediation,, ask the humane society’s Dr. Becky Rhoades to “address the matter legislatively” and continue calling them and the KPD to “document for record purposes.” Dr. Rhoades advised I address the County Council.

Hawai‘i, Honolulu and Maui counties have animal-control ordinances, Sec. 7-2.1 through Sec. 7-2.4. Why not Kaua‘i County? People need to write, call, and e-mail our County Council members insisting they look at this ordinance, put the matter on the agenda and implement a law that protects our rights to peace and quiet.

Mike Steciuk, Kalaheo

Lifeguard saved her life

After another incredible vacation on Kaua‘i, I literally owe my life to one of your amazing beach lifeguards who rescued me last Friday, 6/18, at Ke‘e Beach. My family and I have snorkeled there many times over the years, but this time I swam too far out and got caught in a very strong current. I could feel myself slipping away and losing control as I kept swallowing more water. I had this very horrible feeling that I was going to die. A small boat came by and I screamed at them, but the guys in it just stared at me if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing and didn’t help me. Then, the beach lifeguard appeared, pulled me on his board, brought me back in and gave me much-needed oxygen. I didn’t even get his name, but I owe him my life and I want to express my heartfelt aloha to this wonderful person and my love and thanks for the kindness I’ve always experienced by the people of Kaua‘i. People such as the lifeguards at Ke‘e, and anyone who devotes themselves to help others, will always renew my faith in mankind. What lifeguards do at Kaua‘i’s beaches is so vital and they deserve to be thanked and recognized for what they do each day. I look forward to my next visit to your beautiful island.

Maureen Dixon, Fairfax, Calif.

Mahalo for motocross event

Aloha Kaua‘i. The Nobrega ‘ohana would like to humbly and sincerely say mahalo nui loa to Bertram Almeida, Garden Island Motorcycle Club, Kaua‘i Moto X Riders Association, the Kali ‘ohana, the Kinsie ‘ohana, the Kanahele ‘ohana, the many dirt-bike riders, friends and family members who honored our son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Mark Kekoa Nobrega on June 20, 2010 at the ‘Oma‘o motocross event.

It was truly a moving event to spend the day in ‘Oma‘o with other dirt-bike riders from Kaua‘i and O‘ahu who are passionate about this sport. This was my first time being at a race and as the engines started and rushed off into the hills I cried and had fond memories of my brother whom we lost about 2 months ago.

On April 8, 2010, my brother Mark went to do what he loved and enjoyed which was to ride his dirt bike with friends in the Koke‘e trails. While riding he was stung by a bee and experienced a anaphylactic reaction to the venom of the bee. He administered the epinephrine by using the epi pen and was rushed to the hospital in Waimea, however he didn’t survive the allergic reaction. Later that evening Mark moved on to a better place and is now resting in peace with his kupuna and other family members.

On behalf of the Nobrega ‘ohana I would like to take this opportunity to remind those who are allergic to various foods, medications, insect venom, and latex to renew their prescriptions and to carry their medications with you at all times.

Take it easy and Go Team Blue.

Me ka ha‘aha‘a.

Gina Malia Nobrega on behalf of the Nobrega ‘ohana from Hanapepe Valley (Gilbert, Ros, Gilbert III, Babes, Nainoa, Nanea, Pohai, Kamakani, Ashleigh, Kekoa, Kai‘olu, and Shyah)