• Bodyboarders surfing forward • Against groping in the name of security • Mahalo TSA officers • Declining unemployment? Bodyboarders surfing forward I am stoked for all the support from my ‘ohana’s developing business plan and Pohaku Shave Ice, which
• Bodyboarders surfing forward •
Against groping in the name of security •
Mahalo TSA officers • Declining
unemployment?
Bodyboarders surfing forward
I am stoked for all the support from my ‘ohana’s developing business plan and Pohaku Shave Ice, which was born the Kaua‘i Bodyboarding Association. The inception was geared towards supporting my own chasing am-pro tours; the desire to have other talented athletes on this journey with me, thus the implementation and all the improvisations along the way…#13 event was a good luck charm. From here, with the gate opened a bit further, stay tuned to hearing future remarks. Many have been added to our heroes list, YMCA, DLNR, County; Sponsor MS, USBA Jbitz, and our newly developing media assistants, who have been helpful in more promotional endorsements of the industry, the sport of bodyboarding, the pro national/international events USBA/IBA tours and now the KBA, who has only just begun to make its mark. We couldn’t possibly have carried on without your confident support that our plan would play out as successfully evidenced back in 7/2008 at the Shippies PRO-Am event, when Auntie Stella, Hyatt supervisor who share manage county’s park, allowed us to carry on, flood gates reopened and the opportunity to share a favored BB’ing site with over 400 onlookers, guests, KBA amateur roster of 60 and pros from outer islands who traveled to compete as part of their individual point-rating needs. We are proud and excited for the potential of our ‘opio members and we are always open to event volunteers and/or donations. The now, is focus on OHA grant-writing deadline that looms 01/30/2011.
IMUA KAUA‘I…DIVE.
Pohaku Kekaualua, Kapa‘a
Against groping in the name of security
If the United States has a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy concerning gays in the military, I wonder what the TSA has as a policy concerning sexual orientation of its workers? Is the TSA “official” that will be feeling my private parts a homosexual? Is it possible that the woman touching my teenage daughters’ vagina is a lesbian? Regardless of sexual orientation, does my 11-year-old son need to be sexually assaulted? What terrorist profile does he fit? A person’s sexual orientation is their own business, I just want you to keep your hands off my loved ones private parts. I don’t want them subjected to either unnecessary health risks from X-rays (body scanner) or sexual assault. The government simply does not know what the long-term effect of these X-rays have on our well being. The “authorities” are either guessing or lying. Our children are facing a lifetime of “security X-rays” or what would be considered sexual groping in any other situation in our society. I understand TSA says we can choose not to fly. Easy for them to say, but what about those of us who live on an Island? If the Superferry was operating, I am sure the TSA would soon be feeling our crotches when we boarded that mode of transportation, in the name of national security. And none of this makes us “more secure.” That is unsubstantiated myth. Is it worth the billions of dollars that are going to be spent on this so-called “security” to discover a few packets of pakalolo once in a while?
Bob Kaden, Hanalei
Mahalo TSA officers
With the upcoming Christmas holidays approaching, I would like to extend a warm mahalo to all the dedicated Lihu‘e Airport Transportation Security Administration officers who are working diligently during these busy holidays to keep all of us who will be traveling by air safe.
As holiday air travel blossoms, some controversy to TSA screening policy has done somewhat the same, and to full-body screening and pat downs — policies necessary to make air travel secure.
All said, cooperation is in the air. According to statistics provided in an NBC news cast, less than 1 percent of people required full-body screening refuse this screening, and less than 3 percent of people are ever selected for a pat down.
Further, it was reported, “Security experts say the biggest difference is a good attitude. In one example, Europeans are less likely to question an intrusion on personal freedom if there’s a greater good, like stopping a terrorist.”
Happy holidays to all Transportation Security Administration officers, and all Lihu‘e Airport employees.
Deborah Morel, Kapa‘a
Declining unemployment?
When I was driving to work yesterday, the news reported a welcome decline in unemployment claims and the announcer described this news as “positive.” I cringe every time this type of statement is made because it ignores the fact that in today’s economy, a decline in unemployment numbers typically means people who are receiving benefits are no longer eligible. Their unemployment benefits have run out and they often have not found a new job! My son-in-law is a teacher in a small community and he has been unemployed for the past 18 months. His school district drastically increased class sizes so they could reduce the number of teachers on their payroll. After several welcome extensions, his unemployment benefits were due to run out on December 24th. Thankfully for him, he recently signed a contract to return to teaching, but I know many who are not so lucky. They have already run out of unemployment benefits and they are still actively looking for work. Unfortunately, their situations are not reflected in the official unemployment count because they are no longer receiving unemployment benefits.
Thanks for listening.
Mary Navarro, Kapa‘a
