• Blame the guidebooks, not the landowners • New generation vs.
old • Create more efficient county bus service
Blame the guidebooks, not the landowners
I am a licensed commercial driver, retired from Polyad Kaua‘i, several taxis, the county bus, and Nawiliwili trolley. I and others in the industry can attest that a spirited group of visitors that come to Hawai‘i-nei seem to think they are invincible, that nothing untoward will happen, and they arrogantly will adventure to places that even locals don’t go.
Granted, the ‘ultimate guide books’ have played a huge part in identifying otherwise off-the-grid sites; however, it is the conscious forward movement planning, and efforts pulling together by these same FITs (frequent independent travelers) that get them in trouble, not the state county nor private landowners.
It is the responsibility of the visitor to research during planning. FITs that set foot on these slippery island rocks as they go thru airport security should be required to provide a release form, so that our tax dollars can be spent elsewhere.
A recent example was during a Hilo tour driving experience at Boiling Pots. With lightning piercing several times, thunder and a flash flood advisory issued two days earlier, I and my group of 23 huddled under umbrellas were approached by an older than middle age couple.
Their ‘Ultimate Hawai‘i’ in hand, they inquired “where is Waiale Falls trailhead?” After identifying the correct location per the guidebook’s map, they were gone.
When I watched them turn mauka, I realized they fully were headed towards the trailhead, so I loaded my tour bus, chased them and found them about to proceed. I advised quickly deteriorating conditions, pointing to obvious but ignored memorials, similar to Opaeka‘a, and firmly stated that I would alert authorities should they continue. They listened and I watched as they went elsewhere.
Debra Kekaualua, Kapa‘a
New generation vs. old
In response to Mr. Mann’s “awful new generation” letter April 19, I must say I enjoyed it enough to contribute my thoughts.
The “older generations” had something different than the “green thing.” It was a “common sense” thing.
The “older generation” (OG) knew it was not good sense to let their children gnaw on painted window sills, red lead or no red lead.
Asbestos was used as insulation, in ships, airplanes, hi-rise buildings and other spaces that they did not want fires that would kill people. It has been mentioned that if asbestos was used as a fire barrier in the Twin Towers that they may not have collapsed.
Also, moms used to tell their kids not to play with certain items. Mom was home raising the kids. “Women were widely considered not equal to men,” Mr. Mann states. Have to agree with him on that. They were probably “considered” higher than men since doors were opened for them, they were talked to in a civil manner (no swearing), men would help them be seated by helping with their chairs.
As for workers having little to say in the quality of their work environment, Mr. Mann should have left that out. Now that the “new generation” has a “say” look at the quality of the work environment now as well as the low quality of work ethic in this “entitlement” society we now live in. Again, print space denies deeper analysis.
Won’t argue about medical advances except to say that Big Government now wants to control medical care to bring it down to the level of bureaucratic decision making: in other words “committee consensus” whether or not grandma lives or dies.
“Back then, there was smoking … television” and don’t forget drinking! Of course in those days it was adults engaging in these vices. With the “new” generation they’ve “enabled” their children to join in the fun.
Just look at the drug problems; alcohol, domestic abuse, crime problems; dropout rates in schools; lack of children who can read, write, calculate (math) and communicate — truly the “new generation is on the right track.
The OG had more discipline and used it. My opinion is perhaps we need to “look back” for answers. The “older generation” used to call it history and tried to make their kids not repeat it but to no avail. Why?
The new generation doesn’t even teach history in school anymore. It is more important to the “new” generation that their kids know how to put a condom on a cucumber. I’ve heard they begin in about the 4th or 5th grade. Give me “red lead paint” to worry about anytime.
John Hoff, Lawa‘i
Create more efficient county bus service
A suggestion to the Kaua‘i County Council on bus service: How about rather than (or in addition to) expanding service during late hours and Sundays, adding more efficient routes at normal work hours?
I think a bus route that only stops at major employer locations such as PMRF, seed companies, and Po‘ipu resorts and the park and ride locations would be a great move.
I would take the bus more if it didn’t take so long to get home. Since the bus serving PMRF zig zags all over Kekaha and Waimea, it takes twice as long to get home on the bus as it does driving myself.
Roger Barques, Koloa
