• Expect suit against warden to be settled • KIUC not acting in electorate’s interests • Writer didn’t get ‘science’ right • Beach parking a gift for all to enjoy • Beware dangers of social media • Church great place for tax assistance
Expect suit against warden to be settled
Regarding the lawsuit involving Warden Neal Wagatsuma, bottom line, this will be settled out of court. It’s all about the money and a personal vendetta. It won’t be the warden who settles. It’ll be the insurance companies that will cut their costs for a long, lengthy trial. This is how the system works. Meanwhile, mud will be slung all over the place to discredit the warden. In the end, those who know Warden Neal Wagatsuma and know of the work he and his staff do will continue to support him.
It’s too bad any fly-by-night Mainlander can come to our island, work for a very short time and build a case up against someone who works in a very complex field as running a correctional facility, one that has a unique program that offers real rehabilitation, not just lock up and do your time. So she will walk away with cash in hand, I wonder how generous she will be with her “settlement” with the so-called “victims?” That’s right. I almost forgot she is the only victim now.
Thomas Mccall, Anahola
KIUC not acting in electorate’s interests
In his Feb. 17 letter to the editor I couldn’t help but notice Mr. David Proudfoot’s reference to the responsibilities of the KIUC Board of Directors and his defense of our co-op’s blatant promotions of its new fees for the installation and monthly charges for those who opt out of smart meters. Mr Proudfoot proclaims that, “Once elected, however, those representatives have a fiduciary duty to govern in the electorate’s best interests, and a corresponding duty to explain to the electorate the reasons for their challenged decisions.” That would be refreshing if that standard actually became a reality.
However, it was quite interesting that no one at KIUC ever clearly explained how it is possible for the cost of meter reading to go up. Originally, KIUC was reading 30,000 meters with the cost included in members monthly bills. After installing 27,000 smart meters, KIUC now reads 3,000 meters. Could one of those board members please explain how it can possibly cost $340,000 more to read 27,000 fewer meters.
Rather than explaining where these fantom fees came from, KIUC instead used all of their efforts to divide the members and distract the conversation toward who should pay these fees.
Mr. Proudfoot did a nice job of explaining the KIUC board members responsibilities. It would be a pleasant change to see them implemented. When KIUC members already pay they highest utility bills in the country, another fantom $340,000 might not actually be considered something in “the electorate’s best interests.”
Michael L. Shooltz, Kapaa
Writer didn’t get ‘science’ right
A piece of propaganda was planted by Robert Brower (TGI, Feb. 12), in response to Monsanto’s Carol Reimann and her recent letter.
He mentions glyphosate and atrazine together, then writes that “science” is warning about kids ingesting them, and then associates with this, the preposterous statement: “They do not get washed off the crop. The plant absorbs them” (without any source to check for this amazing scientific breakthrough!)
A review of the literature (http://academicsreview.org/reviewed-content/genetic-roulette/section-6/6-2-new-herbicide-tolerant-crops/) finds Roundup (glyphosate) tolerance results in less glyphosate use, less use of other toxic herbicides, glyphosate is not toxic to humans, glyphosate is not absorbed into the gut and does not bioaccumulate in any body tissue, glyphosate is the least toxic herbicide for nonhumans, glyphosate binds to soil and is metabolized by soil microbes so is the least likely herbicide to run off with water or stay (persistence) in the soil. There are no concerns about plant absorption of herbicides.
Brower then tries to demean Carol Reimann as “possibly, just out of university in one of the Monsanto-endowed bioscience departments.” It took three minutes to find Carol Reimann’s extensive and lengthy portfolio in public relations, mostly in the hospitality industry.
Pete Antonson, Lawai/Manila
Beach parking a gift for all to enjoy
The standing practice of parking on beaches should be upheld. Consider Black Pot, a surfer’s pot of gold for adventure and a place for visitors to view, camp and participate in ocean activities all under the vista of Hanalei Bay and Mt. Makana.
To curtail parking would be relinquishing to abutting property owners a gift that may lockout locals and tourists who consider the beach to be sacred sod. Yes, there are safety concerns with traffic and lack of security to control a jam, but the beach belongs to everyone.
Sandra J. Abrajano, Chicago, Winter resident at Emmalani Court
Beware dangers of social media
I’m writing this letter because I have been observing affects of social media.
Teenagers now have been addicted to their cell phones, laptops and televisions, instead of being in the moment of life. Many adults allow their kids to be on their electronics 24/7, while others set up rules. I for one, agree with the parents who have rules on their children’s electronics. Having children being able to put themselves on the Internet inappropriately can hurt their reputation with adults and other children. As many of you know, there have been many deaths caused by the Internet, especially by cyber bullying. This can happen because people can anonymously text you or use different applications to be mean to you and trick you into thinking they are something or someone they are not.
Having many social applications that your kids could get bullied on, I think that if you are a parent with children under the influence of technology, you should check on what your child is watching, what they are doing on the Internet and what social applications they might be using and posting on.
Technology is now a huge part of our lives. We might even need some time away from it.
I hope this will encourage you to speak with your children or family members about this topic.
Sara Allen, Princeville
Church great place for tax assistance
We wish to thank Lihue Lutheran Church and Rev. Kirchner for their assistance in allowing us to do tax training in their facility in a nice quiet setting for the coming season. As usual, it was great and we appreciate it. This is another year to assist Kauai folks on free taxes throughout the island. A friendly church and especially mahalo to Noreen and their front office. Ideal setting and good place to concentrate. The best to you and your staff. For info on sites and dates, call 246-4600.
Bob King, Coordinator for Kauai
