Kauai fortunate that Dr. Downs resides here
In reading the fine story (The no-name storm and new Poipu lifeguard tower by Monty Downs TGI 4/4) no one should miss the heart of this story.
Dr. Downs continually gives accolades to the fine lifeguards he represents but he is the motor and force that keeps our beaches safe for locals and visitors alike. Not only does he do an outstanding job of representing this fine organization but he is one of the finest ER doctors on Kauai.
I once dropped my motorcycle and was taken to the ER where Dr. Downs happened to be on duty. He had to take 60 stitches in my head and his stitch job left not one mark! Before stitching he told me that he wasn’t a good sewer but the result proved otherwise.
His dedication at heading an organization whose job it is to protect lives as well as being a doctor who can physically save lives is truly amazing and the people on Kauai and particularly the visitors are fortunate that Dr. Monty Downs resides here.
Thank you Monty for all you have done and for all you continually do.
Glenn Mickens, Kapaa
How could anyone abandon baby?
This letter is in response to a news cast that was aired on May 8 about a child that was abandoned on a Kauai beach and rescued by a God-sent Anahola couple. First off, a giant mahalo to Jace Miner and Maile Freitas for saving this child. You both are definitely a blessing to this planet.
I want to know how anybody could do something like that, to just abandon your child in a dangerous situation and walk away. I can’t conceive of the thought, not to mention the action of this selfish crime. The more I thought about it, the more anger I felt for whoever left this child. The parents have options that they could take if they wanted to give this child up, but abandonment and endangering her life is not one of them. They said it was a misunderstanding, mistake, which is absurd! The parent/parents should be charged with endangerment and abuse of a child and be prosecuted.
I tried calling the Child Welfare office in Lihue to see if what I heard was true about the child being sent back to the family that abandoned her because it was the law. They said they couldn’t help me, didn’t know who could, and hung up. I hope this is not going to be another Peter Boy story of abuse and murder.
A concerned citizen,
Danny Wassman, Honolulu
Aloha Glenn,
If you had 60 stitches on your head, would we be correct to think you were not wearing a helmet? We’re glad you made it through the accident, because if you had no helmet you were lucky to be both alive, and having had Dr. Downs as your Emergency Room physician was an extra stroke of luck.
We’re sure all doctors who see trauma patients would recommend anyone on top of 1 or more wheels would use a helmet.
Even champion skate boarder Tony Hawk uses a helmet.
A car or truck acts as a helmet for the whole body.
Mahalo,
Charles
Yes Kauai is very blessed to have Dr Monty Downs on this island saving lives, building life saving belts along the coast, placing videos to teach and caution travelers the dangers of the ocean, and so much more. I hope Glen Milkins is recovering well now. Next time he should consider using Kauai’s beautiful bike path! Much safer and healthier!
Ditto. Fire knife championships being held on Honolulu now. Finals is tomorrow night. Fire knife dancers. Polynesian cultural center. Contestants from all over the world are here. Tahiti, Samoa, Australia, Hawai’i, Japan
Infortunately, Our law is written, ” have to return the child(ren) back to the parents. Even if may lead to a death of a child(ren).”
I know, I was told by a KPD Officer back when hurricane Iniki hit the island. To make a long story short, during the after effect of Iniki. My son was left alone (by my ex- wife; while her and the boyfriendrode around cto check the scene ) roaming the street. A friend of mine seen him and told me. I hurriedly went to where he was last seen and picked him up. A week later, KPD Officers came and had me return my son to my ex.
I don’t really buy into politics on this island. It is a lose game. Who cares about politics? Die on the streets in your car and exhaust pipes fuming if you want. I don’t care.
I have the highest respect and admiration for Dr. Monty Downs. However, I hope he does not help close down any more of our favorite swimming holes, because tourists are getting killed. I admit this is a selfish thought, but maybe if we are going to close something just because tourists are getting killed, we can just close it just to tourists.
Monty had no official role in the closure of Kipu Falls or any other such place. When Huffington Post interviewed him in 2011, he told the truth about injured persons or fatalities coming to the ER every few months and about his conclusion of danger at Kipu. In other words, unlike your temporary president, he did not lie in support of your selfish purposes!