Locals should show some aloha
Locals should show some aloha
We recently returned from our annual trip to Hawaii and stayed, as usual, in Princeville. Because we were following all the Kuhio updates for the last few months, we were aware of the opening date for the road to Ke‘e Beach and the need for parking passes.
We purchased our passes as soon as they became available and felt we did everything requested. Imagine our surprise when we were “accosted” (no other word suffices) on Kuhio Highway just north of Hanalei.
Not a pleasant encounter having someone yell that we’re killing their dogs and ruining their property. I have never raced on your streets, never walked on your reefs, and never littered on the beach or otherwise. I respect the island as I would my home. I certainly have never killed any dogs.
You have an aloha pledge that we are supposed to say and adhere to. Great idea, but maybe you should show a little aloha to us, as tourists. We shop in your stores, eat in your restaurants, rent gear from your shops, and attend the local farmers’ markets. We spend a lot of money on your island and I’m sure all the residents benefit from this.
By acting as hooligans, you are going to drive tourists away. Maybe this is what you want. If so, I hope you enjoy all the raised property taxes and other increases you will have to pay as a result.
A side note to the police department: you must be crazy to think that allowing residents to ticket cars is a good idea. Why not hire someone to patrol the area around Haena State Park and pay them out of the fines. Everyone now say “aloha.” It goes both ways.
Peggy Sternal, Chicago
