Put a muffler on campaign rhetoric
It’s fun listening to all the Democratic candidates talk about free health care and free college for everyone, as they all try to capture the nomination for their party’s bid for president. I believe they all know they are blowing hot air out their behinds with that rhetoric, knowing darn well it will never happen — just knowing it makes for good sound bites.
I wish for once the candidates would talk about real issues that could actually be remedied and help everyone with their mental health and the country with the environment. it’s a simple concept, mufflers for all lawn mowers, weed whackers, chain saws, snowblowers and outdoor power equipment of high decibels.
Now, give me a candidate that’s willing to promise that and I am betting they would have a powerful platform and probably win.
In fact, give me a candidate that’s willing to put a muffler on asking for campaign contributions and you’ll really have a winner!
Here’s to your candidate and my candidate, may the best candidate be able to fill more than a high school gymnasium during a rally.
James “Kimo” Rosen, Kapaa
Eulogy for Black Pot
One of the wonders of moving from California to Kauai was not just the obvious beauty of the island but the special world of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei.
Last Friday evening was my first visit back since it reopened after the 2018 flooding and devastation.
The parking was ample. The port-a-potties were all perfectly lined up in a row, and the white plastic fencing was making sure not a single car could get closer than 300 feet to the beach. It all looked neat and orderly, like the highly regulated California beaches I left behind years ago.
I have been here long enough to remember Black Pot as it was before the storm. On any given evening you could find the locals and tourists engaged in the spirit of ohana. Fishermen would be proudly showing off their catch of the afternoon while preparing small camp fires that would cook their gifts from the sea. Any passerby inquisitive enough to ask “what’s cooking” would be invited to dine.
Cars and trucks would go to and fro with the young and old engaged with music from Bob Marley, to Iz to Bocelli. Passing by any tailgate or open trunk, there was laughter, a surfboard or three and a cool beverage.
Every visit you came away with at least a new acquaintance whom you would soon see again. It was like a Menehune “village” of old Hawaii that came to life each day but disappeared at midnight.
Now the “village” is gone. It wasn’t the storm that destroyed this village. It was because someone decided all this was to be no more.
The beach is now “environmentally” friendly but lacking of life and character. By comparison , it is sparsely used, the engaging fishermen, music and laughter is now gone, and those who stroll by are mostly silent.
They will never know what treasured ground this was only 16 months ago.
Dave Prew, Princeville
