Remove speed bumps, save environment
Noted by Rush Limbaugh on his EIB Program: He states that China and India are THE MAJOR POLLUTERS on the worldwide scale. Contrary to increases in global warming by China, India and other polluting countries, the United States has reduced global pollution to that lower level of the mid-1980s. The US has imposed many restrictions on polluting cars and trucks, air conditioning for instance.
We who drive autos around Kauai could reduce our meager contribution to atmospheric pollution by eliminating the many hundreds of speed bumps all over the island. Using our brakes to slow down emits carbon into the atmosphere, as the carbon brake pads rub against the brake discs. Then, as the vehicle accelerates to legal speed, more carbon is emitted from the extra fuel burned. The acceleration is so very obvious when following diesel-powered trucks or buses.
Consider Europe. The UK uses active photographs of vehicles where speed restrictions prevail. For a vehicle exceeding speed limits by a given amount, vehicle is photographed and the registered owner receives a ticket in the mail for speeding. They donʻt need polluting speed bumps. If we can send folks to the moon, why canʻt we follow the Brits and eliminate speed bumps? Use NASA technology!
By the way, ambulance crews really hate speed bumps. So do I.
Alan Fayé, Princeville
Be part of the climate solution
Being new to the island, one of the majestic first creatures I gazed upon was the beautiful green sea turtle. Having never seen one, it can really put you into awe with its elegance. They swim gracefully through the water and nest on beaches while spectators gaze from afar.
One can’t help but wonder about sea turtles’ future health in oceans that have been neglected significantly. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration mentions frequently the tie between water quality, dirty beaches, contaminated seafood and economic, environment and community health in their reporting.
Living on an island requires systems thinking of these ties, and in today’s world where our oceans are warming and polluted, our livelihood is at a tipping point. Tourism, fishing, coastal real estate and agriculture are all in harm’s way with inaction, and are fragile even with action.
Climate change doesn’t just affect our ecosystem health. It affects the way we see the world. Being 22 years old, there are a lot of beautiful things I still want to witness. Is it crazy to think I may not be able to show my future grandchildren or even children the wonderful green sea turtles of Kauai or the vast fish ecosystem in the ocean surrounding the island? I am not sure, and cannot tell the future, but I am confident that most people don’t want this future. Without proper response, this threat is inevitable.
This is beyond ideologies. Sustainable development and ocean restoration are a must for our livelihoods and the beautiful animal and plant life that make Kauai the garden island. Getting right to action, a clean up of Kaumualii Highway in front of Kauai Community College will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. preceding a global climate strike being held on the KCC campus from 1 to 3 p.m.
James Stearman, Lihue
