Beach not what it used to be
Beach not what it used to be
We have been coming to beautiful Kauai for the last 15 years,we love the land and her people. Three years ago, we very shocked to see a “wall” erected on Aleka Loop behind Plantation Hale. The beautiful view was blocked, not to mention the sea breeze. We could no longer walk to the beach using the paved walkway, and had to forge a trail through ever-growing grasses.
Fast forward to our trip this year. The “wall” is still there despite the planned construction of a hotel that didn’t happen (thank the Lord)! Now there are homeless camps flourishing, the grass so tall that it provides cover for them.There are cars driving along the beach, as the chain blocking the south entrance is always being taken down, and there is a small paper sign saying no cars after Sept. 9. Ha!
We still go down to “our” beach each evening, but for the first time in all of these years we worry about our safety. There is trash all about, obvious drug use, and the wonderful landscape has become a horror. We can no longer tell new visitors about this once peaceful beach, we don’t want them to see “this” Kauai. There are young children there and one worries for their safety, too, especially so close to the water.
Saw a dead rat in the road, surely there are more. It is heartbreaking so see this once amazing place turn into what it has become. Wish the county could do something about this so everyone could once again enjoy this piece of paradise!
Deb Pastorik, Des Moines, Iowa
