This is a difficult letter to write because I have loved Kauai for the past 35 years. It has been our loving home away from home. We are kama‘aina!
We have watched many changes, from the devastation of hurricanes to the rise of condos and new hotels, but always felt the spirit of aloha. We had never experienced the evil that lies within the hearts of those who would steal our sense of aloha and security on this beautiful garden island.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, one or more of these evil people stole my security in the form of my purse with all of my identity secured within. They took more than money, phone and credit cards, which they used at Safeway and Walmart for over $2,900. They stole my one-of-a-kind, sequined, butterfly purse by Betsey Johnson I had bought on Kauai. It symbolized our escape to Kauai every year, a trip that often ended in tears as I said goodbye to this beautiful place.
I will always feel differently if I choose to return to my beloved Kauai punahele. I am sad and I am angry. The difficulties the thieves put me through, compromising my identity, will never be forgotten.
My friends sent me an expired passport and driver’s license, enabling me to get through airport security after they searched all of my belongings and body.
The Kauai police were as helpful as they could be, and I appreciate the demeanor and sincerity of officer Phillips. I was naive and learned a lesson to trust no more.
My hope is that the thieves really needed the money to feed their children, but my real fear is that this is a group of really evil people, so travelers to Kauai, beware. If you see a sequined butterfly purse, call 911.
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Linda Hussar is a resident of Gilroy, Calif.
