WHS Class of 1966 reunion is virtual
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Waimea High School Class of 1966 held its first virtual class reunion, which was the 54th reunion for the class.
Angelita Unciano Mello hosted the Zoom reunion with the technical assistance of JET BAKABAK, IT Consulting/Zoom HOSTING of Koloa.
Eighteen classmates from the East Coast to the West Coast and Hawai‘i participated in the ZOOM reunion, which included a virtual potluck of local food, a formal toast, group pictures of masked and unmasked classmates.
The virtual reunion encompassed five time zones, and included entertainment in song and videos. There was recognition of classmates who served in the military and an honorarium of 31 classmates that are no longer with us. The event ended with reminiscing, jokes and active talk story. The reunion began in Hawai‘i at 1 p.m., while it was 6 p.m. for those who joined us from the East Coast.
The Zoom reunion proved to be an excellent opportunity to catch up with classmates and save on travel costs while avoiding the coronavirus pandemic.
Angelita Mello, Submitted on behalf of the Waimea High Class of 1966
Positive pre-tests endanger Kaua‘i residents
As a concerned citizen of Kaua‘i, I find it absurd that by even allowing someone to board a plane to Hawai‘i who hasn’t received their tests results beforehand is overwhelmingly irresponsible and dangerous. By isolating someone upon arrival, after finding their test result is positive, does nothing to protect the people of Kaua‘i, and here’s why:
A person found to be COVID-positive has just ridden for five hours in an enclosed space with at least 100-200+ people who may now be exposed to the virus. My question is, are these same people on that plane being isolated/quarantined upon arrival?
Or are they free to go on their merry way around the island with no one knowing if they might be infectious? Questions definitely in need of being answered.
I do find it disdainful that the residents are being told to curtail their lives, all the while allowing people from heavily-infected areas on the mainland to roam about freely. I don’t know, since things seem to be so upside down in this country right now. I guess it makes sense to someone — but not to me.
Christine Melamed, Kapa‘a
Need clarification in mayor’s efforts to keep Kaua‘i safe
While I applaud Mayor Derek’s efforts to keep everyone safe, the requirement that tourists quarantine for 72 hours before taking a second test doesn’t make sense. For example, we plan to arrive on Dec. 1, with proof of negative tests in our Safe Travels App.
If we are required to quarantine for 72 hours once we arrive at Lihu‘e, how are we going to rent a car and head north to our rental home in Hanalei? Did I misunderstand the mayor’s proposal? We don’t mind traveling back to Lihu‘e after three days if need be.
At another point he suggested that tourists stay within the confines of their resorts for 72 hours, test negative then and only then enjoy all that Kaua‘i has to offer. Hmm. What about the 1,000s of tourists who stay in rentals?
More clarity is needed, Mayor Derek.
Barry Ansell, Sonoma, California
