Make travel easier
I tried to register online for the Safe Travels site. I have a medical appointment to fly from Kaua‘i to O‘ahu and back on 06/25/21, same day. I couldn’t figure out how to navigate this site to upload needed documents into the system.
Who designed this system, so complicated and so stupid to just try to go from one rock to another and back? Come on, Gov. Ige, we still have two more years with you. Huh, so grow some stones, take charge and make this process simple. I am not applying to join the CIA!!!!!
Paul E. DeRocle, Lihu‘e
Mahalo to everyone at Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures
Late last year, when the state Department of Health asked for volunteers to administer COVID-19 vaccines, dozens of Kaua‘i health professionals answered the call, among them my wife Marsha, a retired nurse anesthetist.
The effort resulted in thousands of Kauaians being vaccinated against this deadly pandemic. Everyone was proud to play a part in making Kaua‘i healthier and safer and helping the island reopen securely.
Hawai‘i has, so far, avoided the mistakes of states like Florida, which, despite being lauded for its aggressive reopening in a recent guest editorial, is now going through a post-spring break surge, including thousands of new variant cases.
The Kaua‘i vaccine effort isn’t over, but on Mother’s Day, owner Kelley Carswell Haneberg and all the folks at Kaua’i Backcountry Adventures said a big “thank you” to the vaxing volunteers, dedicating a full day of complimentary mountain tubing adventures to them and their families.
Kelley and her great team did this all very quietly, without seeking publicity or any other recognition. KBCA produces a great family trip for all ages, and they gave us the full treatment, including a lovely picnic lunch and a complete photo package of our day, all at absolutely no cost.
To me, that’s the best of Kaua‘i. The health professionals gave their time and lifesaving skills simply for the sake of making Kaua‘i a better, safer place to live, expecting nothing in return. And then Kelley and her entire KBCA crew — drivers, guides, photographers — surprised the volunteers with a beautiful day of fun in a magnificent setting, expecting nothing in return.
It was an unforgettable experience that left us all not just with lifelong memories, but also hope for the future, as we emerge from this pandemic with the knowledge that the Kaua‘i aloha spirit is alive and well.
Mahalo nui loa to Kelley and everyone at Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures.
Larry Nager, Kalaheo
Legislators are unreachable
Brian Schatz, Mazie Hirono have insulated themselves from the people of Hawaii. They no longer take direct phone calls even though they publish their office phone numbers. To be able to call and give an opinion and felt like they cared how we felt. That no longer is the case. This seems to be turning more and more into a communist regime. They have put up a firewall between themselves and the public.
Why should we respect their desire for us to go back to work when their own office staff is no longer is accessible?
Scott Shapiro, Kalaheo
