Koloa roundabout is hazardous
The new Koloa Road roundabout poses a danger to ‘Oma‘o Road traffic in several instances, specifically when ‘Oma‘o Road drivers attempt to turn left to Koloa Road.
It is difficult to see vehicles exiting the roundabout to Koloa Road, and frequently these vehicles are accelerating rapidly.
‘Oma‘o Road drivers could also present a hazard to traffic exiting the roundabout if they are unaware of approaching roundabout traffic. This intersection is an accident waiting to happen, and the roundabout itself was unnecessary and poorly designed.
At the very least, a warning sign should be posted at the roundabout Koloa Road exit to proceed cautiously because of the proximity of ‘Oma‘o Road.
Edie Moe, ‘Oma‘o
Wild cats of Kaua‘i should be honored
Kaua‘i. Many describe it as “paradise.” Many call it “heaven on earth.” But regardless of how you would describe it, certainly, everyone who visits this tropical isle immediately recognizes that Kaua‘i is special.
With its iconic swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, mesmerizing sunsets and, of course, its honored wild roosters gallivanting all over the island, Kaua‘i sets itself apart by honoring their land, their culture and their wildlife.
However, with all the sacred acknowledgment that native Kauaians give to all of their Indigenous blessings, there seems to be one red-headed stepchild amongst the wildlife found here in paradise: the wild cats of Kaua‘i.
One only has to visit the local Walmart, Costco, popular restaurant or one of the numerous resorts to meet the countless number of wild cats that inhabit Kaua‘i.
These precious felines are often found frightened and malnourished as they forage for food amongst the scraps, and are widely treated as pests rather than a protected and integral member of Kaua‘i’s myriad of native wildlife species found here.
Why?
For example, why are the roosters respected and emblazoned on an infinite number of island merchandise that is pedaled daily to a constant drove of tourists, and yet the beautiful wild cats of Kaua‘i must struggle to even exist?
Where is the social messaging that announces to all natives and visitors that the wild cats of Kaua‘i are to be honored, like the roosters, like the turtles, like the monk seals?
I mean, I get it, they’re just cats, right? Saving one of them is certainly not as noble as saving the whales, or respecting the distance that one should observe when encountering a sea turtle in its natural habitat.
Or is it?
I mean, maybe this feral population of tiny jungle cats wasn’t always part of Kaua‘i’s traditional history, but you only have to visit this island once to know they are certainly part of Kaua‘i’s contemporary present.
As a frequent visitor who has been rescuing and re-homing these forsaken kitties for years now, I would like to make a plea to anyone who would listen, that it is time that Kaua‘i stop turning a blind eye to the harrowing plight of the wild cats of Kaua‘i and should start revering them as one of Kaua‘i’s precious treasures.
The same creator that gave locals and visitors alike this garden of Eden to partake in also created the healing spirit of the wild cats of Kaua‘i, and it is time to honor and steward all that He has blessed us with here.
I propose raising awareness and funds to support one of Kaua‘i’s greatest overlooked blessings. Perhaps we could start by creating a coalition of local companies, such as hotels and restaurants, that could distribute or post information on how to help fund the needs of the beautiful wild cats of Kaua‘i. Perhaps we could even inspire the local municipality to get involved.
One thing is for sure, it is time to embrace the wild cats of Kaua‘i.
Mahalo nui loa.
Johna “Aunty Jo” Ruz, Paso Robles, California
