• Think locals first • Gained some confidence in isle justice system • Vote in some new faces • Kaua‘i not anti-tourist in his eye Think locals first I applaud JoAnn Yukimura, and council members Tim Bynum and Lani Kawahara
• Think locals first • Gained some confidence in isle justice system • Vote in some new faces • Kaua‘i not anti-tourist in his eye
Think locals first
I applaud JoAnn Yukimura, and council members Tim Bynum and Lani Kawahara in their efforts to try to stop the amendment supporting Kukui‘ula changes in affordable-housing-buyback provisions.
Unfortunately, Jay Furfaro and Daryl Kaneshiro seem bent on depriving our residents of long-term, family housing. Even with the recession-lowered housing prices it’s still nearly impossible for residents to ever own a home on Kaua‘i. Allowing this developer to change the rules now is just another backward step the council is taking similar to the recent changes to ag land use and TVR (transient vacation rental) permits. Being a “Libra” and wanting to “balance the scale,” is unacceptable and destroys more chances families have of ever owning their own home. The scale is already unbalanced and not in favor of local residents. It’s time the council sent a message to developers on Kaua‘i that if you want to build here on Kaua‘i and flood our roads and beaches with absentee owners from the Mainland you need to give back to the community. It’s bad enough most developers aren’t using local workers, let’s not make it worse by caving in more like this proposed 25-year buyback rule and 14-month sale clause. Just because council members can afford their own home doesn’t mean everyone else can.
Your actions will affect local residents and generations to come. Unfortunately, most people will not remember who supports them come elections day or maybe these council members might think twice about their priorities.
John Tobin, Koloa
Gained some confidence in isle justice system
For quite some time I have had a lack of confidence in our legal system regarding juveniles in holding juveniles accountable for their actions along with or instead of the parents; however, today I will say that the criminal portion of our legal system worked by holding the offender accountable and leaving the victim with a true feeling that justice and mercy were served. From start (investigation) to finish (sentencing), 11 months, and a first-time sex offender a stiff jail sentence and probation requirements by a judge not always known for “harsh” sentencing for first-time offenders.
Mahalo to the judge, Prosecuting Attorney (Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho, her assistant from Victim Witness, and the Childrens Justice Center.
Mahalo to the offender’s family (life-long friends) for their understanding and support behind our decision for the “system” instead of “local-style ho‘oponopono, and to the offender for sparing our ‘ohana further trauma.
Mahalo to our ‘ohana, friends and coaches for their support.
Most importantly mahalo to Ke Akua whose hand gave mercy, allowed forgiveness and understanding, and continues to provide his healing touch to both families.
Respectfully.
KNK and ‘ohana, Napuanani McKeague, Lawa‘i
Vote in some new faces
I’m puzzled.
Why do we reelect folks that don’t support/vote for local folks?
We seem to vote for the same faces and then complain about development, roads, vacation rentals but no housing for locals, garbage mountains and all the familiar problems.
Maybe it’s time to send the county a message. We could do that by just voting for new people, that is if you are tired of watching your neighbors be ignored the day after elections.
Last thought…Anyone can sue anyone for anything.
Governing by fear of a lawsuit is not governing. It’s succumbing to some kind of intimidation, unless you want to do whatever it is anyway.
I hope and I can try to vote for candidates that always worry about Kaua‘i folks first and not visitors or absentee landlords or lawsuits.
I know we need jobs and visitors, but I also know O‘ahu said that too. I also don’t need some scientific study to tell me we have gone too far.
Scott Robeson, Wainiha
Kaua‘i not anti-tourist in his eye
In recent letters to the editor, the subject has been about rampant petty crime and vandalism on Kaua‘i. There is no doubt that these incidents happen on Kaua‘i as it does in many cities and towns across the world whether a tourist destination or not. There is no excuse for criminal behavior of any kind and the public officials should do their best to fully prosecute the responsible individuals.
In reading these letters, however, one may have the impression that many of the people of Kaua‘i resent tourists and when visiting here you should always be on your guard.
Nothing could be further from the truth. My wife and I have a timeshare on Kaua‘i and have been visiting the island for 13 years. We rent cars, shop the farmers’ markets, grocery stores and shops, and explore the wonderful beaches and places of Kaua‘i (some remote). Not once have we been victims of a crime. The thing that always impresses us the most about Kaua‘i are its people and the kindness and thoughtfulness they have always shown us. I think it’s called “Aloha.”
While basic, common-sense precautions should be taken when traveling anywhere, politeness, kindness and self-effacement goes a long way towards making friends.
Be safe and Aloha Nui!
Sinclair Kinsey, Hood River, Ore.
