• No to go-karts in Kapa‘a • Drop Kaua‘i Springs appeal • Doctor concerned about daytime football No to go-karts in Kapa‘a Thank you to Kathy and Randie Peters for their letter of July 25 (“Go carts in Kapa‘a?”), which
• No to go-karts in Kapa‘a • Drop Kaua‘i Springs appeal • Doctor concerned about daytime football
No to go-karts in Kapa‘a
Thank you to Kathy and Randie Peters for their letter of July 25 (“Go carts in Kapa‘a?”), which informed your readers of an upcoming proposal to the County of Kaua‘i Planning Commission that is being submitted by John Outzen. Mr. Outzen is seeking a permit from the County of Kaua‘i to develop his “Go Kart Kaua‘i” racetrack in the residential area on Kawaihau Road. We had not heard of the July 7 community meeting about this proposal and appreciate being made aware of this proposal. Although the area of the Cannery and the Menehune Food Mart might be zoned for commercial purposes, the area mentioned is highly residential.
Our home on Kaehulua Road, referred to by locals as “old Skeleton Road,” connects to Kawaihau Road. We live behind, or west, of the proposed go-kart racetrack. With our home’s close proximity to this commercial area, we can hear the loud noise of bottles and cans from the recycling center, but that at least is providing sustainability to our ‘aina. The continual noise caused by a go-cart racetrack business would be entirely unacceptable and we oppose the idea of a “Go Kart Kaua‘i” racetrack.
We bought our home on Kaehulua Road because of its serenity and country atmosphere and we hope to maintain that quality of life. Although we are two miles from the ocean, in the evening we can hear its gentle roar as it connects us to the naturalness of beautiful Kaua‘i. The go-cart racetrack noise would do just the opposite. ‘A ‘ole pono! (It’s not right!)
As an educator, I have always taught my future teachers that if you negate one idea, substitute it with another that would not only benefit others and the community, but could also meet objectives. If Mr. Outzen would like to form a committee of concerned citizens to contribute ideas for his space that would benefit the community and also provide an income for himself, I offer to serve.
I would ask Mr. Outzen what is his objective for the space he owns. If it is to make money, then be creative, be sustainable, and do so without harming the sound space of the community. A cultural, educational center could be established that would provide ‘ohana a place to meet and play. Have electronic games that would give young people an opportunity to enhance their minds such as strategy games, Wii stations for simulated activities, have crafts, a concession stand, there are lots of ideas that could be generated from community members that could serve as an alternative to establishing a go-cart race track in our community.
It is most appreciative of Mr. Outzen and the Planning Commission to seek input and comments from community members. Therefore, we need to speak up and take action to prevent the continuous noise pollution of a proposed go-cart race track. Exercise your right as a community member to be heard and attend the hearing date, Aug. 10 starting at 9 a.m. at the Lihu‘e Civic Center, Mo‘ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-2B, 4444 Rice St. or at the least, write a letter and make a difference in the democratic process.
Dr. Ka‘ani Blackwell and Paul Blackwell, Kapa‘a
Drop Kaua‘i Springs appeal
The basis for the county’s appeal — that the water is a public resource — will never fly and the county knows it ( “Kaua‘i Springs struggling,” July 19). It would mean that anyone who has drilled a well on their own land does not own the water. The water that Kaua‘i Springs is using comes from a 1,000-foot tunnel that Knudsen dug. Knudsen owns that water and can legally sell it to anyone they want.
One hopes that any land owner on Kaua‘i sees the potential for the county to seize their water and should pony up and help Jim and Denise Satterfield fight this ludicrous appeal.
The county knows it can out-lawyer Kaua‘i Springs and that is their plan.
True to form the county has probably hired outside counsel.
They will lose the appeal and rightfully have to pay a huge settlement, all of which will be paid by us. Hopefully Kaua‘i Springs can hang on long enough.
The Satterfields are the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit that built this country. Let them do business.
Nick Galante, Koloa
Doctor concerned about daytime football
As a team physician for the Waimea High School football team, I have great concern over the decision to move the games to the middle of the day. We are assured that “all concerns” were taken into account. Unfortunately, no one consulted those of us responsible for the health of the team members. Heat-related illness is a great concern to us.
From 1996 to 2003 there were 36 heat-related deaths in high school football in the United States. There were also many heat strokes and resultant serious injuries. Kicking off at 1 p.m. and playing through the heat of the day is, in my opinion, and the opinion of the other Waimea team physicians, exposing our keiki to significant risks. Our players are already plagued with heat cramps, and I have seen at least a couple of cases of heat stroke over the last six years.
Another concern is the kupuna coming to watch the team, sitting in unshaded stands in the middle of the day.
We seem to be placing the shearwater’s safety over the safety of our children. I wonder what the response will be if we have a serious heat-related injury or death of a player.
This seems to be a situation which was made without reasonable consideration given to all potential effects. I encourage a rethink of this move, for the sake of our keiki’s health and safety.
Dr. Rick Goding, Waimea
