• Online attacks unwarranted • Treat animals as living beings, please • Ways to prevent farm-housing abuse • Wilcox emergency room ‘great’ Online attacks unwarranted I don’t think your reporters will find too many people willing to talk to them
• Online attacks unwarranted • Treat animals as living beings, please • Ways to prevent farm-housing abuse • Wilcox emergency room ‘great’
Online attacks unwarranted
I don’t think your reporters will find too many people willing to talk to them if you continue to allow your sources to be savaged in the comments section of your on-line edition.
Most recently, I was dismayed to see Caren Diamond subjected to cruel, untrue personal attacks that had absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter at hand: a permit for Pierce Brosnan’s vacation rental. Previously, Maka‘ala Ka‘aumoana was subjected to similar treatment.
In the interest of fairness and accuracy, I want to set the record straight. Caren Diamond is not unhappy, ugly or unfilled, nor has she ripped out shoreline vegetation or trespassed on anyone’s property. Her baked goods are made in a certified kitchen. She has never trashed a house or failed to pay her rent, and she is not venomous, envious or sneaking around spying on people, be it by day or night.
She is, however, smart, funny, committed, caring and apt to spend many hours of her own time working to protect our shorelines from encroachment and our communities from being turned into resorts. Obviously, some people find her volunteer efforts threatening, and so they engage in nasty personal attacks under cover of anonymity.
But many others deeply appreciate her service, and so on their behalf, let me say, mahalo nui loa, Caren. Don’t let the creeps in comments bring you down.
Joan Conrow, Kapa‘a
Treat animals as living beings, please
Tonight, as I read the front page of our Garden Island newspaper, I was shocked, sickened and finally saddened by the article detailing the horrible treatment of the horses finally rescued by our Humane Society on Kaua‘i.
I moved here seeking what I thought was to be a new adventure in serenity and peaceful warmth of Kaua‘i and her people. Seven years ago I came from San Antonio, Texas and a 55,000-acre working cattle ranch. I have grown up knowing the lives of ranchers all over Texas, including the King Ranch and I am incredulous at the treatment these horses were allowed to continue be given. In Texas, the owner of these animals would have been immediately arrested and her animals seized. It would not have taken weeks for these horses to be left to die unattended to and the owner would not have been given a slap on the wrist and freedom to “express her love for them” by waiting for a “miracle” to occur.
Each day, I continue to be amazed at the treatment which islanders give to not only their work animals but to those whom they call their “pets,” who share their homes and yards without water, food, or shelter, and are tied to a fence by a noose in exchange for the animals’ continued affection and protection.
I come from a place that puts their animals at great value. The care of animals and their quality of life is not to get something back, but because it is the right thing to do for any living thing. I was so moved to witness the protection placed on the endangered creatures that come here, such as the whale, seals, and sea birds.
Why does this caring not extend to the rest of the domestic animals that share this island? Is there something that I am not aware of, perhaps because I was not born here?
I think not. For the first time since I have made Kaua‘i my home, I can say that I am ashamed to live in a place with so little value placed on the lives of the inhabitants who were here first — the animals.
Alexandra Dorn, Kapa‘a
Ways to prevent farm-housing abuse
In regards to the article “Farm-worker housing abuse discussed” (May 29), it mentions that there is a farm housing bill on Maui that has been implemented and it appears to be working. Why can’t the council adopt a similar bill instead of debating the issue for hours on end?
Several thoughts on the agricultural situation on Kaua‘i.
1) Allow farm housing on farms that are owner-operated. If you do not farm on the land that you live on you can not have any dwellings other than a primary residence. This would eliminate absentee owners from abusing the intent of the bill.
2) If you farm the land you live on you should be allowed one guest house of no more than 500 square feet. It is difficult to make a living by just selling produce at farmers’ markets.
David Giuliano, Princeville
Wilcox emergency room ‘great’
I would just like to send a great big mahalo to all of the staff at Wilcox Memorial Hospital’s E.R. Having the privilege of using their services four times in the past month and a half, I received nothing but excellent care from the registration process through the release process.
The staff took care of all of my needs with excellent care and compassion.
It’s even nice to know that they will do follow-up calls after each visit to check on your status. I often hear and read horror stories of how horrible the care at Wilcox is.
Well, this is my testament as to how great the care they provide is. Keep up the great work, as some of us do appreciate the services you provide!
Francine Grace, Lihu‘e
