• Honey bees in ‘great trouble’ • Tour of Homes was a success • Who chopped Kalihiwai trees? • Bikes without lights a danger Honey bees in ‘great trouble’ Honey bees are in great trouble due to a number of
• Honey bees in ‘great trouble’ • Tour of Homes was a success • Who chopped Kalihiwai trees? • Bikes without lights a danger
Honey bees in ‘great trouble’
Honey bees are in great trouble due to a number of pests that destroy them. But there are some easy-to-use and readily-available controls for the pests.
The varroa mite is easily controlled with apiguard and apistan strips. Apistan strips (plastic impregnated with miticide) is also effective against the tracheal mite.
Now the small-hive beetle has shown up in hives in Hawai‘i. That pest is easily controlled with a trap (small-hive-beetle trap) that is available at a website www.GreenBeehives.com.
I know for a fact that these work, as I have extensive experience as an apiary inspector and beekeeper. Apairy mites have been on the Mainland for over 20 years and do not pose a problem so long as they are managed properly.
The small-hive beetle is a more-recent problem, but it too is easily controlled (with traps) and is not a problem so long as beekeepers are educated and diligent. I have written letters to the editor, talked to many beekeepers and (state) Department of Agriculture employees in Hawai‘i about these pests and their control before and I wonder why they let our pollinators get destroyed rather than listening to someone who has the experience, expertise and knowledge.
It makes no sense to me when proven remedies are easily available and have been used successfully for decades on the Mainland, so they have a proven track record.
Chris Webster, Kalaheo
Tour of Homes was a success
On Sunday, May 16th, Kaua‘i Hospice hosted our biennial fundraiser, the Kaua‘i Style Tour of Island Homes. The event was a wonderful success and a fun-filled day on Kaua‘i’s beautiful North Shore. Ten homes were featured on this year’s tour, each with a unique approach to island living. On behalf of the board of directors and staff of Kaua‘i Hospice, we extend a big mahalo to everyone who worked to make this event a huge success. Without their diligent efforts, the Kaua‘i Style Tour of Island Homes would not be possible. Mahalo to the planning committee so ably headed by Diane Brenden and including Micki Evslin, Mary Ellen Turk, Carol Mackey, Mimsy Bouret, Mary Patterson, Barry LeFevre, Jennifer Cheek and Trishana Star. They left no stone unturned when planning and carrying out the event. Mahalo to the homeowners for their generosity and willingness to open their homes to the community and the hospice ‘ohana. Mahalo to our donors, sponsors, volunteers and docents for their tireless efforts, cool heads and calm minds the day of the event. A big mahalo to the entire reception crew, from set up to clean up — it was a wonderful treat at the end of the day! The delicious food was catered by Thames Goodwin from Polynesia Cafe, beverages by Kaua‘i Coffee Company, flowers by Mr. Flowers and musical entertainment by Ivo Monroe Miller.
Last, but certainly not least, we offer our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all those who purchased tickets in support of Kaua‘i Hospice. The Kaua‘i Style Tour of Island Homes has been our unique fundraiser for the last 20 years and all of the proceeds help Kaua‘i Hospice continue to provide compassionate care and comfort to our patients and their families. We thank everyone who attended, planned, participated and supported us so that we can continue our mission of service to the Kaua‘i community. We hope we’re not forgetting anyone, so if your hands touched this event in any way, please know how truly grateful we are. We are indeed blessed.
Roberta L. Weil, PhD, Kaua‘i Hospice, Board of Directors president
Lori J. Miller, Kaua‘i Hospice, Executive Director
Who chopped Kalihiwai trees?
I was shocked to go to my favorite “beach” spot at Kalihiwai stream-side this weekend. Someone had cut down two trees on one of the small islands in the stream. Granted they were slowly edging down on their own as many have in the past — they made great natural bridges when they went down. I wonder if this was the county doing the cutting or an overzealous landowner. Whoever did it did a very bad job. They left huge splinters coming out of one of the stumps. It looks like all of the logs and debris were left at the edge of the parking lot making it difficult to get down to the water and sand. If it was the county please clean it up. If it was not the county then we need to find out who did it and hold them accountable. Nature has a way of taking care of things on her own — please let her do her job!!
Mahalo for letting me vent.
Bob Wilson, Kilauea
Bikes without lights a danger
I drive the four-mile stretch (of Kuhio Highway) from Waipake to Kilauea town three nights a week after work. More often I notice bikers on the road with out reflectors or head lights! Oftentimes these are children, double -decker-handle-bar-style, cruisin’ on the highway by the Menehune mart. Please realize that even the most conscientious drivers cannot see you until right upon you! Parents, please equip your kids’ bikes with lights, reflectors and instructions for use. The shoulder on the side of the road is not that wide and even in the daylight, seems perilous to me. It would take nothing for a car traveling at 40-50 mph to edge into the shoulder and cause a major tragedy. Bicycling is a wonderful alternative to driving, but let’s please kokua and do it responsibly.
Rachael Taft, Kilauea
