• Buddhists support civil unions • Mahalo from March for Babies • Mayor’s dogs-on-path position disappointing • We are being gouged by air carriers Buddhists support civil unions On April 8 Hawai‘i’s Buddhist community celebrated the birth of Prince Siddhartha
• Buddhists support civil unions • Mahalo from March for Babies • Mayor’s dogs-on-path position disappointing • We are being gouged by air carriers
Buddhists support civil unions
On April 8 Hawai‘i’s Buddhist community celebrated the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment to become Shakyamuni Buddha over 2,500 years ago. In his time, the Buddha broke down social barriers by teaching that all people, without exception, are equally able to attain spiritual liberation.
In February, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i passed a resolution supporting the rights of same-gender couples during our 98th Annual Legislative Assembly. The mission of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i is to share the living teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism so that all beings may enjoy lives of harmony, peace and gratitude. This resolution shares our perspective on the rights of same-gender couples in light of the Dharma (universal teachings). We believe that our society should be inclusive of all sentient beings and be free from all forms of discrimination.
We hope to share our values of universal compassion, equality and interdependence with the larger community. We believe the issue of same-gender unions to be a matter of civil rights. As the largest Buddhist denomination in Hawai‘i, we affirm the dignity and worth of all people and that everyone deserves to be treated equally within our society. Our resolution is a means to help promote a more peaceful and humane world.
Blayne Higa, Chair, Committee on Social Concerns, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i
Mahalo from March for Babies
We thank all the people who participated in this year’s 40th Anniversary of the March for Babies at Lydgate Park on April 10. Kaua‘i’s generosity was SO evident again this year. Families and individuals did a wonderful job helping us to reach our financial goals. Additionally, businesses who donated goods and services include: Kustom Sounds Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Stream, Papaya’s, Sweet Marie’s, Rosa’s Supply, Fun-n-Kwazy, County of Kaua‘i, Starbucks Coffee, Air Liquide, Contemporary Flavors, Ventures Associates, Meadow Gold, KIUC and FM 97. A special mahalo to Kalapaki Joe’s for a great prize in our Design A Dime contest and to Rob’s Good Times Grill for hosting our final rally.
Mahalo to volunteers including the leadership team of Chiefess Kamakahelei, Kapa‘a Rotary, KCC Nursing, First Hawaiian Bank, KCC accounting students, Bank of Hawai‘i, Lions Club, MOD board, FedEx and individuals.
Mahalo to businesses who donated prizes from all over the island in support of our event. We thank Pohaku T’s, Kaua‘i Athletic Club, Aloha Kaua‘i Tours, NaPali Explorers, Kaua‘i Nursery and Landscaping, Kayak Kaua‘i, Southshore Pharmacy, Walmart, Koloa Landing at Po‘ipu Beach, Costco, Kaua‘i Kookie Company, Island Soap & Candleworks, Scotty’s Music, King Auto Center, Macy’s Hair Salon, Puakea Golf Course, Alexander Day Spa, Big Save, Times Grocery, PS&D, Lawa‘i Beach Resort, Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Princeville at Hanalei, Gaylord’s at Kilohana, St. Regis, Knudsen Trust, Sueoka, Baby Blutique, Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Course, Sheraton, Ooh, Baby!, Lapperts, & Macy’s.
Cheryl Ann Farrell, event coordinator, March of Dimes March for Babies
Mayor’s dogs-on-path position disappointing
At the April 21 County Council Parks and Transportation Committee meeting, we finally heard the mayor’s position for dogs on the shared-use path. We are very disappointed.
The mayor recommends that dog owners be isolated, out of sight and allowed only on the very north end of the shared-use path, from Kealia to Donkey’s Beach.
The community has spoken loud and clear:
— Near the end of the trial period, The Dog Path Task Force Survey, 2009, showed 97% of over 500 path users support an ordinance allowing leashed dogs on the coastal path.
— Before the trial period, The Ward Research Survey, 2008, showed over 80% of Kaua‘i residents support an ordinance allowing leashed dogs on the coastal path.
Our position aligns with our community’s position: to allow responsible dog-walking along the entire shared-use path and on future paths with the rules established.
We worked with the county to test this reasonable privilege during the 18-month trial period. Monitoring reports during the trial showed good voluntary compliance of the rules from dog-owners and excellent management of dog waste by dog-owners and volunteers. We promised daily enforcement and we did that.
We stand strongly opposed to “no-dog zones” on the path as it is confusing to the public and results in needless punishment of good-dog stewardship, the model we are trying to promote.
We sincerely hope that the county will align with the community with regards to dogs in public places.
Dr. Becky Rhoades, Executive Director, Kaua‘i Humane Society
We are being gouged by air carriers
Are we being gouged by the “nonstop” carriers to this island?
Checking on UAL and AA, their direct flights from the Mainland are over $1,000, more than (a) flight through Honolulu.
Maybe it’s time for the airport commission and tourist offices to rethink this privileged and costly operation. There must be other carriers that would like to come here with more-reasonable costs, thereby aiding, rather than suppressing, tourism to Kaua‘i.
Jack Mitchell, Princeville
