• Questions about farm worker housing • Not the whole story Going postal • Time to speak up Questions about farm worker housing A recent editorial (“Farmer’s future,” TGI, July 26) raises questions concerning Bill 2318. Who are these farm
• Questions about farm worker housing
• Not the whole story Going postal
• Time to speak up
Questions about farm worker housing
A recent editorial (“Farmer’s future,” TGI, July 26) raises questions concerning Bill 2318.
Who are these farm workers to be provided with “free and affordable housing”? Will they be unionized, immigrants, health inspected, keeping time cards? Isn’t this corporate farming by wealthy land owners and corporations who send their produce and profits off island? Many have left Kauai as unprofitable.
If the goal is to achieve self-sufficiency, we already have a start at that — the family farms who stock our farmer’s markets. Their toil knows what farming costs in time and money. To set an artificial time of work-hours per week misses the reality. Some crops are seasonal, and large herds can graze and trees can grow without being watched.
The test of an annual minimum gross sales fails to take into account that farming is dependent upon the environment. Torrential rains have destroyed blossoms and flooded fields resulting in lost crops and income.
There is a reason why those who work the farms have been called “poor farmers.” Farm communities are prone to be impoverished. Limiting the size of a farmhouse overlooks that many families are multi-generational.
Ag land does not have “drastically discounted property tax rates.” Residential land is taxed at $3.95 while Ag land is at $6.90. If Ag land is dedicated, then proof of farming is verified by inspection and IRS tax statements over five years. Isn’t that all that is necessary?
Fred Wells, Kapa‘a
Not the whole story
The Garden Island’s recent coverage of my father, Dr. Harold “Tex” Spear of Hanapepe, doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the man I know. (“Dial-A-Doc pleads guilty to dealing narcotics,” TGI, July 11)
It is not my goal to defend my father in this letter, but simply to provide my view for those that may know us only through having read the most recent articles published in The Garden Island.
Dad saw to it that my siblings and I grew up in a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment. The days of my childhood were spent laughing and having fun in the ocean, telling stories around campfires, and doing all of the things a happy family does together.
Not only did Tex always discourage drug and alcohol use directly to us, his children, I also witnessed him on numerous occasions, at his office, in the hospital, or just around town, encouraging patients of his to get sober and clean up their lives.
After a life of growing up with my father, I have developed into a very healthy adult. I ask Kaua‘i to continue to allow me to be a positive part of the community and embrace my actions, apart from those of my father.
Also, I ask that the positive actions of my father, the healer, be remembered as well. I know that many people on the island have become close to him through his years of service to their health and friendship. He has saved many lives.
If anyone has had any positive encounters with my father, especially in regards to his medical practice, former Hanapepe Clinic, Dr. Harold “Tex” Spear MD or his tele-medical practice, then please write a letter of support about your positive experiences.
(Editor’s note: If you would like to send a letter to the Spears’ Hanapepe post office box, please contact The Garden Island for the address.)
All positive support and prayers are greatly appreciated. As an honest, real, and loving family we are going through a very adverse moment and have greatly relied on our loving ‘ohana of Kaua‘i.
Many many mahalos for this precious aloha.
Leslie Caylin Spear, Hanapepe
Going postal
As a past employee of the U.S. Postal Service, I can recognize the need for closing down “money losing” post offices and stations.
A few that come to mind on Kaua‘i are: Makaweli, Kaumakani, Puhi, Lawa‘i and Kealia. Also, because of the close proximity to each other I would consider closing either Hanapepe or ‘Ele‘ele.
That’s one man’s opinion.
Bob Mandap, Mililani
Time to speak up
A front-page headline in the Aug. 12 Wall Street Journal: “Electricity prices plummet, power companies reduce rates; Consumers get a break after year-ago highs.”
The letter received by ratepayers from Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative the very next day: “KIUC is requesting PUC approval of … across-the-board rate increases.” The minimum percentage rate increase will be 10.5 percent; energy surcharge rate increase will be 36.0 percent.
KIUC’s customers may express their opinions concerning these rate increases at a public hearing on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Wilcox Elementary School.
It is time to speak up.
Diane G. Armstrong, Ph.D., Princeville
