• A ‘simple and clear’ history • Federal budget cuts • Bounty moa bettah? • Medicaid program needs funds A ‘simple and clear’ history First, it is probably appropriate to compliment R.S. Weir on his/her ability to analyze and critique,
• A ‘simple and clear’ history
• Federal budget cuts
• Bounty moa bettah?
• Medicaid program needs funds
A ‘simple and clear’ history
First, it is probably appropriate to compliment R.S. Weir on his/her ability to analyze and critique, at a considerable remove, the concerns and problems of the citizens of Ulu Ko, Ulu Kukui and environs.
I am, however, quite chagrined that R.S. Weir misspelled my name. That may be some indication of how carefully my VIEWPOINT was read. Further, I am chagrined and embarrassed that my exposition was so lacking in clarity as to be totally misunderstood. So I shall try to make it simple and clear.
Many years ago, the Grove Farm Properties Inc. requested an extensive re-zoning for the purpose of residential development. This development would increase the traffic on Nawiliwili. Therefore, as a condition of the re-zoning, Grove Farm Properties Inc. was required to promise to construct a bypass road. In view of the prospective profits from the re-zoning, Grove Farm Properties, Inc., readily agreed. Alas, the profits did not occur. The funds that would have paid for the road were not there. However, the re-zoning had been granted, and the promise of the road had been made. The promised road appeared on all maps. People and families moved into the various subdivisions relying on the Grove Farm Properties Inc. promises and commitments.
Grove Farm Properties Inc., still seeking development profits then planned a new high end development south of Ulu Ko. The only problem was that in order to proceed with this development, they would have to break their promise of the road. No one is telling them what to do with their property nor impinging on their rights, but people have a right to insist that Grove Farm Properties Inc. should keep the promise on which they depended. What else they might do with their properties is their right, and how much money they make, no one cares. But promises on which others rely must be kept. Yes, to break a promise for the sake of money and to damage other people’s enjoyment of their property, and to do so in an almost covert way, is very wrong. That road was paid for, not in cash, but in kind. Grove Farm Properties Inc. accepted that payment.
Now, it is not I, but Grove Farm Properties Inc. that would deprive people of untrammeled use of their property and damage their property rights by making Apapane Street and Nokekula into commercial thoroughfares.
The Kauai Planning Commission will be hearing on this matter next Tuesday, We would all benefit from R.S. Weir’s wisdom and comments and we might all learn something, if he/she could be persuaded to attend.
I don’t envy R.S. Weir’s Rolls Royce. I disposed of all my automobiles of this class long ago. I am impressed with R.S. Weir’s knowledge of Dante’s Inferno and wonder to which level of the Inferno he would assign those who object to the reckless use of political and financial power.
Now, R.S. Weir, I hope that I have added some clarity. And you will notice that I did not respond with any insults in kind. Perhaps your next missive could do the same.
Federal budget cuts
I just participated in a working meeting in Honolulu where a federal representative from the Office of Special Education Programs said that the greatness of a nation is measured by the status of its most vulnerable citizens. I find that statement particularly disconcerting in light of the Republican budget proposal to cut $35 – $50 billion from programs such as Medicaid, Student Loans, Food Stamps and Pension programs. I thought our most vulnerable citizens were the children and families I work with as a school social worker to address homelessness for working-but-poor families or to address generational poverty by going on to college via student loans.
I thought vulnerable meant folks like my adult son with developmental disabilities who rely on Medicaid for health coverage. I also thought vulnerable meant retirees faced with no pension benefits because the companies they’ve faithfully worked for are claiming bankruptcy. But I guess Bush & his Congressional cohorts see the CEOs of oil and gas companies and other big business as “vulnerable” because they’re the ones getting tax cuts and exemptions from environmental protections that ensure healthy communities for generations to come.
Corporate welfare for Corporate America. Is this a great nation to be proud of?
- Suzanne Kashiwaeda
Kalaheo
Bounty moa bettah?
Thank you for the Editorial on the potential pandemic worldwide bird flu. A question on the subject … is it just my neighborhood where Jungle Fowl have overwhelmed their own natural evolution and we the humans as well? Or has the whole island of Kaua‘i become an endemic over population of wild fowl … namely the chicken hordes on Moa Island.
Already they have soured some vacationing visitors who come for rest and relaxation and tire of daily too early morning chicken reveille and choose as visitors to move on to quieter Hawaiian Islands. But now this new threat of massive human fatalities due to these raptor-us critters able to carry a killer flu, would seem to be a cause for alarm on our own Island of Moa. Worse, one recent article claims that the chickens most apt to contract and spread the disease are those in confined areas … which brings to mind the cramped quarters of “fighting chickens” frequently seen in many neighborhoods.
I don’t know and have no expertise to form an opinion, but is Kaua‘i over ripe for the next plague to test the human race. Asian newspapers state 60 people have recently died already in Thailand from this disease and this disease in chickens has already spread to parts of the U.S. and Russia.
Will the Mayor of Moa impose a chicken bounty? What value would he offer for the head of one chicken?
- Jay Trennoche
Kapa‘a Moa Hunter
Medicaid program needs funds
Our legislators must consider adding funds to the Medicaid program. This program has helped many eligible citizens in the country to achieve a suitable health care. I am one of the lucky recipients of the said program.
I am a lucky survivor of traumatic brain injury, caused by a motor vehicular accident. As a result of that injury, I need ongoing health care to maintain my life and prevent further problems. With my current economic situation, I will not be able to attend to any of the expensive treatments I need to maintain my health. But with the help of the Medicaid program, I am benefitting and getting these services for free. Without this program, I don’t know if I will still enjoy my good well being that I am currently enjoying.
Therefore, I am asking our legislators to please help support and increase the funding for the Medicaid program because it will help us attain a suitable heath care that we need.