Let’s make Kauai pono
I understand that the candidate with the most votes does not necessarily get to be chosen as council chair. I voted for Mason Chock who handily received the most votes in the Nov. 6 election, and I expect him to represent me and all Kauai citizens as the next council chair, and not just special interest groups.
I completely agree with Gary Hooser’s article (TGI, Nov. 28) article that Arryl Kaneshiro and his gang have been working overtime in secret meetings to become the chair. Arryl is from a “Heritage Kauai Family,” but he is a special projects manager of Grove Farm.
Since this business has considerable land holdings of 38,00 acres, and has the power to apply for zoning changes of any or all of these acres that can affect land, water and development issues, it is my opinion that Arryl could have a serious conflict of interest. He would be required to recluse himself from any official action of the considerable amount of these kind of issues that continually come before this council.
That said, the vice chair would have to take the seat as chair and I understand, Ross Kagawa is to be nominated for that position. WHAT??? A man who leaves the room during meetings whenever public testimonies are being given or is noticeably seen not paying any attention to council business, as he is totally preoccupied with his phone.
Some have said that any opposition to Arryl’s position as chair is divisive. In my opinion, this island has been divided for years. It is time to make our government pono. Electing Mason Chock, a member with the history and background of the highest integrity, as chair of the council, is a good start in the right direction.
Marj Dente, Kapaa
