Setting the record straight on Queen’s Bath
In response to editorial and responses, mostly by “First Edition,” drownings at QB (Queen’s Bath) are more close to 11 than 29, marked by an anonymous citizen on the trail (these stats take in the north coastal area).
The model “Lucy” was not “taking in the view,” but being photographed by her boyfriend while sitting on the edge while enormous waves crashed behind her.
Information from the Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau shows that drownings at QB are about 4% of Kauai’s total.
Secondly, it is not haole, Princeville residents who are trying to keep people from accessing QB. Just the opposite! A Princeville commitee is trying to keep the trail open for all and eliminate the fence and gate. The PHCA (Princeville at Hanalei Community Association) is (supposedly) a nonprofit corporation where commercial interests have 75% of the votes and actual homeowners have 25%. People who rent or lease have 0% say. See the problem?
The people trying to close Queen’s Bath are investors, developers and politicians (who don’t want to bring negative attention to Kauai or their admin), and whose budgets are being affected. Princeville residents and the public want ocean access for all! None of the almost a dozen drownings this year have taken place at QB.
The “facts” are carelessly repeated and used as arguments for various self interests. Examine the truth for yourself. Let’s unite to keep QB access open and the land protected for historical and protected areas.
C. Ian Miles, Princeville
Shame on Kauai Christian Fellowship
I read with disappointment and shock the article in the 17 June, 2019 edition of TGI, titled “Kauai Christian Fellowship brings youth group to Queen’s Bath.” Not only does taking a supervised youth group there set a horrible example by actively promoting disregard for the law, personal privacy and safety, but the bold act of posting it on social media as something to be proud of shows complete and utter contempt. To make matters worse, when confronted about her actions, the offending principal chaperone seems to be defending her actions by putting herself in a victim’s role.
I am convinced that these leaders are wonderful adults leading a fine group of youths to help avoid the pitfalls of temptation (drugs, gangs, suicide, etc.), but in this particular case they got their priorities wrong, made an unfortunate choice and should be held accountable. There are several entities at state and county levels and within Princeville working long, hard hours to mitigate the Queen’s Bath problem, and they need support and encouragement, not defiance or apathy, to solve the problem.
There are all kinds of excuses and stories that both sides can debate regarding this event, but the gate is closed for a reason and the end result is that the leader of this youth group defied the law, trespassed on private property, jeopardized the safety of young people in her trust and showed by example those actions are acceptable.
I’m not sure if anyone to date has been cited, fined, arrested or charged with trespassing at Queen’s Bath, and maybe because of the “Spirit of Aloha” nobody likes to play hardball when it isn’t necessary, but some people don’t understand softball. At some point in time, a line needs to be drawn and enforced if it’s going to get anyone’s attention. If the county isn’t holding them accountable, then they are simply enabling every visitor/resident to follow suit, and the revolving door keeps spinning. The next time someone slips and falls and dies or has to be airlifted out, we will all shake our heads and say, “Wow, that’s terrible. Something needs to be done.” Well, step 1 is in our faces. Let’s get going on it.
John Oszust, Princeville
