• Speak up now on forest harvesting plan • Mahalo, men in blue • Mayor, County Council and KPD Chief, I appreciate you Speak up now on forest harvesting plan The revelation in The Garden Island on Oct. 16 that the state Division
• Speak up now on forest harvesting plan • Mahalo, men in blue • Mayor, County Council and KPD Chief, I appreciate you
Speak up now on forest harvesting plan
The revelation in The Garden Island on Oct. 16 that the state Division of Forestry, DLNR is exploring harvesting trees in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve is puzzling. The area is one of the most used recreational areas to residents and visitors alike. In addition, much of the area and the trees there now are part of the watershed for Mount Waialeale on its eastern slopes and somewhat control the water flow into the Wailua River.
Perhaps the underlying motive for the idea is best explained by the TGI subhead, that “Private companies could cash in on the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve.”
The management of Forestry Division is quoted as saying that none of the revenue gotten from this ill-conceived plan would go to the state’s general budget but instead be used to replant the trees that were harvested. These replanted trees will likely take 30 years to grow to the size of the trees being removed.
It appears to me someone is willing to buy the trees at the loss of the recreational area as well as further upsetting the Wailua River and the ocean into which the river runs. And it further appears that the Forestry Division is willing to make that kind of trade off. When it rains heavily, runoff into the Wailua River spoils the recreational areas ajoining it as well affecting ocean wildlife where it enters the ocean.
Most importantly, the period for comment on this plan ends Oct. 30.
We need action now or it will be jammed down our throats.
David H. Stewart, Kapaa
Mahalo, men in blue
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Police Chief Darrell Perry, Deputy Chief Mike Contrades, and the men and women in blue. I believe that the Kauai Police Department is very important in keeping their morals at the highest levels.
I have received a lot of calls and emails from the public, the kupuna, and especially the senior citizens. They enjoy and look forward each time they meet at the Kapaa Neighborhood Center to do their activities and special events.
Thank you, County Council, for being supportive in building the new police substation at the Mahelona Hospital site.
The administration should get their priorities together and support the Kauai Police Department.
Jerome Freitas aka “Da Shadow”, Kealia
Mayor, County Council and KPD Chief, I appreciate you
I would like to take this opportunity to actually commend the Mayor, County Council, Chief Perry & his staff as well as all state& county employees. You’re all doing an outstanding job with the resources & logistics you have at your disposal. Regardless of what Mr. Mickens and the rest of the “transplant” community have to say. The majority of “us”(Actual Locals, Kama’aina,Kanaka Maoli) appreciate all that you do day in and day out. So don’t feel compelled to please Mr. Mickens,because he’s of absolutely no significance what so ever. I actually feel sorry for him. Time & time again he’s made it abundantly clear with his articles of nothingness. That he has no life. So once again, Job Well Done!!!
Aaron K. Ellegard, Sr., Kalaheo, “Proud Union Member”