In today’s Garden Island, we take a look back at some of the top stories of 2013. Bill 2491, the drownings and the latest plans for Coco Palms were everyone’s choices for the three biggest stories of the year. But
In today’s Garden Island, we take a look back at some of the top stories of 2013. Bill 2491, the drownings and the latest plans for Coco Palms were everyone’s choices for the three biggest stories of the year.
But there were plenty of others what we call happy stories, too — those feel-good endings that leave everyone smiling. They might not have all been front page news with banner headlines, but they highlight the qualities that make Kauai the very special place that it is. With that in mind, here are a few of those stories:
• 7-year-old Kytin Sukehira, fighting leukemia, spends a morning with Kauai police as part of his Make-A-Wish request.
• The YMCA raises enough money — try the $100,000 range — to keep its pool open for at least another yet.
• Camp Halekola in Kokee State Park is cleaned up and restored. The camp had been in disrepair for years. The Camp Halekoa Association is renting out the property to large groups with hopes to raise money and continue to make improvements.
• Kapaa earns a distinction as one of the nation’s 15 prettiest towns in the U.S., according to Forbes Magazine.
• Two dog parks, one on the North Shore near Princeville and another at Wailua Homesteads Park, receive the clearance to open. After much planning and work, the parks are scheduled to have canines roaming about in early January.
• Tyler McCandless wins the Kauai Marathon for the third straight time. The event continues to grow in numbers and popularity as it gains community support and brings in thousands of participants and guests.
• Donna Schulze, an 89-year-old, iconic Kilauea woman and promoter of health and fitness, has surgery for aortic stenosis. She recovers and continues to lead a vibrant lifestyle, once again filling her house on Thanksgiving with family and friends.
• Pam Dohrman is found safe after getting lost while hiking at Kokee State Park in May and spending two nights outside. The 72-year-old Hanalei woman was in good condition. The rescue operation involved many volunteers.
• A dog is saved — and later adopted — after being found with a rope around its neck, tied in a plastic bag and left in a parking lot in Kapaa.
• Pastors gather at Hanamaulu Beach Park to pray for the community and the park, which was closed to the public overnight because of growing concerns of crime, drugs and homelessness. “Scripture says if we come together and pray, we can expect great things to happen,” said pastor Doug Kozub.
There were more stories in 2013 that marked the aloha spirit of Kauai. Despite this being a year of challenges and division over issues that included Bill 2491, smart meters and the Anahola Green Energy project, there can be no doubt that the good far outweighed the bad, that the positive easily outdistanced the negative. Those who call Kauai home know of the bond that ties this island together.
Here’s to 2014 and the great things still to come.
