Lifeguards, again, come to the rescue
If you ever wondered just how good Kauai’s lifeguards are, wonder no more. Simply put, they are among the very best. How do we know this?
Governor should sign pesticide bill
Gov. David Ige should sign the pesticide bill passed this week by the House and the Senate. Simply put, it’s time Hawaii steps up and leads the way in protecting people against any chemicals that could harm their health. Our elected leaders passed this legislation and we can trust they did their homework and took the actions they see as necessary and many believe are long overdue.
Plastics overwhelming our environment
The mid-April flood deposited plenty of debris on Kauai’s beaches. There have already been concentrated, communitywide efforts to clean up the mess, progress has been made, and work will continue in places like Lydgate Park, where driftwood and other waste fills the ponds and lines the shorelines.
Red Cross, as usual, rises to the challenge
The response to help those affected by the flooding on Kauai has been nothing short of amazing. Every day we hear stories of people going out and looking to volunteer. They clean, cook, wash, deliver, encourage — whatever is required, volunteers have been there and will continue to be there.
Everyone, it seems, wants to help
The generosity on Kauai has always been above and beyond. Since this flood, the amount of kindness and giving has risen even more.
Kauai’s resilience will rise to the top
The devastation, as we all know by now, is staggering on the North Shore. Homes destroyed. Roads washed out and buried in landslides. Vehicles overturned. People stranded. Animals perished.
Vandalism of restrooms, parks hurts everyone
No doubt you’ve seen the grim condition of some of Kauai’s public bathrooms, particularly those on the North Shore.
HTA fights tourism backlash
George D. Szigeti, Hawaii Tourism Authority president and CEO, has heard the critics of his agency. He’s heard them say tourism is ruining the islands, especially Kauai. He’s heard them say the HTA is not needed. He’s heard them say Hawaii doesn’t need more tourists. He’s heard them say money that goes to HTA could be used elsewhere for the benefit of the state (oh, no it can’t).
Here’s hoping reward leads to arrest
The stories of animal abuse are all too common. We often hear about dogs and cats, mostly, and other pets, being tortured and suffering cruel deaths at the hands of someone who doesn’t know any better and doesn’t care.
Student achievement continues to trend upward
Programs and policies designed to boost student achievement and strengthen successful transitions between high school, college and career are continuing to prove effective, according to the latest College and Career Readiness Indicators Report, just released by Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education for the Class of 2017.
Spending bill good for Hawaii
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, put it like this in describing the recent federal spending bill and what it means for Hawaii: “This is the best appropriations bill that we’ve seen for our state since I got here. This appropriations bill will give our state funding to create jobs, help our veterans, protect our environment and strengthen education and health care programs.”
Biden, Trump not above childish exchange
Can someone please get Joe Biden to stop speaking in public? Please?
If drones can help marine life, use them
Drones can be annoying. Who wants to see a drone buzzing above your head at a community event or when you’re enjoying a nice day at the beach? But those drones can also help save lives — human and our friends in the ocean.
‘Death with dignity’ can come without medication
Supporters are saying House Bill 2739 provides more protections for terminally ill patients than any other state. You’ll have to decide for yourself if that’s a good thing. The state House Health and Human Services Committee and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed the “Our Care, Our Choice Act.”
Lessons learned about Hawaii’s classroom
Some are not wild about welcoming too many tourists to Hawaii. And some are not keen on more Mainland transplants moving here. But students who come to Hawaii are greeted with outstretched arms. That’s a good thing, because these students are having an impact on the Aloha State that is undeniably positive.
Missile alert highlights government’s hiring practices
The false missile alert continues to be the subject of much speculation over what really happened and why.
Homeschooling bill a step for safety, deserves support
Parents who homeschool their children deserve a round of applause and a lot of credit. They are taking on a role not many are willing to do.
Good news is always welcome
We all like good news. It’s nice to read about the good things people do and nice to recognize folks when they do well. It’s wonderful when we learn that things are going well. Gloomy projections can make us weary and worried.
Here’s what leadership is about
Former Kauai Senator and County Councilmember Gary Hooser has been writing a weekly column for The Garden Island for the past year. He offers great insight into government operations and functions and we’re glad tohave him on the Forum page.
Getting harder to believe what we’re told
Is it real or is it fake? What do we believe any more? We hate to keep on this subject of the false missile alert for fear it will appear we’re picking on Gov. David Ige and his administration, but just when it seems we have the straight story, it changes.