Protected speech, thought drives America
William Tell wasn’t shooting at an apple on his son’s head to show off; it was a cruel punishment for failing to bow to a hat, a symbol of a governor’s power.
Automatic voter registration — save money, improve access
Every politician wants to “do something” and “accomplish stuff.” It is a natural inclination to want to make a mark, and to have accomplishments of significance to point to when running for reelection.
Don’t let Kauai become California
Housing, traffic, and increasing a living wage (to be able to afford a decent life on Kauai) was shared by every council member and mayor during our recent election.
Ranting about rampaging wild ‘peegs’
Picture two sweaty people, two hours plus on the trail yesterday in the great outdoors on a fresh, sunshiny morning … but this was not a pleasure hike along the state trail that runs up the back of Nounou Mountain. This was a mission to eradicate aggressive weeds impinging on our property that borders the trail.
Keep North Shore satellite school open
We know that Mayor Derek Kawakami just signed a sixth supplementary emergency proclamation for the months ahead. We know this pertains to roads, bridges, parking lots, cultural centers, “rules and regulations,” but why isn’t it pertaining to the school that was set up for the emergency and the well-being of our kids?
Sovereign nation, Ko Hawaii Pae Aina of 1843, is alive, well
As stated in the United Nations Security Council memorandum of Feb. 25, 2018, our kingdom is fully operational and under a strange form of occupation, by the army known as the state of Hawaii and paid by the terroristic nation of the United States of America.
Let’s say mahalo to the good folks at TSA
Wracking my brain as to what I can do to support the good people working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), during this ongoing government shutdown.
Appropriate adaptation to unsustainability
Mahalo to Larry J. Arruda for his letter in TGI, Jan. 9, titled “an alternative to traffic congestion and homelessness.”
Hawaii Legislative Primer #3 – passing a bill
Jan. 16 is opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. The legislative session will run for “60 session days” and adjourns on May 2 “sine die.”
Getting reacquainted with a symbolic New Year’s threesome
Old Man Time reached his limit for 2018 seven days ago, accompanied by the “inexorable march of time,” often symbolized by the tortoise. And the stork, carrying birth symbolism, brings in the new year — 2019, in this case — with a quick backwards glance to the past, but with intention aimed forward.
Wage legislation — radical leftist or essential centrist?
In response to my previous column “Hawaii’s minimum wage needs to start at $17 and strive to be a living wage,” a woman wrote to me saying “I have voted for you in the past but it seems you have moved too far to the left …”
‘A Christmas Carol’ is still relevant
Mele Kalikimaka. This time of year calls to mind the famous dialogue between the liberal and conservative mindsets in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Achieving perfect fit for renewable energy puzzle
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has reached an important milestone by increasing its renewable portfolio to more than 50 percent. This was KIUC’s goal for 2023: We have gotten there five years early.
Increased suicide rate needs closer look
The Garden Island recently editorialized on how the suicide rate is the highest it’s ever been. They went on to say: “The suicide death rate last year was the highest it’s been in at least 50 years, according to U.S. government records. This is an area of huge concern on Kauai, where young people can be overwhelmed with hopelessness.” May I add not only of grave concern to the young but our middle-aged and kupuna populations, as well.
Queen’s Bath fence is money well spent
Thank you for your very well-done article on the Queens Bath fence. (December 22 issue).
Hawaii’s minimum wage needs to be a living wage.
Every person working 40 hours a week, deserves to earn a wage that provides basic shelter, food and medical care. This statement should not be debatable.
Remembering beloved pets during the holidays
Kids dressed in fur—is what I, and many other animal lovers call our much-loved pets. They jump for joy to greet us when we enter the door. They snuggle with us, play with us, and give unconditional affection to us. Dogs protect us and our homes—cats not so much.
‘December Oli’ wishing readers Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Right now our ears are particularly attuned to the approaching stop-start rumble of our mail carrier’s truck because of the anticipated flurry of Christmas cards arriving to alleviate the tedium of bills and unwanted flyers.
‘December Oli’
Following is an original poem penned by Dawn Fraser Kawahara:
Speak up by Monday on smart growth for Kapaa
The public has until 5 p.m. on Monday to provide testimony to the State Land Use Commission on the up-zoning of 97 acres of agricultural lands, next to Kapaa Middle School, to an urban center zoning designation to accommodate the building of 769 new residential units called Hokua Place.