There is a better way to address affordable housing
After reading the article in The Garden Island newspaper about the council’s rejection of the Charter Amendment relating to affordable housing, I felt a need to provide additional clarification on the action taken by the council on this matter.
Rescue tubes in governor’s chamber
We’ve all enjoyed seeing rescue tubes on our beaches and we’ve rejoiced in the lives that have been saved because of them and the Samaritans who have used them to rescue people in distress. However, we never expected to see them in the governor’s chambers!
Kauai must strike the right balance
Allan Parachini’s excellent opinion piece (“We need to protect Kauai’s brand before it’s too late” TGI, Sunday July 8) was a reasonable restatement of what some have been talking about for quite a while. I am hopeful that Mr. Parachini’s opinion piece will broaden the discussion.
Kauai Council brings Christmas early to Rice Street
With the passage of Bill 2687 the Kauai County Council seems poised to gift millions of dollars of increased property values to a relatively small number of owners located in Lihue along Rice Street with “no strings attached.”
Vote for candidates who let people decide on issues
On June 28 at the mayoral forum, both Derek Kawakami and Mel Rapozo were asked directly if they were going to support the affordable housing resolution proposed by JoAnn Yukimura. The resolution, if passed on Wednesday, would appear on the fall ballot, giving voters an opportunity to decide whether or not 3 percent of the existing real property tax (about $4.3 million) revenues should be used for affordable housing on Kauai.
We need to protect Kauai’s brand before it’s too late
The head of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, George Szigeti, has been gently ousted in what is an unmistakable acknowledgment that the agency’s only strategy — best summarized as “more” — is weakening the state’s overall appeal amid concerns about over-saturation of visitors. In other words, Hawaii has found out how much is too much.
Answering affordable housing charter amendment questions
Mahalo to Peter Nilson for his letter to the editor (TGI, July 2)) and to those who asked about the proposed affordable housing charter amendment. This kind of discussion is important if we want more affordable homes!
Do what it take to find the truth
“My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with facts” I appreciated the thought-provoking TGI editorial on June 26th regarding the Media Insight Project surveys of public perceptions about “the media” compared with journalists’ survey responses. Wow
Most important voter on Aug. 11 will be the non-voter
On this auspicious holiday, when much of Hawaii’s population is in a celebratory mood and perhaps distracted from the fundamental purpose of the occasion, it is appropriate to pause for amoment and think about why we celebrate.
Trump gives Hawaii Republicans a chance
When I woke up quite early last Wednesday morning, June 27, I turned on Fox News and was greatly surprised.
Summer: Yellow bicycle, shave ice, stay-cool days
Summer solstice once again marked the longest daylight shine of the year as June hurried toward July, and summer has truly bloomed. The thunderous rains behind us (the volcanic eruptions continuing on our “little sister” island), and the heat turned up, the following proverb stands: “Winter’s thunder makes summer’s wonder.”
Reducing threat to monk seals not easy, but critical
I want to be clear about two things. First, I’m a smitten cat person and have been since about 1980 when the first one of these conniving, deliberative creatures plotted to find her way into my heart.
Hanalei’s little-known heroes in the storm
There was no shortage of heroes in the aftermath of the storm that dumped a record-breaking four feet of rain on Hanalei in April. The people on the North Shore are a rugged breed, and the spirit of being there for each other is the norm. Call it “the Aloha Spirit.” But this, which many are calling “the storm of the century,” brought out the best of that spirit, as many Hanaleians went above and beyond the call to help others.
Election Year: The intersection of policy, politics – 3 percent for housing
There is something about an election year that brings out the best in “sitting politicians” running for re-election.
Providing essential capital to build affordable housing
Most of us will agree that affordable housing is one of the toughest challenges facing Kauai.
US failing at basic human rights
Due to the actions of the current administration, I am writing this letter to express my feelings on what has occurred.
Change your protocol before it’s too late
The article was small, hardly noticeable in TGI (June 16, 2018) informing us about the current action of the Department of Homeland Security, namely about separating minors from their parents when they entered the United States illegally.
Gov. Ige: Leadership, core values and resolve under pressure
Gov. David Ige’s leadership, core values and resolve under pressure was clearly demonstrated by his recent signing into law SB3095.
Shuttle would help with North Shore access
Public access to Kee Beach, Haena State Beach, Kalalau hiking trail and other beautiful natural attractions on Kauai’s North Shore has been intensely discussed and debated for more than the last several years.
Kealia Mauka subdivision: Asset or assault?
The Kealia Mauka subdivision would include 230 empty lots for sale, from 5,600 to 7,300 feet square, on 53 acres on Kealia Road past the post office. If approved, agriculture land would be up-zoned to urban. The lots would be purchased by individuals or in multiples by contractors.