The no-name storm and new Poipu lifeguard tower
I spent 24 hours in Haena last week as I was given the opportunity to offer a minimally significant medical assist by working in the context of a very appreciated makeshift but surprisingly well- stocked medical clinic housed in a hotel room at the Hanalei Colony Resort.
Regulating the agrochemical industry — a five-year journey
The passage of SB3095CD1 marks an auspicious moment in the legislative history surrounding pesticide regulation in Hawaii.
Hawaii needs action on flood insurance reforms
The record-breaking floodwaters that soaked Kauai this month should serve as the latest warning that unless Congress reforms and renews the nation’s debt-ridden flood insurance program, more than 60,400 residents may be unable to rebuild after the next storm strikes.
Put limits on tourism – before it’s too late
The stated mission of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is “to strategically manage Hawaii tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires and visitor industry needs.”
Hard rains require hard choices
The great flood of 2018 has passed, but the weeks and months ahead will continue to require hard work and sacrifice.
Setting the record straight on ‘Iniki
John Rita, Sr. recently shared his opinion of what happened with the military response to Hurricane ʻIniki on Kauai (TGI April 16). I am grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective.
Malama Kauai offers disaster relief updates
Community-based organizers across the island are stepping into leadership positions in every corner, things are getting more organized by the day, and the outpouring of support from the ohana of Kauai and across the world has been inspiring and overwhelming.
Counting down April shake-ups and showers
The sound of chopper blades fills the air over Wailua as I write this column, and it isn’t the audible signal of a green harvest or Secret Falls rescue this day.
Navigating the worst-case ‘new normal’
Two announcements within a couple days of one another may have given people from Hanalei to Kee Beach — and all over the island, really — a glimmer of hope that normalcy is just around the corner.
Storm account from the heart of Wainiha
Following extremely heavy rain, lightning and thunder that raged Saturday night it’s safe to say daily life in the small, peaceful town of Wainiha soon took an unexpected turn. People living in the area say this flooding event could possibly be the worst in the last 30 years or possibly ever. Having lived in the North Shore for most of my life and being from Hanalei originally, I am simply stunned by the storm and the events that have unfolded as a result of it.
When disaster strikes people come first
Those of us not directly hit by the traumatic flooding that slammed our island this past weekend cannot possibly imagine its devastating impact. It is no exaggeration to say that the lives of many have been changed forever.
Elect a mayor who will make Kauai strong
I am writing in response to JoAnn Yukimura’s bid for mayor of Kauai. I am not surprised that she has thrown her hat in the ring but Ms. Yukimura needs to remember what she did to the people of the Westside after Hurricane Iniki. What I will share with you is not made-up stories, but facts. I worked for 42 years at the base and I seen with my own eyes and heard for myself what went on during that tragic time.
Da Shadow appreciates all the help
Many people approach me around the island at places like McDonald’s or at the grocery store with their concerns about public safety and other county-related issues on Kauai. These community members often praise me and wonder how I am able to do all of this work by myself. The short answer is, I do not do it alone.
SB3095, HD1 – A chance to protect keiki
The Hawaii state Senate is currently holding discussions about SB3095, HD1. This modest piece of legislation aims to regulate large-scale users of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) and protect our keiki.
Conference Committee & plausible deniability
The 2018 legislative session is coming to a close with the final day of the legislative session being Thursday May 3, or “sine die.”
Wishing aloha oe to the humpbacks at blue moon time
Back in January 2014, on a sunny afternoon, a friend and I enjoyed a “whale walk” along the coastal path heading north from Kealia Beach. My second “Green Flash” column told how we soon spotted a spouting whale and watched the emerging curve of a humpback whale as it breached.
Here’s a brief history of monk seals on Kauai
Leo Ohai is now in his mid-90s. Last I heard he was living on the Mainland. In his working days, Ohai owned one of the largest, if not the largest, commercial fishing operation in all the islands. He said the first seal he saw on Kauai was in 1940 or 1941, at Koloa Lighthouse.
3 men and a lady — the mayor’s race
Up until yesterday, most residents when asked would have said it was a “three man race” for the office of Kauai mayor, if asked today, most would agree that it has now become a three man and one woman contest.
Together, we can care for our ‘Beloved Kauai’
I am local-born and bred with the following credentials: educated at Kekaha and Waimea High, which enabled me to return to become a teacher here on Kauai. As such, I taught at Waimea and Kauai high schools and Kauai Community College, along with classes offered by the Kauai Senior Center and the adult education program of the Department of Education, Hawaii.
‘Kaulana is smiling wherever she is’
Today (March 24) as over a half a million young people and their supporters filled Washington, D.C., and major cities around the nation, for March For Our Lives rallies, I feel compelled to write about my feelings about it. So here goes.