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Guest Viewpoint for Friday -- October 24, 2003
• Stewards of Koke‘e
Stewards of Koke‘e
The environmental, historical and cultural treasure of Koke‘e is fragile indeed. It is threatened on all sides, from invasive plant and animal species, deteriorating sewage, road and water systems, mismanagement, shortsightedness, apathy and greed. A critical component of the State's current proposed "Master Plan" for Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks are the leasehold recreation-residence cabins, with the current leases expiring in 2-3 years. It has again become a divisive issue on Kaua‘i, having been misrepresented in the Legislature and media, characterizing the current cabin owners as elitist and exclusionary, pitting the "haves" against the "have-nots."
While such a conflict is becoming all too common on Kaua‘i, it is simply not the case in Koke‘e. Right now, ALL who want to enjoy the natural splendor and recreation opportunities of this fabulous place are welcome. In addition to the dozen cabins rented out by the Koke‘e Lodge, and State Permit tent camping allowed in numerous beautiful spots, there are several church properties (Hongwanji, Methodist, 7th Day Adventist), also the Boy Scout Camp, YWCA Camp Sloggett, the Wilcox Hospital cabin, and the "Big Save" cabin, to mention a few. The privately owned cabins change owners at a healthy rate, and the extended families and friends who frequently enjoy many of these cabins number in the thousands.
For the state to now even consider "retaining" or removing many, or even one, of these privately built, owned and maintained residences at the expiration of the leases is not only clearly illegal, but also patently immoral. Attempting to remedy a trumped-up problem (lack of access), and imagining increased revenues generated by simply taking private property and reselling/renting it to the highest bidder - a plan fraught with questionable assumptions and projections - the state would destroy the very community that makes Koke‘e the treasure it is today.
The current leaseholders /homeowners are a unique community of people, families, organizations and huis, many with deep Koke‘e roots dating back several generations, all with a love and commitment to the preservation and long term health of not only their own parcels, but all of Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon Parks. Merely applying a cost-benefit approach to determine the fate of this unique and historic community is narrow-minded and void of vision. This path would also inevitably prove to be a poor financial decision by the State. Sensible stewardship and environmentalism demands that this Master Plan not only include but embrace the current leaseholders. Not to mention simply doing what's right.
When I purchased my humble cabin about 4 years ago, it was in a shambles. I was advised to tear it down and start over. I was appalled - I love my 80-year old place and knew that all it needed was someone to care. Now it is strong, safe, warm and welcoming. And full of Koke‘e history, character and aloha. I am also the caretaker for Camp Sloggett, with very nice, cheap lodging available for over 50 people and a huge beautiful lawn for tent camping. I truly consider myself a steward of this precious ‘aina, and know many of my fellow leaseholders feel the same. Our frequent volunteer projects in the Park bear vivid testimony to this commitment. I can't fathom why the state would want to take our cabins from any of us - without so much as a penny in compensation - in the name of "the public good". We saw all too clearly the disastrous outcome of such a policy with the 1985 leasehold auction: the burning and removal of historic homes, neighbors and friends pitted against one another, resentment towards the state, and ultimately millions of dollars in lost revenue to the state as well. Let's hope they don't make the same shortsighted, misguided decision again. The current Koke‘e leaseholders deserve to be treated with respect and inclusion rather than as pariahs. We need this "Master Plan" to be sensible and caring, preserving this wonderful place, for now and future generations. Please get involved. Thank you.
Erik Coopersmith
Koke‘e
Stewards of Koke‘e
The environmental, historical and cultural treasure of Koke‘e is fragile indeed. It is threatened on all sides, from invasive plant and animal species, deteriorating sewage, road and water systems, mismanagement, shortsightedness, apathy and greed. A critical component of the State's current proposed "Master Plan" for Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks are the leasehold recreation-residence cabins, with the current leases expiring in 2-3 years. It has again become a divisive issue on Kaua‘i, having been misrepresented in the Legislature and media, characterizing the current cabin owners as elitist and exclusionary, pitting the "haves" against the "have-nots."
While such a conflict is becoming all too common on Kaua‘i, it is simply not the case in Koke‘e. Right now, ALL who want to enjoy the natural splendor and recreation opportunities of this fabulous place are welcome. In addition to the dozen cabins rented out by the Koke‘e Lodge, and State Permit tent camping allowed in numerous beautiful spots, there are several church properties (Hongwanji, Methodist, 7th Day Adventist), also the Boy Scout Camp, YWCA Camp Sloggett, the Wilcox Hospital cabin, and the "Big Save" cabin, to mention a few. The privately owned cabins change owners at a healthy rate, and the extended families and friends who frequently enjoy many of these cabins number in the thousands.
For the state to now even consider "retaining" or removing many, or even one, of these privately built, owned and maintained residences at the expiration of the leases is not only clearly illegal, but also patently immoral. Attempting to remedy a trumped-up problem (lack of access), and imagining increased revenues generated by simply taking private property and reselling/renting it to the highest bidder - a plan fraught with questionable assumptions and projections - the state would destroy the very community that makes Koke‘e the treasure it is today.
The current leaseholders /homeowners are a unique community of people, families, organizations and huis, many with deep Koke‘e roots dating back several generations, all with a love and commitment to the preservation and long term health of not only their own parcels, but all of Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon Parks. Merely applying a cost-benefit approach to determine the fate of this unique and historic community is narrow-minded and void of vision. This path would also inevitably prove to be a poor financial decision by the State. Sensible stewardship and environmentalism demands that this Master Plan not only include but embrace the current leaseholders. Not to mention simply doing what's right.
When I purchased my humble cabin about 4 years ago, it was in a shambles. I was advised to tear it down and start over. I was appalled - I love my 80-year old place and knew that all it needed was someone to care. Now it is strong, safe, warm and welcoming. And full of Koke‘e history, character and aloha. I am also the caretaker for Camp Sloggett, with very nice, cheap lodging available for over 50 people and a huge beautiful lawn for tent camping. I truly consider myself a steward of this precious ‘aina, and know many of my fellow leaseholders feel the same. Our frequent volunteer projects in the Park bear vivid testimony to this commitment. I can't fathom why the state would want to take our cabins from any of us - without so much as a penny in compensation - in the name of "the public good". We saw all too clearly the disastrous outcome of such a policy with the 1985 leasehold auction: the burning and removal of historic homes, neighbors and friends pitted against one another, resentment towards the state, and ultimately millions of dollars in lost revenue to the state as well. Let's hope they don't make the same shortsighted, misguided decision again. The current Koke‘e leaseholders deserve to be treated with respect and inclusion rather than as pariahs. We need this "Master Plan" to be sensible and caring, preserving this wonderful place, for now and future generations. Please get involved. Thank you.
Erik Coopersmith
Koke‘e
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| Letter to the Editor for Friday -- October 24, 2003 |
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:19 AM:
" Hello again TGI,
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM:
" First of all, let this be known, that these comments here are worthless and useless considering the topic being discussed. We found this topic a useless waist of time and money. This is from any intellectual interested reader. And yes, I am not associated with any former classmates there on Kauai also, for this matter alone.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:50 PM:
" I have seen alot of losers being mentioned in association to Waimea High School sports at UH Manoa. Might I add they are the one's who are delerious and a debachery to any level minded reader. These names are wide and long. And they run from 1979-1990 graduates trying grace the pages of Kauai and represent that school, outrageous. I for one, right now am putting all of them down for ever contemplating fame and popularity. We actually do not understand your fame and glory at Waimea High School.
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:55 PM:
" Losers I have mentioned that graced those pages are as follows:
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM:
" Hello again TGI,
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
fvr wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:32 AM:
" fvr wrote on Aug 31, 2009 2:12 AM:
" My heart goes out to the family for their loss. Kauai grieves with you,and your family.
Kauai still grieves for the unsolved murder of, Sandra Mendoca.
Sandy was my sons classmate, and a very sweet, honest, and genuine young lady, even as a child.
Sandy would be 31 this year.
When my son heard she was murdered, at first he could not believe it.
Then he wept. He kept saying, no she can't be dead, not like that.
He went to St.Catherines School with her, from age 5, from Kindergarten.
He said, Sandy was the best, a model student, and liked by the entire class.
Sometimes she ignored him, when he got in an impish-rascal-prankster mode. He use to say, Sandy does'nt like me mom, cause I naughty. Yet even as a small child, he respected her sincere, moral character, exemplary behavior, and demeanor.
Till this day he is in disbelief, and schocked, that anyone would hurt, this beautiful young lady.
We both still pray for Sandra.
I pray for all who suffer from, violent acts against women, and children.
I offer my deepest sympathy, to the family, and will include you in my prayers.
God bless you, in your time of grief. I pray you find some peace. " "
" My heart goes out to the family for their loss. Kauai grieves with you,and your family.
Kauai still grieves for the unsolved murder of, Sandra Mendoca.
Sandy was my sons classmate, and a very sweet, honest, and genuine young lady, even as a child.
Sandy would be 31 this year.
When my son heard she was murdered, at first he could not believe it.
Then he wept. He kept saying, no she can't be dead, not like that.
He went to St.Catherines School with her, from age 5, from Kindergarten.
He said, Sandy was the best, a model student, and liked by the entire class.
Sometimes she ignored him, when he got in an impish-rascal-prankster mode. He use to say, Sandy does'nt like me mom, cause I naughty. Yet even as a small child, he respected her sincere, moral character, exemplary behavior, and demeanor.
Till this day he is in disbelief, and schocked, that anyone would hurt, this beautiful young lady.
We both still pray for Sandra.
I pray for all who suffer from, violent acts against women, and children.
I offer my deepest sympathy, to the family, and will include you in my prayers.
God bless you, in your time of grief. I pray you find some peace. " "
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HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:08 AM:
RE: 2/11/2009 and the above topic
Can we cut out the "EXPLETIVE" here. Everyone knows if you are or were affiliated with high school at one time in your life in Waimea, Kauai, you would know that you do not place one of the three stooges willing to work at Kentucky fried chicken and place him at the vice principal's seat at Waimea High School. We all know that BOE and DOE played no roll in this nonsense of students being athletes then becomming success in the respected choice of degree and field like a BA degree. An example, you cannot put someone like a Pereira or even an Aaron Francisco from Kahuku High School, now former Arizona Cardinals NFL, as a BA candidtate after a prolific showing in sports. It just does not work that way. We all know that they cannot be serious placing academics after a 10 year assistant coach with a rediculous man/educator and/or coach if I might add like Tommy Rita of the 1980's and then expect him, Patrick Pereira to educate people in 2000's after being associated with dumb athletes all their life and now turn to academics. Now they educate people? Ha! What are we looking at here is basically a rediculous and dumber community than most perceived DOE standard base learning. Otherwise throw this article out already, alright?
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "