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Letters for Tuesday, July 24, 2007
• VR owner feels the ‘fall guy’
• Against ethanol factory
• Aiona serving public
VR owner feels the ‘fall guy’
I am a little more than disturbed when I hear the reasonings for the upcoming bill vote severely limiting vacation rentals in Kaua‘i. I feel like there are many major problems on the island at the present time, and vacation rentals are the “fall guy” as an over-reaction of a solution for some of these problems. First let me state that I am a vacation rental owner on ag land on Kaua‘i, and I love the island and want to maintain it as the beautiful island it is. When I bought this small vacation rental, I was not aware of any limitations on renting it. The county only too happily endorsed my plan by assigning me a tax ID number and happily taking thousands of dollars in taxes that I have paid in the last seven years. I don’t have a great understanding of laws and politics on Kaua‘i, but I do know that issues have to be approached in a sensible way. Let us consider some of the problems that have been voiced by people concerning vacation rentals:
• “Vacation rentals take away the character of the community.” People who live in the rural area where my VR is located are not interested in being in a close community — that is why they chose to live there and that is why my guests choose to stay there. In addition to that, I keep my property well-maintained. That has not always been my observation in some of the communities which are occupied by locals only.
• “VRs add to the congestion on the highways.” Actually, the opposite is true — when I bought this house, the number of cars went from two by the previous resident owners to one car rented by my guests. In this case, VRs help this problem.
• “VRs add to the noise level at all hours by vacationers.” Again, my guests come to get peace and quiet. Unfortunately, if there is a problem it is with the local resident in the house across the road that has several dogs that bark nonstop at all hours of the day and night.
• “Ag land should be used for ag, not VRs.” I think each council member, including the chief pusher of this bill, knows that it is not possible to make a living on most ag land lots, including my seven-tenths of an acre. VRs help out tremendously.
• “Vacation rentals increase property values of all property on Kaua‘i.” In my home state, there are no vacation rentals, and property values have tripled in the last seven years, similar to Kaua‘i. This is caused by increased demand by more people populating this planet, not vacation rentals.
My guests have been by far very decent people who have contributed to this island. I wish I could say the same for the particular locals who have burglarized the cottage (twice) and stolen major items from my guests. I employ one Kaua‘i resident full time and another part time, and I feel good about adding to the economy of Kaua‘i.
I write all this to point out that it would be a mistake to think that all (or even one) of Kaua‘i’s problems will be solved by this new errant vacation rental bill. Sometimes I feel that politicians make laws more to make them look like they are doing “something” rather than because anything good will actually come out of it, and this is one of those bills.
Tony Albertoni
Oakdale, Calif.
Against ethanol factory
The Kaua‘i Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation opposes an ethanol factory on Kaua‘i island for the following reasons:
1. The ethanol factory will cause more air pollution causing additional human and wildlife health problems. (Kaua‘i has the highest asthma rates in the US).
2. The factory will cause ocean pollution from wastewater effluent that will reach our coastal waters.
3. The factory will burn coal, an air pollutant and a major contributor to global warming.
4. Ethanol typically requires more energy to produce than it provides in usable energy.
5. The production of ethanol requires large amounts of fresh water.
6. The Robinson Company will continue to grow sugar cane using methods that create additional air and water pollution.
7. Ethanol production is not a sustainable source of power and is highly subsidized by taxpayers; whereas cleaner and truly sustainable technologies such as wind and solar receive few subsidies.
8. Ethanol factories produce nine gallons of sewage (containing a variety of pollutants) for every gallon of ethanol.
9. Ethanol, (as a fuel additive) affects the performance of autos, raises gasoline costs 8 to 9 cents a gallon, and generates as much carbon dioxide as do conventional petroleum-based fuels.
10. Coal burning produces more mercury per kilowatt of energy than any other means of power production, and mercury pollution currently poses one of greatest threats to the health of humans and the oceans.
I live and breathe on the Westside. I smell and watch the burning smoke of the sugar cane along with the stink of plastic irrigation tubes that float in the air and litter the landscape every time harvest time arrives. It should be a crime to subject the people of the Westside to this air pollution. Trading Westside health for subsidized energy is a big win for some and tragically a big loss for others. Why doesn’t the county and state protect the children?
Diana LaBedz
Surfrider member
Aiona serving public
I would like to assure Rep. Marcus Oshiro, in response to his letter (“Public service announcement or campaigning?” Letters, July 18) that Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona will continue to serve the public and play an important role in improving public health and wellness and strengthening families in our community, which are core issues he has been involved with since day one. The Lt. Governor has been actively engaged in the Healthy Hawai‘i Initiative since last year, beginning with September, the campaign that highlights the benefits of active living and healthful eating. The Lt. Governor backs up his words with actions, and continues to opt for stairs instead of the elevator, as he has done since day one. Also, the Lingle-Aiona Administration passed Act 54 of 2007, which prohibits candidates from appearing in PSAs from the time they file their nomination papers until after the election. Under Hawai‘i law (HRS 12-2.5), Duke Aiona, and all other potential candidates for office in 2010, are not even eligible to pull, let alone file, nomination papers until February of 2010. Until then, the Lt. Governor can, and should, continue to use his office to educate the public on important health and safety initiatives.
Kevin A. Souza
Honolulu
• Against ethanol factory
• Aiona serving public
VR owner feels the ‘fall guy’
I am a little more than disturbed when I hear the reasonings for the upcoming bill vote severely limiting vacation rentals in Kaua‘i. I feel like there are many major problems on the island at the present time, and vacation rentals are the “fall guy” as an over-reaction of a solution for some of these problems. First let me state that I am a vacation rental owner on ag land on Kaua‘i, and I love the island and want to maintain it as the beautiful island it is. When I bought this small vacation rental, I was not aware of any limitations on renting it. The county only too happily endorsed my plan by assigning me a tax ID number and happily taking thousands of dollars in taxes that I have paid in the last seven years. I don’t have a great understanding of laws and politics on Kaua‘i, but I do know that issues have to be approached in a sensible way. Let us consider some of the problems that have been voiced by people concerning vacation rentals:
• “Vacation rentals take away the character of the community.” People who live in the rural area where my VR is located are not interested in being in a close community — that is why they chose to live there and that is why my guests choose to stay there. In addition to that, I keep my property well-maintained. That has not always been my observation in some of the communities which are occupied by locals only.
• “VRs add to the congestion on the highways.” Actually, the opposite is true — when I bought this house, the number of cars went from two by the previous resident owners to one car rented by my guests. In this case, VRs help this problem.
• “VRs add to the noise level at all hours by vacationers.” Again, my guests come to get peace and quiet. Unfortunately, if there is a problem it is with the local resident in the house across the road that has several dogs that bark nonstop at all hours of the day and night.
• “Ag land should be used for ag, not VRs.” I think each council member, including the chief pusher of this bill, knows that it is not possible to make a living on most ag land lots, including my seven-tenths of an acre. VRs help out tremendously.
• “Vacation rentals increase property values of all property on Kaua‘i.” In my home state, there are no vacation rentals, and property values have tripled in the last seven years, similar to Kaua‘i. This is caused by increased demand by more people populating this planet, not vacation rentals.
My guests have been by far very decent people who have contributed to this island. I wish I could say the same for the particular locals who have burglarized the cottage (twice) and stolen major items from my guests. I employ one Kaua‘i resident full time and another part time, and I feel good about adding to the economy of Kaua‘i.
I write all this to point out that it would be a mistake to think that all (or even one) of Kaua‘i’s problems will be solved by this new errant vacation rental bill. Sometimes I feel that politicians make laws more to make them look like they are doing “something” rather than because anything good will actually come out of it, and this is one of those bills.
Tony Albertoni
Oakdale, Calif.
Against ethanol factory
The Kaua‘i Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation opposes an ethanol factory on Kaua‘i island for the following reasons:
1. The ethanol factory will cause more air pollution causing additional human and wildlife health problems. (Kaua‘i has the highest asthma rates in the US).
2. The factory will cause ocean pollution from wastewater effluent that will reach our coastal waters.
3. The factory will burn coal, an air pollutant and a major contributor to global warming.
4. Ethanol typically requires more energy to produce than it provides in usable energy.
5. The production of ethanol requires large amounts of fresh water.
6. The Robinson Company will continue to grow sugar cane using methods that create additional air and water pollution.
7. Ethanol production is not a sustainable source of power and is highly subsidized by taxpayers; whereas cleaner and truly sustainable technologies such as wind and solar receive few subsidies.
8. Ethanol factories produce nine gallons of sewage (containing a variety of pollutants) for every gallon of ethanol.
9. Ethanol, (as a fuel additive) affects the performance of autos, raises gasoline costs 8 to 9 cents a gallon, and generates as much carbon dioxide as do conventional petroleum-based fuels.
10. Coal burning produces more mercury per kilowatt of energy than any other means of power production, and mercury pollution currently poses one of greatest threats to the health of humans and the oceans.
I live and breathe on the Westside. I smell and watch the burning smoke of the sugar cane along with the stink of plastic irrigation tubes that float in the air and litter the landscape every time harvest time arrives. It should be a crime to subject the people of the Westside to this air pollution. Trading Westside health for subsidized energy is a big win for some and tragically a big loss for others. Why doesn’t the county and state protect the children?
Diana LaBedz
Surfrider member
Aiona serving public
I would like to assure Rep. Marcus Oshiro, in response to his letter (“Public service announcement or campaigning?” Letters, July 18) that Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona will continue to serve the public and play an important role in improving public health and wellness and strengthening families in our community, which are core issues he has been involved with since day one. The Lt. Governor has been actively engaged in the Healthy Hawai‘i Initiative since last year, beginning with September, the campaign that highlights the benefits of active living and healthful eating. The Lt. Governor backs up his words with actions, and continues to opt for stairs instead of the elevator, as he has done since day one. Also, the Lingle-Aiona Administration passed Act 54 of 2007, which prohibits candidates from appearing in PSAs from the time they file their nomination papers until after the election. Under Hawai‘i law (HRS 12-2.5), Duke Aiona, and all other potential candidates for office in 2010, are not even eligible to pull, let alone file, nomination papers until February of 2010. Until then, the Lt. Governor can, and should, continue to use his office to educate the public on important health and safety initiatives.
Kevin A. Souza
Honolulu
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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 "