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Letters for Thursday, July 10, 2008
• The time is now
• Protecting Hawaiians from cigarette fires
• Eternally underfoot
• Kaumakani reunion
The time is now
Concerning the energy crisis we are all facing, a few thoughts have come to mind.
First of all, around the time of the Gulf War (1992) gas prices started to steadily rise as our government and military prepared to, and did, go to war with Iraq for invading Kuwait and encroaching on our allies Saudi Arabia at that time. I realized that once gas prices started to climb upwards there may not be any end, ever. Sadly, I was right.
Second, even with this knowledge in my mind, in 2002 I purchased a brand new mid-size truck with a V-6 engine to replace my mini-truck with only 4 cylinders.
Third, it is now 2008, gas is at (as of July 8) $4.55 a gallon and still climbing. I got rid of said truck for a new car that has 4 cylinders and gets around 29 miles to the gallon. The truck only got 18. The point I am trying to make is that I knew what was coming but ignored the knowledge that I had acquired 18 years ago and I am now paying the price, literally.
I don’t believe that resuming drilling for oil off the coast of the continental U.S. would make a difference. Yeah, the problem may very well be that there is not enough oil to go around to all the nations of the world that want or need oil, but it is the mind set.
Back in 2002 I should have brought a car that only ran on 4 cylinders and did not “gulp” the gas as fast as it could. The gas crisis of the 1970s (during which I was only a child at the time) should have been a wake up call to improve gas mileage for all vehicles and set a limit to how big and heavy they could/should be. It would seem that way of thinking lasted as long as the crisis did.
For when it was over, and gas was plentiful, back to big blocks and ever larger cars, trucks, vans and of course, the SUV struck back with a vengeance. And now we all pay the price for those decisions, at the pump, the grocery store, the electric bill and sadly even jobs.
Just like in evolution, we must change to survive. No one said change was easy or even enjoyable, you do what needs to be done or face the reality of becoming endangered and lost to time.
Hard choices must be made by the government, private business and corporations ... and yes, you and me.
My decision to purchase a new car in a weak and unstable economy is a risk I was willing to take even with the knowledge that it will not be easy.
It is time to act on alternative energy, time to stop praying, hoping, or wishing the price of oil will drop. We brought this crisis upon ourselves, ignoring the facts that were in front of us for a decade or two.
The time is now, not later, and not for another generation.
Matthew Morita
Kapa‘a
Protecting Hawaiians from cigarette fires
Congratulations to the people of Hawai‘i for making sure that cigarettes are less likely to start fatal residential fires. I’m a visitor to Kaua‘i from San Francisco. My husband and I picked up your paper to read about local happenings, and lo and behold, there was your coverage of the governor’s signature of your bill.
I have been involved in the grassroots campaign for a “fire safe” cigarette for the past 30 years starting when I worked at a pediatric burn unit in Boston. Although you do not have many cigarette-ignited fire deaths in Hawai‘i, about 700 to 900 Americans die every year, so it delights me to be here on Kaua‘i when Hawai‘i became the 37th state to protect its citizens from such fires.
You have a totally beautiful island, and we are having a marvelous time.
Elizabeth McLoughlin
San Francisco, Calif.
Eternally underfoot
In June while visiting family in the Midwest I went to the gravesites of my parents and grandparents. They rest in peace for eternity in the east Indiana town where they lived out their lives.
On the North Shore of Kaua‘i, at Naue, “eternity” is a more relative term. Besieged Hawaiians are being denied that solace the rest of us take for granted. Instead they are desperately shielding their ancestors’ cemetery, their “final resting place,” from being overlain by a house whose occupants would defile the memories of every human person interred beneath their feet every day of the house’s existence.
The property owner, Joe Brescia, the contractor, Joe Galante, his employees, subcontractors, suppliers and involved real estate agents and prospective buyers should imagine such a fate for their own loved ones’ place of interment. And they should reflect on how they will be perceived by their community for their role in a desecration.
Is it really worth the money?
Kip Goodwin
Kapa‘a
Kaumakani reunion
People came from all walks of life, ages and from different places far and near to renew, rejuvenate and reflect on the memories of our days living in our beloved Kaumakani. There were so many hugs and kisses and “remember whens” that evening. They even had oranges stuck with toothpicks on the tables like the old plantation days parties. Wow, it took me back.
I’d like to thank the hard working committee members Patrick Baniaga, Basilio Fuertes Jr., Priscilla Gubaton Badua, Domingo Lutao Jr., Becky Padilla Komaki and Frances Cardinez Buano. To the countless unseen heroes for the electrical set up, the tents, the flowers, the entertainment by Bambi Emayo, T-shirts by Royden Pablo, to the impromptu American Idols who went up to sing and the fabulous cooks.
Being a teacher at ‘Ele‘ele School for the last 23 years, I truly believe in the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” And yes, Kaumakani has raised many children who have been contributing individuals on our island and abroad.
As we all cleaned up, we all started singing oldies but goodies songs. Then I heard Greg Planas shout out “Kaumakani Forever.” We all cheered and talked about the next reunion.
Linda Banquel
‘Ele‘ele
• Protecting Hawaiians from cigarette fires
• Eternally underfoot
• Kaumakani reunion
The time is now
Concerning the energy crisis we are all facing, a few thoughts have come to mind.
First of all, around the time of the Gulf War (1992) gas prices started to steadily rise as our government and military prepared to, and did, go to war with Iraq for invading Kuwait and encroaching on our allies Saudi Arabia at that time. I realized that once gas prices started to climb upwards there may not be any end, ever. Sadly, I was right.
Second, even with this knowledge in my mind, in 2002 I purchased a brand new mid-size truck with a V-6 engine to replace my mini-truck with only 4 cylinders.
Third, it is now 2008, gas is at (as of July 8) $4.55 a gallon and still climbing. I got rid of said truck for a new car that has 4 cylinders and gets around 29 miles to the gallon. The truck only got 18. The point I am trying to make is that I knew what was coming but ignored the knowledge that I had acquired 18 years ago and I am now paying the price, literally.
I don’t believe that resuming drilling for oil off the coast of the continental U.S. would make a difference. Yeah, the problem may very well be that there is not enough oil to go around to all the nations of the world that want or need oil, but it is the mind set.
Back in 2002 I should have brought a car that only ran on 4 cylinders and did not “gulp” the gas as fast as it could. The gas crisis of the 1970s (during which I was only a child at the time) should have been a wake up call to improve gas mileage for all vehicles and set a limit to how big and heavy they could/should be. It would seem that way of thinking lasted as long as the crisis did.
For when it was over, and gas was plentiful, back to big blocks and ever larger cars, trucks, vans and of course, the SUV struck back with a vengeance. And now we all pay the price for those decisions, at the pump, the grocery store, the electric bill and sadly even jobs.
Just like in evolution, we must change to survive. No one said change was easy or even enjoyable, you do what needs to be done or face the reality of becoming endangered and lost to time.
Hard choices must be made by the government, private business and corporations ... and yes, you and me.
My decision to purchase a new car in a weak and unstable economy is a risk I was willing to take even with the knowledge that it will not be easy.
It is time to act on alternative energy, time to stop praying, hoping, or wishing the price of oil will drop. We brought this crisis upon ourselves, ignoring the facts that were in front of us for a decade or two.
The time is now, not later, and not for another generation.
Matthew Morita
Kapa‘a
Protecting Hawaiians from cigarette fires
Congratulations to the people of Hawai‘i for making sure that cigarettes are less likely to start fatal residential fires. I’m a visitor to Kaua‘i from San Francisco. My husband and I picked up your paper to read about local happenings, and lo and behold, there was your coverage of the governor’s signature of your bill.
I have been involved in the grassroots campaign for a “fire safe” cigarette for the past 30 years starting when I worked at a pediatric burn unit in Boston. Although you do not have many cigarette-ignited fire deaths in Hawai‘i, about 700 to 900 Americans die every year, so it delights me to be here on Kaua‘i when Hawai‘i became the 37th state to protect its citizens from such fires.
You have a totally beautiful island, and we are having a marvelous time.
Elizabeth McLoughlin
San Francisco, Calif.
Eternally underfoot
In June while visiting family in the Midwest I went to the gravesites of my parents and grandparents. They rest in peace for eternity in the east Indiana town where they lived out their lives.
On the North Shore of Kaua‘i, at Naue, “eternity” is a more relative term. Besieged Hawaiians are being denied that solace the rest of us take for granted. Instead they are desperately shielding their ancestors’ cemetery, their “final resting place,” from being overlain by a house whose occupants would defile the memories of every human person interred beneath their feet every day of the house’s existence.
The property owner, Joe Brescia, the contractor, Joe Galante, his employees, subcontractors, suppliers and involved real estate agents and prospective buyers should imagine such a fate for their own loved ones’ place of interment. And they should reflect on how they will be perceived by their community for their role in a desecration.
Is it really worth the money?
Kip Goodwin
Kapa‘a
Kaumakani reunion
People came from all walks of life, ages and from different places far and near to renew, rejuvenate and reflect on the memories of our days living in our beloved Kaumakani. There were so many hugs and kisses and “remember whens” that evening. They even had oranges stuck with toothpicks on the tables like the old plantation days parties. Wow, it took me back.
I’d like to thank the hard working committee members Patrick Baniaga, Basilio Fuertes Jr., Priscilla Gubaton Badua, Domingo Lutao Jr., Becky Padilla Komaki and Frances Cardinez Buano. To the countless unseen heroes for the electrical set up, the tents, the flowers, the entertainment by Bambi Emayo, T-shirts by Royden Pablo, to the impromptu American Idols who went up to sing and the fabulous cooks.
Being a teacher at ‘Ele‘ele School for the last 23 years, I truly believe in the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” And yes, Kaumakani has raised many children who have been contributing individuals on our island and abroad.
As we all cleaned up, we all started singing oldies but goodies songs. Then I heard Greg Planas shout out “Kaumakani Forever.” We all cheered and talked about the next reunion.
Linda Banquel
‘Ele‘ele
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| Safety paramount at racetrack |
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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 "