Will
the Council actually approve an investigation, chaired by Mel Rapozo, into the vacation rental sham-scam flimflam?
The drama builds. A 10-minute recess is called. Happy dogs. Quick romp outside. Back to the tiny screen. Tempers spark.
Mel, frustrated, lays it on the line. “You're afraid that
I'm gonna go nuts, and we've set it up so I can't go nuts. If it's a
trust issue, state it.”
Councilman
Gary Hooser offers more reassurance. “The full Council will have
full control, total oversight over the conduct here.”
Still,
the Council waffles. Amendments are introduced, motions are made.
Chair
Jay Furfaro detonates a little mine planted by the Administration's
disinformation campaign: We'd better not do an investigation because
that would “freeze” all the planning department's records. To
which Mel replies (though not in these words), WTH? That's crap. Who
told you that?
Who
else but County Attorney Al Castillo? And as he mealy-mouths around, muddling, muddying, deflecting, derailing, the
thought occurs to me: Shay was right about this guy all along.
Truly, he should be reported to whoever it is that slaps lawyer's
hands when they're totally conflicted.
Councilman
Ross Kagawa shares the anguish of sleepless nights, agonizing over
how to vote on this, his biggest decision so far. Oh, gawd,
should I please my pal Mel, or HGEA, which gave me that big
endorsement? EZ. HGEA all da way.
Councilwoman
JoAnn Yukimura throws up one roadblock after another. I flash on how she thanked me
profusely for doing all these investigations, but now is refusing to do
one of her own. Oh, wait, I get it. She won't be in charge. Mel will.
No way is she going for that. Or maybe she doesn't want to admit how
badly she blew it when drafting the 2008 TVR bill.
Whatever
her motivations, she's pushing the mayor's party line. “We
already got them to move,” she says of planning. “Yeah,”
replies Mel scornfully, “they made a power point.”
And
don't forget the promises, promises, vague, vague promises.
Councilman
Tim Bynum is like, hey you guys, this is a public safety issue —
words also uttered by Mel, in a rare meeting of those two minds.
We've got people sleeping in the flood zone and one guy already died,
remember? “We need fresh, independent, thoughtful, talented eyes to
look at this situation.”
Which
fully explains why planning has re-hired ye good olde boy Mike
Laureta, this time as Supervisory Vacation
Rental and Special Management Area Planner.
Mel
says he's over it, he's tired of it. If the vote fails, come Friday,
he'll be making a formal request to have the FBI come in.
Gary
gives it another go, reminding his colleagues about all the dirt
uncovered in the Abuse Chronicles – findings the Administration has
never refuted, though repeatedly asked to say it ain't so. Notes
Tim: “All we get are blank stares.”
It's
about equity, Gary says, it's about trust. “We've given a huge
economic benefit to people who might have committed fraud.” Don't
you want to know how this happened, he asks his colleagues, or why? Don't you want to curb
creeping cynicism, “restore people's faith in the county?”
Nope,
say Ross, JoAnn, Nadine, and Jay, who casts the deciding vote to
defer the matter until Oct. 9, to give the Administration time,
always more time. It seems they actually believe the Administration's
promise, as trustingly echoed by Councilwoman Nadine Nakamura: “By
Sept. 25, we'll have a total picture of where we're at.”
Just
to be sure, Jay's gonna send a letter over to the Planning
Commission, an official one, from the Council chair, to “let them
know the failures here.”
Ohhhh,
scarrrry.
Of
course, when the Planning Commission gets it they'll be like, uh,
duh, Mike tell us how we should feel about this.
And
Mike Dahilig will whisper, like Ian Jung to the Council, Shhhh, we
got it covered. Go back to sleep.
To
be continued. And continued and continued....
Posts
45 comments:
frick!
I have to agree with Mel on this one. We need an investigation on what went wrong, and how we can fix it. Castillo is right only to a point.
The TVR law should be amended to prevent illegal TVR's. There should be a stronger checks and balance system, a period where the community can object to a proposed TVR, a requirement where TVR permit numbers are displayed on any advertising, better & stronger enforcement, greater funding for enforcement, and stricter and swifter consequences for non-compliance.
Remember, these illegal TVR's are putting people's lives in danger with dwellings in flood zones, overwhelming septic tanks, and STEALING our beaches! Immediate action is warranted not stall and delay tactics.
Go ahead Mel....call the FBI!! Isn't it interesting I thought I would never agree with Mel or Shay....but it is clear that something has to be done in terms of an investigation. Castillo should not be allowed to block this!
If you really want to find the illegal TVR's just hire a teenager with a computer and have him search the VRBO and Craigslist websites for those who are operating under the radar and have never applied for a permit, followed the ordinance and are not paying taxes on their income from it-
And hey, what about all of the folks who are not operating TVR's and who are residents, many with illegal multi-family properties in the same areas-beware because word has it the County said they are coming after you next........
Did some council members get some of the filthy cash? FEDS should look into Ross, Joanne, Nadine, and Jay.
As predicted - no movement no investigation, Mel - Bring in the FEDS! Those guys over in Permitting are just shuffling and shredding paperwork as you speak.
Every department on Kauai is as dirty and corrupt as the planning department, the Mayors admin, and the county council.
So don't everybody act SUPRISED that this is happening.
EVERY DEPARTMENT!!!!!!!
all commenters should ask themselves when was the last time that you voted in our elections? and if you have a real solution except to bash peoples reputation and say "throw the bums out"-would you be willing to have their job?
The solution IS to throw the bums out.
Someone from the outside...FBI or whomever...is going to have to be the vehicle to blow this thing open. The TVR issue is, as the commentors have said, only the tip of the tropical iceberg. The attitudes and practices that produced it have tainted every other aspect of county operations, and the sad part is that most "local" folks seem to accept it as part of the "culture." It isn't, any more than Boss Hogg is a part of deep South "culture." It's wrong in any society, and if it doesn't change sometime in the relatively immediate time frame, the fruits of the rotten tree are going to become so obvious as to destroy our future.
I am curious-are the TVR's only located on the N shore? aren't there other areas on the island where they had to apply for permits? or is this just a case of "not in my backyard"
Also to a previous anonymous comment from what I know of the ordinance there are rules about TVR advertising and displaying the permit number on the property, as well as ads-check out the ordinance on the County website for yourself-
Dear 7:39: TVRs are found throughout the island. But if they are located outside the Visitor Destination Area they had to apply for nonconforming use permits. I began this investigation by focusing on the North Shore because it has a disproportionate number of high-density TVRs.
Vote the f@#*&%s out of office next election and get Gary Hooser to run for Mayor! We need a change and desperately. Oh give the county a chance when they have failed miserably since 2008? Give me a break. In the real world of the private sector their asses in planning would've been fired long ago and the council members replaced. It's a good thing this is Jay's last term because there will be fall out from this. Joann, where is the person I supported years ago? Very disappointing. I'm praying for a super high north swell this year so that come what may shit will hit the fan. I'm not wanting death to innocence but nothing seems to light a fire on these idiots. And hey karma is a bitch!
Joan-What about the Poipu area? or even the Lihue area? there are some parts of these VDA's that are not in the "zone" and are very over-populated by TVR's-much more so than the N Shore
You don't need a TV to enjoy reality shows or comedy. You just need a computer and Internet connection to watch County of Kauai meetings.
or for more entertainment just read this blog......
I have been kind of disappointed in JoAnn of lately (past 3 years or so).....perhaps she is planning on running for Mayor again and does not want to upset any of the GOBs?
Dr Shibai
GO MEL! Obviously Castillo got to the other council members. Fight for the people of Kauai! You are the only one that gives us hope!
I have not been a fan of Mel Rapozo in the past, but he is proving currently that we all make mistakes, and those mistakes don't mean that we don't care about our home, just that we are learning. Thank you Mel for continuing to learn, and show that you care. Gary as well, my hat is off to you. As for the rest of the Council, this crap has gone on long enough. Jo-Anne is a good person, but as a leader she has FAILED us time and time again, and the rest are just puppets for their "Friends" in high places. The solution is simple, but not easily executed. We need TO WIPE THE ENTIRE SLATE CLEAN, and start with fresh new faces on all levels of local government. We need a team of people to step in, that will stop listening to the county attorney, and start listening to the people. Whatever the implications are, we need to face them if we are ever to move forward. We don't need good friends in government, we need good leaders that listen, and TAKE ACTION. A good council would go through the entire system, and the budget, and begin to wipe the slate clean, and create a solid system that works, in the interest of the citizens over big money. We need a council and Mayor that truly support new ways of moving forward, instead of defending the way it has always been done, and constantly playing catch-up. From the ashes of the old system, a new, and better system will arise. If not, we are just throwing more wood on the fire!
He's playing the Kaipo and Jay Act. Once and if he gets power then you will see what Aurero Moore and Monica Alves saw in him.
Mel cannot serve two masters.
Why isn't Mel asking for an investigation into claims that County Auditor covered up Shaylene's and her former first deputy's improper use of county vehicles?
Here's my guess: Joanne (former mayor & author of TVR bill), Jay, Bernard and a whole host of others have had their pockets lined. Mel is probably clean on this one. Gary and Tim are also likely clean. It's unfortunate that Ross is another Dickie/Kaipo/Kipu who has been 'reached' by the administration and has been 'encouraged' to shut up. Nothing to see here; we've got this covered; listen to the mayor sing - isn't he great? This is corrupt corruption. The corruption took place and the corrupt are doing their best to corrupt the process of reviewing corruption. (Now I sound like one of them.) Mel, Gary, Tim, Justin: don't let up on this. Let's get the house cleaned of all these incompetent, corrupt a**&&les and start fresh. Let the FBI come in and put some of these jerks in federal prison. After all, even prisons need someone who can sing and entertain.
Mel does serve both masters, or any master at any given time. It is a smoke screen.
"This is corrupt corruption. The corruption took place and the corrupt are doing their best to corrupt the process of reviewing corruption. (Now I sound like one of them.)"
Forward, backward, inward, outward
Come and join the chase
Nothing could be finer
Than a jolly caucus race
Backward, forward, outward, inward
Bottom to the top
Never a beginning,
There can never be a stop
Happy skipping, hopping, tripping
Fancy free and gay
Started it tomorrow
But will finish yesterday
'Round and 'round and 'round we go
Until forevermore
For once we were behind
But now we find we are before!
- "The Caucus Race"
Disney's Alice in Wonderland, 1951
You are definitely one of Bernards puppets! Hmmm let's see, do you work for any of Bernard's corrupt departments?
Mel, Tim, and Gary always say - we want to know what happened, how did it get this way, criminal this, no head hunting that.
The obvious answer is what has been reported in the Abuse Chronicles - investigators approving renewals, and ian and imai signing off on them PERIOD.
The problem started there. end of story. move on to the solution.
Mel, Tim, and Gary keep whining about the past but NOT ONE OF THEM has come up with a solution. Even if they find out "what happened" and how this TVRs were renewed without initial documents, THEN WHAT? They haven't even thought that far yet. what the heck kind of policy decision making is that. Uh, yea harry, now that we know the past administration started this mess, now what? ddduuuuhh, I dunno mo.
does anyone know if mel filed his complaint with the feds. you know that's just going to cost the taxpayers even more money right...and even if the feds investigate, they'll still find EXACTLY what was reported in the abuse chronicles...investigators and the past administration approving a renewing apps without all the documentation. DDDDUUHHH
To Anonymous June 14, 2013 at 5:32 PM:
Do you actually agree with your statements? Really? No need to investigate? And how in the hell would an FBI investigation cost more money?
If you know what happened, why don't you share it with the Council? You are speculating with no proof. Silly.
By the way, why haven't we heard from the Mayor on this one? Anyone know?
Maybe he could sing us a song about corruption
Incompetence or corruption. That's what the people need to know. If it's the former, then someone should lose their job. If it's the latter, then someone should go to jail. That's what an investigation would reveal. But like most of the crap that goes on, it will be kicked around and then forgotten.
Yukimura is useless, Kagawa is brainless, Nadine is bumbling idiot and thank you Furfaro for retiring at the end of this term!
Kagawa is holding to his pre election word, he's the mayor's boy. That's why he's there, because the mayor put his machine behind Kagawa's election. He's a bought man
10:58 you useless you damn haole
So which position dis Bernard give you?
Hehe no haole hea! You one of Kagawa's brown noser?
No I just hate people who talk shit about locals. Locals tell u in your face.
Wa wa wat no can handle da truth! U must hate da world den! Suck it up! In yo face!
I'm all for free speech but all you wankers on both sides of the haloe-local debate need to go spew your hate someplace else. You add nothing productive to the debate.
It is reassuring to see Joan admitting that Shay was right about Al Castillo. Shay might be a buzzard, but Al Castillo is a worm. He's Bernard Carvalho's own personal little worm that does exactly what he wants no matter what the law says.
Remember that according to Al Castillo and Mayor Carvalho, "Shall" actually means "may."
To: June 15, 2013 at 6:31 AM
"Do you actually agree with your statements? Really? No need to investigate? And how in the hell would an FBI investigation cost more money? If you know what happened, why don't you share it with the Council? You are speculating with no proof. Silly."
First of all, I don't understand where you got your assumption I know anything else other than what I posted. I am simply stating facts, the problem at planning started at ian and imai, end of story. If YOU think ian and imai shouldn't be investigated then say so. I didn't say anything about NOT investigating so don't put words in my mouth and please actually READ posts before responding.
In regard to the FBI investigation, who do you think will be representing Mel in his capacity as a council member because he won't be making the complaint as an individual? the county attorney would be representing him DUH and of course mel is going to ask for special counsel because he hates al and wont have al represent him period! unless he is going to pay a private attorney to represent him.
so please, when responding to peoples posts, actually READ them, don't assume, and don't put words in the writers mouth.
From: June 14, 2013 at 5:32 PM:
Do you actually believe that Mel would need an attorney to file a complaint with the FBI? Really? Are you really that ignorant? Sounds like Al is advising you as well.
Mel is not calling the FBI! He is just posturing like Chief Perry. All this lip service about getting a federal investigation is BS. Mel is just trying hard to get public support for his campaign for Mayor in a yr and a half. So his family and friends can get their unqualified high salaried jobs.
The FEDS are already here....You Donkeys!!!
The Feds are here. PMRF, Post Office, Soil Conservation, Fish and Wildlife, etc.
Power seems to breed corruption. So its "natural" in politics, especially local politics.
Unless people are caught with cash in their pockets, someone dies, commits blatant adultery, or a major player goes public...the shit gets stirred up, but eventually sits at the bottom after some clarity. It does not go away.
We can "grin and bear it" and hope we can educate people to making better choices when they vote....but, most people on this island do not want to confront the "ills" but would rather buddy up and drink beer with them at our fundraisers. Taste of Hawaii was an eye opener.
No easy pill for these ills.
Thank you Joan for your investigative reporting.
Dr Shibai
You're very welcome! Thanks for reading and commenting.
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