tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post2802981323296850206..comments2023-10-17T04:51:08.765-10:00Comments on KauaiEclectic: Musings: Beg and SpendJoan Conrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-55048397646826035212014-09-03T11:54:59.131-10:002014-09-03T11:54:59.131-10:00Oh, please don't play the pity card that "...Oh, please don't play the pity card that "kanaka are marginalized and thus voiceless." Have you ever been to a public hearing? We all know the words of one kanaka carry more weight than the words of a dozen transplants. It just irks you that I have a platform while you hide behind Anonymous. My readership has nothing to do with my supposed "white privilege." It's because I do my homework, have established credibility over years of reporting and am willing to speak up, even though I take plenty of hits.<br /><br />Which leads me to the nastiness of your comments, which you justify with "if you can't take it then don't give it." Believe me, I can take it. It just always seemed so cowardly and wrong for someone to attack me under cover of anonymity when I'm taking hits precisely because I'm not afraid to use my name.<br /><br />Let me leave you this, and it will be the end of our discussion: Try use your voice, and you won't be voiceless.Joan Conrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-65432606548257552862014-09-03T11:23:54.348-10:002014-09-03T11:23:54.348-10:00Joan -
Joan - I didn't call you a "f'...Joan - <br />Joan - I didn't call you a "f'n haole" I called you a transplant. A word your fans here like to throw around as the only ones who supported 2491, turning it into a transplant vs local issue. I spoke to the implication that a transplant of white privilege can have a voice while kanaka are marginalized and ignored thus voiceless. If transplants like yourself sympathize with the plight of Kanaka Maoli, think about how transplants who move/live here continue to perpetuate the situation of disenfranchisement by their very presence. <br /><br />As much as you criticize Gary and Tim for getting caught up in the hero worshipping by their supporters, I see similarities with your fans here. Most dissenting views get biting, nasty replies by you and criticized when posting anonymously. Your supporters make nasty attacks anonymously but are not called out in the same way by you. I take it you read TGI not because it's a great read but as one more perspective of what is happening on Kauai. I read your blog off and on for same reason. I read it less and less because of your obsession over maligning Gary and all the “antis”. Your fans call it a "voice of reason" and jump on the Gary/anti's bashing band-wagon. It feels more like a personal vendetta against the man. I don't support everything he has done but I dislike what looks like self-righteous “I told you so” mentality.<br /><br />Of late, your blog in my opinion feeds the very divide you write about. I don’t arrogantly think I can “silence your voice” nor does it matter to me if my commentary motivates you even more to continue. I voiced my mana'o like everyone else that comments here. If you don’t appreciate the “nastiness” of my comments, think about the way you come across as ridiculing and nasty at times, and all the ugly comments that follow by some of your pro-gmo supporters of which you say not a word. I was always told if you can’t take it, don’t give it.<br /><br />He Hawaii au.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-81928937682213173022014-08-31T22:42:29.806-10:002014-08-31T22:42:29.806-10:00Anonymous at 10:15 AM – You obviously are a newcom...Anonymous at 10:15 AM – You obviously are a newcomer and have no clue about Kauai’s history and the history of ag dedications. These ten to twenty year dedications for lower taxes were around before you were probably born. It was never about food sustainability (a new word). One never gave a thought to today’s improbable fear of the island being cut off from mainland food imports. That all arose along with the thing no one talks about anymore….peak oil. Peak oil that was going to make shipping food and goods from the mainland uneconomical. It was the beginning of fear on Kauai, the emotion brought to us by the quickly arriving malahini. Ag dedication were enacted long before that to preserve farming, farm jobs and the open space. Ag is an industry that provides people with livelihoods yet preserves our rural setting and vistas. Ag land back then was cheap often selling for its property tax value. Ranching happened to be then, as it is now, a very low profit (if any) venture. Farming and ranching were identified long ago as industries that the people of Kauai wanted to foster and these dedications were supported by all. I find it jocular that so some folks are willing to read into these dedications all sorts of backroom deals and graft. No so. It was a logical way to maintain green and it worked well for a long time until pineapple and sugar became too expensive to grow here profitably. To think it was all about corruption, merely shows that you’ve been watching too much TV were everyone is crooked, but you of course. It also reveals how you think.<br />Ag lands were controlled by the State. The State wanted to enable the development of smaller ag parcels so that less than wealthy farmers could purchase ten or so acres and make a viable farm. The problem was caused by the County road blocking all development. Joann Yukimura remembers this a she was right up there in front in this movement to halt all development. Consequently, State law to create ag subdivisions, which provided for the farmer to be able to build his residence on his farm, became the only viable method to subdivide large ag parcels and to build homes, i.e. residential development. But since the subdivided parcels were large and Kauai was becoming the “in” place to move for wealthy second home buyers and retirees who drove up land prices, these ag subdivisions were/are unaffordable for normal folks. That’s what happens when you stifle growth; when demand is not met by supply. And everyone who has moved here from elsewhere and bought an expensive home has exacerbated this problem created by the County.<br />Don’t go blaming farm dedications for the County’s fiscal problems. It’s need for more and more cash is caused mainly by expanding services, over-generous employee benefits and the over staffing of departments with slow-moving under-educated employees who regard their jobs as entitlements and not something to be continually earned. That’s the bad side of government unions and the politicians who curry their favor by granting excessive compensation. Welcome to Kauai’s own little Big Government.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-53711931117834147992014-08-31T17:59:24.116-10:002014-08-31T17:59:24.116-10:00390Anonymous August 30, 2014 at 6:12 AM said, “I f...390Anonymous August 30, 2014 at 6:12 AM said, “I foresee mass layoffs, furloughs, and a further decline to the county's bond rating.”<br /><br><br />Actually it will help our bond ratings. Bond ratings are dependent upon fiscal propriety. Spending more than you receive is irresponsible, unsustainable and, therefore, will hurt the bond rating. Spending only what one receives or less and including in the budget a program to reserve funds for off-balance sheet liabilities like county retirement plans and medical obligations, will make our ratings strong.Manawaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14534748612454568095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-1592429030102107162014-08-31T17:55:20.099-10:002014-08-31T17:55:20.099-10:0013961396Manawaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14534748612454568095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-33297878630641121902014-08-31T17:55:02.353-10:002014-08-31T17:55:02.353-10:00Anonymous August 30, 2014 at 6:12 AM said, “I fore...Anonymous August 30, 2014 at 6:12 AM said, “I foresee mass layoffs, furloughs, and a further decline to the county's bond rating.”<br /><br><br />Actually it will help our bond ratings. Bond ratings are dependent upon fiscal propriety. Spending more than you receive is fiscally irresponsible, unsustainable and, therefore, will hurt the bond rating. Spending only what one receives and including in the budget a program to reserve funds for off-balance sheet liabilities like county retirement plans and medical obligations, will make our ratings strong.Manawaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14534748612454568095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-34252332218104160562014-08-31T14:15:10.516-10:002014-08-31T14:15:10.516-10:00Thanks, Sponge, I'll keep that in mind! No, I ...Thanks, Sponge, I'll keep that in mind! No, I don't live on donations. That's just mad money. I write the blog for the same reason you seem to read it. It 's entertaining, fun and I enjoy shaping the dialogue and providing a forum for folks on Kauai where media is so limited. Thanks for reading !Joan Conrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-24863213767289822242014-08-31T13:54:09.892-10:002014-08-31T13:54:09.892-10:00sponge here...no hangin in Princeville...thats for...sponge here...no hangin in Princeville...thats for the golf crazed. Just a quickie for nonsense gathering,never again.I soak my days with hard work, ocean recreate, raising family,donate to various causes, ...BTW, Whada ya need Joan? is that how you survive on donations? its fine if so...<br />i'll squeeze out and treat you to lunch in hanalei anytime...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-36350466342651732922014-08-31T13:20:43.361-10:002014-08-31T13:20:43.361-10:00Dear Sponge,
Perhaps you could squeeze out a donat...Dear Sponge,<br />Perhaps you could squeeze out a donation since you get so much entertainment from my blog! Be careful hanging out in Princeville. Get lots of pesticides up there, you know!Joan Conrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-65075196319067508732014-08-31T10:21:16.361-10:002014-08-31T10:21:16.361-10:00I'm a parched sponge soaking up your dribbling...I'm a parched sponge soaking up your dribblings. Its fun to binge into similiar blogs as yours, internet wide. You are one of thousands "fighting the good fight" as you see.<br />I love your self appointed purge as a thoughtful kind community advocate. And mostly how anyone biting on you is back slapped. While so many salute you and others accost, i question whats beckoning you to this level of hubris? theres no reckoning in this for you. and why on Kauai? why not showcase your smug brilliance in palm springs or malibu where butt pats carry more weight? I went to a local "meet up"in princeville headed by newcomer strategizers and the topic of concern was "so many damn pigs" running around the golf courses. How do "we" rid "our" poor island of them? maybe "we" pay "locals" a fee and collect a tax to offset "our" budget deficits. No concern for anything else. I have witnesses with similiar jaws on the ground . similiar to you and others... newcomers advocating best device for my home and heritage. I chuckle at such implied concern from those without attachment to anything other than their immediate created view plane and nothing can sway otherwise.<br />I look forward to your further dialogue...mahalo Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-3507246415815228112014-08-31T08:39:52.380-10:002014-08-31T08:39:52.380-10:00Dear Anon. You're welcome! However, you have ...Dear Anon. You're welcome! However, you have misstated my positions. I always read TGI. In fact I previously noted that Anna Nimitee(anonymity) is a fake name. I don't believe I've ever said the seed companies have the same impact as conventional chem farming. That would be a vast generalization. I have, however, said they are agriculture and shouldn't be taxed differenrly. Joan Conrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-13887149561473611512014-08-31T08:09:23.680-10:002014-08-31T08:09:23.680-10:00Joan thanx again for all your efforts. You claim t...Joan thanx again for all your efforts. You claim to not read TGI anymore , and while I agree with your sentiments, it's all we unfortunately have.<br />In Sundays edition a very good letter written by Ann Nimitee? was printed and factually states what has occurred on the Westside. You continually refer to seed growing as having same impact as conventional chemical farming. Not even close ....so please in the future to avoid <br />any confusion please acknowledge this fact to your readers.If not you look like your supporting these deceivers.and don't know the facts, which certainly is not the case as you have explained your position in detail numerous times. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-89843953126133377432014-08-31T07:03:01.090-10:002014-08-31T07:03:01.090-10:00Save the rich and timeshare owners. Only in an ele...Save the rich and timeshare owners. Only in an election year. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-88481908460852985852014-08-30T15:58:10.309-10:002014-08-30T15:58:10.309-10:0010:11 am --- The Council approves the budget. It&#...10:11 am --- The Council approves the budget. It's ridiculous to lay it all on the mayor. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-27328596432087668932014-08-30T13:59:45.325-10:002014-08-30T13:59:45.325-10:00Hunt has done a very professional job, admirable i...Hunt has done a very professional job, admirable in the face of such crapAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-72287204823651748582014-08-30T10:11:33.532-10:002014-08-30T10:11:33.532-10:001 in every 47 people residing on Kauai is a county...1 in every 47 people residing on Kauai is a county employee. That's counting every man, woman, and child out of 70,000 residents.<br /><br />The budget is over bloated. We are at a $ 70 million dollar increase since this Mayor has taken over 6 years ago. That is more than 60 percent increase. <br /><br />It took the county over 50 years to build a 120 million dollar budget and this Mayor has increased it by 70 million dollars without anything to show for.<br /><br />Services??? These people are nothing but bubble gum chewing county welfare recipients. This Nepotism that has created every scheming tax increase is a WAR on the working class (middle class) to support the Mayors dead beat family and friends. These low life's would not be able to get a job without the low standards/no standards that the county has. This who you know and not what you know is a serious PROBLEM.<br /><br />Officers are paid an extra 7k a year for uniform and following the standards on conduct. This is how bad it is here on Kauai, that KPD has to give its officers money to follow the oath they swore and vow to uphold when raising their right hands and pledging this commitment. <br /><br />But we all know that KPD officers supplement their income through criminal activities so the bonus is to incentivize through money rewards to not commit crimes while serving on KPD. 750K for 6 new cops when you could have 12 reserve cops for same or a lesser amount. These 12 reserve cops would help reduce the over bloated KPD over time pay. <br /><br />If KPD had those video and audio devices when they were proposed about 10 years ago, some people probably would be alive today and they counting would not have paid for excessive force, wrongful death suits and sexual harassment in the work place or on civilian suits. KPD is slow in learning but at least they try after years of failure.<br /><br />Let's VOTE for lower taxes and a better overall government. We need to do this by voting out the incumbents and the Mayor. Time to trim the FAT and balance the county's budget. No More Newer Hidden Nickle/Diming Tax Schemes. Hunt needs to be replaced also, he sounds like a politician flip flopping and side stepping questions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-89684202575196861922014-08-30T07:47:13.510-10:002014-08-30T07:47:13.510-10:00Gmo tobacco plants make Zmapp the drug that appear...Gmo tobacco plants make Zmapp the drug that appears to cure ebola.....is that bad too?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-59964541891673668782014-08-30T06:25:02.241-10:002014-08-30T06:25:02.241-10:00Joan and the Mayor are two very courageous people ...Joan and the Mayor are two very courageous people who have done more than the collective whole of the rest of us to keep the fistees in check and insure that this ridiculous bill met the death it deserves. I for one am extremely grateful to you both and admire your courage and leadership!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-52428853752679428012014-08-30T06:12:01.559-10:002014-08-30T06:12:01.559-10:00I was watching the tax workshop on Thursday. Whil...I was watching the tax workshop on Thursday. While I respect Mel and Ross for looking out for the taxpayers, I think their positions on bringing back the homeowner tax cap is way off base. If a status quo budget with no new hires is going to be increasing by $9 million, according to to the Finance Director, and the cost of restoring the cap is about $3 million, that puts the county is a $12 million hole. I foresee mass layoffs, furloughs, and a further decline to the county's bond rating. I really don't think Mel and Ross did their homework on this and the few individuals that really got hurt without the tax cap probably isn't worth sinking the entire county. If Mel and Ross really are concerned about the size and cost of local government, then why the heck did they approve a new police beat with six new police officers that costs taxpayers over $750,000 a year? I fear you are treading on dangerous ground with a county that seems to be on financial life support. As my grandpa used to say "You can't make butter with a toothpick". Don't expect the mayor to send you a budget that is easily passed. Reducing to core services will mean programs for elderly, housing, transportation, drug treatment, will either be reduced are removed altogether. If you cut the funding so severely, there will be definitely be unintended consequences. On the other hand, maybe these bold actions will force our county to de-unionize. Just don't count of future union endorsements. A $12 million deficit would probably result in somewhere between 200-220 position cuts to balance this shortfall. All I can say is "Good luck with that and be careful not to cut too deep or the patient will die".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-87038310566109717162014-08-29T20:00:57.819-10:002014-08-29T20:00:57.819-10:00kukaiguy- In the past few years Joan has been a la...kukaiguy- In the past few years Joan has been a large part of Shaylene's demise and the kaputski to TVRs. She had much help from her friends. But her blog brought attention and action to these 2 problems. and many still shiver at the thought of KE wringing them out.<br />Gary and Tim both regarded her as a real friend and heroine. As the GMO debate grew into a frenzy and many lost rationale, Joan tried to slow down the fistee flood. She knows that once dialog is sacrificed and hysteria takes it place, there would be no good outcome.<br />I support Shalene and feel the TVR guys got unduly blasted. TVRs are not responsible for high rents. High rents could be laid at JoAnn Yukimura's doorstep with her 3 decades old process of stopping true housing for the people. And Shaylene is a heck of a lady and is fearless. She should have run for council....but I digress.<br />The next few weeks are important, because each Council candidate must state a position on GMOs. There will be a lot of wiggling. And most candidates will change the subject to roads, buses, taxes and housing as the important topics...the very topics they have avoided as Gary and Tim hijacked the Council.<br />So kukaiguy- there is much flotsam and jetsoam on Kauai's political beach, and your amigos, Tim and Gary still have a chance to push Kauai further into insolvency, disharmony and their real favorite HIGHER taxes...this effects everyone. re: errata - No corrigendum included in this book length blog post.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-44343112127463038662014-08-29T14:20:48.743-10:002014-08-29T14:20:48.743-10:00Joan is contributing to the well being of Kauai by...Joan is contributing to the well being of Kauai by putting out the rapidly spreading fires of gossip, lies, and ignorance and fear being generated from Gary Hooser and people of like mind to him. She is promoting reason, intelligence, unbiased, accurate, good quality reporting. A lot of people recognize what a huge asset she is. It may seem "negative" or redundant about this issue but she is doing the socially responsible thing by continuing to let Kauai, remind Kauai of the truth. So to those who don't like it, I guess the truth hurts. Keep it up Joan!!! You are very appreciated and very necessary. <br /><br />And it's my understanding that Joan, like many people who are close to this issue, isn't "pro-GMO". She's just not in the "anti" side. Because the Anti side is so Fuc$Ked up. She, like many, still would like to see the intention of the bill carried through in a legal and pono way. And it will. It already is. Just not by Gary or any of the fisters. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-6932652050177131652014-08-29T13:43:17.840-10:002014-08-29T13:43:17.840-10:00And who made you the judge of me, Anonymous 1:12? ...And who made you the judge of me, Anonymous 1:12? At least I have the courage to stand behind what I say, even as cowardly trolls like you sling mud. '<br /><br />If you find my blog so distasteful, stop reading it! But don't delude yourself into thinking your nasty anonymous attacks are going to have any impact on what I write. Other than to make me even more determined to keep expressing views that you and a few others are so keen to silence.<br /><br />Oh, and sorry to disappoint you, but I was cynical well before this issue! LOL!<br /><br />Joan Conrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00172330100788007499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-80946567280238659702014-08-29T13:41:10.329-10:002014-08-29T13:41:10.329-10:00Well, at least he didn't call himself "po...Well, at least he didn't call himself "ponoboy" even though the temptation must have been strong!<br />Pete AntonsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-90843690597666126832014-08-29T13:17:37.770-10:002014-08-29T13:17:37.770-10:00The most corrupt judges in the state of Hawaii is ...The most corrupt judges in the state of Hawaii is in the Kauai courts.<br /><br />Gary should stop playing HERO and drop this grandstanding. He should go a different route as in contacting organizations and institutions to sample and test the areas where these RUP's would affect the most.<br /><br />This would be monies well spent instead of fighting a lost cause. <br /><br />If you really want results you have to seek professional help and not just fist pumping and golf clapping cheerleaders.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875069982976812251.post-78841243573973132022014-08-29T13:12:52.092-10:002014-08-29T13:12:52.092-10:00Really Joan, you're not? You disparage anyone ...Really Joan, you're not? You disparage anyone with a dissenting opinion and I ain't signing my name so you can sling it through the mud like you've done with so many others and get attacked by the trolls in your comment section.I don't need to argue the issue, you have done that to death.<br /><br />Who made you judge of others you call stupid for believing Gary/Tim? Not all are privy to what you know and believe it or not, not everyone reads your blog. This issue has divided no doubt and it has made you one cynical b*@#h. Your blog use to be uplifting . Now it permeates with ugliness. Bully? Pot calling kettle black.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com