Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Musings: Give and Get

Walking up from the beach in the rosy remnants of yesterday, salt-encrusted, wind whipped, hair and skin still damp from immersion in clear water, I stopped, looked back, and was filled with such a warm love for the place I’ve visited nearly every day for the past 11 years that I said aloud, “Mahalo, mahalo for everything.”

That spontaneous expression of gratitude got me thinking about everything that particular beach has given me: solace, refreshment, all kinds of healing, spiritual restoration, pleasure, intense beauty, inspiration, fond memories, clarity, insights, profound joy, interactions with numerous wild creatures, glass floats and shells, entertainment, sanity.

I was struck, in that moment of reflection, by the bountiful gifts offered so freely, the recognition that deep intimacy can be forged with places. I’ve come to know that beach so well, yet every day I find it different.

And I thought of how lucky I am to have had that opportunity, and how sad it is that some people just view the beach as a marketing opportunity, a means for increasing the value of their property, when really, its true value lies in its intrinsic properties.

Kauai’s beachfronts are, unfortunately, lined with those kinds of people, who are supported by the apologists — usually paid, or wannabees — who tell us we should look the other way, “get a life” that doesn’t include speaking out against the loss of a treasured public resource, that it’s OK for folks like celebrity Pierce Brosnan to encroach on the public beach because he gives so much money to community causes or developer Michele Hughes to make illegal trails to the beach and hire private security guards to patrol it because her houses generate big tax revenues.

I thought, after receiving a couple of comments like that in regard to Saturday’s “Chicken Shit” post, of how many times in my 24 years on Kauai I have heard people say Mr. X or Ms. Y should be allowed to do such and thus because they’ve given so much to the community, as Mr. X or Ms. Y simultaneously claim that they’ve been drawn to Kauai by the desire to “give back,” even though their giving always seems to include some element of getting even more of what they already admittedly have in abundance.

And I always wonder why, if their desire truly is to “give back,” they don’t just give, rather than tying it into some quid pro quo formula that inevitably seems to include an aspect of take.

Most recently, this is playing out with gazillionaire Bill Porter, and his desire to develop the Kilauea amphitheater on land zoned open in the agricultural district, adjacent to the tacky putt putt golf course he earlier constructed. Porter is quoted as saying the project is about “giving back” as he also remarks that it’s a “real loser” from a commercial standpoint. Why should that even matter, if it’s truly about “giving back?”

I’m not necessarily opposed to an amphitheater in Kilauea, and I don’t have much sympathy for Kalihiwai Ridge residents, since most of them are contributing to the gentrification of the agricultural land they profess to now be protecting. But what I don’t understand is why Porter, who has deep pockets and the supposed desire to unite the community, didn’t follow the more proper process of seeking a redistricting of his land through the state Land Use Commission, rather than a special use permit from the county planning commission.

If he’s really keen to “give back,” why doesn’t he pay property taxes on the 473 acres of land he bought off Kuawa Road, rather than plant a “timber crop” that has no local market, but drops his tax bill down to zero?

And though I’ve heard the CPR process for that land was already under way when he bought it, I also heard his representative, Karen Tang, say on the radio that he had absolutely no plans to develop gentleman’s estates, and then later qualify it by saying, “not that I know of” and “certainly not at this time.” No, I wouldn’t imagine he would do anything at this time, not with the market so down. But if it picks up, it could very well be a different story.

At any rate, Porter got his approval, and he may yet prove to be Kilauea’s benevolent benefactor. Or he could turn out to be like so many of the others who came to Kauai and found that by giving a little, they can get quite a lot.

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tacky as a minigolf course may seem to you, the bottom line is that keiki and families have a place to gather and enjoy eachother. The same will happen with the Kilauea Pavilion project. I'm perplexed by the NIMBYs at Kalihiwai Ridge and even you Joan, who cannot see the simple beauty and value in what this will do for our families and keiki in Kilauea. This is our neighborhood. We are well aware of the negative influences that our community are faced with - especially our youth. If you're so hell bent against the tacky golf course, why don't you come up with a venue or even a program that can provide positive activities and opportunities to inspire our children and community? The understanding and living of aloha is actually possible for haole people - even those with $$ such as the Porters. Maybe you should've sat in the public hearing yesterday to hear the personal testimonies that were shared on behalf of the project and the Porters as well. Not everybody who has $$ is evil and self-serving, as unbelievable as it may seem.

Anonymous said...

the tacky putt putt golf course he earlier constructed.

I've driven by it. It doesn't look tacky from the road. From the road you can't even tell what it is. If you have a thing about miniature golf, fine I guess. Tell it to all the people I always see playing in there. I guess we can't all have the exquisitely refined taste of the anti-capitalist romantic era throw-back nature worshiper. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I'm perplexed by the NIMBYs at Kalihiwai Ridge and even you Joan, who cannot see the simple beauty and value in what this will do for our families and keiki in Kilauea.

You wouldn't be perplexed if you read Joan regularly. She has a knee jerk reflex against any kind of development. I sometimes wonder where she thinks the homes she has lived in came from. They certainly didn't spring spontaneously "up from the beach in the rosy remnants of yesterday." Gag.

Anonymous said...

Joan, from my observations, You constantly slander and decimate peoples names on here that don't share the same opinion as you as well as provide some (but not all) facts if they support your agenda.

You currently act as a divider that facilitates turning neighbors against each other.

True leaders, as I assume you are trying to be, bring people together and find solutions.

Your "my way or the highway" views are not constructive.

I suggest you run for public office and let the people decide if they want you to represent them.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see intelligent post this morning. I was about to post in defense of the Porters but after reading these.. there is no need to.

I'm not a pro-development person but I'm also a realist.

aloha

Anonymous said...

What folks should address is that this project is a commercial venture, just like the mini-golf. You pay a fee to "enjoy" the generosity of these benefactors.
Have you checked the prices to putt-putt, snack & drinks, and buy souvenirs? How many local families can afford to "gather" there?

One citizen suggested a truly free gift: donate the money to the parks & rec dept. so families throughout the island can enjoy amenities at no cost to them. We all know our parks and beaches are in dire need of upgrades, equipment & lifeguards. Our parks and beaches are the best places to gather at, day & night!

Anonymous said...

Love your commenters today. I am so suprised you allowed them to be posted.

You create diversion.

Anonymous said...

Joan, I support you! You are right on! Keep up the great writing. Kilauea's rural nature is being destroyed. Brosnan, Hughes, and the Pavilion supporters just don't get it! Joan, you truly understand what aloha aina is all about.

Anonymous said...

How is the Kilauea Pavilion supportive of agricultural activities. This land was zoned light industrial in support of agriculture. The Pavilion is a completely new use and is not in line with the General Plan. It should be denied.

Anonymous said...

This land was zoned light industrial in support of agriculture.

So what was necessary to support the residents (ag use of the land (canning, sugar production and farm worker housing) in the 1960's is exactly what should be necessary today?

I don't understand, creating jobs, creating economic value, supporting WHAT THE community asked for is no good?

The anti-everything movement is lame. Change happens, get over it.

Anonymous said...

This type of enterprise is something for the community and yet a minority of NIMBYs who may not even be full time residents diss it.

whatever, green light means moving forward.

Anonymous said...

Well said Joan.

Anonymous said...

You are right on Joan!! The way Porter and company went about this whole thing was wrong and NOT in the Kilauea town plan. What about affordable housing which would have benifited a lot of local families in dire need? The five million he is spending on the "gathering place " would have gone a long way building nice affordable houses on this site.

Anonymous said...

Like Aspen and Vail your affordable housing is an hour away on the east side just a bus ride away.

Anonymous said...

You've only been here 24 years? ;-) You are so often exactly right on when it comes to "getting" at the crux of the local issue/sentiment. Like many of us who were born here, it must be your innate sensitivity towards and love for the `aina and genuine local culture that fuels your outrage and heartbreak at the arrogant, destructive actions of so many powerful, greedy newcomers. I love you for that, and very much appreciate your luminous writing style, too. Keep it up!

Dawson said...

I guess we can't all have the exquisitely refined taste of the anti-capitalist romantic era throw-back nature worshiper.

Yup.

Nothing says Kaua'i like miniature golf.

Anonymous said...

Didn't you just love that this issue even brought out Michelle Hughes to add her 2 cents to all of the Kauai Northshore hippie commentary testimonies yesterday. God, Kauai is a frickin' basketcase of so-called civic involvement. 70% of the testimonies didn't even have a clue.

Anonymous said...

Re: "I also heard his representative, Karen Tang, say on the radio that he had absolutely no plans to develop gentleman’s estates, and then later qualify it by saying, “not that I know of” and “certainly not at this time.'"

Well then it might interest you to know that engineering consultants to Porter are already designing a bridge over the stream to connect Phase 2 'The Pavilion' to Porters contiguous mauka land, and that they are also designing roads to crisscross that entire Wai Koa CPR subdivision. The drawn-up architectural plans exist, as of recently, I have seen them, and I'm not even an insider.

Northshore Fly on the Wall

Anonymous said...

"Nothing says Kaua'i like miniature golf."

Because, if it doesn't Kauai to Dawson then it has no business existing on Kauai.

Thanks for reminding us why we're glad you and Joan aren't king and queen of the island.

Anonymous said...

I am also amazed Joan let those first positive posts through, wow, maybe she hit cruise control on her puter.

Anonymous said...

There is nothing more tacky than miniature golf....second only to strip malls...and that is my snobbish opinion.

The culture of the Midwest spread like French's Thousand Island Dressing on a bowl of beautiful organic salad greens grown on Kauai.

If the intent was to help the Keiki, I don't get it!

I can see creating basket ball and hand ball courts, soccer and baseball fields...but more golf?

Do we want to "program" the keiki to seek Nature on the golf course exposed to....more polluting chemicals, pesticides and herbicides that wash into our aquifers, streams and the ocean?

What kind of "setting an example" is that?

Not for my Keiki!

Its all a waste of land that could be used for growing food, growing medicinal plants, creating a botanical Hawaiian cultural center with endangered plants, etc. etc.which has less negative impact on the environment and supports the culture of the Hawaiians and creates the ambiance that attracted us Haoles to Kauai in the first place....not the
Tacky Mid West!

Dr Shibai

Anonymous said...

From Garden Island Nov 22 2009
"Kumu Hula Kehaulani Kekua carries out a traditional Hawaiian blessing Thursday afternoon for a new gathering facility — Anaina Hou — in Kilauea. The project will create nurturing relationships between the community and the land, she said."

Thank you Kumu Kekua

"Condemnation without investigation is the height of ignorance" Albert Einstein

Anonymous said...

For all of you want to be planners, looks like there is a planner VII position with the county that only requires 5 years of experience!

Submit before April 20th to be consider for this select opportunity.

Anonymous said...

Well, Doc, you're free to get up off your ass and buy some land and start growing food, medicinal plants, creating a botanical Hawaiian cultural center with endangered plants, etc. etc. to your little heart's content. But if you're saying other people should get to work making your little utopia a reality for you, get a job.

Anonymous said...

what I don’t understand is why Porter...didn’t follow the more proper process of seeking a redistricting of his land through the state Land Use Commission, rather than a special use permit from the county planning commission.

"More proper"? What kind of nonsense-speak is that? How is it "more proper" to seek redistricting rather than a special use permit? I'll answer: It's not.

As if you wouldn't be just as pissy toward him if he went for a redistricting.

Anonymous said...

Submit before April 20th to be consider for this select opportunity.

April 14, 2011 8:53 AM

10 years ago this job required 8-10 years of experience. lowering the qualifications is no way to take care of this island.

Anonymous said...

Becuase he knows if he went for redistricting with the State most likely he would have been turned down. The State have a lot more smarts than the not too smart planning commission.

Anonymous said...

Doc,
I'll vote for a golf course over cement and asphalt courts that promote team sports.
Better then guinee grass, cats claw and albezia.

jack said...

Your thought flow into words was incredible on this, Joan. You are such a good writer.
And you are a unique haole because ʻyou get itʻ. Most never will. Theyʻve got their mind on their money and their money on their mind...and their heads up their asses;
now thatʻs all fine except spare us the damn ʻtackyʻ benevolence to inject americanized and shallow projects in a place where they donʻt belong. And they pollute the bigger picture of not following the laws and processes causing it to happen everywhere.
I heard a great old Russian saying today; donʻt piss on my back and try to convince me itʻs raining.

Anonymous said...

"Nothing says Kaua'i like miniature golf."

ha ha ha ha !!! (that was a good one)

Anonymous said...

Miniature golf and an amphitheater? They're as much like an agricultural activity as vacation rentals in McMansions. That Planning Commission hearing was interesting. It was like Brentwood or La Jolla had invaded Kauai. Before, you could tell the tourists from the residents. Now, forget it. They all look like they're just off the jet.

Anonymous said...

Bit by bit, the rural Kauai we love is being taken away. The land proposed for Kilauea Pavilion is supposed to be used to support Agricultural. It's being taken away for a completely different purpose. Bit by bit, like Brosnan taking away the beach and like Hughes taking Secret Beach for herself. So sad that over 85% of our food is imported and Ag is not being supported here. I hope there is litigation to stop the Kilauea Pavilion. It is wrong.

Anonymous said...

Heard through the coconut wireless that Chris Jaeb, founder of Malama Kauai, is part owner of the miniature golf course. So that was brutally corrupt that he, Keonie Kealoha, Karen Tang and other Porter/Malama Kauai board members comprised 90 percent of the Kilauea Neighborhood Association when they voted in favor of the Pavilion!

Nothing says Malama Kauai like miniature golf!

Anonymous said...

Malama Kauai posers?

Anonymous said...

"I am also amazed Joan let those first positive posts through, wow, maybe she hit cruise control on her puter."

April 14, 2011 12:05 AM

Why? Joan lets everything through. Did you think she filtered to her advantage? She doesnʻt need to.


Screw Malama Kauai. I canʻt remember ONE significant issue they really affected. Itʻs a forum for a few career climbers. My Hawaiian husband was right about them...theyʻre full of chicken shit and a waste of time.

Anonymous said...

As a child growing up in Kilauea pre invasion of newcomers we had lots of activities all rooted in the land and sea. Fishing, crabbing, diving, hunting, swimming at Kahili, Kauapea and Kalihiwai beaches and Slippery Slide. Activities that didn't cost anything besides our fishing poles and bait. Family gatherings down the beach or camping on the weekends. Development and closing off of access mauka and makai has changed much of that. Urban entertainment is available elsewhere if that is what you need. Why move to a rural area and want amenities that change the essence a place? It is the reason Kilauea is described as another Aspen by one clueless person. Catering to the rich and famous is NOT what Kilauea is.

Anonymous said...

Catering to the rich and famous is NOT what Kilauea is.

Kilauea is as Kilauea does.

Anonymous said...

Joan lets everything through. Did you think she filtered to her advantage?

Are you kidding? Joan routinely scrubs inconvenient facts and embarrassingly accurate critiques from the comments. For being so outspoken and harsh on those who offend her, she has amazingly thin skin.

Anonymous said...

Some real nuggets in these comments.

Thought it was interesting that Jaeb did not disclose he is a part owner in the Mini Golf course when he gave testimony on Tues. to the Planning Commission. That whole hearing was a sham of hypocrisy.

Fly

Joan Conrow said...

Joan routinely scrubs inconvenient facts and embarrassingly accurate critiques from the comments.

No, I don't.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, and Shawn aka 'Keone' lied when he said none of the KRNA members ever attended any of the KNA meetings when they were creating the 'consensus' for the 'Pavilion' among maybe ten people. Shawn should have recused himself on those KNA votes seeing as he was/is an employee of a part owner in at least phase 1 of that project. Posers indeed.

Anonymous said...

Consider the generational shift.
For the most part young people enjoy the mini golf.
(except for those keiki kept at home to protect them from "westernization"!?, they will really like it, sorry dad)
Week after week local families recreate at this special place, look down at the vacant lot once permitted for light industrial. Wouldn't it be great to have a community facility there as well? How cool would that be? Whats the problem? One building where there were going to be ten.

The Gentleman's Estate owners and Ag Ideologues
(all non farmers) want to save us from ourselves.
Who's pissing down who's back?

The anti groups are going to be marginalized by the cold hard facts in existence at this site as contrasted to their specious sophistries. Stall, scare and smear as long as you want ...more marginalization and less credibility.
Small Kauai towns surrounded by gentleman's estates are like townships under apartheid with the excuse of "saving ag" and "preserving rural atmosphere" being used to keep the crowded in town locals from encroaching on the mansion estates defended by big bucks real estate interests.

"Its not a popularity contest" ?
Yeah sometimes it is... a voting block of 7000 can do wonders. It can make laws. Look at the Nukoli'i flip flop.
One year, two year, the petition will keep getting longer and longer as the price of gas gets higher and a trip to Lihue gets harder.

Anonymous said...

Malam Kauai made the community garden. Many many people using it for food. They made numerous school gardens. Andrea and Keone were great on Superferry. They wrote the AG white paper. Created the first farm to preschool program in the state. Sponsor Permaculture workshops. Last weeks Malama Kauai movie night was excellent and the showed Felicia Cowdens movie on home gardens and a movie about similar sustainability initiatives on Maui. They're forging partnerships with local government. So... To say they do nothing except some vague allegation of being social climbers (on Kauai no less - lol as if there were somewhere to climb) these accusations against them are far more revealing about the accusers, who apparently just want to win at any cost - and desparate slander of good people is just another tactic.

Anonymous said...

"Whats the problem? One building where there were going to be ten "

Well for onr thing, it wasn't done correctly...HRS 205,CZO and Kilauea Town plan. A lot more people MIGHT have supoorted this developement if it had actually followed the various laws our government set up to protect us all!!This was pushed through with the mega-bucks developer who thought these weren't important. I am neither for it nor against it but the process should have been done right or we are going to see more and more of this type of thing. After all if you weren't born here, isn't this why you moved here?

Anonymous said...

"Andrea and Keone were great on Superferry.They wrote the AG white paper."

Could you elaborate? Be more specific, maybe link?

Anonymous said...

A bit of a flashback here. In 2008 Jonathan Jay and I were completing a map of moku and ahupuaa of Kauai. We had been working on such a map for almost two years. We had been working with Malama Kauai and attending their Eco Roundtable meetings. We were proposing that we have island district meetings based on traditional Hawaiian land divisions.

As part of that interest we attended a meeting of the Kona Moku of Kauai held in Poipu by the Aha Kiole Advisory Committee. There we presented our first revision of the Kauai map. At the meeting we met Jean Ilei Beniamina of Niihau. We committed then to producing a map of Niihau too.

From island breath...

Anonymous said...

"In 2008 Jonathan Jay and I were completing a map of moku and ahupuaa of Kauai."

Not sure who the "I" is here but Ken Stokes did a map like that years ago and updated it about 5-6 years ago. No need reinvent the wheel.

Anonymous said...

"A bit of a flashback here. In 2008 Jonathan Jay and I"

You lost me. And how does this pertain?

Anonymous said...

Joan, I very often disagree with you, but this point is brilliant:

"And I always wonder why, if their desire truly is to “give back,” they don’t just give, rather than tying it into some quid pro quo formula that inevitably seems to include an aspect of take."

Thank you for so clearly describing this irony. I think of this when I see Coldwell Banker's "Support Kauai Food Bank" sign in the window of a very well-maintained, old-fashioned Woody Wagon...on the street in front of their real estate office in Hanalei.

Like Malama Kauai is (sort of) accused of "greenwashing" here, let's call this behavior "givewashing".

Giving to the Kauai Food Bank is an important and relevant way to give on Kauai. WHY we give is equally important and relevant.