Friday, May 30, 2014

Musings: Gone Crazy

As someone noted in comments yesterday: The entire [Kauai county] council seems to have gone crazy.

To which I might add, it's not just the Council. Got lots of unelected nuts out there, too.

Like Lepeuli Beach regular Richard Spacer, who has asked the state Attorney General to launch a criminal investigation into former Planning Commissioner Caven Raco. Seems Richard, who is displeased with the Waipake Beach access planned through the Kahu Aina Plantation project, takes issue with Caven's testimony to the County Council last October supporting the access:

I would like all the council members to be made aware that I was a voting committee member on the Subdivision committee during the public testimony stages of this particular applicant when the original path was decided. During public testimony and deliberation it was the community that showed interest in having a foot path and not the planning dept. It is my recollection that over 100 signatures and testimonies were provided for the path. I hope that this may help clarify any confusion.

But because the planning department was unable to provide Richard with the signatures, which apparently were provided to Caven outside of a meeting, and thus not part of the department's records, Richard is convinced Caven has engaged in “public fraud.” In his letter to the AG he writes:

I would like your office to investigate what motivated Mr. Raco to make that testimony when Mr. [Dale] Cua says no such documents exist. Is there a past, present, or future benefit to Mr. Raco for making that apparently fraudulent testimony? Did the owner of the Kahu Aina subdivision Falko Partners, a company owned by Mr. Larry Bowman, or the property manager Mr. Shawn Smith offer inducements to Mr. Raco for favorable testimony?

I will also be asking the FBI Public Fraud Unit to investigate.

Oh, and I'm sure they'll get right on it. I wonder why Richard, who has told some whoppers, doesn't believe he also should be held to truthfulness. Should we ask the FBI and AG to investigate?

And then there's rabid “redshirt” Katie Horgan, who threatened to write a letter to the editor if I didn't let her comment on my blog. Truly. I'd never even heard of the wahine until she started attacking me in cyberspace, as the reds are wont to do, because I dared to question them, their “facts” and their despicable tactics.

So I checked her out. Turns out she's another one of those "redshirts" with ties to the construction industry, though she is now working for Manu Kai, a private defense contractor that helps PMRF with its electronic warfare systems. She's so freaked out by the seed companies that she drives from Kapahi to Mana every day — what do you suppose the carbon footprint of that is? — rather than live near her job. But she's apparently untroubled by the environmental damage or human health problems caused by war, so long as she's getting a paycheck. Yet she's one of those who has accused me of being a sell out because I  refused to slurp the 2491 Kool-Aid.

Then there's Kauai Rising, which doesn't know whether it has a charter amendment or an ordinance, but it wants the County Clerk to start counting the signatures anyway. Actually, they do know it's an initiative, but they're trying to pass it off as a charter amendment because fewer signatures are required to get an amendment on the ballot.

In a guest commentary today, Allan Parachini does an excellent job of outlining the insanity of this amendment, as well as the deceptive process used to collect signatures. As Allan notes:

This initiative is one of the most dangerous manifestations of the drive by the extreme political right and left to usurp the right to decisions over our basic nutrition that are really the province of individuals and families. The County Council has the authority to hold this process up until a thorough review of what the initiative actually says and means and who and what are really behind it. It must do so.

Yet even though the Council, as Chair Jay Furfaro astutely observed, isn't sure whether they've got a cat or a dog — it's a dog, Jay, take my word for it — he and all his colleagues, except for Ross Kagawa, voted to move this legal loser along. They couldn't even wait a week for a legal opinion. Cause ya know, the county clerk got nothing better to do — except repeatedly advise Kauai Rising they really should consult with an attorney to sort this shit out.

Problem is, the Kauai Rising folks don't want to pay. Instead, they're looking for freebie legal services — gee, where's Teri Tico. Earthjustice and Center for Food Safety now? You'd think Joan Porter, whose husband, Bill, has like a gazillion bucks, could kick down some kala for a legal review. If she wants this thing, why doesn't she put her money where her mouth is and hire an attorney to make it legit, instead of casting the burden on Kauai taxpayers?

Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, meanwhile, joined a majority in properly slapping down the no-confidence resolution for County Attorney Al Castillo while uttering this gem:

I’m hoping this experience, as uncomfortable and awkward as it has been, has maybe been helpful to all of us to think about leadership and how each of us exercises it in the public trust.

Gee, wouldn't that be a switch.

Then we've got Matthew Lolena Samson — charged with 13 counts of continuous felony sexual assault against a girl while she was 6 to 9 years old — pleading no contest to just two counts.

I just want to accept responsibility and get this over with already,” Samson said in his statement.

Yeah, no doubt. But no contest is not accepting responsibility. It's called copping a plea. And what about the poor girl he victimized and violated? Not so easy for her to “get this over with already.” His maximum 15 years in jail will do nothing to heal her wounds, and then he'll be out on the streets, doing it again.

And finally, the The Garden Island's comment section lit up on the story about the Kilauea man who got probation, a fine and an order to attend parenting classes for making his son walk a mile as "old school" discipline. Oh, the outcry against Judge Kathleen Watanabe, the Office of Prosecuting Attorney and the nanny state.

Too bad the reporter didn't provide the full story: A lady found the 8-year-old boy screaming and hysterical in the bushes, with no idea where he was or how to get home, so she called police.

Discipline is fine. Seriously traumatizing your kid is, fortunately, against the law.

Me, I'll take Prince's version of crazy, thank you very much. 

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Too bad the reporter didn't provide the full story: A lady found the 8-year-old boy screaming and hysterical in the bushes, with no idea where he was or how to get home, so she called police."

Thanks for answering the 2 questions the report didn't 1) How old was the child and 2)how this got to court.

In the previous blog you mentioned "fistee" and I have seen it on other blogs but don't know what it means. It's not in the Urban Dictionary. What does it mean?

Joan Conrow said...

So far as I know "fistee" and "lil fistee" are colloquialisms coined by a commenter to describe those who followed Councilman Gary Hooser's grandiose call for a million little fists to wave/pound in unison with him.

http://garyhooser.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/a-million-little-fists-january-16-930am-hawaii-state-capitol/

Anonymous said...

"Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura said she was concerned by several decisions made by Castillo, including his costly handling of special counsel services during Councilman Tim Bynum’s lawsuit and the release of the Office of the County Attorney’s opinion on Bill 2491, now Ordinance 960."

lol, i heard the Council could have settled that one for the same amount a million dollars sooner, but they refused. Yeah, blame the County Attorney.

ken said...

In response to Allan Parachini who writes, "This initiative is one of the most dangerous manifestations of the drive by the extreme political right and left to usurp the right to decisions over our basic nutrition that are really the province of individuals and families."
4,000 individuals and families have expressed a desire that poisons and dust from areas where poisons are used be restricted to the properties where they originate and not be allowed to escape into their neighbors properties or into public air, soil and water. This is not about nutrition...it is about clean air, soil and water and the right to have them. It is about being respectful to our neighbors and treating them the way we want to be treated. My neighbor asked me to drive more slowly on the dirt driveway because the dust was getting onto the clothes drying on the line. Of course, I now drive more slowly. I like my neighbors and do not want to create problems for them. Sadly, this has not been the case in Waimea resulting in the citizens of Waimea suing the companies which have allowed so much dust to create a kind of living hell for their neighbors for so many many years. These families who live near these companies are not usurping anyone's rights and I would not classify them as ultra-right or left. They are just our neighbors and family who are suffering and need help. Please do not demean or belittle them...they need our help and compassion.

Anonymous said...

Joan, you are correct, a fistee, l'il fistee and all reference to anything "fist" are indeed, directly from da Hoos' call for the milyun l'il fists.
Just as any reference to Jackpot, is about Tim Bynum's easy walk spending County Money, of close to a million in court costs and pocketing 290K.
Jackpot and Fister, a saga of how two like minds can bankrupt a County, create a cultural divide, foment fear, strangle open discussion and make money while doing it. God Bless America.




Anonymous said...

Being good NEIGHBORS works both ways. Come August when Ord. 960 is in court we will then understand whatta hell is going on! If the evidences cannot prove guilt and the suit is INVALID than the RedShirts can change to BlueShirts.

Anonymous said...

Meanwhile, back at the Section 8 ranch, Andy "I never had job, the guv owes me a livin'" Parx posts, that he is very upset with you Joan. He maintains, while quoting your blog, that the best way to git back at you is for people to not read your blog. Logically, he says he ignores you, whilst he be a talkin' about you and inversely promotes Kauai Eclectic.
Many have been pierced by your pen, many wish that you wouldn't write such things. Methinks, that
the disruption is caused by you revealing parts of the Anti-Ag law that are in legal jeopardy.
But, me also thinks that you wish the law was harsher on the Chem guys.
Perhaps, you are outraged by the tactics and lies of the redshirts and their political pawns.
I know most Kauai people are ashamed of the behavior.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the behavior and presentation has a lot of blame in discrediting a valid concern. Tits and ass on the stage, this stage, because they arenʻt exceptional enough for any other, has done a lot to pull decent folks out of the battle. Talking about the BABsy pole dancers.

As far as the kid goes, maybe heʻs such a brat he was pulling a regular tantrum. Another haole kid no doubt that ends up influencing local kids who are usually pretty well mannered. Unless of course they get roped into the ʻattitudeʻ and peer pressure to use drugs. Otherwise, I find them very respectful compared to the stateside kids.

On another note, anyone notice the million dollar humvee roll out today (the one that was broken when Kauai bought it)?
This may explain it and it does not look good. The chickens have come home to roost: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article38645.htm

Anonymous said...

Speaking of blue shirts, does anyone else find it disingenuous and opportunistic that Dylan Hooser chose blue for his campaign color. Sorry, Dylan, a zebra can't change it's stripes that easily.

Anonymous said...

Ken the amendment is about so much much more than dust! Why be disingenuous? How many even knew what they were signing?

Anonymous said...

Joan, what are your thoughts about the DOW mess in Kalaheo? I went to the mayor's meeting on Saturday (regarding the water problem) and it felt more like a campaign rally!

Anonymous said...

12:45 DOW Director David Craddick was forced out when the mayor appointed two Grove Farm associates to the water board. Craddick was trying to find a way to stop the outrageous siphoning of county tax money into Grove Farm's bottom line. The information that the broken Kalaheo wells are 1000 feet deep implies that they were extreme energy hogs. No repairs made until both failed should be a red flag to all voters. The buck stops where?

Joan Conrow said...

Maybe the buck should stop with Anonymous people who make up stuff for comments. These are the appointed water board members. Which are you claiming are GF associates?

Clyde Nakaya, Laurie Ho, Hugh Strom, Sherman Shiraishi

Anonymous said...

Anon @6:04 PM , you are so far off the mark. "Another haole kid no doubt...". Do you mean caucasian, white, mainlander, or as you put it statesider? Stateside is offensive in itself as Hawaii is a state at this time. Kids are kids, and the one in this incident was local and not of caucasian origin. Been in Hawaii long?

Anonymous said...

Nothing but crickets from 1:19pm. Busted. Must be a Barca supporter.

Anonymous said...

@12:45
If the Mayor was thinking about campaign he wouldn't have stood in front of the angry crowd to accept the slings and arrows. Unlike the other two elected officials who showed up and sat in the back of the room grumbling. Or the rest of our elected officials who didn't even show up. What kind of leadership do you prefer?

Anonymous said...

Interesting Joan, I have posted 2 comments 1 yesterday and another the day before. I thought maybe it was a mistake on my part when the first one didn't go through so I made a similar comment yesterday and today I don't find it. Are you censoring comments about Katie? I am in no way connected to her but wanted an answer to my question, how could you positively know it was her attacking you here if the commenter was anonymous?

My other comment was pertaining to how all supporters of chemical regulation are being categorized into the "lil fistee" label and continues the very divisiveness you have been criticizing the redshirts of. Don't you see how you are perpetuating the very thing you compain about?

As a long time fan, I'm disappointed.

Joan Conrow said...

No, I'm not censoring comments about Katie, just the ones that attack me, as your previous two did, which is why I don't believe you're a "long time fan." Nor do I believe that you have no connection with Katie. Otherwise, how would you have known she's a single mom, as you referenced in the first comment I didn't post?

And I most certainly have not categorized all supporters of chemical regulation as "lil fistees." I'm a supporter of chem regulation myself. The "lil fistees" are a distinct group -- people like Katie Horgan, Andy Parx, Nomi Carmona, Christi DeMuth and others who use bullying tactics and smears against anyone who doesn't believe like they do.

Anonymous said...

Fistee fear.
After the Council election and Kauai finally gets some folks who actually care about the people instead of the fame and glory hounds pushing"the world is watching Kauai" anti-ag fad.
The new Council will send a couple of reasonable people to the Corn guys and get an agreement for most of the issues included in the anti-ag law. Repeal the law.
Ya won't see many of the Fistee whack jobs skewering Ag on the West Side, there be some locals over there that are purty angry at all of this Haole Horse Sh*t.
Used to be, we would all talk about stuff, now a days, you question if there really is some truth to State studies that says there ain't no big time cancer on Kauai and you are a labeled a poisoning hater.

Anonymous said...

1:58 - you really don't give the Mayor enough credit. He knows when he has a good opportunity to shine! There is just enough separation between the Mayor's office and DOW for the Mayor to look good and deflect the "slings" and "arrows" towards DOW.

Anonymous said...

Post my other two comments and let others decide if I am "attacking" you. How do I know about Katie being a single mom? Andy's post regarding this incident and her commentary were shared on my Facebook page by a friend so its out there in cyberspace already, as a previous commenter who was ripping Andy mentioned. I have no idea who Katie is but I merely questioned how you could've known she was attacking you if it was done anonymously?

And you are absolutely wrong. I have been reading you almost as long as you've been blogging. I have no motive to lie about this. As a Kanaka Maoli I have appreciated your blogging on independence issues, tvrs, incompetence of our elected officials and in general what I call the rape of my island home.

I stand by my comment that I think the dialogue here perpetuates the very divisiveness you criticize.

Anonymous said...

Daryl Kaneshiro was on the Board of Water. His son Aryl works for Grove Farm. Hugh Strom works for Aqua Engineering. They do work for Grove Farm. David Craddick was rocking Grove Farm's boat. Don't know how much that had to do with his resignation.

Joan Conrow said...

If your earlier comments felt like an attack to me, that's all that matters. It's not something for others to decide.

Go back and look at what I wrote. I said that Katie had been attacking me on cyberspace, which includes Facebook and also comments on this blog where she has used her name. That's where my remarks about her came from. Direct experience.

And if calling out my attackers is divisive, so be it. You try sitting in my chair and dealing with the snipers and trolls.

Anonymous said...

It has been my lengthy experience working with the language skills of children less than ten years old, that they seldom can articulate how to get home (although they can get home) and many other processes that appear easy for adults. Especially when under a lot of stress and asked by a stranger who isn't a therapist. I'm afraid there's much we don't know except that the Judge made a thoroughly pathetic admonition.

BTW, in the comments of Allan Parachini's excellent writing, Parx makes a character assassination attempt on the author based on a common disability. I find it inexcusable! Imagine, Parx denigrating someone by disability!

Pete Antonson

Joan Conrow said...

Yes, Pete, I also found Andy Parx's comment inexcusable, thoroughly disgusting and highly ironic. But I suppose that's what we can expect from someone who self-declares as "rabid."

Anonymous said...

@4:07 If your reading Parx that's your problem right there.

Anonymous said...

Its a matter of perception so if you feel I attacked you than I apologize. Let me reiterate that for the most part I appreciate your blogging but lately the commentary here has gotten too ugly to stomach. Something you deal with daily, I get it. We all have choices and you could either walk away from this blog or refuse anonymous postings which I'm almost certain will eliminate most if not all of the personal attacks. I don't know how you can read all the things that people say about you without it taking a negative toll on your soul. I know it would for me and even with all the dirt you expose, is it worth it? I think it was after the elections when Shaylene lost where you took a brief respite from blogging. I had noticed about that time how your writing was sounding a bit jaded. I don't know you personally so I could be off mark, but I think this crap is getting to you Joan. For me, this divide in the community plays right into the hands of the seed/chemical companies and its pretty discouraging.

I use to look forward to your daily observations as you and the dogs ventured out on your early morning walks, but it seems even that part of the blogging has gone missing of late.

Anonymous said...

As I said, his fb post was shared on my page, I didn't go looking for it. He posted Katie's commentary and its what she said about never commenting on Joan's page that made me question what happened.

Joan Conrow said...

So if you're such a long time fan and generally appreciative of my writing, why are you disparaging me and getting way too personal about speculating on the effects of my soul? WTF? Why not use your name and give me an "atta girl," maybe even kick down a donation in appreciation of all the work I've done?

Because a lot of people do, and they are what keeps me going.

Anonymous said...

@6:16 Like you said we all have choices. If you can't stomach comments don't read them.

Anonymous said...

Methinks that everyone respects the power of Kauai Eclectic and the style in which it is written. The content is on point and pertinent.
Obtusely, even the people, who have been subjects of Kauai Eclectic realize its influence.Not only read, but often with dread.
It is a pretty strange thing that a Blog is read by so many people. Read and discussed, even by non-political people who just want to know what is happening.
Please, keep it up, you are doing a good thing (errr, a difficult thing)and your work is good for the island.

ken said...

4:07pm-I also join you in asking Joan to go back recently and examine comments she has not posted. Joan, I also have been a fan for a very long rime. I have never ever attacked in a comment-that has never been my intention. Recently I have noticed quite a few comments of mine have also been blocked. One was about Katie and I also was not attacking you. I personally wish you would block any posts which actually do attack, belittle or demean anyone at all. We all need to start focusing on what unites us and what is common to us all. I believe that if we do so, the world will become a much better place, we will be able to solve our problems more quickly, and we will find more happiness and joy in our lives. Mahalo for your blog which has kept me so informed about issues over the years.

Joan Conrow said...

Ken, I cannot recall blocking any comments from you. You don't want to be blocked, but you want me to block others.

I would greatly prefer to keep moderation off, but it is invariably personal attacks from the "lil fistees/red shirts" that make me put it back on. So have a chat with your pals and tell them to start behaving like mature adults.

In any case, people need to get over the idea that they are somehow entitled to have their comments published on my personal blog. I do all the work, I take all the heat and I reserve the right to moderate comments as I see fit.

Anonymous said...

Over the course of the years I've given you many "atta girls". You even agreed back then that politics on Kauai had made you jaded. Sorry if you now find that too personal.

Joan Conrow said...

Sorry if I was unable to distinguish your "atta girl" from those left by other Anons, which is why I suggested you attach your name to it. And I was quite clear it was the soul comment that was way too personal.

ken said...

Joan, I sometimes post anonymously as do most people on this blog, so it was probably some of those posts. I did not say I did not want to be blocked- if I belittle, demean or put down anyone by name, then please please block me. I do not wish to act like that at all. I suggested blocking everyone who does so and that includes me.
As to "my pals" I have no idea who you are referring to. Can you be more specific? I am not friends with people who belittle, demean and put down others.
I am truly sorry that you feel you are being attacked by so many. And it is also unfortunate that so many who are named in your blogs/comments also feel the same way.
When using written words, it is easy consider what we want to say and try to use language that does not create feelings of attacking or being attacked.
I agree with whoever said why not require all to use their names like on Facebook. If we know who is speaking then the comments and conversations will become much more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone. I personally am tired of anonymous people attacking others and look forward in the future to a comment section where everyone can interact without "attacking" others. Mahalo

Anonymous said...

The personal attacks would have a negative effect on my soul. You're a better person than I if it doesn't get to you. More power to you!

Joan Conrow said...

Well, "Ken," perhaps you could start by using your full name.

And if Facebook is any indication, simply knowing the name of the speaker is no guarantee of either a meaningful or enjoyable exchange.

ken said...

Maybe later if the atmosphere of this blog changes. I used to come to this blog often and feel inspired. But recently I come and leave feeling depressed and upset not because of the subject matter, but because of how people talk to and about each other here. I really do not feel comfortable around those who cannot express themselves and speak their truth in kind, considerate and respectful ways. Especially if those people are anonymous.

Anonymous said...

Joan,
Apostasy always attracts a disproportionate response. What I find so ironic is that the fistees have no problem making horrific accusations without evidence, casting aspersions upon their neighbors and questioning the motives of all who disagree with them. However, when anyone questions their motives, points out their factual gaps, and calls them on their behavior, they complain of unbelievable rudeness...and pile on the character assassination.

Anonymous said...

June 1, 2014 at 4:07 PM,
You lament the destruction of Hawaii, to which many would assent. Yet, in a repeat of history, you seem to have thrown in your lot with the nouveau missionaries. Don’t be disappointed when they turn out to be just like the first ones back in the day. They also came to do good…and did quite well.

Joan Conrow said...

Ken --- the comment section is no different than it's ever been. And had you been speaking your truth in kind, considerate and respectful ways than I can state most assuredly that none of your comments would have been blocked.

Anonymous said...

I thought the whole walking home thing was could have been resolve without so much drama. 1st why did the OPA even bring it to trial when the mother of the boy works there they should have conflicted out of that situation. The judge was given no choice. Bad judgement on OPAs part but hey it won't be the last....

Anonymous said...

I thought the whole walking home thing was could have been resolve without so much drama. 1st why did the OPA even bring it to trial when the mother of the boy works there they should have conflicted out of that situation. The judge was given no choice. Bad judgement on OPAs part but hey it won't be the last....