Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Musings: Ugly Underbelly

This is a post that underscores what's wrong wih Kauai, the type of people who supported Gary Hooser and the thuggish mentality of the anti-GMO crowd.

Allan Parachini, someone who is actually informed about issues, wrote a commentary in Sunday's edition of The Garden Island entitled “Court ruled correctly on anti-GMO laws.” Among those weighing in with on-line invectives were KKCR host Felicia Cowden, using the misnomer Akamai Mom.

And then Dustin Barca, who actually believed two years ago that he had the leadership skills and intellect to serve as mayor (before his ass got kicked at the polls), stirred up more shit on Facebook. In his post, he resurrected the same calls to boycott and bully that characterized the push to pass Bill 2491:
Says Kacy, the oh-so-pono real estate agent busy pimping Kauai for Hawaii Life.
Ah, yes, Felicia. The queen of disinformation herself. How appropriate that she should weigh in among the other violent ignoramuses in Dustin's flock. 

What makes it even more rich is that these fools consider themselves "progressives" and claim to be "aloha aina warriors" acting out of "love" and in support for "democracy." Just don't engage in any free speech that they don't approve of.  

And no doubt they're denouncing the fringe Trump supporters for engaging in the very same racist, bigoted, intolerant tactics as their own. Though of course they can't see it in themselves.

Just something to keep in mind next time Felicia, Dustin, Matt Bernabe,  Malia Chun (she "liked" Dustin's post) and the rest of these creeps put themselves out there as candidates and/or leaders of the community. 

This is the ugly underbelly that Hooser nurtured and exploited. It's what keeps Kauai divided and prevents it from moving forward.

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gary lost the election and Tim is dead so stop beating a dead horse and move on to demonizing others.

Unknown said...

The left-right political comparison is really interesting. We are seeing a divergence of political views at the same time as we feel growing certainty in our personal opinions. The filter bubble was bad enough, but now it is filled with false information and conspiracy theories.

Anonymous said...

That's some breathtaking hatred from the "aloha" crowd. But it's easy to understand why they'd deflect their wrongheaded support of a flawed initiative/ordinance into a blame-the-messenger rant. As for Parachini, he was asked to chair the charter commission because IT'S A LOT OF WORK!!!! and he has demonstrated that he puts in the time and effort, reading mountains of materials and chairing open hearings that debate issues, not personalities. It seems Dustin reads nothing except his semi-literate Facebook posts.

And Felicia has been seething for years that she has never been asked to chair anything, except her "soapbox." But why would you hand over a county commission to someone who never reads a conspiracy theory she can't embrace? Judging from these comments, none of these individuals has the intellectual stamina to take on such a task.

Truly frightening that Barca and his devotees can so easily devolve into a lynch mob. And once again, Felicia gets it wrong--opinion is not "disinformation," which has a precise definition concerning official dissemination of misinformation to influence public opinion. Parachini's column is an opinion column--but the "aloha aina" crowd can't countenance a contrary opinion. Better go work for Trump, they are in his corner 100%. Bunch of uninformed hypocrites with violent tendencies. Hope that's not the REAL Kauai.

Anonymous said...

Hah! The antis used to accuse Parachini of being a paid troll for Monsanto. Now at least they acknowledge he's a furniture maker. Progress!!!!

Allan Parachini said...

I take the meanderings of Mr. Barca and his colleagues as flattery. As to the suggestion that my column--which is an opinion piece, not intended to be seen as news reporting--disrespected Tim Bynum's memory, it is to avoid that very thing that there is a sentence in the third paragraph of the column that reads as follows: "With sensitivity toward Bynum's death last week, this analysis is not intended to disrespect his more comprehensive legacy."

The time proximity of Tim Bynum's death and the delivery of the three Ninth Circuit decisions--two days apart--was unfortunate. The fact is, however, that these three decisions are historically and legally important for the entire state--not just Kauai. They go directly to the heart of a controversy that has divided people all over Hawaii. They warranted immediate analysis of their import.

One can agree with my analysis or not and that's entirely fair game. That's why I wrote it. The time imperative is why I carefully separated the roles of Bynum and Gary Hooser regarding what I believe to have been a terribly mistaken piece of legislation from respect for the rest of Bynum's contributions and his legacy.

It's interesting that so much of the criticism of the piece has been from people who decline to identify themselves. It's very easy to be anonymously hostile rather than openly critical.

Anonymous said...

I am saddened by so much hatred on this Island.

So much ugliness from people who live in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

If you do not agree with someone, then prove them wrong with facts and evidence; not with name calling and nastiness.

Good take Joan.


Anonymous said...

So now you blaming Hooser for Dustin Barca's behavior? A bit of a stretch Joan. Barca does his own thing regardless of the big fist.

Robin Clark said...

Alan- Don't worry, those North Shore airheads couldn't afford your furniture anyway. Your opinion piece was excellent, and on the basis of the recent council election results is clearly in line with the majority opinion on this island. It is not your fault Bynum passed away when he did. Hooser would have been upset no matter when your piece was published.

Let's get together sometime and compare furniture.

Joan Conrow said...

@1:35. No, I'm not blaming Hooser for Barca's behavior. I'm just pointing out that they use the same tactics and share the same followers. And in case you hadn't noticed, your "big fist" got pounded.

Anonymous said...

Time to get back to basics.
JoAnn and Mason will be mute on GMOs and all Ag discussions. They have learned.
Da Hoos is gone and will twist his propaganda thru various orgasms. But the law has been settled.
Time for Kauai to come together. NS and Westside. We all are on Kauai.
The residue left by the Fistees and Da Hoos is essentially an Anti-Haole sentiment. Shucks Ma'am, last time I looked pertneer half the population is Hapas. Get plenny Haolae blood around, so relax.
The malihini debate will go on forever...........but this guy Alan P soitenly has turned into a bigshot. He may have some good idears, but he should mellow out. The reality is he is just another loud mouth.
The Charter Commission is a lot of work, and thanks for nothin'. This Commission is only out to deprive the rights of the people.
And ANY thing ANY commission does can be overturned by the votes of the mighty 7 Councilmen.
Joan, I hope you keep watching Da Hoos' antics, but gee whiz, doncha think that the money frenzied spending by the Council with no services to the people or the taking of beach access or the power plays by the Planning Department or the fact that our Property taxes will double every 5 years unless the money guzzlers stop spending is important? Or that the reason we have $2200 rents and 500,000 dollar housing is at the feet of the Mayor and Council?
These guys spend the money and have absolutely no dedication toward the people. Shucks, the incestuous hiring practices in County employment higher ups should really be producing 2 headed babies.
"Belief and delusion are incestuous siblings."

Joan Conrow said...

Joan, I hope you keep watching Da Hoos' antics, but gee whiz, doncha think that the money frenzied spending by the Council with no services to the people or the taking of beach access or the power plays by the Planning Department or the fact that our Property taxes will double every 5 years unless the money guzzlers stop spending is important? Or that the reason we have $2200 rents and 500,000 dollar housing is at the feet of the Mayor and Council?

Yeah, I do. That's why I've been writing about all those things for years. But nothing ever changes because people don't speak up, they waste time on non-issues and they keep electing the same people.

Anonymous said...

Gotta start printing this blog or the younger and older generations must get involved and read this blog instead of that garbage paper call TGI.

Name one good thing that Yukimura has done for the people of Kauai in the last 20-30 years she's been in office and don't mention the Kauai bus or the farmers market because other than that it's a mute point.

Now only get podagee, japanee, and chinee on the council so how is the people really represented?

This is the plantation families in charge so don't expect anything good to happen on council for the next two years.

Anonymous said...

It’s interesting that so many less thoughtful types judge a person’s knowledge by how long he’s been here. The labor union mentality. You get raises according to how long you been working, the false premise being that the longer you’re on the job, the better a worker you are. Well, the sad truth is that some people like Barca’s boys will never get any better no matter how long they’re on the job. Some guys will just never make it to home plate.

Joan Conrow said...

You mistakenly left your comment on yesterday's post, Felicia, so don't be claiming I refused to publish it here.

Anonymous said...

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in vandalizing the utility’s hydroelectric power infrastructure.


http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/kiuc-offers-reward/article_b30faf2a-ef5f-5a70-bdcc-b3d7c193a9e6.html


mmmm mmmm mmm...

Anonymous said...

8:29. As a great thing, no mo Haole, like Hooser and Bynum, two douche bags. Yukimura is one nudist Haole (ewwww) from Taylor Camp by injection, shit get one.

Anonymous said...

Dustin Barca and his mob should be arrested for terroristic threatening.

Anonymous said...

Who will defend us against the invasion of the North Koreans? D. Barca and his warriors will protect us. Watch out for the toes we step on today, it may be connected to the ass we kiss tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

4:38, kpd should check out Guy Holt.

Anonymous said...

Happy thanksgiving Joan. keep up the fight

Anonymous said...

Curious Joan as to your thoughts on Standing Rock situation?

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving Joan

I second 7:36's note. We have so much to be grateful for. I was recently on the mainland in a big city setting. Coming home was a blessing.


Best wishes to all

Sam

Joan Conrow said...

@8:59. I think the Corps should alter the route of the pipeline so it doesn't impact Native lands and resources. And soon, before the weather gets colder and tensions get hotter.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! So grateful for my life and its bounteous blessings.

Anonymous said...

6:38 racist and sexist or what? Don't want mixing just like white nationalists.

Nomodough said...

8:29 Mel Ross and Joann are the only "pure" ones on the council. The rest are all part something, even, gasp, haole. They represent Kauai. If that bothers you and I hope it does, too bad. Hahahahaha!

Manuahi said...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Unknown said...

@ Joan @ 10:54 are you aware the new pipe line parallels an already existing pipe line?

Anonymous said...

Joan, I could be wrong but I thought the pipeline was not going through Indian-owned lands or reservations but the Indians are claiming the land where it's going is sacred...kinda like Mauna Kea.

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Thank you, Joan, for giving us straight info, your insights, and this forum.
And thank you to all who read and comment thoughtfully here.
Peace.

Anonymous said...

I agree Joan! #dapl. Finally we agree on something.

Anonymous said...

I think that people get upset with someone like Parachini because he is so new to Kauai and has so much to say ---- very much of it is subjective and what he thinks----locals who are akamai in terms of what's happening on island don't like newcomers talking like they know Kauai, its people, its values and how people are feeling about issues. He should interview people of all ages, walks of life and study the culture carefully!!!!! This is why there are many who have ill feelings for newcomers who think they know everything! Be humble, be polite and respect what we have here. Divisiveness will always be a part of democracy----right now it may be gmos for people who are wrapped up in this arena, lots are divided due to the elections and our new president. Next month it may be something else stirring the critical minds here on island and elsewhere!

Anonymous said...


Allan Parachini has found a way to get his LA and woodworking business across.

I will not ever forgive the way he unnecessarily blasted Glenn on TGI!!

Many of us have been frustrated about some of Mikens endless pickings.... He is our watchdog,,,,,,, and to insult our watchdog is not forgivable. And I will FOREVER dislike Parachini just for that!

Anonymous said...

Mickens might be your watchdog, to me, just another transplant haole who thinks he knows better than the locals. Go back to UCLA Gkenn!

Anonymous said...


OK 2:18 PM,

What have you done lately for the greater good? And yep, I mean better than Glenn asshole?

Your"transplant Haole" statement is as dumb as they go . The man fought in Korea - old fashion Democrat! Throw a speed ball by ya , talk multi languages!!!! Hey my dad got his masters at UCLA before moving on to other places of learning,,,along with the surgeon that saved my life got her well earned degree ...

2:18 , I don't want ya to swap spit with the man, just give him some respect? THAT is why Parachini bugs me!

Got it?

Anonymous said...

12:15 asshole is a term of respect?

Anonymous said...

Glenn is very opinionated and so is Alan, so what??? Glenn bugs me, Alan bugs you, who gives a shit, Hooser and Bynum are clowns who deserve the shit they receive for Bill 2491. That's life, you screw up, you get hammered. No can handle, no run for office, dead or alive.

Anonymous said...


06:54 is going to play grammar games when all else fails.

You know damn well that I was calling you an asshole , not Glenn .

Not only an "asshole " six fifty four --------- but a caustic piece of shit. If you got an opinion caustic, now would be a good time to produce??

It is a busy time o year, so I will patienty allow you some time for a response! Please make it a good one ?

If not funny, original please.

Anonymous said...


0654,

I think "asshole" used correctly is a term of endearment/respect! (your eight legged Drill Seargent must a passed that along?)

Just not in your case wannabee?

What???? You in the Hawaiian navy (white girl) with Gilligan running the show????

How's the Two string Banjo pluckin going BTW?

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the error. I thought you wrote "Glenn asshole". My bad. Have a double on me.