Kudos to 3 Good Samaritans
I am a Canadian senior citizen, who has visited the Big Island for many years. I enjoy walking and enjoying the many nooks and crannies in Kailua-Kona.
Just before Christmas, my daughter and I were strolling through the little shops behind the Kona Brewing Company when I had the misfortune of tripping over a speed bump on Pawai Street.
Two gentlemen from Paradise Catering (Cyrus Desseaux and Jeffrey Araki), came to assist my daughter to determine where I was hurt. They quickly got out their first-aid kit, water and ice. At the same time, Lianna Carranga from “Not too Shabby” home décor store came to assist. She sensed I was somewhat traumatized and insisted I go and sit inside her store, while my daughter made arrangements to have us picked up.
Lianna provided water and ice, and even though she had customers in her store, she kept talking to me to keep me calm. I subsequently spent some time sporting a gorgeous black eye and a swollen and bruised right hand and arm. Before my return to Canada in February, I stopped by to visit the three people mentioned above, just to let them know “I was still on my legs,” and I received a hug from all of them.
The aloha extended to me was second to none and sooo much appreciated! Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!
Ethel Robinson,
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
Show compassion for cats
I am confused and concerned about the cats at the Old Airport Park and other county parks! The past two mayors have supported trap-neuter-release for over a decade and some places have had great success in diminishing the cat population in a humane way.
But some areas like the Old A and the transfer station are constantly having unfixed cats dropped off. The county could easily do the right thing by helping the TNR organizations such as Advocats by creating safe sanctuaries for the cats. Some low maintenance landscaping, some water and easy access to feeding areas in an appropriate area could be done.
The HIHS should be working with instead of against the local nonprofits. HIHS has been called the inhumane society for at least a decade by people who have had unpleasant experiences with them. The workers there are not the problem! (I wonder what their turnover is?) It’s mostly the arrogance and unwillingness of those in charge to work with others. They have taken credit for the S/N numbers but never mention or offer any help to Advocats who have over 18,000 cats.
BIDR came in young and idealistic, unaware of the negative attitude and has not been stymied by their negative tactics. I have never heard BIDR spout the negativity like the supporters of HIHS. Right now someone is making unreasonable demands on a senior citizen that is one of the many feeders at the Old A and threatening the welfare of the cats.
In this day and age animal abuse is not tolerated and the bad PR is not worth it. I know that a solution can be had with some compassion and common sense. Hopefully the animals are the winners in the end. Remember the cats in all this! They are being killed and harassed in greater numbers than even the mongoose!
Margie Wolfe
Kailua-Kona