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LETTERS for July 1 issue

By Staff | Jul 1, 2010

IS MAUI READY FOR ROUNDABOUTS?

When I read the first letter regarding replacing traffic signals with roundabouts, I just rolled my eyes. Then came a second thumbs-up, so I will give you my thoughts as to why it is not a good idea.

Roundabouts are not the simplest thing to navigate — entering and exiting require maximum concentration. If a driver has never experienced navigating through one, it can be very confusing. The majority of tourists visiting Maui would be faced with something they have never experienced before.

In my opinion, it is a recipe for disaster. The hesitation and just the unfamiliarity with one would cause more traffic to back up than we now have.

I first experienced a roundabout two years ago in Columbus, Ohio and would avoid it when I could. My friend who lives there does not like them and told me of many close calls while passing through them — and that is with maybe two or three cars entering and exiting. The volume of traffic on the highway would result in mass confusion.

I can see it now — a tourist reading a map while going through the roundabout… CRUNCH!

BOB NEWELL, Kahana

MAUI MEMORIAL PROVIDED GREAT CARE

It seems that all too often, letters to the editor are less than complimentary and often times negative when people refer to Maui’s only full-service hospital. I would like to express a refreshing point of view. Almost one year ago to the date, I was rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Center with what I was certain was a heart attack. Who would think that this incredibly painful and frightening experience could open my eyes to the reality of healthcare on Maui.

The paramedics arrived shortly after I called, and they were very professional, courteous and caring. Once loaded up in the ambulance with sirens blaring and lights flashing, I was on my way to the hospital. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but they had hooked me up to a state-of-the-art EKG monitor that sent results directly to the Emergency Room, where a medical team could better prepare for my arrival and expedite treatment.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I was met by a full staff of doctors, nurses and technicians who immediately began performing tests and procedures. Thank goodness I did not have a heart attack but rather an extreme case of atrial fibrillation — my resting heart rate was over 180 beats per minute and my blood pressure was unbelievably high; from what I understand – stroke material. After several hours, the attending doctor came to my room and advised me that I was indeed very ill.  He recommended I be admitted for further tests and observation.

They took me up to Cardiology on the fifth floor — this was the beginning of a seven-day stay that was wonderful under the circumstances, of course. The entire floor was bustling with nurses and doctors. I’ve never liked hospitals, but I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was despite the incredible work load that they appeared to be under. They all seemed to be concerned for my well-being and monitored me closely. For the first two days, every time my heart seemed to act up, the staff came rushing to my room to make sure I was okay.

Why am I sharing this with you? Since moving to Maui two years ago, I’ve heard rumblings about Maui Memorial and how frightening it must have been for patients to be at “that hospital.” Well, I’ll tell you something — I, for one, couldn’t ask to be at any other hospital. I live in Lahaina, and on occasion I have business in Wailuku and Kahului. And when I have time, I stop at the hospital and visit the fifth floor to simply walk around and say hello to the staff. It might sound corny, but it gives me great comfort to see all of those lovely and hardworking people who gave me great care in a stressful time, and in my opinion saved my life.

Since this episode, I have had a relatively new procedure performed by Dr. Mark Schwab and world-renowned Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee called an “Ablation.” This experience was also remarkable, but that’s another story.

GARY KRAMER, Lahaina

NEW SIGNALS COULD MAKE ROADS SAFER

Okay… so our Police Department is too lazy and/or indifferent and negligent to put speed guns and cameras on the intersections from Honokowai to Lahainaluna Road with Racetrack 30, a.k.a. Honoapiilani Highway. Here’s a measure that would bring a LOT of money to MPD and would eventually make traffic safer, and make people think twice about running a yellow/red light (and at excessive speed to boot).

 May we humbly ask to do something that is in use practically all over the world? The lights for pedestrians (moving at about 3 mph ) start blinking before they turn to red. How about setting the green lights for CARS in a way that they start blinking about 15 seconds before they change to yellow?

That way, a driver can safely decide whether a stop is in order or if he/she is close enough to make it through legally. If you don’t do the ultimate right thing, then maybe at least a little help would not hurt.

The suggestion about the cameras and speed guns went unanswered by the chief of police and representatives for West Maui (I guess they don’t live here very much?). Are all of you still sticking your head in the sand and thereby responsible for all the accidents?

But God forbid you don’t come to a full stop at an empty parking lot at a shopping center at 3 a.m. THEN you get a ticket, if the police person is awake and not in never-never land.

Do something already, or I swear I will stand at the intersections, take pictures and file 20 reports or more a day with the Lahaina Police Department. Then they HAVE to get off their ‘okole and do research on whose car it was, etc. etc. etc. I WILL make you work, so why don’t you take the easy (and sensible) way out? But then common sense was never in ample supply with politicians and — sorry to say — with our “finest.” So get cracking, will you? Thank you soooo much.

JOHN BLAHUTA, Lahaina

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING KING KAMEHAMEHA III SCHOOL

Aloha! On behalf of the King Kamehameha III PTA (Parent Teacher Association), I would like to express our sincere and deepest appreciation for the following businesses who generously donated their services to the 2009-10 school year at King Kamehameha III Elementary School. We are very fortunate to have such an awesome and supportive community! 

A big MAHALO goes out to Ron Tolbert of 007 Productions, The Royal Lahaina Resort, Leilani’s, Aston Papakea Resort, Sansei’s Kapalua, Lahaina Gateway Maui, ‘Ulalena at Maui Theatre, Tropic Water, Hula Grill, Cane & Taro, Clifton Electric, Lahaina Grill, Sheraton Maui-Black Rock Steak & Seafood, Pizza Paradiso, Cilantro, Penne Pasta, Mala-An Ocean Tavern, Kobe Japanese Steak House, Kahili Golf Course, Old Lahaina Luau, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Starbucks Coffee-Old Lahaina Center, Lei Spa Maui, Star Noodle, Outback Steakhouse, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Classic Charters, Gazebo Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Atlantis Submarines Maui, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Glow Putt, Round Table Pizza, Office Max, The Melting Pot, UFO Parasail Hawaii, Office Max, Annie’s Shave Ice, Warren & Annabelle’s Magic and Panda Express. 

KERRI AOTAKI, King Kamehameha III PTA, President

HONOLUA BOAT RAMP SHOULD REMAIN OPEN

Beach parks should be open to early morning users. Public areas should be open to the public.  

One area that I am concerned about is the Honolua Bay boat ramp. For years, the public has been allowed to access the boat ramp past 5 p.m. Now it seems, suddenly, that one family that lives nearby has arbitrarily set a closing time at 5 p.m. How can this be? Isn’t the boat ramp public access?  

I have never heard of any public meeting or official setting a closing time of 5 p.m. for Honolua boat ramp. Is this legal?

RAYNA FOSTER, Lahaina

   

ROOSTERS BELONG ON FARMS

To owners of screaming roosters, we would like, as a community request, for one to put them on a farm or open field where they belong! We have our right to peace and quiet as residents of a great community. There are laws and ordinances against noise after certain hours.

The roosters are definitely not following these hours — they crow all through the night and ridiculous hours in the mornings, and even throughout the day when they feel like it. And what do you do as owners of these roosters? Do you not sleep like everyone else around you? What is your purpose in owning these noisy creatures?

Some people work hard at their night jobs trying to make a living and need to catch some rest during the day to get to their next day job. How can they rest by listening to these roosters crow? There are subdivision and association rules against having farm animals for a reason! There are county and state rules on noise for a reason!

If we were allowed to raise pigs, goats, cows, horses, roosters and chickens like a farm, what would our homes become? Won’t you consider, as owners of these roosters, to have respect for your neighbors to relocate them, so everyone may have some peace and quiet? What would it take? Would you rather have the whole community against roosters come knocking on your door? Please take note to our county officials how important this matter is. Community — let’s make it a point to work together on this!!

NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST