Educating Visitors On Natural Perils
Hikers continue to find themselves trapped on Kalalau Valley Trail when swollen waters prohibit them from crossing Hanakapiai Stream. Last year, more than 100 people were evacuated from the trail, and just last month, more than 30 were airlifted back to Ke‘e Beach, despite increased awareness by tourists upon their arrival on Kauai. Needless to say, the diligent efforts of people like Kalani Vierra, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau supervisor, and Monty Downs, Kauai Lifeguard Association president, to warn visitors of the dangers have not gone unnoticed. I’m sure they have thought of everything and are doing as much as they can, given the resources they have. Thank goodness no one was hurt, but, sadly, sometimes they are, especially when it comes to the tumultuous ocean. As the population on the planet swells, so will visitors to the island and, therefore, so will the number of incidents …
Daphne Sanchez during her recent visit to Japan with (from left) Iwaki tourism and commerce director general Hidemasa Niitsuma, managing director Kazuichi Ishii, Iwaki Mayor Toshio Shimizu, Sanchez and Vice Mayor Norio Miyazaki at Iwaki City Mayor’s office | Photo courtesy Kauai Rainbow Network
Earlier this month, Gov. David Ige announced his nominations for the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, including David Iha, a graduate of Kauai High School, who will begin service in June. He has been a part of the University of Hawaii system for many years, including expanding curriculum and establishing exchange programs with education institutions in Japan during his 16-year tenure as provost at Kauai Community College …
Free entry, tours and a 6:30 p.m. lighting ceremony at Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Lighthouse Saturday | Coco Zickos photo
Wilcox Memorial Hospital, along with several local organizations, will host the 2015 Kauai Keiki Bike and Safety Day Saturday (May 2) from 8 to 11 a.m. This will be a chance for children and families to receive free safety education and participate in activities, including a bicycle skills enhancement course to be conducted by Kauai Path. To register, visit wilcoxhealth.org, or for more information, call 245-1198 …
Former Miss Island Mokihana, singer, actor and model Daphne Sanchez performed last month at the fourth anniversary tsunami memorial in Iwaki City, Japan. This was where more than 400 lives were lost during the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami March 11, 2011, and is located about 130 miles northeast of Tokyo in Fukushima Prefecture. Last year, Iwaki Mayor Toshio Shimizu and more than 40 people from the city visited Kauai for the Matsuri Kauai Festival. Iwaki has been Kauai’s sister city since 2011 …
One of my favorite places on the island, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, is celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse by offering free entrance Saturday (May 2) that will culminate with a lighting of the lighthouse at 6:30 p.m. Tours will start every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the final tour at 5:30 p.m. Visit fws.gov/kilaueapoint for more information …
cocomidweek@gmail.com
