Pohoiki too needs lifeguards ADVERTISING Pohoiki too needs lifeguards I read with interest your front page article about a state bill to fund lifeguard coverage at Kua Bay. (“Life-saving funds” Feb. 25). Like Kua, Pohoiki Bay is a state property
Pohoiki too needs lifeguards
I read with interest your front page article about a state bill to fund lifeguard coverage at Kua Bay. (“Life-saving funds” Feb. 25). Like Kua, Pohoiki Bay is a state property popular with swimmers, surfers and snorkelers with improved access and parking, but no lifeguards. The state seems to feel a couple “No swimming” signs, one partially obscured by vegetation, is all that is needed. No one enforces that rule. Nobody pays attention to the signs.
Pohoiki Bay is not without its perils. I know because my wife drowned while snorkeling there this past September. There is some indication she was in trouble and tried to remove her full-face mask, but was unable to do so fast enough. Perhaps a lifeguard’s vigilance may have saved her life. Her’s is not the first death at Pohoiki, and it won’t be the last.
County lifeguards stationed at an adjacent beach responded to my wife’s emergency, as they have to others at the bay. The bay is out of their jurisdiction and view. Someone has to run to fetch them. And the state does nothing to recompense their efforts.
As Laura Mallery-Sayre is quoted regarding Kua Bay, I feel at Pohoiki as well, “they should have ocean safety officers there or they should shut that beach down.”
Guy Cooper
Martinez, Calif., and Honokaa
Golf course
presentation revoked
A short time ago, my letter in this section explained briefly my proposal to the Waikoloa Village board of directors involving the TMT, the University of Hawaii and the repurposing of our community golf course.
The board seemed interested in my proposal and invited me to make a formal presentation and answer questions, which included placing it on their agenda. A few days ago, the offer was rescinded and the explanation was that the matter was “not supported at this time by the board.”
Further clarification suggested that the subject of the golf course, in concert with a controversial subject (the TMT), was too big to be presented at a board meeting and that by doing so would unnecessarily “confuse” the members as to what the board was advising. My translation: Say nothing about golf or the golf course, ever. And don’t bother coming back.
Surprise, I’m back!
The board has had my proposal for over a month and the full presentation for more than a week. It’s six pages (if printed) and should take about five minutes to read. Please, please, please, if you haven’t already seen it, take the time to read it and make up your own minds.
It would appear that our board has decided that they would prefer to make up your minds for you. Send them a different signal. Go to the Waikoloa Village website www.waikoloa.org/Page/29336~716559 and request from any of the directors an email with my presentation attached.
Richard Apothaker
Waikoloa Village
