Lift feral cats policy
I am a fifth-grade student at Waimea Elementary School, and I am writing because I was recently informed that Alexander and Baldwin have decreed that people are no longer allowed to feed the family of cats that lives near the Queens’ Marketplace.
I feel that this is an inhumane and selfish act, because the cats will die of starvation if not given enough to eat. The cats will also resort into foraging for food inside of the Queens’ Marketplace which can disturb the people dining or shopping.
This is quite a terrible decision being made by the owners of the Queens’ Marketplace that will affect the well-being of the cats and the tourists and locals that visit the Queens’ Marketplace. I don’t think their choice was well thought out, as it would be horrible for the business, and they would lose customers rapidly.
This makes me feel like I should no longer shop at the Queens’ Marketplace, and hopefully it encourages others to do the same.
People have been feeding these cats for over 20 years. It seems silly to stop now.
They have made this rule due to the fear that nene geese are going to get sick due to eating the cat food, but none of the geese have gotten sick. The feeders can also use bird-proof feeders, and the cats are well kept.
The nene actually get more injured by golf balls and cars than cat food, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources does not address this problem.
Please consider what the Queens’ Marketplace is doing to these poor cats and how cruel it is. Not feeding the cats is not a small matter, and this policy should be lifted immediately.
Ella Tanimoto
Waimea
Why I write letters
Last year, I wrote a letter to this paper in hopes of bringing attention to the sexual sadomasochism, bondage outfits and adult sex toys being overtly displayed in front of small and impressionable children at gay Pride parades. I wrote it to show my disdain for anyone unnecessarily showcasing their sexual peccadillos and desires in front of keiki, as if there ever was a necessity to behave in such a manner.
Was I misunderstood and labeled a homophobe and/or worse? Yes! Happens, when you stand your ground about what you know is right or wrong.
Flash forward a year later, and it still sat heavily in the minds of people who know me here. But I do not want to have discussions all the time, every single time I go out. Who does?
So, in order to save time, I write letters to the editor. Serves two purposes.
It allows me to get my point of view out to many, and perhaps change minds. It also allows the reader to get off their duff and reply, either in the comments below the letter (online), or simply write another letter in rebuttal.
I found out long ago that when my words are in print, they are remembered — good or bad. In daily one-on-one discourse, I’m just another loudmouth with an opinion.
I urge people to exercise their right to free speech and make your words count by getting them published.
But, yes, please keep having civil discourse.
Allen Russell
Hilo