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Protect the aina, but don’t fence us out
As long as public access is preserved, we’re all for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources erecting a fence to protect rare birds and native forest habitat in the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve on Kauai.
The 2,290-acre reserve stretches from sea level along the Na Pali Coast up to the Alakai plateau in Hanalei and Waimea. It protects forest watersheds, endangered birds and dozens of endangered plants.
The 3.3-mile fence from Pihea to Kilohana is designed to prevent feral pigs from preying on seabird nests and feral goats from spreading invasive weeds. Gates and other access points will be installed so that hikers, hunters and gatherers can access their usual trails.
Children’s Day, Cinco de Mayo; just have fun
It’s time to salute the flag. The Banner of the Carp, that is, not Old Glory.
May 5 is now known as Children’s Day in Japan, but in Hawaii, where old cultural habits tend to stick, most people still call it by its original name: Boys’ Day. In either case and either place, carp kites for each boy in the household flutter on poles outside homes.
Girls’ Day passed March 3. Families still mark the occasion with mochi treats and a display of dolls, but it’s not a national holiday in Japan.
For those who feel girls got cheated in this deal: It’s also Cinco de Mayo.
Let’s forget our resentment, and just have a good time.