Letters for Tuesday, July 23, 2019

‘The Filipinos of Koloa’ is a community project

From its beginnings with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Koloa Plantation in July 1985, to the raising of the second $1,000 donation to Kauai Philippine Cultural Center from proceeds from sales of “The Filipinos of Koloa,” the book has always been an effort to give back to the community.

The first $1,000 took less than three months to raise after the book’s publication in May 2017. Alas, the second $1,000 took two years to bring together.

However, finally, we are ready to mail our second donation to Kauai Philippine Cultural Center and start on the third $1,000.

On that note, we thank friends, family, and acquaintances on Kauai, Oahu, and on the Mainland; outlets on island that carry the book on their inventories; and sponsors of craft fairs whose fees we can afford for making it possible for us to fulfill our three-fold mission to record history and celebrate the past, to share the past, and to give back to the community.

We are happy to share this good news on the 34th anniversary of Koloa Plantation Days.

Catherine & Karl Lo, Kukuiula

Middle ground can be found

We each have “points of view” which are reflective of our individual choices and perceptions of values. At times, we differ with others to the extent that no compromise can be derived.

Some times, however, if there is willingness and ability to weigh and consider the merits and demerits of both sides of an issue, some middle-ground of agreements may be reached.

Sometimes, it is possible to “blend” ideas and suggestions to seek ways in which beneficial outcomes may be derived. There are times, however, when it’s “my way or the highway” between competing proponents in deciding one way or the other.

So, it’s up to those participating in the “conflict” to battle it out — in hopes that the finest and best results will be realized!

Jose Bulatao, Kekaha
Source: The Garden Island