Dear Members April 2008

By now many of you are aware of the controversy over a grove of monkeypod trees that were recently cut down to make room for a shopping mall on Knudsen Trust land in Koloa Town.. Several groups such as The Kauai Outdoor Circle, the Koloa Community Association and Malama Mahaulepu have come out against the project for various reasons: 1) the land is in a flood zone, and building on it will change the water flow in such a way that could put existing businesses at risk should the stream overflow; 2) the plan included removing most of the large monkeypods in the middle of town that provide that “old town” feeling (because of their majestic size) and create shade for much of the current parking. In addition, the developer has chosen to ignore all requests by the community to meet and discuss their concerns.

Although The Kauai Outdoor Circle (TKOC) respects the rights of property owners to do as they choose on their own land, we would have preferred having the opportunity to meet with this particular developer (Nelson and Company out of Michigan) to discuss how he could save more of the trees and still build his shops. We believe our members have the knowledge, experience and skills to assist this developer in doing just that. TKOC took out a full-page ad in The Garden Isle our stating out position. Unfortunately, the trees were cut down anyway.

Perhaps you have seen what Koloa Road looks like now, with at least 23 of the 39 Monkeypods cut down or moved of site. Perhaps you have thought “something should be done about this kind of destruction;” or “someone should do something about this;” or I wish there was something I could do to help.”

THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO!

Make sure your membership in TKOC is current.

Renew at a higher level, especially if you cannot serve on one of our committees.

Tell your friends and associates to join. Word of mouth is the very best form of advertising.

Nominate trees for “Exceptional tree status” (call Gabrielle Young at 742- 7546 or go to out web site at www.kauaioutdoorcircle.org for details and to download the form.

This is your Island home. Are you happy with how it is changing? Do you think this is reasonable development? If not, what are you willing to do about it? TKOC offers you opportunities to truly make a difference in numerous ways. IF YOU WON’T WHO WILL?

Thank you in advance for your support.

Maureen Murphy

President,

The Kauai Outdoor Circle

P.S. Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, April 17 at 12 noon at Kauai Nursery and Landscape Conference Room