No Guns but Leis

Shelter-in-place protestors in front of Kauai Courthouse. Photo: The Garden Island

It was bound to happen. No where is an island.

The first sizable group of protesters gathered in front of the historic Courthouse in Lihue yesterday, May 1,  to express their opposition to what they called "the lock-down" due to Covid-19.

Thankfully, none were carrying guns, as we've seen on TV in places like the state of Michigan. In fact, most wore Hawaiian leis made of flowers; May 1 is called "Lei Day" throughout Hawaii.

The Kauai citizenry of about 65,000 full-time residents was well represented among the estimated 150 protestors.

Following is part of a letter in today's The Garden Island newspaper written by one of the protesters:

"Today's protest brought together a very diverse group of people with all sorts of political views. There were Native Hawaiians, haoles, long-time residents, malahinis, people from all walks of life, but one thing we all had in common was that we want the island and its businesses to open up."

Photos of protesters back up the claim of diversity. Those carrying signs look like the same range of people that you see at CostCo. Most were not wearing masks -- another sign of oppression, some claimed.

Messages hand scrawled on the signs included:

Fire Faucci.

Bankrupt. No Pension 4 U.

Un-lock our Kauai, Freedom, Rights etc.

It was the second such protest on the island, called "Walk for Our Rights," and easily the largest, according to the newspaper report. Motorists honked their horns as they drove past the Courthouse on Rice Street.

According to a press release by the protesters: "There is no conclusive evidence that the stay-at-home order has had any impact on the number of cases on the island."

I believe this statement could be debated since the quarantine has basically shut down any would-be Covid carriers. But hey, this is America where free speech and the right to assemble is guaranteed. We can essentially say whatever we want. It doesn't have to be true or factual, notwithstanding libel laws to protect individuals.

I'm sure there are a great many islanders who are frustrated with the shelter-in-place and quarantine rules. It sucks. I personally believe the sacrifice will save lives and businesses in the long run. Barbara stands behind the health scientists. She assiduously wipes down every item that enters the condo.

We abide.

For the past month, the number of active cases of Covid-19 on Kauai remains zero. Statewide the Department of Health has reported 619 total cases since Feb 28, with 16 Covid-related deaths throughout the islands.

Stranded in Paradise during this pandemic is not all beaches and waterfalls. As the 50th state, Hawaii  is hearing the same outrage, fears and concerns as their fellow Americans on the Mainland. Even here on the small island of Kauai.

So far the discontented wear floral leis while expressing their rights.

Keep the aloha. Be Pono.

No doubt the authorities will be chewing on this issue over the next week.