DJ_Jeff

ACCESS DENIED? Discussion at the county level is considering constricting access to the Queen’s Bath on the North Shore during the winter after a recent spate of drownings. The popular spot is seen, above left, in June when it is calm and then in October when swells make it dangerous. Nathan Eagle/The Garden Island County ponders closing Queen’s Bath - Guidebooks blamed; joint effort called for By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island Published: Friday, November 7, 2008 1:12 AM HST After four tourists drowned in a harrowing week last month, the Kaua‘i County Council yesterday buoyed the public dialogue on ocean safety by making a policy statement about the risks and responsibilities associated with certain North Shore attractions. The seven-member legislative body unanimously passed a resolution that urges government agencies and guidebook authors to participate in a concerted effort to address the hazardous conditions at Queen’s Bath and the path leading to the natural tide pool carved into a lava shelf at the base of a cliff in Princeville. “Queen’s Bath is indeed a gorgeous spot when it’s calm, but it’s a death trap at least 200 days a year,” said Dr. Monty Downs, a water safety advocate. The morning session discussion at the Historic County Building emanated from the deaths of two visitors — sisters-in-law Tonya Cataldo, 39, of Parker, Colo., and Heather Westphal, 33, of Washington, D.C. — who were walking along a ledge Oct. 12 at Queen’s Bath when a large wave swept them out to sea. Witnesses, water safety experts and the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau offered potential solutions and identified the steps being taken to keep visitors and residents safe from such deceptive disasters. Increased signage, guardrails, an emergency phone, an informational kiosk, temporary closures, revised guidebooks and a broad educational campaign were proposed. The resolution specifically urges the county engineer to consider closing the county parking lot and easement path leading to the Queen’s Bath coastline between the rainy, winter months of October through April for routine maintenance. Queen’s Bath is reached from a trail that starts at a parking lot in Princeville. It is steep and often slippery, following a narrow stream through lush vegetation and passing by a picturesque falls along the route. The rugged coastline, which is controlled by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, must then be navigated some 150 yards horizontally to arrive at Queen’s Bath. Councilman Mel Rapozo indicated his support for seasonal closures of the parking lot and path easement, but water safety experts said closing the access on a day-by-day basis by “people who know what they are doing” would be a smarter move. Lifeguard instructor John Tyler Cragg, who supported increased signage and a solar-powered emergency call box among other measures, said closing the trail seems “a little extreme at this point.” Patrick Durkin, a former lifeguard who now runs Aquatic Safety Management, said a seasonal closure fails to address core drowning prevention strategies. These include lifeguards, warning signs and education, “an area we haven’t put enough into.” He said lifeguards are a proven frontline of defense. But it was noted that the four recent drownings occurred at unguarded areas. Warning signs, such as “Dangerous Shorebreak” or “Strong Rip Current,” are “a litigation avoidance mechanism,” Durkin said. Others agreed that signage was important, but its impact negligible. Signs show “a huge wave, a little man and a rock,” Rapozo said. “Show some photos of some dead bodies. Let the tourists see that ... if the goal is to prevent drownings.” “Signage is a feel good measure,” said Kekaha resident Bruce Pleas, an avid surfer and ocean weatherman. “People will hang towels on the signs.” Signs are posted at the Queen’s Bath trailhead warning of the dangerous conditions. Aside from signage, Durkin said the county needs to “out the guidebook.” The resolution says Queen’s Bath is frequented “mainly by tourists who read about the destination in tourist guidebooks such as ‘The Ultimate Kaua‘i Guidebook.’” It also says “the descriptions of Queen’s Bath in the guidebooks do not provide sufficient information as to its dangerous nature and instead depicts it as an off-the-beaten-path paradise experience showing pictures of the area during calm conditions.” The water safety experts, council members and Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sue Kanoho cast much blame on guidebooks, which they said fail to provide clear warnings of the dangers associated with a place. Kanoho said the guidebooks should show pictures of Queen’s Bath when it becomes “like a washing machine” in addition to how it appears on a calm day. Andrew Doughty, author of the popular “The Ultimate Kaua‘i Guidebook,” said yesterday that the current edition, published last month, has taken a stronger stance on Queen’s Bath. The description in the book’s 7th edition states: “During winter months (generally October–April), high surf often assaults the area. Even when the ocean appears calm, it’s always possible for a rogue wave to snap at this part of the shoreline, knocking people around, maybe even dragging them back into the open ocean. That’s why winter surf typically makes Queen’s Bath unusable.” “We feel so strongly about ocean safety that we have one of the largest beach safety sections of any guidebook on the market, dedicating over 1.5 pages to the dangers that exist on Kaua‘i and what to watch our for at all beaches,” Doughty said. “This is in addition to individual beach warnings strewn throughout the book.” He noted that Queen’s Bath is listed in virtually every guidebook, free publications, Web sites and was featured in some of the Hawai‘i Visitor’s Bureau’s literature. “This has to be a joint effort,” said Kanoho, who has written to a dozen guidebooks asking for their help. “We can’t do it by ourselves.” Rapozo noted the DLNR’s absence from the meeting. He and others who testified said the state needs to be more involved in the solution. The resolution urges the DLNR to “consider placing appropriate signage at the termination point of the county path easement leading to the coastline which effectively informs the public of the dangerous conditions.” Downs said signs fail to provide a “particularly good disincentive.” Yesterday was an example of a “beautiful but deadly” day, he said, noting a rapidly building north swell that could quickly transform the calm seas. Councilman Daryl Kaneshiro suggested indicating the number of people who have drowned at the site to make signage more effective. Downs said “underground signmakers” put up such a sign at Hanakapi‘ai Beach where people had routinely died. He said the Polish visitor who drowned there last month was the first since the sign was posted five years ago. “Everyone thinks it doesn’t apply to them,” Kanoho said. Mark McKamey, the North District supervisor for the county’s Ocean Safety Bureau, underscored education. For instance, all the saves he has made near Queen’s Bath have happened when the near-drowning victims swam with the current away from the coastline. JetSkis from Hanalei can reach the area within five to 10 minutes, he added. “This is our problem ... the island’s, the visitor industry’s, everyone,” said Kilauea resident Christopher Waite, a medic who witnessed the recent drownings at Queen’s Bath. “It’s a vision that stays with you a long time. ... It’s not just unsuspecting visitors who are at risk.” Mayor Bill “Kaipo” Asing’s administration is expected to make a presentation on ocean safety at an upcoming council meeting. For ocean safety information and current conditions, visit Kauai Vacation Explorer - fun activities, beaches & hikes! • Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or [email protected] PS Melanie - Just focus on my good intent and all is blessed... forgive the rest and be doubly blessed. Distilled spirits are a lot more fun, and I do not mean drinking. I refer to clear perception, reflection, and reception. Love and light from Kauai. Malama pono. Happy Holidays! P.S.S. one piece of info that might help. I am an internet consultant and manage communications for several companies. forgive me if my suggestions in the other post are more natural to other communities I hang with. that day, I was also dealing with news my dog had cancer, it was tricky news to deal with and that may have colored things. nothing personal, really. peace be with us.

check this article from the Garden Island Newspaper here Seasonal closures at Queen’s Bath may soon be considered

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride DJ Jeff please know that I am not passing judgment on you or jumping down your throat. However, I think its important to clarify misunderstandings. Indeed, no worries, I have not found any problem there as your intent is clear and clean, thank you. Now, let's clarify some misunderstandings... First, my experience... upon opening my email, I received notice of this thread that lead me to believe that Alyssa started the thread and gave it that title and that short comment. That is what I reacted to. Forgive my error in not seeing the origins and the rest of the thread. The TITLE had the 'horrible effect' of being more like a sad news item and the combo with the comment appeared as having no constructive purpose. It just hit me the way it did. Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride Melanie has been an active member for a long time and she is a great contributor to this forum. She mentioned this topic b/c it is relevant to a destination wedding forum. She didn't mention it to be debbie downer, she mentioned it b/c she knows that there are members here who are either having weddings there or are interested in having weddings there. She is being an active member and frankly a good friend by notifying people of the dangers. In no way shape or form has she said that people shouldn't have their weddings on this island. She was only warning people of the conditions of the ocean, not of the island itself. Just b/c a tide may be strong doesn't mean that the island is an unsafe place to visit or even have a wedding at. If the intent was to focus on OCEAN SAFETY, then a better subject line would help and then Alyssa's reply might not have been taken out of context as well. Melanie could also have contributed some good info and showed more intention to help not just reporting news. Like here is the link to Kauai Beach Explorer with lots of great ocean safety info Kauai Vacation Explorer or how about this page from the County of Kauai. That would balance out the presentation, she did offer 3 links to the news items but said nothing of why she was sharing that. So, that is the short of that. I hope all see good reason to more carefully craft subject line for this thread and I will be more careful in reading my email. It has been a bit crazy with other sad news that I just reacted too quickly. So we all reacted, a lot of misunderstandings resulted and honestly it is laborious to try and clear all of this up. A lot going on. This is enough for me for now. I just woke up after doing a wedding last night yet wanted to share a bit so y'all know my experience and my heart and back off with your projections and see the truth here. Be well. Aloha, malama kama'aina.

First, I apologize for going over the top with my network news comment. That was uncalled for. <g> it was a funky morning, thought I would enjoy going online and seeing about love and weddings and what do I get... ' nasty news ' and ' nasty views ' - if a mistake is made in the future, maybe we can try love and correction? peace be with us.

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa ... and i now think your attitude is 'horrible'. well, please do not take it personal... indeed it is sad the loss of life, indeed it is sad the opinions of some that judge too quicky before choosing empathy, understanding, and offering 'kokua' and compassion. That is the comfort and help of any good soul who truly cares. Just a suggestion to shift toward upliftment. Blessings for all good things!

Please share why it is important to amplify something "horrible", are you practicing to be on network news Seems pointless to insert that here, however, I am willing to see constructive purpose in your intent. Aloha from Kauai, mostly safe and mostly happy here. NO WORRIES!! Of course, where your attention goes, energy flows. Sending love to the forum, Kauai loves you!!

Quote: Originally Posted by foxytv I liked it better than a DJ b/c you never know if they are going to have all the music you want played. Our guests were really pleased with our reception music picks ... but we planned for WAY more music than e got to play -- so make sure you put the must-plays up earlier in the playlist! ;-) Glad to hear that worked well for you. For the record, my clients can count on their music being played, that is key to my success so to hear you say "you never know" leaves me a bit sad 'cause I know what it takes to find a good DJ. A good DJ gets his ego out of the way and takes care of the guests with good instinct and good programming. I have an online event planner with huge music database where MUST PLAYS and all SPECIAL SONGS can be noted along with the program and timeline. Aloha.

Hi, DJ Jeff here... I recommend a good DJ that can tune into your program and your guests and serve up the best mix possible. For a small part of the budget, the music entertainment is often the most remembered as it can be the most influential to the flow of the evening. Most DJs with sound and light system run between $150 and 400/hour, not sure about Mexico though. Best wishes for a great celebration!

Quote: Originally Posted by Stephsendsit Has anyone been married here or heard anything about it and how to book it thru the Marriott? ~Newbie Mom of Groom-to-be Hi, Chapel By The Sea is off limits until they finish construction around Kauai Lagoons. For Marriott bookings, contact Silvia Gama there... call 1-800-246-5620 - great location for a wedding. Please mention DJ Jeff if you connect, aloha. congratulations too!!

I could do that for you being a DJ/Producer or really anyone can who has a nice computer with correct software, a kid in the neigborhood perhaps. The two songs could also be mixed live at the point you choose if you are having a DJ play at your wedding. Hope that helps. Feel free to check back. P.S. You can do it on iTunes on a Mac or PC if you just want a simple crossfade. There is a setting for adjusting the transition too. Then record onto CD. That is likely your easiest way to go.

An amazing place to live, an amazing place to visit. I've been here 11 years and do not miss the big cities too much although growing up in NYC was great, for the most part. LA was fun for awhile but the time came for me to be out with nature more. Especially since I work on computer a lot, it is good to balance with Kauai's beauty. Nothing like a good dip in the ocean to clear the day and reset the way!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa Welcome Jeff! I see that Abbie already provided you the link to the Vendor Rules -please make sure read them if you haven't already. thanks, we'll be a good guest! aloha to the forum!!

Quote: Originally Posted by DougsGirl Welcome! I'm getting married in Kauai! Don't forget to read the vendor rules! Congratulations!! I've been living here 11 years and always amazed every day at the beautiful place it is. Great choice for a wedding! Check out Go Kauai for some links and cool video. Rules read!! Thanks for your support.

Hi, the location is convenient, the grounds are beautiful, and the people of the Marriott are filled with the Spirit of Aloha. Excellent choice. Congratulations!

Definitely one of my favorite locations on Kauai for weddings. The grounds are gorgeous and service is always a cut above! One suggestion, if you plan to have an outdoor wedding, May through October has the least chance of rain on Kauai's south side. Tents are cool, but a reception under the stars at the Hyatt is awesome!