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Man who injured self
By Anthony Sommer
in diving accident sues state,
county and landowners
Star-BulletinLIHUE -- A Kauai man who became a quadriplegic two years ago when he dove head first into a shallow, rocky cove called Queen's Bath on the shore below Princeville has filed a lawsuit against the state, county, and property owners in the area of the popular beach spot.
Robert Landsdell has been in a wheelchair since the accident. Several fund-raisers including a golf tournament have been conducted on Kauai to help him with expenses.
None of the defendants in the lawsuit had been served with copies as of yesterday. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages being sought.
"We're not sure all of the property owners we named still own the properties. We did the best we could with the tax maps and we'll refine the list as we start discovery," said James Krueger, Landsdell's attorney.
There is no designated parking area for Queen's Bath, which was named for Queen Emma who vacationed at the Princeville Ranch. People who go there park on a residential street in Princeville and walk down a trail across private property to the rocky beach area.
The spot is written up in most guide books on Kauai as one of the prettiest places on the island and is popular with both residents and tourists. Since the accident Kauai County has posted numerous warning signs.
Beth Tokioka, spokeswoman for Mayor Maryanne Kusaka said the mayor looked into closing Queen's Bath, especially during the winter months when the north swell makes it particularly treacherous. She was told by lawyers that because it it is on the seashore the public must be allowed access.
