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| More than 8,000 acres of ranchland, farmland and forest are being conserved in Ka`u. |
THE HAWAI`I ISLAND LAND TRUST, which has been working with The Nature Conservancy to preserve some 8,000 acres for agriculture and nature through land conservation easements in Ka`u, formally merged yesterday with the Maui Coastal Land Trust, Kaua`i Public Land Trust, and O`ahu Land Trust.
Doug Sensenig, who serves as Hawai`i Island director for the expanded organization, said, “We are excited about the merger because we’ll be able to work with more landowners who want to see their land protected for the future well being of all Hawai`i Island’s people. Our local council will make sure the Island’s special character is respected.”Combined, the new Hawaiian Islands Land Trust already oversees 15,229 acres of conservation land across the state, including: 188 acres on Hawai`i Island; 11,810 on Maui; 3,057 on Moloka`i; and 174 on Kaua`i. Currently in active negotiations with Olson Trust and other landowners on Hawai`i Island, Kaua`i, O`ahu, and Maui, the Land Trust expects to announce thousands more conservation acres within the first quarter of 2011.
A statement from the group says, “In Hawai`i, land is our most important and valuable resource. Its conservation helps ensure clean air and drinking water, food security, scenic landscapes and views, recreational places, and habitat for a diversity of ecosystems. Land conservation in Hawai`i is especially imperative due to the added significance of inseparable cultural relationships and our intrinsic space limitations.”
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization with the mission of acquiring, preserving and protecting conservation lands across Hawai`i for the benefit of the natural environment and current and future generations.
THE U.S. ARMY is asking for public input on its plan to expand and upgrade Pohakuloa Training Area facilities along the Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The military is submitting a Programic Environmental Impact Statement on potential effects with construction and operation of an Infantry Platoon Battle area at Pohakuloa. The expanded facility “would improve the current shortfall in collective (group) live-fire training capabilities for units stationed in Hawai`i,” says a media release from the military.
The military wants to construct and operate an Infantry Platoon Battle Course Live-fire Shoothouse, and a Military Operations on Urban Terrain facility.
The public is invited to scoping meetings to ask questions and examine tabletop displays. Comments will be allowed. A Hilo scoping meeting will be on Tuesday, January 11, at Hilo Intermediate School , 587 Waianuenue Avenue, with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and an open microphone session from 7 to 9 p.m. See www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil.
THE HAM RADIO operators of Ka`u are having a potluck at Manuka Park at noon today. Ham radio operators provide emergency communication for police, fire, civil defense, hospitals and the Red Cross. To join, go to Manuka this afternoon or call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.
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| Trees are being chipped to make mulch for gardens. |
TREECYCLING is happening at Wai`ohinu transfer station through January 16. Trees and greenery should be free of decorations, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Artificial and flocked trees are not accepted. Trees will be chipped and made available for use in gardens.
KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL this week in Ka`u, with a teachers workday on Monday and students back to the classroom on Tuesday. Remember that all furloughs have been cancelled so there will be more classroom days through the end of the school year.
