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| Unroasted Ka`u Coffee headed for out-of-state markets would be inspected locally if a bill introduced by Sen. Gil Kahele passes in the Legislature. |
GIL KAHELE HAS INTRODUCED bills for capital improvements and sustainability in his first month as Ka`u’s new senator. Following up on work initiated by Russell Kokubun when Kokubun held the District Two Senate seat, Kahele introduced House Bill 282 for capital improvement projects. They include:
* $2.5 million for the Ka`u irrigation system, which restores old plantation tunnels and distribution of agricultural water between Pahala and Na`alehu;
*$6.2 million for seven new classrooms at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences;
*$10 million for a new home for Na`alehu Elementary and Intermediate School administration and library;
*$6 million for the University of Hawai`i Komohana Agriculture Complex; and
* $250,000 each for the U.H. ag research stations at Mealani and Volcano.
Kahele also introduced Senate Bill 283 to implement the recommendations of the Hawai`i 2050 Plan to guide future long-range sustainability planning of the state. To guide state planning, the bill states:
“Hawai`i residents desire a balance between economic, cultural, and environmental concerns and priorities. Thus, sustainability in Hawai`i shall be established as the overall theme and guiding principles of sustainability policy.”
It lists the following guiding principles:
“To balance economic, social, community, and environmental priorities;
“To respect and live within the natural resources and limits of the state;
“ To achieve a diversified and dynamic economy;
“ To honor the host culture;
“To make decisions based on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations;
“To observe the principles of the ahupua`a system to guide resource management decisions; and
“To emphasize that everyone, including individuals, families, communities, businesses, and government, has the responsibility for achieving a sustainable Hawai`i.”
The Senate bill also establishes five major goals to achieve a preferred future by the year 2050:
“A way of life in which living sustainably is a part of daily practice in Hawai`i;
“A diversified and globally competitive economy that will enable residents to live, work, and play meaningfully in Hawai`i;
“Responsible and respectful use, replenishment, and preservation of the State’s natural resources for future generations;
“ A community that is strong, healthy, vibrant, and nurturing, thus providing safety nets for those in need; and
“ An environment where Kanaka Maoli and island cultures and values thrive and are perpetuated.”
It lists the following guiding principles:
“To balance economic, social, community, and environmental priorities;
“To respect and live within the natural resources and limits of the state;
“ To achieve a diversified and dynamic economy;
“ To honor the host culture;
“To make decisions based on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations;
“To observe the principles of the ahupua`a system to guide resource management decisions; and
“To emphasize that everyone, including individuals, families, communities, businesses, and government, has the responsibility for achieving a sustainable Hawai`i.”
The Senate bill also establishes five major goals to achieve a preferred future by the year 2050:
“A way of life in which living sustainably is a part of daily practice in Hawai`i;
“A diversified and globally competitive economy that will enable residents to live, work, and play meaningfully in Hawai`i;
“Responsible and respectful use, replenishment, and preservation of the State’s natural resources for future generations;
“ A community that is strong, healthy, vibrant, and nurturing, thus providing safety nets for those in need; and
“ An environment where Kanaka Maoli and island cultures and values thrive and are perpetuated.”
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| Ka`u's Senator Gil Kahele |
SENATE BILL 286, WHICH PROVIDES agricultural commodity inspectors in remote areas like Ka`u, was also introduced by Kahele. This is seen as particularly important to the Ka`u Coffee farmers who must drive their out-of-state green bean shipments to Kona for certification. Ka`u Coffee farmers Lorie Obra and Efren Abellera testified for this bill in Honolulu.
OTHER BILLS INTRODUCED BY KAHELE include a measure to have non-violent inmates working on restoration of historic sites selected by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Another would provide telehealth services coverage for Medicaid and Quest patients using Kona Hospital’s medical van program.
IN SPORTS, the Ka`u Trojans boys soccer won their last season game versus Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science, 2-0, to advance to the BIIF playoffs on Feb. 8. Brian Simmons scored first, with Moses Espaniola adding the second goal off an assist from Derrick Medeiros-Garo. Goalie Tyler Atwood shut out the HAAS defense.
