Ka`u News Briefs Sept. 6, 2012

Hawai`i delegates at the Democratic National Convention, including Ka`u's state Senator Gil Kahele, upper left, cast their 35 votes for Barack Obama during last night's roll call vote. Photo from TCPalm, www.tcpalm.com

THE HAWAI`I DELEGATION cast its 35 votes to nominate Pres. Barack Obama last night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gov. Neil Abercrombie led the delegates, bedecked in lei, and beginning with the unified welcome: “We say aloha!” to conventioneers. Abercrombie said the votes were in memory of Obama’s mother and father who lived in Hawai`i along with the young Obama who graduated fro high school here. The votes were cast for “Our Kieki O Ka `Aina, Barack Obama,” the governor declared. Obama speaks at the convention tonight.

U.S. SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, a native son of Hawai`i, Eric Shinseki, told the Democratic National Convention yesterday that President Barack Obama has done more for veterans than any president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Here is Shinseki’s speech:

      “My name is Ric Shinseki, and I'm a soldier. I spent 38 years in uniform, and as a veteran, I'm here to speak about a president whose devotion to veterans is sincere. It is steadfast, and it is strong—I know this first hand. “I first met Barack Obama in November 2008. I quickly realized we were both shaped and inspired by family members who served in World War II. Three of my uncles helped liberate Europe, and when they returned home they helped raise me. They used the original GI Bill to open small businesses and raise families of their own. They worked hard, played by the rules, and loved this country. I learned those values from them. 

General Eric Shinseki, who grew up in a Hawai`i sugar town to become U.S. Secretary of Veterans, spoke at the Democratic National Convention yesterday. Photo from the DNC

      “And the president learned the same values from the veterans in his family. During our first meeting nearly four years ago, the president's commitment to veterans was clear. He understands that we have the finest military in the world—and we have a commitment to keep faith with our men and women in uniform.
      “Today, our Iraq and Afghanistan warriors have displayed enormous discipline and love of country. We have a moral obligation to care for them when they come home: healthcare; education; jobs. But above all, we owe veterans dignity and respect. President Obama gets it—he listens, he wants the facts, and the results of his leadership are clear.
      Since President Obama took office, nearly 800,000 veterans gained access to VA healthcare. There's been a historic expansion of treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. President Obama has expanded job training to prepare vets for the jobs of the future. And we're on track to end veterans' homelessness by 2015.
      “No president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has done more for veterans. We could not ask for a stronger advocate. We've made tremendous progress under this president's leadership. But there is much more to be done for the men and women who guarantee our way of life. They have served selflessly—with unmatched valor, sacrifice, and distinction. And President Obama is determined that we will repay the debt we owe them. God bless our veterans, God bless our president, and may God continue to bless this wonderful country of ours,” Shinseki told the DNC.
      Shinseki grew up in a Hawai`i sugar plantation community in a Japanese family that served in World War II. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and the National War College, earned a Masters degree from Duke University, rose to the rank of four star General in the U.S. Army and retired before being named U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Ocean View orchid nursery could become agri-tourism destination.
Photo from flickriver.com

AGRI-TOURISM REGULATION drew support and suggestions for regulations that would keep neighborhoods residential and agricultural areas rural. Bob Zeller, who grows orchids in Ocean View, said this morning that he testified at the public hearing, largely in support of the rules to allow visitors come to agricultural businesses. He said it would help his orchid nursery. 

      Without the new rules, Zeller said, he would have to go through a special use permitting process, costing thousands of dollars, enormous paperwork and time, which he could not afford. He said he would offer a package tour for his Orchid Garden, including a class in orchid culture where each student would pot an orchid and take it home. The experience would be “hands on” so that people would actually learn how to take care of the orchids, said Zeller.
      He said the visits would be limited around ten people at a time. Under the proposed rules, no larger than 15-passenger tour vans would be allowed to visit locations designated for minor agri-tourism.
      Zeller reports that among those speaking at the hearing, two supported agri-tourism, two were commentators for the industry, and two were against it – one because a garden party lasted until 11 p.m. near a residence, and another worrying about narrow, four-wheel drive roads being choked with tourists.
      Zeller said he supports county staff visiting proposed sites to make sure that infrastructure is suitable. A final reading on the rules is expected before the end of September.

KA`U `OHANA BAND is looking for flute & clarinet players. The band rehearses today and every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Instruments are provided, and no experience is necessary. For more information, call 929-7544. 

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund volunteers help restore an anchialine pool
today in Ka`u by removing sediment. The work continues Mon. and
next Sat. HWF hosts a beach clean up at Kamilo. Photo from HWF

KA`U TROJANS SPORTS LINE-UP FOR THIS WEEKEND starts with a football game Friday at Konawaena, 7 p.m. A home volleyball match versus Hilo starts Saturday at 10 a.m. Away Saturday events include a cross-county meet at Kamehameha at 10 a.m., an air riflery match at Waiakea at 10 a.m., and a bowling match at Kona Bowl in the afternoon. For more, call athletic director Kalei Namohala at 928-2012.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND hosts a beach clean up at Kamilo Saturday, Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All volunteers will meet at Wai`ohinu Park on Hwy 11 near mile marker 65 at 7:45 a.m. and are asked to bring sturdy shoes, bag lunch, sun and wind protection, plenty of drinks and four-wheel-drive vehicles if possible. HWF will supply cleanup materials. Those interested can contact Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND YOUTUBE.COM/KAUNEWS.