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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Ka`u News Briefs April 22, 2012

Candidates for Hawai`i County Council District 6 and Prosecuting Attorney met with the public Friday at
Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Chuck Greene
“THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE on this Earth Day,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, “as we recognize the robust efforts in our island state to protect Hawai`i’s environment while working toward fuel and food sustainability.
      “Hawai`i continues to show great leadership when it comes to promoting renewable energy and creating green jobs. Our hotels and resorts are installing solar photovoltaic panels for energy, while recycling the water used in their air conditioning systems. Our military partners continue to push toward their goals of having Hawai`i’s installations becoming more energy self-sufficient.
      Hirono has introduced legislation that would support partnerships between community colleges and businesses to help train people for jobs in Hawai`i’s growing green sector. She said it would enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in high schools and community colleges.
      “On this Earth Day, we can appreciate the work being done in the spirit of laulima – all of us coming together to protect our water, air, and `aina.”

PacIOOS helps ensure safe marine transit near Hilo Harbor
with this Waverider buoy. Photo from PACIOOS
HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE close to $2.5 million to support efforts to gather and monitor ocean data and develop appropriate forecasting models. The money will be used to support the Pacific Integrated Ocean Observing System, a federal partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Hawai`i. 
      The system collects and manages oceanic data to create forecasting models and operational strategies that help improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment.
      Sen. Dan Inouye said, “For an island archipelago situated in the middle of the Pacific, we must improve our understanding of the ocean. We are especially susceptible to rising tides, tsunami, fishery depletions and marine debris fields. We can never have enough data about how the ocean operates.”
       “NOAA and the University of Hawai`i have partnered to provide critical information on ocean conditions that enhance public safety and benefit the military, fishermen, commercial shippers, paddlers, and surfers,” said Rep. Hirono. “Before setting out on a voyage, ocean-users can check conditions at their destination, potentially saving lives and money. Congratulations to the University of Hawai`i for earning the continued support of NOAA for vital services they provide all ocean users.”

Lincoln Ashida Photo by
Chuck Greene
CANDIDATES FOR HAWAI`I COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney met with the public at Ocean View Community Center Friday evening. One question asked by an audience member was: How would you keep our schools safe from drug use and criminals?

COUNTY CORPORATION COUNSEL Lincoln Ashida replied that “not the prosecutors alone, and not the police alone” can solve this problem. “It takes everyone involved, and we must bring the community together,” he said. He stressed that police have to be provided with resources. “Kids are a vulnerable population. We need to do everything we can to keep them safe,” he said.

Paul Dolan Photo by
Chuck Greene
LAWYER PAUL DOLAN, of Ocean View, said, “It starts in the home. You have to be a role model.” He mentioned programs he started that educate young people about law. 

DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Mitch Roth said, “We have to build partnerships.” He mentioned programs to educate young people with mock lessons showing judicial procedures. He also considers it important to provide activities designed to keep young people out of trouble, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, of which he is vice president. He also stressed the need to prevent domestic violence, which he said is “a precursor of crime.”

Mitch Roth Photo by
Chuck Greene
FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale next week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u on Tuesday. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY botanist and author Linda Pratt discusses Hawai`i’s native flowering plants at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key on Friday in celebration of National Library Week. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert next Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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