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| Kaulana Boat Ramp near South Point is the only ramp managed by the state in Ka`u. Punalu`u Boat Ramp is private. Proposed rules for boat ramps and harbors can be read at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/draft-rules |
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| Big Island boating facilities. Those in blue are run by the state, with one a Kaulana near South Point. The yellow dot in Ka`u is Punalu`u boat ramp, privately owned. Map from DLNR |
The Kaulana Boat Ramp near South Point is the only boat ramp in Ka`u governed by the state. The boat ramp at Punalu`u Wharf, where recent damage by a boat operator may draw fines from the state, is privately owned but the state has jurisdiction over the water in Punalu`u Bay as in all navigable waters throughout Ka`u.
The state's proposed new, revised and deleted rules are presented in 132 pages, which can be read online at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/draft-rules.
The state's proposed new, revised and deleted rules are presented in 132 pages, which can be read online at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/draft-rules.
A press release from the state Department of Land & Natural Resource, Division of Boating and Recreation says, "These amendments to Hawai`i Administrative Rules (HAR) are being proposed to allow DLNR to better manage and facilitate boating and ocean recreation-related activities within State small Boat harbors and nearshore waters, and to reorganize the HAR provisions relating to DOBOR for clarity and general efficacy.
The statement quoted Ed Underwood of the Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation: “This extensive rule package contains modifications we have wanted to make for many years. Some amendments are being proposed because facility management and the ocean recreation industry are changing rapidly and our existing rules cannot address the way people are using our harbors and the ocean today. Some rules are being repealed because they are obsolete.In all cases, the rules being proposed will allow DOBOR to do its job of managing its facilities and responsibilities more effectively.”
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The statement quoted Ed Underwood of the Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation: “This extensive rule package contains modifications we have wanted to make for many years. Some amendments are being proposed because facility management and the ocean recreation industry are changing rapidly and our existing rules cannot address the way people are using our harbors and the ocean today. Some rules are being repealed because they are obsolete.In all cases, the rules being proposed will allow DOBOR to do its job of managing its facilities and responsibilities more effectively.”
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PROJECT VISION IS COMING TO KA`U again with free vision screenings Na`alehu Community
Center on Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Pahala Community Center on Thursday, Aug 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Adults receivea distance and near acuity screening, as well as retinal screening for eye diseases. Freee reading glasses will be provided to adults. Keiki recieve screening for near and far division as well as for color deficiencies with the use of a Plusoptix camerea. Free sunglasses will be offered to keiki. Bringin the free eye exams and glasses to Ka`u is sponsored by Project Vision and Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool. See www.projectvisionhawaii.org.
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| Tut & Me cosponsors Project Vision in August. |
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WHILE THE U.S. SENATE CONTINUES TO
VOTE DOWN BILLS TO REPEAL OBAMA CARE, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is supporting a Medicaid for All campaign and co-sponsored the bill. She wrote Wednesday: "While the continued debate on repealing the Affordable Care Act goes on, a recent USA Today poll shows that 88 percent of Americans do not support the Senate’s plan. Let's shift the conversation to how we can actually improve health care. In contrast to the Senate plan, an AP poll from last week found that 62 percent of Americans believe it is the federal government’s responsibility to guarantee health care to all Americans, and we have a bill that would guarantee Medicare for All in the House right now. I have signed on as a co-sponsor, but we need to show the support Medicare for All has outside of Washington." Gabbard is asking her constituents to sign on:
"We all know that the Affordable Care Act needs to be improved. While it helped to insure more than 20 million people, expand Medicaid coverage, and end the discrimination of people with pre-existing conditions by insurance companies, we still have millions of people today without any health insurance at all. Even more are underinsured, struggling to afford the skyrocketing cost of premiums, deductibles, and copays for the prescriptions and care that they need. Meanwhile, prescription drug and insurance companies continue to prosper.
Gabbard puts forth that "While the American people struggle to receive the vital health care they need, pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, the maker of Oxycontin, are using deceptive marketing tactics, lying about the addictive nature of their drugs, price gouging, and moving to other countries to exploit foreign markets as they have ours while raking in billion dollar profits. The Republican health care bill amounts to a handout to pharmaceutical companies by cutting their taxes, shifting the burden of cost onto ordinary families who are suffering from the opioid epidemic."
Gabbard puts forth that "While the American people struggle to receive the vital health care they need, pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, the maker of Oxycontin, are using deceptive marketing tactics, lying about the addictive nature of their drugs, price gouging, and moving to other countries to exploit foreign markets as they have ours while raking in billion dollar profits. The Republican health care bill amounts to a handout to pharmaceutical companies by cutting their taxes, shifting the burden of cost onto ordinary families who are suffering from the opioid epidemic."
Gabbard again asks for people in her House of Representatives district, which includes Ka`u, to sign up:
"Become a citizen co-sponsor of H.R. 676, the Medicare for All Act, and make clear where the American people stand in the debate over our health care. I will continue fighting to advance this cause in Congress, but I can't do it without you," she proclaims.
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HIRONO FIGHTS TO SAFEGUARD FILIPINO VET BENEFITS AT MANILA VA.
With authorization set to expire Sept. 30, impacting services to more than 10,000 veterans, Sen. Mazie Hirono on Wednesday introduced the Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act. It would extend the expiring provision under law that allows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to operate the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila, Philippines.
The introduction of Senator Hirono’s bill coincides with the 76th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order placing Filipino soldiers under U.S. command during World War II.
“Hawai`i’s deep cultural and family ties to the Philippines extend to the sizable community of veterans and their dependents who rely on the Manila VA to receive their pensions and health care,” said Hirono. “We must keep our commitment to these veterans and all veterans who rely on the Manila VA. It is imperative for Congress to promptly renew authority for this facility to avoid any impact to the hard-earned critical services these veterans deserve.”
According to the VA, Manila VA supports over $19 million per month in disability compensation or pensions to around 13,000 beneficiaries. In addition, it serves approximately 6,000 enrolled patients through its Outpatient Clinic. The Manila VA also plays a key role in processing WWII veteran claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation fund. Without extension by Congress beyond September 30, the VA would no longer have authorization to maintain the facility.
“We’d like to thank Hirono for her steadfast efforts to support our Filipino World War II Veterans including all our nation’s veterans living in the Philippines,” said Edmund Aczon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, Hawaii.
Retired U.S. Army Major General Antonio Taguba, Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said, “Today, we remember the sacrifices the Filipino and American soldiers made for our country during World War II. The VA’s longtime presence in the Philippines is a reflection of our duty to provide the benefits and services they have earned."
Carlos Fuentes, VFW National Legislative Director, said, “The VA’s long established presence in Manila is a testament to the commitment our nation has to the more than 10,000 veterans and family members in the country but also a reminder of the sacrifices of those veterans in the Philippines who answered President Roosevelt’s call to service during World War II 76 years ago today."
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The introduction of Senator Hirono’s bill coincides with the 76th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order placing Filipino soldiers under U.S. command during World War II.
“Hawai`i’s deep cultural and family ties to the Philippines extend to the sizable community of veterans and their dependents who rely on the Manila VA to receive their pensions and health care,” said Hirono. “We must keep our commitment to these veterans and all veterans who rely on the Manila VA. It is imperative for Congress to promptly renew authority for this facility to avoid any impact to the hard-earned critical services these veterans deserve.”
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| Retired U.S. Army Major General Antonio Taguba supports the continued operation of the Veterans Administration in Manila. |
“We’d like to thank Hirono for her steadfast efforts to support our Filipino World War II Veterans including all our nation’s veterans living in the Philippines,” said Edmund Aczon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, Hawaii.
Retired U.S. Army Major General Antonio Taguba, Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said, “Today, we remember the sacrifices the Filipino and American soldiers made for our country during World War II. The VA’s longtime presence in the Philippines is a reflection of our duty to provide the benefits and services they have earned."
Carlos Fuentes, VFW National Legislative Director, said, “The VA’s long established presence in Manila is a testament to the commitment our nation has to the more than 10,000 veterans and family members in the country but also a reminder of the sacrifices of those veterans in the Philippines who answered President Roosevelt’s call to service during World War II 76 years ago today."
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"TRANSGENDER AMERICANS serve our country with honor and distinction," said Sen. Mazie Hirono on Wednesday after Pres. Donald Trump tweeted that all transgender persons would be banned from serving in the military. Hirono serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee. "The President's decision is wrong, and perpetuates bigoted stereotypes about the LGBTQ community," wrote Hirono.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "Less than 1 percent of Americans volunteer to put their lives on the line to serve in our military and protect the American people. The only qualifications that should matter for those who want to serve is a commitment are to uphold the Constitution, defend our country, and be capable and qualified to carry out their duties. This ban dishonors the thousands of transgender Americans who currently serve in the military. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not kicked out of the military. Our country owes a great debt of gratitude to all our servicemembers, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, as they risk their lives to protect our nation."
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| Blu Zone hosts a cooking demonstration Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. |
Free Cooking Demo, Thursday, July 27, 9:30 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Learn how to prepare plant-based recipes that are Blue Zones-approved. Enjoy samples, meet people from your community, and join a walking or potluck group to win prizes. RSVP jade.iokepa@healthways.com.
Coffee Talk, Friday, July 28, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. An informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.
Ocean View Community Development Corp. meeting, Friday, July 28, 5 p.m., Hawaiian Ranchos office.
Kimchi Making, Sat, July 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Aaron and Soohee Martinson introduce students to techniques used to make traditional Korean kimchi. 967-8222.
Coffee Talk, Friday, July 28, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. An informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.
Ocean View Community Development Corp. meeting, Friday, July 28, 5 p.m., Hawaiian Ranchos office.
Kimchi Making, Sat, July 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Aaron and Soohee Martinson introduce students to techniques used to make traditional Korean kimchi. 967-8222.
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