Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017

Redoubt Volcano, shown here on April 4, 2009, is just one of the more than 50 historically active volcanoes monitored by the Alaska
Volcano Observatory, a sister USGS organization to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Gray ash draping the flanks of the volcano
 creates a stark contrast to the surrounding snow-covered landscape and white steam rising from Redoubt’s summit crater. Top left,
 the USGS office of AVO, located in Grace Hallon the Alaska Pacific University campus in Anchorage, coordinates the observatory’s
 operations. Other AVO offices are at the University of Alaska and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
 in Fairbanks.  See Volcano Watch story below. USGS photos

RESHAPING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION is a promise Gov. David Ige made on Saturday. He pledged to support dreams and aspirations of each student in remarks he made at the third annual Hawai‘i School Empowerment Conference at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The conference was sponsored by the Education Institute of Hawai‘i, a non-profit organization committed to improving public education. The conference aims to increase awareness and deepen understanding to improve public education through school empowerment and innovation in learning.

Gov. David Ige promised on Saturday to reboot Hawai`i's p ublic education system.
Photo from Office of the Governor

     Ige entitled his talk A Clear Path to Achieving Excellence in Hawai`i's Public Schools. Here is the governor's speech:
     "Coding. Robotics. Digital media. International education exchanges. None of these programs were offered when I attended public schools in Pearl City, and it’s impossible to predict what fascinating opportunities await students in coming years.
     "What I can tell you is this: The success of today’s students in the future workplace and in our communities requires an absolute reboot of the rigid school system built over a century ago. Our school system is simply not relevant to today’s students.
     "That’s why I asked the members of the Board of Education, those I appointed and those who began serving prior to my taking office, to develop and implement a plan to transition from yesterday’s system to one that truly prepares students to think creatively and to be innovators. I asked board members to design a system that encourages teachers and principals to make meaningful decisions about curriculum and instruction, educational programs, and expenditure of schools funds.
     "The Board responded to my challenge. They worked with the community to develop a new strategic plan for the department. They courageously determined transformation requires a fresh mindset, starting at the top. And they initiated a search for a new superintendent. I fully support this decision. We need a change agent who is committed to exploring unconventional options in the quest to prepare our students for the future.
     "I want students, parents, teachers and other educators to be assured that my goal is to reshape the department so that it supports the dreams and aspirations of each student. I believe those closest to the students understand best how their students should be educated. That is the type of system we are working together to achieve.
     "The community supports this goal as evidenced by the tremendous participation in last summer’s Education Summit and dozens of follow-up meetings in communities throughout the state. I am proud of the work my volunteer team, parents, teachers, business leaders and community members have done to create a Blueprint for Hawaiʻi’s Education System. I asked them to think big, and they did. I can tell you, there is no shortage of innovative thinking in Hawaiʻi.

Ka`u High has competed in robotics, which Gov. David Ige says is a start to
building communities of the future. Photo from FIRST

     "My passion for education isn’t new, and the solutions I am promoting now aren’t a surprise to anyone who has been recently engaged in the dialogue on education. I campaigned on this issue and education remains my top priority.
     "We don’t know what the next technological wave will bring. But we do know that Hawaiʻi’s public education system must be set up so teachers are able to exercise their professional judgement and employ tools that enable student success.
     "Students who design robots in elementary school will build the communities of the future. Students who experience what it’s like to be innovators and entrepreneurs in high school will drive the state’s new economy. Students who travel with their class will collaborate with their peers around the world to solve global challenges. It is our responsibility to provide them with a robust learning experience so they can achieve rewarding and successful lives."
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BANKRUPTCIES IN HAWAI`I would have been at a 24-year low in 2016, with the exception of the year 2006, which saw a run on filing for bankruptcy before it became more difficult. A recent story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser quoted Honolulu bankruptcy attorney Blake Goodman saying that President-elect Donald Trump could play a role in the future of bankruptcy filings in Hawai`i. Goodman told the Advertiser that “Trump is either going to deliver as promised and make America great again with more solvency, more opportunities, more economic prowess, more jobs, lower taxes. To me it sounds like a Santa Claus list. But if he’s got the magic that everybody voted for, then we may see a continued decrease in bankruptcies for years to come. I think, though, the outcome will be as real as Santa Claus.”
     A trend that could lead to more bankruptcies, according to Goodman, would be increased interest rates; “which, if that continues will decrease the real estate values. It always translated to more bankruptcies when there is less equity in properties and people no longer have the option of taking cash out of their real estate to pay off debt,” he explained.
     The Advertiser reported statistics released early this month from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawai`i, showing there were 1,383 bankruptcy cases statewide in 2016, representing an 11.9 percent decline from 2015 and the lowest level in nine years.

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VOLCANO WATCH LOOKS AT ALASKA THIS WEEK in a continuing series of stories for Volcano Awareness Month. The scientists of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory write about the USGS observatories in Alaska and their relation to Hawai`i:
     "Hawai`i may be the most volcanically active state in the U.S., but in terms of sheer numbers of volcanoes, Alaska is the hands-down winner. Of the nation’s 169 active volcanoes, 90 are located in Alaska. Eruptions there are common, and some volcanoes are in a semi-constant state of low-level activity.

Augustine Volcano in the Cook Inlet during a 2015 eruption. It was the 1986 eruption
 of this volcano that led to creation of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the sister
to Hawaiian Volcano Observaotry. Photo by Cyrus Read/ USGS

     "The 1986 eruption of Augustine volcano in Cook Inlet (near Anchorage) emphasized the need for volcano monitoring and research in Alaska. It also prompted the establishment of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which was founded in 1988.
     "AVO is a partnership between three organizations: the U.S. Geological Survey, the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. These three groups contribute to observatory operations, although hazards notifications are issued by the USGS, which has federal responsibility for such declarations.
    "AVO did not have to wait long after its establishment for its first “test.” On December 14, 1989, Redoubt volcano, also in Cook Inlet, erupted. The next day, KLM flight 867, carrying 231 passengers from Amsterdam to Tokyo with a stop in Anchorage, flew through a Redoubt ash plume, causing all four engines to fail. The aircraft dropped more than 3 km (2 mi) in altitude within five minutes before the flight crew managed to restart the engines and land the plane safely in Anchorage. All four engines on the aircraft had to be replaced, with damages totaling about $80 million. The Redoubt eruption continued through early June 1990.
     "The KLM flight 867 incident reemphasized that hazards from even remote volcanoes can impact an increasing number of vulnerable jet aircraft—a lesson that had previously been demonstrated by similar ash-aircraft encounters around the world. These encounters represent a significant difference in emphasis between AVO and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. In Hawai`i, we focus primarily on ground-based volcanic hazards such as lava flows, whereas Alaska has both ground and airborne concerns. AVO’s area of responsibility is also much broader than that of HVO, extending from southeast Alaska to Anchorage, along the Alaska Peninsula, and then out the chain of Aleutian Islands towards Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula—a distance of over 3,000 km (2,000 mi)!
     "Nevertheless, AVO uses volcano monitoring methods similar to those employed by HVO, including webcams, seismic and GPS stations, and geological mapping. Ground-based monitoring and research field work are considerable challenges owing to Alaska’s harsh environment and the remoteness of so many volcanoes, so satellite data are used extensively.
    "Aircraft pilot reports are also important sources of information about Alaskan volcanoes. In fact, it was pilot reports, confirmed by satellite data, that documented the unheralded December 20, 2016, eruption of Bogoslof—a tiny island with no ground-based volcano monitoring—which sent an ash plume to an altitude of over 10 km (6 mi).

The volcano on Uniyak in the Aleutian Islands. USGS photo

     "Since its founding, AVO has made tremendous strides in mapping the largely unknown volcanoes of Alaska to better understand their eruptive histories and future eruptive potential. Even some of the remote volcanoes of the western Aleutian Islands have been instrumented to track unrest and detect eruptions that might be hazardous to aircraft.
     "AVO has also developed state-of-the-art tools for viewing the abundance of available satellite observations that can detect ash plumes and thermal anomalies. Some of these tools have been exported to Hawaii, where HVO scientists use them to enhance their monitoring of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
    "Scientists at AVO are researching Alaskan volcanoes to contribute to a better understanding of how volcanoes work in general. Of particular importance are AVO’s investigations into the dynamics of explosive eruptions and their deposits, relations between seismic energy and ash plumes, and hydrologic hazards due to eruptions at snow- and ice-covered volcanoes.
    "Next week we’ll visit the most populous state in the U.S., which is also home to 19 active volcanoes—California."
     HVO scientists encourage everyone to attend upcoming Volcano Awareness Month programs on the Island of Hawai‘i. The complete schedule, including descriptions of the talks, is posted on HVO’s website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
     Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea continues to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone. This past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 16.5 and 33.5 m (54–110 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g flow was still active, with lava entering the ocean near Kamokuna and surface breakouts near Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. The 61g flow does not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

Lava continues to enter the ocean near Kamouna, creating a
plume of hot water. USGS image.

     Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, small-magnitude earthquakes continued, primarily beneath the upper Southwest Rift Zone and summit caldera at depths less than 5 km (3 miles). GPS measurements continue to show deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone, although rates appear to have slowed over the past month.
    Two earthquakes were reported felt in Hawai`i this past week. On Jan. 9, at 2:20 p.m., HST, a magnitude-3.1 earthquake occurred 62 km (38.5 mi) southwest of Lāna‘i City, Lāna‘i, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). On January 7, at 10:24 a.m., HST, a magnitude-3.5 earthquake occurred 16.0 km (9.9 mi) north of Pāhala, Hawaiʻi, at a depth of 9.4 km (5.8 mi).
     Visit HVO's website http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more; call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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KA`U HIGH WON IN SOCCER again on Saturday, with a score of 2-1 on the home field against Kohala, reports Athletic Director Kalei Namohana. Kobe Moses and Brennan Nishimura scorecd the goals for the Trojans. Ka`u's goal keeper for the game was Mark Galacio.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, Sunday, Jan. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.. Free,  guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain to illustrate the human history of the area, within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.

www.kaucalendar.com

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 13, 2017

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates 20 years of service this year, including the training of
many Ka`u High School students in the Youth Ranger Program.  See more below. Image by Susan Manley

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK'S YOUTH RANGER PROGRAM starts Feb. 1. The annual training over  the years has involved many Ka`u High School students, leading to employment at the park and other career advancement as well as educational opportunities. For the 2017 training, "We are excited to work with 75 youth from around the island. This program provides great opportunity for Hawai`i Island's underserved youth population," said Elizabeth Fien, Executive Director of Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, which supports the program . She also noted that all donations directed to the program go directly to youth stipend payment. 

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates 20 years of service in 2017, including
the Youth Ranger Program, which has involved many Ka`u High School students.
Photo from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

     In 2017, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Executive Director reviewed the progress in a New Year's letter to members. Fien wrote that the organization was founded in 1997 as Na Hoaloha O `Ainahou - the Friends of `Ainahou - the historic ranch within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. "In 1995 with the help of our founding members, the `Ainahou Ranch House and its ground were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From this effort, The Friends of  `Ainahou was formed."

     Volunteers cleared about ten acres of the ranch, which was developed in the 1940s by buisnessman and horticulturalist Herbert C. Shipman, a descendant of one of Hawai`i's oldest missionary families. 

     "As our mission and focus expanded beyond `Ainahou, wrote Fien, "we changed names to become the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2002." 

     Founding members included Alana McKinney, Julie Williams, Diane Gentry, Russell Kukubun and Roberta Baker. 

     The organization invites donations and new members and is planning an annual meeting in March, as well as a 20-year celebration later in 2017. Upcoming events include a Forest Restoration Project on Friday, Jan. 20 and a Sunday Walk in the Park, Exploring Mauna Ulu on Sunday, Feb. 12.  See more at www.fhvnp.org

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STOP ARMING TERRORISTS was the message to the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who delivered a speech on the House floor today. Her bipartisan Stop Arming Terrorists Act (H.R.258), legislation would prohibit the U.S. government from using American taxpayer dollars to provide funding, weapons, training, and intelligence support to groups like the Levant Front, Fursan al Ha and other allies of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, al-Qaeda and ISIS, or to countries providing direct or indirect support to those groups.
     She also promoted the legislation on FOX News on Friday evening, interviewed on Tucker Carlson Tonight, and said that President-elect Donald Trump listened to her point of view on arming terrorists when she met with him in late November at Trump Tower.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard promoted her bill against regime change on Fox News
today, interviewed by Tucker Carlson. She also talked about her late November meeting
with President-elect Donald Trump. Photo from Fox News

     In a written statement, Gabbard said, “The American people have felt directly the cost of our nation's interventionist wars—costs borne by our nation's sons and daughters who have served, and by communities and people in every part of this country. We have spent trillions of dollars on regime change wars in the Middle East while communities like mine in Hawaiʻi face a severe lack of affordable housing, aging infrastructure, the need to invest in education, health care, and so much more. 

     “Our limited resources should go toward rebuilding our communities here at home, not fueling more counterproductive regime change wars abroad. I have introduced the Stop Arming Terrorist Act, legislation that would stop our government from using taxpayer dollars to directly or indirectly support groups who are allied with and supporting terrorist groups like ISIS and al Qaeda in their war to overthrow the Syrian government. The fact that our resources are being used to strengthen the very terrorist groups we should be focused on defeating should alarm every American. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and stop this madness.” 

    The legislation would prohibit U.S. government funds from being used to support al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups. In the same way that Congress passed the Boland Amendment to prohibit the funding and support to CIA backed-Nicaraguan Contras during the 1980’s, her bill aims to stop CIA or other Federal government activities in places like Syria by ensuring U.S. funds are not used to support al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, ISIS, or other terrorist groups working with them. It would also prohibit the Federal government from funding assistance to countries that are directly or indirectly supporting those terrorist groups. 

     Gabbard stated that the bill achieves this by: "Making it illegal for any U.S. Federal government funds to be used to provide assistance covered in this bill to terrorists. The assistance covered includes weapons, munitions, weapons platforms, intelligence, logistics, training, and cash; making it illegal for the U.S. government to provide assistance covered in the bill to any nation that has given or continues to give such assistance to terrorists; requiring the Director of National Intelligence to determine the individual and groups that should be considered terrorists, for the purposes of this bill, by determining: (a) the individuals and groups that are associated with, affiliated with, adherents to or cooperating with al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, or ISIS; (b) the countries that are providing assistance covered in this bill to those individuals or groups;  requiring the DNI to review and update the list of countries and groups to which assistance is prohibited every six months, in consultation with the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, as well as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and requiring the DNI to brief Congress on the determinations." 

See the Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s speech.
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Without objecting to Gen.Jame  Mattis himself, Rep. Tulsi
Gabbard objected to what she called the "circumventing
of the democratic process. " 

AN ATTEMPT TO ERODE CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF CIVILIAN CONTROL OF THE MILITARY, as Rep. Tulsi Gabbard described it, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday. Gabbard said the bill would change the legal requirement for retired military officers to serve as Secretary of Defense and that it "was pushed through the House without allowing the House Armed Services Committee to hold a hearing with Secretary of Defense nominee Gen. Mattis before holding a vote on the floor."

      Gabbard's statement on the matter: “My opposition to this legislation lies solely in the fact that Congressional leadership and the incoming Administration circumvented the democratic process by not allowing Members of Congress to question Gen. (James) Mattis before voting to change the law that would allow him to serve as Secretary of Defense. Congress must be able to exercise its authority and responsibility to represent each of our constituents in the decisions we make and the laws that we pass. As a co-equal branch of government, we cannot continue to allow the Executive Branch to circumvent Congress.”

      U.S. law prohibits the appointment of former military officers within seven years of relief from active duty to the position of Secretary of Defense. S.84 would provide an exemption to the law for the first time since 1950, Gabbard pointed out.

       Gabbard contended that earlier this week that the incoming Administration and Congressional leadership broke precedent and circumvented the democratic process in considering the legislation by: "Refusing to allow President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, General Mattis, to appear before the House Armed Services Committee as it considered the legislation; refusing to follow legal precedent by naming the nominee in the legislation itself, which would ensure the exemption is used solely for the intended nominee; and failing to exempt the nominee from the Uniform Code of Military Justice in the legislation, should he be confirmed as Secretary of Defense." 

     The legislation that Gabbard opposed passed the Senate Thursday, and passed the House Friday by a vote of 268-151.

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PROTECTING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING is one of the goals of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during the 115th Congress. She joined Republican and Democratic Senators and House members, reintroducing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act on Wednesday. The bipartisan legislation would create a process for victims of human trafficking to request relief from non-violent federal crimes committed as a direct result of human trafficking.

Ho`ola Na Pua volunteers, who help educate girls and boys to avoid
situations that could involve them in trafficking and help with the healing
when they have bcome victims. Photo from Ho`ola Na Pua

     Jessica Munoz, President and founder of Ho'ola Na Pua, which tackles the problem in Hawai`i, said: “Because of the complexities of the criminal activity around trafficking, victims are put into situations where they may be forced to engage in other criminal acts due to their abuser. Even though they are victims of human trafficking, under current mandates, their 'criminal history' can make it very difficult for them to recover and reintegrate back into society. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is an important key to opening the door of freedom, helping to erase the past, and empower life recovery and forward movement for the most marginalized and vulnerable population in our communities.”
     Said Gabbard, “Tens of thousands of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking each year. Too often, they are charged as criminals, thrown in prison, and shackled with a criminal record the rest of their lives instead of being free to get the care and assistance they need. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will empower human trafficking victims to escape the chains of their past and move forward with their lives."
     Dr. Tin Myaing Thein, Executive Director of the Pacific Gateway Center, which offers services that help rebuild the lives of human trafficking survivors, said, "We believe the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will support these uprooted individuals to reclaim dignified lives."
    The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would allow survivors of human trafficking to provide supporting documentation in order to get their non-violent criminal records vacated. These documents can include:


     Certified criminal or immigration court proceedings or law enforcement records demonstrating that the individual was a victim of trafficking at the time they were charged with the trafficking-related offense(s);


Many immigrants and refugees served by Pacific Gateway Center on the
Big Island and other Hawaiian Islands are victims of sex trafficking. 

     Testimony or sworn statement from a trained professional staff member of a victim services organization, an attorney, member of the clergy, a health care professional, a therapist, or other professional from whom the person has sought assistance in addressing the trauma associated with being a victim of trafficking;

     An affidavit or sworn testimony of the movant indicating that they were a victim of human trafficking at the time of their arrest and that they engaged in or were otherwise accused of engaging in criminal activities as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking.

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KA`U HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL sits in a three way tie for second in Division II of Big Island Interscholastic Federation competition. On Thursday evening, against Hilo, top Trojan scorer was Alysha Gustafson-Savella with 11 baskets, followed by Reisha Jara with seven. Hilo won 65-24 in varsity competition. Hilo also won in JV 50-28.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. - 11. a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU hike, Saturday, Jan. 14 hike from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free.

BANYAN DRIVE ART STROLL is Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon to 6 p.m.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.

TRAINING ON HOW TO USE THE AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR donated Hilo Medical Center Foundation to Ocean View Community Association will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Ocean View Community Center. CPR chest compressions will also be taught. The training begins at 10:30 a.m. Depending on the number of attendees, the training is expected to last until about noon.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017

OHA is a new co-trustee of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, with ten islands and atolls
and 583,000 square miles of ocean waters.  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo from UNESCO

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS is the new co-trustee of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.  Gov. David Ige announced today that OHA, the State of Hawai`i,  and the U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Commerce have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement adding OHA as a co-trustee. 

“This historic action rightfully places the Native Hawaiian voice at
the highest levels of decision making for this culturally and
spiritually significant wahi pana (sacred place) and will help
 advance our people’s understanding of the deep connection of
 our entire paeʻaina (archipelago)," said Kamana`opon Crabb,
OHA's CEO. Photo from UNESCO

     Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest, contiguous, fully protected conservation area in the U.S. and encompasses 583,000 square miles of ocean waters, including ten islands and atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Papahānaumokuākea is rich in history and cultural significance. In 2010, UNESCO inscribed the area as the nation’s first mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. The Big Island hosts a Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument visitor center in Hilo.

      The refuge is managed by a partnership of co-trustee agencies: the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Interior Department's Fish & Wildlife Service; the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. OHA has been one of seven collaborating agencies for Papahānaumokuākea, including NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Fisheries Service; the Fish & Wildlife Service’s Ecological Services & Refuges, and the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources & Forestry and Wildlife. 

     Said the Governor, “Honoring, respecting and perpetuating the Native Hawaiian culture and sustainability are among my administration’s top priorities. OHA has participated in the decision making process since the monument was first designated by President Bush more than ten years ago, and previously, when the area was managed as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. The monument is world renowned for both its natural and cultural attributes and OHA’s co-trustee role will ensure the protection of Native Hawaiian cultural features and provide a critical cultural sensitivity to every decision that is made to protect this unique place.”
     DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We fully support and embrace OHA as a co-trustee of the monument. It is impossible to separate decisions about nature from cultural considerations. OHA’s elevated voice and input will inform management actions on a broad scale.” 

     U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said: "Over the past ten years, we have forged a strong partnership with the State of Hawai‘i and we look forward to collaborating with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on our continued efforts to preserve this unique environment."

"Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is of great cultural significance to the Native Hawaiian community and houses important marine ecosystems that the Department of Commerce is committed to protecting for future generations," said Dept. of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. Photo from UNESCO

     U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said, “The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most diverse and threatened ecosystems on the planet and a sacred place for the Native Hawaiian community. By including OHA as a co-trustee for Papahānaumokuākea, we are highlighting not only the protection of natural treasures like the pristine coral reefs and deep sea marine habitats, but also the significant cultural and historic resources of the area that will be preserved for current and future generations.”
     OHA Chair Rowena Akana said, “We thank President Barack Obama and our partners and supporters for making this a reality. Since our community’s first involvement in the management of these kūpuna island more than a decade ago, the goal has been to get Native Hawaiians a seat at the decision-making table. We understand the challenges ahead and are firmly committed to fulfilling our kuleana to this place and our beneficiaries.” 

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most diverse and
threatened ecosystems on the planet and a sacred place for the Native Hawaiian
 community," said Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell. Photo from UNESCO

     Kamana`opono Crabbe, OHA’s chief executive officer, said: “This historic action rightfully places the Native Hawaiian voice at the highest levels of decision making for this culturally and spiritually significant wahi pana (sacred place) and will help advance our people’s understanding of the deep connection of our entire paeʻaina (archipelago). We look forward to serving in our new role, in partnership with our co-trustees, to develop and implement a resource management structure that integrates the best of conventional science and traditional practices. We hope that Papahānaumokuākea will demonstrate to the world that integrating science and indigenous knowledge is the best management model to sustain our fragile global environment.”
     OHA is a constitutionally established body, set as a separate state entity independent of the executive branch of the State of Hawai‘i. Its primary responsibility is representing the interests of the Native Hawaiian community, including in the monument, through the perpetuation of Hawaiian cultural resources. This includes the customary and traditional rights and practices of Native Hawaiians that are exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes under the Hawai‘i Constitution.
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HOSPITALS, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES AND NONPROFITS are bracing for changes in health care delivery as the new Congress and President-elect Donald Trump and his team proceed with their attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. According to a news release today from the Democration Party:

Sen. Mazie Hirono posted a Make America Sick Again
poster on her Facebook page.

     "Late last night, at around 1 a.m. ET, Senate Republicans voted to move forward with repealing the Affordable Care Act with no plan to replace it. They also blocked Democratic attempts to protect important provisions like ensuring coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and letting young people stay on their parents' insurance."
     Sen Mazie Hirono said that Medicare and Medicaid are also involved: "Last night, Senate Republicans voted to deprive 30 million people of health care to #MakeAmeriocaSickAgain.  Going against protocol, which allows for saying only "yes" or "no" during the roll call vote, Hirono stated: "On behalf of the 200,000 Hawai`i seniors who depend on Medicare, I voted no."
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A VOTE AGAINST SEN. JEFF SESSION'S bid to become U.S. Attorney General is what Sen. Mazie Hirono plans. Hirono, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said today: “Over the past two months, I’ve heard from hundreds of my constituents and a number of prominent civil rights organizations – including a number who testified yesterday – on this issue. I will vote against the nomination of Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General because I am deeply concerned about how he would use his prosecutorial discretion to uphold voting rights, protect civil rights, and protect a woman’s right to choose.

   "I’ve served with Jeff Sessions throughout my time in the Senate and respect him as a colleague. But I have deep concerns about how Sen. Sessions would use his prosecutorial discretion as Attorney General to address a number of critical issues. During his confirmation hearing, I pressed Sen. Sessions for a commitment to vigorously protect every citizen’s right to vote, particularly with regard to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act – which safeguards Americans from discriminatory voting laws.He did not give me a satisfactory answer that he would scrutinize voting laws for discriminatory effect.
     "I also asked Sen. Sessions whether he would honor the Department of Justice’s consent decrees that address police misconduct and enhance accountability. Sen. Sessions did not adequately assure me that his Department would uphold these agreements without revisiting or renegotiating these agreements.
     "I pressed Sen. Sessions for a commitment to defend Roe v. Wade in federal court and to enforce laws that guarantee the constitutionally-protected right to choose. Senator Sessions did not disavow his past comments that Roe v. Wade was one of the worst Supreme Court cases ever decided. Should the Supreme Court be presented with a case that provides them the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade, I asked him what he would direct his Solicitor General to do. He said this was hypothetical and didn’t respond."

A header gets a goal for Kyle Calumpit. Photo by Pam Taylor

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KA`U HIGH TROJANS CONTINUE TO WIN IN SOCCER, taking Pahoa on its home turf on Tuesday. Final score was Ka`u 2 and Pahoa nothing. Kyle Calumpit socred the first point during the second half with a header and Trevor Taylor scored the second goal for Ka`u with just under eight minutes remaining in the game. Trojan goalie Ryan Ah Yee earns the shut out accolade.
     Head Coach is Crystalee Mandaguit.

     

Trevor Taylor scored the second and final goal when
Ka`u beat Pahoa on Tuesday. Photo by Pam Taylor

ART LOVERS AND GARDEN ENTHUSIASTS will come together for the first annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, it will be held on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
     The main feature is a juried art exhibit of local art on the theme Celebrate Lili’uokalani - The Queen and her legacy."There will be other Art exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, and pupus at five venues on Banyan Drive.
     It has attracted more than 70 works of art in several media and 90 photographic images for a calendar competition, many of which will be displayed at four locations on Banyan Drive.
      This year 2017 marks the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of construction on the famed Japanese gardens, named for Queen Lili`uokalani, who gifted the first five. Today the gardens cover about 25 acres.
      “This is the first event of 2017, kicking off a three-year centennial celebration,” said Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens President K.T. Cannon-Eger. “Construction began on the gardens in the fall of 1917, continued through 1918, and the
gardens were opened to the public in 1919.”
      The event is free and open to the public. It includes plein air painting and gyotaku (fish printing) demonstrations, live entertainment and exhibits of 85 works by local artists. Most of the art will be available for sale. It will be held in several venues in and near Lili`uokalani Gardens. Complimentary art stroll maps are available at Banyan Gallery, 71 Banyan Drive.

      “We really appreciate the time, effort, and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll committee. “The great number of entries challenged the jurors of both the Banyan Drive Art Stroll and photographers’ calendar contest.”
      Art works created by Christine Ahia, Vivian Ursula Bratton, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Ken Charon, Faith Cloud, Alaina deHavillan, Yumi Doi, Bill Eger, Mary Goodrich, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Christa Kadarvsman, Alan Lakritz, Marilyn Montgomery, Valentina Montoya, Patti Pease-Johnson, Jeffrey Pietrzak, Diane Renchler, Kornelius Schorle, Sunny Seal-LaPlante, Sakiko Shinkai, Diane Thornton, Robert Weiss, and William Wingert  gardens were opened to the public in 1919.”

   The event is free and open to the public. It includes plein air painting and gyotaku (fish printing) demonstrations, live entertainment and exhibits of 85 works by local artists. Most of the art will be available for sale. It will be held in several venues in and near Lili`uokalani Gardens. Complimentary art stroll maps are available at Banyan Gallery, 71 Banyan Drive.
      “We really appreciate the time, effort, and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll committee. “The great number of entries challenged the jurors of both the Banyan Drive Art Stroll and photographers’ calendar contest.”
      Art works created by Christine Ahia, Vivian Ursula Bratton, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Ken Charon, Faith Cloud, Alaina deHavillan, Yumi Doi, Bill Eger, Mary Goodrich, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Christa Kadarvsman, Alan Lakritz, Marilyn Montgomery, Valentina Montoya, Patti Pease-Johnson, Jeffrey Pietrzak, Diane Renchler, Kornelius Schorle, Sunny Seal-LaPlante, Sakiko Shinkai, Diane Thornton, Robert Weiss, and William Wingert  

will be displayed in the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at 93 Banyan Drive. Members of the public are invited to vote for one of these art works. The piece that attracts the most votes will win the “People’s Choice Award”.
     Art by Rose Adare, Alan Fine, Carol Froysland, Peter Heineman, Vijay Karai, Kristen Luning, Maria Macias, Peggy McKinsey, Sakiko Shinkai, and William Wingert will be displayed in the Wai `Oli Lounge at Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 71 Banyan Drive.
    Photographs by Paul Miyasaki, K.T. Cannon Eger, Kornelius Schorle, Steve Godzsak, Alan Lakritz, Kenneth Jackson, Toby Hazel, Debra L Newbery, Steve Pollard, Alan Lakritz, Kenneth Jackson, Valerie A. Victorine and Vernon L. Enriques will be displayed at the Banyan Gallery at 71 Banyan Drive.
      For further information on this and other events scheduled to celebrate the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens, contact K.T. Cannon-Eger of Friends of Lili’uokalani Gardens at kteger@hawaii.rr.com or telephone (808) 895-8130.

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THE NEW TELEHEALTH KIOSK FOR KA`U WILL BE UNVEILED FRIDAY, Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc.'s buiilding in Pahala. The public is invited to check out telemedicine available at the Ka`u Resource and Distance Learning Center at 96-3126 Pauhala Street. The kiosk is cosponsored by HMSA, KRHCAI and American Well.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. - 11. a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU hike, Saturday, Jan. 14 hike from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.