 |
| Richard Ha, known for his development of the banana and tomato business, is a supporter of TMT, joining a group along the highway in Hilo who want to see the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Photo from Big Island Video News |
NEGOTIATIONS AT THE MAUNA KEA ACCESS ROAD lasted all day between law enforcement officials accompanying those seeking to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope and those opposing the project. Eight persons, opposing TMT, strapped themselves with chains and pipes to a cattle guard that crosses Mauna Kea Access Road about an eighth of a mile above Daniel K. Inouye Highway - the Saddle Road. They left after lying there for 12 hours, surrounded by supporters of their cause to protect Mauna Kea as "a sacred site." Their presence made it impossible for the state Department of Transportation to complete setting up barrier walls and check points along the access road and for contractors to begin movement of construction materials and crews toward the summit. July 15 was the official start of the $4.2 billion project to build the most powerful telescope on the planet.
Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, tied to the cattle guard, told Big Island Video News, "We know this land belongs to us. If we are going to live on as people, we have to demand our humanity – we can no longer be dehumanized by those who refuse to accept that we all should be treated equally in this world. Where else can Hawaiians be Hawaiians – where else are Hawaiians going to have our sacred land?"
As evening fell, a group of protesters, calling themselves Protectors of Mauna Kea, created a human wall across the access road. Among the kupuna, the elders in the group, was Noe Noe Wong Wilson, who said, "There is no more desecration of this mauna as long as we are standing."
Law enforcement officials held numerous meetings with activist leaders during the day and decided to refrain from arresting people for blocking the road and lying across the cattle guard.
 |
| Protesters against the Thirty Meter Telescope at the access road to Mauna Kea's summit. Photo from Big Island Video News |
 |
| At the refuge, Puʻuhonua o Puʻu Huluhulu, near the entrance to Mauna Kea's access road. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Law enforcement officials held numerous meetings with activist leaders during the day and decided to refrain from arresting people for blocking the road and lying across the cattle guard.
Both law enforcement and activist representatives described the day as peaceful and vowed to avoid violence. Those gathering at the intersection of the Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road carried numerous signs, one saying "Road Closed Due to Desecration." Numerous people camped in the area last weekend when they held a ceremony to establish Puʻuhonua o Puʻu Huluhulu, a consecrated
refuge. Public officials said they would allow people to continue to gather there.
Supporters of TMT held signs in Hilo today saying IMUA TMT and Support Culture and Science, Yes TMT. They noted that TMT promises 140 permanent jobs and 300 construction jobs during the decade-long building of the telescope facility. They also pointed to the state receiving $1 million a year for the lease of the Mauna Kea property to the TMT group and the annual TMT budget of $26 million that would help fuel the local economy.
 |
| Walter Ritte, Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, and six others chained themselves to a cattle grate on Mauna Kea's access road today. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Some astronomers already assigned to telescopes on Mauna Kea are opting to work remotely during the standoff with opponents of the project. Big Island Video News
interviewed astronomer Thayne Currie, who scheduled telescope time for this
week, but will work remotely "largely due to
safety."
Said Currie,
"Every possible issue that you could think of raising has been raised,"
about TMT and opposition to its construction. "I think the community at
large is just tired. They're like, look, let's move on. Let's have the
telescope.
 |
| Daniel K. Inouye Road was lined with signs at the Mauna Kea Access Road as builders of the Thirty Meter Telescope attempted to stage the area for delivery of materials and workers. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"We
understand that law enforcement has a difficult job to do and this is a
complicated situation. We don't want to interfere. We want to minimize the
level of which we possibly complicate this situation as much as possible."
 |
| Blocking the road up to Mauna Kea's summit today, making transport of equipment to start building the TMT project impossible. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Motorists are urged to exercise caution
near the Mauna Kea Access Road on Daniel K. Inouye
Highway – the Saddle Road .
The state Department of Transportation stationed trucks with flashing lights on
the shoulders of the highway a half-mile out from the intersection in both
directions. "Please slow down to a reasonable speed and be prepared to
stop for pedestrians in the roadway," warned DOT in a public statement.
Mauna Kea Access Road, including its shoulders, are closed to all traffic until further notice, announced the state Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
Mauna Kea Access Road, including its shoulders, are closed to all traffic until further notice, announced the state Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
 |
| A festival-like appearance belies the serious mindset of protesters of TMT. Photo from Big Island Video News |
The statement said the "main
mission of the Hawaiʻi Police Department, which is present at the Access Road,
is to keep the people safe and to maintain a safe flow of traffic on the Daniel
K. Inouye Highway ."
Said Mayor Harry Kim, "We want
to keep this as peaceful as possible, and the Hawaiʻi Police Department is
asking for your help to keep the Saddle Road
open and safe for everybody. We are all ʻohana of this Island
community."
 |
| A small ʻahu, shrine, on Mauna Kea replaced ones that were removed by the state last month. Photo from Big Island Video News |
LEADERSHIP IN AN AGE OF POLITICAL CONFLICT is the title of the Daniel K. Inouye Distinguished Lecture, live streamed from the Coolidge Auditorium in the Library of Congress on Tuesday, July 16,
Lawmakers from Hawaiʻi are expected to weigh in. U.S. Rep. Scot Matayoshi, a Democrat, said, "Our country is terribly divided right now and part of that is due to people not talking to those with differing viewpoints. Having friends across the aisle helps us to see that we agree on a lot of the end goals, even if we disagree about how to get there. As young leaders, we need to find a way to refocus on the goals and not waste time vilifying the opposition."
 |
The late Sen. Dan Inouye at a Hilo Bandstand rally
in 2010. Photo
by Julia Neal
|
U.S. Rep. Val Okimoto, a Republican,
said, "As a member of the minority party in a blue state, it is important
to have the voice of the people heard. There are issues we agree and disagree
on, but respectful dialogue with aloha is necessary to effectively serve and
represent the people of Hawai‘i who may have differing points of view and
opinions."
Hosted by the
Library's John W.
Kluge Center
The conversation
will be live-tweeted by both the Kluge
Center 6 p.m. , July 28
at 10 p.m. , July 29 at 2 p.m. , and July 30 at 8 a.m. It will also be archived at olelo.org.
The lecture
series is made possible through a donation from the Daniel K. Inouye Institute.
The full lectures can be found on the Library of Congress website, and more
information can be found at dkii.org/lectures.
The Daniel K.
Inouye Institute was established in 2013 and has been working to preserve the late
Senator's papers in collaboration with the University of Hawai‘i and the
Library of Congress; support civic engagement, community connections, and
cross-cultural exchanges; and is focused on establishing a School of Public
Policy and Government at the University of Hawai‘i. To learn more about the
Inouye Institute and Senator Inouye, visit dkii.org.
The Kluge
Center
 |
Karl Rove, Ann Compton, and David Axelrod.
Photo from Library of Congress
|
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HFD, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Navy conducted the search.
THE BODY OF THE SWIMMER who disappeared Saturday from Green
Sands Beach
The man, in his 20s, was reported missing around 6 p.m. on Saturday, while swimming off Green Sands in Māhana
Bay Kaulana Bay, discovered
 |
four known in the world, exists in a delicate balance of erosion from natural and human influences. A young man lost his life while swimming from the beach on Saturday. DHHL photo |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HIGH SURF ADVISORY for south facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island is issued through Tuesday morning. The High Surf Warning is cancelled. The National Weather Service said, "Even though the threat is reduced, coastal waters remain dangerous." A High Surf Advisory means higher than normal surf, shore break, and dangerous currents could cause injury or death. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
HIGH SURF ADVISORY for south facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island is issued through Tuesday morning. The High Surf Warning is cancelled. The National Weather Service said, "Even though the threat is reduced, coastal waters remain dangerous." A High Surf Advisory means higher than normal surf, shore break, and dangerous currents could cause injury or death. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.
NSW said beach-goers,
swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials
and exercise caution when near or entering the water. Beaches may be closed
without notice.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
|
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 16
The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, July 16, 4-7p.m, Volcano Art Center.
$30/VAC member, $35/non-member, $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, July 17, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Learn About Water Law and how to advocate for water at a Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries meeting at Pāhala Community Center 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ka Huli Alo will provide a brief overview of Hawaiʻi legal framework governing water resource management. It will be followed by a discussion on "how homestead communities can advocate for pono, righteous, use and protection of wai, water," says the announcement.
The session is free and open to all DHHL beneficiaries. RSVP by Sunday, July 14 to Tereariʻi at 808-956-4025 or nhlawctr@hawaii.edu. Include community name in RSVP. Dinner and refreshments are provided for those who RSVP.
Hawai‘i State Little League Tournament, Friday through Tuesday, July 19-23, first game at 11:30a.m., second game at 2:30p.m. Nā‘ālehu Community Center Ball Field, Hwy 11. Winners go to regionals. Concessions available. No admission charged. Josh Crook, 345-0511
Taiko Drumming Presentation by Kenny Endo, Friday, July 19, 1:30-2:15p.m, Pāhala Public & School Library. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. Free. Carol Dodd, 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Taiko Drumming Presentation by Kenny Endo, Friday, July 19, 1:30-2:15p.m, Pāhala Public & School Library. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. Free. Carol Dodd, 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Free Haircuts, Saturday, July 20, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Kady and Drew Foster. Sign-up sheet on church bulletin board. stjudeshawaii.org
Giving Tree, Saturday, July 20, lower parking lot, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Free clothing and self care items. stjudeshawaii.org
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Data Survey and Clean-up at Kamilo, Saturday, July 20. Free; donations appreciated. Full - waitlist only. RSVP required. 769-7629, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Beginner & Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Loke Kamanu & ‘Ohana, Saturday, July 20, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Sounds at the Summit, Desiree Moana Cruz & the Bill Nobel Quintet performance, Saturday, July 20, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Be-bop, swing, bosanova, salsa, and smooth-jazz-funk. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets available for purchase online. Beer, wine, and pupu available for purchase at event. volcanoartcenter.org
ONGOING
Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org
Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
