Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 8, 2011

Archaeological sites could be at risk, according to opponents of a bill to streamline development permits.

A NEW MODEL that would allow some public students to study online will be tried out first on O`ahu but could be a solution for students who live in isolated places with long bus rides to school here on the Big Island. The online solution is being tried out at Kapolei Middle School. Next year up to 15 students in seventh and eighth grades will be allowed to enroll in the online academy. This year 11 eighth-graders tried the program, but only four remain since some students needed the socialization with other young people and others found it hard to discipline themselves to study alone. Such places as Miloli`i, where high-schoolers have to catch a bus before dawn, could be one of the places where online classes could be held, perhaps in a community classroom in the village with a tutor. 

THE CIVIL UNION BILL, which passed the state Senate, goes to public hearing today before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. It would grant some of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples without authorizing marriage itself. A similar bill passed the legislature last year but was vetoed by Governor Linda Lingle.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS, HISTORIANS AND HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS have been testifying at the state capitol cautioning legislators from being too quick in streamlining development permit processing at the cost of damage to historic and archaeological sites. Senate Bill 762 would authorize counties to contract with a third-party reviewer to streamline construction permits, licenses and other application processing. It would allow applications to be automatically approved if the state historic preservation division fails to review and comment within 60 days, and after 30 days if agencies fail to establish maximum time periods for permit and other application processing.

Historic buildings from the multi-ethnic culture of Hawai`i attract visitors, say opponents of a bill to
streamline development approvals.

     The majority of testimony presented opposed the measure, saying that the agencies should be better staffed to give them time for careful review. “If government is broken, we should fix it. We shouldn’t just turn agencies into rubber stamps for development,” wrote E. Dunbar. “Agencies shouldn’t just respond to developer applications. They should also consider the public’s concerns and natural resource needs. Automatic permit approvals tilt the balance too far in favor of development,” said Dunbar.
     Julie and Tom Pasquale, of Na`alehu, wrote opposition to the bill. “Automatic approval is bad policy and is not in the best interest of your constituents,” they testified.
     Mary Miho Hinley, Housing Coordinator for the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council, testified that “having worthy old buildings and sites is good for keiki and tourism. The growth sector of tourism is not flocking to concrete megaresorts. The growing sector is looking for authenticity. That is historic, cultural stuff and interaction one-on-one with real Hawai`i residents. Wiping out records of our past for parties with the biggest pocketbook is very poor planning,” she said.
     Dr. Kehaunani Abad testified that a far better solution would be to fund the State Historical Preservation Division. “Historic sites are vital resources that provide a strong cultural foundation for the many ethnic groups living in Hawai`i and offer visitors a rich cultural experience that distinguishes Hawai`i from other scenic destinations worldwide,” testified Abad. 

     Also opposing the bill is the Hawai`i Government Employees Association, which is concerned with contracting out too many state and county union jobs.
     The Land Use Research Foundation, comprised of developers, large landowners and Hawaiian Electric, supported the bill to allow automatic approval of permits if agencies can’t meet their review deadlines. So did the Hawai`i Laborers’ Union.
     William Aila, the new chair of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, opposed the bill, as does the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which quoted the state constitution: “For the benefit of present and future generations, the State and its political subdivisions shall conserve and protect Hawai`i’s natural beauty and all natural resources, including land, water, air minerals and energy sources, and shall promote the development and utilization of these resources in a manner consistent with their conservation and in furtherance of the self-sufficiency of the State,” wrote Aila.
     A House Committee will take up the issue again this Friday at the legislature.

SUMI-E JAPANESE BRUSH PAINTING will be taught today at 1 p.m. at Pahala Hongwanji.

     

John Keawe
      

 JOHN KEAWE performs tonight at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i  Volcanoes National Park, during After Dark in the Park. The famed slack key player,   composer and singer is accompanied by hula interpretations by his wife Hope Keawe.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Seats are limited.

A PROGRAM COVERING Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s confirmation ceremony at Pahala Plantation House in December airs tonight at 9 p.m. on Channel 54. The program is scheduled to air every Tuesday this month at 9 p.m. and every Saturday at  10:30 p.m. It was filmed by Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a, general manager of KAHU-FM  91.7, Ka`u’s Community Radio station.