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| A monk seal mother and pup bask on the beach. Photo by Judy/Clayton Sweatland from NOAA |
“Given how tremendously busy our members are in the last weeks of school, we will be conducting the vote online rather than requiring members to report to a polling site,” says a statement on HSTA’s facebook page.
The state Attorney General, however, has announced that the agreement has no legal standing. A statement from Gov. Neil Abercrombie points out that, “in February, HSTA submitted a comprehensive proposal, which has not been withdrawn.”
Any members who have not received a mailing by Thursday can contact HSTA at 808-833-2711 with their names, schools and e-mail addresses for further instructions on how to vote. HSTA also has a telephone hotline available for member questions about the reconsideration vote at 329-5075, ext. 212.
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| The public watched and photographed tiny honu`ea in 2009 as they emerged from their nest at Punalu`u and headed for the ocean. Photo by Julia Neal |
FEDERAL MONEY TO HELP MONK SEALS AND TURTLES will come to Hawai`i, according to the offices of Sen. Dan Inouye and Sen. Dan Akaka. The $128,000 grant administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will start up a Marine Protected Species program for Hawaiian Monk Seals, Hawksbill Turtles and Green Sea Turtles. All of them frequent the Ka`u Coast, with its remote shoreline being a major nesting place for the endangered Honu`ea, hawksbill turtle. A major aim of the program is to reduce the number of incidents in which humans bother and harm theses marine animals and to document the disturbance, as a growing number of people are frequenting the coast to fish and have fun.
The work will include developing and delivering public education products and activities. Outreach efforts will be designed to enhance public knowledge of seal-friendly and turtle-friendly ocean recreation and fishing practices. The work will entail direct intervention at popular beaches and fishing areas.
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| Green sea turtle basks as Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa's canoe takes off from Punalu`u Beach. Photo by Julia Neal |
Inouye said, “Protecting the monk seal, the most endangered fin-footed marine mammal in U.S. waters, the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle will require a concerted effort by all who use the ocean.” He said the grant “will continue the process of correcting misinformation about the monk seal while also addressing the challenges facing the green sea and hawksbill turtles. We must be diligent stewards of the ocean, and I am very pleased the administration recognizes the need to invest in the protection of these marine animals.”
Akaka said, “the monk seal and honu are among Hawai`i’s most treasured native species. We must do all we can to protect these important marine animals so that our keiki and future generations can learn from and enjoy them like we do.”
Inouye said that deaths of four monk seals in six month points to a need for intervention and culturally sensitive education and outreach.
Akaka said, “the monk seal and honu are among Hawai`i’s most treasured native species. We must do all we can to protect these important marine animals so that our keiki and future generations can learn from and enjoy them like we do.”
Inouye said that deaths of four monk seals in six month points to a need for intervention and culturally sensitive education and outreach.
NA`ALEHU INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE is accepting entries. The annual event this year will be Saturday, June 30 along Hwy 11. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission and ends at Na`alehu Elementary School. Community groups, local businesses, elected officials and those campaigning are invited to show their patriotism, said organizer Debra McIntosh.
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| Miss Ka`u Coffee 2011, Brandy Shibuya, rides in last year's Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu. This year the parade is on Saturday, June 30. Photo by Julia Neal |
Prizes will be given for most patriotic and most unique entry. Free parking will be available at the Na`alehu park. Call McIntosh at 929-9872 for more information.
After the parade, Na`alehu Assembly of God church will provide free hot dogs, chili, rice, shave ice, games, and a church concert until 3 p.m.
THE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE and celebration in Volcano will be held Wednesday, July 4. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and follows Old Volcano Road to Wright Road, where it turns left and ends at Cooper Center. The celebration continues there with an arts & crafts fair, silent auction, live music and entertainment. Parade registration deadline is June 27.
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| All ages can plant native tree seedlings at a forest restoration project Saturday. Photo from NPS |
KILAUEA VISITOR CENTER AUDITORIUM in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts an Evening of Hula and Hawaiian Music tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu ma Kilauea, under the direction of kumu hula Ab Kawainohoikala`i Valencia, presents this free program. Park entrance fees apply.
A VOLUNTEER FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea summit area near Kilauea Visitor Center. Participants plant native tree seedlings and remove invasive ginger. Volunteers can be any age, and children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. This kid- and family-friendly event is sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Pre-registration is required. Call 985-7373 or email forest@fhvnp.org.
