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| Sen. Dan Inouye, U.S. Mint Denver Plant Manager David Croft and Hawai`i Volcanoes Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando roll out the new quarters from ipu. Photo by Jay Robinson, National Park Service |
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HFS Federal Credit Union exchanged about
$35,000 in cash for rolls of the new
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park quarters.
Photo by Jay Robinson, National Park Service |
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The new Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
quarter on the ceremonial imu platter.
Photo by Jay Robinson, National Park Service
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The ceremonial circulation began as Hawai`i Volcanoes Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando, Sen. Daniel Inouye and U.S. Mint Denver manager David Croft poured $500 in quarters from two calabashes onto a koa platter. The U.S. Mint plans to print 64 million of the Volcano quarters at its Denver and Philadelphia coin making plants. Yesterday, HFS Federal Credit Union exchanged $35,000 in quarters for cash brought to the celebration by collectors. The credit union plans to offer the quarters at all branches starting today until they run out.
Inouye called the legendary volcano goddess Madame Pele “our mother,” and said, “This is where Hawai`i was born.” He told the large crowd the quarter will help the world know more about Hawai`i and the volcano.
Inouye called the legendary volcano goddess Madame Pele “our mother,” and said, “This is where Hawai`i was born.” He told the large crowd the quarter will help the world know more about Hawai`i and the volcano.
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United States Mint Denver Plant Manager David Croft gives island keiki a free
quarter. Photo by Jay Robinson, National Park Service |
Orlando said: “We are honored to have been selected as the park that represents the State of Hawai`i in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. It’s exciting to think that our quarter will circulate across the nation starting today, and that it will be possible for almost anyone to pull a coin from their pocket and be reminded of such an extraordinary destination and national park. This quarter could inspire more people to visit the Island of Hawai`i, and to visit and support the mission of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This amazing quarter is worth far more than its face value of 25 cents; it is vital to the economic well-being of both our island and state economies. To the national park, and to the state, it is truly priceless.”
She noted that Volcanoes became a national park in 1916 – the same year the National Park Service itself was founded and that Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and an UNESCO World Heritage Site in November of 1987. “How appropriate that our new park quarter, our 25 cent piece, is released the same year we celebrate our 25th anniversary of World Heritage status,” said Orlando.
She noted that Volcanoes became a national park in 1916 – the same year the National Park Service itself was founded and that Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and an UNESCO World Heritage Site in November of 1987. “How appropriate that our new park quarter, our 25 cent piece, is released the same year we celebrate our 25th anniversary of World Heritage status,” said Orlando.
HOW BIG SHOULD AGRI-TOURISM BE? This is a discussion before the County Council as it completes rulemaking for agri-tourism businesses on agriculturally zoned lands. New rules were already passed by both county Planning Commissions.
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| Under new rules, small farms could host visitors to learn about Hawaiian agriculture. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
The legislation before the council would allow minor agri-tourism businesses that annually accommodate fewer than 15,000 visitors and a weekly maximum of 350 visitors, who would be limited to arriving to the site by vehicles with 15 passengers or less. A major agri-tourism business would be allowed annually to host no more than 30,000 visitors and tour buses would be allowed.
Once the rules are in place, they will go into effect immediately. Agri-tourism businesses on ag zoned land will be required to submit a plan for approval, which will be reviewed within 30 days by the county Planning Department.
Once the rules are in place, they will go into effect immediately. Agri-tourism businesses on ag zoned land will be required to submit a plan for approval, which will be reviewed within 30 days by the county Planning Department.
LEASING OUT STATE LANDS for businesses and development has drawn mostly criticism at public meetings around the state in recent weeks. According to a Sophie Cocke story in Civil Beat this morning, some testifiers are asking for the new Public Land Development Corporation law to allow more aggressive development of state lands be overturned by the 2013 legislature.
At last night’s meeting in Honolulu, several dozen opponents belonging to the Unite Here, Local 5 hotel workers union, carried signs saying “Public Land, Public Input, Don’t Sell Off Our `Aina.” Its treasurer, Eric Gill, said, “It’s not about the rules, it’s about the legislation itself. This PLDC issue brought the union and environmentalists together because we all fear that the government is giving too much power and too much influence to banks and developer and not us,” Civil Beat reported.
Civil Beat also reported on former Board of Land and Natural Resources chair Laura Theilen saying the new program will run counter to the Department of Land & Natural Resources mission to protect public lands and opened “the door for sweetheart deals that may generate revenue, but not for the DLNR.”
Those testifying about the rules for the new PLDC included Robert Harris, Sierra Club Executive Director, who contended that proposed PLCC rules lacked sufficient environmental controls, Civil Beat reported.
Civil Beat also reported on former Board of Land and Natural Resources chair Laura Theilen saying the new program will run counter to the Department of Land & Natural Resources mission to protect public lands and opened “the door for sweetheart deals that may generate revenue, but not for the DLNR.”
Those testifying about the rules for the new PLDC included Robert Harris, Sierra Club Executive Director, who contended that proposed PLCC rules lacked sufficient environmental controls, Civil Beat reported.
Mililani Trask, a native Hawaiian and attorney on a proposal for a geothermal project that could involve state lands, says she could work with the PLDC, but not for “the state practice of allowing private sector and foreign companies to develop our resources.”
Supporting the PLDC was the General Contractors Association and the developers group Land Use Research Foundation. See more at www.civilbeat.com.
Supporting the PLDC was the General Contractors Association and the developers group Land Use Research Foundation. See more at www.civilbeat.com.
KA`U COMMUNITY MEMBERS and others from Hawai`i Island are encouraged to join the Big Island Community Coalition. The organization states their top priority as making "Big Island electricity rates the lowest in the state by emphasizing the use of local resources.” Michelle Galimba, a member of the organizations steering committee, says "Our island community needs a voice in talking about our energy future with HECO/HELCO. The more names we have together the stronger the voice." To join or for more information, visit bigislandcommunitycoalition.com.
ACE HARDWARE IN NA`ALEHU is hosting local farmers and merchants again, some of whom have split from the Ka`u Farmers' Market to continue selling at their former location. The vendors at Ace include Hester's Farm (Wednesdays only, from 7 a.m. to noon) with a wide variety of locally grown vegetables; Island Valley Delights with locally made jams, jellies and breads; LeiMona with handmade body creams and soaps; and Pacific Quest with a selection of organic locally grown fruits and vegetables. These vendors and others now operate under the name Na`alehu Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join the market email richwitt1@hotmail.com.
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| Hester's Farm is again selling their Pahala grown vegetables in front of Ace Hardware on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to noon. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
KA`U FARMERS' MARKET, managed by Na`alehu Main Street, is still operating on the grounds of Shaka's Restaurant & Bar on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For more about the Ka`u Farmers' Market call 339-1032 or 345-9374.
OCEAN VIEW DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the community center.
UPCOMING SPORTS lineup for this Saturday for Ka`u High includes the first home game for the Trojan football team. Trojans play HPA beginning at 6 p.m. Also on Saturday is Volleyball at Kealakehe at 10 a.m.; Cross Country at HPA at 10 a.m.; Air-Rifery at Kamehameha Schools at 10 a.m.; Bowling at Hilo Lanes at 9 a.m. vs. Kea`au and at 1 p.m. vs. Waiakea.
DRAWING BASICS, taught by Kathy Long at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, is held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Long shares techniques to bring depth and life to participants’ drawings. Participation is $60 for the general public and $54 for members - the cost includes supplies and a print from the artist. Pre-registration required. For more, call 967-8222.
DANCING ON THE EARTH is hosted Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Shizuno Nasu teaches creative flow and dance to all levels using warm-up and expressive dance movements based on Hara Tanden chi energy. Advanced registration advised. General admission is $45, members pay $40. For more, call 967-8222 or email julie@volcanoartcenter.org.
OCEAN VIEW DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the community center.
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| Kathy Long teaches a drawing class in Volcano Saturday. Image from Kathy Long |
DRAWING BASICS, taught by Kathy Long at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, is held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Long shares techniques to bring depth and life to participants’ drawings. Participation is $60 for the general public and $54 for members - the cost includes supplies and a print from the artist. Pre-registration required. For more, call 967-8222.
DANCING ON THE EARTH is hosted Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Shizuno Nasu teaches creative flow and dance to all levels using warm-up and expressive dance movements based on Hara Tanden chi energy. Advanced registration advised. General admission is $45, members pay $40. For more, call 967-8222 or email julie@volcanoartcenter.org.
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