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| This blue fish bin was studied for radiation and invasive species. It floated to Hawai`i after the Japan tsunami. Photos from University of Hawai`i |
KA LAE BEACHES are expected to receive some of the heaviest concentrations of debris from the March 11, 2011 Japan tsunami. Some of the highest concentrations of plastics, fishing nets and other items drifting onto Hawaiian island shores land at Kamilo and other Ka Lae beaches through prevailing winds and currents throughout the year. The tsunami flotsam has reached the currents and could be blown ashore. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and government agencies have said they will help with the cleanup.
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| The fish bin came from Y.K. Suisan in Japan, picking up sea life as it drifted to Hawaiian waters. |
The state Department of Land & Natural Resources released a statement Friday saying it is working with stakeholders to assess and monitor the movement of Japan tsunami marine debris. “The Japan Ministry of the Environment estimates that five million tons of debris washed into the ocean (not the 25 million tons according to initial estimates). They further estimated that 70 percent of debris sank near the coast of Japan soon after the tsunami.” The DLNR reports that models and estimates completed by NOAA and the University of Hawai`i reveal that some high-floating debris may have passed near or washed ashore on the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as early as this summer. During the summer, debris was found along the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska southward to California.
“Because most tsunami debris was washed out to sea before the release of radioactive materials from the power plant and because of its extended exposure to the elements, it is highly unlikely that the debris would be contaminated.
“Because most tsunami debris was washed out to sea before the release of radioactive materials from the power plant and because of its extended exposure to the elements, it is highly unlikely that the debris would be contaminated.
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| Capt. Charles Moore looks for debris in Hawaiian waters. Photo from Algalita Marine Research Institute |
“Even though the likelihood of discovering radioactive contamination on marine debris is low, the state Department of Health has been conducting shoreline surveillance since April 2011 in order to establish normal background radiation levels around the islands. The state Department of Health continues to conduct quarterly shoreline environmental surveys on O`ahu, Maui, Kaua`i, and the Hawai`i Island. Results of the surveys performed displays consistency with normal background radiation levels. Additionally, the state Department of Health has partnered with NOAA to perform shoreline and debris monitoring on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Anyone finding debris is urged to send a photo and detailed description, date found, location and finder’s contact information to dlnr@hawaii.gov.”
The DLNR is also looking for a missing dock believed to have drifted from the coast of Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. It has been spotted in Hawaiian waters. The dock is a hazard to navigation, and DLNR warns boaters, fishermen and pilots to report any sightings and, if possible, provide a GPS description. Call 587-0400.
The first confirmed piece of tsunami debris was a floating blue fish bin that was tested for radiation and invasive species, and found no threats to Hawai`i. For more on the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund cleanup efforts see www.wildhawaii.org.
SEN. DAN INOUYE is objecting to a Linda Lingle campaign ad for the U.S. Senate race that indicates Lingle, a Republican, would partner with Inouye, a senior Democrat, to benefit Hawai`i. The video, released on Friday, features retired Hawai`i National Guard Gen. Robert F. Lee, who praised Inouye and said that he and Lingle could work together. In a statement, Inouye fired back stating: “I am not supporting Linda Lingle’s Senate candidacy, and I would ask Gen. Lee to stop using this misleading ad.” Inouye stated that if Lee or Lingle had talked with him about the ad, “I would have objected because it is grossly misleading and suggests a relationship that has never existed…. After watching the ad, I would like to state that I am Daniel K. Inouye, and I do not approve that message.”
Anyone finding debris is urged to send a photo and detailed description, date found, location and finder’s contact information to dlnr@hawaii.gov.”
The DLNR is also looking for a missing dock believed to have drifted from the coast of Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. It has been spotted in Hawaiian waters. The dock is a hazard to navigation, and DLNR warns boaters, fishermen and pilots to report any sightings and, if possible, provide a GPS description. Call 587-0400.
The first confirmed piece of tsunami debris was a floating blue fish bin that was tested for radiation and invasive species, and found no threats to Hawai`i. For more on the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund cleanup efforts see www.wildhawaii.org.
SEN. DAN INOUYE is objecting to a Linda Lingle campaign ad for the U.S. Senate race that indicates Lingle, a Republican, would partner with Inouye, a senior Democrat, to benefit Hawai`i. The video, released on Friday, features retired Hawai`i National Guard Gen. Robert F. Lee, who praised Inouye and said that he and Lingle could work together. In a statement, Inouye fired back stating: “I am not supporting Linda Lingle’s Senate candidacy, and I would ask Gen. Lee to stop using this misleading ad.” Inouye stated that if Lee or Lingle had talked with him about the ad, “I would have objected because it is grossly misleading and suggests a relationship that has never existed…. After watching the ad, I would like to state that I am Daniel K. Inouye, and I do not approve that message.”
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| Newly completed rock walls will protect Kahuku Park users from a 12-foot cliff. Photo from Robin Lamson |
A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View is in progress. Friends of Kahuku Park was able to hire Frank Choy of Big Island Rock to construct two four-foot by 80-foot rock walls in a terrace to protect park visitors from a dangerous 12-foot cliff below Kahuku Park’s basketball court. A six-foot fence will be placed on top of the upper wall to complete the project. “None of this would have been possible without an anonymous donor and additional funding from the Edmund C. Olson Trust,” said Robin Lamson, chairman of Friends of Kahuku Park.
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| CU Hawai`i in Na`alehu is the site of Chamber of Commerce's art show. |
THE BEAUTY OF KA`U, Ka`u Chamber Of Commerce’s art show and contest for The Directory 2013, is open to the public tomorrow through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Each day during the show, the public may sign in and receive a ballot to vote for their favorite exhibit. The adult winner of the popular vote will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2013, and all first-prize winners will appear inside with appropriate credit given. Each category will be rewarded with first, second and third prize ribbons, and, if appropriate, as many as two honorable mentions.
A reception to view all the winners and greet the artists will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with light refreshments at CU Hawai`i credit union.
A reception to view all the winners and greet the artists will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with light refreshments at CU Hawai`i credit union.
GROUNBREAKING FOR THE KA`U DISTRICT GYM & SHELTER is Wednesday at 9 a.m. The public is invited to join Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Sen. Gil Kahele, Rep. Bob Herkes, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Councilmember Brittany Smart, county Department of Parks & Recreation chief Bob Fitzgerald and Public Works chief Warren Lee at the event. Also onsite will be contractor Summit Construction, Inc. president Jack Parker, project superintendent Kenneth Petrisko, project manager Melvin Inouye and project engineer Rex Tajiri. Also attending is Aaron Fujii, of design and engineering company Mitsunaga & Associates. Superintendent of Schools for Ka`u, Kea`au and Pahoa, Mary Correa, also plans to attend, along with representatives of Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, including Principal Sharon Beck.
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| Have Lunch with a Ranger at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. |
THE ANNUAL INTERFAITH SERVICE FOR KA`U, coordinated by priests, pastors, ministers and other spiritual leaders in the district, will be held a week from today on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. All faiths are invited. The theme is Oneness of Mankind. There will be music and singing from various religious traditions, hula, drums, chanting and prayers.
A potluck will follow the service. “We are starting Thanksgiving early, being grateful for living on this beautiful island,” said Marge Elwell, one of the organizers. For more information, call 929-7236 or email marge@hawaii.rr.com.
A NEW FREE PROGRAM AT KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park invites the public to bring bag lunches and learn about subjects related to Kahuku. Rangers choose varied topics ranging from land management and conservation issues to environmental and cultural history and guide an open discussion with visitors at 12 p.m. on next Sunday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 20. Check the Activities Boards at the Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area for the day’s Lunch with a Ranger topic and location.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.