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| Although Pahoa is experiencing a respite from the June 27 lava flow, Kilauea continues to erupt, with activity at Halema`uma`u and Pu`u O`o. Photo by Peter Anderson |
AT A HEARING OF THE U.S. HOUSE Natural Resources Subcommittee, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard discussed resilience of the Puna community in light of natural disasters hitting the area. “It’s been incredible how the community has risen to the challenge, and it’s really been through the leadership of (county Civil Defense) Chief Darryl Oliveira and Mayor Kenoi, who have really been at the heart of the readiness and preparedness that has occurred.”
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| U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard speaks before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee about challenges facing Puna. |
Gabbard told the committee about Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences students, who, in response to gas emissions causing health problems to area residents, developed air scrubbers to filter vog out of homes.
Gabbard asked Oliveira via videoconferencing about federal assistance that he sees would be helpful to the community’s recovery. Oliveira expressed his gratitude for FEMA’s public assistance program that provides reimbursement to the county for construction of emergency access roads and to the state for relocation of students whose schools may be affected if lava hinders access. “Through the public assistance program we’re optimistic and hopeful that we’ll recover some of those costs and allow the local and state governments to then allocate additional resources to other much needed programs and projects,” Oliveira said.
He also mentioned the continued support of U.S. Geological Survey, the governor’s office and the National Guard. “We have more than adequate resources made available to us to continue to respond to the needs of the community,” Oliveira said.
Gabbard asked Hawai`i state Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito about residents in Puna facing potential nonrenewal of homeowners insurance and how the federal government could help. “Access to homes that may ultimately get cut off is of vital importance,” Ito said. “It would discourage people from abandoning their homes because Loss of Use in most policies only cover two weeks of alternate living expenses.”
Ito discussed the possibility of building a bridge, either pedestrian of vehicular, to allow access for buying groceries, taking care of basic living needs and getting to transportation that could take residents to work.
He also mentioned the continued support of U.S. Geological Survey, the governor’s office and the National Guard. “We have more than adequate resources made available to us to continue to respond to the needs of the community,” Oliveira said.
Gabbard asked Hawai`i state Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito about residents in Puna facing potential nonrenewal of homeowners insurance and how the federal government could help. “Access to homes that may ultimately get cut off is of vital importance,” Ito said. “It would discourage people from abandoning their homes because Loss of Use in most policies only cover two weeks of alternate living expenses.”
Ito discussed the possibility of building a bridge, either pedestrian of vehicular, to allow access for buying groceries, taking care of basic living needs and getting to transportation that could take residents to work.
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| State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito supports a federal natural catastrophe program. |
“We’ve done everything we can within the confines of the law to ensure that the insurance companies continue to renew policies. That’s our biggest concern. A federal natural catastrophe program would help as a backstop.”
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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS report that activity continues upslope of Pahoa, where the June 27 lava flow and associated breakouts have stopped. The scientists suggest that the lava tube feeding the lower part of the flow field may have been abandoned following onset of a large breakout from the tube near Pu`u Kahauale`a, just downslope from Pu`u `O`o.
HAWAI`I COUNTY AGRICULTURE, WATER & Energy Sustainability Committee postponed a bill that would establish provisions for protection of marine life that is harvested with the intent to sell for aquarium use, reported Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawai`i Today. Protections include prohibiting withholding food from aquarium life for more than 24 hours, requiring ample water supply when transporting aquarium life and prohibiting transport of aquarium life in a manner that is likely to cause injury or death.
SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS UNVEILED the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act, legislation that would reduce carbon pollution and generate as much as $2 trillion dollars over ten years. “With this bill we can take control of our economic future,” Schatz said. “This is one of the most straightforward solutions to climate change and has growing support across the ideological spectrum. Republicans in the Congress are going to take some time to warm up to this proposal, but I am confident that they will listen to their consciences and their constituents, and join us on the right side of history.”
The American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act would require polluters to pay a fee for every ton of carbon pollution they emit. The fee would start at $42 per ton in 2015 and increase annually by an inflation-adjusted two percent. The price of the fee follows the Obama Administration’s central estimate of the “social cost of carbon,” the value of the harms caused by carbon pollution including falling agricultural productivity, human health hazards and property damages from flooding.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS report that activity continues upslope of Pahoa, where the June 27 lava flow and associated breakouts have stopped. The scientists suggest that the lava tube feeding the lower part of the flow field may have been abandoned following onset of a large breakout from the tube near Pu`u Kahauale`a, just downslope from Pu`u `O`o.
KAINOA H. KAHELE-BISHOP, OF OCEAN VIEW, will serve up to 20 years in prison for first-degree robbery following an incident on South Point Road in January, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. The Hawai`i Paroling Authority at will set the minimum mandatory term Kahele-Bishop must serve before becoming eligible for parole. Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra also sentenced Kahele-Bishop to concurrenty serve up to five years for first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and five years for second-degree theft, along with paying $747.65 in fees and $958.16 in restitution.
Kahele-Bishop and Trinety Crapser, also of Ocean View, were arrested after Discovery Harbour resident Trudi Grentz alleged that Crapser, wielding a hatchet, attacked her when Crapser tried to start Grentz’s car. Kahele-Bishop removed items from the car and drove off with them.
Kahele-Bishop and Trinety Crapser, also of Ocean View, were arrested after Discovery Harbour resident Trudi Grentz alleged that Crapser, wielding a hatchet, attacked her when Crapser tried to start Grentz’s car. Kahele-Bishop removed items from the car and drove off with them.
Proceedings have been suspended pending a mental health examination for Crapser, who is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, third-degree assault, first-degree attempted unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and second-degree attempted assault.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I COUNTY AGRICULTURE, WATER & Energy Sustainability Committee postponed a bill that would establish provisions for protection of marine life that is harvested with the intent to sell for aquarium use, reported Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawai`i Today. Protections include prohibiting withholding food from aquarium life for more than 24 hours, requiring ample water supply when transporting aquarium life and prohibiting transport of aquarium life in a manner that is likely to cause injury or death.
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| A Hawai`i County Council committee has postponed a proposal that would protect fish harvested for aquariums. Photo from wikipedia |
Any person violating these provisions would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days or both.
According to Cook Lauer, council members said more scientific information is needed and that most said they would, if they could, favor a total ban on commercial aquarium fish collection.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS UNVEILED the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act, legislation that would reduce carbon pollution and generate as much as $2 trillion dollars over ten years. “With this bill we can take control of our economic future,” Schatz said. “This is one of the most straightforward solutions to climate change and has growing support across the ideological spectrum. Republicans in the Congress are going to take some time to warm up to this proposal, but I am confident that they will listen to their consciences and their constituents, and join us on the right side of history.”
The American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act would require polluters to pay a fee for every ton of carbon pollution they emit. The fee would start at $42 per ton in 2015 and increase annually by an inflation-adjusted two percent. The price of the fee follows the Obama Administration’s central estimate of the “social cost of carbon,” the value of the harms caused by carbon pollution including falling agricultural productivity, human health hazards and property damages from flooding.
The fee would be assessed on all coal, oil and natural gas produced in or imported to the U.S. and cover large emitters of non-carbon greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide from non-fossil-fuel sources. The U.S. Department of Treasury would assess and collect the fee, working with the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Information Administration to ensure the best research methods and data are used.
A study from Resources for the Future, a non-partisan think tank, estimates that a carbon fee tracking the social cost of carbon would reduce carbon pollution by about 50 percent within a decade from the electricity sector alone. The electricity sector is the largest source of carbon pollution, emitting about 40 percent of annual emissions.
All revenue generated by the carbon pollution fee – which could exceed $2 trillion over ten years – would be credited to an American Opportunity Fund to be returned to the American people.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament begins tomorrow and continues Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.
ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament begins tomorrow and continues Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.
ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.
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| Christmas in the Country begins Saturday. Photo from VAC |
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BEGINS Saturday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Handmade ornaments, wreaths and other pieces spark visitors’ “inner elves.” A members-only party and reception takes place tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The gallery is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
HIKERS LED BY BOTANIST Tim Tunison explore Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.
HIKERS LED BY BOTANIST Tim Tunison explore Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. |