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| Hawai`i Wildlife Fund staff and volunteers completed another year of Ka`u Coast Cleanups. Photos from HWF |
ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE PARTICIPATED in Hawai`i Wildlife Fund’s first ever International Symposium on Marine Debris & Tsunami Driftage. Co-sponsored by World Ocean Collective, the event took place on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4 at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo, followed by a beach cleanup event hosted by HWF at Kamilo Point on Saturday, Dec. 5.
HWF worked together with local marine debris partners (including Surfrider Foundation, Kokua Hawai`i Foundation, Sustainable Coastlines Hawai`i, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, County of Hawai`i Aquatics Department and local International Coastal Cleanup coordinators; groups from the Pacific Northwest (Washington CoastSavers, SOLVE Oregon, Lion’s Club International); and groups from Japan (Japan Environmental Action Network, Sea Beautification Society) to share effective recovery and removal techniques, spread the word about tsunami and disaster preparedness, share updates and new information about ongoing marine debris prevention work and make connections and work together to reduce the amount of marine debris in the world’s oceans and waterways. |
| Megan Lamson, holding child, joins other HWF staff members. |
In total, 50 participants attended the entire two-day symposium and subsequent cleanup event where over 1,000 pounds of marine debris were collected for disposal, art projects and recycling. Well over 100 people attended the public symposium on Friday evening in downtown Hilo. Working with members of the international marine debris removal community, HWF showcased the work of nonprofit and agency partners around Pacific shorelines that has been accomplished in response to and since the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami tragedy in East Japan.
Experts from Hawai`i Island, O`ahu, Kaua`i, Washington State, British Columbia, Georgia and Japan also gave presentations.
“We are humbled by the turnout of this past week and have made new friends and allies in our mission to remove and prevent marine debris to protect native wildlife,” HWF’s Hawai`i Island Program Director Megan Lamson said. “The three days with our partners around the North Pacific were very productive. Marine debris is everyone’s problem and is a worldwide issue. We have to think globally and act locally to inspire the change we seek in this world. By coming together to share stories and to discuss effective cleanup strategies as a team, we can reduce the amount of marine debris in our world’s oceans hopefully even prevent it.”
For more information about the event, see wildhawaii.org or search for #hilosymp on social media platforms.
DENGVAXIA IS NOW APPROVED in Mexico. The first vaccine accepted for use against the dengue virus has been tested on over 40,000 patients worldwide, according to Mexico’s medical safety agency.
According to a story in The Guardian, a 2014 World Health Organization report published in late 2014 found that about 60.8 percent of those vaccinated were protected. The vaccine was most effective at keeping people who had already been exposed to one of the strains from catching another one.
Experts believe the potentially life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever may hit people who have already had one strain and then contract another one. The disease can cause internal bleeding, shock, organ failure and death.
Mexico’s federal agency said the vaccine could help prevent 104 deaths and 8,000 hospital admissions as well as save about $65 million in health costs annually.
Experts from Hawai`i Island, O`ahu, Kaua`i, Washington State, British Columbia, Georgia and Japan also gave presentations.
“We are humbled by the turnout of this past week and have made new friends and allies in our mission to remove and prevent marine debris to protect native wildlife,” HWF’s Hawai`i Island Program Director Megan Lamson said. “The three days with our partners around the North Pacific were very productive. Marine debris is everyone’s problem and is a worldwide issue. We have to think globally and act locally to inspire the change we seek in this world. By coming together to share stories and to discuss effective cleanup strategies as a team, we can reduce the amount of marine debris in our world’s oceans hopefully even prevent it.”
For more information about the event, see wildhawaii.org or search for #hilosymp on social media platforms.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
DENGVAXIA IS NOW APPROVED in Mexico. The first vaccine accepted for use against the dengue virus has been tested on over 40,000 patients worldwide, according to Mexico’s medical safety agency.
According to a story in The Guardian, a 2014 World Health Organization report published in late 2014 found that about 60.8 percent of those vaccinated were protected. The vaccine was most effective at keeping people who had already been exposed to one of the strains from catching another one.
Experts believe the potentially life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever may hit people who have already had one strain and then contract another one. The disease can cause internal bleeding, shock, organ failure and death.
Mexico’s federal agency said the vaccine could help prevent 104 deaths and 8,000 hospital admissions as well as save about $65 million in health costs annually.
See theguardian.com.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
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| As of Wednesday, Hawai`i Island had 145 confirmed cases of dengue fever. Map from DOH |
WITH 145 CONFIRMED CASES of dengue fever on Hawai`i Island, donations are hoping to help end the breakout. The donations, which include over 220 total cases of repellent with over 2,400 cans of spray from Longs Drugs and 20 cases of 4,800 individually wrapped towelettes from Foodland, were distributed to at-risk populations on Hawai`i Island, including people with housing insecurity and others for whom purchasing repellent is a challenge.
“Ending the spread of dengue fever in Hawai`i is a team effort, and we are grateful to Longs Drugs and Foodland for joining us as we work to prioritize the health and safety of people in our state,” said Dr. Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health. “A major component of fighting the spread of dengue fever is the prevention of mosquito bites, and this donation of repellents will directly aid us in protecting residents and visitors from bites on Hawai`i Island.”
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
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| Leah Sussanna Burns |
HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE SEARCHING for a 35-year-old woman wanted for questioning in connection with an abuse investigation. Leah Sussanna Burns is described as 5-foot-9, 220 pounds with brown eyes and brown or blond hair. Her last known address was in Ocean View.
Police ask anyone with information about her whereabouts to call the Police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
U.S. HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS Committee unanimous approved H.R.1654, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard that would authorize and expedite providing necessary military equipment, weapons and ammunition directly to the Kurdish Peshmerga to defeat ISIS.
“The Kurds have proven time and again to be our most loyal and effective ground force in the fight against ISIS,” Gabbard said. “I have long advocated for the U.S. to provide Kurdish Peshmerga forces with the heavy weaponry and equipment they need to continue to be successful in this fight. When I met with Kurdish leaders in Erbil earlier this year, they reiterated the need for direct military assistance and more advanced weaponry like anti-tank missiles and armored vehicles to defeat ISIS. Our current requirement to send all U.S. military assistance to Kurdish ground forces through Baghdad is both inefficient and ineffective, and has allowed the Shiite-led Iraqi central government to withhold vital aid from our allied forces. Kurdish ground forces urgently need our direct assistance to continue to be successful in the fight against ISIS, and we can no longer wait to take action.
“This legislation would remove these roadblocks and allow the U.S. to provide direct assistance to Kurdish ground forces. I am encouraged by the bipartisan progress made to pass this legislation through committee and will continue to push for a vote to pass this bill on the House floor.”
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| Andrea Kawabata, in green, asks stakeholders to complete a questionnaire today. Photo from UH-CTAHR |
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE DUE TODAY for UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service’s strategic planning process.
“We want to improve the quality of our services for our stakeholders and would like to better understand your needs for future programming,” Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata said. “You are being asked to respond because you have worked with, partnered with or communicated with one of our Specialists and/or Agents in relation to their outreach programming efforts in the past. We are very interested in obtaining your opinions as we move forward. ”
No identifying information will be collected.
See https://manoahawaiiss.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_09EWc6e4E4tROgl.
“We want to improve the quality of our services for our stakeholders and would like to better understand your needs for future programming,” Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata said. “You are being asked to respond because you have worked with, partnered with or communicated with one of our Specialists and/or Agents in relation to their outreach programming efforts in the past. We are very interested in obtaining your opinions as we move forward. ”
No identifying information will be collected.
See https://manoahawaiiss.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_09EWc6e4E4tROgl.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ONE-STOP-SHOP services are coming to Ka`u. Help is available in completing applications for admissions, financial aid, Ho`olulu Hawaiian Data Center, summer school, summer enrichment and distance learning.
In collaboration with Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool, services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14 at Na`alehu Community Center and Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Pahala Community Center.
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES presents three one-act performances to celebrate the winter holiday season this evening at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Curtain is promptly at 6 p.m. Admission is free; park entrance fees apply.
I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA’S Holiday Open House is tomorrow at Pahala Plantation House. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The nonprofit works to help Ka`u Coffee growers achieve land security.
For more information, call Malian at 503-575-9098.
PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate one-mile walk Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
THE ART EXPRESS PAINTING WORKSHOP takes place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Participants learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Cost is two cans of food per person. Register at himeliha@yahoo.com.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES presents three one-act performances to celebrate the winter holiday season this evening at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Curtain is promptly at 6 p.m. Admission is free; park entrance fees apply.
I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA’S Holiday Open House is tomorrow at Pahala Plantation House. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The nonprofit works to help Ka`u Coffee growers achieve land security.
For more information, call Malian at 503-575-9098.
PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate one-mile walk Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
THE ART EXPRESS PAINTING WORKSHOP takes place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Participants learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Cost is two cans of food per person. Register at himeliha@yahoo.com.
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/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |