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| Through its Living Hawaiian Culture Program, Hawai`i Tourism Authority is supporting restoration of the Malolo canoe by Pa`a Pono Miloli`i. Photo from Pa` Pono Miloli`i |
PA`A PONO MILOLI`I’S MALOLO PROJECT is being supported through Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program, part of its Product Enrichment Program for 2015. LHCP projects make up 33 of a total of 156 programs supported in 2015 through it and two other HTA PEP programs. In line with the HTA’s Strategic Plan to support Hawai`i’s community programs and events, the goal of PEP is to support community-based programs that enhance visitor experiences, as well as create opportunities for economic development, natural resources management and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
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| Uncle Bill Rosehill Photo from Pa`a Pono Miloli`i |
The Malolo will be extended from its current 36 feet to 45 feet, and its hull will be altered so as to be able to compete with koa canoes today. The Malolo will be the Miloli`i Canoe Club’s koa canoe for the 2017 Moku O Hawai`i racing season.
“Hawai`i is a destination like no other in the world, and our Product Enrichment Program highlights different ways in which our community comes together to make our home a better place for both residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Ronald Williams, HTA Chief Executive Officer. “These programs not only highlight the unique experiences found across the state, but also support the perpetuation of our host culture and the sustainability of our vast natural resources.”
“Hawai`i is a destination like no other in the world, and our Product Enrichment Program highlights different ways in which our community comes together to make our home a better place for both residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Ronald Williams, HTA Chief Executive Officer. “These programs not only highlight the unique experiences found across the state, but also support the perpetuation of our host culture and the sustainability of our vast natural resources.”
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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary is looking for volunteers for the 2015 Sanctuary Ocean Count. Now in its 20th year, this project uses volunteers to count whales and record their behaviors from over 60 shore sites on the islands of O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i. The project allows the public to learn more about humpback whale population, distribution and behavioral trends while being involved in a volunteer monitoring effort. Sanctuary Ocean Counts will be held on Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 at selected sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary is looking for volunteers for the 2015 Sanctuary Ocean Count. Now in its 20th year, this project uses volunteers to count whales and record their behaviors from over 60 shore sites on the islands of O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i. The project allows the public to learn more about humpback whale population, distribution and behavioral trends while being involved in a volunteer monitoring effort. Sanctuary Ocean Counts will be held on Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 at selected sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
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| Humpback whales are back in Hawaiian waters. Photo from fish-journals.com |
Interested volunteers may register online at http://sanctuaryoceancount.org. Additional information is available on the sanctuary’s website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov, or volunteers may call 808-725-5917. Volunteers are required to register prior to participating. Registration will close one week prior to the event date.
No advance training is required for general volunteers.
The Sanctuary Ocean Count has helped generate widespread enthusiasm for humpback whales and Hawai`i’s marine environment over the years, with more than 2,000 volunteer participants annually. It is one of several projects coordinated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary that encourages government and citizens to work together in protecting humpback whales.
No advance training is required for general volunteers.
The Sanctuary Ocean Count has helped generate widespread enthusiasm for humpback whales and Hawai`i’s marine environment over the years, with more than 2,000 volunteer participants annually. It is one of several projects coordinated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary that encourages government and citizens to work together in protecting humpback whales.
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THE HILL, WHICH COVERS NEWS OF CAPITOL HILL in Washington, DC, recently reported on Hawai`i’s congressional delegation winning back influence on defense and national security following the retirement of Sen. Daniel Akaka and the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye.
“Now the state’s four-member, all-Democratic delegation is seeking to restore the Aloha State’s lost clout,” the article states.
“Now the state’s four-member, all-Democratic delegation is seeking to restore the Aloha State’s lost clout,” the article states.
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| Hawai`i's U.S. Congressional delegation. Image from wikipedia |
It lists appointments of Hawai`i’s congressional delegates. Sen. Brian Schatz is on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Mazie Hirono is the ranking member on the Senate Armed Service Committee’s Seapower subpanel, and Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Mark Takai serve on the Armed Services Committee.
“While the foursome has a long way to go before matching the outsized influence of Inouye, Akaka and former Rep. Neil Abercrombie, they are on a mission to ensure that Hawai`i has sway in the national security debate,” the article states.
“It is very helpful to have people on the authorizing side and the appropriating side,” Schatz told The Hill. “We don’t want to overstate it, but we do feel like we’re in a good position.”
“While the foursome has a long way to go before matching the outsized influence of Inouye, Akaka and former Rep. Neil Abercrombie, they are on a mission to ensure that Hawai`i has sway in the national security debate,” the article states.
“It is very helpful to have people on the authorizing side and the appropriating side,” Schatz told The Hill. “We don’t want to overstate it, but we do feel like we’re in a good position.”
Hirono said, “While we will face difficult decisions in the coming weeks and months, I look forward to engaging in important debates on issues that are critical to Hawai`i and our nation.”
Gabbard said, “The rapport is there. At the beginning, middle and end of the day, Hawai`i is a small state, and making sure that each of us individually and collectively advocates for Hawai`i and the unique, both challenges and opportunities, that exist there, is something that is our focus.”
Takai said, “I think it’s very strategic to have all of our members focused on what matters most to the state of Hawai`i, and one of the things that matter is, definitely, defense.”
Takai said, “I think it’s very strategic to have all of our members focused on what matters most to the state of Hawai`i, and one of the things that matter is, definitely, defense.”
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A 16-YEAR-OLD PAHALA GIRL DIED in a single-vehicle crash last night in Pahala. She was identified as Leiani Camba-Penera.
Responding to a 9:21 p.m. call, police determined that a 1994 Toyota pickup truck operated by an 18-year-old Na`alehu man was traveling south on Hwy 11 near Kapapala, seven-tenths of a mile south of the 41-mile marker, when the driver reportedly fell asleep, ran off the right shoulder and struck a utility pole.
Camba-Penera, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. She was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 4:10 a.m. this morning. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Police believe that speed and drugs may have contributed to this traffic fatality. They have initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 299. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
This is the first traffic fatality this year compared with two at this time last year.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
A 16-YEAR-OLD PAHALA GIRL DIED in a single-vehicle crash last night in Pahala. She was identified as Leiani Camba-Penera.
Responding to a 9:21 p.m. call, police determined that a 1994 Toyota pickup truck operated by an 18-year-old Na`alehu man was traveling south on Hwy 11 near Kapapala, seven-tenths of a mile south of the 41-mile marker, when the driver reportedly fell asleep, ran off the right shoulder and struck a utility pole.
Camba-Penera, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. She was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 4:10 a.m. this morning. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Police believe that speed and drugs may have contributed to this traffic fatality. They have initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 299. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
This is the first traffic fatality this year compared with two at this time last year.
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| OK Farms co-owner Troy Keolanui supports promotion of macadamia-nut markets in foreign markets. Photo by Andrew Hara |
HAWAI`I ISLAND MACADAMIA NUT INDUSTRY LEADERS are in support of U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Services to provide greater visibility to Hawai`i macadamia nuts on its export list to foreign markets.
Last month, Gabbard visited India at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During her stay, some of the visits included those with business leaders to discuss a bolstered Hawai`i-India trade relationship focused on the growing food retail market in India.
“India is the world’s 10th largest economy measured in terms of gross domestic product,” Gabbard wrote in a letter to FAS. “Given India’s growing population and expanding middle class, Hawai`i, as one of the world’s largest producers of macadamia nuts, has an opportunity to establish a niche market for a U.S.-grown savory nut.”
Hawai`i farmers in the macadamia nut industry generated more than $36 million in revenue in 2013. Growth in this industry would expand business and employment opportunities in rural Hawai`i communities.
Troy Keolanui, John Cross and Richard Schnitzler applauded Gabbard’s efforts to encourage FAS to prioritize macadamia nut exports. “Promoting Hawaiian macadamia nuts to foreign markets is a big boost to our industry, and we are grateful to Congresswoman Gabbard for again taking the lead to represent the farmers of Hawai`i,” said Troy Keolanui, co-owner with Ed Olson of Hilo-based OK Farms.
John Cross, President of Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association, said, “We thoroughly support Congresswoman Gabbard’s effort to expand Hawai`i-grown macadamia nuts to India and Southeast Asia. We look forward to making contact with representatives from India and other Asian countries to build future business relationships.”
Troy Keolanui, John Cross and Richard Schnitzler applauded Gabbard’s efforts to encourage FAS to prioritize macadamia nut exports. “Promoting Hawaiian macadamia nuts to foreign markets is a big boost to our industry, and we are grateful to Congresswoman Gabbard for again taking the lead to represent the farmers of Hawai`i,” said Troy Keolanui, co-owner with Ed Olson of Hilo-based OK Farms.
John Cross, President of Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association, said, “We thoroughly support Congresswoman Gabbard’s effort to expand Hawai`i-grown macadamia nuts to India and Southeast Asia. We look forward to making contact with representatives from India and other Asian countries to build future business relationships.”
Richard Schnitzler, President of Hamakua Mac Nut Company, said, “Hawai`i’s macadamia nut industry continues to be a growing industry, and we support Congresswoman Gabbard’s idea of opening new markets, including in India.”
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| Learn about natural farming at Ka`u's Earth Matters Farm. |
KA`U NATURAL FARMING WORKSHOP is coming up the next two Saturdays, Jan 17 and 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Earth Matters Farm at South Point and Kama`oa Roads. Participants learn about creating soil health & nutritional food.
$100 for both days includes garden lunch.
$100 for both days includes garden lunch.
Register at 939-7510.
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| Zach Mermel teaches mushroom cultivation Saturday. Photo from VAC |
MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IS THE TOPIC Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Zach Mermel teaches basics of fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wooden logs and straw. Attendees gain hands-on experience inoculating their own mushroom kits as well as logs they can take home at the end of the day.
Mermel encourages farmers, gardener, and homeowners seeking to incorporate the growing of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms into their lives and livelihoods to attend.
Course fees are $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members plus a $25 supply fee. Participants bring a bag lunch.
Call 967-8222 to register.
Zach Mermel teaches basics of fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wooden logs and straw. Attendees gain hands-on experience inoculating their own mushroom kits as well as logs they can take home at the end of the day.
Mermel encourages farmers, gardener, and homeowners seeking to incorporate the growing of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms into their lives and livelihoods to attend.
Course fees are $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members plus a $25 supply fee. Participants bring a bag lunch.
Call 967-8222 to register.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.