Thursday, July 16, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 16, 2015

Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, presided over two Obon services in Ka`u Monday. More services and
 Bon Dances take place at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo and around the island this weekend. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES bill became law following Gov. David Ige’s signing of HB321 (Act 241) yesterday. The law establishes a licensing system for the dispensaries.
      “I support the establishment of dispensaries to ensure that qualified patients can legally and safely access medical marijuana,” Ige said. “We know that our challenge going forward will be to adopt rules that are fair, cost effective and easy to monitor. The bill sets a timeline. We will make a good faith effort to create a fair process that will help the people most in need.”
      The law also prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers; allows the legal transport of medical marijuana in any public place, under certain conditions by qualified patients, primary caregivers or owners/employees of medical marijuana production centers and dispensaries.
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Williamson Chang
THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OPPONENTS are challenging emergency rules pertaining to access to the summit of Mauna Kea, according to an Associated Press story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The rules, approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources last week, went into effect after Gov. David Ige signed them on Tuesday. They limit access between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and prohibit camping equipment in the area.
      Representing two opponents, Williamson Chang filed a petition yesterday with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources seeking to repeal the rule, saying that it prevents TMT opponents from legally exercising their rights to peacefully protest.
      According to reporter Timothy Hurley, state Attorney General Douglas Chin’s office is reviewing the petition.
      See staradvertiser.com.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES provided answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency rules limiting access on Mauna Kea:
      What is the restricted area? 
This is defined as any lands in the public hunting area that includes the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and one mile on either side of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road.
      When are you not permitted in the restricted area?
 You cannot enter or remain in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Exceptions are for transiting through the restricted area on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road or while lawfully within or entering or exiting an existing observatory or a facility operated by the University of Hawai`i.
      What does transiting mean?
 This means driving or being a passenger in a vehicle traveling at a reasonable and prudent speed and having regard to the actual and potential hazards and conditions.
      What types of gear are restricted? 
It is illegal to possess or use sleeping bags, tents, camp stoves or propane burners in the restricted zone.
Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road has limited access between
10 p.m. and 4 p.m. Photo from University of Hawai`i
      Is hunting illegal in the restricted area? 
No, as long as it is done following all existing state laws regarding hunting on public lands. However, under previously existing rules, hunting is only allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, which does not fall between the restricted hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
      Can you protest and exercise free speech on Mauna Kea during the emergency rule period?
 Yes, as long as it does not otherwise violate existing laws. Protesters may not obstruct the lawful movement of authorized vehicles and personnel on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and are not allowed in the restricted area during the nighttime closure hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., except as provided for in the rule.
      Can people engage in customary and traditional practices in the restricted area?
 Yes, as long as these practices are not conducted between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Exceptions can be approved by the Chairperson of the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources.
      Is stargazing permitted on top of Mauna Kea?
 Yes, as long as you are not in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. As indicated above, remaining on the mountain during these hours is currently prohibited.
      Can I go to the top of Mauna Kea? 
Yes, either by traveling with an authorized tour company or on your own, subject to the restrictions in the rule. Please be aware that much of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road is gravel with sharp corners, steep drop-offs, and fast-changing weather conditions. Four-wheel drive is recommended for travel on the road at higher elevations. You may not be in the restricted area during the closure hours of 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. (subject to the exceptions noted above). Please check with the Office of Mauna Kea Management before starting your trip to learn about any special conditions. (808) 933-0734
      Can the road be closed during additional hours?
 Yes, if the University of Hawai`i, Office of Mauna Kea Management deems that natural or man-made conditions or hazards pose a threat to public safety, it has the authority to impose additional road closures.
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Randy Cabral discussed challenges facing the macadamia industry on KITV.
RANDY CABRAL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT of Operations at Royal Hawaiian Orchards, has retired. His last working day was this past Monday. Cabral is a leader in the development of macadamia, having worked in ag at the company, its predecessors, including ML Macadamia, and other previously related firms for more than 41 years. 
      “We sincerely appreciate Randy’s contributions to Royal Hawaiian Orchards during his long tenure. Randy is certainly a leader in the Hawai`i agriculture industry, and I sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Scott Wallace, President & CEO of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P.
    Cabral is vice  president of the statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau and owns a small ranch in Ka`u where he raises horses.
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STUDENTS AT KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge, Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo announced yesterday. Meals are provided under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2015-2016 school year.
      KLA plans to begin classes in grades three through six on July 29 and follow the public school calendar.
      For additional information, contact Ka`u Learning Academy, Attn: James Pickett, Meals Program, PO Box 809, Na`alehu, HI 96772. Call 808-498-0761 or email kaulearning@gmail.com.
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New Horizons spacecraft has reached Pluto and is sending data and photos
back to Earth. NASA photo from Lew Cook
“DO YOU RECOGNIZE WHERE THIS IS?” asks astronomer Lew Cook, author of Stars Over Ka`u for The Ka`u Calendar. “It is an satellite shot of the mountains of Pluto! Taken by the New Horizons spacecraft as it whizzed by at 31,000 miles per hour, this picture shows mountains that look as if they were formed recently, at least on the geologic time scale. This is part of the treasure trove of information coming from over three billion miles away. The radio signals take 4.5 hours from the time they leave the spacecraft until we receive them here on earth. 
      “There will be a steady stream of data over the next year and a half coming from this piano-sized craft as it downloads the data and pictures it has taken. Why so long? Because of the weakness of the transmitter and the three billion miles the signal must travel.”
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A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT in various Ocean View areas is on the agenda of a meeting today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Owners of parcels in Ranchos plan to install two-acre solar arrays on three-acre lots scattered throughout Ranchos and more on additional lots in neighboring locations. Sandy Alexander, president of Ocean View Community Association, said Hawaiian Electric Light Co. also has plans to build a 10-megawatt substation on Hwy 11 across from Ocean View Market to receive electricity generated by the project.
      Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile Medeiros David plan to attend.

NOE NOE KEKAUALUA presents Hula Arts tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Bon Dances like this past one at Na`alehu Hongwanji continue
around Hawai`i Island this weekend.
AN OBON SERVICE WAS HELD at Pahala Hongwanji on Monday, followed by a second service at Na`alehu Hongwanji, overseen by Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, where an Obon service at 6 p.m. and Bon Dance at 7 p.m. will be held tomorrow and Saturday evenings. Other services at 6 p.m. with Bon Dances at 7 p.m. this weekend will be at Honoka`a Hongwanji and Kona Hongwanji, both on Saturday.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.