Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, July 7, 2016

Help Hawai`i Wildlife Fund clean up Kamilo Beach Saturday. See more below. Photo from Megan Lamson/HWF

CANDIDATES FOR STATE OFFICES participated in Independence Day parades in Na`alehu and Volcano. Deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 13 primary is a week from today, on Thursday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. See https://olvr.hawaii.gov., or call 961-8251.

Ka`u's state Sen. Russell Ruderman and family.
Photos by Ron Johnson

      Sen. Russell Ruderman, of Kea`au, who represents Senate District II that includes Volcano, Pahala and Na`alehu, brought his wife and baby along for the walks, joined by many supporters. Opponent Greggor Ilagan, of Kea`au, currently a Hawai`i County Council member, sent contingents of sign-wavers to both parades. Candidate Fred Fogel, of Volcano, rode his motorcycle through Volcano Village.

      State Representative for District III, Richard Onishi, of Hilo, also joined the celebrations, along with opponent Ainoa Naniole, of Hilo. Kealoha Pisciotta, of Hilo, who is also running for the office, walked in Volcano’s parade. In Ka`u, District III includes Volcano, Pahala and Honu`apo. Candidate Gregory Arianoff, of Hilo, did not participate.
      Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, currently holds the office for state Representative District V, which includes Na`alehu and Ocean View. He and his supporters walked in Na`alehu’s parade. Candidate Michael Last, also of Na`alehu, was not present.
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Ka`u's state District III Rep. Richard Onishi

YESTERDAY, THE U.S. SENATE VOTED 65-32 to move forward on bringing a compromise GMO labeling bill to a vote. A final vote on the bill is expected in the coming days.

      “Regardless of your position on GMOs, most of us agree that labeling and disclosing GMOs is important so consumers can make choices about what they eat,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “We need a robust debate on how to accomplish this goal, and today’s procedural vote was about having this debate. I will continue to support a mandatory federal labeling system for GMOs that eliminates the need for a state-by-state patchwork approach.”
      Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard opposes the Senate legislation, saying it would undermine states’ ability to mandate GMO labeling, exempt many common foods from labeling requirements and create unnecessary extra steps for consumers to access basic ingredient information. She said the bill has raised concerns by the FDA, as well as various environmental, food security and consumer interest groups.

Ka`u's state District V Rep. Richard Creagan

      “Nearly 90 percent of Americans support common sense food labeling,” Gabbard said. “Yet the GMO bill voted on by the Senate yesterday is a weak attempt to placate American consumers by creating the illusion of transparency. If this bill was truly intended to expand consumers’ right to know, it would require a clear, easy to read, uniform food labeling standard. Instead, the bill creates a system of electronic codes, symbols and text that are intentionally confusing to consumers. This labeling system requires consumers to jump through hoops for information that should be very basic and straightforward. In addition, it lacks any measures to hold companies accountable if they violate these labeling requirements.

      “More than 30 states across the country, including Hawai`i, have made progress on GMO labeling. Just last week, Vermont became the first state to require GMO labeling. However, if passed, this legislation would pre-empt implementation of Vermont’s law and would prohibit other states from developing their own labeling bills. In addition, this bill narrows the definition of genetic engineering and leaves foods like beef, poultry and eggs without any labeling requirements. This bill is not a good compromise for American consumers and families, and I will do all that I can to defeat it if it comes before the House.”
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State Senate candidate Greggor Ilagan's
supporters walking in Volcano's parade.

State Senate candidate Fred Fogel
rode his motorcycle in Volcano.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES HAS BEGUN selling tickets for new non-stop service between Kona International Airport and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

      “I congratulate Hawaiian Airlines on their new route from Kona to Tokyo’s Haneda airport,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “This new service is not just great news for Hawaiian, it’s excellent news for our visitor industry and for Hawai`i Island’s local economy. There are still five additional routes up for competition, and I plan to continue strongly advocating for Hawaiian Airlines in their effort to obtain these routes and expand Hawai`i’s reach around the world.”
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State Rep. candidate Ainoa Naniole

State Rep. candidate Kealoha Pisciotta

 GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A BILL into law that broadens the offense of first-degree murder. Previously, the offense had been narrowly defined and limited to rare cases in which there are multiple victims, the victim is killed by a hired killer or the victim was under the specific protection of the courts or law enforcement system.

Surrounded by victim's family members, Gov. Ige signed Joel's Law.
Photo from Gov. Ige's Office

      With Ige’s signature, first-degree murder now includes circumstances in which the defendant intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a person by restraining and using that person as a shield, holding that person hostage or for ransom or reward.

      “This was one of the most moving bill signings that we’ve had this year,” Ige said. “HB 1726 is called Joel’s Law, in honor of Joel Botelho, who was shot and killed outside his parents’ home in 2011. Mahalo to Nonohe Botelho and Rep. John Mizuno, along with key lawmakers and supporters of Joel’s Law who worked incredibly hard on this bill.”
      Ige also signed two other bills into law yesterday.
      HB 2169 Act 212 clarifies supervision requirements for licensure of clinical social workers. This includes allowing the option to fulfill all or part of the face-to-face requirements through videoconference service.
      SB 2811 allows parental rights to be terminated if the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the child was conceived as a result of sexual assault.

Randy Lee teaches lei making tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

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RANDY LEE TEACHES LEI MAKING tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      The master lei maker uses a variety of natural materials to fashion lei from the freshest fern, leaves and flowers that he personally gathers from the rain forests of Pana`ewa. Participants enjoy the skill and stories that this well-respected practitioner has to offer.
      Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

      Park entrance fees apply.

Mary Kawena Pukui

THE LEGACY OF MARY KAWENA PUKUI, of Her Beloved Ka`u is the topic tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Pukui’s grandson La`akea Suganuma, president of Mary Kawena Pukui Cultural Preservation Society, presents the free program along with Pukui’s great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

      Sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, Inc., along with Debbie & Kawehi Ryder.
      Refreshments will be served.
      Call 649-9334 for more information.

KDEN’S SUMMER PRODUCTION, The Music Man, opens tomorrow. Performances take place at Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through July 24.
      Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $10 for children 10 and under.
      Park entrance fees may apply.
      Call 982-7344, or email kden73@aol.com.

Help clean Kamilo Beach tomorrow.
Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF

HELP HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND staff and volunteers clean up the Ka`u Coast Saturday. Participants meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo.

      Register at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

MONGOLIAN BBQ IS AVAILABLE Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park $.85 per ounce includes rice and beverage.

      KMC also invites theater-goes to enjoy a casual dinner before KDEN’s Friday and Saturday evening productions of The Music Man through July 23.

      KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park, led by Ab Valencia, explore Pu`u Huluhulu Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free for Friends members; non-members can join in order to attend.
      Registration is required at admin@fhvnp.org or 985-7373.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.