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| Madam Pele's fireworks, in a series of photos issued for this week's Volcano Watch, from the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This photo was taken on the evening of June 30, 2008, when littoral explosions at Kīlauea Volcano’s Waikupanaha ocean entry created a fireworks-like display as incandescent fragments of lava flew through the air. When molten lava entered the sea, the water flashed to steam, triggering explosions that hurled spatter and other lava fragments up to heights of 50 m (164 ft). Spatter accumulating on the sea cliff above the ocean entry formed a littoral cone, aglow here from the fallout of still-hot fragments. USGS photo by D. Dow |
THE TINY HOUSE BILL, which was passed by the state legislature this year, is on the veto list by Gov. David Ige. The legislation would allow small homes on agricultural properties for farm workers only. The state Department of Agriculture, County of Hawai`i Planning Department and Hawai`i Farm Bureau opposed it, claiming it would be a loophole to allow tourist huts and substandard housing for anyone on farm land.
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| Hawai`i Farmers Union is urging citizens to ask the governor to sign the Tiny House Bill. |
Hawai`i Farmers Union United and several other groups supported the bill, noting that farms and ranches need affordable, onsite housing for workers and farmers' families. A notice form the organization says, "Tiny House Legislation is in Danger! It is time to demand Hawai`i - Tiny Houses on Farms for Food Independence." It urges letting the governor and state senators and representatives know "you get the 'housing-food' connection and want them to make this happen." Farmers Union claims that tiny houses on farms equals more workers on farms, equals more food independence. Talking points include: "On-Farm Housing (not other housing needs); low building cost that only Tiny Houses allows; understanding a farm is not run buy one worker alone, more housing is needed on all farms; and Tiny Houses offer flexible, affordable housing solutions, fast!"
Farmers Union is asking for support by July 6 and provides a link to the governor for correspondence.
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A BILL TO RESTRICT AQUARIUM FISH COLLECTING WILL LIKELY BE VETOED by Gov. David Ige. The governor announced that he does not believe that science supports claims made in the bill. "It will be premature to ban aquarium collection before doing the necessary studies," wrote the governor, noting that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources will work with stakeholders on a different solution for managing any limits on those fish that are collected for aquariums.
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| Convict tang, left, are collected for aquariums from Hawaiian waters. NOAA photo by Claire Fackler. |
The bill passed the 2017 Hawai`i state legislature and would have directed DLNR to come up with policies leading to sustainable collection practices of near shore aquatic life. These would include limits to collecting and the determination of resources required by the state to manage and police the areas where fish and other aquatic resources are collected. It would also have put an end to new aquarium collecting permits and would have banned transferring most current permits and those that have not been renewed for five or more years.
The justification for the veto is that the state needs more time to determine sustainable rates of collection before rejecting permit renewals. The state also contended that the collection practices in West Hawai`i currently show little decline in aquarium fish populations, with some fish populations increasing.
Sen. Russell Ruderman urged the governor to refrain from vetoing the bill. He called the legislation "the least we can do to address the situation" and "a first step." Ruderman applauded the governor for having "boldly stepped forward to do our part with the climate agreement bill, committing our state to do our part in the face of federal rollback," and urged him to "do our part to protect our oceans with our without federal leadership." The senator pointed to Pres. Donald Trump threatening to take away federal protections on the largest marine preserve in the world, which is in and around Hawaiian waters.
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"I take great pride in our tradition of lōkahi, harmony among our differences. The concept of putting differences aside to work for a greater cause has been fundamental in the growth of the United States. Though our cultures and traditions may differ, the people of Hawaii exhibit the unity that defines the American spirit. Today, let's all take the time to enjoy family, friendship, and freedom -- from sea to shining sea."
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INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & RODEO this Saturday in Na`alehu with the rodeo continuing all day on Sunday.
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| www.kaucalendar.com |
