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| Male sockey salmon makes his way upstream at Bristol Bay, Alaska, where a gold and copper mine are planned. Photo by Nick Hall, Alaska Conservation Foundation |
THE SALMON CONNECTION BETWEEN HAWAI‘I AND ALASKA is at risk, claims Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, as Pres. Donald Trump's administration moves to allow "a copper and gold mine in Bristol Bay larger than Manhattan and nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon." She reported in a film today on Trump EPA administrator Scott Pruitt's meeting with a Canadian mining firm last week. "Just over an hour after the meeting, Pruitt rescinded federal salmon protections in the area, opening the door for development and mining."
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| Fishing for salmon on Bristol Bay. Photo by Nick Hall, Alaska Conservation Foundation |
Not only will longtime Hawai‘i-Alaska economic relationships be diminished, with thousands of jobs lost, Gabbard said, "an entire Alaskan watershed will be destroyed—killing the aquatic life within it and endangering the people who, for thousands of years, have depended on the fish and miles of streams, wetlands, and other habitats it supports."
The Alaska Conservation Foundation reported that "Producing up to 70 million salmon each year, Bristol Bay supplies 40 percent of the world’s sockeye salmon to people across the globe. But,
a massive gold and copper mine may cause Bristol Bay to top the list of global modern-day environmental casualties." It said the new Pebble Mine would be the largest open-pit mine in North America, create billions of gallons of mine waste and require five dams to hold tailing ponds in place.
Gabbard called today for immediate action "to put a stop to a dangerous move executed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump Administration."
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| Lomi lomi salmon, one of Hawai‘i's favorite dishes, the salmon from Alaska. Photo from University of Hawai‘i |
Gabbard called today for immediate action "to put a stop to a dangerous move executed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump Administration."
Gabbard explained that "Nearly half of the world’s Sockeye Salmon comes from Bristol Bay, Alaska. Its watershed employs over 14,000 full-and part-time workers (many from Hawai‘i), generates $1.5 billion dollars in economic activity, and is home to 25 federally recognized tribal governments—many of whom have maintained a salmon-based culture and subsistence-based way of life for more than 4,000 years.
"Yet the world’s most valuable salmon fishery is facing a direct threat by the very government agency given the job to protect it—the Environmental Protection Agency," the Congresswoman pointed out.
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| CNN presented a story on the meeting between the EPA chief and the mining company, and the threat to salmon. See CNN |
"Despite numerous studies and historical data over the years that cite the ecological and economic importance of protecting Bristol Bay from mining project development, Pruitt has made it clear that he has no qualms with brokering deals at the expense of the American people and the planet. To quote his own agency’s 2014 assessment, such a mine 'would result in complete loss of fish habitat due to elimination, dewatering, and fragmentation of streams, wetlands, and other aquatic resources,” and the loss of miles of streams, wetlands, and other habitats. In addition, the EPA calculated a 95 percent chance of spill, per pipeline, in 25 years, threatening “acute exposure to toxic water and chronic exposure to toxic sediment” to fish and invertebrates.
"Along with the virtual destruction of these species and wetlands, this would poison the watershed and needlessly endanger the communities who have relied upon the Sockeye Salmon for sustenance for thousands of years. The cost of destroying thousands of jobs and decimating the environment and resources these communities rely on is too great to measure."Gabbard contended that "The economics of Bristol Bay are everything President Trump promised to protect: American workers supplying American families and businesses through American jobs. Yet the president and his administration have demonstrated time and again that they are eager to put their friends and business partners’ interests and profit before the health and wellbeing of the American people."
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| Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard asks the EPA to put back salmon protection, to protect the economy, culture and environment. See Gabbard's statement in a film about the issue. |
The Congresswoman noted that "Hawaiʻi and Alaska have long shared a special and unique relationship, working together across party lines for the wellbeing of our people. For decades, we’ve worked together to empower our native communities, promote our local economies, secure resources for our rural populations, and much more. Now, we must stand together again and urge our colleagues in Congress to join the fight to protect Bristol Bay and its irreplaceable resources before it is too late," stated Gabbard.
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CANCELING SUBSIDIES TO HEALTH INSURERS who help fund health care for low and middle income earners and "sabotaging ACA (the Affordable Care Act) puts millions of lives at risk," said Sen. Mazie Hirono. "@realdDonaldTrump - do you even care?" she tweeted today.
Attorneys General for more than 20 states filed suit after Pres. Donald Trump announced late last Thursday that he would cut off the federal payments. The Attorneys General charge that Trump is failing to follow federal law and argued that a system that requires subsidies to create lower cost insurance is legally mandated.
Physician groups also objected, asking Congress to restore payments to prevent loss of coverage for many and "dramatic, if not catastrophic, increases in premiums across the country." American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Osteopathic Association and American Psychiatric Association all signed the statement.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
MEDICAID AND MEDICARE COULD BE SEVERELY CUT, warned Sen. Brian Schatz today. He tweeted, "GOP cutting Medicaid by trillion, and Medicare by 472 billion, so I'm going to keep my eye on the ball."
"Trumpcare it is," Schatz also tweeted after Pres. Donald Trump announced today, "There is no such thing as Obamacare anymore." Schatz also predicted that the country's debt would "increase to $1.5 trillion if Medicare is cut by $473 billion and Medicaid by a trillion."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
BANNING TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS FROM THE MILITARY is unconstitutional, said Hawai‘i Attorney General Doug Chin today as the State of Hawai‘i joined 14 other states in filing an amicus brief in U.S. Court in Washington, D.C. opposing the ban issued by Pres. Donald Trump.
A statement from Chin says the ban is also "against the interest of national defense, and harmful to the transgender community at large." It says, "transgender individuals volunteer to serve
in the armed forces at approximately twice the rate of adults in the general population,
and that approximately 150,000 veterans, active-duty service members, and members
of the National Guard or Reserves identify as transgender."
In the brief, the attorneys general state that since adopting open service policies, “there is no evidence that it has disrupted military readiness, operational effectiveness, or morale. To the contrary, anecdotal accounts indicate that the positive impacts of inclusion were beginning to manifest, as capable and well-qualified individuals who were already serving finally were able to do so authentically.”
The attorneys general stated that they "support the rights of transgender people to live with dignity, to be free from discrimination, and to participate fully and equally in all aspects of civic life," and argue that "these interests are all best served by allowing transgender people to serve openly in the military."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
CANCELING SUBSIDIES TO HEALTH INSURERS who help fund health care for low and middle income earners and "sabotaging ACA (the Affordable Care Act) puts millions of lives at risk," said Sen. Mazie Hirono. "@realdDonaldTrump - do you even care?" she tweeted today.
Physician groups also objected, asking Congress to restore payments to prevent loss of coverage for many and "dramatic, if not catastrophic, increases in premiums across the country." American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Osteopathic Association and American Psychiatric Association all signed the statement.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
MEDICAID AND MEDICARE COULD BE SEVERELY CUT, warned Sen. Brian Schatz today. He tweeted, "GOP cutting Medicaid by trillion, and Medicare by 472 billion, so I'm going to keep my eye on the ball."
"Trumpcare it is," Schatz also tweeted after Pres. Donald Trump announced today, "There is no such thing as Obamacare anymore." Schatz also predicted that the country's debt would "increase to $1.5 trillion if Medicare is cut by $473 billion and Medicaid by a trillion."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
BANNING TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS FROM THE MILITARY is unconstitutional, said Hawai‘i Attorney General Doug Chin today as the State of Hawai‘i joined 14 other states in filing an amicus brief in U.S. Court in Washington, D.C. opposing the ban issued by Pres. Donald Trump.
In the brief, the attorneys general state that since adopting open service policies, “there is no evidence that it has disrupted military readiness, operational effectiveness, or morale. To the contrary, anecdotal accounts indicate that the positive impacts of inclusion were beginning to manifest, as capable and well-qualified individuals who were already serving finally were able to do so authentically.”
The attorneys general stated that they "support the rights of transgender people to live with dignity, to be free from discrimination, and to participate fully and equally in all aspects of civic life," and argue that "these interests are all best served by allowing transgender people to serve openly in the military."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
TROJAN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL traveled from Ka‘ū High to Honoka‘a today. Ka‘ū lost in three sets, 14-25, 21-25 and 22-25. It was the first round of finals for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs.
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| Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com |
UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.
Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.
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START REGISTERING KEIKI GRADES K-8 TODAY FOR AN EDIBLE HALLOWEEN CRAFT CLASS scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Oct. 24. For more, call 928-3102.
HEAR ABOUT KA‘Ū DESERT’S FOOTPRINTS IN THE ASH with Park Ranger Jay Robinson during Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s After Dark in the Park tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
During the 18th century, explosions from the volcano rained volcanic ash on Hawaiians traversing Kīlauea on foot between Puna and Ka‘ū. It preserved their footprints in the sands of Keonehelelei. Robinson explains new interpretive displays in the Ka‘ū Desert and shares what is known today about the impact of these explosive eruptions on native society. The event is free, park entrance fees apply.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR PAPER PLATE SILHOUETTE CRAFT, until tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 17, for the class that takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.
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| Mark Yamanaka performs performs in Volcano Wednesday. See story. Photo from Mark Yamanaka |
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at noon, in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at meetings outside Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov or email the consultants at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
Meetings are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo. Vall 808-356-1260.
AUDITIONS FOR A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, the December play by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network, are Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at KMC's Kīlauea Theater. Auditioners prepare a song that best features vocal ability. There are parts for all ages, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol will play for one weekend only Dec. 14 to 17; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.. For more information, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 13, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
TROPICAL FRUIT YIELDS will be discussed at a co-meeting of Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers and Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Hwy in Captain Cook. Guest speaker Peter Salleras, of Queensland, Australia, will discuss Tatura trellis in Hawai‘i and Bush Tucker native fruits of Australia. Hawai‘i Farmers United state President Vince Mina reports on the recent state convention and legislative outlook. The potluck dinner meeting starts at 5 p.m. For more, contact Brian Lievens, President West Hawai‘i Chapter, 808-895-8753, greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com; or Ken Love, Executive Director, 808-323-2417, kenlove@hawaiiantel.net. Learn more about Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers on: facebook.com/group.phpgid=127197321932&ref=mf, hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org and hawaiifruit.net.
TAI CHI FOR HEALTH will be presented this Friday, Oct. 20, at the Ka‘ū District Gym, with Dr. Myrtle Miyamera, from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Ka‘ū Resource Center and Pāhala Parks & Recreation.
SKILLFUL WORK, ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU, Hawaiian cultural demonstrations will be given the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The upcoming event will be Friday, Oct. 20, with programs also scheduled for Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. This event is free.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH, founder of the Bahá'í Faith, the Bahá’ís of Ka‘ū invite the community to a dinner and open house on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
For more information and to R.S.V.P. contact Sandra Demoruelle, email naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or phone 929-9244. For more about the Bahá'í Faith, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 20.
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| See Nā Mea Hula on Saturday in Volcano with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe and Halauolaokalani. Photo from Volcano Art Center |
Ocean View Community Association President Ron Gall recommends that volunteers wear sturdy shoes and gloves, sunscreen, long pants/jeans and hat. OVVC will provide bottled water and lunch The Community Association is seeking a tire recycler to haul off the many tires dumped in the community, Gall said. In addition to Matson, the Hawai‘i County Solid Waste Division is providing some assistance.
NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. The hike will be offered again on Nov. 25. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.
RECYCLING WILL BE ACCEPTED AT NĀ‘ĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Atlas Recycling. Redeem HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more, call 939-2413, ext. 230.
WRITING ON THE WILD SIDE, a workshop at Volcano Art Center will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tom Peek’s techniques and exercises help students explore their creative minds and unique voices. The class is $75 per person or $65 per person for VAC members. For more, call 967-8222.
A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE will be given on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, Oct. 21, starting at 10:30 a.m. Nā Kumu hula Micah Kamohoaliʻi and Hālau Na Kipuʻupuʻu will perform. Also see Nā Mea Hula with Halauolaokalani from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Hālau Nā Kipuʻupuʻu will dance in Volcano on Saturday. See story below.
Photo by Dino Morrow
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A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE will be given on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, Oct. 21, starting at 10:30 a.m. Nā Kumu hula Micah Kamohoaliʻi and Hālau Na Kipuʻupuʻu will perform. Also see Nā Mea Hula with Halauolaokalani from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FAMILIES ARE INVITED FOR A DAY OF FUN, CULTURE AND DISCOVERY for Kahuku ‘Ohana Day in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration required by Friday, Oct. 13).
Hawai’i Volcanoes press release promoting the event says “Learn about the hidden powers that plants have to keep us healthy through the teachings of Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort, a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine). Collect seeds from native plants and help park rangers bring new life to Kahuku.”
Kids 17 and under and their families must sign up by October 13 to participate by calling 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
Hawai’i Volcanoes press release promoting the event says “Learn about the hidden powers that plants have to keep us healthy through the teachings of Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort, a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine). Collect seeds from native plants and help park rangers bring new life to Kahuku.”
Kids 17 and under and their families must sign up by October 13 to participate by calling 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.