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| Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences walked through its home village at the annual Fourth of July Parade on Tuesday. See more photos below. Photo by Sara Espaniola |
THE HOIST AT SOUTH POINT, WHERE PEOPLE JUMP OFF THE CLIFF and fisherman moor boats
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| The Hoist at South Point. Photo from DHHL |
offshore was the scene of a death, a possible drowning. Hawai'i Police Department announced on Wednesday that shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress near the Kalae Cove Park, commonly known as the “Hoist”, at South Point. Bystanders brought the distressed swimmer to shore and began CPR until Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived on scene, however, attempts to resuscitate the man at the scene were unsuccessful.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
The victim is alleged to be a 56-year old Ocean View man.
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BILLS PASSED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE to support local agriculture have were signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on July 5. A statement from his office says they are "an effort to strengthen a crucial segment of Hawaiʻi's economy. Three relate to the Kaʻū Coffee industry.
SB743 SD1 HD1 CD1, (Act 216) RELATING TO COFFEE PEST CONTROL; Extends the sunset date for the Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust Pesticide Subsidy Program to June 30, 2025; and the program manager position, including the position's civil service and collective bargaining laws exemption, to June 30, 2026. Requires the Department of Agriculture to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for the operation and implementation of the Pesticide Subsidy Program. (CD1)
SB746 SD1 HD2 CD1, (Act 211) RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING: Expands the coffee labeling and advertising requirements to include ready-to-drink coffee beverages and the inner packages and inner wrapping labels of roasted coffee, instant coffee, and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. Specifies that the coffee labeling and advertising requirements apply if the applicable products are produced in whole or in part from Hawaiʻi-grown and Hawaii-processed green coffee beans. Requires disclosure on the label of coffee blends of the respective geographic and regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees. Prohibits use of the term "All Hawaiian" in labeling or advertising for roasted coffee or instant coffee not produced entirely from green coffee beans grown and processed in Hawaiʻi. Effective 7/1/2024.
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| Family strolls in Volcano Fourth of July parade and asks that "God Bless America." Photo by Sara Espaniola |
SB1552 SD2 HD1 CD1, (Act 217) RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES: Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to support the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the state. (CD1)
The Governor said, "Hawaiʻi has more than 1.1 million acres of farmland, with people who do back-breaking work to feed all of us, while trying to earn a living. Despite this work by generations of farm families, we import around 85 percent of the food we eat. I want to bring that percentage down, way down, to improve our food security. To do that, we have to support local agriculture and make farming easier and less costly for the whole industry.
"The bills being signed today expand the role of agriculture across our islands, which also will enhance farmers' resiliency and ability to fully use their agriculturally zoned lands to produce both food- and non-food commodities, without barriers resulting from expired restrictions.
"Very importantly, relating to agriculture, public health, the environment, and the safety of present and future generations, we're signing a bill today that supports enforcement of our pesticide laws and increases monetary fines for violations," he said.
Sen. Mike Gabbard said he is encouraged by the impact of the bills signed today on agriculture now and into the future. "Giving funding to the Hawai'i Ant Lab and Hawai'i GroupGap, will provide critical support to prevent further spread of Little Fire Ants, and protect residents and visitors from foodborne illnesses, respectively
"I worked with the Ag Department very closely to make sure we increased the fines, to go after repeat-offenders who think they can pollute our communities without any consequences. I think that it was a good year for ag and there are a lot of exciting things coming out of the industry. We really want to support our local farmers."
Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto said the bureau is very pleased with the many positive measures passed to help Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers during thelegislative session, noting the high level of support from Governor Green and his Administration.
"We applaud Governor Green and the legislature for their leadership and support for Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers through the signing of these bills today. The Governor signed bills that will help increase the viability and success of our farmers and ranchers through support for agricultural land use policy, irrigation infrastructure funding, controlling invasive species, food safety regulation, resources for the Department of Agriculture, and protecting one of Hawaiʻi's iconic crops, coffee," Miyamoto said.
SB833 SD2 HD3 CD1, (Act 218) Relating to the Wahiawā Irrigation System: Requires the Office of the Governor to negotiate the state's fee simple acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System on the island of Oʻahu. Authorizes and appropriates funds for the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, and Department of Land and Natural Resources to purchase, repair, and maintain the Wahiawā Irrigation System and the associated spillway.
HB615 HD1 SD1, (Act 219) Restrictions on agricultural uses and activities: Clarifies that any provision in a private agreement contained in a conveyance of land recorded on or before July 8, 2003, that has since expired but has not been renewed and recorded in the bureau of conveyances, is prohibited from restricting bona fide agricultural uses and activities on agricultural land.
HB692 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 220) Relating to Pesticides; Increases the maximum administrative and criminal penalties for violators of the Hawaiʻi pesticides law. (CD1)
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The Governor said, "Hawaiʻi has more than 1.1 million acres of farmland, with people who do back-breaking work to feed all of us, while trying to earn a living. Despite this work by generations of farm families, we import around 85 percent of the food we eat. I want to bring that percentage down, way down, to improve our food security. To do that, we have to support local agriculture and make farming easier and less costly for the whole industry.
"The bills being signed today expand the role of agriculture across our islands, which also will enhance farmers' resiliency and ability to fully use their agriculturally zoned lands to produce both food- and non-food commodities, without barriers resulting from expired restrictions.
"Very importantly, relating to agriculture, public health, the environment, and the safety of present and future generations, we're signing a bill today that supports enforcement of our pesticide laws and increases monetary fines for violations," he said.
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| Moses Espaniola, Jr. rides for Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Volcano 4th parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola |
Gabbard, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment noted a precedent being set by the state taking over ownership and responsibility of an irrigation system, dam and reservoir. "SB833 allows the state to take ownership and responsibility of the Wahiawā irrigation system, Wahiawā Dam and Lake Wilson Reservoir, and the associated spillway. Given the many vital uses of these places, it's necessary for the State to take control, because if not, who knows who the buyer would be, and what it would be used for in the future," said Gabbard.
In addressing pesticides, Rep. Cedroc Gates, Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems said, "We are definitely very excited about making sure that people who are using pesticides are doing it responsibly, and doing it in a safe way that protects our community.
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| K-Truck carries family and flag through Volcano Village Photo by Sara Espaniola |
Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto said the bureau is very pleased with the many positive measures passed to help Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers during thelegislative session, noting the high level of support from Governor Green and his Administration.
"We applaud Governor Green and the legislature for their leadership and support for Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers through the signing of these bills today. The Governor signed bills that will help increase the viability and success of our farmers and ranchers through support for agricultural land use policy, irrigation infrastructure funding, controlling invasive species, food safety regulation, resources for the Department of Agriculture, and protecting one of Hawaiʻi's iconic crops, coffee," Miyamoto said.
Here are other bills Green signed into law:
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| USGS Hawai'i Volcano Observatory staff walks the parade route in Volcano. Photo by Sara Espaniola |
HB615 HD1 SD1, (Act 219) Restrictions on agricultural uses and activities: Clarifies that any provision in a private agreement contained in a conveyance of land recorded on or before July 8, 2003, that has since expired but has not been renewed and recorded in the bureau of conveyances, is prohibited from restricting bona fide agricultural uses and activities on agricultural land.
HB692 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 220) Relating to Pesticides; Increases the maximum administrative and criminal penalties for violators of the Hawaiʻi pesticides law. (CD1)
SB1588 SD2 HD2 CD1, (Act 212) RELATING TO FOOD SAFETY.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a GroupGAP food safety training and certification program. (CD1)
HB307 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 213) RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES.Allows the Department of Agriculture to extend the agricultural park lease of any lessee who holds a lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less, if the land covered by the lease is 25 acres or less and located in a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand. (CD1)
HB695 HD2 SD1 CD1, (Act 214) RELATING TO FENCES.
Allows the use of battery-charged security fences used for non-agricultural purposes, under certain circumstances. (CD1)
HB972 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 215) RELATING TO THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY SPECIAL FUND.
Adds revenue generated by the State Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Disease Control Branch as sources for the Animal Industry Special Fund and clarifies that the funds from the special fund may be expended to make laboratory improvements. (CD1)
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
THIS IS OUR HAWAI'I IS THE NAME OF A NEW PODCAST FROM HAWAI'I PUBLIC RADIO. Its Hawaiian name is ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia. An HPR introduction says, "Hawaiʻi has sustained hundreds of thousands of people for centuries, yet these days, it can feel like there isn't enough for everyone. Who owns the Hawaiian Islands? Who makes the rules? And why do so many local people feel like they're left out? Communities across the islands have been having this discussion for decades."
Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a GroupGAP food safety training and certification program. (CD1)
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| 'O Kaʻū Paniolo tales the ride along the route of the Fourth of July Parade in Volcano. Photo by Sara Espaniola |
HB307 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 213) RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES.Allows the Department of Agriculture to extend the agricultural park lease of any lessee who holds a lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less, if the land covered by the lease is 25 acres or less and located in a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand. (CD1)
HB695 HD2 SD1 CD1, (Act 214) RELATING TO FENCES.
Allows the use of battery-charged security fences used for non-agricultural purposes, under certain circumstances. (CD1)
HB972 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 215) RELATING TO THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY SPECIAL FUND.
Adds revenue generated by the State Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Disease Control Branch as sources for the Animal Industry Special Fund and clarifies that the funds from the special fund may be expended to make laboratory improvements. (CD1)
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
THIS IS OUR HAWAI'I IS THE NAME OF A NEW PODCAST FROM HAWAI'I PUBLIC RADIO. Its Hawaiian name is ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia. An HPR introduction says, "Hawaiʻi has sustained hundreds of thousands of people for centuries, yet these days, it can feel like there isn't enough for everyone. Who owns the Hawaiian Islands? Who makes the rules? And why do so many local people feel like they're left out? Communities across the islands have been having this discussion for decades."
Join host Russell Subiono as he digs deep into residents' frustrations with the status quo. In each episode of this limited series podcast, Subiono visits a different Hawaiʻi community threatened by outside ownership and listens to what longtime locals have to say. Listen to the trailer
ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia: This Is Our Hawaiʻi is HPR debut digital-first limited series podcast. Six episodes will be released every Friday starting July 14 on major podcasting platforms Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora and Stitcher, and hawaiipublicradio.org/ourhawaii.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
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To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
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