Ka`u News Briefs Nov. 8, 2012

Mitch Roth and his wife Noriko Yamada Roth during the campaign. Roth won the election by .2 percent over Lincoln Ashida.
Photo from facebook.com/mitchroth1

NEW COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY MITCH ROTH promises more problem solving and community work in preventing crime. Roth, a longtime deputy county prosecutor with a history of working in crime prevention and mentoring of Neighborhood Watch and other citizen initiatives, won the general election on Tuesday. The victory was narrow with Roth taking 44.4 percent of the vote with a total of 28,311 votes in his favor and runner up Lincoln Ashida bringing in 44.2 percent of the vote with a total of 28,184.
      During his campaign Roth said he wants to make neighborhoods safe by closing drug houses, recording drug forfeitures so that drug money fights crime, performing nuisance abatement and doing hands-on community training. Roth said he wants to change the culture of the Prosecuting Attorney's office. Roth said prosecutors should be more than case processors. “They should be problem solvers.”

COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS:

TWO PERCENT: AMENDMENTS TO THE COUNTY CHARTER public land stewardship laws passed in the general election. One for the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation fund won 55 percent of the vote, with 35,069 in favor. The other, a fund for maintaining public lands managed by the county, won with 36,057, representing 56.5 percent of the vote. The two amendments make it clear that 2 percent of property taxes in Hawai`i County will go toward purchasing easements and lands for public parks, preserves, rights of way, and preserving natural resources. The other sets up a fund to take care of these places owned and managed by the county and community groups.  Examples in Ka`u include Honu`apo and Kawa.

A GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION will be established with a charter amendment passing with 58.6 percent in favor, casting 37,366 votes. Proposed by out-going County Council chair Dominic Yagong, the amendment gives hunters and game management officials a forum to interact and make recommendations regarding hunting when public policy issues and new developments arise. Issues discussed at public hearings on the proposal included aerial hunting of sheep, pigs and axis deer, rather than allowing local hunters to eliminate these invasive species from protected areas.

THE COUNTY COUNCIL, BOARD OR COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE of any regular, special, rescheduled or emergency meetings, according to the provisions of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes charter amendment passed with 62.1 percent or 39,599 votes in favor and 24.8 percent or 15,813 votes opposing. This charter amendment, which passed on Tuesday, eliminates a requirement for six days notice for meetings online and on radio, which is seen as a hurdle when emergency meetings are required.

COUNTY REDISTRICTING COMMISSIONERS will be prohibited from running for County Council the year following the redrawing of the district lines for elected officials. The amendment received 62.8 percent in favor, 40,048 votes, and will affect redistricting in 2021, following the 2020 U.S. census.

VOTERS TURNED DOWN an amendment that would have given the County Council the power to establish special funds without permission from the mayor. The general election results showed 64.8 percent against, with 41,324 votes cast in opposition.

IN ORDER FOR STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TO PASS Hawai`i law requires at least 50 percent of the total votes cast be in favor. None passed on Tueday.

THE HAWAI`I DAM AND RESERVOIR OWNERS ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT failed to pass even thought there were 48.7 percent (212,395) yes votes and 40.3 percent (175,952) opposing votes. The amendment would have authorized the State to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist dam and reservoir owners make their facilities compliant with current safety standards.

THE HAWAI`I APPOINTMENT OF RETIRED JUDGES AMENDMENT nearly passed the 50 percent requirement, with  49.6 percent (216,655) of the votes n favor 39.9 percent (174,190) against. The amendment would have authorized the Chief of Justice of the  Hawai`i Supreme Court to appoint retired judges to temporary stations, even after the mandatory age of retirement.

A CROP INSURANCE WORKSHOP is offered, by University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Horticultural Research, in Pahala on Monday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center. The workshop is also offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Kona Cooperative Extension Service in Kealakekua.
      Bonnie Lind provides a presentation and answers audience questions and concerns. Anyone interested in leaning about crop insurance, has questions about it or has any questions about a current policy is encouraged to attend one of the workshops. Lifectahr.blogspot.com says the "deadline to apply for crop insurance policies starting Jan. 2013 is Dec. 31, 2012. Crop Insurance doesn't have to be expensive. One grower pays under $40 a year for her coffee insurance." Hawai`i has policies for AGR-Lite, Macadamia Nut tree and nut, Banana tree and fruit, Coffee tree and fruit, and Papaya tree and fruit.
      Those interested in attending are asked to respond by emailing andreak@hawaii.edu or by calling 322-4894. Leave a message with names of attendees, the workshop location and time and a contact number.

One of Patricia Hobans students paints in the workshop.
Photo from Patricia Hoban

PROCESS PAINTING - SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban teaches an explorative art process that encourages participants to experiment, explore, discover and play. No previous art education or experience needed. The class is $45 for the general public, and $40 for VAC members. A $5 supply fee is also assessed. For more, call 967-8222.

DREAMTIME CONCERT starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. John Dumas brings his mystical Shamanic Journeys to concert-goers through the use of his handmade flutes and didgeridoos, rattles, drums and chanting. The concert is $12 for the general public and $10 for VAC members. Call 967-8222 for more.

A FREE CONCERT HONORING VETERANS is offered at the Pahala Plantation House this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Center for Hawaiian Music Studies presents many musicians, students and participants in the Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music & Lifestyle Workshop, which is currently in session this week. Water and plate lunches will be available for purchase. For more, call Tiffany Crosson at 938-6582.

FEE-FREE DAYS, where Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park waives entrance fees during Veterans Day holiday weekend are this Saturday through Monday, Nov. 12.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S OPEN HOUSE is scheduled for Veterans Day, Nov. 11. KMC invites all park visitors to experience how KMC supports America’s troops by utilizing any of KMC’s facilities and services.

A VETERANS DAY CEREMONY is held Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m, by KMC's flagpole. A Veteran's Day buffet will follow at 4:30 p.m. at KMC's Crater Rim Cafe. The menu offers prime rib, spinach and mushroom fettuccini, breaded ono, roasted rosemary red potatoes, bacon green beans, French onion soup, rice, fruit cocktail cake, ice cream and beverage. Entry for the buffet is $23.95 for adults and $12.50 for children 6-11. Public is invited to attend.

SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is set for Nov. 11 in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park explore Palm Trail, a 2.6-mile loop with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku offers. Free to members; membership available at event. Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org for more.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park between miles 70 and 71 on Hwy 11. The guided 2.5-mile moderately difficult hikes over rugged terrain focus on the area’s human history. The hike is also offered Nov. 25. For more, call 985-6011.

LUNCH WITH A RANGER is also Sunday, starting at 12 p.m. in the Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area. Rangers choose varied topics ranging from land management and conservation issues to environmental and cultural history and guide an open discussion with visitors over a bring-your-own-bag lunch. Check the Activities Boards at the Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area for the day’s Lunch With a Ranger topic and location. Lunch with a Ranger is also offered Nov. 18.

MEDICINE FOR THE MIND is Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free Buddhist healing meditation for beginners and advanced. Call Patty Johnson for more, 985-7470.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Nov. 7, 2012

Mazie Hirono will take the place of retiring Sen. Dan Akaka, becoming the first Asian American woman U.S. Senator. 

The night before the election, she rallied the Democrats on the Big Island.  Photo by Julia Neal

NATIONAL ELECTIONS last night continued Hawai`i's tradition of sending more diversity to Washington D.C. The new congressional delegation is comprised of three women and one man. They are two practicing Buddhists, one Methodist and one Hindu. Also from Hawai`i, spending his childhood here, is America's first Black President, Barack Obama, reelected for a second term.

Hula for Obama at Hilo Bandstand. Photo by Julia Neal

DEMOCRAT MAZIE HIRONO will represent Ka`u, Volcano and the rest of rural state of Hawai`i as a new U.S. Senator. She will become the first Asian American woman and first Buddhist (Sen. Dan Inouye is a Methodist) to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was born in Japan and moved to Hawai`i as a child. She is an attorney and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives she helped secure funding for open space preservation along the Ka`u Coast. Hirono defeated former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle with statewide votes of 269,389 over Lingle’s 160,937. 

      Hirono said she is in the best position to work with President Barack Obama who helped with a recorded message of support during her campaign. Obama, who was born and spent his youth in Hawai`i, was reelected for a second term last night.

Tulsi Gabbard campaigned in Hilo the

 night before becoming the next U.S. 

Congresswoman representing Ka`u 

and all of rural Hawai`i. 

Photo by Julia Neal

DEMOCRAT TULSI GABBARD will assume Hirono’s U.S. House of Representatives seat serving Ka`u and the rest of the rural Hawaiian Islands. She will become the first Samoan and Hindu to serve in the U.S. House. Gabbard is also a former state legislator and Honolulu councilwoman. She promises to work on education, civil rights and economic development that is environmentally conscious. 

       She is also a war veteran. Gabbard defeated Republican Kawika Crowley with statewide votes of 168,466 to Crowley’s 40,697.

MAYOR BILLY KENOI NARROWLY WON reelection to a second term last night over the resurgence of former Mayor Harry Kim’s campaign. Kenoi garnered 31,797 votes to Kim’s 30,360 votes, a mere 1,437 vote difference. Kenoi took 51 percent of the vote. Kim won 49 percent. 

Mayor Billy Kenoi talked about steering the 

county through the recession. He was reelected 

the next day. Photo by Julia Neal

      During his victory celebration, Kenoi told his supporters that his team sees the win “as an opportunity to continue to work hard.” He told The Ka`u Calendar earlier that he and Kim had a great working relationship when Kim was mayor and Kenoi a deputy. He said he has nothing but praise for the former mayor.
      Kenoi is 43 and an attorney who worked in juvenile justice before joining the county under Kim’s administration. He ran this election on his record of reducing the cost of government during the recession without cutting back on essential services.
      Kim is 72. After serving the limit - two consecutive terms as mayor, he retired but came back into politics this year over concern that people were not being heard and taken seriously about geothermal issues. Kim is a former county Civil Defense Director. His campaign was noted for taking no more than $10 in donations from each person.

County Councilmember 

Brenda Ford was reelected, this time
to serve South Kona and Ka`u.

Photo from Brenda Ford

BRENDA FORD IS KA`U’S NEW COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER. She took in 3,214 votes to Maile David’s 3,051, a difference of 199 votes in the non-partisan race. Ford said this morning that she feels “extremely honored that the people of District 6 chose me to represent you. I promise to work very, very hard for the people. One of my biggest concerns is increasing jobs and we have several projects on the list that may help with that. I plan to spend time in Ka`u to meet people and work on their concerns. Thank you to everyone for your support and the hard work you did to get elected,” she said.

KA`U’S NEW STATE SENATORS:

REPRESENTING PUNALU`U INTO PUNA will be Russell Ruderman. 

State Seator-elect Russell Ruderman supports
ag in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

      The Democrat Ruderman gathered 10,487 votes over Republican Daryl Lee Smith’s 3,152. Ruderman told The Ka`u Calendar that he will support diversified agriculture in Ka`u, particularly in the area of growing food. For energy, he said he supports taking down the barriers for solar to be a main source of electricity for Hawai`i residents. He said he is studying the `Aina Koa Pono proposal for the refinery and biofuel farm in Ka`u and opposes any electric bill increases connected with the contract before the PUC. Ruderman said he has “grave concerns about the environment and what is going to happen to the existing vegetation on the land.” He said he is also concerned about the possibility of displacing ranchers and farmers in Ka`u to grow biofuel.
      He said he plans spend more time in Ka`u.
      Concerning the overall election, Ruderman said, “It was really great how Democrats pulled together after the primary. I am really proud of the grassroots people power kind of campaign we ran.”
      He said his first initiative as a state senator will be “removing barriers to solar power, improving education and promoting clean elections.” He said he was headed to the state Capitol this morning to work on organization of the 2013 Legislature.

REPRESENTING HONU`APO THROUGH KONA, the state Senator will be former Ka`u physician Democrat Josh Green. He is an incumbent in Kona, whose district was expanded into Ka`u through reapportionment following the 2010 U.S. Census. Green took 11,347 votes over Republican Jeff LaFrance who took 3,192 votes.

Sate Sen. Josh Green was reelected yesterday.
Photo from Josh Green

       Green said this morning: “I am extremely honored to be representing Ka`u, my first home in Hawai`i when I served as a physician at Ka`u Hospital from 2000 – 2004. Much of my hanai family remains in Ka`u and walking door to door in Ka`u were the happiest two days of this campaign.”
      He said he spoke with many constituents in Ka`u over the last four months. “I am keenly aware that we need water solutions for our ag industry, that we have major concerns about the new proposed biofuel project, which I will be reviewing. I will continue to work on critical need for health care,” he said. Green pointed out that his bill creating the Hawai`i Health Corps, which is now in effect, will provide additional loan repayments for health care providers, including physicians who will work in Hawai`i. Green said he will encourage placement of some doctors in Ka`u “so they can serve as I did.”
      Green said he also wants to “find ways to create jobs in Ka`u that fit the Ka`u lifestyle. In the coming months I will hold talk stories in Ka`u and sit down with people individually.” He said people should feel free to connect with him directly on his cell at 937-0991 and email at joshuaboothgreen@yahoo.com.

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBERS:

State Representative-elect Richard Onishi at Hilo Bandstand.
Photo by Julia Neal

REPRESENTING PUNALU`U THROUGH VOLCANO into Puna will be Democrat Richard Onishi, who won 4,937 votes over Republican Marlene Hapai’s 2,831 votes and Libertarian Fred Fogel’s 860 votes. During his campaign, Onishi posted his pledge on his website:
      “To address issues and concerns and find solutions to better our communities and our future generations, I pledge to:
 Listen to you
; stay in touch with you; work tirelessly for you
; work together with you.
      “My vision is for our communities to be safe, healthy, economically viable, sustainable.” Onishi stated that he will ensure “Our communities are a safe place to live, play, work and do business. Our children receive high quality education
. Our seniors (kupuna) are cared for. Our economy supports local businesses and products
. Our individual rights are protected. Our environment is preserved. Our people have access to first-rate medical services.” Onishi flew to Honolulu this morning to help organize the 2013 Legislature.

State Rep. Denny Coffman was
reelected. Photo from
hawaiihouseblog.blogspot.com

REPRESENTING HONOU`PO INTO KONA will be Denny Coffman, an incumbent whose district expanded into Ka`u through redistricting after the 2010 U.S. Census. He said this morning, “It is always humbling to be given the trust from the citizens and I hope to be able to live up to your expectations. This is a full time job for me.” He said he will be at the Capitol Thursday and Friday as members of the 2013 Legislature start to organize. Coffman said the “Big Island legislators try to get as much leadership as we can so we can bring in as much resource as we can for our community and this of course includes Ka`u.”
      For Ka`u, Coffman, who chairs the state House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, said he will help with supporting water for diversified agriculture in Ka`u. He said he will follow the biofuel refinery and farm proposal before the state Public Utilities Commission, for which he has stated opposition to the governor, PUC and state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

WHILE KA`U LOST REPRESENTATION by people who live in the district or close-in, all the candidates who won pledged not to forget remote Ka`u.
      Currently, Ka`u’s state House of Representatives member for the area is Bob Herkes who lives in the Volcano golf course area of Ka`u. New state House members covering Ka`u have homes in Hilo – Richard Onishi, and Kona – Denny Coffman.
      State Sen. Gil Kahele, who lost the Ka`u district through redistricting, won in Hilo. He owns homes at Miloli`i. The new senators covering Ka`u live in Puna – Russell Ruderman, and Kona – Josh Green. Outgoing County Council member Brittany Smart lives in Discovery Harbor while incoming council member Brenda Ford lives in South Kona. The elected official living closest to the Ka`u border is Mayor Billy Kenoi, who lives near Volcano. All of those who won told The Ka`u Calendar during the campaign that they would be coming to Ka`u and involving the people in their decision-making.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is gearing up for its annual Keiki Christmas Party. Keiki Christmas Coordinator Sandy Honnold encourages community members to find a star tree, pick a star, buy a gift for a child and return the unwrapped gift with the star to one of the participating locations: Ocean View Community Center, Kahuku Country Market, Ocean View Ace Hardware, Ocean View Pizzaria, South Hawai`i Realty, Solarworks, Ocean View Auto Parts, Ocean View Market, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Spin Zone Wash Laundromat, Coffee Grinds Cafe, and South Point U-Cart.
      Contact Honnold at 557-9847.

KEIKI ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER for a Thanksgiving Craft program offered at the Pahala Community Center on Wed., Nov. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Keiki grades K-8 can register through Friday, Nov. 9. Call Nona at 928-3102 for more. 

TINY TREASURES, an invitational jewelry exhibition, continues daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Nov. 11, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The exhibit features 12 artists of Hawai`i and is free to the public, however park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah perform at the hula platform in
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo fromnexuspercussion.com

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is offered to volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers.
      For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

FEE-FREE DAYS, where Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entrance fees during Veterans Day holiday weekend are this Saturday through Monday, Nov. 12.

HULA INFORMANCE takes place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near the Kilauea Visitor Center within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah offer 50-minute narrated demonstration of the preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant. Hands-on cultural demonstrations are also offered from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Free (donations welcome). 

Sonny Lim.
Photo from myhawaiitraveler.com

A FREE CONCERT HONORING VETERANS is offered at the Pahala Plantation House this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Center for Hawaiian Music Studies presents many musicians, students and participants in the Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music & Lifestyle Workshop, which is currently in session this week. Featured performers include: Keoki and Moses Kahumoku, John and Hope Keawe, Sonny Lim, Diana Aki, James Hill, Bolo, Andy Andrews, Darci Baker, Anne Davison, Lopaka Naihe, Robert Kennedy, Peter DeAquino and Andy Rising. Water and plate lunches will be available for purchase. For more, call Tiffany Crosson at 938-6582.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Nov. 6, 2012

Hawai`i election garb in Ka`u, one voter with paniolo jeans and boots, another with surf wear. Voting was brisk at
Pahala School Cafeteria.  Photo by Julia Neal

TODAY IS GENERAL ELECTION DAY, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to voting for President, Mayor, U.S. Senator, Representatives to Congress, state House and state Senate, County Prosecuting Attorney and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees, County Charter Amendments are on the ballot. They are:

RECORDS AND MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 

Shall the County Charter be amended to repeal existing provisions relating to publication of notices of meetings of the council, boards or commissions to be replaced with: "The council, board or commission shall provide notice of any regular, special, rescheduled or emergency meeting according to the provisions of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes"?

PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE AND PRESERVATION FUND:
Shall the Hawai`i County Charter’s provisions relating to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund be amended to:
• Raise the minimum required contribution into the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural resources Preservation Fund from a minimum of one percent (1%) of real property tax revenue (including penalty and interest) to two percent (2%) of real property tax revenue (including penalty and interest);
• Require a restrictive covenant be placed in the deed transferring the acquired land or easement as follows: “This (land/easement) was acquired with moneys from the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. It shall be held in perpetuity for the use and enjoyment of the people of Hawai`i County and may not be sold, mortgaged, traded or transferred in any way;” and
• Make clear that the funds may only be used to purchase land or easements, and not for any other purpose?

PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE FUND: 

Shall the Hawai`i County Charter be amended by creating a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund, which would:

Amendments to County Charter Open Space provisions are on the ballot.
This one-mile stretch of Ka`u Coast accessed by Road to the Sea and
3,000 adjoining acres are preserved with Open Space funds.
Photo from Triplecee

• Require that one-quarter of one percent (.25%) of real property tax revenue (including penalty and interest) be deposited into this fund for the maintenance and preservation of lands acquired using the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund;
• Set a $3,000,000 cap on the accrual of deposits into this fund from real property tax revenue (including penalty and interest);
• Prohibit the use of the fund for planning, design, development, or construction of new buildings, roads, and facilities; and
• Create a stewardship grant program to allow the County Council to provide grant money from this fund to nonprofit organizations to maintain and preserve these lands?

ESTABLISHING SPECIAL FUNDS:
Shall the Hawai`i County Charter be amended to allow the County Council to create special funds without first obtaining the recommendation of the Mayor?

ELIGIBILITY FOR REDISTRICTING COMMISSIONERS to be Candidates for County Council:
Shall section 3-17, County Redistricting Commission, of the Hawai‘i County Charter be amended by adding the following, to take effect after the 2021 Redistricting Plan: “(i) No member of the redistricting commission shall be eligible to become a candidate for election to the County Council in the first election under any such redistricting plan?”

Preservation of subsistence fishing would be one topic for a Game
Management Advisory Commission. Photo from The Ka`u Calendar

ESTABLISHING A GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION: 

Shall the Hawai`i County Charter be amended to create a Game Management Advisory Commission that would advise County, State, and Federal agencies on matters related to the preservation of subsistence hunting and fishing, protection of traditional and cultural gathering rights, and the taking and conservation of aquatic life and wildlife?

HERE ARE THE STATE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT ISSUES ON THE BALLOT TODAY:

FUNDS FOR DAMS AND RESERVOIRS:
Shall the State be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist dam and reservoir owners to make their facilities compliant with current safety standards?

WORK FOR RETIRED JUDGES:
Shall the chief justice of the state Supreme Court appoint judges who have retired upon attaining the age of seventy years as emeritus judges, permitting the appointed judges to serve as temporary judges in courts no higher than the court level they reached prior to retirement and for terms not to exceed three months per each appointment?

HAWAI`I RESIDENTS ARE ALSO VOTING for candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representative. Here are profiles of each candidate:

U.S. Senator

Mazie Hirono

Linda Lingle

MAZIE HIRONO (D), incumbent Congressional representative for Ka`u, Volcano and the rest of rural Hawai`i, says economic recovery cannot be left up to the private sector. Hirono says she wants government to help with research and development, including clean energy and food self-sufficiency. She says she fights for better education, which will lead to a stronger economy, protects Social Security and pushes for progressive health care. She says she opposes the Iraq and Afghani wars and supports taking better care of veterans. See mazieforhawaii.com. 

LINDA LINGLE (R), Hawai`i’s former governor, says her number one issue is jobs and economy. Lingle says she wants to reform the tax system and push for energy security. She says she wants to bolster Asia-Pacific economic relations and make a stronger commitment to seniors, Honolulu rail and environmental stewardship. She says she works well with Democrats and Republicans. Lingle says she wants to strengthen the visitor industry, national security and defense, health care and education. She says native Hawaiian federal recognition is on her political agenda. See lingle2012.com.

U.S. Representative District 2

Kawika Crowley

Tulsi Gabbard

KAWIKA CROWLEY (R) has given numerous Tea Party events, including a rally at the state Capitol, lobbying against higher taxes and government waste. On his website, he states, “Government, both here and in Washington, needs to go on a major diet. Bureaucracies such as the Department of Education, Department of Energy, the EPA, Department of Agriculture and so many others that siphon away taxpayer monies … must be reigned in and cut down to size.” He says he supports Hawaiian sovereignty, pro-life issues and the Defense of Marriage Act. See kawika4congress.com. 

TULSI GABBARD (D) is an Iraq war veteran and Honolulu Council member. She was the youngest person to serve in the state Legislature and worked as aide to Sen. Dan Akaka. She says she wants to create jobs through tax breaks and eliminate redundant bureaucracy while ending tax deductions for corporations operating overseas. Other issues include bringing the troops home, strengthening tourism, renewable energy and agriculture, protecting Medicare and Social Security, repairing aging infrastructure and lowering gas prices. See votetulsi.com.

Democrats, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, gathered at Hilo Bandstand last night and encouraged everyone
 to get out the vote today to keep the U.S. Senate with a Democratic majority and to give  Pres. Barack Obama four more years.
Photo by Julia Neal

DEMOCRATS RALLIED LAST NIGHT at the Hilo Bandstand with mayoral candidates Billy Kenoi and Harry Kim taking their last stands on the podium. U.S. Congressional candidate Mazie Hirono was presented as filling the promise of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink to become the first Asian female member of the U.S. Senate. State senatorial candidate Russell Ruderman said that he thought people might be surprised at his success in the primary and that his win showed the diversity of the Democratic Party. He also identified himself as an environmentalist and businessman. 

       Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard was presented as becoming the first member of Congress of Samoan descent, and many candidates urged everyone to tweet, email, facebook and call today to get out the vote in an effort to return President Barack Obama to office and to save the U.S. Senate from domination by Republicans.

Occupy Hilo holds up "Abolish PLDC" sign at last night's Democratic
Party rally. Photo from Big Island Video News

THE PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT CORP. went up in lights on the mauka side of the bandstand with illuminated lettering by Occupy Hilo saying “Abolish PLDC,” the new state agency that would work with private partners for economic development on public lands. Another sign was from Aloha Uprising organization, whose leader Gene Tamashiro interrupted a speech by Gov. Neil Abercrombie saying that Hawai`i is illegally a part of the United States. Abercrombie encouraged people with concerns and objections to take part in the democratic process, to put out the effort to earn the vote of the people and to refrain from interfering with the Democratic rally. 

      According to Big Island Video News, a group called Free Hawai`i met earlier in the day at the King Kamehameha statue in Hilo and discussed the recent eviction of Abel Simeona Lui from Kawa, where the county is planning a park and wetlands preserve. Lui presented his case to supporters of Hawaiian sovereignty who met at the statue, and a number of them continued to the Democratic Rally, where one man shouted about the plight of “Uncle Abel.”

An endangered nene was killed and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park asks
 motorists to be aware of nene attracted to the sides of roadways
where food is abundant. Photo from NPS by Michael Szoenyi

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK urges motorists to slow down and watch out for endangered nene while driving on Hwy 11 and other park roadways. A female nene was killed early Friday morning along Chain of Craters Road, and her mate remains near the site. The young pair was preparing to nest.
      As nesting season begins, nene, particularly females, are focused on building up enough body fat to produce eggs and sustain them through the 30-day incubation period. As a result, females and their watchful mates are foraging not only during the day, but also at dusk and dawn and even throughout the night when the moon is bright.
      Due to recent drought conditions, the vegetation is particularly dry at many of the favored breeding sites, pushing nene to move further afield in search of adequate food. Rain runoff from pavement, combined with ground disturbance along road edges, often makes for lush grassy strips along roads, enticing birds to feed in dangerous spots. Also, nene may be difficult to see along roadsides because their coloring often blends in with surroundings.
      The park has placed nene crossing signs on roads where birds are known to congregate or cross and where vehicle kills occur most frequently.

John Keawe returns to Ka`u to perform at Pahala Plantation
House this Saturday.

      Incidents of people feeding nene also have contributed to recent vehicle kills, park wildlife biologist Kathleen Misajon said. On Oct. 1, a 16-year-old male – a father of three fledglings last season – was killed by a vehicle along Hwy 11 one mile outside of the park’s Ka`u boundary.
      “Nene have significant threats to contend with, from predation by cats, mongooses and other introduced predators, to loss of habitat made worse by drought conditions. This species is really fighting an uphill battle. We ask the public to help us rebuild nene populations by minimizing vehicle-related nenē deaths,” Misajon said.

VETERANS ARE INVITED to a free Hawaiian music concert on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Musicians and students at the 7th Annual Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music and Lifestyle workshop share their talents, with water and plate lunches available for purchase. Call 938-6582 for more information. 

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.