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| Manaiakalani Kalua and Halau o Akaunu perform tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Photo from NPS |
A MORATORIUM ON COLLECTING FISH for the aquarium trade will not be part of Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources’ management plan for near-shore waters in the main Hawaiian Islands. Extensive, mass coral bleaching across the entire Hawaiian archipelago is prompting the development of a comprehensive coral reef management plan for near-shore waters.
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| Hawai`i DLNR has determined that collecting fish for aquariums does not contribute to coral bleaching. Photo from DLNR |
Dr. Bruce Anderson, administrator for the state Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources, said, “Aquarium fish collecting is not thought to contribute significantly to the problem, while declines in populations of large-scale coral scraping herbivores such as parrot fish (uhu) are a significant issue for our reef health.”
In October, the head of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control asked DLNR to consider a temporary moratorium on commercial aquarium fish extraction in response to Hawai`i’s significant coral bleaching event. In a response, DLNR Chair Suzanne Case wrote, “Commercial aquarium fish collecting, in fact, does not occur to any great extent off most of the Hawaiian Islands. The fishery is primarily centered in West Hawai`i. Fifteen years of data show that the herbivores making up most (92 percent) of the catch have increased over the years and are now more numerous there than any other place in the Hawaiian archipelago. Significantly, no parrotfish are taken by West Hawai`i aquarium collectors. On O`ahu, less the 20 percent of all the aquarium animals collected are herbivorous fishes. Again, parrotfish are essentially not taken by collectors, averaging only five per year recently.”
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| Dr. Bruce Anderson |
“Coral bleaching in some parts of Hawai`i is unprecedented in recorded history, placing our corals at much greater risk of dying,” Anderson said. “We need to ensure our reefs are as healthy and resilient as possible to maximize the chances of recovery. The development of a statewide coral reef management plan is a top priority for DAR, given the extent and severity of coral bleaching across Hawai`i the last two years. Coral reef resilience and recovery is very complex, so the plan will have to address site-specific stressors; this can’t be a one size fits all approach.”
Dr. William Walsh, DAR’s Aquatic Biologist on Hawai`i Island, has a long history of collecting data on coral reefs on the Big Island. He explained that herbivores are not created equally, and ocean scientists categorize them based on what they feed on, their role on a reef and their role in coral health and recovery. “Grazers are the main fish collected by the aquarium industry,” Walsh said. “They crop the low-lying turf algae and include many species of surgeonfish like yellow tang. The other two categories are browsers and scrapers/excavators. It’s this last category that current global scientific research suggests are the key players in overall coral reef health, by regenerating coral reefs and controlling invasive algae. These include parrotfish. We anticipate Hawai`i’s management plan might address protection of grazers/excavators as well as certain species of sea urchin.”
“Addressing large-scale stressors like land pollution is a tough but important challenge,” Case said. “In the management plan, we hope to reiterate steps that every Hawai`i resident and visitor can take to help our coral reefs.”
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Dr. William Walsh, DAR’s Aquatic Biologist on Hawai`i Island, has a long history of collecting data on coral reefs on the Big Island. He explained that herbivores are not created equally, and ocean scientists categorize them based on what they feed on, their role on a reef and their role in coral health and recovery. “Grazers are the main fish collected by the aquarium industry,” Walsh said. “They crop the low-lying turf algae and include many species of surgeonfish like yellow tang. The other two categories are browsers and scrapers/excavators. It’s this last category that current global scientific research suggests are the key players in overall coral reef health, by regenerating coral reefs and controlling invasive algae. These include parrotfish. We anticipate Hawai`i’s management plan might address protection of grazers/excavators as well as certain species of sea urchin.”
“Addressing large-scale stressors like land pollution is a tough but important challenge,” Case said. “In the management plan, we hope to reiterate steps that every Hawai`i resident and visitor can take to help our coral reefs.”
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DR. JEAN-RENÉ LEBLANC is Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s artist-in-residence for December 2015. Leblanc, a professor of fine arts at University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, incorporates infrared spectrum photography into his digital tableaux to “make the invisible visible.” He will be in the park from Dec. 4, 2015 through Jan. 4, 2016.
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| Dr. Jean-Renee Leblanc Photo from HVNP |
Hawai`i has long been an inspiration to Leblanc, who was married on Hawai`i Island and has done several Hawai`i-based art projects. “Hawai`i is a powerful cultural and geographical place that is quite striking both visually and emotionally,” Leblanc said. “As an artist, I love to connect with the people and places where I am working creatively, and Hawai`i has moved me by its visual and cultural beauty. Both the local residents and tourists who flock to experience the popular connotation of Hawai`i as ‘Paradise’ may often miss some of the beautiful nuance. In my work and in these workshops, I hope to offer a fresh perspective for what the eye of habit might no longer see, and ideally, a different understanding.”
Toward the end of his month-long residency, Leblanc will present a piece of his art to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
“We are looking forward to the arrival of Dr. Jean-René Leblanc as our second artist in residence,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Artists are an important part of the National Park Service and have had a long-standing impact on the establishment and preservation of our parks. Continuing this historic tradition by providing artists the opportunity to draw on inspiration from the park’s volcanic landscapes and cultural resources has long been a goal for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Translating that inspiration into art brings new insights, beauty and a more thorough understanding of the park.”
Originally from Montréal, Leblanc is the co-founder of the Sensorium Lab, a research group that focuses on technology that enhances and transforms kinesthetic perceptions. He was educated at Concordia University and the University of Windsor and has a PhD in Gender and Technology from the Université de Quebec, Montréal.
Leblanc will present an After Dark in the Park program, Presentification: Making the Invisible Visible, on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Leblanc will share a series of images that explore the photographic act as an investigative process and will share insight on the interrelation between his creative impulse and the creation of photographic artifacts.
The artist will also offer two public workshops limited to 10 people on consecutive Fridays, Dec. 11 and 18, at 11 a.m. Call 985-6130, or email laura_c_schuster@nps.gov for more information and to reserve a spot.
Toward the end of his month-long residency, Leblanc will present a piece of his art to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
“We are looking forward to the arrival of Dr. Jean-René Leblanc as our second artist in residence,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Artists are an important part of the National Park Service and have had a long-standing impact on the establishment and preservation of our parks. Continuing this historic tradition by providing artists the opportunity to draw on inspiration from the park’s volcanic landscapes and cultural resources has long been a goal for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Translating that inspiration into art brings new insights, beauty and a more thorough understanding of the park.”
Originally from Montréal, Leblanc is the co-founder of the Sensorium Lab, a research group that focuses on technology that enhances and transforms kinesthetic perceptions. He was educated at Concordia University and the University of Windsor and has a PhD in Gender and Technology from the Université de Quebec, Montréal.
Leblanc will present an After Dark in the Park program, Presentification: Making the Invisible Visible, on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Leblanc will share a series of images that explore the photographic act as an investigative process and will share insight on the interrelation between his creative impulse and the creation of photographic artifacts.
The artist will also offer two public workshops limited to 10 people on consecutive Fridays, Dec. 11 and 18, at 11 a.m. Call 985-6130, or email laura_c_schuster@nps.gov for more information and to reserve a spot.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
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| Gov. David Ige |
HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH confirmed seven more cases of dengue fever on Hawai`i Island yesterday. Of the 56 cases, 46 are Hawai`i residents, and 10 are visitors.
Forty-one cases have been adults, and 15 have been under 18 years of age.
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Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
GOV. DAVID IGE SUPPORTS President Obama’s acceptance of Syrian refugees into the United States and Hawai`i. His remarks follow concern expressed by governors of several states that some refugees may be dangerous and may have contributed to terrorist attacks in Paris, France on Friday, Nov. 13.
“Our first priority is the safety of the American people, including the people of the State of Hawai`i” Ige said. “The U.S. accepts refugees, including Syrians, only after they are subjected to the most vigorous and highest level of screening and security vetting.
“As President Obama has said – slamming the door in their face would be a betrayal of our values. Hawai`i and our nation have a long history of welcoming refugees impacted by war and oppression. Hawai`i is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect. I am confident that our state will work closely with the federal government to ensure that appropriate resources and support are available before any refugees arrive in Hawai`i.”
“As President Obama has said – slamming the door in their face would be a betrayal of our values. Hawai`i and our nation have a long history of welcoming refugees impacted by war and oppression. Hawai`i is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect. I am confident that our state will work closely with the federal government to ensure that appropriate resources and support are available before any refugees arrive in Hawai`i.”
Pres. Obama ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through sundown on Thursday, Nov. 19 as a mark of respect for victims in Paris.
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| U.S. flags are at half-staff through Thursday. |
In his proclamation, President Obama said, “The American people stand with the people of France. Friday’s terror attacks were not just an attack on Paris; they were an attack on all humanity and the universal values we share, including the bonds of liberté, égalité and fraternité. These values will endure far beyond any terrorists or their hateful vision. The United States and our allies do not give in to fear, nor will we be divided, nor will anyone change our way of life. We will do whatever it takes, working with nations and peoples around the world, to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice, and to go after terrorists who threaten our people.”
Gov. David Ige said, “I know the people of Hawai`i join me in sending our Aloha to the people of France as they respond to this senseless act of violence.”
Gov. David Ige said, “I know the people of Hawai`i join me in sending our Aloha to the people of France as they respond to this senseless act of violence.”
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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts Advocats’ spay & neuter clinic tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at. Call 939-7033 for more information.
COUNTY PURCHASE OF KAHUA `OLOHU Makahiki Grounds in Na`alehu is on the agenda of Hawai`i County Council’s meeting tomorrow.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. The meeting in Kona begins at 9 a.m.
MANAIAKALANI KALUA AND HALAU o Akaunu perpetuate the `aiha`a style of hula tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts Advocats’ spay & neuter clinic tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at. Call 939-7033 for more information.
COUNTY PURCHASE OF KAHUA `OLOHU Makahiki Grounds in Na`alehu is on the agenda of Hawai`i County Council’s meeting tomorrow.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. The meeting in Kona begins at 9 a.m.
MANAIAKALANI KALUA AND HALAU o Akaunu perpetuate the `aiha`a style of hula tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Director2015.pdf. |
