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| Alakahakai Trail to Pohuʻe Bay and its 16,455 acres, which may be eyed by a space launch company,that the Hawaiʻi Legislature is considering for $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bonds. See local testimony below. Photo by Peter Bosted |
Harris said, "These funds would be used to create
a program at Hilo Medical Center where people who were having a heart attack could get care on
island instead of having to be transferred to ‘Oahu or Maui for cardiac
catheterization and cardiac intensive care.
"Of all the
communities on the Big Island 10:30 a.m. , so the
timeline is short," she concluded.
An announcement
from Elena Cabatu, Director of Marketing and Public & Legislative Affairs
for Hilo Medical
Center Hilo
Medical Center
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
TESTIMONY AGAINST PLACING THE PROPOSED SPINLAUNCH SPACEPORT FACILITY in Kaʻū has come from Kaʻū residents. SpinLaunch announced it is looking at Hawaiʻi Island as one of five possible locations, where small satellites and packages would be flung into space using a spinning device, at much lower cost than sending up large rockets. In recent months, scouts from a space endeavor have looked at the 16,455 acres around Pohuʻe Bay.
While much of the testimony from scientists and space companies support the idea and funding of SpinLaunch, none of their supportive testimony nor the funding bill have identified any location or requirement to consult the community where the site would be developed.
In light of Kaʻū being a possible site, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' Aha Moku Advisory Committee has submitted testimony to the state legislature. Jeffrey Kekoa, Aloha Beck Darlyne Vierra, and Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka ask for the residents of Kaʻū to be consulted before funding the project, should the proposed site be in Kaʻū district. They wrote:
"We are dismayed and disappointed that our Legislators have decided to support an endeavor that does not have the support of the people, especially in the area that is designated to hold this launch system. We know nothing about this project and if there were any public scoping meetings in Kaʻū, we were not approached. We have fought for decades to keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ. We are saddened and frustrated that we had to find out about this on social media, a tool that many of us here in the country do not have, because many do not have internet or computers. We depend on our legislators to let us know when something of this magnitude is planned where we live.... We understand the Legislature's wish to increase the economy for Hawaiʻi and see the need to reduce cost access to space, to meet a mandate to expand access to space and to facilitate a growth environment for commercial space industry. How will this be accommodated and keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ?"
The advisory group asks the Senate to hold the bill until the group speaks to legislators, County Council members, and developers of the plan.
Mary Ann Omerod wrote, "I strongly oppose SB2703 relating to Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist SpinLaunch, Inc., with financing of the planning, design and construction of a satellite launch system on Hawaiʻi Island and especially at Pohuʻe (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) in Kaʻū.
"Our Kupuna disagreed with a space port when it was proposed at Ka Lae (South Point) in the 80's. I don't think a mini space launch facility being at Pohuʻe, (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) would've changed their minds in today's day and age. We don't need another site in Kaʻū being desecrated thus directly affecting any more of the health or our people and the well-being of our environment!"
Hawk Jones wrote, "We don't want rockets or missiles to be launched from down here in the Kaʻū, we don't want new solar fields down here in Kaʻū; we don't want objects begin flung into space from Kaʻū and the Kaʻū residents absolutely oppose a private company buying, for any reason other than stewardship and conservation, Pohuʻe Bay.
"Pohuʻe Bay is one of our great last 'secrets' down here, untouched and pristine. Why is the State not purchasing the land and making it a reserve for it biological (Hawksbill Turtles nesting beach) reasons, along with its cultural significance?"
Laura Roberts testified in opposition to the project, should it impact Pohuʻe Bay. "These are sacred lands near Pohuʻe Bay. Please consider another location to do this."
Dr. Nancy Bondurant testified, "You have got to be kidding! How in the world is a satellite launch service going to benefit our struggling agricultural community? It is not enough that you are denying Kaʻū basic services, i.e. police, water, fire, community schools, emergency shelter, garbage, etc. but now you are considering not only funding but sitting this endeavor in Kaʻū? Are we just a dumping ground?.... The residents of Kaʻū are firmly against funding this project and siting it in our neighborhood! You can put it next to your house!"
Puaʻena N. Ahn wrote, "This does not sound like a wise investment. Is this an experimental technology? An industrial accident or human error could have devastating consequences for people and the environment. I fail to see how this is the best interest of public health, safety and welfare."
Shannon Rudolph called the proposal "The definition of insanity; taxpayer guarantee of $25 Mil in bonds to a new, untested company with no product and no history. That funding is needed in sooooo many other places!"
 |
| Pohuʻe Bay and surrounding lands; part of the 16,455 acres for sale. Photo from Luxury Big Island |
In light of Kaʻū being a possible site, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' Aha Moku Advisory Committee has submitted testimony to the state legislature. Jeffrey Kekoa, Aloha Beck Darlyne Vierra, and Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka ask for the residents of Kaʻū to be consulted before funding the project, should the proposed site be in Kaʻū district. They wrote:
"We are dismayed and disappointed that our Legislators have decided to support an endeavor that does not have the support of the people, especially in the area that is designated to hold this launch system. We know nothing about this project and if there were any public scoping meetings in Kaʻū, we were not approached. We have fought for decades to keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ. We are saddened and frustrated that we had to find out about this on social media, a tool that many of us here in the country do not have, because many do not have internet or computers. We depend on our legislators to let us know when something of this magnitude is planned where we live.... We understand the Legislature's wish to increase the economy for Hawaiʻi and see the need to reduce cost access to space, to meet a mandate to expand access to space and to facilitate a growth environment for commercial space industry. How will this be accommodated and keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ?"
The advisory group asks the Senate to hold the bill until the group speaks to legislators, County Council members, and developers of the plan.
Mary Ann Omerod wrote, "I strongly oppose SB2703 relating to Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist SpinLaunch, Inc., with financing of the planning, design and construction of a satellite launch system on Hawaiʻi Island and especially at Pohuʻe (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) in Kaʻū.
 |
Kanonone
Waterhole at
endemic and native species. Photo by Shalan
Crysdale
|
Hawk Jones wrote, "We don't want rockets or missiles to be launched from down here in the Kaʻū, we don't want new solar fields down here in Kaʻū; we don't want objects begin flung into space from Kaʻū and the Kaʻū residents absolutely oppose a private company buying, for any reason other than stewardship and conservation, Pohuʻe Bay.
"Pohuʻe Bay is one of our great last 'secrets' down here, untouched and pristine. Why is the State not purchasing the land and making it a reserve for it biological (Hawksbill Turtles nesting beach) reasons, along with its cultural significance?"
Laura Roberts testified in opposition to the project, should it impact Pohuʻe Bay. "These are sacred lands near Pohuʻe Bay. Please consider another location to do this."
Dr. Nancy Bondurant testified, "You have got to be kidding! How in the world is a satellite launch service going to benefit our struggling agricultural community? It is not enough that you are denying Kaʻū basic services, i.e. police, water, fire, community schools, emergency shelter, garbage, etc. but now you are considering not only funding but sitting this endeavor in Kaʻū? Are we just a dumping ground?.... The residents of Kaʻū are firmly against funding this project and siting it in our neighborhood! You can put it next to your house!"
Puaʻena N. Ahn wrote, "This does not sound like a wise investment. Is this an experimental technology? An industrial accident or human error could have devastating consequences for people and the environment. I fail to see how this is the best interest of public health, safety and welfare."
Shannon Rudolph called the proposal "The definition of insanity; taxpayer guarantee of $25 Mil in bonds to a new, untested company with no product and no history. That funding is needed in sooooo many other places!"
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Photo from hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov |
THE HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT on Saturday drew more than 649
volunteers statewide to the shores: from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to
Punaluʻu, South Point and Miloliʻi, all the way up the chain of inhabited Hawaiian
Islands . It was the second of three events of the 2018 Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
Volunteers collected data from 44 sites statewide on February 24. A total of 135 whale sightings were recorded during the10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time
period throughout the day's count. Weather conditions were unfavorable for
viewing whales due to poor visibility. Multiple Ocean Count sites on Hawaiʻi
Island cancelled the count due to continuous rainfall and zero visibility.
Volunteers collected data from 44 sites statewide on February 24. A total of 135 whale sightings were recorded during the
Ocean
Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and
shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three
times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale
sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which
provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location
are available at http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/.
Additional information is available on the sanctuary's website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| 2nd Congressional District winner from 2017. |
The deadline to
submit an entry is Monday, March 5. Digital JPG files of 2D artwork must be
sent to haearts@gmail.com, along
with the required 2018 Student Release Form. Personal information should not be part of the submitted JPG.
Finalists drop off physical entries by Saturday,
April 14, at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where an art exhibition of the pieces
will be held from Monday, April 16, through Saturday, May 12. The awards
ceremony will be held that day, at 10:00 a.m.
All entries must be: two-dimensional; no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches thick when matted/framed; no more than 15 pounds in weight when matted/framed; original in concept, design, and execution, and not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Work entered must be in the original medium, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Acceptable Mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are: Paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.; Drawings in colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed); Collages - must be two dimensional; Prints - lithographs, silkscreen, block prints; Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.; Computer-generated art; Photographs. |
| 1st Congressional District winner from 2017. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.
FREE LEGAL SERVICES available for those 60+ through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i's Kōkua Kupuna Project, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Wed., Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Hawai`iCounty Office 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , to obtain a referral. All others seeking free legal services, call 1-800-499-4302 (O‘ahu), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More info, email tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org or 329-3910 ext. 925.
‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.
HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org.
HULA VOICES with Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele, Thu, Mar 1, 7 - 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates event. Free, educational event occurring on the first Thursday of each month (excluding Apr. and Dec. 2018). volcanoartcenter.org
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.
INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE IRVINE , Sat., Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. , Volcano Art Center
ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat., Mar. 3, 10 a.m. to 1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sunday, March 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun., Mar. 4, noon to 2 p.m. , Manukā State Park
ONGOING
KA‘Ū GIRLS SOFTBALL KICKED OFF THE SPRING SEASON by hosting
Konawa‘ena February 26, with three more games happening within the week: Feb.
27, 3 p.m. , against Pāhoa, hosting;
Feb. 28, 3 p.m. , Honoka‘a, hosting;
and March 3, at Kohala, 11 a.m.
The Feb. 26 game
saw Reishalyn Kekoa Jara with 2 hits, and Chaunalisa Velez and Analei Emmsley,
both each with one hit. The final score for Ka‘ū was 4 hits, with Kona ending
the game at 23.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily,
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
|
MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST, open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m. , March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
TUESDAY, FEB. 27
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28
KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM open to young adults 17 and up; deadline to apply Wed., Feb. 28. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.
FREE LEGAL SERVICES available for those 60+ through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i's Kōkua Kupuna Project, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Wed., Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Hawai`i
LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 10 a.m. to noon , on the Kīlauea Visitor Center
NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.
THURSDAY, MARCH 1
HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org.
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road , off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thu, Mar 1, 6 - 7 p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
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| Join Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele for Hula Voices - details, left. |
FRIDAY, MARCH 2
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri., Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. , at Kahuku Park
KAʻŪ'S BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NEED SUPPORT; purchase tickets and sponsor persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Fri., Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The evening includes a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honors will be presented. Learn more about helping to create great futures at bgca.org.
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 - noon , West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat., Mar. 3,8:45 a.m. , meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org.
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat., Mar. 3,
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar. 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE
HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
