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| Gov. David Ige |
GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED an emergency proclamation yesterday as a preventive measure against mosquito-borne illnesses that include dengue fever and Zika. This follows the recent decision by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention to open its emergency operations center at Level One to prepare for and mitigate the Zika risk.
“There have been no locally acquired Zika cases in the U.S. or Hawai`i, and we’d like to keep it that way,” Ige said. “This is about getting in front of the situation across the state. I will be coordinating planning efforts with the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency, all county mayors and Civil Defense coordinators.”
“There have been no locally acquired Zika cases in the U.S. or Hawai`i, and we’d like to keep it that way,” Ige said. “This is about getting in front of the situation across the state. I will be coordinating planning efforts with the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency, all county mayors and Civil Defense coordinators.”
On Hawai`i Island, dengue fever cases continue to be fewer and farther between. However, the battle is not over, and the state continues to focus resources to break the cycle of dengue fever infection and transmission, Ige said.
The emergency proclamation will give the state access to the Major Disaster Fund, the option of waiving certain laws and regulations to expedite the outbreak response if and when needed, as well as pave the way for federal assistance should the state exhaust its resources.
“Gov. Ige’s proclamation today recognizes the importance and urgency of the situation Hawai`i Island residents are facing with dengue fever incidents increasing, and the global concern of the Zika virus continuing to spread,” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “This proclamation and ensuing release of resources, personnel and tools to take important action steps within our communities on Hawai`i Island are critical steps toward eradicating this disease-spreading mosquito, getting rid of dengue and preventing the Zika virus from taking hold. Hawai`i Island residents and guests deserve aggressive, coordinated action from all levels of government, the private sector and healthcare providers. The increasing number of cases ... continues to impact the health and safety of our people and the economy. Our keiki and kupuna are especially vulnerable, as they are less able to defend themselves against these types of diseases. …
The emergency proclamation will give the state access to the Major Disaster Fund, the option of waiving certain laws and regulations to expedite the outbreak response if and when needed, as well as pave the way for federal assistance should the state exhaust its resources.
“Gov. Ige’s proclamation today recognizes the importance and urgency of the situation Hawai`i Island residents are facing with dengue fever incidents increasing, and the global concern of the Zika virus continuing to spread,” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “This proclamation and ensuing release of resources, personnel and tools to take important action steps within our communities on Hawai`i Island are critical steps toward eradicating this disease-spreading mosquito, getting rid of dengue and preventing the Zika virus from taking hold. Hawai`i Island residents and guests deserve aggressive, coordinated action from all levels of government, the private sector and healthcare providers. The increasing number of cases ... continues to impact the health and safety of our people and the economy. Our keiki and kupuna are especially vulnerable, as they are less able to defend themselves against these types of diseases. …
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| Lands at Miloli`i continue to be closed to the public due to dengue risk. Map from Hawai`i DOH |
“The difference is really going to be felt when these resources are deployed to the communities hardest hit. Miloli`i is one hotspot where new cases are still being confirmed. Residents there found that their water catchment systems are problematic breeding grounds and require immediate work and treatment. It will cost $112,000 to do this, and they do not have the ability to fund this themselves. This is a prime example of why these resources are so urgently needed – to fund effective measures that will eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. There is no time to waste.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “I was glad to see that Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation to fight this mosquito-borne illnesses. There is no doubt we need additional funding and resources, but we also need the commitment of the CDC to address this threat.”
Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO George D. Szigeti emphasized that nothing has changed from before. “Today’s proclamation enables the state of Hawai`i to take steps to prevent an emergency from occurring and does not mean a state of emergency exists,” he said.
Szigeti pointed out that no travel advisories have been issued for Hawai`i by any health organization. “We encourage travelers to have confidence in booking a trip to Hawai`i and look forward to welcoming them with aloha,” he said.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
FLYING A DRONE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park landed the operator a $1,000 fine and a one-year ban from the park. According to Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett, U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi sentenced Travis Sanders, of Pahoa, after he was found guilty of disobeying a lawful order of a government employee.
Last April, a park ranger used a Tazer on Sanders when he tried to flee after being ordered to land the drone that he was flying outside of Jaggar Museum. The judge found the ranger’s action to be “entirely justified,” Burnett reported.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “I was glad to see that Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation to fight this mosquito-borne illnesses. There is no doubt we need additional funding and resources, but we also need the commitment of the CDC to address this threat.”
Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO George D. Szigeti emphasized that nothing has changed from before. “Today’s proclamation enables the state of Hawai`i to take steps to prevent an emergency from occurring and does not mean a state of emergency exists,” he said.
Szigeti pointed out that no travel advisories have been issued for Hawai`i by any health organization. “We encourage travelers to have confidence in booking a trip to Hawai`i and look forward to welcoming them with aloha,” he said.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
FLYING A DRONE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park landed the operator a $1,000 fine and a one-year ban from the park. According to Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett, U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi sentenced Travis Sanders, of Pahoa, after he was found guilty of disobeying a lawful order of a government employee.
Last April, a park ranger used a Tazer on Sanders when he tried to flee after being ordered to land the drone that he was flying outside of Jaggar Museum. The judge found the ranger’s action to be “entirely justified,” Burnett reported.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Sen. Russell Ruderman |
KA`U STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN’S bill that would create a Food Forest Program was passed by the Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture this week.
SB2967 would establish a community food forest program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources to work collaboratively with local government and community organizations to provide sources of healthy food statewide.
According to the bill, community gardens may provide a solution to Hawai`i’s increasing food costs and the dwindling availability of undeveloped land. By identifying and utilizing public lands, particularly those near existing community gathering places such as parks and community centers, to create community food forests that adopt edible landscaping concepts, the state may be able to provide additional sources of low- or no-cost food to residents, while also utilizing developed land for community sustainability purposes.
Track this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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PANA`EWA STAMPEDE RODEO takes place at the Equestrian Center this side of Hilo today and tomorrow. The rodeo begins at noon today and 11 a.m. tomorrow, with qualifying and slack roping starting at 8 a.m. Tickets are $8 at the gate; free for keiki under 12.
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According to the bill, community gardens may provide a solution to Hawai`i’s increasing food costs and the dwindling availability of undeveloped land. By identifying and utilizing public lands, particularly those near existing community gathering places such as parks and community centers, to create community food forests that adopt edible landscaping concepts, the state may be able to provide additional sources of low- or no-cost food to residents, while also utilizing developed land for community sustainability purposes.
Track this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Yesterday's quake was one of 28 larger than magnitude-4.0 on Kilauea's south flank in the past 25 years. Map from USGS/HVO |
A MAGNITUDE 4.1 EARTHQUAKE struck Hawai`i Island yesterday. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the quake struck at 9:23 a.m. about five miles west of Kalapana.
HVO reported that Kilauea’s south flank has been the site of 28 earthquakes of magnitude-4.0 or greater during the past 25 years. Most are caused by abrupt motion of the volcano’s south flank, which moves to the southeast over the oceanic crust as a result of magma being injected into the East Rift Zone. The location, depth and waveforms recorded as part of the earthquake are all consistent with slip along this south flank fault.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Christina Neal, the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kilauea Volcano’s ongoing eruptions. “HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kilauea or at other Hawaiian volcanoes resulting from the earthquake,” she said.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Christina Neal, the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kilauea Volcano’s ongoing eruptions. “HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kilauea or at other Hawaiian volcanoes resulting from the earthquake,” she said.
HVO geologists working near Pu`u `O`o reported feeling the earthquake but noted no change in the eruption.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
VALENTINE’S WEEKEND HUKILAU continues through Sunday at Whittington Beach Park. The blanket and toy drive features Buddy Cage, of New Riders of the Purple Sage. $15 suggested donation; veterans free.
Call 917-561-4800.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
VALENTINE’S WEEKEND HUKILAU continues through Sunday at Whittington Beach Park. The blanket and toy drive features Buddy Cage, of New Riders of the Purple Sage. $15 suggested donation; veterans free.
Call 917-561-4800.
LOVE THE ARTS: m’ARTi Gras begins at 5 p.m. today. Volcano Art Center’s 12th annual fundraiser is an evening of art, food and wine at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Monies raised will be used for arts and cultural education, as well as programs, classes and workshops. Tickets at the door are $65.
PANA`EWA STAMPEDE RODEO takes place at the Equestrian Center this side of Hilo today and tomorrow. The rodeo begins at noon today and 11 a.m. tomorrow, with qualifying and slack roping starting at 8 a.m. Tickets are $8 at the gate; free for keiki under 12.
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers a free, guided hike of Palm Trail tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses 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 volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. Enter Kahuku on the inland side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area.
KA`U CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY tomorrow.
Specials at Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu include prime rib, lamb kebobs, fresh ono and seafood fettucine. Prices vary. Reserve at 929-9717 for a time between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
South Side Shaka’s Restaurant in Na`alehu offers prime rib, snow crab, and a combo from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 929-7404 for reservations.
Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Valentine’s Day Buffet from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu items include prime rib au jus, shrimp and mushroom alfredo, chicken picata, salad, soup, dessert and beverage. $27.95 adults; $14.50 children 6 – 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
South Side Shaka’s Restaurant in Na`alehu offers prime rib, snow crab, and a combo from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 929-7404 for reservations.
Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Valentine’s Day Buffet from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu items include prime rib au jus, shrimp and mushroom alfredo, chicken picata, salad, soup, dessert and beverage. $27.95 adults; $14.50 children 6 – 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.
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/Directory2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf. |
