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| Incoming Mayor Harry Kim, who begins his term on Dec. 1, yesterday in Pahala greeted students and thanked constituents for voting for him. Above, he shakes hands with Ka`u High teacher David Brooks. Photo by Julia Neal |
AN INTERAGENCY BIOSECURITY PLAN has been formed to protect Hawai`i’s environment, agriculture, economy and health.
According to Hawai`i Departments of Agriculture and Land & Natural Resources, Hawai`i is at an invasive species crossroads: the islands are home to more endangered species than any other state. Between 80 to 90 percent of all food is imported, and there are more than eight million visitors annually, with hundreds of arriving flights and ships carrying cargo.As invasive species continue to arrive in Hawai`i and spread through the islands, the environment, agriculture, economy and even human health are at risk. Coqui frogs, fire ants, albizia and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus provide recent examples of impacts to Hawai`i.
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| Ag inspectors are at the front line of biosecurity. Photo from state DOA & DLNR |
The state of Hawai`i developed its first comprehensive, interagency approach to biosecurity through the 2017-2027 Hawai`i Interagency Biosecurity Plan. The intended scope of the plan is to address all three biosecurity areas (pre-border, border, and post-border) and to strategically coordinate actions across a wide range of agencies and partners. The planning process, led by HDOA, has joined the efforts of industry representatives and state, federal and county agencies to identify policy, process and infrastructure needs over the next decade. The plan is currently in draft form and awaits public review and input at a series of meetings across the state in early October.
“My administration has focused on doing the right thing the right way,” Gov. David Ige said. “Protecting Hawai`i from the impacts of invasive species will require agencies and industries to work together to build a better biosecurity system. Our actions now will result in a more robust agriculture industry, protect our natural resources, our economy and our unique way of life here in Hawai`i.”
“The state’s first line of defense against invasive species has always been the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, but in the 21st century, we need partners,” said Scott Enright, chair of the Hawai`i’s Board of Agriculture. “The threat of potential invasive species goes beyond HDOA’s mandate, and this new interagency biosecurity plan will help the state focus on important priorities that will protect the environment and agriculture in Hawai`i now and in the future.”
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“The state’s first line of defense against invasive species has always been the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, but in the 21st century, we need partners,” said Scott Enright, chair of the Hawai`i’s Board of Agriculture. “The threat of potential invasive species goes beyond HDOA’s mandate, and this new interagency biosecurity plan will help the state focus on important priorities that will protect the environment and agriculture in Hawai`i now and in the future.”
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INCOMING MAYOR HARRY KIM waved a big mahalo sign yesterday afternoon as students departed the Pahala school campus, meeting with constituents near the Pahala bus stop.
Kim said, “It’s good to be out with the people. I just love this town.”
Kim talked about economic development for the area and noted that the proposed water bottling plant on Maile Street could be good for jobs.
Residents and teachers stopped their vehicles to talk with Kim. Among them was Ka`u High teacher David Brooks.
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Kim said, “It’s good to be out with the people. I just love this town.”
Kim talked about economic development for the area and noted that the proposed water bottling plant on Maile Street could be good for jobs.
Residents and teachers stopped their vehicles to talk with Kim. Among them was Ka`u High teacher David Brooks.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Injury Prevention Program, Prevent Suicide Hawai`i Task Force and Hawai`i Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are holding community events in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month. Each year, events are held to increase awareness about suicide prevention and resources available to support families. This year’s national theme is Strong Alone; Stronger Together.
Suicide is a significant public health problem in Hawai`i. It is estimated that one person dies by suicide in Hawai`i every two days. Suicide was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawai`i residents over the five-year period 2010-2015, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all fatal injuries. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Hawai`i for those ages 15-34, surpassing deaths from cancer, heart disease and other types of injuries.
Suicide is a significant public health problem in Hawai`i. It is estimated that one person dies by suicide in Hawai`i every two days. Suicide was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawai`i residents over the five-year period 2010-2015, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all fatal injuries. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Hawai`i for those ages 15-34, surpassing deaths from cancer, heart disease and other types of injuries.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month. Image from Hawai`i Department of Health |
“The impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends, co-workers and the community is devastating,” said Eric Tash, chair of the Hawai`i Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The loss of human potential is enormous. Fortunately, there is hope; most suicides are preventable.”
Out of the Darkness walks honor loved ones who died by suicide. The public is encouraged to participate in Kona on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. Meet at West Hawai`i Today parking lot at 75-5580 Kuakini Hwy. Contact Nancy Sallee at 333-8988 or email orchid_isle_psychotherapy@yahoo.com. Sallee is also the contact for a Suicide Survivor Vigil at King Kamehameha Beach Hotel tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Another walk takes place on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lili`uokalani Gardens in Hilo. Contact Saydee Gabriel-Souza at 339-1794 or bigislandootdw@gmail.com.
On Sept. 14 at 5 p.m., a Survivors of Suicide Loss Memorial at Hospice of Hilo is scheduled. For information, email cathyh@hospiceofhilo.org.
Sign waving is being arranged by East Hawai`i Suicide Prevention Task Force. Contact Yolisa Duley at 932-7462 for schedule and details.
For more information or resources on suicide prevention, see http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/thinking-about-suicide/ or AFSP Hawaii website at https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-hawaii/.
Another walk takes place on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lili`uokalani Gardens in Hilo. Contact Saydee Gabriel-Souza at 339-1794 or bigislandootdw@gmail.com.
On Sept. 14 at 5 p.m., a Survivors of Suicide Loss Memorial at Hospice of Hilo is scheduled. For information, email cathyh@hospiceofhilo.org.
Sign waving is being arranged by East Hawai`i Suicide Prevention Task Force. Contact Yolisa Duley at 932-7462 for schedule and details.
For more information or resources on suicide prevention, see http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/thinking-about-suicide/ or AFSP Hawaii website at https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-hawaii/.
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| USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducts flight operations at Kilauea's summit to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. Photo from USGS/HVO |
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK this month uses aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.
On Sept. 15 and 16 between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., helicopter training takes place in the Kahuku Unit between 2,500- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
On Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., aircraft will inspect and fly near the summit of Kilauea.
On Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., aircraft will inspect and fly near the summit of Kilauea.
On Sept. 22, crews will haul out old fence material from Mauna Loa along the boundary of Kapapala and Ka`u Forest Reserve.
In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
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In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
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| An event next month celebrates Hawai`i Wildlife Fund's 20th anniversary. |
KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to help Hawai`i Wildlife Fund celebrate 20 years of conservation, research and education projects in Hawai`i. HWF holds a special fun-filled event at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo on Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The ho`olaule`a will include heavy pupus from various local caterers, live music by Adam Kay, Kona Brew Company beer, select wines, HI Kombucha tea, as well as a silent auction with numerous donations from local artists, eco-tourism vendors, bed & breakfasts and restaurants.
“HWF team members, volunteers and community partners have worked together for 20 years to conserve native wildlife in Hawai`i.” HWF President and Co-founder Bill Gilmartin said. “We are grateful to come together on Oct. 15 to recognize and to celebrate our collective accomplishments, and we look forward to the next 20 years.”
More information about HWF projects, partnerships and accomplishments over the past two decades can be found at wildhawaii.org or by searching on their Facebook and Instagram accounts (@wildhawaii.org).
“HWF team members, volunteers and community partners have worked together for 20 years to conserve native wildlife in Hawai`i.” HWF President and Co-founder Bill Gilmartin said. “We are grateful to come together on Oct. 15 to recognize and to celebrate our collective accomplishments, and we look forward to the next 20 years.”
More information about HWF projects, partnerships and accomplishments over the past two decades can be found at wildhawaii.org or by searching on their Facebook and Instagram accounts (@wildhawaii.org).
Adult tickets are $30 each or two for $50 and can be purchased on the HWF website in advance. Tickets will be $35 at the door.
For more details regarding the celebration or to make a donation to the silent auction, contact Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.HWF@gmail.com.
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| Ka`u residents can attend Hawai`i Department of Agriculture's workshop in Captain Cook today. Image from HDOA |
HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE is holding an open house event for growers, stakeholders and the public today until 3 p.m. at the state office building in Captain Cook near to the police and fire station. Visit educational booths and talk story with folks from the plant quarantine department, the bee program, coffee berry borer subsidy program and more.
ARTISTS GAIN CONFIDENCE and learn new skills in Vicki Penney Rohner’s two-day oil painting workshop this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village.
Call 967-8222 for more information.
Call 967-8222 for more information.
PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk Saturday. The program takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| Click on document to enlarge. |
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| See kaucalendar.com. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf |
