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| ‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crows, are featured in a new documentary film by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. It airs this weekend on KFVE-TV (K5). See story below. Image from DLNR |
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| Barack Obama and Mazie Hirono Photo from Mazie Hirono |
Hirono released a memorabilia photo and wrote a thank you note for Pres. Barack Obama as he wrapped up his presidency: "President Obama is our keiki o ka aina, and his deep understanding of Hawai`i and the Aloha Spirit clearly shaped his presidency. His actions demonstrated an enduring commitment to righting the inequalities in our world. Mahalo, President Obama."
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| On Inauguration Day, Tulsi Gabbard was in Lebanon and met with its Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibraham, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. See story below. Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency |
"That means fighting for laws that protect the people of our country -- whether it be fighting for criminal justice reform to end needless mass incarceration, ensuring that every single American has health insurance, and fighting for the rights and freedom of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
"It’s about net neutrality, equal pay, protecting our precious world by stopping climate change, and preventing the deportation of millions of people who have known no other home than the United States.
"And it’s about joining together to end the counterproductive war in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, created over a million refugees, torn a country apart and strengthened terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS."
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| Tulsi Gabbard met with spiritual leader Cardinal Rahi in Lebanon on Friday, the day of the Trump Inauguration. Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency |
CONGRESSWOMAN TUSLSI GABBARD made news today in Lebanon, on the day Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Gabbard today met with Lebanon's Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, "with talks touching on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as on the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon." Her delegation, according to the News Agency, included former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Syrian-American peace advocates Elie and Bassam Khawam.
Lebanon's National News Agency also reported that they met with Army Commander General Jean Khawaji and that talks touched "on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region. Talks also dwelt on cooperation relations between the armies of both countries."
Gabbard, Kucinich and the Khawam's also met with the Maronite sprititual leader, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Rahi. According to the News Agency, the Cardinal welcomed them to discuss "latest developments on the regional and international scenes."
The News Agency reported that Gabbard told reporters: "This is my first visit in Lebanon and the region and it has been a great experience, because I listened to the viewpoints of the political and spiritual leaders, among whom Cardinal Rahi, who are still working on enhancing religious freedom and preserving free and diversed communities, where people can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. This is a very important message, not just for this region, but also for the entire world. This why we must work together to assume this mission of peace," she said.
The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'"
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| Gabbard met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Khawaji today, according to the Lebanon National News Agency. Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency |
The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'"
The News Agency reported that "Elie Khawam underlined that the U.S policy towards the region would 'completely change' with the election of President Donald Trump and his new administration." Gabbard's mission was to form a clear idea on the situation in Lebanon. "Priority remains for fighting and eradicating the Islamized takfiri terrorism sweeping the region,'" said Khawam, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HALTING THE EXTINCTION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FOREST BIRDS is core to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' latest DLNR & You television special, which illustrates the efforts of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people across the state. The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, airs on KFVE-TV (K5) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 p.m. It will be available online after 7 p.m. on Jan. 21st at https://vimeo.com/199157463. The broadcast is funded, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.
Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.
KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, the ninth annual for `O Ka`u Kakou community organization, is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach, with registration at the pavilion. The catch and and release event is open to all keiki, one to 14 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children who enter. Only barbless hooks are allowed and families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the tournament's food drive. Check-in is at 8 a.m. Guidelines explained at 9 a.m. Fishing is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.
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PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.
OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.
HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.
MONGOLIAN BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356.
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Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| ‘Alalā Project is one of the segments of the new DLNR film on endangered, forest birds which airs this weekend on K5. Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i |
DLNR chief Suzanne Case said, “We hope this show brings the serious plights of these native birds into our homes. When you see a tiny ‘Akikiki (Kaua‘i honeycreeper) in the forest or hear the call of the native crow, the ‘Alalā, it reinforces why so many people are undertaking some pretty extraordinary steps to reverse the downward trend of numerous forest bird populations. The birds have long been part of Hawaii’s natural landscape, and culturally they’ve been revered for centuries by Native Hawaiians.”
Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”
Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”
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| Endangered forest birds are raised in captivity, some from eggs gathered in the wild, as shown in the new DLNR film to be aired this weekend. Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i |
Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.
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| Keiki win at the ninth annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.
PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.
HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.
