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| Papahānaumokuākea is a National Marine Monument, with a status in jeopardy under an Executive Order from Pres. Donald Trump to review the status of five marine monuments in the U.S. |
NATIONAL MONUMENT STATUS OF PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA'S 60,938,240 acres, the largest marine protected area in the U.S., may be rescinded. Pres. Donald Trump signed an Executive Order and directed the Department of the Interior to reconsider all National Monuments of more than 100,000 acres that were established since 1996.
A statement from the Department of the Interior issued today says that the reason for the review is "to determine whether the designation or expansion was made without adequate public outreach and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
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| Each year, some 50 tons of marine debris are removed from the National Marine Monument Papahānaumokuākea. Photo from NOAA |
"A public comment period is not required for monument designations under the Antiquities Act; however, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and President Trump both strongly believe that local input is a critical component of federal land management," said the statement released by the Department of the Interior.
The Papahānaumokuākea marine preserve in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands was established by Pres. George W. Bush and doubled in size by Pres. Barack Obama with approvals of Hawai`i's Republican Governor Linda Lingle and Democratic Governor David Ige.It is also a World Heritage Site.
In addition to Papahānaumokuākea, the Trump Administration plans to reconsider the following National Marine Monuments in the Pacific Ocean: Mairanas Trench, Rose Atoll in American Samoa, and Pacific Remote Island. There is one in the Atlantic called Northeast Canyons and Seamounts.
Said the Secretary of the Interior: “The Department of the Interior is the steward of America’s greatest treasures and the manager of one-fifth of our land. Part of being a good steward is being a good neighbor and listening to the American people who we represent. Today’s action, initiating a formal public comment process finally gives a voice to local communities and states when it comes to Antiquities Act monument designations. There is no pre-determined outcome on any monument. I look forward to hearing from and engaging with local communities and stakeholders as this process continues.”
Those considered for review are "designations or expansions of designations under the Antiquities Act made since January 1, 1996, where the designation covers more than 100,000 acres, where the designation after expansion covers more than 100,000 acres, or where the Secretary determines that the designation or expansion was made without adequate public outreach and coordination with relevant stakeholders, to determine whether each designation or expansion conforms to the policy set forth in section 1 of the order. Among other provisions, Section 1 states that designations should reflect the Act’s 'requirements and original objectives' and 'appropriately balance the protection of landmarks, structures, and objects against the appropriate use of Federal lands and the effects on surrounding lands and communities.'”
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She is also vital in passing along the story of the historic Pahala Hongwanji where she is a Fujinkai member and valued volunteer. Lillian enjoys traveling and pending time with her family in Hilo over the holidays."
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf, Sat, May 6, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Patti Pease Johnson helps students open up their creativity and challenge themselves. $50/$45 VAC members. 967-8222
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat, May 6, 12, 20, 26; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers clear ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, May 6, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Pu‘u Kahuku Trail explores the traditional Hawaiian land classification system. Free. nps.gov/havo
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Papahānaumokuākea protects marine heritage and marine life. Photo from NOAA |
The review of the monuments marks the first ever formal public comment period for members of the public to officially weigh in on monument designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Comments may be submitted online after May 12 at http://www.regulations.gov by entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the Search bar and clicking “Search,” or by mail to Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.
The Interior Department promised to soon publish a notice in the Federal Register officially opening the public comment period. Written comments must be submitted within 60 days of that date.
The Interior Department promised to soon publish a notice in the Federal Register officially opening the public comment period. Written comments must be submitted within 60 days of that date.
In addition to the Marine National Monument, the Trump administration is reconsidering the status of 22 land-based National Monuments: Basin and Range in Nevada; Bears Ears in Utah; Berryessa Snow Mountain in California; Canyons of the Ancients in Colorado; Carrizo Plain in California, Cascade Siskiyou in Oregon; Crates of the Moon in Idaho; Giant Sequoia in California, Gold Butte in Nevada; Grand Canyon-Parashant in Arizona; Grand Staircase-Escalante in utah; Hanford Reach in Washington; Ironwood Forest in Arizona; Mojave Trails in California; Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks in New Mexico; Rio Grande del Norte in New Mexico; Sand to Snow in California; San Gabriel Mountains in California; Sonoran Desert in Arizona; Upper Missouri River Breaks in Montana; and Vermilion Cliffs in Arizona.
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| Papahānaumokuākea is the home to millions of seabirds, many of them nesting there. Photo from NOAA |
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| Manta rays are protected at Papahānaumokuākea. Photo from NOAA |
Those reviewing the designations are expected to consider whether the reservations of land exceed
“the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected;”
whether designated lands are appropriately classified under the Act as “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, [or] other objects of historic or scientific interest;" and the effects of a designation on the use and enjoyment of non-Federal lands within or beyond monument boundaries;
The statement also says that the review will take into consideration the "concerns of State, tribal, and local governments affected by a designation, including the economic development and fiscal condition of affected States, tribes, and localities; and the availability of Federal resources to properly manage designated areas."
whether designated lands are appropriately classified under the Act as “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, [or] other objects of historic or scientific interest;" and the effects of a designation on the use and enjoyment of non-Federal lands within or beyond monument boundaries;
The statement also says that the review will take into consideration the "concerns of State, tribal, and local governments affected by a designation, including the economic development and fiscal condition of affected States, tribes, and localities; and the availability of Federal resources to properly manage designated areas."
DORIS "DD" DAVIS IS THE BIG ISLAND'S OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICAN WAHINE. Ceremonies were held today at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Davis, 85, a Pahala resident, will be attending statewide ceremonies and a luncheon with Gov. David Ige in Honolulu.
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| Doris Davis is Outstanding Older American Wahine. |
Says her description from the Hawai`i Couny Office of Aging, since moving to Pahala in 2013, Davis "has made a big impact on the community she now calls home. Whether it is serving meals or assisting with sewing and art classes at the Pahala Nutrition site or helping with the home delivered meal program, DD is always willing to help.
She has held two leadership positions at the Pahala Senior Club serving as Secretary in 2014 and currently as Vice President. In consecutive years since 2014, Ms. Davis has served as Secretary, President, Treasurer and Chair of the Membership Committee for Friends of the Ka`u Libraries.
"She is also very active at Bahai Faith Spiritual Assembly for Ka`u where she teaches children and is an Adopt-a-Highway volunteer.
"While she is certainly busy with her many volunteer commitments, DD still finds time to express herself artistically. She paints in both the oil and acrylic mediums, has learned to play the `ukulele and has even written memoirs about her time living in Ghana, West Africa."
LILLIAN T. ARATANI, 93, of Pahala was a nominee for 2017 Outstanding Older American for Hawai`i Island. According to her description by the County Office of Aging,
"Lillian Aratani brings a great energy to the many organizations she serves and was a very familiar face at Ka`u Hospital where she served as a weekly volunteer for over 17 years visiting with patients and helping with activities. She also served as a volunteer with the Ka`u Community Voices Council, The Ka`u Calendar newspaper, Mala Lulima Senior Community Garden and the Intergenerational Program at the Ka`u High School SHOUT.
"For the past 16 years, Lillian has been an active member and volunteer with the Pahala Senior Club, Hawai`i County Nutrition Program and RSVP program.
"Ms. Aratani is doing her part to preserve the history of her community. She served as the Historian of the Pahala Senior Club for several years and helped organize photo albums to chronicle the Club's history.
She is also vital in passing along the story of the historic Pahala Hongwanji where she is a Fujinkai member and valued volunteer. Lillian enjoys traveling and pending time with her family in Hilo over the holidays."Stewardship at the Summit, Sat, May 6, 12, 20, 26; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers clear ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, May 6, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Pu‘u Kahuku Trail explores the traditional Hawaiian land classification system. Free. nps.gov/havo
Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, May 6, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Pu‘u Kahuku Trail explores the traditional Hawaiian land classification system. Free. nps.gov/havo
Ham Radio Operators Potluck Picnic, Sun, May 7, Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun, May 7, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps. gov/havo Painting with Peggy, Mon, M
