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| The view today form Mauna Loa Observatory where the elements of climate change are documented, as Pres. Donald Trump withdraws from the global agreement to mediate climate change. Photo from NOAA |
Obama issued a statement calling for towns, counties and states to step up and continue the work to reduce global warming, something that Trump has called "a hoax." Hawai`i quickly stepped up and agreed to join a group of states that today founded the U.S. Climate Alliance to uphold the Paris Agreement. Other states include California, New York and Washington, along with Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Gov. Jerry Brown, of California, said that an additional coalition of states, cities and other nations also plan to continue the drive toward clean energy and a clean economy. He noted that California is the sixth largest economy in the world and that solar and wind create many jobs.
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In his statement, Obama said, “I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack, but even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations to reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got. A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children.”
Gov. Jerry Brown, of California, said that an additional coalition of states, cities and other nations also plan to continue the drive toward clean energy and a clean economy. He noted that California is the sixth largest economy in the world and that solar and wind create many jobs.
Sen. Brian Schatz, who was involved in the Paris negotiations, tweeted after the Trump announcement, "This is immoral. Remember this gut punch. Then run for office. Donate. Organize. Just do something. What happens next is entirely up to us."
He noted that the U.S. cannot officially pull out of the Paris agreement until November of 2020. "So let's win the next one. The Planet depends on it. The future is clean energy. The past is this administration."
He pointed out that Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, the electric car; Solar City and the new Tesla solar roofing system; as well as as Space X and PayPal, said today that he will leave his role in advising the Trump White House. Tweeted Musk, "Am departing presidential councils. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world."
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Sen. Mazie Hirono released the following statement: “President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is irresponsible, hasty, and short-sighted. In Hawai`i we understand why it’s important to take care of our land, ocean, and air – our way of life depends on it. Today, it’s more important than ever for states like Hawai`i to boldly take the lead on clean energy innovation and good stewardship of our `aina.”
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN was sent to the U.S. Supreme Court this evening by Trump administration attorneys. They are asking the Supreme Court to immediately revive the temporary ban on foreigners arriving from six majority-Muslim nations and for the Justices to hear the case.
The ban was set aside through the effort of the Sate of Hawai`i and its Attorney General Doug Chin and other Attorneys Generals from Washington and other states.
He noted that the U.S. cannot officially pull out of the Paris agreement until November of 2020. "So let's win the next one. The Planet depends on it. The future is clean energy. The past is this administration."
He pointed out that Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, the electric car; Solar City and the new Tesla solar roofing system; as well as as Space X and PayPal, said today that he will leave his role in advising the Trump White House. Tweeted Musk, "Am departing presidential councils. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released a statement, saying, “President Trump’s decision today to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, making us just one of three countries in the world not to participate, is short-sighted and irresponsible. Without global action to drastically curb carbon pollution, climate change threatens the safety and security of the planet, especially in places like Hawaiʻi where we are already experiencing its’ devastating effects.
Said Gabbard, "The 2015 hurricane season set a record of 15 tropical storms in Hawaiʻi, acidification of our oceans has killed marine ecosystems and fisheries, bleached coral reefs, while causing damage to local economies. As recently as April of this year, the Honolulu Harbor tide gauge peaked at more than nine inches above predicted tides - the highest daily mean water level ever recorded over 112-years.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono and Hawai`i Federal Judge Derrick Kahale Watson |
“The United States should be leading by example, leveraging innovation through science and technology, investing in clean energy, creating renewable energy jobs that cannot be outsourced, growing the economy, enhancing U.S. energy independence, and lowering energy costs for families and businesses, while reducing carbon emissions. We must continue to persevere and do our part to support efforts in the private sector and at all levels of government to combat climate change and protect our environment.”
Gabbard co-sponsored H.Res.540, which supports combatting climate change, including goals for 50% of electricity derived from renewable sources by 2030, as well as the transition to 50% near-zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% clean renewable energy by 2050.
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| Hawai`i AG Doug Chin |
On May 25, the Fourth Circuit Court in Virginia upheld an injunction on the ban, declaring it unconstitutional and the Hawai`i Attorney General commented:
“Terrorism must be stopped, but not by sacrificing our constitutional principles or denigrating entire classes of people. Not even the President of the United States is above the U.S. Constitution.”
The Fourth Circuit ruling noted that the text of the revised Executive Order “speaks with vague words of national security, but in context drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination.”
On May 15, 2017, Hawai`i argued in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Hawai`i federal district court Judge Derrick K. Watson’s order enjoining President Trump’s Executive Order nationwide on grounds that the Executive Order violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Ninth Circuit’s decision in that case, Hawai`i v. Trump, is still pending.
Trump claimed the ban would protect the country from terrorism. Opponents claim it is discriminatory. The Supreme Court, if it chooses to hear the case, would also decide whether the president has the final say on admission and immigration regulations for foreigners.
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Keiki Learn to Swim Registration, Fri, June 2, 1 – 4 p.m, Pāhala Pool. $15 per student, per nine-class session. 928-8177.
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sat, June 3, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.
Ecstatic Dance, Sat, June 3, 2 – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Jo Caron offers a dynamic way to both workout and meditate all in the same breath. $15, $20 at the door. 967-8222 .
Ham Radio Operators Potluck Picnic, Sun, June 4, 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.
Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, June 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.
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Trump claimed the ban would protect the country from terrorism. Opponents claim it is discriminatory. The Supreme Court, if it chooses to hear the case, would also decide whether the president has the final say on admission and immigration regulations for foreigners.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE GASOLINE TAX, which by law would be used only for the Hele On Bus system and county road maintenance and repairs, faced opposition from about 20 testifiers at yesterday's public hearing before the County Council.
Mayor Harry Kim, who proposed the hike, said he understands why people would be opposed and testified that the decision is up to the County Council. Some of the comments focused on the tax driving up the cost of transportation for goods and services, and construction, as well as transportation to travel for work.
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| Register for keiki swim classes on Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by Tanya Ibarra |
The proposal is to more than double the tax to 19 cents per gallon this year and take it up to 23 cents in two years. At the current rate, the tax of 8.8 cents per gallon brings in about $8 million a year and hasn't been adjusted since 1988.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sat, June 3, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.
Ecstatic Dance, Sat, June 3, 2 – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Jo Caron offers a dynamic way to both workout and meditate all in the same breath. $15, $20 at the door. 967-8222 .
Ham Radio Operators Potluck Picnic, Sun, June 4, 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.
Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, June 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.
