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| Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park license plate can be purchased through the Department of Motor Vehicles and raises money for the operations of the park. |
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK LICENSE PLATES are available from the Department of Motor Vehicles. They, along with Haleakala Plates, are the first specialty license plates in Hawaiʻi and feature colorful, iconic scenes from Haleakalā National Park and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
"We are proud to raise awareness of the first national parks in Hawaiʻi through release of these specialty license plates. We hope all residents will be inspired to find their volcano and support these treasured landscapes,” said Cindy Orlando, superintendent of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
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| Hawai`i Volcanoes National Superintendent Cindy Orlando sports the new license plate that raises money for park programs. |
The plates can be purchased with checks or cash only at $35.15 each with $18 going to the parks. The plates are prenumbered. They can be used on regular and electric vehicles but are without the EV designation that provides benefits.
"The specialty plates are a great way to show your state pride and support the protection of natural and cultural resources," said Natalie Gates, superintendent of Haleakalā National Park.
Other national parks that benefit from specialty license plate programs include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
For more information on how to purchase a specialty plate, visit hawaiiparkplates.com.
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| Haleakala National Park plates are also available at Big Island Department of Mtoto Vehicles offices. |
ROBERT K. MASUDA will become the First Deputy Director of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, with state Senate confirmation. Gov. David Ige appointed him and he will start service on Friday as an acting deputy until confirmation by the Hawai`i Senate.
In his new role, Masuda will help manage, develop, oversee and implement initiatives, programs, and policies for DLNR’s eleven divisions, including DLNR’s implementation of the governor's Sustainable Hawaiʻi Initiative. Masuda previously served as DLNR First Deputy Director from May 2005-May 2007. He led DLNR’s efforts during two critical natural disasters and was the department’s representative for numerous interagency working groups. Masuda has more than 55 years of experience as an executive leader including top roles with the YMCA and the City and County of Honolulu.
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| Bob Masuda will lead the implementation of the Sustainable Hawai1i Initiative. |
“Bob is the right leader for the right time,” said Ige. “As second-in-command of DLNR, one of the key agencies developing sustainability and environmental leadership initiatives, I couldn’t be more pleased to have someone of Bob’s experience and dedication on board.”
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Bob is well known across the state as an inspirational leader with a passion for natural and cultural resource protection and education, and forestry and marine life sustainability. He knows DLNR well. We are fortunate and appreciative that Bob is willing to serve Hawaiʻi in this capacity.”
Since 2007 Masuda has served as Senior Advisory for Special Programs Development at the USDA’s U.S. Forest Service’ Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry. In this role he advised, consulted and assisted management and scientists with a variety of programs and projects related to inter-agency cooperation on multiple government levels.
“I’m honored to be returning to DLNR and happy to help continue its mission of protecting and perpetuating the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i,” said Masuda. “I believe my work on the local, national and international levels is very much in alignment with the governor’s and Chair Case’s vision for how we work through and improve upon the monumental tasks DLNR is responsible for. I’m excited to re-engage with many of my former DLNR colleagues and look forward to working with new co-workers who share my passion for protecting what makes Hawaiʻi such a special place.”
Masuda holds a B.S. in Applied Behavioral Science & Group Work Education from George Williams College, and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Hawai‘i.
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| Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com |
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Ecstatic Dance, Sat, Aug 5, 2 – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. With Jo Caron. $20. 967-8222
Ham Radio Operators Potluck Picnic, Sun, Aug 6, 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
