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| Nā‘ālehu Land Use Policy Map in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan. See story below. |
KEEP AMERICANS SAFE ACT, has been introduced into Congress by Sen. Mazie Hirono, joined by Senators Bob Menendez, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and 14 colleagues. Hirono described it today as "a commonsense proposal to ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition."
Said Hirono, “I urge my colleagues to join us in putting an end to the epidemic of mass shootings in our country. The Keeping Americans Safe Act is a commonsense bill that will help address one part of this senseless violence. Until we take action, it’s only a matter of time until the next tragedy.”
Brady Campaign Co-President Avery Gardiner said, “Large capacity magazines have no place in our communities. Hunters don't use them. Killers use them to hurt as many people as they can, as fast as they can. Large capacity magazines are a threat to all of us, and to our often outgunned law enforcement community. That is why Brady is proud to support this legislation.”
The proposal comes after last Sunday's massacre in Las Vegas.
The proposal comes after last Sunday's massacre in Las Vegas.
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THE KA‘Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PASSED the County Council on Wednesday and will go to Mayor Harry Kim for his signature. Several Ka‘ū residents testified at the council meeting, some some making the long drive, some talking through videoconferencing from the state building in Nā‘ālehu.
John Replogle, of Ocean View, who grew up in Nā‘ālehu, said, "I live in Ka‘ū. I've lived there forever." He thanked the council for passing the Ka‘ū CDP on first reading and encouraged its passage on final reading, He gave his view on the future:
"Probably 95 percent of the children in the public schools today will not be able to own their own home or their own place in Hawai‘i and much of Hawai‘i's land is being purchased by people from other places with more economic means. Hawai‘i has almost total dependence on imported food. Hawai‘i's population is growing faster than it can be sustained. Where will our citizens of Hawai‘i go to be part of their ‘āina? If every coastal and agrarian site is built over by the developer, then where will our citizens go? How will they feel? Not content, I would venture to say. We need to begin to make changes that will ensure a healthy future for all of Hawai‘i's citizens."
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| John Replogle, who grew up in Ka‘ū, talked about the future and asked, "Where will our citizens go?"Image from Big Island Video News |
Replogle asked, "Have you been to a PONC (Preservation, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission that conserves lands) hearing? There, people are evoking their ancestors, their kūpuna, even the iwi (bones) of ancestors, to convince commissioners that the piece of land being discussed should be saved yet, for others not yet present - our future generations of people. It is as if the people here before you at present are somehow not worthy or important enough to just have this granted as a right of life. So, we evoke our ancestors or people who are not present."
Replogle said that when real estate plans don't comply with the Ka‘ū CDP, "There are tools available to the landowner to use to affect a different outcome should they desire. However, they will need to stand up before the public to make their case."
He directed his statement to the County Council: "I invite you to engage in the change to protect our people and our ‘āina today and in the future and move beyond the way it is to the way it can be. Please pass our Ka‘ū CDP."
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| Pāhala Land Use Policy Map in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan. |
Replogle noted, "As the world population grows to more than nine billion, science tells us that to create a world where nature and people can thrive together, we must act swiftly and with urgency to generate the biggest impact possible."
Council members Tim Richards and Eileen O’Hara suggested amending the Ka‘ū CDP before passing it. Richards said he was concerned that language within the CDP seemed to be a mandate rather than a planning tool. "Is this planning or is this statutory?" He said he worried it was too binding.Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David objected to the amendments from the two council members who live outside the district. Council member Karen Eoff also spoke against the amendments. She said the CDP process is community based, representing lots of time and money, including planning staff hours. "It is adopted by ordinance. It is a planning tool. Most of it is a directive and a planning tool."
The council voted against Richards’ amendment and O’Hara withdrew hers. It passed with a majority of the council members voting aye.
The CDP includes guidleines for building away from the Ka‘ū Coast and suggested locations for housing, commercial, industrial and other land uses. It includes nunerous maps, graphs and geographical and social data about Ka‘ū. See it on the county website.
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REDUCING AIR TOUR NOISE IS THE AIM OF A LAWSUIT filed by advocates for quiet within parklands and residential areas under the path of helicopters and planes. With aircraft carrying visitors to the volcano, waterfalls and other spectacular sites around Hawai‘i Island, area residents joined a lawsuit filed on Wednesday against the FAA by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono.
One Ka‘ū resident supporting quieter skies is Barbara Davis, of Wai‘ōhinu, who says three helicopters and a tour plane fly over her house, often daily. She said it is not just the noise. She raised eight kids and is used to noise. "It is the disrespect," she said. Davis said she keeps records of the overflights of her home and reports them to the FAA and HICoP. She said she observes flights along the coast that turn inland at Ka Lae and fly over Wai‘ōhinu. They often return from the volcano, fly over Wai‘ōhinu and back to the coast, she said.
Bob Ernst, who is leading the Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono group, said that FAA rules already prohibit helicopters and planes from disturbing very sensitive areas. He points to FAA Circular Circular #91-36D, which describes "very sensitive" as places where the "noise interferes with normal activities associated with the area's use. Examples of noise-sensitive areas include residential, educational, health, and religious structures and sites, and parks, recreational areas (including areas with wilderness characteristics), wildlife refuges, and cultural and historic sites where a quiet setting is a generally recognized feature or attribute."
The circular also states: "Moreover, the FAA recognizes that there are locations in National Parks and other federally managed areas that have unique noise-sensitive values."
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In announcing its lawsuit yesterday, the organization Protecting Employees who Protect Our Environment stated that the FAA, "has fallen down on its job of protecting national parks, visitors, and nearby residents from incessant, noisy air tours. As a result, nearly 65,000 air tours, most concentrated over a few parks took off last year without limit on the number, routes, or timing of flights."
PEER brought up Hawai‘i island. "Near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, for example, hundreds of homes lie in the path of air fields from which as many as 80 flights a day and more than 15,000 last year were launched. Residents say that helicopter noise is constant and year-round, causing many to lose sleep, suffer from stress and have a host of other complaints."
The statement from PEER described Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as one of the "most heavily trafficked national parks," which along with five other parks, accounts for more than one-third of all park air tour traffic.
PEER pointed out that in 2000, Congress directed the FAA "to establish an air tour management plan for any national park or tribal land whenever a person applies for authority to conduct a commercial air tour." According to the lawsuit, no management plans have been established.
"Our lawsuit is meant to jumpstart a planning process that should have begun a generation ago," said PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch.
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The suit asks for air tour management plans within two years for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where there are more than 15,000 reported overflights a year; Maui's Haleakalā National Park; Arizona and Nevada's Lake Mead National Recreation Area; California's Muir Woods National Monument; Montana's Glacier national Park; Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park.
Ernst said that all of Hawai‘i's Congressional Delegation support aircraft noise reduction, as does the Hawai‘i County Council and Mayor Harry Kim. Ernst said he hopes that helicopters will fly a mile off shore, minimum of 2,500 feet in elevation, and over land only above Hilo and Kona Airports.
For more, see PEER and Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono. Call Bob Ernst at 968-8611 or email rce1@isp.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
GRID-CONNECTED PRIVATE ROOFTOP SOLAR APPLICATIONS to Hawaiian Electric Companies can now be completed entirely online using a newly launched tool called the Customer Interconnection Tool.
UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
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REGISTER KEIKI AGED 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 6, FOR RELAY RACES scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.
LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.
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TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor at Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention. The state Department of Health, injury prevention information online says, Tai Chi for Health"is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
Classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101. See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.
BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.
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VOLUNTEERS HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 and 27, at 9 a.m. Meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m.
Volunteers wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
The CDP includes guidleines for building away from the Ka‘ū Coast and suggested locations for housing, commercial, industrial and other land uses. It includes nunerous maps, graphs and geographical and social data about Ka‘ū. See it on the county website.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
One Ka‘ū resident supporting quieter skies is Barbara Davis, of Wai‘ōhinu, who says three helicopters and a tour plane fly over her house, often daily. She said it is not just the noise. She raised eight kids and is used to noise. "It is the disrespect," she said. Davis said she keeps records of the overflights of her home and reports them to the FAA and HICoP. She said she observes flights along the coast that turn inland at Ka Lae and fly over Wai‘ōhinu. They often return from the volcano, fly over Wai‘ōhinu and back to the coast, she said.
Bob Ernst, who is leading the Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono group, said that FAA rules already prohibit helicopters and planes from disturbing very sensitive areas. He points to FAA Circular Circular #91-36D, which describes "very sensitive" as places where the "noise interferes with normal activities associated with the area's use. Examples of noise-sensitive areas include residential, educational, health, and religious structures and sites, and parks, recreational areas (including areas with wilderness characteristics), wildlife refuges, and cultural and historic sites where a quiet setting is a generally recognized feature or attribute."
The circular also states: "Moreover, the FAA recognizes that there are locations in National Parks and other federally managed areas that have unique noise-sensitive values."
PEER brought up Hawai‘i island. "Near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, for example, hundreds of homes lie in the path of air fields from which as many as 80 flights a day and more than 15,000 last year were launched. Residents say that helicopter noise is constant and year-round, causing many to lose sleep, suffer from stress and have a host of other complaints."
The statement from PEER described Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as one of the "most heavily trafficked national parks," which along with five other parks, accounts for more than one-third of all park air tour traffic.
PEER pointed out that in 2000, Congress directed the FAA "to establish an air tour management plan for any national park or tribal land whenever a person applies for authority to conduct a commercial air tour." According to the lawsuit, no management plans have been established.
"Our lawsuit is meant to jumpstart a planning process that should have begun a generation ago," said PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch.
Ernst said that all of Hawai‘i's Congressional Delegation support aircraft noise reduction, as does the Hawai‘i County Council and Mayor Harry Kim. Ernst said he hopes that helicopters will fly a mile off shore, minimum of 2,500 feet in elevation, and over land only above Hilo and Kona Airports.
For more, see PEER and Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono. Call Bob Ernst at 968-8611 or email rce1@isp.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| A Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-up takes place Saturday, Oct. 7, at Kamilo. See story below. Photo from Pinterest.com |
According to a statement released yesterday, it is “believed to be the first of its kind to provide a seamless, start-to-finish online solar application process that allows customers of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaiʻi Electric Light to check the status of their applications. The tool provides a user-friendly interface to guide contractors and customers through all steps of the Customer Self-Supply program application process, from submittal to finalizing the agreement,” including electronic documents and signatures of customers and their designated representatives.
“We’re excited to offer a streamlined electronic process to our customers,” said Jim Alberts, senior vice president of customer service. “The tool is able to show customers exactly where they are in the application process, which eliminates guesswork. This is one more way to make interacting with our companies as smooth and as easy as possible."
The release stated that “applicants are prompted to provide required documentation, reducing the potential for delays caused by errors of omission. The tool also automatically calculates the system size based on four design guidelines, which simplifies the procedure.
“Customers will receive regular status updates by email as various milestones are reached, keeping them informed every step of the way.”
For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/DistributedEnergyResources or hawaiianelectric.com/CITonline.
“We’re excited to offer a streamlined electronic process to our customers,” said Jim Alberts, senior vice president of customer service. “The tool is able to show customers exactly where they are in the application process, which eliminates guesswork. This is one more way to make interacting with our companies as smooth and as easy as possible."
The release stated that “applicants are prompted to provide required documentation, reducing the potential for delays caused by errors of omission. The tool also automatically calculates the system size based on four design guidelines, which simplifies the procedure.
“Customers will receive regular status updates by email as various milestones are reached, keeping them informed every step of the way.”
For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/DistributedEnergyResources or hawaiianelectric.com/CITonline.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com |
Girls Volleyball
Friday, Oct. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.
Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.
Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.
Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
REGISTER KEIKI AGED 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 6, FOR RELAY RACES scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.
LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.
The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention. The state Department of Health, injury prevention information online says, Tai Chi for Health"is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
Classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101. See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.
BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.
VOLUNTEERS HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 and 27, at 9 a.m. Meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m.Volunteers wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Oct. 22, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the new disease of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during the easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
A KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be this Sunday, Oct. 8, part of the statewide, Get the Drift and Bag It! and International Coastal Cleanup.
Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunc, snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sturdy foot ware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).
COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER is Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.
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Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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| Lomi massage demonstrated in the park. NPS Photo/Jay Robinson |
A KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be this Sunday, Oct. 8, part of the statewide, Get the Drift and Bag It! and International Coastal Cleanup.
Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunc, snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sturdy foot ware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).
COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER is Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.
SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ENROLL NOW in The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program. Next session is at Kohala Center's Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.
LOMI, A POPULAR HEALING ART and the traditional massage practice of the Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated by lomi practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
LOMI, A POPULAR HEALING ART and the traditional massage practice of the Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated by lomi practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.