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Diver Jason Leonard photographs a mesophotic coral ecosystem at 80 meters (262 feet) deep in Larsen's Bay in National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa where University of Hawaiʻi will participate in a deep reef story. U.H Photo by R.L. Pyle, sanctuaries.noaa.gov |
Hooser's commentary follows Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's announcement that she will not run for re-election in order to concentrate on her bid for the presidency, leaving state Sen. Kai Kahele the remaining leading Democratic candidate. Hooser said that Gabbard's announcement, "caught Hawaiʻi's political world by surprise. Initially, conventional wisdom would say that Big Island State Senator Kai Kahele is the heir apparent. But those more skilled in the sometimes dark arts of political maneuvering would say, 'Perhaps, but then again perhaps not.'" Here is the rest of Hooser's statement:
To be clear, I like Senator Kahele. Though I do not know him well, his actions and his words during the past year indicate to me that, at the end of the day, he will choose people and the planet over corporate greed. How hard he will push back against the power and influence that maintain and perpetuate the status quo in Washington, D.C., I do not know. Whether he will fall into the trap of going along to get along also remains to be seen. Of course, these same two questions apply to every candidate, for every office – federal, state, and county.But so far, I like what I see, and think he is a good candidate who if elected, would serve Hawaiʻi well. However, the political reality is that at the moment, there are no other candidates and thus no one to measure him against. Very soon, other candidates will emerge; of this, I am absolutely sure. The allure of a primary with no incumbent is simply too strong to resist.
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| State Sen. Kai Kahele |
Each potential candidate is asking the same questions. How strong is my name recognition compared to Senator Kahele? Is my base of friends and supporters within the Second Congressional District (CD2) – which is dominated by the neighbor islands – strong and diverse enough? How many of them might already be committed to Senator Kahele? Can I raise the money needed to win?
Very soon, someone who perhaps already has the money and the name recognition will jump in, and then in short order, others will follow. As more candidates enter the race, those with less fundraising capacity but perhaps strong name recognition and a dedicated base of supporters will likewise be emboldened to enter.
Prediction: Eventually there will be six to nine credible Democrats splitting up the votes and battling it out for this much-coveted seat in the U.S. Congress. Further fueling the number of candidates jumping into the fray will be State Senators midway through their four-year terms (as is Senator Kahele), with no requirement to resign their State Senate seat. Add to the potential mix of credible candidates several City Council members who are terming out of their existing positions, and could also be interested.
Because Hawaiʻi is essentially a one-party state, winning the primary on Aug. 8 is everything. In the age of Trump, there is no way that voters in this particular district will elect a Republican to Congress – remember the CD2 is Patsy Minks' district.
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| Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa |
In theory, the more candidates that enter the race, the smaller the slice of the vote pie potentially needed to win. Thus, candidates with a "strong base"– ideological, geographic, demographic or issue centered – but who might struggle to appeal to a broader majority, are especially drawn to enter the contest.
Hence the allure of a crowded primary with no incumbent. Everyone who enters the race will believe their base is sufficient to win the day. Excessive optimism – it's the nature of the beast carried within every candidate.
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| U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard |
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DEEP WATER TWILIGHT REEFS are the target of a study by Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology at University of Hawaiʻi and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in American Samoa. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has announced $2.5 million in funding. Cooperating are NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Other partners are Bishop Museum, Old Dominion University, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
The four-year research project will include mesophotic coral ecosystems in the waters off American Samoa, including National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and National Park of American Samoa, Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, and community-based marine protected areas managed by the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.DECLASSIFY AND RELEASE 9/11 INFORMATION, urges Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She submitted a resolution into the U.S. House of Representatives this week, calling on the federal government to declassify and release information regarding the September 11, 2001 attacks in order to ensure a full public understanding of what happened and who was involved.
Said Gabbard, "Though Al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11, over 18 years ago, the American people still do not have the truth about Saudi Arabia and who helped Al Qaeda carry out these attacks. The truth is being withheld from the families of those who were killed on 9/11, and from the American people. Full disclosure of these facts is not only necessary for these families, it is essential for our national security and to keep the American people safe. The Trump Administration must put the interests of the American people first, and release this information now."
A similar resolution, H.Res.663, was introduced in the 115th Congress by former Rep. Walter Jones (NC-03), when Gabbard and Jones worked on national security, cost of war, and counter-terrorism issues. Together, they led bipartisan legislation to end Presidential wars as well as prohibit the U.S. from arming terrorists through what they called counterproductive programs that arm and train terrorist groups — including those affiliated with Al Qaeda — using American taxpayer dollars,
says a statement from Gabbard's office.
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Said Gabbard, "Though Al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11, over 18 years ago, the American people still do not have the truth about Saudi Arabia and who helped Al Qaeda carry out these attacks. The truth is being withheld from the families of those who were killed on 9/11, and from the American people. Full disclosure of these facts is not only necessary for these families, it is essential for our national security and to keep the American people safe. The Trump Administration must put the interests of the American people first, and release this information now."
A similar resolution, H.Res.663, was introduced in the 115th Congress by former Rep. Walter Jones (NC-03), when Gabbard and Jones worked on national security, cost of war, and counter-terrorism issues. Together, they led bipartisan legislation to end Presidential wars as well as prohibit the U.S. from arming terrorists through what they called counterproductive programs that arm and train terrorist groups — including those affiliated with Al Qaeda — using American taxpayer dollars,
says a statement from Gabbard's office.
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This stony coral, Galaxea fascicularis, was photographed at 46 meters (151 feet) off Photo by Anthony Montgomery, under Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov |
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These soft corals, Dendronephthya spp., were photographed at 45 meters (148 feet) in under Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov |
Shallow coral reefs – colorful ecosystems teeming with life that support more species than any other marine environment – are relatively well known and studied. Less well known is that coral reefs can extend to depths below 500 feet. Mesophotic reefs are deep coral reefs, from 100 to over 500 feet in depth. They share some coral and fish species with shallow reefs. Other species are unique to the deep waters. The research will help managers better protect understudied deep reefs, which serve as essential habitat for economically and ecologically important species.
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| A large gorgonian coral grows along a reef drop-off at a depth of about 70 meters (230 feet) off Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov |
Research will take inventory of species, habitat preferences, distribution and abundance data for key species, reproductive characteristics for commercially important fish, and water qual
American Samoa, the only U.S. territory in the South Pacific, was chosen, according to NOAA, due to the region's volcanic and coral topography. Nearly 80 percent of potential coral reef habitat in American Samoa is within the depth range of mesophotic coral ecosystems but is relatively unexplored.
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Micah Reep, 15 years old, has been missing from Ocean View since Friday, Oct. 4. Photo from HPD |
BRING MICAH REEP HOME PRAYER VIGIL will be held this Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. , at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'– James 5:16."
Hawaiʻi Island Police are asking for the public's assistance with locating 15-year-old Ocean View resident Micah Reep. He is described as being 5 feet, 10 inches; 130 pounds; blue eyes; short, blond hair; with a light complexion. He was last seen Friday, Oct. 4 in the Ocean View area, but may also frequent the Kona and Hilo areas.
Anyone who may have information about his whereabouts is asked to call the HPD non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Officer Laurence Davis, of the Ka‘ū Patrol Division at (808) 939-2520. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
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| Ika Vea will show his skills in making Polynesian drums at this Saturday's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. It's free. Photo from Vea Polynesian Gifts |
IKA VEA COMES FROM KOHALA a for a cultural demonstration this weekend. He will be the featured craftsman of Polynesian drums at Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū on Saturday. The festival is free, from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., on the grounds of Pāhala Community Center.
Go Hawaiʻi, the promotional online presence of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, writes: "In North Kohala, the art of making Polynesian rhythm instruments is still practiced at Vea Polynesian Gifts. Master craftsman Ika Vea taught himself to create drums and hula implements in the 1970s by placing an ad in the local paper offering to 'repair broken hula implements." Because he could not find someone to teach him, this gave him the perfect opportunity to deconstruct broken implements, learn how they were made in the process, then make the repair. Today, his family helps continue the tradition and welcomes patrons to their shop in Kapa‘au."
Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū also features many musicians, hula hālau, dancers from Mexico, food, and education. See hookupukau.com.
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| Mauna Loa weather station today with threat of rain and possibly snow, which fell on Maunakea yesterday. |
SNOW FELL ON MAUNAKEA'S SUMMIT YESTERDAY and early this morning, for about 18 hours, piling up to a total of .8 inches. Yesterday, forecasters said more snow was possible today, but webcams show no snowfall, fairly clear skies, and the .8 inches of snow mostly melted.
The road to the summit remains closed, but weather has little to do with the closure. The road has been closed since July 15 due to protestation of the planned Thirty Meter Telescope.
Forecasters stated that persistent instability of the inversion layer may allow for more periods of fog and high humidity into tomorrow night. Dry and stable conditions should return to the summit, once the inversion reaches full strength again near eight thousand feet, for Friday and Saturday night. Extensive daytime clouds are possible through Friday but daytime clouds will be minimal and short-lived over the weekend.
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Canada France Hawaiʻi telescope, with snow melting around it today. Webcam photo from |
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Oct. 31, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Oct. 31, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.
For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.
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SATURDAY, NOV. 2
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Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 9a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Nov. 2 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
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Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
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Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Nov. 4, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Empower Meeting, Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
Jumble, Plant Sale 8a.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. $3/person, $1/child (6-10), younger children eat for free. For sale: potted plants, kitchen tools, hand tools, home made cookies, gourmet whole grain mustard, St. Jude's Coffee, mac nuts, craft products, jam, jelly, and more. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Stewardship at the Summit, Nov. 2, 8, 15, 23, and 30, 8:45a.m. , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Palm Seed Stem (Inflorescence) Random Weave Baskets with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10a.m.-10p.m. Pāhala CommunityCenter
Sounds at the Summit featuring Wendell Ing with the release of Jazz Avenue, Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Ticket are $15/VAC member, $20/non-member; includes a free CD of Jazz Avenue. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Pupu, wine and beer available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Bring Micah Reep Home Prayer Vigil, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. , Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'– James 5:16."
Night of the Dead: A Grateful Dead Tribute Experience featuring Bottle of Blue and Company, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-9:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. First concert takes place Friday, Nov. 1, Mahukona Beach Park. Two unique shows. $25 for one day or $40 for both days. Tickets available at door; pre-sale at eventbrite.com. Rocket and Rise Productions. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 3, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo
Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments Workshop with Claudia McCall, Sunday, Nov. 3, 11a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. One day kilnforming workshop introducing basic techniques of glass fusing. $25/VAC member, $30/non-member, plus $20 fee, includes supplies. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 3 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, NOV. 4
Fall Wreath Activity Registration, Nov. 4-12, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Nov. 4, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 6 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, Wednesday, Nov. 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. No December program. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
ONGOING
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island by submitting feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 31,
For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.
Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.
Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale Holy Rosary Church Heart Church 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
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