Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 12, 2020

     The Park acquired the 1,951-acre Great Crack, a geologically rich and rugged area on the remote Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano, in 2018. A statement from the Park says, "The area is mostly barren lava rock, with no surface water, few trees, and little shade, but it is a superb example

Close up of the Great Crack with a Kipuka in the distance. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

of the geologic dynamism of the area. The Pacific Ocean borders this exposed, windward shoreline.
     "The Park is working to create a long-term plan for managing the Great Crack area. It was designated as potential wilderness in 1978 while under private ownership. Over the years, various commercial developments were proposed by the previous landowners, including a space launch facility, but none were implemented."
     The public may also submit comments via mail or email to the Park superintendent: Attention: Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai‘i National Park, HI 96718. Email havo_superintendent@nps.gov.
     The Park statement says that "The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes, and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment."

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park staff survey coastline at Great Crack looking towards Ka Lae.  NPS Photo/Janice Wei

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A STATE REP. FROM HAWAIʻI ISLAND PROPOSES MORE LEGISLATIVE ACCESS FOR RURAL PEOPLE. Rep. David Tarnas, who represents North Kona and Kohala, released a statement today, saying, "Have you ever felt frustrated by having to fly all the way to Oʻahu just to have your voice heard at the State Capitol? Or have you submitted written testimony but been unable to speak or answer questions from legislators during legislative hearings?"

State Rep. David Tarnas' bill to offer citizens the opportunity to testify live from Hawaiʻi Island passed all committees in the House of Representatives.

     His bill addressing these challenges to legislative access passed its final hearing today in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. HB1153 HD1 SD2 would improve public access to the legislative process by establishing a remote legislative access program that would allow individuals to present oral testimony at legislative committee hearings through remote testimony. After many years of persistent requests by neighbor island legislators and advocates, this is the first time such legislation has passed all its committees in both the House and Senate.