THE FEDERAL JONES ACT AND ITS NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HAWAI'I is the subject of a statement by Keali'i Akana, President and CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawai’i. The Jones Act, created in 1920, requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.
It is blamed for increased ocean going shipping and passenger costs between Hawai'i and the mainland, with Guam, Alaska and Puerto Rico experiencing the same challenge.
Akina begins with a quote from Sun Tzu's The Art of War: "If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak."
Here is Akina's opinion piece: In the quote above, general and philosopher Sun Tzu of ancient China was writing about military tactics, but this piece of wisdom is equally valuable when it comes to understanding how contemporary lawmakers often react to campaigns for legislative reform. In essence: Put together a coalition of voices behind one cause and you instantly become "strong," worthy of attention.
All of which goes to explain the impetus behind the Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i's recent webinar on the Jones Act. For this event, we brought together experts representing Hawai'i, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam to explain how the Jones Act makes life more difficult for those U.S. states and territories. The idea was to demonstrate the common bond that unites these outlying jurisdictions and foster a lasting relationship between them aimed at updating the Jones Act.
The webinar certainly revealed how the Jones Act creates special challenges, beyond just raising costs, for each area. In Hawai'i, we already know that the Jones Act costs the average family approximately $1,800 a year. However, Bob Gunter of Koloa Rum on Kaua'i provided insight on how the Jones Act is a burden for local business, too.
Gunter recalled that when his company first expanded its distribution to Australia, he wanted to ship his goods directly to the Land Down Under. But since there were no direct connections, he had to send his products eastward first to the U.S. West Coast. The trip to Los Angeles, he said, cost $6,000, while shipping it from LA to Sydney only cost $1,900.
Gunter said that as Koloa Rum has continued to expand, he has become convinced that the Jones Act is a, "major component of the costs that we incur for doing business here," and that it is an, "impediment to our continued growth and viability."
Here is Akina's opinion piece: In the quote above, general and philosopher Sun Tzu of ancient China was writing about military tactics, but this piece of wisdom is equally valuable when it comes to understanding how contemporary lawmakers often react to campaigns for legislative reform. In essence: Put together a coalition of voices behind one cause and you instantly become "strong," worthy of attention.
All of which goes to explain the impetus behind the Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i's recent webinar on the Jones Act. For this event, we brought together experts representing Hawai'i, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam to explain how the Jones Act makes life more difficult for those U.S. states and territories. The idea was to demonstrate the common bond that unites these outlying jurisdictions and foster a lasting relationship between them aimed at updating the Jones Act.
The webinar certainly revealed how the Jones Act creates special challenges, beyond just raising costs, for each area. In Hawai'i, we already know that the Jones Act costs the average family approximately $1,800 a year. However, Bob Gunter of Koloa Rum on Kaua'i provided insight on how the Jones Act is a burden for local business, too.
Gunter recalled that when his company first expanded its distribution to Australia, he wanted to ship his goods directly to the Land Down Under. But since there were no direct connections, he had to send his products eastward first to the U.S. West Coast. The trip to Los Angeles, he said, cost $6,000, while shipping it from LA to Sydney only cost $1,900.
Gunter said that as Koloa Rum has continued to expand, he has become convinced that the Jones Act is a, "major component of the costs that we incur for doing business here," and that it is an, "impediment to our continued growth and viability."
In Alaska, the Jones Act is becoming a hot issue again, partly because of the recent successful efforts to secure an exemption for the state's tourism industry from the Passenger Vessel Services Act, also known as the "Jones Act for cruise ships." Bethany Marcum of the Alaska Policy Forum said Alaska's leaders are well aware of the Jones Act and its impact on the state, and there is even a state law, passed in 1984, that requires the governor to lobby for Jones Act repeal.
Representing Puerto Rico, Rafael Velez, president of Atabey Capital, explained that one study found that the Jones Act was equivalent to having a 7.2% tax on all of Puerto Rico's food and beverages. Meanwhile, almost 30% of the island's electricity is generated by liquid natural gas, yet Puerto Rico must import LNG from places such as Russia, since there are no Jones Act-compliant LNG carriers.
Then there is Guam, America's most remote territorial outpost, which is at least exempt from the U.S.-build requirement of the Jones Act. However, as Grassroot Scholar and Cato Institute policy analyst Colin Grabow explained, this significant exemption hasn't helped Guam as much as you might expect. This is because ships bound for Guam from the West Coast generally like to stop in Hawai'i first, rendering Guam's exemption moot, since all carriers traveling between the West Coast and Hawai'i must comply with all of the Jones Act's mandates. A few years ago, a company that uses foreign-built ships, APL, entered the mainland-to-Guam market, minus the stop in Hawai'i, and, indeed, consumers have been benefiting from lower prices. But the previous sole provider, Matson, has been pursuing legal action to force APL out.
In any case, Monday's webinar made it clear that Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and Hawaii are natural allies in reforming the Jones Act. They all would benefit from increased competition and lower shipping costs. Even something as simple as modifying the U.S.-build requirement could make a difference, as the case of Guam has already shown.
During the webinar, Grabow noted that in Washington, D.C., the Jones Act debate is "asymmetrical." For the groups that benefit from the Jones Act, defending it is their highest priority. Meanwhile, those who are hurt by the Jones Act tend to treat it as one of several issues they care about. In order to move the needle in Washington, we need to demonstrate that there is a broad coalition of groups that care about reforming the Jones Act.
That's why events like this week's webinar are important. Hawai'i residents aren't the only ones who are paying extra to prop up the Jones Act. By allying with our friends in Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and elsewhere, we will finally be able to make Washington understand why it is time to update the act for the 21st century.
E hana kākou! (Let's work together!), concluded the Grasroot Institute leader.
CHURCH SERVICE
Representing Puerto Rico, Rafael Velez, president of Atabey Capital, explained that one study found that the Jones Act was equivalent to having a 7.2% tax on all of Puerto Rico's food and beverages. Meanwhile, almost 30% of the island's electricity is generated by liquid natural gas, yet Puerto Rico must import LNG from places such as Russia, since there are no Jones Act-compliant LNG carriers.
Then there is Guam, America's most remote territorial outpost, which is at least exempt from the U.S.-build requirement of the Jones Act. However, as Grassroot Scholar and Cato Institute policy analyst Colin Grabow explained, this significant exemption hasn't helped Guam as much as you might expect. This is because ships bound for Guam from the West Coast generally like to stop in Hawai'i first, rendering Guam's exemption moot, since all carriers traveling between the West Coast and Hawai'i must comply with all of the Jones Act's mandates. A few years ago, a company that uses foreign-built ships, APL, entered the mainland-to-Guam market, minus the stop in Hawai'i, and, indeed, consumers have been benefiting from lower prices. But the previous sole provider, Matson, has been pursuing legal action to force APL out.
In any case, Monday's webinar made it clear that Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and Hawaii are natural allies in reforming the Jones Act. They all would benefit from increased competition and lower shipping costs. Even something as simple as modifying the U.S.-build requirement could make a difference, as the case of Guam has already shown.
During the webinar, Grabow noted that in Washington, D.C., the Jones Act debate is "asymmetrical." For the groups that benefit from the Jones Act, defending it is their highest priority. Meanwhile, those who are hurt by the Jones Act tend to treat it as one of several issues they care about. In order to move the needle in Washington, we need to demonstrate that there is a broad coalition of groups that care about reforming the Jones Act.
That's why events like this week's webinar are important. Hawai'i residents aren't the only ones who are paying extra to prop up the Jones Act. By allying with our friends in Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and elsewhere, we will finally be able to make Washington understand why it is time to update the act for the 21st century.
E hana kākou! (Let's work together!), concluded the Grasroot Institute leader.
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THE FUTURE OF PUNALU'U IS IN THE MAKING. Owner Eva Liu said she is meeting with many community members from representatives of Native Hawaiian groups, to the Kupuna Council, The Nature Conservancy, workers and former workers at the Punalu'u resort condominiums, local farmers and activists involved with saving the Ka`u Coast.
She said she is open to the community's ideas for the future of the place and is considering making part of the property into a large park, while addressing economic needs of the community for jobs and opportunities at Punalu'u for locally owned businesses.
She recently engaged her crew to use fiber fencing to block off the abandoned restaurant and museum area where old buildings and other structures present a danger for the increasing number of visitors to Punalu'u Black Sand beach. The fenced off area also borders the old parking lot which has been cleared with the aim to draw beachgoers to park away from the sand.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com.
SHOW, CLASSICAL AND OPERA MUSIC IN HAWAI'I will be the live presentation this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House by New York Metropolitan opera singer Amy Shoremount-Obra.
She will talk about her research on the history of this type of music in Hawai'i during her presentation The Birth of Music Theater in America. Obra's presentation will be held, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is free.
Learn about the soprano Ululani Photo from www.himusicfestival.com |
Shoremount-Obra is co-founder of Hawai'i International Music Festival. Learn about the earliest forms of music/dramatic performances, how opera made its way over the Atlantic and eventually the Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands, and all about Hawai'i’s first operatic performances and singers.
Shoremount-Obra will also present a concert on Sunday, July 25 livestreamed from Pāhala Plantation House with Hawai'i International Music Festival. It's at 5:30 p.m. with limited in-person seating.
Shoremount-Obra will also present a concert on Sunday, July 25 livestreamed from Pāhala Plantation House with Hawai'i International Music Festival. It's at 5:30 p.m. with limited in-person seating.
See more on Page 15 of the June Ka`u Calendar newspaper and at www.hi.musicfestival.com.
Shoremount-Obra is a member of the late Rusty and award winning coffee farmer Gloria Obra family in Pahala.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER TO GET RID OF JUNK VEHICLES with a pickup on July 17 and 18. See more on Page 11 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
GET PFIZER OR J&J COVID VACCINATIONS at Pāhala on July 17. See more on Page 13 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
VOLUNTEER AT KA‘Ū SCHOOL GARDEN on Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. as part of the Hawai`i Island Community Food Summit. See more on Page 5 of the July Kaʻū Calendar newspaper.
SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic
ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
CHURCH SERVICE
OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com
ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg
KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.ECONOMIC RELIEF
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.