Ka`u News Briefs May 29, 2013

NATIVE HAWAIIAN ACTIVISTS PLAN TO ASK the next state Legislature to repeal a law, signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie last week, allowing phased review of the impact of development projects on historic preservation, according to a story in today’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 

      Derrick DePledge reports that they also plan to urge the public to make the law a political issue in Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s re-election campaign.
      The law allows phased reviews of projects along corridors or large land areas, where access to property is restricted and where circumstances dictate that construction be done in phases.
      Abercrombie said in a statement that he signed the law “because every admonition about historic preservation and respect has been taken into account. Act 85 brings state law into line with federal law, which is complete and takes into account environmental and historical requirements in regular order.
      “The state of Hawai`i obeys the law. We understand environmental laws and historic preservation laws. We respect both the spirit and the letter of the law.”

      At a news conference outside the governor’s office, Walter Ritte said he and other activists will do whatever it takes “to protect our historic sites, protect our cultural heritage and to protect our iwi kupuna and the dignity that they deserve,” DePledge reports. 

“
OUR ECONOMY IS STRONG AND APPEARS to be getting stronger,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie in a response to the state Council on Revenues revised forecast reaffirming its previous General Fund tax revenue projection for the current fiscal year and increasing its projections for the next three fiscal years.
      For the upcoming biennium, tax revenue is projected to grow eight percent in 2014 and then seven percent in 2015. Those compounded increases would mean $86 million more revenue over the next two years.


      “Hawai`i continues to lead the U.S. amongst states with significant revenue growth possibilities,” Abercrombie said. “We must remember that the Council predictions relate to tax revenue growth. We expect to see continued improvement in the construction industry, real estate market, agriculture and small business activity as well as the hospitality industry. All of our local industries will benefit from our improving economy.
      “I am very optimistic about the prospects for our local economy. My administration has fostered increased activity in our economy, and that translates into increased tax revenue due to that activity. I think the Council forecast supports the proposition that economic activity is strong and improving. These are good signs to support optimism for our residents and businesses.”

HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT encourages Ka`u residents to provide feedback, suggested additions, updates and corrections on draft Ka`u Community Development Plan appendices that were released in April. The deadline is Monday, June 24. 

      The documents and feedback forms are available at the Ka`u CDP website; at libraries and community centers in Pahala, Na`alehu, Discovery Harbour and Ocean View; and at Hilo and Kona Planning Department offices. “The draft materials are works-in-progress, said long-range planner Ron Whitmore. “It is expected that they will be revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.”
      Whitmore suggests reading Appendix V4A: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis. “Appendix V4A does not include the policies and plans of action that will make-up the heart of the CDP and is not designed to be read from start to finish,” Whitmore said. “Consider reading through page 14 and then using the tables of contents, figures, and tables to find material of greatest interest.”
      The next Ka`u CDP Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. “Prior to that meeting, we hope to make additional draft CDP appendices available for public review, including an analysis of Community Building strategies.”
      Feedback forms and comments may be emailed to planning@co.hawaii.hi.us or mailed to Ka`u CDP, Hawai`i County Planning Department, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720.
      For more information, see www.kaucdp.info or contact Whitmore at 961-8137, Community Planning assistant Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Steering Committee members, whose contact information is on the website.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in a special meeting of Hawai`i County Council via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center tomorrow. The Council considers the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year takes at 8 a.m. at Council chambers in Hilo. An item on the agenda is Ka`u Council member Brenda Ford’s amendment requesting funding to continue teleconferencing of county government meetings at the center. Ford encourages Ka`u residents to make use of the facility, which is threatened with closure due to lack of participation.
      Another request from Ford is $5,000 for a children’s playground at Na`alehu Park.
      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

THE KA`U ALL-STARS HAVE RETURNED from UH-Manoa where they participated in Special Olympics this past weekend. 

      “Our students from remote Ka`u were especially touched by this experience,” said program coordinator Thu-Tam Doan. “Our delegation had to travel farthest to attend these State Championships, but this is precisely what made it so rewarding for our students to be able to participate. Eighth-grader Kenson Ken, who was born and has been raised on the Big Island, has never left before this opportunity. This was the first time he ever rode an airplane; the first time he had ever seen an escalator; the first time he had ever eaten at a buffet. Everything seemed to be magical to him. At one point, he told me, ‘Miss, I feel like I am dreaming, but when we go home on Sunday, that dream will be over.’ Others were so inspired by the experience that they now aspire to attend college.”
      For more information about the All-Stars program, call Doan at 557-7414.

STORYTIME WITH AUNTIE JUDI, a new program at Na`alehu Public Library, takes place tomorrow and every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Along with reading of stories and nursery rhymes, toddlers and preschoolers can participate in a craft. Call 939-2443 for more information.

KEIKI SUMMER FUN LEARN TO SWIM classes are scheduled at Pahala swimming pool in June and July. Each class is two weeks long, Monday – Friday, except for holidays, and each is $10. 

      Registration takes place tomorrow and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Payment is by cash or check.
      Call 928-8177 for more information.

TWO ART CLASSES TAKE PLACE SATURDAY at Volcano Art Center Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Kathy Long shares techniques to bring depth and life to art in a drawing class from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a pastel class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee of $60 or $54 for VAC members per class includes supplies and a print from the artist. Register at 967-8222.

PUNA CHICKS – ANOTHER NIGHT OF COMEDY! is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. “Puna Princess” Sherri Carden, “Puna Tita” Angie Libadisos and Tanya Anne present a rousing night of comedy for $10 per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.