Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

OCEAN VIEW AND OTHER KA`U RESIDENTS interested in expanding education on the Kona side of the island can attend a community forum on higher education in West Hawai`i on Tuesday, Nov.11 at 6 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Park, Maka`eo Pavilion. The forum will discuss post-high school educational opportunities in West Hawai`i with a particular focus on the role of the facilities at Palamanui. A brief report on Hawai`i County Council activities will be made by Council member Dru Kanuha prior to forum presentations.
      The forum consists of four presentations, a panel discussion and a question and answer period. Sherry Bracken serves as moderator. Dr. Sandra Scarr delivers a power point presentation on the need for post-high school educational opportunities for residents of West Hawai`i.

      Dr. Walter Kunitake, first director of the West Hawai`i Center in Kealakekua, describes the early years and the community’s hopes and dreams for a University of Hawai`i facility in West Hawai`i.
      Dr. Marty Fletcher, current director of the West Hawai`i facilities, explains the current status of the West Hawai`i center and his understanding of future plans for higher education at Palamanui.
      Former Hawai`i County Council member Pete Hoffmann, who was recently appointed to represent West Hawai`i on the UH Board of Regents, provides an update to the community on current UH plans to improve access to higher education for the residents of West Hawai`i.
      The panel discussion following the presentations will last approximately 45 minutes and will include questions from the audience. Questions must be submitted in writing either before or during the program.

Kris Fujigami stunned musicians and audience with his lightning-fast `ukulele, accompanied by his mother Keiko on keyboard. Photo by Julia Neal

      Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and pupus and beverages will be served.
      For more information, contact John Buckstead at 326-9779 or jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV.-ELECT DAVID IGE HAS ENLISTED Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority, as his chief of staff. McCartney was a state senator in the 1990s. He was previously also executive director and Hawai`i State Teachers Association and chair of HTA’s board of directors.

      “Since 2009, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the president and CEO of the Hawai`i Tourism Authority," McCartney said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership, collaboration and friendship over the years. All of you play an integral role in supporting Hawai`i’s tourism economy, one of the state’s largest industries and economic drivers.” HTA board chair Aaron Sala said McCartney’s leadership of HTA “has contributed to record levels of growth for tourism, and he has created a solid foundation for continued success. Moreover, his tireless work across the diverse populations of our community, and in both public and private sectors, is a testament to his commitment to Hawai`i — our land, our people, and our culture. We wish him the very best and look forward to working with him in his new capacity in the years to come.” 

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A RECORD NUMBER OF SHARK AND RAY SPECIES, some which inhabit Hawaiian waters, have been proposed for listing under the Appendices of the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Sharks, rays and sawfish make up 21 of the 32 proposals for new listings. A landmark decision might well be about to be taken at the 11th Meeting of the Conference of Parties in Quito, Ecuador.

Famed singer Martin Pahinui plays with Guy Sesson, of Pahala, last night at the open-air concert. Photo by Julia Neal

      CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers said, “The CMS Conference of the Parties offers an important opportunity to boost the global conservation of some highly threatened sharks and rays. The proposals to list 21 additional sharks and rays species on the Convention reflect the interest of a growing number of countries to promote recovery of these biologically vulnerable and ecologically important fish. These proposals, if accepted by CMS Parties, can pave the way for more effective shark and ray conservation action by the international community in the years to come.”
      According to an analysis by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group published in January, an estimated quarter of the world’s more than 1,000 shark and ray species are threatened.
      The SSG highlighted overfishing as the main threat to sharks and rays. The species have long been sought for their meat and fins, and in some cases their unique gills and snouts, and are also taken in substantial numbers by fisheries targeting other species. The SSG has stressed that rays are generally more threatened and less protected than sharks.
      Most shark and ray species are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation because they grow slowly, mature late and have few young compared with other fish species. Manta rays, for example, give birth to only one pup every two years.

Some hammerhead shark species are proposed for global conservation. Photo from wikipedia

      A growing number of countries are acknowledging the importance of sharks and rays and the urgent need to stop declines, and yet most shark and ray fishing nations lack effective safeguards for the species.
      At the CMS COP, governments will consider internationally coordinated conservation measures for migratory species over the next three years and decide which of the species put forward should be listed under its two Appendices.

Caring for seedlings planted at Mauna Loa strip continues Friday. Photo from FHVNP

KA`U RESIDENTS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Forest Restoration Project on Friday Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. should register before Tuesday, Nov. 11. Volunteers clear invasive weeds around native seedlings on the Mauna Loa Strip. Register at 985-7373 or forest@fhvnp.org.