Hulihe’e Palace Annual Spring Fundraiser – Day at Hulihe‘e

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Damon

The picturesque, seaside grounds of Hulihe‘e Palace will be the location of the annual spring fundraiser, Day at Hulihe‘e, on Saturday, Mar. 24. An 8:30 a.m. traditional Hawaiian blessing kicks off the 9 a.m.-4 p.m. event, which is hosted by palace caretakers the Daughters of Hawai‘i and the Calabash Cousins.

Debuting at the fundraiser is the new cookbook, “Just Like Tutu Made With Love,” which features recipes from palace volunteers and supporters. The handy resource contains instructions for main dishes, salads, pupu, tropical beverages and desserts. It also has helpful everyday hints “for living happily” sprinkled among the pages. It will be available for $9.38 including tax.

Browse among tented arts and crafts booths, a tempting bake sale featuring Aunty Nona’s scrumptious peach cake and the ever-popular Classy Tutu’s Attic. Choose a fresh flower lei made on site by palace volunteers. The Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club will offer ono food and local hula halau will provide cultural entertainment. Prize drawings throughout the day will be featured.

Palace admission will be complimentary all day, although donations will be accepted.

Day at Hulihe‘e remembers Hawai‘i’s Citizen Prince who was born in March, Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922.) Hawai‘i observes an annual statewide holiday to commemorate Prince Kuhio’s dedication toward serving his people; it’s Monday, Mar. 26 in 2012. Beginning in 1902, Kuhio served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 10 terms, was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission. A monument at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park credits Prince Kuhio for founding the park in 1916.

Hulihe‘e Palace is open for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Hulihe‘e Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihe‘e Palace are the Daughters of Hawai‘i. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai‘i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

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Salvage Company to Removed Grounded Sailboat from Magic Island… Total Loss

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Damon

Salvage removal company Vessel Assist has been hired to remove a 35’ fiberglass sailboat, “FSOW” that ran aground about 2 p.m. Wednesday on the rocks off Magic Island. The vessel’s owner, who had a temporary mooring permit at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, was in the harbor entrance channel when the engine lost power, and the boat went aground.

In addition to the vessel owner, Jessica Appel, there was a male passenger and a dog aboard. The owner sustained scratches and was taken by county EMS responders to a hospital for observation. The male passenger also sustained scratches but did not go to the hospital. The dog was reported in good condition.

The vessel had aboard about two gallons of fuel in a portable container which will be removed. No fluids were released.

According to DLNR’s Oahu boating district manager, Meghan Statts, the vessel had insurance and the company hired Vessel Assist to immediately begin removal of the vessel. This work is anticipated to possibly take three to four days.

The public is advised to keep away from the boat for safety while salvage operators are working, and because swells may move the boat in a hazardous way.

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Made in America 2 – L.A.’s Top Chefs Unite for Series of Culinary Celebrations and Experiences at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai at Historic Ka‘ūpūlehu, the first and only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort on Hawai‘i Island, announces Made in America 2, a celebration of high-profile dinners, cooking classes and experiences.     The series of culinary events, held at the resort March 1 – 5, 2012, highlights some of today’s top chefs and noted food author Lucy Lean’s book Made in America; Our Best Chefs Reinvent Comfort Food, published in October 2011.

Nancy Silverton (one Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, The Mozza Cookbook,   La Brea Bakery) and Matt Molina (executive chef, Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, The Mozza Cookbook); Ludo and Krissy Lefebvre (LudoBites, Sundance Channel’s LudoBites America, Top Chef Masters);   Josiah Citrin (two Michelin-starred Mélisse, Lemon Moon Café, In Pursuit of Excellence) join hosts James Babian (executive chef, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai) and Linda Rodriguez (pastry chef, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai) for the celebrations.

Each of the participating chefs is featured in Made in America, which showcases America’s classic comfort food dishes, reinvented by 100 of today’s top chefs from across the United States. Master Sommelier     Chuck Furuya from Southern Wine & Spirits will be on hand pairing wines at the various dinners.

“After the success of our first Made in America events in October, we decided to do this again, even bigger and better,” says Robert Whitfield, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. “This lineup of amazing guest chefs is top-notch, offering some great culinary experiences for our guests.”

The line-up of events (schedule subject to change) is as follows:

  • March 1: Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina cooking class, Prix-Fixe Dinner at Beach Tree, featuring Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina
  • March 2: Farm Tour and Lunch with James Babian, Prix Fixe Dinner at Pahu i’a, featuring Josiah Citrin
  • March 3: Fishing Trip with Chefs Master Sommelier, Chuck Furuya conducts “Wine Tasting 101”,   MiA2 Dinner at Beach Tree, featuring all chefs, Lucy Lean and Chuck Furuya
  • March 4: Ludo Lefebvre cooking class, Linda Rodriguez cooking class “Pie Making 10, Prix-Fixe Dinner at Pahu i’a, featuring James Babian, Linda Rodriguez and Chuck Furuya
  • March 5: Josiah Citrin cooking class, James Babian cooking class, Farm Dinner at Pahu i’a

Guests are invited to book one of these Made in America packages:

  • Four-night package: available February 29 – March 4, includes luxurious accommodations, daily breakfast buffet for two, two cooking classes, one wine class, one farm tour/lunch, three dinners and two signed Made in America books. Nightly rates from $4,380 for the four-night package.
  • Seven-night package: available February 29 – March 7 includes luxurious accommodations, daily breakfast buffet for two, five cooking classes, one wine class, one farm tour/lunch, five dinners and two signed Made in America books, Nightly rates from $7,665 for the seven-night package.
  • Additionally, room nights and Made in America events are available on an a la carte basis. Nightly room rates from $775.

For more information and reservations, please call toll-free (888) 340-5662, contact your travel professional (chain code FS) or visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai.

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Women’s Legislative Caucus Unveils it’s Package for the 2012 Legislative Session

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

The Women’s Legislative Caucus unveiled its package for the 2012 Legislative Session. This year’s set of bills and resolutions is dedicated to women veterans. The package also includes recognition of the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free or low-cost housing to veterans and families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC) is composed of Representatives Karen Awana, Della Au Belatti, Rida T.R. Cabanilla, Mele Carroll, Corinne W.L. Ching, Cindy Evans, Faye P. Hanohano, Sharon Har, Linda Ichiyama, Jo Jordan, Marilyn Lee, Sylvia Luke, Barbara Marumoto, Dee Morikawa, Kymberly Marcos Pine, Cynthia Thielen, and Jessica Wooley. Senators Roz Baker, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Pohai Ryan, Maile Shimabukuro, Malama Solomon, and Jill Tokuda represent the WLC in the Senate.

These 26 female lawmakers account for 34% of the 27th Hawai’i State Legislature, putting the state well above the national average of 23.3%.

The bills introduced this session by the WLC address women’s health, the establishment of an automated victim notification system, the amendment of birth certificates for transgendered individuals, the requirement of birth defects warnings in liquor establishments, breastfeeding in the workplace, cervical and breast cancer screenings, funding for the reintegration of female offenders from incarceration back into the community, mandatory reporting requirements concerning child abuse, and the establishment of a special fund for child assault victims.

The WLC will also be proposing resolutions urging the State and Federal governments to assist women veterans, support the establishment of a Veterans Court within the Hawaii State Circuit Court, urge the U.S. Congress to support the immediate repeal of combat exclusionary rules, and reinforce Hawaii’s congressional delegation in support of the establishment of the National Women’s History Museum.

A list of the bills and resolutions can be found here: Women’s Legislative Caucus

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Friends of the Future Reflections on 20 years of Community Work.

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

The Friends of the Future Annual Report, Kāpa’ipa`i (to flourish), is now available online at www.FOFHawaii.org.

Kāpa’ipa`i summarizes more than 20 years of work on Hawai`i Island which began with a series of conversations celebrating pluralism, duality, and cultural diversity.

A nonprofit organization, Friends of the Future has provided a home to more than 40 community programs and initiatives. Some have become independent organizations, transitioned to another like-minded organization, completed their work, or are waiting patiently for the right time, right place, and right resource to be realized.

Currently ten (10) programs actively continue their work as part of Friends of the Future:

  • Waipi’o Valley Community Circle
  • Tutu’s House
  • Na Kahumoku
  • Hui Kuapa
  • Hawai’i Island Leadership Series ~ Ulumau
  • Hawaii Island Health Care Alliance
  • Earl’s Garage
  • Collaborative Health Initiative
  • Baby STEPS to Stronger Big Island Families

Friends of the Future staff is currently collecting reflections and stories from people who are, or have been, involved with its programs. Please take a moment to let Friends of the Future know: “Why does Friends of the Future matter?” Reflections may be sent to info@fofhawaii.org or call 885-8336

To become involved in Friends of the Future or to request a printed copy of its annual report, call 885-8336 or e-mail info@fofhawaii.org

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Plane Crashes at Honolulu Airport – Two Runways Closed (Picture of Crash Site)

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

A small plane has crashed at the Honolulu Airport closing two runways.  Here is a picture that is going around facebook right now.

KHON2 News is reporting that it was just a hard landing and the pilot is ok.

A single engine plane was forced to conduct a hard landing at Honolulu Airport Thursday morning.

It happened around 11 a.m.

According to the State Department of Transportation, the landing gear of the Cessna collapsed.

Federal fire crews responded to the scene.

The pilot was not injured.

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President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to Present Documentary at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

Madame Li Xiaolin, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and daughter of former Chinese President Li Xiannian, will present her new documentary, Touching the Tigers, at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Monday, January 30, 2012, from 4:30 to 7pm.

Madame Li Xiaolin

The public is invited to attend the evening, which will take place in front of “The Flying Tigers” exhibit in Hangar 79, includes a lion dance, music, and a pupu reception.

Touching the Tigers, a 15-minute documentary, is the story of American Flying Tigers pilot Lt. Glen Beneda, who was shot down in his fighter jet and wounded while defending China from Japanese forces during World War II on his 81st mission with the 14th Air Force. Beneda was rescued by Chinese farmers and soldiers and escorted to a U.S. air base where he received aid and an unforgettable attachment to the Chinese people.  Mr. Beneda’s family will be in attendance at the Museum event.

The China Children’s Choir of Beijing will perform. A lion dance and a pupu reception will be a part of the festivities. Pacific Aviation Museum Board Chairman Admiral Ronald Hays, USN (Ret.), Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, and General Gary North, USAF, will be in attendance and will speak.

Governor Abercrombie at the Opening of the Flying Tigers Exhibit

The price for the event is $25 for Museum members and $35 for non-members. Tickets are available online at PacificAviationMuseum.org. The Ford Island shuttle will be extended for the evening so guests may park at the Arizona Memorial parking lot and take the shuttle to and from the Museum. No bags are allowed on the shuttle. Baggage storage at the Arizona Memorial will be open for the event.

Reservations are required by Sunday, January 29. Please call the Museum at 441-1007 or email SpecialEvents @PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization located at 319 Lexington Boulevard on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

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Congressional Candidate Bob Marx on Hawaii Bill That Would Track and Record Website Visits

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

Bob Marx, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress’ 2nd Congressional district, announced today his opposition to HB 2288, a Hawaii bill that would force Hawaii’s internet service providers (ISP) like Verizon, AT&T, and local internet providers like Hawaiian Telcom, Mobi PCS, and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, to track and record every website that a subscriber visits, as well as storing the information for at least two years. The bill would require ISP’s to store the subscriber’s personal information as well as the internet content they visited without any form of protection or encryption.

“This bill is alarming, to say the least,” Marx stated earlier today, “with the recent controversy over the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the news, I am concerned that these two bills, along with HB 2288, will have a huge impact on American’s freedom of speech as well as their first and fourth amendment rights under the Constitution.”

Marx went on to state “I am opposed to any type of internet censorship, and I believe the majority of the public can agree that censoring our access to the internet, restricting website content, and tracking and storing subscriber information, all violate our rights to privacy and free speech.”

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Malama Makalii Ocean Festival

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

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Public Invited to Learn More About VOG and Volcanic Gases

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

The public is invited to learn about Kīlauea’s volcanic gases and vog (volcanic air pollution) in an “After Dark in the Park” program at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Tues., Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.

Sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō ‘ō on Kīlauea’s east rift zone (above) and the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. Here, an HVO gas geochemist measures Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō gas emissions using an instrument that detects gas compositions on the basis of absorbed infrared light

U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elias will update information on Kīlauea Volcano’s gas emissions and associated environmental impacts.  Their presentation will be at the park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park entrance fees apply.

Sutton and Elias will discuss how vog forms from sulfur dioxide gas emitted from Kīlauea’s east rift and summit vents.  They will also provide an overview of existing resources that residents can consult to better deal with this notable aspect of the volcano’s ongoing eruptions. After their talk, an optional “gas tasting” session will be offered, during which attendees can safely learn to recognize individual volcanic gases by smell.

Kīlauea has been releasing large amounts of potentially hazardous volcanic gases for nearly three decades—since the beginning of the volcano’s east rift zone eruption in 1983.  In March 2008, Kīlauea gas emissions increased further when a new vent opened in Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the summit of the volcano.

Average sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions from Kīlauea’s east rift zone vent declined significantly in 2010 but jumped briefly during the Kamoamoa eruption in March 2011.  Kīlauea summit SO2 emissions, overall, have remained high since the opening of the Halema‘uma‘u Overlook Vent in 2008.

At of the end of 2011, the combined emission rate for these two sources was about half of what it was during 2008-2009. This lower combined rate has been comparatively good news for downwind residents and visitors of Hawai‘i Island.

This presentation is one of many programs offered by HVO during Hawai‘i Island’s Volcano Awareness Month in January 2012.  For details about this After Dark in the Park program, please call 808-985-6011.  More information about Volcano Awareness Month is posted on the HVO website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Push for a “Reproductive Rights Awareness Week”

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

Judiciary approves Emergency Contraceptive bill during proposed women’s reproductive rights awareness week

Representative Cindy Evans, along with the support of other state lawmakers, has introduced a resolution (HCR 12) that would declare a “Reproductive Rights Awareness Week” in Hawaii.  The resolution would apply to the week beginning Jan. 22, coinciding with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision on abortion.

Co-sponsoring the resolution are Reps. Cindy Evans, Della Au Belatti, Tom Brower, Pono Chong, Isaac Choy, Denny Coffman, Faye Hanohano, Bob Herkes, Linda Ichiyama, Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Chris Lee, Marilyn Lee, Sylvia Luke, Barbara Marumoto, Angus McKelvey, Dee Morikawa, Mark Nakashima, Marcus Oshiro, Karl Rhoads, Scott Saiki, Calvin Say, Roy Takumi, Cynthia Thielen, Jessica Wooley, Kyle Yamashita, and Joe Souki.

“We want to encourage public awareness, conversation, and support for women’s reproductive rights,” said Rep. Cindy Evans, the primary introducer of the resolution. “It’s important that all women have access to family planning services, including contraception, prenatal care, and comprehensive reproductive health education. When it comes to decisions on contraception and abortion, it’s a personal matter that should be decided by women with their families, health care providers, or clergy members.”

The resolution states that when pregnancies are planned, women and their partners are more likely to maintain positive health behaviors, but nearly 45 percent of all pregnancies are unintended in Hawaii. It also states that contraception enables women to better prevent unintended pregnancies and plan for pregnancy when they want to have a child, and publically funded contraceptive services and supplies could prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce abortions.

Similar resolutions are being introduced in 14 other states. The push to establish Reproductive Rights Awareness Week in states around the U.S. is led by the Center for Women Policy Studies, based in Washington, D.C.

During the week of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the House Committee on Judiciary passed out a measure (HB127) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested.

“It’s ethically and morally imperative that we provide all women, especially sex assault survivors, with the nationally accepted standard of care,” Rep. Evans said about the approval of the emergency contraceptive bill. “Victims should be given all the basic information and choices available to them. This is a human rights issues and I hope this measure moves forward so that we can provide access to all victims.”

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Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Public Presentation in Hilo

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Damon

For more information email: bigislandsafeaccess@gmail.com

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Big Island Police Searching for Missing 54-Year-Old Hilo Woman

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Damon

Big Island police are searching for a 54-year-old Hilo woman who was reported missing.

Darlene Santos

Darlene Santos was last seen in the Kaumana area of Hilo on Tuesday (January 24) at 6:45 a.m. She has a medical condition that requires medication.

She is described as part Hawaiian, 5-feet tall, about 175 pounds with brown eyes, graying brown hair and a tan complexion. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown oversized jacket over an unknown type of top, and wedge slippers.

Police ask that anyone with information on her whereabouts call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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State of Hawaii Broadband Initiative Speed Test… Failure on My End

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Damon

Back in August, Governor Abercrombie  launched a major economic development initiative to provide statewide access to affordable ultra high-speed Internet by 2018. The “Hawai’i Broadband Initiative”  is essential to build a vibrant and sustainable economy and workforce in Hawai’i and improve the quality of life for residents.

Anyone that understands the internet and what high-speed internet access can provide and possibly do for all of us in Hawaii… should be at least happy to learn that at least it now appears the State is going to be doing something about it with the State of Hawaii Broadband Initiative Speed Test that they launced today:

You can now help the State of Hawaii Broadband Initiative and our goal of providing affordable, ultra high-speed Internet access for all of Hawaii’s citizens by taking our speed test! The data we collect will assist us in identifying and closing gaps in service throughout the State.

Click to go to the site where you can test your speeds for the state

My guess is that many folks may fear this type of data gathering by government agencies but the state says:

…To participate, click on the link below to check your Internet speed and provide your street address, Internet carrier, and type of connection.  This information will only be used by the State to map broadband coverage and to categorize the data collected, and will not be disclosed to any third parties…

Well I just attempted to take the test from my location in Pahoa, Hawaii… and it just seemed to freeze up on me!  I’ve now taken the test twice and it just seems to freeze up on the following screen:

I wonder if it’s just because the test was just launched and lots of folks are trying it… or I’m just a computer loser when it comes to my broadband speeds.

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The Puna ‘Ulu Festival

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Damon

The Puna ‘Ulu Festival will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 am – 3 pm at Ho‘oulu Lāhui, the site of  Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School at Pū‘āla‘a, adjacent to the ‘Āhalanui County Park warm ponds in Puna. The event is free and open to the public. The Puna ‘Ulu Festival will feature a cooking contest, breadfruit trees for sale, presentations on the cultivation and care of ‘ulu trees, poi pounding, tapa making, activities for the keiki, music all day and local food featuring breadfruit.

Poster of the Puna ‘Ulu Festival being held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 am – 3 pm at Ho‘oulu Lāhui, the site of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School at Pū‘āla‘a, adjacent to the ‘Āhalanui County Park warm ponds in Puna.

Without a landscape that was conducive to abundant taro production, Hawaiians in Puna relied heavily upon the breadfruit. Due to the young lava lands in Puna, the planting styles are different and the primary staple food for Native Hawaiians was always ‘ulu, not taro. Puna was uniquely known for its breadfruit trees that were planted in deep holes so that the leaves and fruits grew at ground level. Hence the breadfruit groves were often referred to as “hidden” because they couldn’t be seen from afar. Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School (PCS) is located at Pū‘āla‘a in Puna, a 600-acre ancient Hawaiian village site. The revitalization of ‘ulu in this region is a key initiative for Ho‘oulu Lāhui and Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

Uncle Keikialoha Keikipi chanting a traditional chant while planting a new ‘ulu tree. Uncle Keiki will be planting an ‘ulu tree at the March 2, 2012 Puna ‘Ulu Festival to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Kua O Ka Lā PCS. Photo Credit: Craig Elevitch

The day will include a Breadfruit Cooking Contest in which the public can enter recipes in the categories of Appetizer, Main Dish/Entrée and Dessert. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of these categories and for Healthiest Choice and Best in Show. Breadfruit Cooking Contest rules and entry forms can be found at www.breadfruit.info. Cooking demonstrations will be held throughout the day featuring Chef Casey Halpern from Café Pesto, Shirley Kauhaihao, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner from Kona and the students of Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

Pictured here are ‘Ulu Tamales cooked by the Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School students, who won an award at the September, 2011 Breadfruit Festival. Photo Credit: Sonia R. Martinez.

Chef Alan Okuda and the East Hawai‘i Community College Culinary Arts Program will be preparing a sumptuous buffet lunch, and Kua O Ka Lā PCS students will be selling their award winning ‘Ulu Tamales.

Presenters include: Ryan McCormack of Kua O Ka Lā PCS speaking on “‘Ulu, A Hawaiian Perspective,” Dr. Diane Ragone and Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden speaking about “An Overview of Pacific Breadfruit” and “Care and Maintenance of ‘Ulu” and Craig Elevitch of Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network presenting on “Food Security—Pasifika Style.”

Ryan McCormack of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School will be giving a presentation entitled “‘Ulu, A Hawaiian Perspective” at the Puna ‘Ulu Festival on March 3, 2012. Photo Credit: Craig Elevitch

Cultural activities will be ongoing throughout the day including traditional ‘ulu poi pounding, making poi boards from ‘ulu wood, tapa from ‘ulu bark and Hawaiian quilting. Keiki activities include games and an art booth with local artists.

Uncle Keikialoha Keikipi will be planting an ‘ulu tree to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

The Puna ‘Ulu Festival is sponsored by Ho‘oulu Lāhui, Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network, the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and Kamehameha Schools. The Puna ‘Ulu Festival is a part of a larger statewide effort to revitalize breadfruit for food security called Ho‘oulu ka ‘Ulu. Learn more about the Puna ‘Ulu Festival by visiting www.breadfruit.info or call 965-5098.

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Wordless Wednesday – Mayor Kenoi and NFL Cheerleaders

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Damon

Mayor Kenoi and the NFL cheerleaders conducting the Pro Bowl Youth Clinic. Tatiana Sensenig of the Miami Dolphins, Antonia Nunes of the San Francisco 49ers, Angel McCoy of the Oakland Raiders, and Katherine Kartes of the San Diego Chargers.

Professional football players from the NFL along with Cheerleaders presented a Pro Bowl Youth Clinic for kids on the Big Island this past weekend.

USA Football Chairman Carl Peterson, Hawaiʻi County Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Fitzgerald, Mayor Kenoi, former Miami Dolphin and youth clinic coordinator Nat Moore, and Konawaena High Athletic Director Bill Trumbo.

For more pictures from the clinic… you can check them out here: Mayor Kenoi’s Facebook Page

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Experienced Skydiver Has Serious Accident on North Shore… Could Have Been Prevented Had State Kept Outdoor Circle Agreement

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Damon

*EDITORS NOTE* I have updated this post with some corrections that the skydiver who suffered this accident has made in  red bold.  This Skydiver has asked that I remove the video from this post but I can leave the picture up.

Skydiving is a dangerous sport, there is no question about that.  However, certain things can be done to make the sport safer.

Last year on June 20th, there was a serious and life threatening accident that happened where one of the skydivers, a skydiver ended up being taken to Queens Hospital where she was diagnosed as having  broken femur two breaks in her left femer, three broken ribs a collapsed left lung, and a broken neck, after crashing into the ground after a gust of wind collapsed her parachute right as she was about to land.  Several months after the leg healed… she went into surgery again for an aneurysm Two months later she had a 4.5 cm aneurysm that took a 13 hour surgery to work on and save her, caused from the jump.

The Skydiver is recovering… Unfortunately, it appears that this accident could have been prevented.  Here is a video of her landing courtesy of T.K Hinshaw (Caution… language is not safe for work).  (VIDEO REMOVED UPON REQUEST)

******************

Skydive Hawaii Owner Frank Hinshaw had the following to say about the incident:

This skydiver had made over 500 jumps. She was taken to Queens, as she had a broken femur, perhaps compound as I remember. Several months after the leg healed, she went into surgery again for an aneurysm, also from the accident, and perhaps just as life threatening. She had made several uneventful jumps at Dillingham Airfield prior to this bad experience.

In 2004 the State DOT Highways and Outdoor Circle agreed to have to have the trees cut (and maintained at that height) below the bottom power line. Of course the State soon abandoned the deal and the trees were allowed to grow back. State DOT Airports did completely remove the ironwoods on “their” property on the Farrington Hwy side on the landing area at that time. I do have a letter from 2004 in which the Outdoor Circle wrote that tall trees by airports are not good. Last year the skydiving community went to Mokuleia Community Association and North Shore Neighborhood Board asking that the trees be trimmed to the 2004 agreed height. The State trimmed the trees at 40′, but I’d hate to see the skydiver’s jump repeated 10-15 feet lower, it would end pretty much the same – ugly.

No official ruling from anyone on the accident, but it is clearly wind turbulence which put some spin into her normal landing. The accident was totally preventable by simply keeping the ironwood trees trimmed low to the ground.

The skydiver went on to state:

I hope that people realize what needs to be done with those trees after seeing and reading this…

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Filed under: Entertainment, Environment, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Health, Oahu, Security, Sports, State Affairs, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Board of Education Grants Laupahoehoe Charter School Appeal – Will Open July 2012

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Damon

The Board of Education Affirms That Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School Will Open July 2012.

Laupahoehoe Charter School will open in July 2012 following the State of Hawai`i Board of Education (BOE) final decision issued on Wednesday January 24, 2012.  (Please see attached decision.)

The decision came one week after the BOE heard two appeals brought by Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS) that challenged the actions of the Charter School Review Panel (CSRP). The Panel had ignored an amendment to the school’s implementation plan setting local school board elections by September, 2012 and directed that the school not open before the 2013-2014 school year.

On behalf of the Interim Local School Board, ILSB President Niki Barton Hubbard stated:  “We thank the BOE for its strong support for charter school students and for educational reform by overturning the CSRP’s misguided directives. The ILSB looks forward to working with the school and community to open a great school in July 2012.   The ILSB also thanks the many supporters in the Laupahoehoe school community who have worked for years to improve education for area students.  The ILSB expects that the Department of Education and CSRP will use their best efforts for the benefit of the students to ensure a smooth transition for the charter school opening.”  In March, 2012 LCPCS plans to hold its first welcoming celebration and information event in Laupahoehoe for new and existing students, parents, school employees and community members.

The ILSB continues to seek highly qualified teachers, school administrators and staff for the charter school.   Current LHES employees and other who wish to be considered for employment are encouraged to submit applications by February 15, 2012 to info@laupahoehoecharterschool.com.  A formal submission is required. Instructions can be found at www.laupahoehoecharterschool.com.

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Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Hawaii, Kids, Legal, State Affairs | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Puna Body Identified – Detectives Continue Investigation

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Damon

An autopsy was conducted Friday (January 20) on a body found January 17 in the vicinity of Isaac Hale Beach Park in Pohoiki.


The victim was identified as 62-year-old Dennis Eugene White of Papaya Farms Road in Kapoho. The cause of death was a head injury.

Although police have not ruled out play, the case is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Detectives are also looking for White’s car, described as a black or dark green 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a tan soft top and bearing license plate HDY 926. White was last seen driving the Jeep alone in the area of Papaya Farms Road in the early evening hours of January 16.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case or the location of the Jeep call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383 or email him at nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Legal, Puna | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Alcy “Shorty” Johnson Leaves $1.5 Million Estate Gift to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and North Hawai‘i Hospice

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Damon

North Hawai‘i Community Hospital (NHCH) and North Hawai‘i Hospice will each benefit from an estate gift valued at approximately $1.5 million. The bequest was made by long-time Waimea residents Alcy D. Johnson and his wife Jacque.

Alcy D. Johnson

Alcy Johnson, or “Shorty” as he preferred to be called, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2011, at the age of 89 in Waimea. Shorty’s wife, Jacque, passed away in 1993. Their generosity and community support continue with the creation of The Jacqueline and Alcy Johnson Memorial Fund as outlined in Shorty’s will to benefit NHCH and North Hawai‘i Hospice. The Jacqueline and Alcy Johnson Memorial Fund, held by Hawai‘i Community Foundation, will distribute proceeds annually to each organization with 60% directed to NHCH and 40% to North Hawai‘i Hospice.

Shorty was well known throughout Waimea for his volunteer activities and dedication to community service. He volunteered at North Hawai‘i Community Hospital starting April 11, 1996, even before NHCH officially opened in May of that year.

“The two trees on either side of our front lobby doors were faithfully watered by Shorty. I like to think that a part of him lives on in those trees. His warm smile and positive personality made him a true Ambassador of Aloha. ‘Shorty’ was a Press Release NHCH Page 2 North Hawaii Community Hospital, 67-1125 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela HI 96743 • www.NHCH.com

beautiful light, and his spirit of aloha will always be an eternal part of our healing environment at NHCH,” says Arielle Faith Michael, Director of Holistic Care Services and Volunteers at NHCH.

North Hawai‘i Hospice Executive Director Katherine Ciano, MHA, RN, says “Shorty and Jacque Johnson were vibrant members of the North Hawaii community who were service minded and participated in many projects to benefit our community. It is so fitting that they chose to plan their estate in such a way that they could continue to give back to the community they loved so much.”

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Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Hawaii, Health | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

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