Big Island Resident Receives Conservation Advocate Award

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

Conservationists who have given their hearts, brains, wallets and feet to save endangered species and habitats will be honored by the San Diego Zoo…

Betty and Gordon Moore

Betty and Gordon Moore

…And Intel Corporation co-founder Gordon Moore, who will be honored with the Conservation Advocate Award, has given away millions to save the earth for future generations…

…Moore, 80, and his wife, Betty, generously support science and the environment at home and abroad through the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The 10th largest foundation in the nation, it has a $6.4 billion endowment and has awarded 600 grants worth $1.5 billion to projects around the world. Its goal: improve the quality of life for future generations.

Established in 2000, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is science-based, results-driven philanthropy focusing on three areas: environmental conservation, science and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its grants are expected to help achieve targeted, large-scale outcomes in a specific time frame including a marine conservation initiative, construction of aviaries in Hawaii for critically endangered birds and the Betty Irene Moore Nursing School.

Gordon Moore is the retired chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation, a company he co-founded in 1968. Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and a doctorate in chemistry and physics from the California Institute of Technology. He lives in Kameula, Hawaii…

More Here

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Environment | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Second and Third Quake Over 3.0 Just Registered!!!

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

A minor earthquake occurred at 7:12:55 PM (HST) on Friday, January 30, 2009 .
The magnitude 3.4 event occurred 7 km (4 miles) SE of Pu`u `O`o Crater.
The hypocentral depth is 8 km ( 5 miles).

More here

A minor earthquake occurred at 7:17:06 PM (HST) on Friday, January 30, 2009 .
The magnitude 3.5 event occurred 7 km (4 miles) SE of Pu`u `O`o Crater.
The hypocentral depth is 9 km ( 6 miles).

More Here


Filed under: Big Island, Environment | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Tracking Legislative Bills Via RSS Feeds

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon
Press Release

The bill introduction deadline has passed, and there are now 1,680 Senate bills and 1,843 House bills in the pipeline.

Many of you have participated in the Public Access Room (PAR) workshops – either here at the Capitol or in your community – and have learned handy tips on finding and tracking the bills you’re interested in.  I’m writing to let you know about a slight change in procedure regarding one of those tips – subscribing to RSS feeds to allow you to easily track hundreds of bills and know at a glance if there’s been any activity.  While you can still track your bills using this method, an extra step is required due to a temporary technical difficulty – the feed link does not currently appear on the status sheet pages.  Don’t panic!  There’s just an added step.

Here’s what you do:

· Collect your bill numbers as you find them (via text search, reviewing the list of Senate or House bills filed, etc. – call or email us if you need assistance).

· Go to the Bill Status and Documents page of the Legislature’s website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov ).

· Enter the bill numbers in the top box (separate the bill numbers by commas, as shown – you can put in more than a dozen at a time).

· Click “Go.”

· You’ll see a list of hyperlinks to the measures’ status sheets with the RSS subscription links symbols () next to them.

· Click each subscription link to subscribe.

· You’ll be on top of things!  The subscriptions work as well as ever.

Note:  The folks in data systems are working diligently on any number of issues amidst the usual flurry of session – they have every intention of returning the subscription links to the status pages as soon as possible.  This is just a work-around until that happens.  We’ll send another alert then to let you know the links have been restored.

If this email leaves you feeling a bit overwhelmed, baffled or confused, feel free to contact us at the Public Access Room.  We’ll be happy to walk you through the procedure for RSS subscriptions, or help you find a tracking method that works better for you.

Filed under: Legislature, State Affairs, Technology | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Hawaii Domestic Violence Victims Authorized to Use Stun Guns?

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

I never really followed legislative bills at all, but just because they are so easy to look at now, without trucking yourself down to the capitol to get a look at, I’ve been taking a look at a few of them.

Here is another one that I don’t think will fly at all:

Senators Espero, Bunda, Gabbard, Galuteria, and  Hemmings all helped to introduce Senate Bill 541.

I myself often wonder if they should even be used by Law Enforcement officers at times.  I certainly don’t think they should go into the hands of domestic violence victims.

How about enforcing restraining orders?

More on the bill here.

Measure Title: RELATING TO WEAPONS.
Report Title: Weapons; Stun Guns; Domestic Violence
Description: Authorizes victims of domestic violence to acquire a stun gun; provided that: (1) they do not have any mental condition that would make them a danger to society or themselves; (2) they complete a training course in the use of stun guns; and (3) the authorization to use a stun gun is reevaluated on an annual basis. Requires program to be administered by county police departments.

Filed under: Legal, Legislature, Security | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

Big Island Heroes Honored

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon
Media Release:

A police officer and a citizen were honored Friday (January 30) for saving a life in 1999.

Chief Harry S. Kubojiri presented a Certificate of Merit plaque to Leonard Ramboyon of Hilo during a short ceremony Friday morning at the Hilo police station.

Chief Harry S. Kubojiri, left, and Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira pose with Leonard Ramboyon and his Certificate of Merit for helping save a police officer in 1999.

Chief Harry S. Kubojiri, left, and Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira pose with Leonard Ramboyon and his Certificate of Merit for helping save a police officer in 1999.

Ramboyon helped save the life of his friend, Officer Jeffrey Natividad, after Natividad experienced shallow water blackout while free diving off the coast of Manuka in the Ka’u district on August 21, 1999.

Officer Christopher Ragasa, who was diving with them, retrieved Natividad from 30 feet below the water’s surface and then performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation while Ramboyon steadied Natividad in the water on his back. When Ragasa became exhausted, Ramboyon took over and continued the CPR until Natividad regained consciousness.

“We would have lost Jeffrey if it were not for your quick and determined action,” Kubojiri said told Ramboyon. “You demonstrated great personal courage and a willingness to put safety and welfare of others before your own when faced with a critical lifesaving situation.

Friday afternoon, Chief Kubojiri recognized Ragasa for his role during a recognition ceremony of the 75th Recruit Class. Ragasa, who is a training officer for the recruits, received a Certificate of Valor and a Silver Medal of Valor.

Debbie Ragasa pins a Silver Medal of Valor on her husband, Officer Christopher Ragasa.

Debbie Ragasa pins a Silver Medal of Valor on her husband, Officer Christopher Ragasa.

The delay in presenting the two awards was the result of miscommunication among members of the Police Department. As a result, the department has taken steps designed to prevent that from happening again.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Legal | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

3.1 Earthquake Rattles Pahala

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

A minor earthquake occurred at 3:37:00 PM (HST) on Friday, January 30, 2009 .
The magnitude 3.1 event occurred 3 km (2 miles) NE of Pahala.
The hypocentral depth is 6 km ( 4 miles).

More Here

Filed under: Big Island, Environment | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Do We Really Need a “State Insect”… The Kamehameha Butterfly?

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

Do we really need a “State Insect”?  And if we did, I would think the Mosquito would fill the bill quite naturally.

mosquitoI don’t know about the “Kamehameha Butterfly”:

kambutterfly

My other vote besides the Mosquito, would have to go to the B-52 Flying Cockroach:

b52The following Senators introduced Senate Bill 433 and a description of the bill can be found here.

Measure Title: RELATING TO THE STATE INSECT.
Report Title: Kamehameha Butterfly; State Insect
Description: Designates the Kamehameha butterfly as the state insect.

Filed under: Environment, Hawaii, Legislature | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Another Thug Attacks Defenseless Woman on Big Island

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

Yesterday I posted the Police Report about the two thugs that assaulted and ripped off a woman and then took her moped near Kalapana.

Todays “Local Thug Report“:

The Hawaii Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man responsible for assaulting a 61-year-old woman on a hiking trail in Kona on January 18.

The victim was walking on the Upper Walua Road trail when an unknown man choked her with his arm and then ran away.

The man is described as Filipino/local and in his 30s, about 5-foot-8 with dark eyes, dark hair and a raspy voice. He was wearing checkered green pants, tennis shoes and a beige shirt with a geometric pattern in the center.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to 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. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

I wish some of these thugs would run across the wrong person at the wrong time and just get their ass handed to them!

Filed under: Big Island, Kona, Legal, Security | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Death Penatly Bill Introduced to Hawaii Legislatures

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

I know that Sen. Slom is pretty much a “Grandstanding” speaker and likes to catch the attention of a lot of people with some of his  legislation.

He introduced Senate Bill 348 and it has passed the first reading.

This is actually a bill that I would support.  Some crimes are so heinous that I believe some people should be put to death for them.  (here comes the hate mail)

The legislature finds that there is a need to provide for the imposition of the death penalty to address the most serious offenses that can be committed, namely, the murder of a minor who is less than twelve years old, murder combined with torture or sexual assault, or any multiple murder.  The use of capital punishment in these circumstances is intended both to punish the perpetrator and to deter others from committing these types of crimes.

The legislature further finds that this Act is in compliance with the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 (June 24, 2002), in which the Court ruled that a jury, rather than a judge, must make a finding of aggravating factors when those factors underlie a judge’s choice to impose the death penalty rather than a lesser statutory punishment.  The Supreme Court found that Arizona’s enumerated aggravating factors operated as the “functional equivalent of an element of a greater offense.”  Therefore, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that such aggravating factors be determined by a jury…

More Here

Report Title: Capital Punishment; Murder
Description: Provides for a sentence of death or life imprisonment without possibility of parole upon conviction of a defendant for the murder of a minor less than twelve years of age, murder combined with torture or sexual assault, or multiple murders. Requires separate sentencing proceedings after conviction before a jury.

Filed under: Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, State Affairs | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

“Eggs ‘N Things” Moves to New Location: Re-Grand Opening Soon

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

Waikiki’s infamous restaurant Eggs ‘N Things restaurant is moving to a new location.

This is the old location at the bottom of McCully Street in Waikiki:

If you haven’t ever eaten there, I highly recommend the salsa that they provide for the eggs!

I used to live within walking distance and I used to eat there all the time.  The place would literally have a line-up of tourists waiting to get in the place all the time.

I’m assuming this new location will provide more seating and less wait time.

Eggs 'N Things New Location

Eggs 'N Things New Location

The grand re-opening of Eggs ‘N Things is scheduled for February 2009, just in time to celebrate our 35th anniversary! Our new location is 343 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. We are looking forward to opening our restaurant doors to provide you with a comfortable and welcoming eatery and the traditionally delicious food you’ve come to love…

More Here

Filed under: Food & Drink, Oahu, Tourism | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Legislature Looking at Banning “Consumption of Companion Animals”

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

I can only guess that this law is being brought forth because of the golf course incident where the guys stole the dog so that they could eat it.

Saturnino Palting, 48, pictured on the right, and Nelson Domingo, 53, left, both of Kalihi

Saturnino Palting, 48, pictured on the right, and Nelson Domingo, 53, left, both of Kalihi. *Smuck Award Winners

Senators Gabbard, Chun Oakland and Espero have introduced Senate Bill 232.

The legislature finds that the consumption of companion animals is inhumane and an offense against the public order.  The purpose of this Act is to prevent companion animals from being consumed as human food.

SECTION 2.  Section 711-1109, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

“§711-1109  Cruelty to animals in the second degree. (1)  A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:

(a)   Overdrives, overloads, tortures, torments, beats, causes substantial bodily injury, or starves any animal, or causes the overdriving, overloading, torture, torment, beating, or starving of any animal, or deprives a pet animal of necessary sustenance or causes such deprivation;

(b)   Mutilates, poisons, or kills without need any animal other than insects, vermin, or other pests;

(c)   Keeps, uses, or in any way is connected with or interested in the management of, or receives money for the admission of any person to, any place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting any bull, bear, cock, or other animal, and every person who encourages, aids, or assists therein, or who permits or suffers any place to be so kept or used;

(d)   Carries or causes to be carried, in or upon any vehicle or other conveyance, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner; [or]

(e)   Possesses, sells, purchases, gives away, receives, imports, or exports any live companion animal or carcass of a companion animal for the purpose of using any portion of the live companion animal or its carcass for human food; or

More here


Filed under: Legal, Legislature, Smuck Awards | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Artist Recognition: Katie Burk… Pahoa Museum Facelift

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

The other day I mentioned that the Pahoa Museum got a face lift on the exterior of the building.  I didn’t know who the artist was at the time, otherwise I would have given them credit.

Unfortunately, I have a crappy little camera and the picture that I showed did not really give justice to the beautiful job that was done on the exterior.

Here is a much better picture submitted by Martin Wink:

pict0129

The artist that designed the exterior is Katie Burk.

Katie Burk sitting just to the left of the table and the rest of the crew

Katie Burk sitting just to the left of the table and the rest of the crew

When you get the chance, I do urge everyone to check out this unique Museum located on the main drag in Pahoa Town.

the artist “Katie Burk” She is setting just to the left of the table, this is her Master piece

Filed under: Community, Pahoa | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Legislature Looking at Banning the Sale of Pocket Knives

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Damon

Senator Ihara has introduced Senate Bill 126.

Description: Prohibits sale of pocket knives. Defines pocket knife.

I really doubt that this will fly through the legislature.  I know too many hunters, fishermen, and people who use pocket knives as a simple tool.

I’m amazed that it even passed the first reading… but then again, it seems like everything passes the first reading.

Any person who knowingly manufactures, sells, transfers, possesses, or transports a pocket knife in the State shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

As used in this section:

“Pocket knife” means a knife with a blade that folds into the handle and which is suitable for carrying in the pocket.“

For more info on the bill, click here

Filed under: Legal, Legislature | Tagged: , , | 3 Comments »

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