Hawaii National Guard Makes Aviation History by Being First Guard Unit to Receive CH-47 Foxtrot Helicopter

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

B-roll of the Hawaii National Guard making aviation history by being the first Guard unit to receive the CH-47 Foxtrot Helicopter.

The CH-47-D’s increased technical capacities, horse power, and top speed will add the Hawaii National Guard’s capability complete its state and federal mission.

A few weeks short of the 50th anniversary of the Chinooks’ maiden flight, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and the Hawai’i Army National Guard (HIARNG) held a CH-47F “Chinook” Unit Equipping Ceremony inside the Pacific Aviation Museum, Sept. 8th.

More than 400 Soldiers and guests filled the Pacific Aviation Museum’s historic “Hangar 79,” along with its collection of original, historic aircraft.

“I can’t think of a better backdrop to unveil the ‘newest’ airframe in our 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and Hawai’i Army National Guard inventory — the CH-47F,” said Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, U.S. Army Pacific Commander (USARPAC). “I’ve got to tell you that our Army and our industry partners certainly got it right with this aircraft.”

More Here: 25 CAB and HNG Introduce CH-47F Chinook Helicopters to their fleet

 

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National Public Lands Day to be Celebrated with Free Admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) will be celebrated at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, September 24.  This is “fee-free” day in the park, when admission fees are waived all day in honor of the national event.

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States.  NPLD began in 1994 with three sites and 700 volunteers.

Last year, 170,000 volunteers worked at over 2,080 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and in many U.S. territories.  Across the country, NPLD volunteers removed an estimated 450 tons of trash, collected an estimated 20,000 pounds of invasive plants, built and maintained an estimated 1,320 miles of trails, planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants, and contributed an estimated $15 million to improve public lands across the country.

“You can make a difference in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park by joining in one of the volunteer projects taking place on National Public Lands Day,” said Park Ranger Kūpono McDaniel.

Trail maintenance volunteers are needed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Ginger removal volunteers are needed from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Tools and instruction will be provided.

To volunteer, contact Volunteer Program Manager Laura Williams at (808) 985-6304 or laura_williams@nps.gov.

While enhancing native habitats on National Public Lands Day, bring your camera and take some great shots of your fellow volunteers.  Your photo could become a winner in the 11th annual NPLD Volunteers in Action Photo Contest.  For details, visit www.publiclandsday.org.

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Big Island Police Searching for Missing 31-Year-Old Missing for 3 to 4 Weeks

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Big Island Police are searching for a 31–year-old woman reported as missing.

Kelly Malson, a.k.a. Kelly-Ann Tokeshi

Kelly Malson, a.k.a. Kelly-Ann Tokeshi

Kelly Malson, a.k.a. Kelly-Ann Tokeshi, has not been seen or heard from in approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

She is described as Japanese, 5-foot-2, 105 pounds, with a slim build. She has black hair, brown eyes and a light complexion.

Malson is originally from Hilo, although may possibly be staying in the Waipahu area on Oahu and may be pregnant.

Police ask that anyone with information on herwhereabouts 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 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.

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Victims Identified in Zip Line Tragedy – More Pictures of the Facility

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

A Maui man who died and an Ohio man who was critically injured in a zip line accident Wednesday morning in Pauka’a have been identified as 35-year-old Ted Callaway and 43 year old Curtis Wright, respectively.

An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow (September 23) to determine the exact cause of Mr. Callaway’s death. Mr. Wright remains in critical condition at the Hilo Medical Center as is in “very unstable” condition.


Both men were employed by a Maui company that builds and maintains zip lines. They had just made an adjustment to the line and were in the process of testing it.


The 36-year-old Maui man had traveled about halfway across the 2,300-foot span when a tower collapsed and he fell approximately 200 feet to his death.


The 35-year-old Ohio man, who was standing on the tower, fell about 30 feet. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition with multiple internal injuries.

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Lt. Governor Brian Schatz – “Why China Matters to Hawaii”

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Aloha everyone,

Media from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou visited Hawai‘i this summer and heard the message that Hawai‘i is a great place to visit and do business.  They saw our world class observatories on Mauna Kea, visited cutting-edge health sciences and energy projects, and enjoyed our beautiful environment and warm hospitality.
As a result, millions of people have seen positive stories about Hawai‘i, in newspapers, on television and on computers throughout China.
This is part of this administration’s overall effort to build a strong relationship with China.  China matters to Hawai‘i.  Here’s why:
Tourism
China is becoming an important market for Hawai‘i.  Chinese visitation is growing by double digits every year and these visitors stay longer and spend more than visitors from other markets.  Governor Abercrombie recently welcomed the first direct flight from Shanghai, and we are working on securing additional direct flights from China. This will mean more jobs, more tax revenues and more opportunities for Hawai‘i’s businesses.
Trade
High-end Chinese consumers are attracted to the Hawai‘i “brand” and want authentic, top quality agriculture and other products.  Working with the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, buyers will come to Hawai‘i in a few weeks to select local products for retail markets in major cities across China.  Local companies now have an opportunity to export locally produced products to an enormous new market.
Energy
Chinese officials here and in China have expressed to me a keen interest in our clean energy projects.  There is ample opportunity for partnership in this area whether it’s deployment of electric vehicles or other clean energy technologies.  In fact, several of our local renewable energy companies, particularly in solar, already have business partnerships with Chinese entities.
With APEC coming up, interest in Hawai‘i has never been greater, and so we are working hard to build the long-term relationships that will strengthen our economy for the next generation.

Aloha,

Brian Schatz
Lieutenant Governor
ltgov@hawaii.gov

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A 84-year-old Man Dies Wednesday From Injuries Sustained in Motor Vehicle/Pedestrian Crash

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Hawaii County Police Department

An 84-year-old Kealakekua man died Wednesday (September 21) from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle/pedestrian crash which occurred on Wednesday (September 14) on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 11) south of the 112-mile marker in Kealakekua.

The victim was identified as Greg Rosario Gregorio, of a Kealakekua address.

Responding to a 6:40 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that Gregorio was crossing Route 11 from the makai to mauka direction when he was struck by a 2001 GMC van traveling north and being driven by a 24-year-old Ocean View man.

Gregorio was not in a crosswalk.

Gregorio was transported to the Kona Community Hospital by Fire Rescue personnel and was confined to the hospital when he died today (September 21) at 2:24 p.m.

The driver of the van was not injured.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs are involved.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 16th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to 21 at the same time last year.

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Big Island Police Looking for Missing 39-Year-Old Man Carrying Skateboard

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Hawaii County Police DepartmentThe Hawaii Police Department seeks your help in locating a missing person:

Roland Moki Hose, 39 year old male, Pt. Hawaiian, 5’6″, 125 pounds, Last seen wearing an all black t-shirt, shorts, a baseball cap and carrying a black backpack and long brown skateboard with red wheels.

He was last seen on Kam III Road on September 21, 2011 at 7:45 a.m.

If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Roland Moki Hose, please call 911 or contact the police.

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Police Release Suspect Arrested Tuesday in Connection with Reported Attempted Kidnapping and Attempted Sexual Assault

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Hawaii County Police Department

Police released the suspect arrested on Tuesday (September 20) in connection with a reported attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual assault on that day. Samson Perez, also known as Samson Kahumoku was released from police custody after detectives conferred with county prosecutors.

On Tuesday, police received a report of a female child being in a confrontation with an adult male within a restroom on the campus of a public school in Hilo. The child managed to escape from the man, who was last seen on Kapiʻolani Street heading in the direction of Haili Street around 6:30 a.m. Responding officer took the suspect into custody a few hours later, locating him on Aupuni Street in Hilo.

As part of the conferral process with prosecutors, taken into account was all the information uncovered during the investigation coupled with the child’s ability to proceed with prosecution at this point in time. Within a week, the victim would be required to testify in open court, with the suspect present and be exposed to cross examination by a defense attorney. Speaking in general terms, cases involving child victims of such traumatic events often take longer to adjudicate due to concerns about what is in the best interest of the child victim. While the public’s safety is always a consideration, the ability of the child to testify without inflicting additional trauma on him or her weighs heavily during the decision making process.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Daylan Asuncion of the Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 961-8843. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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Puna Infrastructure and Town Hall Meeting Agenda for Tonight with Senator Kahele

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Infrastructure and Town Hall Meeting Agenda

September 22, 2011

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Kea‘au Elementary School Cafeteria

Highway 130 Project Map

Highway 130 Project Map

5:30 PM – Opening remarks and introductions by Senator Kahele

5:40 PM – State Department of Transportation Presentation by Director Glenn Okimoto, Deputy Director, Projects Jadine Urasaki, Deputy Director, Airports Division Ford Fuchigami, and Deputy Director, Harbors Division Randy Grune.

Topics to include:

  • All Hwy 130 project updates (all Keaau Pahoa Projects) & corridor study
  • Puainako extension update
  • Cargo facility update at Hilo Airport
  • Plans for rent-a-car facilities at Hilo Airport
  • Energy efficiency initiatives
  • Hilo Airport paving and circulation changes
  • Hilo Harbor Master Plan update
  • Hilo Pier 4
  • Hilo Pier 1

6:10 PM – Q&A regarding DOT presentation

6:25 PM – Break to allow County time to set-up and prepare

6:30 PM – Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works presentation by Director Warren Lee and staff

Topics to include:

  • Puna Makai Alternate Route
  • Roads in limbo
  • Repaving plan
  • Water spigots

7:00 PM – Q&A regarding County presentation

7:15 PM – Closing remarks and Mahalo by Senator Kahele

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Hawaiian Perspectives on Geothermal Talk Story Sessions Continue

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

WHAT:

Following their recent response to the HELCO RFI on Hawai‘i island, IDG executives will take part in two community forums and information sessions on geothermal development in late September.

Hawaiian Perspectives on Geothermal

IDG’s innovative model for geothermal development has been a hot topic of discussion over the last few weeks. From a briefing for Hawaii legislators at the capitol and an energy forum for the Democratic Environmental Caucus to high-profile meetings with the PUC, DLNR and DHHL, word is traveling fast that Hawai‘i could benefit from IDG’s community-based approach to geothermal development.

The Hawai‘i Island community events later this month will feature presentations from Native Hawaiians on community-based models for geothermal development, cultural issues and the protection of cultural resources, OHA’s role in Wao Kele O Puna forest management, the revenue OHA receives from Geothermal development, and Native Hawaiian/public ownership of geothermal ‘minerals’ as assets of the ceded land trust.

WHO:

Moderated by IDG CEO Patricia Brandt, the forum’s panelists will include Mililani Trask , Esq. (Indigenous Consultants LLC), Ku’uleiohuokalani Kealoha Cooper (Kealoha Estate), Cy Bridges (IDG Cultural Advisor), Robert Lindsey (Trustee, OHA Hawaii Island), Richard Ha (Co-Chair, Geothermal Working Group & Hamakua Springs), and Wally Ishibashi (Co-Chair, Geothermal Working Group, Member of Hawaii Labor Alliance).

The Hawaiian Geothermal Community Informational Sessions are sponsored by Innovations Development Group, Inc., Kealoha Estate, Indigenous Consultants LLC, Bob Lindsey, OHA Trustee—Hawaii Island.

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Department of Transportation Meeting Tonight – Puna Makai Alternate Route (PMAR) to be Discussed

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Damon

Hawaii Department of Transportation officials along with local politicians will be meeting at the Keaau Elementary School cafeteria tonight at 5:30 to discuss the Puna Makai Alternate Route (PMAR) project and other state road projects that are happening on the island.

Puna Makai Alternate Route

At a meeting last night at Pahoa Community Center, Senator Gilbert Kahele passed out literature with the powerpoint presentation that will be presented and went over it with some of the folks that were in attendance.

One of my main concerns of course is Highway 130 and if we can get the PMAR approved, it will definitely lighten traffic on H-130 and at least give folks an alternate route and an emergency route to go when H130 is blocked off for what ever reason may be.

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