Mayor Kenoi’s Blog Pacific Business News
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Oberto’s “Bacon Jerky” is the nastiest thing I have ever tasted.
My guess is that those damn “Beggin Strips” for dogs are better then these things!
Oberta Bacon Jerky
Filed under: Announcements, Food & Drink, Health, Something New? | Tagged: Oberto Bacon Jerky, Oh Boy! | Leave a Comment »
COULD BREADFRUIT HELP ALLEVIATE GLOBAL AND LOCAL HUNGER?
The newly launched Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger project harvests breadfruit in Kona and distributes it to the food insecure. The project is based upon the simple fact that there are many people on Hawai‘i Island without enough nutritious food to eat, and at the same time there are literally tons of breadfruit that are not being harvested and eaten. Breadfruit (‘ulu) is a local, abundant and nutritious food that can be used to alleviate hunger in Hawai‘i.
Breadfruit is a traditional staple crop throughout the Pacific region. According to Dr. Diane Ragone, Director of the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, more than 80% of the world’s hungry live in tropical and subtropical regions where ecological conditions are suitable for cultivating breadfruit. Just like in Hawai‘i, many people in the tropics have high food, fuel, and fertilizer costs and need sustainable, low-input crops. Many island nations are turning to breadfruit as a solution.
According to a survey done by Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network, people who grow breadfruit reported that 46% is wasted. At the same time, many of Hawai‘i’s families are food insecure—lacking access to affordable and nutritious food.
In its first month of operation, Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger harvested, distributed and processed over 500 pounds of breadfruit.
The project builds relationships with landowners who have excess breadfruit and forms an agreement to harvest. The breadfruit is then distributed through social service agencies such as the Kealakehe Meet and Eat, Ocean View Food Basket and Hawai‘i Island Youth Corps. Excess breadfruit is processed and frozen for future use by the West Hawai‘i Community College Culinary Arts Program.
The Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger project was started with the support of the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. It is an initiative of Ho‘oulu ka ‘Ulu—a project to revitalize ‘ulu (breadfruit) as an attractive, delicious, nutritious, abundant, affordable, and culturally appropriate food which addresses Hawai’i’s food security issues. The Ho‘oulu ka ‘Ulu project is led by Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network and the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
The project is seeking additional partnerships with landowners who have excess breadfruit and agencies that serve the food insecure. For more information or to donate breadfruit from your trees, please email hooulu@hawaiihomegrown.net or call Andrea Dean at 960-3727. More information about the project can be found at www.breadfruit.info.
Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Economy, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health | Tagged: Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger Project | 1 Comment »
Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai will celebrate 50 years since its incorporation on Saturday, June 8.
Crafted by graphic artist Cary Tanoue, the design incorporates English and kanji spelling out the organization’s name along with an anthurium.
“A Japanese community non-profit organization has been around in Pahoa for more than 100 years,” said committee chairman Jason Hashimoto. “This event celebrates the golden anniversary of our formal incorporation in 1963. It’s the first time we are trying to get Pahoa people together for a community reunion, both current and former residents.”
President Craig Shimoda said, “We are looking for people with ties to Pahoa who may have moved away from this area.”
Events planned for the day include a memorial service at 10 a.m. followed by recognition of keirokai members (80 years of age and older), luncheon, old fashioned games, photographic and artifact displays, and talk story time in the YBA Hall in Pahoa.
Past president Stanley Oishi recalled, “The organization way back built the first Pahoa Japanese school. In recent years, we built the YBA Hall. We take care of the hall and the cemetery. Annually we host the last obon dance of the season and mochi pounding close to the new year.”
Cost of the event is $10 for members or $20 for non-members. RSVP by May 4 to Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai, P.O. Box 504, Pahoa HI 96778. Anyone wishing further information may contact Jason Hashimoto at (808) 937-5941 or by e-mail jasonhashi@gmail.com
About the logo:
A logo has been selected for Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai to celebrate the 50th anniversary since the non-profit community organization’s incorporation.
Crafted by graphic artist Cary Tanoue, the design incorporates English and kanji spelling out the organization’s name along with an anthurium.
“If it’s representing Pahoa, it’s got to be an anthurium,” said long time resident Glenn Watarida, a former president of the organization.”
According to the late Pahoa historian Hiroo Sato, an active member of Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai, “The first anthuriums were imported from England in 1889 by Samuel N, Damon and planted in his Moanalua botanical garden.” That first variety had a pink spathe.
“One of the first persons to grow anthuriums in Hilo was Herbert Shipman. There were several other local pioneers of whom one was Kisataro Keno of Kaumana. Kono produced anthurium
seedlings that were sold to Katsuto Hayashi who probably was the first to grow anthuriums in Pahoa in the 1930s.”A multi-million dollar floral industry flourished with more than 260 farms on the island of Hawaii in 1959 – the majority of the state’s production. Due to the many growers, packers and shippers located in the area, Pahoa was labeled the Anthurium Capitol of Hawaii. “The industry reached its peak in 1980, supplying local, national, and international markets with up to 232,000 dozen flowers per month. Although yield was at 2.5 million dozen flowers in 1980, supply was insufficient to meet demand,” according to University of Hawaii publications. The bacterial blight of the 1980s set the industry back. Since then, development of disease-resistant strains, new horticultural practices such as drip irrigation, and advances in tissue-culturing of disease-free varieties has led to the continuation of the industry.
“We are so grateful to Cary Tanoue for all his help,” said current president Craig Shimoda. “Cary also has cleaned the Pahoa YBA sign that hung on the front of the first hall starting in 1921 and on the current building since 1980. It will be ready to hang up again for the celebration.”
“We have a full slate of activities for Saturday, June 8,” said anniversary chairman Jason Hashimoto. “Registration has been extended until May 25.”
Advance registration is required for the memorial service, activities and luncheon. For further information, contact Hashimoto at (808) 937-5941 or by e-mail to jasonhashi@gmail.com.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment, Hawaii, Health, Pahoa, Puna | Tagged: Herbert Shipman, Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai | Leave a Comment »
So last night me and some friends at a bachelor party jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas with “SkyJump Las Vegas“.
Here is the video of my jump:
I’ve skydived with SkyDive Hawaii five times so I’ve kind of gotten over the fear of heights.
Here is the video of John Evich’s jump. (The Bachelor)
I got a certificate from the place after I jumped and the last part of it reads:
“This certificate also entitles the SkyJumper to a lifetime immunity from being called chicken, scaredy cat, wimp and any other monikers that might imply less than crazy brave. Any embarrassing screams or loss of bodily fluids will forever remain under SkyJumper/SkyJump Las Vegas privilege.”
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Comedy, Entertainment, Health, Something New?, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: John Evich, Las Vegas, SkyJump, Stratosphee | 1 Comment »
A free 58-page guide entitled, Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation is now available. Because of the high cost of labor, land, and materials in Hawai‘i, family farms are only economically sustainable if they can produce high-quality products that are valued above cheap imports.
Front cover: Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation
This guide helps growers add value to all aspects of their farm enterprise and offers resources for further developing their strategies. “If you cherish the farming lifestyle and want to keep farming, you have to make your farm profitable. This guide goes a long way towards showing how to escape from the fatal trap of commoditization by adding value for the consumer,” observes Dr. Kent Fleming, an extension economist who has developed numerous cost-of-production spreadsheets for the University of Hawai’i and other organizations worldwide.
The guide was authored by Craig Elevitch and Ken Love with input from agricultural professionals statewide. Elevitch is an agroforestry educator whose most recent book Specialty Crops for Pacific Islands (2011) provides insights into sustainable cultivation and processing techniques for local and export markets with an emphasis on production methods, postharvest processing, and marketing. Love, widely known as a passionate advocate for the innovative small farm, is co-owner of Love Family Farms in Kona, Hawai’i, which produces a range of value-added products including jams, jellies, dried fruits, and coffee.
“Adding value is an essential component of small farm sustainability,” says Love, who has extensive experience working with farm enterprises. “There are many different ways to add value in growing, processing, and marketing products. This guide is about finding ways of adding value to your operation that are best suited for you and that are ultimately profitable.”
The publication was produced with funds from the State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, the Agribusiness Incubator Program of the University of Hawai‘i, and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development. The guide is available as a free download and a limited number of free hard copies will be available throughout Hawai’i. Distribution locations and a link to download the free guide are listed at www.valueadded.info.
Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Economy, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, Something New?, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Agriculture, Craig Elevitch, Hawai, Ken Love | Leave a Comment »
“Towards a Green Economy: Introducing the GPI to Hawaii” adopts supplemental measurement to GDP
The Hawaii State Environmental Council today released its 2012 Annual Report, titled, Towards a Green Economy: Introducing the GPI to Hawaii.” The report introduces a new, holistic measure of prosperity and progress to Hawaii by introducing a new way to measure the state’s environmental health in relation to economic progress called the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI).
Click for more information
The GPI supplements the standard economic measure of growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which ignores key costs of economic activity and likely overestimates economic growth. GPI adjusts GDP by deducting environmental and societal costs, such as pollution or depletion of non-renewable resources that result from that growth.
“The GPI will serve as a standardized method for measuring the true health of the economy,” said study co-author Dr. Regina Ostergaard-Klem of Hawaii Pacific University.
Co-author Dr. Kirsten Oleson of the University of Hawaii at Manoa added that “Hawaii’s GPI initiative is a step towards balancing economic development and quality of life. By accounting for the environmental costs that result from economic activities, we can help ensure that we do not degrade ‘aina, forests, coasts and natural beauty.”
The calculation of this new indicator dovetails with state sustainability and open data initiatives, such as the Governor’s New Day Plan, Hawaii Sustainability 2050, Hawaii Green Growth Initiative, and Open Data portal.
The GPI provides a very different picture of economic prosperity that policy makers can use in policy evaluation and budget decisions. “The report’s analysis shows that while Hawaii’s GDP increased nearly every year over the past decade, the environmental costs of that economic growth can be significant,” Environmental Council Chair Mary Steiner explained.
For example, in 2000, the economic cost of environmental degradation across nine indicators including water pollution, forest loss, and nonrenewable energy depletion amounted to $6.2 billion. The report authors stress that this cost is likely a gross underestimate as available data is currently incomplete. The Environmental Council looks forward to improving these estimates in future years.
“With the publication of this report, Hawaii joins a group of innovative nations and states building more accurate indicators to guide policy while making environmental data more accessible and relevant to the public,” said Steiner. “Much of our people’s well-being is derived from things like healthy forests, productive landscapes, and clean beaches. Losing or degrading these assets has real economic cost.”
To view a copy of the annual report go to:
This year’s pilot GPI exercise is the initial phase of a long-term research project that seeks to quantify the value of our natural capital here in Hawaii, leading towards greener and more sustainable decision-making for Hawaii.
Filed under: Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Health, State Affairs | Tagged: Genuine progress indicator, GPI, Gross Domestic Product, Hawaii, Hawaii State Environmental Council | Leave a Comment »
National Volunteer Week was April 21 – 27, 2013 and Hospice of Hilo honored its core of dedicated volunteers who provide support, companionship and dignity to members of the community facing serious and life-limiting illness at its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
Hospice of Hilo honored it’s volunteers last week.
“Volunteers have expressed their gratitude at being allowed to touch the hearts of Hospice of Hilo patients. They continue to set a great example of the honor and privilege of serving. We recognize, acknowledge and honor the 2000+ hours they have given in 2012 towards the service of the terminally ill,” said Hospice of Hilo Volunteer Manager, Pearl Lyman.
Hospice of Hilo volunteers often serve patients and families at the bedside but they also assist in the office, help raise awareness, contribute to educational programs, and provide fundraising support and more.
“They are truly the heart of our organization. We are so very grateful for all the volunteers give to ensure that each and every member of our community facing a life-limiting illness knows that they don’t have to face the journey alone and that with hospice care they can live better,” said Hospice of Hilo CEO, Brenda S. Ho.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 450,000 hospice volunteers providing more than 21 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. More than 1.65 million patients in the U.S. are cared for by hospice every year.
“Helping others is what I like to do and I believe there is no better way than to be there for them when they are facing the end of life,” said Hospice of Hilo Volunteer, Susan Pauole.
If you are interested in becoming a Hospice of Hilo volunteer, please call Pearl at 808-969-1733. More information is also at www.hospiceofhilo.org.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Health | Tagged: Hospice Hawaii, Hospice of Hilo, National Volunteer Week | Leave a Comment »
The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with Hep Free Hawaii is joining the global “Three Wise Monkeys” campaign to raise awareness about viral hepatitis both worldwide and within local communities. The three-month campaign which also includes in-language bus ads and radio spots on KNDI runs from May through July and coincides with National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 20, 2013, and World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2013. Both of these annual events are intended to raise awareness and support improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with chronic viral hepatitis B and C.
The overall theme for World Hepatitis Day 2013 is “See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil,” as represented by the three wise monkeys, an old proverb that is commonly used to highlight how people often deal with problems by refusing to acknowledge them. The monkeys were chosen for the campaign to highlight that around the world and in Hawaii hepatitis is still being largely ignored.
According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, “We are calling for people to uncover their senses and confront the realities of hepatitis.” “Often called the silent epidemic, most people with hepatitis B or C don’t have symptoms for many years,” stated Loretta Fuddy, DOH Director of Health. “People with hepatitis B and C shouldn’t wait until they feel sick to be tested because there are many things, including treatment, they can do to take care of themselves before they become ill. The earlier people know they have hepatitis, the better the outcome.”
According to DOH Immunization Branch estimates, 1 to 3 percent of people in Hawaii have hepatitis B, and approximately 23,000 are living with hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are the most common known causes of liver cancer in Hawaii, and Hawaii has the highest rate of liver cancer in the United States.
Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with blood and body fluids. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that anyone who has been exposed to blood through needle use, blood transfusion, non-sterile equipment, or tattooing should be tested for both hepatitis B and C. Anyone born in a country with high rates of hepatitis B, especially countries in Asia and the Pacific, should be screened for hepatitis B.
Anyone born from 1945 to 1965 (“baby boomers”) should also get a one-time test for hepatitis C, regardless of any known risk. To join the campaign and take a photo with the three wise monkeys, contact Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov or (808) 733-9298. To follow the monkeys on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or for more information about hepatitis resources and events in Hawaii, go to www.hepfreehawaii.org.
Photos will also be shared on the DOH Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDOH
Filed under: Announcements, Comedy, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, State Affairs | Tagged: "Three Wise Monkeys", National Hepatitis Testing Day, World Hepatitis Day | Leave a Comment »
Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a fatal industrial accident in the Puna District on Thursday morning (April 25).
At about 9:14 a.m., police and Hawaiʻi Fire Department medics received a report of an apparent industrial accident at a job site just off Route 11 near the North Kulani Road intersection in Mountain View.
Kulani and Highway 11
Responding officers discovered that a 56-year-old man had been inspecting the electrical system for a newly installed water tank when he apparently was electrocuted from the energized system. A 51-year-old Honokaʻa man, who was working nearby, attempted to assist the victim. He was able to de-energize the electrical system but not before sustaining minor injuries from exposure to electrical current.
The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:32 a.m.
Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are conducting further investigation into this incident, which is classified as an industrial accident and a coroner’s inquest.
Police are awaiting positive identification and notification of the next of kin before releasing the name of the victim.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning (April 26) to determine the exact cause of death.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Health, Legal, Puna, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Electrocution, Hawaii, Industrial Accident | Leave a Comment »
North Hawai‘i Community Hospital (NHCH) celebrates its 25th Annual North Hawai‘i Senior Health Fair on Sunday, May 19th, 2013 and invites North Hawaii seniors 55 years and older to attend.
“This health fair is often the only time seniors in our community have the opportunity to receive health screenings by physicians, registered nurses and other medical professionals,” says Lowell Johnson, NHCH Interim CEO. “This event provides complimentary health screenings and wellness education to nearly 300 seniors 55+ in North Hawai‘i,” says Johnson.
This event is one of two annual events hosted by North Hawaii Community Hospital to help fulfill its mission “to improve the health status of the people of North Hawaii by improving access to care and providing high quality services at a reasonable cost. The other event is Girls Night Out, held in October, to promote breast cancer awareness.
Complimentary health screenings offered at this event include: oral screenings, hearing tests, stroke risk assessments, skin checks, eye screenings, holistic care services, blood pressure, blood tests for cholesterol and glucose by Clinical Laboratories of Hawai‘i and more. Health education will also be available to North Hawai‘i seniors by the following vendors: Tutu’s House, County of Hawai‘i Fire Department, North Hawai‘i Hospice, NHCH’s Kohala Home Health Care, NHCH’s Rehabilitation Services, NHCH’s Waimea Women’s Center, Clinical Laboratories of Hawai‘i, Ho’onani Place and more.
NHCH’s 25th Annual Senior Health Fair, formerly held in November, has moved to Sunday, May 19th, 2013 to support National Senior Health and Fitness Day. This event is held at North Hawaii Community Hospital, and registration is open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch, bingo and prizes. For more information, please contact Laurie Edmondson by calling 808-881-4425.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Health | Tagged: Hawaii Senior Health Fair, North Hawaii Community Hospital | Leave a Comment »
The Hawaiʻi Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative being sponsored in Hawaiʻi by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the state Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Safety.
On Saturday, April 27, members of the public may turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the following collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal:
Army Aviation Support Facility
(adjacent to Civil Air Patrol)
1095 Kekūanāoʻa St.
Hilo
Kona police station parking lot
74-611 Hale Makaʻi Place
Kailua-Kona
Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms will be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted.
Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.
Having unused and expired medicine in your home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning. Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
For more information about the drug take-back program, visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.
Filed under: Health, Big Island, Hawaii, Legal, Community, Announcements | Tagged: Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration, Prescription drug, Drug Take-Back Initiative, Prescription medication | Leave a Comment »
Residents of least stressed states report highest levels of enjoyment
Hawaii residents remained the least likely in the U.S. to say they felt stressed on any given day in 2012, at 32.1%. West Virginia residents, on average, were the most likely to report feeling stress, at 47.1%.
These state-level data are based on daily surveys conducted from January through December 2012 and encompass more than 350,000 interviews as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Nationwide, 40.6% of Americans reported feeling stressed “yesterday” in 2012, similar to past years.
Gallup has measured daily stress in its tracking survey since 2008. Hawaii has ranked as the state with the lowest percentage of residents reporting stress on the prior day all five years and is the only state to rank in the top five consistently since 2008. West Virginia, Kentucky, and Utah, have each ranked within the top five most stressed states for the past five years. West Virginia ranked as the most stressed state in 2012, Kentucky was the top state for stress in 2008 and 2011, and Utah was the top state for stress in 2009 and 2010.
For all of the states, stress levels were statistically unchanged in 2012 compared with 2011. Regionally, states with stress levels at or above 42% were clustered in the Northeast and Midwest, but also included Utah, Oregon, and Washington.
Lowest Stress States Report Most Enjoyment
Two of the five states with the lowest stress levels, Hawaii and Wyoming, also boasted the highest levels of enjoyment in 2012. In Hawaii, 89.7% of residents said they experienced enjoyment the day before the survey and 88.8% said so in Wyoming.
Rhode Island residents were the least likely to report feeling enjoyment the previous day, at 80.4%, although that is still high on an absolute basis. Residents in other high-stress states, Kentucky and West Virginia, were also among the least likely to experience enjoyment. Both of these states have appeared among the bottom five states for experiencing enjoyment at least three times since Gallup began reporting this measure, including 2012. Utah is unique in that it is routinely ranked among both the highest stress and highest enjoyment states, appearing among the top five in enjoyment in 2008, 2011, and 2012, suggesting a complex relationship between stress and other emotions.
Nationally, 84.9% of Americans reported feeling enjoyment “yesterday” in 2012. States with relatively lower enjoyment levels, below 84%, were primarily clustered in the Northeast and South, but also included Ohio. The states where enjoyment was higher than 86% were located mainly in the Midwest and West, including Hawaii and Alaska.
Bottom Line
For the past five years, Hawaii has consistently ranked as the least stressed state, while West Virginia, Kentucky, and Utah have been among the most stressed states. Despite this, Utah residents join Hawaii residents in reporting among the highest levels of enjoyment in the U.S., while West Virginia and Kentucky residents report some of the lowest levels of enjoyment.
While the relationship between stress and enjoyment is not clear, states with the highest stress levels tend to report less daily enjoyment. Further investigation into what drives stress, how it impacts people, and ways to mitigate its effects are important, as 40% of American adults consistently report experiencing it a lot of the day “yesterday.”
About the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index tracks wellbeing in the U.S. and provides best-in-class solutions for a healthier world. To learn more, please visit well-beingindex.com.
Survey Methods
Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012, with a random sample of 353,564 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial sampling.
For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±1 percentage point.
The margin of sampling error for most states is ±1 to ±2 percentage points, but is as high as ±4 points for states with smaller population sizes such as Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, and Hawaii.
Interviews are conducted with respondents on landline telephones and cellular phones, with interviews conducted in Spanish for respondents who are primarily Spanish-speaking. Each sample includes a minimum quota of 400 cell phone respondents and 600 landline respondents per 1,000 national adults, with additional minimum quotas among landline respondents by region. Landline telephone numbers are chosen at random among listed telephone numbers. Cell phone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. Landline respondents are chosen at random within each household on the basis of which member had the most recent birthday.
Samples are weighted by gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education, region, adults in the household, and phone status (cell phone only/landline only/both, cell phone mostly, and having an unlisted landline number). Demographic weighting targets are based on the March 2012 Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older non-institutionalized population living in U.S. telephone households. All reported margins of sampling error include the computed design effects for weighting.
In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
For more details on Gallup’s polling methodology, visit www.gallup.com.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Economy, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Gallup, Gallup Poll, Hawaii Least Stress | Leave a Comment »
The rights of female sexual assault victims were strengthened today as Gov. Neil Abercrombie enacted legislation to ensure that they are provided accurate, unbiased information about and access to emergency contraception when receiving emergency medical care at Hawaii’s hospitals.
House Bill 411, relating to “Hospital Emergency Compassionate Care for Sexual Assault Victims,” was enacted as Act 27, thereby establishing provisions that require any hospital in Hawaii to provide information about, offer and, if accepted or requested, dispense emergency contraception to a female sexual assault victim arriving for emergency services. Such services must be provided even if a female refuses to undergo a forensic examination or refuses to report the alleged sexual assault to law enforcement. Penalties are established for non-compliance.
“It is our duty as a society to ensure that any individual who has been traumatized by a sexual assault receives compassionate care, and this legislation underscores a woman’s right to choose contraception when faced with the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy resulting from a sexual assault,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Due to the commitment and persistence of many local advocates and legislators – some whose efforts extend back more than a decade – this legislation will protect the health and safety of Hawaii’s sexual assault victims and guarantee that they receive the medically accepted standard of care.”
Similar to a measure proposed by the Abercrombie Administration (HB878/SB1109), HB411 was introduced by the House Women’s Caucus, which includes Reps. Della Au Belatti, Rida T.R. Cabanilla, Mele Carroll, Faye P. Hanohano, Linda Ichiyama, Jo Jordan, Nicole E. Lowen, Sylvia Luke, Dee Morikawa, Cynthia Thielen, and Jessica Wooley.
A companion measure was also introduced in the Senate by Sens. Rosalyn Baker, Josh Green, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Maile Shimabukuro, Jill Tokuda, and Laura Thielen.
Former legislators who have championed the legislation for many years are Annelle Amaral, Marilyn Lee, Barbara Marumoto, and Hermina Morita (current chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission).
The state Attorney General’s office reported that there were 350 reported cases of forcible rape in Hawaii in 2011. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than half of all rapes are not reported to the police. The average rate of pregnancy resulting from rape is between 5 and 8 percent with an estimated 32,000 rape-related pregnancies occurring every year in the United States. Emergency contraception is considered a safe and effective means of preventing pregnancy after a sexual assault and is recognized as the standard of care for sexual assault patients.
Other bills recently signed by the Governor include:
Senate Bill 409, relating to “Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai’i” – Enacted today as Act 28, the measure was proposed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to designate February ‘Olelo Hawai’i Month in Hawaii to celebrate and encourage the use of the Hawaiian language, an official language of the State of Hawaii. The bill was written in Hawaiian and translated into English. In February, Gov. Abercrombie proclaimed the month ‘Olelo Hawai’i Month through an executive proclamation. The measure makes the observation an official annual occurrence.
House Bill 868, relating to “Eliminating the Asset Limit Eligibility Requirement for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program” – Enacted April 18 as Act 18, the measure was proposed by the Abercrombie Administration to remove asset limit requirements that were required for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Previously, the law allowed a total of $5,000 in assets and the value of one motor vehicle in determining eligibility for financial assistance. Households must still meet income eligibility requirements. This measure encourages families to save money and build assets to enable self-sufficiency. The legislation is aligned with the Governor’s New Day objective of developing asset-building programs that fight poverty, help families move toward self-sufficiency, and support the growth of the middle class.
The state Legislature maintains a list of 2013 Acts here.
Filed under: Abercrombie, Announcements, Hawaii, Health, Legal, State Affairs | Tagged: Cynthia Thielen, Della Au Belatti, Emergency Compassionate Care, Hermina Morita, Maile Shimabukuro, Neil Abercrombie, Sexual assault, Suzanne Chun Oakland | Leave a Comment »
USPS, HUD find innovative avenues to reduce energy consumption, increase recycling
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces today it has selected the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as award winners, and the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with an honorable mention in the EPA’s Federal Green Challenge Program.
Click for more information
“EPA is pleased to recognize the U.S. Postal Service, Housing and Urban Development, and the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for their outstanding leadership to reduce their environmental footprint,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “By taking the initiative to reduce waste and conserve water and energy, these agencies will not only help motivate other federal agencies and organizations to follow suit, but save the government money as well.”
Leadership Category
Winner: USPS Honolulu Processing and Distribution Center: USPS Honolulu achieved a 70.7% recycling rate, increasing significantly by 400 tons in the last year. One of the keys to their success was the creation of a Green Team of finance managers, maintenance managers, operations specialists, and vehicle maintenance staff. The Green Team set a standard for recycling at the Honolulu plant and communicated that to the more than 160 Postmasters in Hawai’i. There were significant cost reductions of $65k as a result of decrease trash disposal.
Innovation Category
Winner: HUD Honolulu: HUD Honolulu created a tracking tool to analyze the transportation methods of the staff. The tool not only allowed HUD to establish detailed transportation metrics, but also encouraged more sustainable transportation choices on a person-by-person basis. They took many factors into account including staff point of origin, total miles to work, mode of transportation, and frequency of work-related travel. As a result, they exceeded their goal of decreasing commuting via car by 5%.
Education and Outreach Category
Honorable Mention: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: In conjunction with the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, they developed an employee survey to ascertain energy knowledge, views, and habits. The students from the university analyzed the survey results and developed recommendations for educating the national park employees about energy conservation methods. As a result, informational signs and stickers were put up and energy meters were added to some equipment. Additionally, supervisors monitored employee activity and the energy manager tracked quantitative results through energy bills.
In total, Federal Green Award participants regionally:
· reduced over 57.5 million kWh of electricity and 342 million cubic feet of natural gas (equivalent to the energy used in a year by almost 2200 households);
· prevented over 40,000 tons of waste from reaching landfills, through composting and recycling, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 107,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (the equivalent of taking over 22,000 cars off the road for a year);
· reduced water usage by over 357 billion gallons; and
· saved over $16.6 million by reducing waste, water and energy use.
The Federal Green Challenge is a national effort to challenge EPA and other federal agencies to reduce the federal government’s environmental impact. Offices or facilities start their participation by selecting a minimum two of the six target areas—waste, electronics, purchasing, energy, water, or transportation—and commit to improve by at least 5% per year in their selected target areas.
For more information on the Federal Green Challenge winners, visit: www.epa.gov/region9/federalgreenchallenge/awards/pacificswawards/
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, State Affairs, Technology | Tagged: EPA, Green Award Recognition, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, HUD Honolulu, USPS Honolulu Processing and Distribution Center | Leave a Comment »
The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance in partnership with Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation proudly announces the 2013 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference Student Rate Program.
Under this program, Hawaiʻi high school students, college students, and emerging professionals may be qualified to attend this yearʻs Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference at a special rate of $50.
Muralist Wyland and others at the 2012 Conservation Conference
Our neighboring island recipients will also receive at $200 travel stipend.
Please visit the following link for more details, eligibility requirements and applications (printable & fillable pdfs). Applications are due by May 30th, 2013.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, State Affairs, Sustainable Living, Technology | Tagged: 2013 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Biodiversity, Hawaiian Islands | Leave a Comment »
The Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project was scheduled to begin today on the Big Island.
More Photos available through the HI-SEAS website.
It will begin tomorrow following a small delay.
The HI-SEAS crew spent the last week at the Ka’ohe Restoration Area helping with reforestation efforts on Mauna Kea. This was part of the crews week long pre-mission cultural experience.
The HI-SEAS Project is a project that NASA has developed to figure out how to cook food on the Planet Mars, in a Mars like environment here on the Big Island.
The site is set up at an undisclosed location on Mauna Kea.
Today they stated that the project’s initial start was pushed back 24 hours:
One of the crew members posted the following on Facebook today:
You can follow them on Twitter at #HISEAS or follow their website: Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation.
Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, Something New?, Sustainable Living, Technology, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Big Island of Hawaii, Food on Mars, Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, HI-SEAS, Mars Mission, Mauna Kea Research, Mission to Mars | Leave a Comment »
With Earth Day on April 22, the adoption of a very special garden by St. Andrew’s Priory School students – and the lessons it instills – is taking on extra significance.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Dr. Nancie Caraway have welcomed the sixth and seventh grade students to the grounds of historic Washington Place and the Governor’s residence, Hale Kiaaina, to learn about growing fresh food in the thriving organic garden that serves as a living, outdoor classroom.
“The New Day school garden project represents our commitment to food self-sufficiency and the importance of instilling that value – as well as the knowledge and skill to do it – in the next generation,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Growing our own food and connecting our keiki to the land through hands-on environmental education can plant lifelong lessons that students will carry with them throughout their lives.”
The New Day Garden was first planted in 2011 as a collaborative effort led by Dr. Caraway and supported by a diverse group of non-profit organizations, state agencies, local businesses, volunteers, and students. The garden is dedicated to Dr. Caraway’s mother, Ellen Caraway.
“My mother Ellen’s greatest joy was seeing green things grow,” Dr. Caraway said. “She absorbed all the beauty the earth provided. We wanted her spirit of Malama Aina to inspire us all.”
Gardening at Washington Place has proven to be a source of inspiration for the students and teachers. For some of the students, this is their first time in a garden. Jessie, a sixth grade student, said she signed up for the Garden Club because she just “wanted to learn about plants.”
But her classmate, Genevieve, not only expressed the benefit of having fun with other people while gardening together, but also the thrill of harvesting. “It is exciting because when you finish planting you can eat everything you planted,” she said.
One of the seventh grade students, Nevaeh, has more expertise than her peers in this area and could already identify many of the plants growing in the New Day Garden. “It feels great because I can share my knowledge with those who don’t know,” she said.
The students also recognize that their school garden is located at an extra special venue. When asked what she liked best about gardening at Hale Kiaaina, seventh grader Brianne replied, “The hard work we put into it will be shown to the Governor.”
Teachers Murielle Sipola and Kaipo Walsh bring their personal experiences and passion to the garden as they weave lessons of “seed to table” into the curriculum. Sipola’s primary goal is to help her students eat a healthier diet that includes more vegetables. This semester, she is integrating the after-school Garden Club with the nutrition and cooking classes for the middle school students. As the world languages teacher, Sipola plans to feature the botanical names from the garden in her Latin classes next year as well.
Walsh learned about gardening from conversations with vendors at her local farmer’s markets. She is offering a garden design class as part of Priory’s summer school program. Her students will have the opportunity to design and construct raised bed gardens on the campus, modeled after the New Day Garden, to expand and connect their efforts.
The garden project represents the concept of laulima, or cooperation. The full list of organizations and individuals that have helped the garden to thrive are listed below.
New Day Garden Helpers
Filed under: Abercrombie, Agriculture, Announcements, Education, Environment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, Kids, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Nancie Caraway, Neil Abercrombie, Washington Place | Leave a Comment »
Guest Commentary:
I witnessed an injustice in lawmaking, a manipulation of process, and a deliberate disregard for fellow committee members vote on the Roger Christie resolutions from the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Sen. Clayton Hee.
Here is a short video I put together to explain what happened.
Hee kills Christie Resolution from Jonas William on Vimeo.
Feel free to share it with others.
Jonas William
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Health, Legal, Legislature, Politics, Puna, Rumors, State Affairs | Tagged: Jonas Williams, Roger Christie | 1 Comment »
On May 2nd 2013, Auto Body Hawaii will partner with the Kailua Fire Department & the D.A.R.E. Program in West Hawaii’s annual D.A.R.E. Day celebration.
Auto Body Hawaii will be providing a totally damaged vehicle to be used as a visual aid in an effort to teach children about the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs & alcohol.
This will mark the 6th time Auto Body Hawaii has directly partnered with the fire department & local first responders by providing them access to vehicles that have been damaged so they may learn how to respond more effectively to accidents.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Health, Kids, Legal, Transportation | Tagged: Auto Body Hawaii, D.A.R.E. Day Celebration, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, Kailua Fire Depa, rtment | Leave a Comment »
Funding for projects at Kohala Hospital and Ke Kumu Ekolu have been released by Governor Neil Abercrombie.
Kohala Hospital will receive $2.2M for renovations and upgrades and Ke Kumu Ekolu will be receiving $1.2M for construction costs that will go toward roofing and interior repair.
“Mahalo Governor Abercrombie for releasing the funding for these two very important projects in my district,” said Senator Malama Solomon (District 4, Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona). “Not only will the funding provide much needed repairs, it will also stimulate our economy and create jobs.”
Ke Kumu Ekolu is an affordable rental unit located in Waimea.
Kohala Hospital opened its doors in 1917 and is located in Kapaau.
The Abercrombie Administration is dedicated to accelerating Hawaii’s economic recovery through a broad-ranged series of capital improvement actions called the New Day Work Projects.
Filed under: Abercrombie, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Economy, Hawaii, Health, Kohala, State Affairs | Tagged: Ke Kumu Ekolu, Kohala Hospital, Neil Abercrombie | Leave a Comment »
KITV KHON
The Star-Advertiser UH News
