Blog
News, updates, finds, stories, and tidbits from staff and community members at KAHEA. Got something to share? Email us at: kahea-alliance@hawaii.rr.com.
Act Now to Protect Mauna Kea - Decision on April 9th!
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| Aloha!
Mauna Kea needs your help! The State Land Board is poised to adopt a plan that would allow more telescopes to be built on Mauna Kea. Take action today and help ensure genuine protections for the imperiled natural habitats and sacred cultural sites on this temple-summit.
The Land Board will decide on April 9th whether to adopt the University of Hawaii’s latest development plan for Mauna Kea. Though the University calls it a “comprehensive management plan,” this plan does nothing to protect the unique and endangered alpine habitat of Mauna Kea, or uphold continued cultural and religious practices on this sacred summit, or control telescope development. In fact, this plan is the University’s renewed attempt to consolidate control over the summit and hasten the construction of several new telescopes, especially the Thirty Meter Telescope. The University is using this plan as a backdoor approval process for its 2000 development plan, which the BLNR already refused to approve once, and to force the passage of H.B. 1174, which would transfer management authority for Mauna Kea to the University. Given the University’s history of misuse and abuse on the summit, no part of this plan should not be adopted. Instead, the Land Board should follow and enforce the laws already in place that protect the natural and cultural resources of Mauna Kea. Here is what you can do to help ensure genuine protections for the sacred summit are enforced: 1. Submit your testimony right now in opposition to both the plan and the bill. It is quick and easy, just click here. Tell the State Land Board and Hawaii’s Senators that you oppose both the University’s new development plan and H.B. 1174, HD 3. 2. Attend the Land Board hearing in Hilo next week: LAND BOARD HEARING ON MAUNA KEA PLAN 3. Take action to support House Concurrent Resolution 231. Just click here and urge Representatives Ito and Har to hear this resolution to hold both the Land Board and the University accountable for the historic misuse of Mauna Kea lands and funds. Mahalo nui, PO Box 37368 |
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KAHEA: the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance is a network of thousands of diverse individuals islands-wide and around the world. Together, we work to secure the strongest possible protections for Hawaii’s most ecologically unique and culturally sacred places and resources.
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Holding the Navy Accountable on Two Fronts
From Marti:
The Navy has been on the hot seat lately for the damage it has caused in Hawaii nei. In central and western Oahu, the Environmental Protection Agency and the state got a commitment from the Navy to clean up any remaining contamination at two Superfund sites – one in Lualualei near the naval munitions storage area and the other in Wahiawa. While preliminary investigations have indicated that no immediate threats currently exist at the sites, soil contaminants at the sites include PCBs, volatile organics, semi-volatile organics and metals. PCBs can cause cancer in animals and adversely affect the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems in humans.
“Our agreement with the Navy and the state finalizes the process that the Navy will follow to complete the investigation and clean up of any remaining chemical contamination at both sites.” said Keith Takata, director for the EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Superfund Division.
The agreement with the Navy is open to public comment. Get your say in now by visiting: www.epa.gov/region09/NavalComputer
Check out the full article at The Hawaii Independent: http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/hawaii/oahu/2009/04/02/epa-us-navy-agrees-to-clean-wahiawa-lualualei-superfund-sites/
And, on the South shore of Oahu, controversy is brewing as the state attempts to hold the Navy financially responsible for the carnage of coral from the USS Port Royal grounding in February 2009. Ten acres of ancient coral was destroyed! Chunks as large as cars are still bouncing around on the ocean floor causing further damage.
“There is a critical need for the U.S. Navy to mitigate the damage which has occurred, which continues to occur, and which will get worse with the upcoming south summer swell,” said Laura H. Thielen, chairwoman of the DLNR, in the letter.
“We urge the U.S. Navy to commit appropriate resources to rescue disturbed or destroyed coral, remove or stabilize rubble, and protect loose live coral that has resulted from this incident.”
Here, here!! Systems that ensure the “polluter pays” are a completely reasonable (and actually quite capitalist) approach to addressing damage to our environment. The Navy’s negligence destroyed a significant part of our ocean environment. They should be required to pay for the injury they have caused and do all they can to prevent further damage.
What the Navy does in this situation will be a key indication of what the public can expect from their activities affecting the Papahanaumokuakaea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (you will recall the Navy plans to intercept chemical-laden missiles over Nihoa – the only home of at least four endangered species and one of the most significant cultural and archeological sites in the archipelago).
Check out the full article here: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090402/NEWS11/904020369/1001
Pictures and Articles from Taro Festival
Kani ka uwalo, mele ‘ai pohaku!
Hosted by KAHEA, Na Kahu o Haloa and the Hawaiian Caucus
photo by ian lind
The Ku‘i Kalo record was set this past Tuesday at the Haloa Jam Taro Festival on O‘ahu:
- 350 lbs. of Hawaiian Kalo- no panic, all organic!
- 300 People to Ku‘i i ke Kalo!
- 100 Pohaku Ku‘i ‘ai!
- 50 Papa Ku‘i ‘ai!
and about 600+ folks came to enjoy good healthy food, good roots music and plenny good kine talk story. New friendships were brought face-to-face over shared papa ku‘i ‘ai, pounding and mixing varieties and colors of kalo together into thick pa‘i ‘ai. While old friendships and family connections were renewed in recognizing ancient pohaku ku‘i ‘ai- remembering unique shapes, textures and the coolness and weight of a particular stone last held in childhood. These very stones now gathered in action in the middle of the modern city, by the very greatgrandchildren of the farmers who fed Hawai‘i for thousands of years. Together relishing the first finger-fulls of thick homemade poi, so ‘ono, so natural. Hand pounding alone releases the depth of the root’s rich flavors. The call to gather and ku‘i was heard in the na‘au of many brothers and sisters of Haloa, all excited and honored to share in this historic moment, to share this ancient and sacred food, to share gifts of huli, to share the nourishing traditions of aloha aina.
Got good moments? Please add your photos to this group photo album: http://photobucket.com/oahutarofest2009
- Just click on “Add photos & videos to this group” at the top of the page to upload your photos.
- Use the bulk uploader if you have a lot of photos to upload. It makes it really simple.
- If you have trouble using the group album contact NaKahuoHaloa[at]gmail.com
The Haloa Jam was ‘ono, so they say…
photo by ian lind
- Check out these beauties, from Ian Lind. He really captured the feeling of the festival, was soo lovely! http://ilind.net/gallery_2009/poi032409/index_6.html
- Sweet article from the House blog: http://hawaiihouseblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/poi-pounders.html
Their photos. or slide show, nice shots!
- A friend in the Slow Food Movement, http://blog.shareyourtable.com/2009/03/taro-festival-at-state-capitol.html
- Our hosts, the Hawaiian Caucus: http://melecarroll.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/third-annual-legislative-hawaiian-caucus-day-at-the-state-capitol-showcases-hawaiian-culture-practices-and-values/
PLEASE ADD ANY OTHER PHOTO ALBUM OR ARTICLE LINKS
in the comments section below.
Taro Festival Participants and Activities Included:
- Na Kahu o Haloa – Hawaiian Taro Varieties
- Hui Ku Maoli Ola – Native Hawaiian Plant Nursery
- Hawaiian Kalos - provided by farms in Waiahole, Waihee, Waipao, Waianae, Kanewai, Waimanalo-Oahu; Wailuanui, Keanae-Maui; Halawa-Molokai; Waipio, Pahoa-Hawaii; Waioli, Olokele-Kauai.
- Papahana Kua‘ola – Hands-on Ku‘i Kalo Demonstrations
- Historic Record-Setting of Most Ku‘i Kalo in Modern Times!
- Kalo Farming & Native Stream Ecosystems
- Organic Kalo Farming Techniques
- Ka Papa Lo‘i Kanewai, UH-Manoa – Imu Kalo, Kalo Pa‘a Tasting and huli to kanu!
- KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance- Legislative Advocacy for Taro Farming
- Na Pua No‘eau – Konane Board Making and Kalo Identification & Art
- Halau Ku Mana Charter School – Halau Hula
– Ka Pa Ola & Alana Natural Therapies – Lomilomi
- Green House - Urban Gardening
- HawaiiSeed – Local Farming & GMO Awareness Education
- Invasive Species Awareness Booth
– Papa Ola Lokahi – Hawaiian Health Education
- MANA – Movement for Aloha No ka Aina
- Kanikapila roots music jam session, with members of Guidance, Mauna Lua, JamaHang, Natural Vibes, Kupa‘aina and Miss Paisley of Tempo Valley.
- Kalo Potluck hosted by Onipa‘a Na Hui Kalo – varieties of poi, pa‘i ‘ai, kalo pa‘a taste testing and… kalo poke, kalo curry stew, kalo greek salad, kalo & limu ho‘io salad, kalo matzo ball soup, kalo fritters, three lu‘au stews, sweet fried kalo koina! and…can’t forget the fish and limu from the many seas of Hawai‘i nei!
Mahalo nui loa to the many ‘ohana who came together to ku‘i i ke kalo,
E OLA HALOANAKALAUKAPALILI!
Legislative Update
From Marti:
This is just a quick run down on the status of some of the local legislation we are watching this session. Tomorrow is second lateral – the day when surviving bills have to be delivered to their final committee. The next major deadline is April 9th.
GOOD BILLS
SB 1088 - Seeks to improve enforcement of beach access for the public. It successfully passed the House Water, Land, and Ocean Committee on Monday (Mahalo to Rep. Ito (D-Kaneohe) and Rep. Har (D-Kapolei)). It is now on it’s way to the House Judiciary Committee (Rep. Karamatsu, D-Waipahu). It needs a hearing by the first week of April. Click here to demonstrate your support this important bill.
HB 1663/SB 709 – Both bills to protect taro from genetic modification are moving along nicely since cross over. Tho, we are cautious to ensure that they are not amended to contradict the interests of taro farmers and consumers. Click here to submit testimony in support of meaningful protections for our beloved Haloa. And, you can click here to read about the poundin’ good time had by all at the Taro Festival this year.
HRC 231 – This House Concurrent Resolution to uphold and enforce the laws that protect Mauna Kea was recently introduced by Rep. Hanohano (D-Puna). This resolution outlines all that the State Land Board needs to do to fulfill its constitutional and statutory mandates to protect the conservation district of Mauna Kea. Click here to add your support for this awesome reso.
BAD BILLS
HB 1174 - This bill seeks to give UH (the developer) management control over the conservation district of Mauna Kea. The Senate Committees on Higher Education and Water, Land passed this bill in a joint hearing, despite considerable solid testimony in opposition and only conditional testimony in support. This bill now must be heard by the Ways and Means Committee. Click here to take action and defend Mauna Kea.
HB 1741 – The bill to raid the Natural Area Reserve Fund has finally died!! Though we are concerned that this important fund to prevent invasive species could be raided through the budget bill. So, stay close to hear the call to action on that front.
HB 1226 – Not only has the preemption bill died at the Capitol, it has also raised the ire of the counties who don’t appreciate some state representatives offering to just give away county authority to regulate GMO-agriculture. Click here to read about the resolution Maui passed 9-0 against the preemption bill.
SB 1318 – This bill flipped to the good side. The House Water, Land, and Ocean Committee deleted all the language about abolishing our coastal zone management protections and replaced with it with good language from Rep. Thielen’s pilot proposal to protect shorelines in Kailua from sea level rise with greater setbacks.
SB 1712 – The Right to Fish Bill is back in a slight muted form this session. Unfortunately, this bill is starting to gain momentum. Stay tuned for updates on how to take action against efforts to undermine management of our fisheries and coastal areas.
We Couldn't Agree More
From Christine Sheppard, with the Kona Coffee Farmers Association:
Our Hawaii State Legislature operates out of Oahu, and this makes sense. But what does not make sense is the way in which they operate, which essentially disenfranchises all of the outer islands.Bills are scheduled with little or no notice, and written testimony is required to be sent one day ahead. An almost impossible task! Plus we all know that testifying in person makes a much bigger impact on our representatives and senators. But how can people in Hawaii do this? Even if you get two days notice of a hearing, planes are full, flights not available that get there early enough, costs are prohibitively high.
Sometimes it seems that these arrangements are deliberate… let the big corporations on Oahu have the floor to themselves because outer island farmers cannot get there to make their voice heard. HB1226, the Pre-emption Bill, is a classic case of denying outer islands their rights of self-determination.
There is an answer! Hawaii County Council offers video conferencing so that Kona people can give personal testimony to the Council when it is sitting in Hilo, and vice versa.
Why can’t the State do the same?
Make it easier for people to tell their elected representatives how they feel about a Bill. Or perhaps our representatives don’t want to know what WE want, and are too busy running through their own special interests to care?
From the Hawaii Reporter: http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?e0e1b47f-f8a5-454d-997e-26fc9a0dbbd9
Taken for a Ride
The excellent Chris Pala has a great investigative piece in today’s Honolulu Weekly on the “why” of Superferry: “Now that the Hawai‘i Supreme Court has freed them of any obligation to serve the Islands, which has proved to be a money-losing operation, are they going to fetch a better price elsewhere? If they do, was that the main point for building them and bringing them here?”
See the full article at: http://honoluluweekly.com/feature/2009/03/conspiracy-ferry/
Saving the Palila
To all our friends who have been working so hard on protections for the endangered Palila bird on the Big Island, thanks for continuing to push for the survival of this species!
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090324/BREAKING01/90324021/-1/RSS01?source=rss_breaking
A court filing yesterday accused the state Department of Land and Natural Resources of failing to fully comply with court orders to protect the critically endangered palila bird on the Big Island.
The DLNR had no immediate response to the filing by Earthjustice.
The environmental law firm, which is representing the Hawaii Audubon Society, the National Audubon Society and the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club, said three federal court orders dating to 1979 require the state to keep the bird’s critical habitat atop Mauna Kea clear of feral goats and sheep and mouflon sheep.
