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The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman, called for an investigation by the GAO (Government Accountability Office) on Monday, in response to calls of concern from Hawaii NGOs regarding improper use of government funds and unethical conduct by Wespac (Western Pacific Fishery Management Council) and its Executive Director, Kitty Simonds.

Hawaii groups have been calling for an investigation for more than four years. Allegations have included altering of data pertaining to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, misuse of coral reef conservation money used to promote expanded commercial exploitation in the sensitive, fragile, and strongly protected Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), use of Coral Reef Conservation Act funds to promote recreational fishing near Nihoa, an island in the NWHI which is home to important cultural sites, and improper use of federal money for lobbying efforts.

“These are serious allegations, and we look forward to the results of a thorough investigation. Wespac must be held accountable for the way it has been spending public money in its attempts to weaken protections for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” said Vicky Holt-Takamine, Board President of KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance. “Full protection of our natural and cultural resources demands prosecution of any such violations to the fullest extent of the law.”

Wespac is also under investigation by the Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG).

More on Wespac.

Woke up yesterday to the news, scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen, that President Bush’s recent action (NEPA exemption) to allow of the Navy to conduct nearshore sonar and anti-submarine warfare exercises is NOT legal and will not stand.

According the decision by a U.S. District Court Judge, the Navy is not exempted from compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and must honor a court injunction creatng a 12 nautical-mile no-sonar zone off Southern California

From the article in Feb 5 Star Bulletin:

“It’s an excellent decision,” said Joel Reynolds, attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, which is spearheading the legal fight. “It reinstates the proper balance between national security and environmental protection.”

In May 2007, Earthjustice, along with KAHEA and several other local and national organizations, sued the Navy for their current Undersea Warfare Exercises (USWEX), which include a dozen high-intensity active sonar training events in the waters around Hawaii.

(photo from hawaiireef.noaa.gov)

Links to media coverage from Scott at Surfrider Oahu Chapter:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/

http://starbulletin.com/2008/02/03/editorial/editorial01.html

http://starbulletin.com/2008/02/03/news/wild.html

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3783/40/

http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=7814785

Polihale public access agreement reached on Kauai:
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/news01.txt

http://www.mauinews.com/news/2008/2/2/09proa0202.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beach-access-hawaii/

On KGMB:

“Hawaii’s beaches are public property. But in recent years, more private landowners have closed off paths that lead to the shoreline. In an effort to change that, some 20 grassrooots organizations rallied across the state today.”

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3783/40/

On KHNL:

“Protestors throughout the state hit the streets to call attention to beach access. They say more and more new developments are closing off paths to public beaches, and they want them back.”

http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=7814785

So, the day is done.

What an inspiring 24 hours! The view from the trolley was amazing, as we went from rally to rally on Oahu’s south shore and met and saw dedicated individuals–many out in the rain–waving signs, calling to cars and passers-by.

MAHAHLO PIHA!

Hawaii’s Beach Access Day (Groundhog Day!) happened because individuals and organizations islands-wide stepped up and stepped out to make a statement about the problems they face, and their hopes for a better Hawaii–one with open, free and public beach access. We tried to keep up with the list of supporting groups flying around in various emails, but at this point… we have officially lost count! We believe there were well over 20 groups and over 300 individuals out waving signs today. Awesome!

This was an incredibly, er, organic event day–something that happened because so many people put their talents and energy into this effort in different parts of the islands. Many of them have been working on access issues for years.

Closing thought: We’d like to share these words sent from Rich, at Beach Access Hawaii:

…Then I stopped and listened to “Rock Me on the Water” by Jackson Browne…

Oh people, look around you
The signs are everywhere
You’ve left it for somebody other than you
To be the one to care…

That was me. But getting involved with this cause has shown me there are people who care. One guy — Ricky Bermudez — who doesn’t even get these emails because he doesn’t own a computer, has single-handedly collected almost 300 petition signatures, and has been posting G-Day flyers in shop windows and handing them out. Two people have contributed $100 each, and others have made generous donations as well.

Their heartfelt notes though, meant more to me than the money. I wish you could read them, because you’d understand how much this means to some people.

Stay inspired, stay active, stay engaged, and stay informed! On the momentum of this islands-wide rally day, things… are beginning to happen. What happens next is in the hands of all of us. When ordinary people unite voices, when communities get organized and get together, there is no limit to what can be accomplished!

A few places to start (resources and groups working on access issues):

• Hawaii Kai Hui – www.hawaiikaihui.org
• Surfrider Oahu Chapter – www.surfider.org/oahu
• Beach Access Hawaii – www.beachaccesshawaii.org
• Common Ground Hawaii – www.commongroundhawaii.net
• Surfider Maui Chapter – www.surfrider.org/maui
• Kulana Huli Honua – www.kulana.hawaiiweb.org
• Defend Oahu Coalition – www.defendoahucoalition.org
• Keep the North Shore Country- keepthenorthshorecountry.org
• Surfrider Kauai Chapter – www.surfrider.org/kauai

A few photos from James Choon of the North Shore rally:

Report back from Diana LaBedz on Kaua’i:

We had a nice event on Kaua’i's north shore protesting the encroachment of the Princeville Hotel’s parking restrictions on public access to Hideaways Beach. Twenty Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter members waved signs to passing traffic. The response was excellent and even visitors waved back at us.

Most of all, it was way fun!