September 6, 2010 – Naalehu, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

Ka Ohana O Honuapo celebrated its stewardship of Honuapo Park at the third “Hoolaulea at Honuapo: Malama Ka’u,” on Sunday, Sept. 5th.

The free, multi-generational festivities took place along the dry and rocky shoreline of scenic Honuapo, aka Whittington Beach Park, and featured great food, music, hula, ‘olelo (storytelling) and more.

Live entertainment included Cyril Pahinui, Pualani Kanakaole Kanahele, Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, Just Us, Back to the 50’s (seen in the video) and many others.

According to a media release issued before the event:

This stretch of rocky coast, tidepools and marshes has transformed many times, yet maintains its sense of place. From ancient fisheries, to a busy sugar cane port and railroad depot (that were at least twice destroyed by tsunamis and once blasted by the military during WWII), Honuapo remains a warm and welcoming retreat for human visitors and fishermen, as well as habitat for the black-crowned night heron, the Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian hawk, Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the Hawaiian monk seal, hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, and other endangered wildlife.

Honuapo is a very special rare shoreline nursery that nurtures and protects dozens of endangered marine and terrestrial plant and animal life.

Led by a diverse board of passionate volunteers, Ka Ohana O Honuapo is dedicated to protecting the 223 acres of Honuapo Park, now the largest county shoreline park in the State of Hawaii. Event organizers hope to raise awareness about Honuapo, and raise funds to help maintain programs and facilities.

The day includes a variety of fun-filled events for all ages, including Cyril Pahinui in concert, and free educational walking tours with Ka’u docents.

Ka Ohana O Honu’apo along with Townscape Hawaii will also present the final Honuapo General Resources Management Plan, to which hundreds of community members contributed over the last several years.

Other special elements of the Ho’olaule’a include a look at the past, with an exhibition of historic photos, and numerous food, crafters and community education booths, a silent auction, and lucky number prizes.

“Ka’u has been blessed with so many resources for self-sufficiency,” said event organizer Michelle Galimba, president of Ka Ohana O Honuapo. “We have a lot to share, and, based on the two previous Hoolaulea at Honuapo, we expect a large turnout!”

This event is being supported by the County of Hawaii through a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

September 5, 2010 – Kona, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

District 8 incumbent Kelly Greenwell faces off with challengers Debbie Hecht, Angel Pilago and Jim Rath on Thursday, September 2nd.

Una Greenway moderated the event, which also included candidates running for District 6 and District 7 council seats.

The forum was held at Kona Marshalling Yard in Keauhou Mauka, and was hosted by the Kona County Farm Bureau. Therefore, many of the questions posed to the candidates related to coffee and agriculture.

The extended videos found on this page have been edited to present only the answers from the District 8 candidates. Videos featuring the other district candidates will be forthcoming, and will be found on seperate pages.

September 5, 2010 – Kona, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

District 7 incumbent Brenda Ford meets challenger Enock Freire in a special candidates forum held on Thursday, September 2nd.

Una Greenway moderated the event, which also included candidates running for District 6 and District 8 council seats.

The forum was held at Kona Marshalling Yard in Keauhou Mauka, and was hosted by the Kona County Farm Bureau. Therefore, many of the questions posed to the candidates related to coffee and agriculture.

The extended videos found on this page have been edited to present only the answers from the District 7 candidates. Videos featuring the other district candidates will be forthcoming, and will be found on separate pages. It should be noted that, of the four microphones available to candidates at the forum table, the one in front of Ford and Freire produced a strange echo that persisted through-out the forum.

September 5, 2010 – Kona, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

Three of the four candidates running for the district 6 seat (representing Ka’u) on the Hawaii County Council squared off in a friendly forum on Thursday, September 2nd.

Incumbent Guy Enriques (Pahala), Maile David (Captain Cook), and Brittany Smart (Naalehu) took questions from moderator Una Greenway, as well as the crowd, during the two hours of discussion. Not present, candidate Marie Burns of Ocean View.

The event was part of a larger forum involving the candidates vying for the District 7 and District 8 County Council seats. The forum was held at Kona Marshalling Yard in Keauhou Mauka, and was hosted by the Kona County Farm Bureau. Therefore, many of the questions posed to the candidates related to coffee and agriculture.

The extended videos found on this page have been edited to present only the answers from the District 6 candidates. Videos featuring the other district candidates will be forthcoming, and will be found on separate pages.

September 5, 2010 – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

A large crowd gathered on the lawn overlooking the active Kilauea caldera on Wednesday (Sept. 1) to celebrate the Nature of America: Hawaiian Rain Forest, the same day the Postal Service issued the stamp pane and stamped postal cards.

12th and final of the 2010 Nature of America series, the stamp features a Hawaiian rain forest, full of spectacular biodiversity and 24 different species.

The artist of this stamp and the Nature of America series, John Dawson – a Hilo resident since 1989 – was present for the event. “The Nature of America series has been a great ride,” said Dawson in a USPS media release. Dawson spent close to a year in the field researching, photographing, and sketching virtually all of the Hawaiian Rain Forest subjects prior to committing six months to creating the artwork. “For my wife Kathie and me, researching and illustrating the series over the last 14 years has been one of the most fantastic experiences in our careers. I was creating art from subjects I love and along the way we’ve forged wonderful friendships with this dream assignment.”

According the USPS, the scene depicted in the stamp is completely imaginary. Such a dense grouping was necessary in order to show as many plants and animals as possible in the stamp pane format. “Even so,” ads the media release, “every species depicted could be encountered in a Hawaiian rain forest, and all of the species and their interactions are appropriate and were recommended by scientists.”

The Nature of America series previously featured the Sonoran Desert (1999), Pacific Coast Rain Forest (2000), Great Plains Prairie (2001), Longleaf Pine Forest (2002), Arctic Tundra (2003), Pacific Coral Reef (2004), Northeast Deciduous Forest (2005), Southern Florida Wetland (2006), Alpine Tundra (2007), Great Lakes Dunes (2008) and Kelp Forest (2009).

“Beautiful, diverse, and complex,” muses Patrick Donahoe, Postal Service chief operating officer and Deputy Postmaster General, who was also present for the event. “The Hawaiian rain forests are all of these and more. The rain forest is a remarkably self-sustaining and balanced ecosystem. To the credit of the people of Hawaii, work has been ongoing to preserve and protect them, and ultimately, the rain forest itself. As a result, the Hawaiian rain forests are among the most efficient collectors of fresh water in the world.”

Nature of America: Hawaiian Rain Forest Stamp Pane Background

The following explanatory text, along with a key to the artwork and a corresponding list of species, appears on the back of the stamp pane:

Rainfall is abundant in a Hawaiian rain forest, a verdant world dotted with ‘ōhi‘a lehua blossoms and the flowers of the kanawao, ‘ōhā, and other shrubs. Typically, the leaves and branches of mature ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees make up the forest canopy. Saplings, shrubs, and tree ferns dominate the understory, while a great variety of smaller ferns, herbs and mosses carpet the forest floor.

The lush vegetation offers protection and sustenance for wildlife, including several bird species, numerous insects, and the islands’ only native terrestrial mammal — the ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, or Hawaiian hoary bat. Because of Hawaii’s remote location, its rain forest plants and animals were safe from competition and predation by introduced species until relatively recent times; today, they are among the most vulnerable biological communities on Earth.

The stamp pane features a rain forest on the island of Hawaii. In the painting, a tiny happyface spider clings to a leaf in the foreground as honeycreepers and other birds seek nectar, insects, and berries amid the dense foliage.

1. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua (Myrtle Family) Metrosideros polymorph
2. Hawaii ‘Amakihi (Finch Family) Hemignathus virens virens
3. Hawaii ‘Elepaio (Monarch Family) Chasiempis sandwichensis sandwichensis
4. ‘Ōma‘o (Thrush Family) Myadestes obscurus
5. Kanawao (Hydrangea Family) Broussaisia arguta
6. ‘Ōhelo kau lā‘au (Heath Family) Vaccinium calycinum
7. Koele Mountain Damselfly Megalagrion koelense
8. ‘Ākala (Hawaiian Raspberry) Rubus hawaiensis
9. ‘Ōhā (Bellflower Family) Clermontia parviflora
10. ‘Apapane (Finch Family) Himatione sanguinea
11. Hawaiian Mint Phyllostegia vestita
12. ‘Ākepa (Finch Family) Loxops coccineus coccineus
13. ‘Ōpe‘ape‘a (Hawaiian Hoary Bat) Lasiurus cinereus semotus
14. Pulelehua (Kamehameha Butterfly) Vanessa tameamea
15. Kōlea lau nui (Myrsine Family) Myrsine lessertiana
16. ‘Ilihia (African Violet Family) Cyrtandra platyphylla
17. Jewel Orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis
18. Palapalai (Hay-scented Fern Family) Microlepia strigosa
19. Hāpu‘u pulu (Tree Fern Family) Cibotium glaucum
20. ‘I‘iwi (Finch Family) Vestiaria coccinea
21. Hāhā (Bellflower Family) Cyanea pilosa longipedunculata
22. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui (Black Pepper Family) Peperomia hypoleuca
23. Koa (Pea Family) Acacia koa
24. Happyface Spider Theridion grallator

September 3, 2010 – Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Video by Tim Bryan

The wildfire that forced the closure of Saddle Road on Aug 22 remains 80% contained, according to the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Public Affairs Office.

The wildfire, which burned sections the Pohakuloa Training Area, Mauna Kea forest reserve, and the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, consumed approximately 1,387 acres. The Army says the fire operation is now in the “mop up” phase of monitoring for hot spots and underground smoldering. Mop up operations is anticipated to continue for the next several days.

In the video interview below, filmed on Tuesday, Department of Land and Natural Resources forester Steve Bergfeld gives a progress report. The video was gathered on the same day that the U.S. Army presented the results of a recent depleted uranium risk assessment for the PTA impact area. indicate no likely adverse impacts to current and potential future persons working on or living near PTA due to DU present at PTA. The location of the fire is approximately 2.5 miles from the PTA impact area where Depleted Uranium was found in 2006. The U.S. army says that subsequent investigations, conducted in coordination with State of Hawaii Department of Health and other expert partners, indicate that DU is not present outside of this impact area at PTA.

The fire began in the vicinity of the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, east of the main gate of PTA. The Army says no training activity was taking place on the eastside of Saddle Road at that time.

The army also thanked the numerous agencies that provided support during the wildfire in a Friday media release.

Kudos to the Marine helicopter and crews from MAG 24 Marine Corps Base Hawaii, C/ 1-207 AV Hawaii Army Guard Hilo, Evergreen Helicopters, Kiewit Construction (who donated a bulldozer and crew free), Department of Fish and Wildlife (DOFAW) fire crews from Hawaii Island, Kauai and Maui, State Parks Service, and National Park Service from Hawaii Volcano and Yosemite Park’s. Other agencies included Hawaii County Civil Defense, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Department of Transportation and Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Not to mention the Soldiers from 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (3IBCT) 25th Infantry Division who supplied meals, water hauling and Military Police support.

September 2, 2010 – Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Video by Tim Bryan

In a special press conference held the same day select members of the community met with the U.S. Army at the Pohakuloa Training Area, military officials and experts say their findings “indicate no likely adverse impacts to current and potential future persons working on or living near PTA due to DU present at PTA.”

Members of the media were taken onto the range and were explained the findings hours before the following release was made public:

Results of the Army’s recent depleted uranium (DU) Basic Human Health Risk Assessment (BHHRA) for the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) impact area indicate no likely adverse impacts to current and potential future persons working on or living near PTA due to DU present at PTA.

This survey was conducted in full partnership and disclosure with representatives of several other organizations with interests in environmental radiological and chemical contamination. These agencies include, but are not limited to the:

• Hawaii Department of Health (DOH)

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

DU was first found within the boundary of the Pohakuloa Training Area impact area in October 2006. Subsequent investigations, conducted in coordination with state and expert partners, indicate that DU is not present outside of the impact area.

The purpose of the BHRRA is to evaluate the potential risk posed by residual DU in the PTA impact area. The results of the risk assessment demonstrate that the presence of DU in the soil at the PTA impact area results in radiological doses, as well as chemical and radiological risks, well within limits for what is considered safe, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). Following USEPA guidance and with input from partner organizations, five potential exposure scenarios were evaluated:

1. Current and future range maintenance workers
2. Future construction/clean-up workers
3. Future adult cultural monitors
4. Future site workers/visitors/trespassers
5. Subsistence farmers living at the site boundary

Each scenario, considered four possible methods of contact:

1. Incidental swallowing of soil containing DU
2. Dust inhalation
3. Skin contact with DU
4. Direct exposure to gamma radiation

Although access to the PTA impact area is tightly controlled and restricted to qualified, trained personnel, the Army is taking additional steps to ensure the health and safety of workers and that the local community is protected. For example, the Army submitted a license application, which the USNRC is processing, to possess the residual DU in the impact area. In addition, the Army requires that those allowed routine access to the PTA impact area are qualified and trained to identify DU and to follow appropriate safety precautions and notification procedures while on-site.

The BHHRA is available for public viewing on the U.S. Army Garrison – Hawaii website, www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/du. The Army has also published an informational pamphlet; “Depleted Uranium (DU) in Hawaii”. The pamphlet is available on the website.

For additional information, contact Mike Egami at 656-3152, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Public Affairs Office.

The day was not without its expected controversy. Members of multiple environmental groups stationed themselves outside the base to protest DU and the military’s handling of the subject. The Gathering of Eagles stood with flags waving on the opposite side of Saddle Road, in support of the PTA.

September 1, 2010 – Keaau, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Tim Bryan

Mobile version of video

The Hawaii County Council held a special public hearing on Monday to discuss Bill 194, which contains 108 pages of proposed amendments to the Puna Community Development Plan.

The public hearing took place at the Kea’au Middle School, and gave residents an opportunity to voice their opinion on the possible changes to the plan.

The room appeared to be split down the middle on the issue, with those in favor of the ammendments proudly showing their position with white T-Shirts that read “You passed it then… Let’s amend it now!”. In 2008, councilmembers wanted to make the amendments before the CDP was adopted, but the groups that worked on the document convinced the council to hold off until after the CDP got the OK.

September 1, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Tim Bryan

Mobile version of video

Fans of the University of Hawaii at Hilo athletics had a chance to “Meet the Vulcans” at Hilo Hattie on Monday evening.

The event served as an introduction to the 2010 fall sports teams … men’s and women’s cross country, golf, soccer and womens volleyball.

September 1, 2010 – Ninole, Hawaii

Video by Baron Sekiya, Hawaii247.com, voice of Tim Bryan

Mobile version of video

The Bon Dance dance season is winding down, and this weekend Hawaii247.com’s Baron Sekiya stopped by the Honohina Hongwanji Temple in Ninole to capture the cultural festivities.

The custom of Bon-Odori has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years

August 31, 2010 – Hawaii Island

“Fire tornado” video courtesy DLNR, story by Big Island Video News

There is a new twist to the viral video spiral that made headlines all over the world last week.

This video, filmed by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, has been appearing all over the internet and on television sets around the world, thanks to YouTube and the associated press.

Now, some anti-military activists say its possible that the ongoing brush fire on the slopes of Mauna Kea could be kicking up trace amounts of depleted uranium, which was used decades ago in firing exercises at the Army’s adjacent Pohakuloa Training Area.

Which means that the incredible “fire-tornado” brush fire (which in actuality was more like a dust devil created by a combination of the dry heat and the swirling winds of Saddle Road) could have been radioactive, if you believe the theories being proffered by Jim Albertini and the Malu-Aina group.

The Army has admitted to the use of depleted uranium in the 1960s, deployed in spotting rounds used in then-classified Davy Crockett weapons systems. The Army says the depleted uranium is no longer being fired at the range, and has assured the public that there is no imminent or immediate threat to human health from the DU present on Hawaii’s ranges.

Albertini is not ready to believe the Army, however, and has been a vocal watchdog on the matter of DU. At a recent meeting in Keaau, Albertini recalled a day of protest in 2007, when his measuring instruments detected a spike in radiation after a dust devil swept through Mauna Kea State Park.

The current brush fire is surrounding the same location, and while there is no way of knowing if the flaming dust devil filmed last week kicked up any radioactive particles, some members of the community want it tested now.

“The brush fire at or near the Pohakaloa Training Area presents a serendipitous opportunity to sample airborne particulates and aerosols for evidence of depleted uranium,” wrote Michael Reimer, the Ph.D. and retired geologist who has been following the Army’s DU monitoring efforts, in an email. “I believe the Department of Health should immediately assemble a crew and sampling equipment for this purpose. I am sure there are contractors in the state or even the University of Hawaii that can do this task using the proper 0.45 micron filters if the Radiological Health Branch does not have the equipment. Even if the budget does not permit analysis at this time for DU and its associated isotopes, the samples can be stored. This is an opportunity that should not pass without response.”

Reimer’s effort was apparently to no avail. Albertini says the testing never took place.

The Army offers the following information on its website concerning DU and brush fires:

Under certain circumstances and at very high temperatures, DU can aerosolize. Research by military and non-military agencies confirm that this does not occur during brush fires. Re-suspension is primarily due to particle size rather than particle density or chemical form. We believe that the primary reason for immobilization is due to the large particle size of the uranium and the fact that the uranium primarily exists as large metal fragments. Among other factors, the soil types on Hawaii’s ranges also serve to limit DU migration from the impact area. Although it is highly unlikely that DU will move off the impact area due to military live-fire training, air monitoring and sampling will be conducted to ensure that migration is not occurring.

The Army plans to hold a special meeting at the Pohakuloa Training Area today (August 31) on the issue of depleted uranium. Albertini plans to hold a press conference of his own outside the gate immediately following the Army’s presentation. Big Island Video News plans to have coverage of the event.

Meanwhile, the DLNR reports that state, county and federal fire fighting teams have made good progress in fighting the ongoing fire along Saddle Road. Fire weather conditions also improved with less smoke and improved visibility on Monday.

Burn area acreage has remained at 1,387 acres and 70 percent contained. On Monday, 90 firefighters were on scene along with nine fire engines and two helicopters to continue water drops and “mop up” of burned areas by extinguishing or removing burning material along or near the control line.

As for the phenomenon of the “fire tornado”… Its a sure bet that – radioactive or not – the fiery twister is enough to send anybody with common sense running in the opposite direction.

August 28, 2010 – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan

Mobile version of video

Residents, surfers and Hawaiians living in Kona came out in force to oppose a plan for a four-story, 16-unit condominium at Holualoa Bay near Lyman’s surf spot.

Testimony against the granting of a special management area use permit to the developer of the condo was unified at the Leeward Planning Commission meeting on Friday at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Over 100 people packed the conference room and forced staff to open an adjoining room to accommodate the large crowd.

The meeting followed a site visit held earlier that same day. Commissioners toured the area of the proposed project, which overlooks Holualoa Bay and a popular surf spot known to locals as Lyman’s. While the mass of commissioners and attorneys followed developer William Foulk over the lava rock shoreline, Native Hawaiians made their presence known with song and hula.

Many who opposed the project said they wanted to preserve the aesthetic of the area, which has few high rises and offers sweeping views of the ocean from Alii Drive.

A decision by the Leeward Planning Commission, as well as a hearing on a contested case brought forth by surrounding property owners, was delayed. Foulk’s attorney, Thomas Yeh, said the Hawaii Historic Preservation Division first wanted an updated archaeological inventory survey and a cultural impact statement. The matter is likely to be discussed again in December.