The Big Island Hui

The More You Watch, the Worse You Feel

keikiokaaina — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:41:53 +0000

ptsdministry.blogspot.com

“The antidote to information sickness isn’t less information. It’s more politics.”

As if the triple whammy of the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster weren’t enough to enthrall and terrify us, the war in Libya is now providing cable news viewers a fresh hell to follow 24/7.

But wait, as they say in the infomercials — there’s more. In Bahrain, Saudi tanks and troops are violently cracking down on pro-democracy activists; in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is moving toward power; in Yemen, security forces, firing from the rooftops, have killed scores of demonstrators; in Syria, troops are shooting into crowds of protesting civilians; and last week’s news from Israel and the Palestinian territories was enough to make anyone rage and wail.

Feeling overwhelmed yet?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marty-kaplan/the-more-you-watch-the-wo_b_838481.html

Japan – Them Is Us: How To Donate – Do It Today

keikiokaaina — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:13:33 +0000

thefighting44s.com

How to donate to Japan relief effort

By Larry Geller disappearednews.com

Here are two pages listing organizations that you might care to support:

How to Help in Japan (The Nation)

Japan Earthquake, Tsunami: How to Donate, Reach Out (PC Magazine)

Instead of donating to the American Red Cross, I’d suggest donating directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Google has set up a mechanism to do that on their crisis response page.

http://www.disappearednews.com/2011/03/how-to-donate-to-japan-relief-effort.html

How To Help Japan: Earthquake Relief Options

Additionally, many organizations and funds have mobilized to provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

Here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/16/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html

Comment Now: 2 Depleted Uranium Resos Introduced in Legislature

keikiokaaina — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:11:48 +0000

doh.state.fl.us

Comment NOW For Independent Testing of Depleted Uranium on on Our Island

Please Email:
senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov sensolomon@capitol.hawaii.gov

Ask them how YOU can help them pass these resolutions urging comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to DETERMINE the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa training area. Please forward.

For extra credit, Go to: http://capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony/
Type in SCR #89 and SCR 118 to comment

There are 2 DU resos introduced. SCR #89 by Gil Kahele and 5 others and SCR 118 by Malama Solomon and 4 others.

Please pass the word.

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	89
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

strongly urging comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to DETERMINE the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa training area.

WHEREAS, in the early 1960s, the United States Military used the Pohakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium in the impact area at the United States Army Garrison, Pohakuloa; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause damage in several human organ systems; and

WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, use, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products containing depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 639-08, Draft 2, urging the United States Military to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area by establishing a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring is recommended to determine the extent of radiation contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recommend citizen oversight of independent testing and monitoring to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that federal funds, if available, are requested to help with the independent testing and monitoring process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; members of the Defense Subcommittee of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee; members of the Subcommittee on Defense of the United States House Appropriations Committee; Commander, United States Pacific Command; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Hawaii; Commander, United States Army Garrison-Pohakuloa; members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation; and Governor.

Introduced by: SOLOMON, KAHELE, Dela Cruz, English, Ryan

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=118

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	118
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

urging the members of hawaii’s congressional delegation to call for comprehensive independent testing and monitoring to determine the extent of radioactive contamination at the pohakuloa training area.

WHEREAS, after years of repeatedly denying the use of depleted uranium in Hawaii, it has been confirmed that the United States Army used depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii, Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu, and possibly other sites in the State; and

WHEREAS, the documented use of M101 spotting rounds, containing depleted uranium, for training purposes in conjunction with the Davy Crockett recoilless gun and the possible use of other spotting rounds or weapon systems that utilize depleted uranium have created the presence of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

WHEREAS, the license granted to the United States Army by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission to possess depleted uranium expired in 1964; and

WHEREAS, the full extent of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area is unknown because less than one per cent of the 133,000 acre installation has been tested; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of approximately 4.5 billion years; and

WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive particles that can cause cancer, cell mutations, birth defects, and other possible health problems when inhaled or ingested; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 639-08, by a vote of eight to one, urging the United States military to order a complete halt to all bombing, live firing exercises, and other activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area that create dust until there is an assessment and clean up of the depleted uranium; and

WHEREAS, although the depleted uranium has not been cleaned up, live firing exercises continue to be conducted at the Pohakuloa Training Area, thereby risking the spread of radioactive contamination on and off the installation; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 639-08 also urged the United States military to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, on August 13, 2008, the Hawaii County Council adopted, by a unanimous vote, Resolution No. 701-08, designating Dr. Lorrin Pang as a member of the citizens’ advisory committee upon the establishment of a citizen monitoring system; and

WHEREAS, the United States military has failed to establish a citizen monitoring system to work closely with military experts to ensure transparency and community confidence; and

WHEREAS, independent action is needed to address the potential hazards of radioactive contamination to troops, citizens, and visitors to the Pohakuloa Training Area; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are urged to call for comprehensive, independent testing and monitoring, to be conducted with civilian oversight to determine the extent of radioactive contamination at the Pohakuloa Training Area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are also requested to seek federal funds to support this testing and monitoring effort; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States; the Commander, United States Pacific Command; the Commander, United States Army Garrison-Hawaii; the members of the United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the United States House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; the Governor; and the members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

–
Jim Albertini

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

P.O.Box AB

Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760

phone: 808-966-7622

email: JA@interpac.net

Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org

Help!`O`oma Legal Team is Questioning the Right of the LUC to Make ANY Land Use Decisions!

keikiokaaina — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:11:04 +0000

bigislandvideonews.com

DEVELOPER APPEALS STATE’S DECISION TO PROTECT `O`OMA.

DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED

Aloha, and mahalo to the community groups and individuals who have helped to protect `O`oma and led the community toward a significant State land use victory. As much as we’ve accomplished before the State Land Use Commission (with two rulings in favor of `O`oma’s protection), to secure success there is another critical step that must be taken.

Background:

After three years of information-gathering hearings, the State Land Use Commission (LUC) ruled in December 2010 that landowners, `O`oma Beachside Villages LLC (OBV), could not reclassify approximately 200 acres of coastal, conservation land for urban development.

The landowner then asked the LUC to reconsider their denial, at which time, the LUC reaffirmed their vote against reclassification.

Still dissatisfied, OBV’s lawyers have now taken their appeal to the courts. This time, their appeal goes beyond “just” wanting their client’s development to be approved. Instead of questioning the facts upon which the LUC decision was based, OBV’s legal team is questioning the right of the LUC to make any land use decisions at all!!

With the appeal filed, the public was left with no recourse other than to hope that the court would review the reams of information upon which the LUC made its two prior decisions and uphold that ruling.

Good news:

The Tomas ohana and Native Hawaiian Legal Corps have agreed to fight for `O`oma’s protections in court. Though the public cannot directly be involved in the appeal, our community can still have a positive impact on the outcome by supporting the Tomases’ committment to protecting this land.

Your donations needed immediately

Native Hawaiian Legal Corp formerly did pro bono work. Like all charitable organizations, however, they’ve lost much of their funding. In order to move forward on this case, $1300 must be raised by next Wednesday (filing and other legal fees to begin their work), with approximately $4000 needed altogether.

Matching funds available—Double your Impact!

`Apono Hawai`i and an anonymous donor have generously agreed to match donations up to $2000.

How to donate

By mail: Send checks made out to “`Apono Hawai`i”.

Be sure to include a note or write in the check’s “memo” space that says “`O`oma.”

By email: Go to the ‘Apono Hawai’i website (aponohawaii.org <http://aponohawaii.org/> ) and click on “Donate”. Put “NHLC/`O`oma” in the “Organization” field so that we will know their donation is for that purpose. They can either mail in a check (`Apono Hawai`I, 79-7460 Mamalahoa Hwy, Ste 207, Kealakekua HI 96750) or donate on-line using Paypal.

If you can help out, please respond to this email asap. Please Forward!

Mahalo to Surfrider Foundation’s Kona Kai Ea chapter, Kohanaiki `Ohana, `Apono Hawai`I, Plan to Protect, Sierra Club Moku Loa Group, Hui He`enalu o Kona, Councilwoman Brenda Ford, Councilman Angel Pilago, Councilman Pete Hoffman, Senator Josh Green, Rep. Denny Coffmann, and the other groups and individuals who have helped to protect this coastal land.

The Gospel of Protecting the Environment

keikiokaaina — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:10:30 +0000

brandstrategy.wordpress.com

Rev. Chuck Currie Mar. 9, 2011 United Church of Christ minister

huffingtonpost.com

Among the budget battles being waged in Washington, D.C. is one that will deeply impact the health of our environment: how much do we spend on environmental protection and regulation? House GOP leaders have fought for a 30 percent budget reduction for the Environmental Protection Agency, notes the National Resources Defense Council, and that is only one of the anti-environmental policies under consideration. For people of faith, attempts at harming the environment should be considered tantamount to harming God’s own creation.

The good news is that over the last decade a growing consensus has emerged between Roman Catholics, mainline Christians, orthodox Christians and evangelicals Christians that stewardship over Creation, granted to humanity in Genesis, includes protecting the environment and reversing the damage created by human caused global climate change. Politicians who don’t take the environment seriously risk alienating religious voters as more and more clergy from different political backgrounds use their pulpits to preach a message of environmental justice.

In 2005, more than 1,000 mainline Christian leaders from across the United States issued a statement entitled God’s Mandate: Care for Creation:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-chuck-currie/will-the-gospel-of-sarah-_b_831427.html

Bringing Home 150 Troops Would Fix Wisconsin’s Budget “Crisis”

keikiokaaina — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 01:25:43 +0000

facebook.com

By Robert Greenwald Feb.19, 2011 Rethink Afghanistan War Blog

Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker is using phony budget projections to manufacture a staged “fiscal emergency” in his state so that he can whack programs and political opponents, but even his fake “emergency” pales in comparison to the cost of the Afghanistan War to his state. In fact, the U.S. would only have to bring home 151 troops from Afghanistan to save more money than Walker’s ridiculous union-busting plan. Better yet, ending the Afghanistan War altogether would save taxpayers in Wisconsin $1.7 billion this year alone, more than ten times the amount “saved” in Walker’s attack on state employee rights….

http://rethinkafghanistan.com/blog/2011/02/bringing-home-150-troops-from-afghanistan-would-fix-wisconsins-budget-crisis/

If you’re fed up wit this war that’s not making us safer and that’s not worth the cost, join Rethink Afghanistan on Facebook and Twitter.

Video here:
Bringing Home 150 Troops from Afghanistan Would Fix Wisconsin’s Budget “Crisis” – Rethink Afghanistan War Blog

Why Isn’t Wall Street in Jail?

keikiokaaina — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 01:02:18 +0000

practicalstate.com

Financial crooks brought down the world’s economy — but the feds are doing more to protect them than to prosecute them

By Matt Taibbi Feb. 16, 2011 rollingstone.com

Over drinks at a bar on a dreary, snowy night in Washington this past month, a former Senate investigator laughed as he polished off his beer.

“Everything’s fucked up, and nobody goes to jail,” he said. “That’s your whole story right there. Hell, you don’t even have to write the rest of it. Just write that.”

I put down my notebook. “Just that?”

“That’s right,” he said, signaling to the waitress for the check. “Everything’s fucked up, and nobody goes to jail. You can end the piece right there.”

Nobody goes to jail. This is the mantra of the financial-crisis era, one that saw virtually every major bank and financial company on Wall Street embroiled in obscene criminal scandals that impoverished millions and collectively destroyed hundreds of billions, in fact, trillions of dollars of the world’s wealth — and nobody went to jail. Nobody, that is, except Bernie Madoff, a flamboyant and pathological celebrity con artist, whose victims happened to be other rich and famous people…

Why Isn’t Wall Street in Jail? | Rolling Stone Politics
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-isnt-wall-street-in-jail-20110216

Alan D. Mcnarie: The Challenge(s) of Geothermal / The Safety Challenge

keikiokaaina — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:07:06 +0000

treehugger.com

Does a New Report Promise Too Much, Too Soon?

By Alan D. Mcnarie Jan. 26, 2011 bigislandweekly.com

Ninety percent of the electricity that Hawai’i uses comes from burning imported oil. And the cost of oil is expected to go up drastically in coming years. So it would seem only prudent to switch to another energy source, or sources, that could be produced locally.

The question is which source? Geothermal? Biomass? Sunlight? Wind? Or should there be a variety?

Last year, the state legislature authorized a “Geothermal Working Group” to look specifically at that alternative, which uses volcanic steam from deep wells to drive generators. The committee’s mandate, in fact, tasked it specifically to “analyze the potential development of geothermal energy as the primary energy source to meet the baseload demand for electricity on the Big Island.” When its “Interim Report” surfaced last week, it seemed to answer that question with a resounding “Yes.” …

http://www.bigislandweekly.com/articles/2011/01/26/read/news/news02.txt

Geothermal: the Safety Challenge

By Alan D. Mcnarie Feb. 9, 2011 bigislandweekly.com

Puna Geothermal Venture has been plugging away, producing about 25-35 megawatts of power for the island’s energy grid, since 1993. That power, according to the company’s own website, “saves HELCO more than 400,000 barrels of oil a year.”

The site also notes that PGV “could provide much more.” And a recent “Interim Report” by a state-legislature-appointed Geothermal Working Group agrees: it recommends that the island switch from oil to geothermal as its primary source of electricity….
http://bigislandweekly.com/articles/2011/02/09/read/news/news02.txt

Coming Up: How Impact Fees Impact Me

keikiokaaina — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:30:51 +0000

With Hawaii County Councilmember Brittany Smart

and Guest Speaker, Councilmember Pete Hoffmann

treehugger.com

Come to a community meeting in your area organized by Councilmember Brittany Smart regarding the proposed impact fee ordinance. The meeting will assist the public to better understand the impact fee system and how it will ensure that those responsible for developments will bear a proportionate share of the cost of improvements to our public facilities on the Big Island.

Councilmember Pete Hoffmann will speak on how the proposed impact fee system is designed to enable our County government to impose such fees, the flexibility inherent in this system, how the rates can apply, as well as the constraints of such a capability. Questions from the audience are encouraged and light refreshments will be provided.

February 9th at Yano Hall 6:30p.m.

February 10th at Cooper Center 7:00p.m.

February 17th at Pahala Community Center 7:00p.m.

February 23 at Na’alehu Community Center at 7:00p.m.

Contact: Jen at (808) 961-8536 or district6@co.hawaii.hi.us for more info.

Sat. 2/12: Honaunau Talk Story – Fish Farms/Pono Aquaculture

keikiokaaina — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:51:49 +0000