Weekly Friday news summary (June 19, 2015) for East Oahu and Hawaii Kai. News sources are available through various entities on the web. Links are posted.
$500,000 to buy ka iwi coastline forever; sounds like a bargain
That is what the Trust for Public Land (TPL) needs you to know. TPL has begun a crowdfunding campaign to raise the last of the money needed to purchase the 182 acres mauka of Kalaniana‘ole Highway, between the Hawai‘i Kai Golf Course and Makapu‘u. A consortium of public interest entities has worked tirelessly to raise the bulk of funds needed to acquire the land in perpetuity. They’ve raised more than 3.5 million dollars; they need just $500,000 more by August 30, 2015 in order to make the purchase.
From the website:The same community that has been advocating for years for the Ka Iwi Coast’s protection as the Friends of Queens Beach, Save Sandy Beach, and Ka Iwi Coalition, now operates under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui. Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui’s mission is to promote sensible growth and respect for the land by upholding the East O’ahu Sustainable Communities Plan, and protecting land through stewardship, acquisition, and community education. If the remaining $500,000 is raised by August 30, 2015, The Trust for Public Land will purchase the lands and transfer them to Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui to care for.
Donations are tax-deductible. Put in perspective, if just the residents of Hawaii Kai zip code 96825 gave $20,a piece, the hui would meet its goal and the land would be transferred to it. For anyone anywhere who wants this land to remain pristine, it’s time open that checkbook.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration (NOAA) receiving feedback on expansion of hawaiian island marine sanctuary
In March 2015, NOAA announced its proposed rule for expanding the size and the focus of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to include multiple marine species. Public feedback continues to be collected through June 19, 2015 at this weblink.
Although town hall meetings had been held throughout this period, public reaction remained muted until just recently. On Saturday June 13, “A cadre of recreational ocean users and water-sport business owners demonstrated Saturday afternoon i. . ..in opposition to a proposed expansion of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. [Protesters picketed,] bearing signs that read “No Fishing?” and “Say No to NOAA” — referring to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — protesters lined Kalanianaole Highway in Hawaii Kai. [Source: Star-Advertiser]
KHON2 and KITV televised NOAA’s response, as well as comment and footage from demonstrators.
Malama Maunalua backed NOAA’s plan, issuing a statement in favor of sanctuary expansion. Malama Maunalua’s support dates back to the announcement of the proposal. In a statement March 30, Malama Maunalua posted:
Frazer McGilvray, Malama Maunalua’s Executive Director says “This is significant. It represents an unprecedented marine stewardship cooperative by federal and state agencies and has the full support of our community conservation organization.”
Interested readers can access the March 2015 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN on NOAA’s website and read it in full.
Additional References: Federal Register dated March 26, 2015 | Hawaii News Now video + transcript June 17,, 2015
Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce [Honolulu, Hawaii] 17 June 2015.
The Hawaii Kai Rotary is partnering with McDonald’s of Hawaii Kai, and the Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce. to kick off the 4th of July with the second annual, Rotary Saves Lives Health Fair. They will be bringing together; First Responders and others to offer tips and answer questions. The Honolulu Police Department and the Hawaii Blood Bank, are just a few of the information stops you’ll find.
Learn how to perform CPR, have your child fingerprinted or register for bone marrow transplant. Check your blood pressure at Longs Drugs, receive a free eye exam with Dr Ede’s Eye Clinic near Safeway. Check out the Bike Safety clinic conducted by Natalie Iwasa, and be better prepared for our busy roads..
IT’S FREE!
Saturday, the 4th of July | Hawaii Kai (Safeway) Shopping Center | from 10:00 am to 2pm.| Games & grab bags for the keiki.
feral cats in hawaii raise concerns
KITV [Honolulu, Hawaii] 16 June 2015.
Should people who feed feral cats be fined? No proposal is currently on the table, but Councilman Trevor Ozawa would like to open the conversation on what citizens can do about the growing population. The bulk of this news story takes place at Hawaii Kai’s kiss and ride facility which by some estimates is home to several hundred strays.
http://www.kitv.com/news/increase-in-feral-cats-in-hawaii-raises-concerns/336239
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