Posts from — October 2008

Coucil chairman intends to override action
October 31, 2008 - Hawaii County

Mayor Harry Kim has reportedly vetoed Bill 361, which would ban GMO, or genetically modified organism, coffee and taro from being grown and tested on the Big Island of Hawaii. The veto occured on the day of the deadline for his approval, after the bill was unanimously adopted by the county council earlier this month.

Kim reportedly cited difficulty in enforcement, and the benefits of such research in his communication. He also suggested creating a GMO advisory commision, as recommended by councilman Angel Pilago, who authored the bill.

Council chariman Pete Hoffmann told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that he plans to attempt an override of the veto. According to the article, only six council votes are needed to nullify the veto and force the bill into law.

2nd ship launch delayed by at least one year
10.29.2008 - Hawaii County

VIDEO

The Hawaii Superferry announced that it is putting its planned Big Island to Oahu service “on hold”, citing the current economic uncertainty. The second ship service was scheduled to begin in early 2009, once it was delivered from Mobile Alabama shipbuilder, Austal USA.

“Hawaii Superferry remains committed to serving the people and business of Hawaii,” said Hawaii Superferry President and CEO Tom Fargo in a press release. “Postponing the introduction of our second ship will defer over $10 million in start-up costs and enable us to maintain our sound financial position. Given today’s economic uncertainties, this decision is both prudent and provides us with additional time to develop this market, while continuing to grow our successful O`ahu and Maui service.”

Fargo went on to say that serving the islands, including the Big Island and Kauai, remains the Superfery’s goal.

The release also stated that the company “will look at short-term opportunities for use of the ship prior to its induction into service in the islands.”

HPA Ohana Association sponsors the 17th annual event
October 27, 2008 - Waimea, Hawaii

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Families gathered for a Sunday of harvest season fun and entertainment on the scenic grounds of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Upper Campus.

The free event drew thousands of Big Island residents, and featured a huge pumpkin patch with organically grown pumpkins. Games, prizes, music, a silent auction, and a scarecrow competition were highlights of the 17th annual event.

The event is said to be the largest pumpkin patch on Hawaii island.

Popular food event brings the community together
October 26, 2008 - Pau`uilo, Hawaii

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It was another year of family fun and locally grown food at the ballfield at Pau`uilo School on Saturday, when the town hosted the Hamakua Alive festival.

Founded by Jim Reddekopp of the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, the event featured the unique agricultural bounty of the Hamakua Coast. Peope browsed tables set with organic honey, taro, fruits, tea and more.

Family oriented games and music were also enjoyed.

This was the second Hamakua Alive event in October. The first was held in 2007.

For one day, residents disposed of computer parts properly
October 26, 2008 - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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On Saturday, Hawaii’s Education and Government eWaste Disposal Days 2008 allowed island residents an opportunity to discard the computer trash that is forbidden at landfills.

Personal eWaste was brought to several locations throughout the islands. On the Big Island, designated locations at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Kealakehe High School in Kona assisted residents in getting rid of monitors, keyboards, hardrive towers and video equipment.

These electronics contain hazardous materials that must be disposed of using a sensitive approach to avoid polluting the environment, according to a Hawaii Department of Education website. The website also said that the eWaste that was collected on Saturday would be recycled into commodity grade materials like metals, plastics and glass. Recycling and disposal services were reportedly provided by Apple.

Traditional Hawaiian blessing involves the community
October 26, 2008 - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Hundreds gathered at an empty lot in the Kealakehe section of the Big Island of Hawaii to bless the grounds of the future West Hawaii Civic Center.

Mayor Harry Kim and North Kona councilman Angel Pilago joined other officials in assisting Kumu Keala Ching deliver the ceremonial ritual.

The 85,000 square foot facility, situated on 7.2 acres of land along the Kealakehe Parkway, will consolidate 22 Hawaii County agencies and one state agency. These agencies are currently scattered at different locations throughout West Hawaii.

A Community Center and Pavillion, as well as four conference rooms, will be available for meetings.

The Department of Public Works estimates construction of the complex will take two years, with a projected public opening in 2011. The cost of the project is estimated at $50.5 million.

Miguel Ferrufino, 26, last seen Saturday near Kapa`a Beach Park
October 24, 2008 - Kapa`a Beach Park, Hawaii

Kapa`a Beach Park Video

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a kayaker gone missing, according to an updated release issued this evening.

Miguel Ferrufino was last seen on Saturday, when he was paddling a yellow kayak off of Kapa`a Beach Park on the North Kohala coast of the Big Island. He was said to be wearing multi-colored shorts and a dark blue T-shirt.

Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and Civil Air Patrol have conducted 49 separate searches over the past five days, covering an area approximately four times as large as the Big Island. The entire Kohala shoreline has been scoured, as well as the Alenuihaha Channel.

“We saturated the area with all assets possible, but we were unable to find any sign of Ferrufino,” said Chief Petty Officer Seth Haynes in a Coast Guard press release. “It’s always unfortunate when we don’t reunite the missing with their family and friends.”

Anyone with info or possible sightings is asked to call the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600.

Miguel Ferrufino, 26, last seen Saturday near Kapa`a Beach Park
October 24, 2008 - Kapa`a Beach Park, Hawaii

VIDEO

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for a kayaker gone missing, according to an updated release issued October 23.

Miguel Ferrufino was last seen on Saturday, when he was paddling with relatives off Kapa`a Beach Park on the North Kohala coast of the Big Island. He was said to be wearing multi-colored shorts and a dark blue T-shirt. He was using a yellow kayak.

Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and Civil Air Patrol have searched an area of approximately 16,000 square miles in an attempt to locate Ferrufino, which is an area four times as large as the Big Island. The entire Kohala shoreline has been scoured, as well as the Alenuihaha Channel. Yesterday, a small craft advisory was in effect for the channel.

Anyone with info or possible sightings is asked to call the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600.

$16.3 million complex proposed for vacant land near Waiakea Villas
10.23.2008 - Hilo, Hawaii

VIDEO

A story by John Burnett in Wednesday’s Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported on a proposal by two Big Island businessmen to build an entertainment center on 6.2 acres of vacant land in Hilo. The land, overgrown by with vegetation, is zoned for resort and commercial use, and sits next to the Waiakea Villas.

Ho`oluana Place LLC and David DeLuz Sr are the interested business parties. The development, known as Hilo Family Entertainment Center, would include a 32 lanes bowling alley, laser-tag, indoor mini-golf, and private banquet rooms. There would also be restaurants and sports bars. A retail complex is planned for later project phases.

The proposal requires the completion of an environmental assessment, as well as other state and county approvals.

Hawksbill honu hatchlings have Hawaiian help
October 22, 2008 - Kawa`a, Hawaii

VIDEO

The miracle of life is caught on tape, as baby sea turtles hatch from nest eggs and crawl through the rocky black sand towards the ocean.

In this instance, the honu hatchlings had guardian angels in a handful of local residents, who kept a vigil by the nest for weeks as the eggs incubated. Once hatched, residents protected the baby sea turtles as they scrambled to the water’s edge.

The residents counted over 20 hatchlings that made it to the sea. The danger for the turtles is not over. It is said that only 1 in 1000 will survive to adulthood.

The nesting season along the Ka`u shore lasts from mid-May through November. It is estimated that the majority of the state’s endangered hawksbill turtle nesting occurs here. The video in this feature was shot about a month ago.