http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/local/Ewa News • Culture • Community English news@thehawaiiindependent.com Copyright 2011 The Hawaii Independent Corporation Thursday, February 9 2012 9:05 AM /story/comment-legislation-would-help-10000-veteran-owned-businesses-in-hawaii /story/comment-legislation-would-help-10000-veteran-owned-businesses-in-hawaii The following was written by State Rep. Kymberly Pine (R), who represents Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, and Puuloa. Retired Army reservist Alika Wietecha and Vietnam Army veteran Ron Prescott are both business-owners that that could benefit from legislation that is being proposed this session to ask the State to do at least three percent of its business with Hawaii-based veteran-owned businesses. Mr. Wietecha owns Kapolei-based A M Landscaping, and Mr. Prescott is president of Tokunaga Masonry. My colleagues and I announced on Tuesday, January 10 our proposal to present this legislation in the upcoming session as 14 other states have similar laws. We held a news conference to share our plans as veteran Mike McKenna’s Windward Ford offices and many veterans showed their support. “This will help a lot,” said Wietecha, who returned from Iraq in 2004. “It’s hard to start, shut down, and start again after 15 months. This will help companies get back on track.” Wietecha also explained that the legislation will also be of great help to the veterans’ families, who are also affected by deployment. In addition to supporting other veterans with his business, Wietecha also offers people with special needs the opportunity to volunteer with his company and learn new skills. It is veterans like Mr. Wietecha who give of themselves to our country and our community that we want to help with this legislation. The bill would give a 4.5 percent preference for a veteran-owned business, and a 5 percent preference if a veteran were service disabled. “This is near and dear to my heart,” says David Bateman, a veteran and owner of Heavenly Hawaii Farm, which produces Kona Coffee. “To help returning and retired veterans to work in our economy. We want to thank our veterans.” According to the 2007 Census, there are 10,000 veteran-owned businesses in Hawaii. One out of seven business owners in the nation are veterans, which translates to 2.4 million veteran-owned companies. Rep. Gene Ward (R) pointed out that one in five people in Hawaii are related to someone in the military and that Hawaii has the most military in the state. As a Navy wife, the grand daughter of a Pearl Harbor attack survivor, and a board member of U.S. Vets, issues affecting our veterans are important to me. Other legislative issues I plan to work on this session include re-opening an emergency room on the Leeward side, agriculture, cyber crime, and emergency preparedness. Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine, R-District 43 (‘Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Pu‘uloa), serves as the Minority Floor Leader in the State House. To contact her, call (808) 586-9730 or email reppine@capitol.hawaii.gov. News Culture Community Sunday, January 15 2012 12:11 AM /story/letter-ewa-field-photos-reveal-damaging-evidence /story/letter-ewa-field-photos-reveal-damaging-evidence The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. 1925 photos of Ewa Mooring Mast Field prior to construction indicate archeological evidence of significant numbers of coral karst sinkholes which possibly could contain Hawaiian burial remains. I have also seen currently existing coral karst sinkholes very nearby with very old Ti plants growing out of them, indicating some Hawaiian cultural activity in the past. This is in an area directly adjacent to areas Hunt Corp, which leases land from the Navy, is now having bulldozed and uprooted (“grubbing?”) for new commercial lots in an area that has been defined as a National Register eligible Ewa Field warehouse district according to a survey just done this year. Glenn Oamilda of the 50-year-old Ewa Beach Community Association and Section 106 Consultant to the current Navy-Hunt KREP-Ewa Field development plan under 106 review, believes that this area likely contains an underground karst water system as well as possible Hawaiian burial remains. It is of especially great concern because this current work has been going on at odd hours and at night. The large machinery doing this work has been piling up large amounts or coral rocks and beach sand, as well as very large tree trunks pulled out of the ground. This does not seem to fit the allowed “grubbing” activity that is supposedly permitted without a Section 106. Mike Lee, a living descendent of Hawaiian royalty, has been asked to become a community consultant on this on going damage of heavy equipment digging and leveling in the Ewa Field area, and after reviewing the 1925 Ewa Mooring Mast pre-construction photos has great concern about damage that may be done to possible cultural and Hawaiian burial sites that likely exist just below the surface. The 1941 Ewa Field Command History speaks of caverns as large as railway boxcars that had to be filled up with beach sand in many cases from nearby beach dunes, which have been known to also contain Hawaiian bones and artifacts. Lee and Glenn believe that the Ewa Field area is part of a contiguous Hawaiian burial area linked to the significant Onelua beach burial and heiau area directly to the south of this Ewa Field area. Where Hunt Corp is currently bulldozing and clearing it is exposing sand and coral rock, which can also be clearly seen in the overhead GIS attachment. Part of the area they are clearing isn’t even on their leased parcel. The Navy is apparently allowing them to do this. Hunt Corp has just recently allowed a TV film crew to use 1943 Quonset Hunt 1545 (which really wasn’t on their leased property) and now inspection reveals missing windows, door, a large World War II building 1545 sign designator and two large holes cut into the side of the building for film cameras. This seems to be a very typical of the pattern—a constant chipping away of historic structures to satisfy a goal of “no integrity” which Hunt and the Navy share as a development objective. Before the Quonset hut they knocked down the landmark 1943 Ewa Field Squadron Wall along Roosevelt Avenue without any public input or notice. Hunt apparently believes that no one can stop them from continuously damaging everything that is of historic value at Ewa Field. The Navy is doing nothing to prevent this from happening. We can only record their on going damage after they have done it. The State Historic Preservation Division doesn’t seem to care either anymore. John Bond Save Ewa Field News Culture Community Wednesday, December 21 2011 9:09 PM /story/state-says-it-spent-less-than-expected-on-apec /story/state-says-it-spent-less-than-expected-on-apec HONOLULU—The State of Hawaii’s administration announced today that costs for hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Honolulu was lower than expectations. The State spent about $3.2 million for safety related expenses, less than half of the $7.5 million projected by State agencies. More than two-thirds of the funds were expended for activities conducted by the National Guard and State Civil Defense as hundreds of Hawaii National Guardsmen were activated to full-time status to provide security, crisis management, consequence management, and work with the State Department. In addition, eight other State departments incurred costs related to APEC, much of which was also safety related, according to the State’s administration. Spending was attributed to a number of responsibilities: * The Department of Health regularly took air samples of meeting places prior to ensure they were safe areas for large groups to gather. * The Coast Guard was responsible for ocean security, but the Department of Land & Natural Resources stationed people on jet skis near the shore in Waikiki. * The Department of Transportation handled arrival and departures of dignitaries at the airport and managed the off and on closure of various roads and streets. “We were prepared to spend more to protect people and property during APEC,” said State Adjutant General Darryl Wong, “but were able to avoid doing that because we had few problems. The security plan set in place by the Secret Service and local and Federal law enforcement officials was well thought out and effective.” Overall, the related cost for the Hawaii National Guardsmen brought on to State active duty during APEC amounted to about $2,526,547; while costs for the State Civil Defense were about $84,000, officials said. Costs for all of the other State departments amounted to slightly less than $600,000. These figures do not include contributions from OHA or the Hawaii Tourism Authority to the APEC 2011 Host Committee. News Culture Community Wednesday, November 23 2011 11:26 PM /story/hoopili-hearings-continue-today-at-land-use-commission /story/hoopili-hearings-continue-today-at-land-use-commission The State Land Use Commission will continue its hearings today on D.R. Horton‘s proposed “Ho‘opili” development in Honouliuli. The hearings will reconvene at 9 am in room 204, in the Leiopapa a Kamehameha state office tower. The official state meeting notice is posted here. News Culture Community Friday, November 18 2011 10:05 AM /story/kahi-mohala-behavioral-health-celebrates-renovations /story/kahi-mohala-behavioral-health-celebrates-renovations EWA — The City and County of Honolulu participated today in a blessing ceremony for Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health’s newly-renovated Ewa facilities for adults with serious behavioral health challenges. Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health is an 88-bed facility located on 14.5 acres on the rural west side of Oahu. It is Hawaii’s only freestanding, community-based, nonprofit psychiatric hospital, and serves individuals and families in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Rim. In 2010, Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health served more than 1,500 patients. Today’s ceremony celebrated the completion of Phase I of a multi-year renovation project. In Phase I, the City provided $547,816 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for improvements to Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health’s Lehua A unit, which is occupied by adult patients with serious behavioral health challenges. The Lehua A unit has been in continuous use for 26 years and required multiple upgrades. The City will also provide $550,000 in CDBG funds for Phase II of Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health’s renovations, scheduled to be completed in early 2012.         The Department of Community Services and the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services administer approximately $9 million in new CDBG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We’re grateful to reach the end of Phase I and look forward to completing Phase II,” said Leonard Licina, CEO of Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health. “When we’re done, rooms will be safer and offer our patients more privacy, and the facility will help us provide even better service.” News Culture Community Thursday, September 15 2011 1:43 AM /story/native-hawaiian-cultural-practitioner-challenges-haseko-presence-in-ewa /story/native-hawaiian-cultural-practitioner-challenges-haseko-presence-in-ewa HONOLULU—An open forum was held at the Ewa Beach Park Pavilion from on August 27 by Honolulu City Councilmember Tom Berg for Ewa residents to discuss a number of issues pertaining to Oahu’s Leeward side. Community members discussed the building of a new road at Papipi Street in Ewa. This “gift road” was given to the City’s Parks Department by Japanese developer Haseko Ewa, Inc. Michael Kumukauoha Lee, a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and recognized Cultural Descendant by the State of Hawaii Preservation Department reported that he won a contested case against Haseko Ewa, Inc. in 2008. The case dealt with the dumping of waste water from the Kaloi Gulch directly into the ocean near the Oneula Beach Park called “Hau Bush” by the Ewa Beach residents living there. Lee said he also won another lawsuit that same year against Haseko Ewa, Inc. in the First Circuit Court of Hawaii, and that it, too, dealt with the same type of “clean water issues” being broken. Lee then presented at the meeting a report on plans for the new Papipi Road project that he said was concealed from the public. Lee announced plans for another Hawaii lawsuit against Haseko Ewa, Inc. dealing with clean water issues as well as the protection of many ancient royal Hawaiian burial sites in the Ewa area. The following is a video of Lee’s presentation: Related Stories: Letter: Time is up for the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Letter: Attack on royal iwi is being covered up Agency inaction puts possible royal Hawaiian burial complex at risk to Haseko development News Culture Community Saturday, September 3 2011 12:15 AM /story/letter-actually-the-rail-transit-board-is-as-political-as-you-get /story/letter-actually-the-rail-transit-board-is-as-political-as-you-get HonoluluTraffic.com, a citizen group opposed to rail transit in Honolulu, responded to a column in the Monday, August 15 edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser titled “Honolulu strikes own path with rail board” (available through subscription). The Star Advertiser writes today that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) board was formed to have “apolitical leadership.” How can you have an “apolitical leadership” when the “leaders” are all appointed by politicians? Eight of the 10-person “apolitical” HART board consists of six current and former City employees and two union officials. The minority two are businesspeople. This is “apolitical”? Second, while the Star Advertiser contends that “most boards in other cities are run by politicians,” that does not appear to be the case. Reviewing the boards of the six largest transit agencies reveals that only Los Angeles MTA is run by politicians, whereas Chicago CTA, New York MTA, Boston MBTA, Philadelphia SEPTA, and Atlanta MARTA, are not. We have consistently asked at Council hearings the rationale for establishing a transit authority for rail alone, and in a single jurisdiction, and have not received an intelligent response. More importantly, the report should have read, “most boards in other areas” since we cannot find another transit authority that runs transit in only one city or county. Transit authorities generally run transit for multiple cities or counties since the needed political coordination between them requires it. Honolulu may well be the only city in the United States that has its own transit authority. Even worse, HART does not run TheBus, even though a common fare structure with rail is promised and bus schedules will have to be coordinated with rail. That alone tells you that something strange is going on. We have consistently asked at Council hearings the rationale for establishing a transit authority for rail alone, and in a single jurisdiction, and have not received an intelligent response. The only reason that makes sense to us is that it is done to shield elected officials from the harsh criticisms that will well up from voters when the cost overruns and ridership shortfalls occur and consequent increases in property taxes are needed. Then the mostly anonymous HART appointees will take the flak. HonoluluTraffic.com News Culture Community Tuesday, August 16 2011 3:32 AM /story/energy-curriculum-underway-in-oahu-classrooms /story/energy-curriculum-underway-in-oahu-classrooms HONOLULU—Middle school science teachers at six Oahu public schools are set to bring lessons on sustainable energy into their 6th and 8th grade classrooms this fall. To get ready for the curriculum, teachers attended the Sustainable Schools: Educators’ Energy Exchange workshop in July to learn innovative teaching practices and gain tools to facilitate the study of renewable energy with Hawaii students. The workshop was the culmination of a partnership between the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology, and Punahou School. “Science and the related fields of technology, engineering, and math are pathways to solving many energy issues that challenge Hawaii,” said Kathryn Matayoshi, DOE Superintendent. “Through the workshop, science educators will broaden their understanding of renewable energy and bring a fresh approach to teaching energy-related studies in the classroom.” Nine teachers from Ewa Makai Middle School, Jarrett Middle School, Lunalilo Elementary, Nanakuli High and Intermediate, Palolo Elementary, and Washington Middle School took part in the inaugural workshop held at Punahou School’s Omidyar K-1 Neighborhood. Each teacher received the Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) curriculum, based on lesson plans and alternative energy resources developed by the MEDB’s Women in Technology Project, and a supply kit containing materials to create and build wind turbines in class and a 5-volt solar panel for small solar experiments. “Inquiry-based learning leads to a deeper understanding of the content, said Gentry Hirohata, a 7th grade science teacher at Punahou School and IEI co-instructor with Pam Kohara, Resource Teacher for Kaimuki, McKinley, and Roosevelt schools complex. “To show the students that science goes beyond the classroom, the lesson starts with asking the essential question on how this study impacts a real energy issue, for example, how does wind energy impact energy sustainability in Hawaii?” In November, the teachers will reconvene to share their resources and lessons learned during the semester to improve future workshops. For more information on the IEI curriculum, visit www.islandenergyinquiry.org. News Culture Community Thursday, August 4 2011 3:58 AM /story/booth-vendors-sought-for-emergency-preparedness-fair-in-ewa /story/booth-vendors-sought-for-emergency-preparedness-fair-in-ewa HONOLULU—As part of September’s National Preparedness Month, a “Get Ready Ewa Beach” Emergency Preparedness Fair is scheduled for September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ewa Makai Middle School in Ewa Beach. The event will focus on tsunami and hurricane preparedness, how to create a family plan, supply kits, evacuations, health emergencies and insurance. Experts from the Department of Emergency Management, State Civil Defense, FEMA, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, and dozens of other organizations have been invited to host informational booths, seminars, and training sessions. Organizations are still invited to host a booth at the fair. “The HECO power outage and tsunami in March helped us to realize that our community is not prepared for these kinds of disasters,” said Rep. Kymberly Pine (R), who represents Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, and Puuloa. “Our residents have taken action to change this by putting on this event.” The family-friendly fair will be open to all ages and include fun activities for children as well as preparedness information specifically geared toward older residents. The event has been organized by Pine and the Ewa Emergency Preparedness Committee (Ewa EPC), an organization of local residents with extensive preparedness experience.  For more information or to inquire about hosting a booth, call Donald Harlor at (808) 683-3388. News Culture Community Friday, July 22 2011 10:19 PM /story/letter-attack-on-royal-iwi-is-being-covered-up /story/letter-attack-on-royal-iwi-is-being-covered-up The following video of the O’ahu Island Burial Council’s July 13 meeting and letter relates to proceedings over the ancient Hawaiian burial complex discovered in the areas stretching from east of One’ula Beach Park, which is located just before Barber’s Point Naval Air Station. What [Yvonne] Izu is dreading in the Oneula contested case hearing is this. Haseko Ewa Inc. is liable for the wanton destruction of our Hawaiian cultural practice of our gathering limu and near shore fishing due to the blocking off the freshwater water source of the twin Waipouli karst system. Ewa is historically known as the House of limu and was known in Kuali’i's chant at Kanehili Ewa to pick lipoa limu and other limu. Limu gathering is a highly valued subsistence food and traditional medicinal healing source. A natural fresh water source from the mountains to the Honouliuli underground aquifer that runs underground in the Waipouli system, which brings nitrates that expand and increase the abundance of endemic Hawaiian algae or limu, has been sealed off by Haseko Ewa Inc. The abundant seasonal blooming of limu attracts shrimp, which attract small fish, which attract larger schools of fish. We have seen a large decline in this traditionally rich area. Waipouli is the protective shield of this important source of increasing abundance of sea life invertebrate to vertebrate fish sources due to a rich algae blooms no more. This is a death sentence to our traditional Hawaiian gathering rights and practices that are well documented in book Sites of Oahu and newspaper articles and books. Haseko is obligated to make reparations to this Hawaiian cultural practitioner who’s family (Kuali’i) have been gathering in Ewa in documentation for limu 550 years. That is why my bio for the native Hawaiian practitioner, the Kuali’i chant and my royal Hawaiian genealogy is vital for standing and proof that I have suffered a loss under Article 12, section 7 of the Hawai’i State Constitution. This continues with the Waipouli karst aqueduct as a Royal Kapu Heiau for Ali’i Aimoku iwi are burial places for the highest ali’i of O’ahu, which are my family. Kamehameha I’s wife Kaomileika’ahumanu as the true biological mother of Kamehameha III is proof that in the shrinkage of the Ewa Marina, a cover up of significant royal iwi has taken place as well as an ongoing destruction plan of Hawaii’s history and the most sacred site in all of Oahu found at the opening of the purposed Ewa Marina entrance channel. As my genealogical record shows, I, as Kahu of my royal families burial grounds, it is my Hawai’i State constitutional right under article 12 section 7 to protect our family’s treasure our iwi kupuna, which Queen Mikahela Kekauonohi my fourth great aunt did in Waipouli karst with her husband the last prince of Kauai in the 1840s. Haseko Ewa Inc. has never denied my Akaku (vision) that they broke into my royal family burial site and removed a valuable ki’i of Pele and other funerary objects in their documents. And to this date they have not returned them to me and my family to be sealed back where they belong. This cover-up must stop and the truth exposed in this contested case hearing on July 26 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 132 of the Kalanimoku Building, the BLNR board room on the first floor. Aloha Keakua, Michael Kumukauoha Lee   Related Stories: Agency inaction puts possible royal Hawaiian burial complex at risk to Haseko development The House of Limu: Clinging on to the past City Council postpones action on Oneula Beach Park’s cement barriers Concrete questions, crumbling answers: Government officials admit that the rules weren’t followed News Culture Community Thursday, July 21 2011 11:03 PM /story/fujifilm-dedicates-solar-system-at-waipahu-office /story/fujifilm-dedicates-solar-system-at-waipahu-office WAIPAHU—Fujifilm North America Corporation hosted a traditional Hawaiian dedication ceremony yesterday at its regional office in Waipahu, Hawaii to commemorate the installation of Conergy’s premium solar panel PowerPlus system, by local clean-energy integrator, 21st Century Technologies.  The solar installation will produce 483,391 kWh annually, which is equivalent to reducing CO2 emissions by 1.11 million lbs per year or powering 66 households per year. It is the first Conergy PowerPlus plant installed in the U.S., and is one of the top ten largest solar power systems on Oahu. Hawaii Sen. Mike Gabbard was in attendance to personally present solar energy awards to the three companies. Also in attendance were State Representatives Denny Coffman of District 6 and Henry Aquino of District 35; Tim Ming, from the DBEDT Energy Division; and Kazunari Tanaka, Deputy Consulate General, and Yukako Asamura, Economic Affairs Section, Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu. With this installation, Fujifilm will realize a substantial cost savings on its current energy usage. In addition, the company will be able to take advantage of the utilities net energy metering program, which will provide ongoing benefits. Globally, Fujifilm has a Greenhouse gas target set at 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by Fiscal Year 2020. News Culture Community Friday, July 15 2011 8:54 PM /story/a-nuclear-hawaii /story/a-nuclear-hawaii EWA—In the State of Hawaii’s quest to get 70 percent of its power from clean energy by 2030, lawmakers are looking at all options, including nuclear power. This past legislative session, there were several measures introduced by Hawaii lawmakers to create a State nuclear energy commission and a permitting process for nuclear energy. None of the measures, including House Bill 62 and Senate Bill 874, passed. Nuclear power lobbyists rallied particularly hard at the Hawaii State Capitol in 2009, but did not make any ground. The nuclear industry has also come up short in state Legislatures in Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, and North Carolina in the last three years. Sara Barczak, of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said of the nuclear industry’s failed lobbying efforts: “Though many utilities, lawmakers, and regulatory commissioners in the Southeastern U.S. continue to blindly support building new nuclear reactors that put ratepayers at risk, the public is growing ever more skeptical of nuclear power. Given the victories to stop these anti-consumer agendas nationally, including the temporary pull back in North Carolina, the tide may be turning. The fallout from Fukushima is yet to be fully known and likely will further erode the public’s acceptance of this high cost, high risk energy option.” The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant crisis that followed the Japan earthquake in March, particularly the fears of radiation being blown across the Pacific to Hawaii, has provoked plenty of talk about the dangers of harnessing this kind of power. So it’s worth clarifying what nuclear power is and how things could get potentially disastrous on a grand scale. All power plants operate similarly in that they convert a source of heat—whether it is from coal, petroleum, natural gas, or nuclear energy—into mechanical energy and then into electrical power. For a very typical example of this, coal is burned in a large furnace, which then heats water into steam. Energy from the steam creates pressure that spins metal blades (this instrument is called a steam turbine) that are connected to an electric generator, which converts that kinetic energy into electrical energy. This power is then transmitted through power lines to our homes and businesses. Now, just take coal out of the equation and replace it with another source of heat: nuclear fission. In scientific terms, nuclear fission typically occurs when a neutron collides with the nucleus of an atom, which causes it to split into two, and in the process, releases massive amounts of energy that goes on to heat water that powers the steam turbine (for example, a pound of highly enriched Uranium [U-235] powering the propellers of a nuclear submarine equals about two million gallons of gasoline). The U-235 isotope is used because each atom that splits also releases three neutrons, which can go on to create a chain reaction. U-235, U-239, and Plutonium-239 are isotopes that can react efficiently in this way, and for this reason they are considered fissionable. Hawaii currently does not have any nuclear plants. It’s in the State Constitution that “No nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed or radioactive material disposed of in the State without the prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature.” The State, by and large, uses petroleum to generate the necessary heat for its electricity conduction. Petroleum power plants emit vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which is a main greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. (But among petroleum, natural gas, and coal, the latter’s use in power plants tend to do the most environmental damage.) While properly running nuclear plants does not emit these toxins, in the event of a disaster, a deadly long-lasting catastrophe is a very real possibility.  The problem, realized by past incidences at Three-Mile Island in Pennsylvania, Chernobyl in Ukraine, and, most recently at Fukushima, is the threat of a nuclear meltdown. Because the heat emitted by fission is so great, cooling systems are put in place to remove enough heat from the reactor core where the fission occurs. When this cooling system breaks down, and the backup Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) fails, there should also be a containment building—a steel or reinforced concrete structure that is a nuclear power plant’s last defense from a radiation leak. Radiation leaks can be deadly because they release various rays (alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron) that can alter the basic make-up of any living thing by stripping its atoms of electrons. This can cause cell death as well as genetic mutations, which can lead to cancer. The recent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant meltdown released radioactive isotopes into the air. Although a June 11 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared that, so far, there had been no reports of long time health effects from the spillage.  Nevertheless, the nuclear debate has been pushed into the spotlight around the world. Mass anti-nuclear protests across Germany sparked a nationwide initiative to shut down all its nuclear plants by 2022. The issue of whether Hawaii should adopt nuclear energy has been debated in the islands before, and the two opinions expressed here in Hawaii Business synthesize the arguments for both sides well. In light of Fukushima, though, a good guess is that people are more fearful than ever of its potential harms. Editor’s note: At 11:50 a.m. on July 11, added the link and description of the Hawaii State Constitution two-thirds vote. News Culture Community Monday, July 11 2011 8:25 PM /story/land-use-commission-keeps-hoopili-development-plans-alive /story/land-use-commission-keeps-hoopili-development-plans-alive HONOLULU—Dozens of labor advocates, environmentalists, and Oahu small farmers crowded into today’s Land Use Commission (LUC) meeting regarding D.R. Horton’s proposed Hoopili development in Ewa. At stake was the future of the development, which now remains intact by unanimous vote of the commission. The proposal seeks to rezone what is currently 1,600 acres of agricultural land into urban use land. Not all of the land at issue is currently being farmed. The purpose of the hearing was not to determine the fate of the proposed Hoopili project, but rather to ensure that provisions in the State Constitution regarding agricultural land are followed properly. The developer, D.R. Horton, sought to resubmit its petition for the project, which has twice been rejected by the LUC. The developer had filed a motion to allow for the acceptance of an amended proposal, and another motion to find deficiencies in previous proposals “cured.” A motion filed by the Friends of Makakilo, represented by Dr. Kioni Dudley, to prevent the land in question from being rezoned for 50 years was withdrawn because, apparently, Dudley was unprepared to make an argument. Attorney Benjamin Kudo, on behalf of the developer, made the point that the issue at hand was purely procedural, and the perceived merits of the project were not at issue. Although the LUC hearing pertained strictly to procedural, bureaucratic concerns regarding the project, those in support and opposition to the project turned up to speak on its merits, or lack thereof. State Sen. Clayton Hee, clearly well aware of the procedure by which the project will or will not be green-lighted by the LUC, testified to the fact that the plans submitted do not provide for the fact that Honolulu’s proposed rail project may not, in fact, come to pass. After fumbling with the provided microphone, Hee joked to the commission members, “You make me nervous.” LUC Chair Vladimir Devens responded, “You make me nervous, too.” There was heartfelt testimony from the public at the hearing, on both sides of the issue. Kika Bukoski of the Hawaii Building Construction Trades Council recognized deficiencies in D.R. Horton’s proposal, and asked that the commission provide the developer a chance to fix its petition. Those in opposition to the Hoopili project cited the Hawaii Constitution regarding the preservation of agricultural lands, and ambiguity surrounding the finances of those behind the project. Makakilo resident Victoria Cannon testified about “spurious issues” regarding the petitioner’s Standard & Poor rating. Donna Wong, executive director of Hawaii’s Thousand Friends, testified that the land in question is more valuable as agricultural land than as urban land. Choon James of Laie testified that the commission should “comb through this motion with an uku comb.” Anthony Andrews of the Sierra Club testified that requests for documents regarding water and traffic issues had not been granted. Kudo responded by stating that those requests are in the process of being honored by the developer. Perhaps the most salient analysis of the issue was given by North Shore farmer Meleana Judd, who said: “It’s a shame that it comes down to jobs versus agriculture. Agriculture means jobs.” Before a recess, the LUC voted unanimously to accept the developer’s revised petition, and to find its amended petition “cured” of concerns raised by the LUC. A labor representative was heard to say, when a friend suggested that they take a seat, “I don’t get paid if I sit down.” Today was certainly a victory for the Hoopili developer, as the LUC now has the procedural authority to consider its petition for rezoning agricultural land in Ewa to urban use and has accepted the developer’s revised petition as “cured.” The issue of whether or not the Hoopili project is approved by the LUC is, as yet, unresolved. News Culture Community Friday, July 1 2011 12:35 AM /story/13-sewer-projects-underway-in-july-expect-traffic /story/13-sewer-projects-underway-in-july-expect-traffic HONOLULU—Approximately 122 projects are underway focused on Oahu’s wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and collection system. These projects are part of $533 million of ongoing wastewater projects, including planning, designing, construction, project management and equipment project phases. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services has 13 sewer projects in July that may impact roadways and traffic on Oahu. The projects include: Airport Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Phase 1 -– Rehabilitate/reconstruct defective sewer line and manholes in the vicinity of the Honolulu International Airport between Lagoon Drive and the Kamehameha Wastewater Pump Station. Ala Moana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation –- Sewer rehabilitation work along Ala Moana Boulevard from Keawe Street and Ward Avenue. Beachwalk Wastewater Pump Station to Ala Moana Park Sewer Phase 1, Force Main System -– Installation of a new sewer line along Ala Moana Boulevard (between Atkinson Drive and Ala Wai Canal), and along Ala Wai Boulevard (between Kalakaua Avenue to the dead end of Ala Wai Boulevard). Houghtailing Street Area Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work in Kamehameha Heights area on various streets within the area bordered by North School Street, Kokea Street, Kamalii Street, Aulii Street, Ilima Drive, Makanani Drive, and Kapalama Drive. Kahanu Street, School Street, and Umi Street -– Spot repairs along Dillingham Boulevard, between McNeill Street and Kalihi Street and along Kalihi Street between Dillingham and North King Street. Installation of new sewer lines along Kahanu Street, Puuhale Road, Stanley Street, Wilcox Lane, Umi Street, King Street, and Haunapo Lane between Kalihi Street. Sewer rehabilitation work along School Street between Liliha Street and the School Street (Ewa Bound) off ramp.  Kalakaua Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation –- Open-cut trench digging replacing 1,500 lineal feet of 6- and 8-inch sewer pipe along Kalakaua Avenue between Philip Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. Kalanianaole Highway Sewer System Improvements -– Sewer rehabilitation work along Kalanianaole Highway between Wailupe Beach Park to Kawaikui Beach Park and between Halemaumau Street and Paiko Drive. Rose Street and Kamehameha IV Road, Richard Lane and Linapuni Street Sewer Rehabilitation—Installation of new gravity sewer lines on Rose Street, Kamehameha IV Road, Richard Lane, and Linapuni Street. Saint Louis Heights Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work on various streets with the area bordered by Bertram Street, Kaminaka Drive, Saint Louis Drive, and Dole Street. Sewer Manhole and Pipe Rehabilitation at Various Locations Phase 2 -– Sewer rehabilitation work along Nimitz Highway between Pacific Street, and Sumner Street. Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Phase I/II -– Installation of a gravity sewer line along Olepe Loop, Hekaha, Lokwai, Lii-Ipo, Pahemo, and Kanuku streets. Waipahu Street/Plantation Village Sewer Reconstruction -– Installation of gravity sewer line within Plantation Village. Wilhelmina Rise Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work in Wilhelmina Rise area on various streets within the area bordered by Paula Drive, Lurline Drive, Wilhelmina Rise, Keanu Street, and Claudine Street. News Culture Community Thursday, June 30 2011 9:36 PM /story/hoopili-developer-gets-neighborhood-board-approval-to-build /story/hoopili-developer-gets-neighborhood-board-approval-to-build A developer’s plans to build on more than 1,500 acres of West Oahu farmland has gained unanimous support from the Kapolei Neighborhood Board last night, Hawaii News Now reports. D.R. Horton-Schuler Division’s “Ho’opili” development would be built over a 20 year period on land that includes Aloun Farms. But the developer said more than 250 acres of the farmland will still exist when the building is done. News Culture Community Thursday, June 30 2011 6:57 PM /story/ag-land-supporters-to-rally-against-proposed-hoopili-development /story/ag-land-supporters-to-rally-against-proposed-hoopili-development HONOLULU—Supporters of preserving Oahu’s ag land are preparing to rally against the proposed Hoopili Subdivision in the Honouliuli ahupuaa on the Ewa plains. The subdivision is being pushed by U.S. housing developer D.R. Horton Company. On Thursday, June 30, the State Land Use Commission will be considering D.R. Horton Company’s motion for a second amended petition to rezone 1,555 acres of prime A and B agricultural lands for urban use to build 12,000 houses. The State Department of Agriculture stated that the development would take away 13.7 percent of Oahu’s ag lands. D.R. Horton Company stated in its petition that approximately 10,900 acres of agricultural land would remain available in Kunia and the North Shore (3,150 acres in Kunia and 7,750 acres in the North Shore). Save Oahu Farmlands Alliance (SOFA) is opposed to the development and will be rallying from 8:30 a.m. outside of the Land Commission Meeting held at Leiopapa A Kamehameha building (235 S. Beretania, Room 204) on Thursday, June 30. SOFA states on its website: “[D.R. Horton Company representatives] have ignored and downplayed the critical matters, like food security and perhaps survival of future generations on Oahu in an uncertain age of escalating oil prices. We hope to set the record straight and reveal some truths about the real value of preserving this farmland. ‘Value’ is often not measurable as money. In fact, the most important things in life cannot be valued in monetary terms.” To see the Land Use Commission’s agenda, click here In 1961, the Hawaii State Legislature determined that a lack of adequate controls had caused the development of Hawaii’s limited and valuable land for short-term gain for the few while resulting in long-term loss to the income and growth potential of our State’s economy. Development of scattered subdivisions, creating problems of expensive yet reduced public services, and the conversion of prime agricultural land to residential use, were key reasons for establishing the state-wide zoning system. To administer this state-wide zoning law, the Legislature established the Land Use Commission. The Commission is responsible for preserving and protecting Hawaii’s lands and encouraging those uses to which lands are best suited. Emailed testimony must be sent to luc@dbedt.hawaii.gov by Wednesday, June 29 so that the LUC can process it for the Thursday hearing. Land Use Commission Meeting Thursday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m. Leiopapa A Kamehameha building (235 S. Beretania, Room 204)   News Culture Community Wednesday, June 29 2011 9:07 PM /story/board-of-water-supply-offers-pumpkin-planting-harvesting /story/board-of-water-supply-offers-pumpkin-planting-harvesting HALAWA—The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is offering a pumpkin planting and harvesting workshop on Saturday, July 9 at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. Open to the public, the workshop will allow participants to plant their own pumpkin, and harvest it in time for Halloween on Saturday, October 29. Pumpkins are low water use plants. The workshop will discuss the pumpkin’s life cycle and its “unthirsty” or xeriscape characteristics, complete a pumpkin fun workbook, and enjoy a lively storytelling session. Participants will also have the opportunity to plant pumpkin seeds on “Pumpkin Hill.” Located in Halawa Valley, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden offers educational tours to the public, providing information on plants and practices that conserve water in gardening and landscaping. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Pumpkin Pumpkin Planting Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. Halawa Xeriscape Garden 99-1268 Iwaena St. $5 News Culture Community Friday, June 24 2011 8:17 PM /story/councilmember-berg-to-hold-rail-twon-hall-meeting-wednesday /story/councilmember-berg-to-hold-rail-twon-hall-meeting-wednesday EWA—Honolulu City Councilmember Tom Berg, a vocal opponent to the City’s planned rail transit project, will hold a town meeting to discuss changes to that have developed since the 2008 vote that cleared the way for the project. The meeting will take place Wednesday, June 15 at Ewa Makai Middle School. Among topics to be discussed include major increases in the cost of the project, the proposed route of the rail line, and the likelihood that the project will actually increase traffic congestion on Oahu. Dr. Panos Prevedouros, who has announced plans to run for Honolulu mayor in 2012 on an anti-rail platform, will give a special presentation on the potentially perilous impacts of the project. A University of Hawaii Manoa professor of Civil Engineering, Prevedouros has been among the most vocal opponents to rail transit on Oahu. For more information, visit www.councilmanberg.com. Rail transit town meeting Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. Ewa Makai Middle School News Culture Community Monday, June 13 2011 8:15 PM /story/city-council-committee-to-discuss-neighborhood-matters /story/city-council-committee-to-discuss-neighborhood-matters HONOLULU — On Tuesday, May 3, The Honolulu City Council Parks and Human Services Committee will convene to discuss a variety of bills and measures that are notable for their specificity, and for the genuine, if limited, impact they may have on Honolulu’s civic identity. Resolution 11-111 urges the City Administration to provide a status update on plans for the relocation of trees affected by the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project. The resolution further urges that plans be coordinated in cooperation with the Sierra Club and Outdoor Circle. Bill 13 will regulate the use of “electric personal assistive devices” (i.e. Segways) at parks maintained by the City. Other neighborhood matters to be discussed by the committee include: • A proposed Ewa Beach district park near ocean pointe • An Americans with Disabilities Act playground apparatus • A proposal to reinstall overhead trellises at Sun Yat Sen Mall in Chinatown • The removal of cement barricades at Oneula Beach Park • The viability of outsourcing of parks and facilities maintenance and upkeep • Empowering parks to support special events that stimulate the economy (i.e. sporting events, fishing tournaments, etc.) News Culture Community Friday, April 29 2011 7:12 PM /story/peta-takes-stand-against-sb-249-crashes-capitols-server-with-opposing-e-mai /story/peta-takes-stand-against-sb-249-crashes-capitols-server-with-opposing-e-mai HONOLULU—With one week left in Hawaii’s legislative session, constituents and organizations are going to extraordinary measures in order to get their final messages out to lawmakers before adjournment sine die. One bill receiving an unusually high amount of attention is Senate Bill 249. Introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D), the measure would appropriate funds for the State to acquire the last slaughter house in operation on Oahu, run by Hawaii Livestock Cooperative in Campbell Industrial Park. If the bill is passed, this would be the only state-owned slaughter house in the nation. Hawaii officials are looking to purchase the slaughter house with a proposed $1.6 million. Those against the purchase argue that the State would be in direct competition with privately-owned slaughter houses on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai. Those who are against slaughterhouses in general, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), say that taxpayers shouldn’t have to support the brutal treatment and killing of animals. The majority of the animals slaughtered at the Campbell Industrial Park facility are pigs, with a much smaller amount of cows being brought in for processing. PETA sent approximately 1,000 emails opposing the purchase to Hawaii legislators, an effort that crashed the Capitol’s server, according to Rep. Gil Riviere (R). “At the end of March, we asked PETA members in Hawaii to contact their reps in opposition of bill 249,” Alicia Woempner, PETA special events coordinator, told The Hawaii Independent. “In April, we sent out an email regarding the issue nation wide.” Regarding the 1,000 emails sent to the Capitol, Woempner said: “I guess [the Hawaii’s PETA members] did a good job.” “We’ve asked people to tell their reps that as tax payers they shouldn’t have to subsidize an industry that treats and kills animals in such a terrible way,” Woempner said. “Considering Hawaii’s deficit, it’s bizarre that Hawaii has decided that the best use of State funds is to support the brutal treatment and slaughter of animals.” Along with the State’s projected $1.3 billion budget deficit, Hawaii is making enormous cuts to teen pregnancy prevention, literacy, “homeless” organizations and other areas including pension cuts. Woempner said the $1.6 million does not need to go toward obtaining a slaughterhouse. She added: “We encourage Legislature to support good jobs and other important issues instead of subsidizing an industry that is cruel to animals, dangerous for its workers, and leads to serious health issues in meat consumers. ... We hope Hawaii won’t be setting the president for other states that it’s acceptable to use tax dollars for subsidizing slaughter houses.” Hawaii Livestock Cooperative has faced financial troubles since the purchase of the Campbell Industrial Park slaughterhouse in 2004 from Palama Meat Company, which had filed for bankruptcy. Hawaii Livestock Cooperative’s mortgage of approximately $1.4 million was on borderline foreclosure until the U.S. Department of Agriculture paid off the debt to Central Pacific Bank, and the State granted the company approximately $600,000 two years ago. At a public meeting regarding farming issues, Riviere said: “My position is, if we’re going to make a go at agriculture, we shouldn’t lose the last slaughterhouse on the island.” Russel Kokubun, chair of the Department of Agriculture, said in a March 16 letter to Rep. Clift Tsuji (D), chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, that the State’s acquisition of the slaughterhouse was important for Hawaii to increase food self-sufficiency. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also pointed to food sustainability and food security reasons: “The Oahu facility should remain open to supply locally raised meat to people in Hawaii.” However, the opposition to Senate Bill 249 argues that the slaughterhouse is primarily used to kill pigs brought in from the continental U.S. and overseas. A 2008 State Department of Agriculture report to the 2008 Legislature said that out of the over 15,000 pigs slaughtered in Hawaii, two-thirds are imported live from the continental United States. “I am disturbed to hear of the State government purchasing a slaughterhouse,” said Hawaii Island resident Natasha Hill. “I strongly oppose having my tax dollars support the murder and cruelty of animals and the unsustainable manner of shipping animals oversea to Hawaii for slaughter.” Four years ago, animal rights activists campaigned against pigs being kept in cramped, filthy containers for four-or five-day voyages from the continental United States. They pointed to public records during a one-year period showing that 1.4 percent of the pigs died during the trip, about seven times the death rate of pigs that typically die during transport from point to another in the “mainland,” according to the Honolulu Advertiser. “We are still encouraging people to contact their representatives and let them know they do not support using tax payer’s dollars to support animal cruelty,” Woempner said. Calls made by The Hawaii Independent to Dela Cruz’s office and the Hawaii Livestock Cooperative were unreturned at the time of publication. To see Senate Bill 249, click here News Culture Community Thursday, April 28 2011 9:47 PM