04/24/2008
Wailea 670 update – Preliminary injunction granted by Judge Cardoza
Attorney Lance Collins represented five individuals who questioned whether the County Council acted properly in holding a long succession of recessed meetings, allowing the developer to make comments and participate, but NOT allowing the general public to testify again. On Wednesday morning, April 23, Judge Cardoza agreed and issued a preliminary injunction halting further action on Wailea 670.
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04/14/2008
'Crying' for Water – Anger resurfaces in hearing on East Maui stream flows
During an often highly emotional public meeting late last week on a petition seeking the return of sugar company-controlled water to five perennial streams in East Maui, Native Hawaiian taro farmers made it clear again and again that they need more water to grow their staple crop. The meeting was in response to a petition filed on behalf of local taro farmers seven years ago by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. The petitioners said they actually want to see 27 streams restored. Because most of the streams have been diverted by East Maui Irrigation Co. mauka of Hana Highway, the natural water channels have been left as empty gulches that fill only during downpours.
(Read also a brief report here by Alan Murakami of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation as his offers his perspective on the meeting)
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04/09/2008
Notice of Public Fact Gathering Meeting on
East Maui Stream Restoration Petitions
PLEASE SUPPORT EAST MAUI TARO FARMERS!
Date: April 10, 2008 (Thursday)
Time: 5 PM to 9 PM
Place: Haiku Community Center
The Commission on Water Resources Management is convening a Community Fact Gathering meeting in connection with petitions to restore flow to 27 East Maui streams filed by Na Moku Aupuni O Ko`olau Hui, Beatrice Kekahuna, and Marjorie Wallett.
Following 7 years of delay in acting on petitions to restore stream flow to 27 East Maui Streams, the Commission is asking the public to provide "testimony and additional information," which it can add to its set of Instream Flow Standard Assessment Reports for 5 hydrologic units covering only the following eight (8) streams: Honopou, Hanehoi, Puolua, Pi`ina`au, Palauhulu, Waiokamilo, Wailuanui, and Kulani. The governing statute does NOT require this meeting.
Taro farmers have endured great hardships growing taro without enough water. `O`opu, `opae, hihiwai and other foods once gathered by families from the streams have disappeared because there is no water. Massive diversions by Alexander and Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation (A&B/EMI) have taken all the water out of East Maui streams.
Talking points:
1. A&B has never had to prove what water it diverts is actually needed. The law says the one who takes the water is supposed to prove that what they need does not harm the stream or the small taro farmer.
a. A&B uses 17,000 gallons per day per acre in the wet season and 34,000 gpd per acre in the dry season.
b. A&B diverts an average of 160 million gallons per day (MGD), about as much as all of O`ahu consumes.
2. Native Hawaiians are beneficiaries of the ceded lands trust. Why do its beneficiaries suffer while big companies benefit from a public trust resource?
a. The State of Hawai`i allows A&B to divert over 75% of this water from state ceded lands.
b. A&B pays only 1/5 of 1 cent per 1,000 gallons for East Maui water, while most farmers pay over 35 cents per 1000 gallons for irrigation water.
3. CWRM has had the scientific data, contained in U.S. Geological Survey studies, for the past three years. Why can't CWRM act immediately to restore East Maui streams? CWRM can restore the streams NOW.
4. By law, CWRM is required to act within 180 days of receiving a petition. It's been 7 years since taro farmers filed their petitions. CWRM should act on the petitions NOW.
If you have any comments regarding the need to protect these streams, please prepare to testify in support of restoring these streams for East Maui taro farmers and subsistence gatherers.
Attend a preparatory meeting just prior to the April 10 event at 3:30 PM if you want more information about helping the East Maui farmers and cultural practitioners outside the Haiku Community Center
Alan T. Murakami, Esq.
Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1205
Honolulu, HI 96813
Tel: 808-521-2302
Fax: 808-537-4268
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03/25/2008
Honua'ula debate heated
Even with nearly half of the people signed up to speak leaving before their turn came up, the Maui County Council went into overtime on Tuesday night on a lengthy agenda that included project district zoning for the Honua'ula development. Council members heard more than six hours of testimony, including Kihei residents concerned about the project's impact on traffic; environmentalists warning that it would destroy rare native plants; and union leaders saying Honua'ula would provide critical long-term jobs. There were also speakers contesting proposed appointments to county boards and commissions, and a discussion of key points of the state Sunshine Law by Wailuku attorney Lance Collins - who has filed a suit over the council Land Use Committee's procedures for its continuing review of the Honua'ula bills.
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03/25/2008
PUC increases limits for renewable energy
The move is expected to increase the excess energy fed back into the grid by customers. Residents and businesses with electrical generators powered by renewable sources, such as solar or wind energy, will be allowed to generate more power under a recent ruling by the Public Utilities Commission. The ruling doubles the limit on net energy metering generators to 100 kilowatts for customers on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Current limits of 50 kilowatts remain for Kauai.
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03/25/2008
Kaua‘i opposition to ferry still strong
About 120 Kaua'i residents met with state Department of Transportation officials yesterday and most opposed the return of the Hawaii Superferry to the Garden Isle. The Superferry began service between O'ahu and Kaua'i in August but was soon turned back by protesters on surfboards and in kayaks who blocked the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. More than six months later, opposition remains strong here, at least from those who attended two meetings yesterday at Kaua'i Community College.
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03/05/2008
Ferry opponents appeal Nov. decision, say lawmakers' action was 'special legislation'
Hawaii Superferry opponents filed an appeal of a court decision that has allowed the 350-foot ferry to operate while the state prepares an environmental assessment of ferry-related Kahului Harbor improvements. At issue now is whether Act 2 is unconstitutional. During a special session last year, the Legislature passed the act allowing "large-capacity vessels," such as the ferry, to operate an interisland service pending the completion of an environmental review. The Maui Tomorrow Foundation, the Sierra Club and the Kahului Harbor Coalition have successfully argued in court that an environmental assessment is required for the ferry. Now the ferry opponents contend that Act 2 unconstitutionally circumvents Hawaii's environmental law and is aimed at helping a single business.
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02/14/2008
Ocean of energy – Three wave turbines are planned for Maui waters
Waves near the surfing area known as Jaws, just off Pauwela Point on Maui's northern coast, would be used to generate enough electricity to power about 1,600 homes on the Valley Isle. The plan was announced yesterday by state officials and executives from Oceanlinx, an Australian renewable energy company. The company now is performing preliminary site work, such as environmental assessments, and expects to have the generators in place by 2009.
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02/11/2008
Wailea 670 Update – The Discussion is Not Over
Mahalo for the nearly 40 people who spent many hours at the County building Friday. Although our Council appears very jaded, there were thousands of people watching at home who were inspired to hear all of you speak up for the ‘aina and sensible planning at the Wailea 670 hearing . As a result of your well researched and delivered testimony, several council members are revising conditions to get your suggested language in any Wailea 670 zoning ordinance.
What happens next?
Construction unions made a strong plea for project approval, just as they did in 1992 when the first approvals were given. Unfortunately the 1992 approvals never resulted in any jobs, they only boosted the sell-off price the investors got when they sold to the next group in 1994. Maui County Council will meet Monday Feb 11 to discuss Wailea 670 and possibly vote. If they vote to approve the First Reading of the Wailea 670 rezoning request , swayed by the very emotional testimony of hardworking union members, there is still one more public hearing, possibly Feb 22.
Will an Updated EIS be required?
Maui Tomorrow filed a formal request to ask the Maui Planning Department to require an updated EIS. It may some time for this to be put on the Commission’s agenda. The County is claiming no review is needed. We believe that if the Planning Commission agrees with County Planning staff, the courts may well have a different view.
More Reviews:
Wailea 670 still has several other regulatory reviews ahead. It is clear that 6 of our council members currently believe that this project is really about affordable housing, tax revenues and keeping union members at work. What can we do to let them know that this is not the real story?
‘Onipa’a: Do not Give up!
Every effort that has brought positive change on Maui has required a long commitment
Keep speaking up. Do your research. Talk to your friends and family in the building trades to find out what’s really going on? Have lots of mainland workers come over in the past two years and created a workforce that is much larger than 5 years ago? Are there many new projects that are not hiring union workers? Let’s get the truth and offer our Council some choices that make sense for our workforce and our irreplaceable resources. IMUA!
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01/24/2008
$350,000 tugboat service needed to support Superferry
The state Department of Transportation said 10 weeks of daily tugboat service — at a cost of $350,000 — is needed at Kahului Harbor to support Hawaii Superferry operations. The tug service is necessary to keep a state-owned barge snug against the end of Pier 2C during ocean surges and to provide safe loading and unloading of passengers and vehicles, according to a request filed Friday to exempt the contract from state procurement rules. Without the assistance, the state could be liable for damage claims by the Superferry of $18,000 a day if it cannot meet its obligation to provide barges with mooring systems to enable ferry operations, the request said.
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01/18/2008
Superferry traffic far below estimates
'Emergency situation' cited by company in letter to state agency
The Hawaii Superferry is in an "emergency situation" with so few passengers that its ability to continue running between Oahu and Maui is imperiled, according to a letter written last month by attorneys for the Superferry.
The Superferry vessel Alakai, which can seat 866 passengers, is averaging only 150 passengers per day, far below its planned ridership of 410, according to the Dec. 21 letter from Superferry attorneys Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. The letter was sent to the state Public Utilities Commission requesting an extension of the Superferry's $39 one-way promotional fares through June 5.
Attorney Audrey Ng wrote that Hawaii Superferry "must increase its business immediately" to address weak bookings, interisland airline competition and continuing litigation and protests; to pay for fixed expenses as well as to compensate for repeated delays; and to start a second Maui trip.
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01/16/2008
Fighting invasive species in Hawai‘i
Invasive species have been a problem in Hawai'i since the first Polynesians set foot on these Islands, bringing rats and pigs that centuries later continue to threaten fragile and unique ecosystems.
The onslaught of imported pests has only multiplied as subsequent arrivals introduced new plants, animals and bugs to Hawai'i - sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose.
The recent controversy over the Hawaii Superferry, the state's newest mode of interisland travel, spotlighted the invasive-species issue and exposed weaknesses in prevention and control programs that are likely to be discussed during the upcoming 24th Legislature, according to state Rep. Clifton Tsuji, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
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01/07/2008
Hawaii, ferry at odds in ’04 over environment
Staff at the state Department of Transportation told Hawaii Superferry in October 2004 that a statewide environmental assessment would be required for the new interisland ferry service. But Superferry executives resisted and, within two days, scaled back the project in a calculated attempt to get an exemption from the state's environmental review law, state records show.
Some in the department not only thought Superferry should be responsible for doing an environmental assessment — one described it as the "right thing to do" — but also seriously considered doing an environmental review of the state's $40 million in harbor improvements for Superferry.
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01/05/2008
Superferry announces second trip to Maui
Hawaii Superferry’s announcement Friday of a second round-trip voyage this month between Maui and Oahu riled critics, who questioned the ferry’s traffic impacts and the greater risk of nighttime whale collisions.
“It’s timing is really bad for Maui, proving once again that this is for Oahu people, not Maui people,” said Karen Chun, Web master for Save Kahului Harbor, which organized ferry protests last month.
The second trip between the islands doesn’t help Maui residents because they couldn’t go to Oahu, spend some time there and return the same day, Chun said.
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12/31/2007
Water Advisory Committee meetings
The ninth meeting of the Water Advisory Committee (WAC) for the Central Maui District and a joint meeting of for the Central and Upcountry WAC's are scheduled in the month of January as follows:
Central District Ninth Meeting:
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Haynes Meeting Room
Joint Special Meeting:
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Door of Faith Church, Huelo
The primary subject of the ninth Central District meeting is presentation of some of the results of the ongoing analysis of the Final Candidate Strategies for the Central Maui District. An agenda is enclosed.
A joint meeting of the Central and Upcountry WAC's is scheduled in Huelo on a Sunday afternoon for the convenience of residents in the Haiku and Honopou areas. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information and hear concerns regarding the impacts of the Central and Upcountry District resource development strategies on the Haiku and Honopou areas. A proposed agenda for this meeting is attached.
Please note that the tentatively scheduled January 9 meeting for the Upcountry District Water Advisory Committee is postponed until February to allow our WUDP consultant additional time to conduct analysis of the Upcountry District Final Candidate Strategies. The next following meetings for the Upcountry and Central Districts are now scheduled in February as follows. The locations and times of these meetings will be confirmed later in January.
Upcountry District Ninth Meeting: Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Central District Eleventh Meeting: Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thank you for your interest and participation in the Water Use and
Development Plan process.
Jeffrey K. Eng, Director
Department of Water Supply
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12/29/2007
Ferry halts for third day
Strong winds and high seas have pushed the Hawaii Superferry back into port for the third straight day today and could keep it there tomorrow, officials said. While ferry officials canceled hundreds of passengers' trips between Maui and Oahu this week, they say that they expected days like this during the month of December.
"When we came into this market, we knew that there would be days that we would be canceling due to sea conditions," said Terry O'Halloran, Superferry director of business development. "From the data we've gathered, December historically has the highest sea conditions." O'Halloran declined to say how much money the Superferry is losing because of the cancellations.
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12/22/2007
Superferry protesters shift focus
Protesters of the Hawaii Superferry made their largest showing yet Saturday morning and likely their last for the foreseeable future, organizers said. Irene Bowie, executive director of Maui Tomorrow, announced that they instead intend to contest the high-speed ferry's operations with an appeal to the Hawaii Supreme Court - which previously ruled that an environmental assessment should be completed on the ferry operation using state harbors.
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12/10/2007
Herbivore Enhancement Area to strengthen reef
At a Fish Identification Network event at Kakekili Beach in Ka'anapali in October, "finnies" learned that what they were seeing in their fish counts was evidence of how fish diversity suffers when invasive algal species take the place of endemic species in a coral reef.
"The alien algae problem can be a symptom and a cause of reef degradation," explains Darla White, a marine biologist who works with community groups to develop volunteer monitoring protocols derived from Department of Aquatic Resources (DAR) data sets.
"An Herbivore Enhancement Area (HEA) is not going to work for every reef," she explains. The health of the reef differs from site to site for different reasons." However, in some areas, enhancing the herbivore population can curtail the growth of invasive algal and restore the health of the reef, she said.
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12/10/2007
State water commission will hold meetings in Maui County
The state Commission on Water Resource Management will hold three meetings in Maui County this month as part of proposed revisions to the state Water Resources Protection Plan. Originally prepared in 1990, the updated plan draft takes into account new and better information such as hydrologic data and land-use changes. It also includes policies set by the commission and/or the Hawaii Supreme Court.
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12/05/2007
Damage at Kahului Harbor forces a second cancellation of the Superferry's Maui route
The Hawaii Superferry was forced to cancel its startup Oahu-Maui run for the second time due to damage to Kahului Harbor improvements from wave action. This time, mooring posts tied by lines to the docking barge were pulled from the pier by unusually high waves Monday. It will take at least three days to reset just one of the posts.
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12/05/2007
Ethanol Craze Cools As Doubts Multiply
Little over a year ago, ethanol was winning the hearts and wallets of both Main Street and Wall Street, with promises of greater U.S. energy independence, fewer greenhouse gases and help for the farm economy. Today, the corn-based biofuel is under siege. In the span of one growing season, ethanol has gone from panacea to pariah in the eyes of some. The critics, which include industries hurt when the price of corn rises, blame ethanol for pushing up food prices, question its environmental bona fides and dispute how much it really helps reduce the need for oil.
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12/02/2007
Irrational fear sustains taboo on handy hemp
A federal judge recently ruled in a court case that, "Industrial hemp may not be the terrible menace the DEA makes it out to be, but industrial hemp is still considered to be a Schedule I controlled substance under the current state of the law in this circuit and throughout the country."
In a presidential election year, it is highly unlikely that Congress will exercise the leadership to authorize America's farmers to grow industrial hemp. Yet hemp commercial products can reduce America's carbon footprint and help to combat climate change.
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11/30/2007
Rally for Maui guidelines
The Maui Police Department, DLNR, Maui Tomorrow, and Save Kahului Harbor have met to determine areas where Dec. 8th’s Rally for Maui can be held in a safe and legal manner. MPD emphasized their job is to insure both legal behavior toward Hawaii Superferry and its passengers and protect the First Amendment rights of Maui citizens wishing to participate in this event.
Rally participants must stay 6' back from the edge of the motorway pavement and 50 feet back from traffic signals while sign waving. MPD will mark these 50' lines. Most sidewalks are set back 6 feet with the exception of a few areas where the sidewalk is next to the road. In those cases, rally participants must stay on the back half of sidewalks.
It is illegal and unsafe to stand on the median, in the road or on traffic islands.
On the parts of North Pu'unene Ave. (across from First Hawaiian Bank) without sidewalks, the yellow barriers mark the 6 foot setback. Pedestrians should not step into the road and cross only at crosswalks. The beach area of Kahului Harbor will also be open to the public.
We ask rally participants to please not impact the area’s businesses (First Hawaiian Bank, Century 21 and the Hideaway) and not park cars in their lots or block their driveways, entrances or interfere with pedestrian traffic.
We remind everyone that this is to be a safe and lawful event and encourage participants to engage only in legal and peaceful activities on behalf of Maui Nui.
Irene Bowie
Executive Director
Maui Tomorrow Foundation, Inc.
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11/28/2007
Reef woes, injuries tied to fish feeding
Until only recently, it was not uncommon for snorkelers or scuba divers to bring a can of Easy Cheese, pizza crust or peas with them on an underwater adventure. The fish would come in swarms to eat out of the swimmers' hands. But after decades of hand-feeding fish, environmentalists and charter operators said something went wrong: The fish became habituated or addicted to getting the food. Sometimes the fish were so well fed that they refused to graze off of the reefs' natural algae and seaweed.
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11/28/2007
Security for ferry upsets protesters
Hawaii Superferry opponents are crying foul over the Coast Guard's security plans for the ferry's return to Maui next week. Maui Tomorrow Executive Director Irene Bowie said the security zone around the Superferry is broader than she expected and appears to be overkill given the absence of civil disobedience on the Valley Isle.
"I'm stunned by the heavy-handedness of this," she said. "I think with this there's going to be a lot more people alienated."
Vessels and surfboards could be confiscated and violators arrested on a felony charge if a security zone is breached around the Superferry as it completes its Oahu-Maui transit into Kahului Harbor starting Dec. 6, the Coast Guard warned yesterday in announcing security plans for the ferry's return.
A protest at the harbor is scheduled for Dec. 8. Gov. Linda Lingle said she does not have concerns about protests on Maui. "Generally speaking, I think people will respect the law," she said.
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11/27/2007
Rally for Maui – Let Your Voice Be Heard
Rally for Maui – Let Your Voice Be Heard has been rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Due to an operations delay Hawaii Superferry announced today that damage to their barge in Kahului Harbor is greater than previously thought and the ferry’s start date has been moved back to Thursday, Dec. 6. Because of widespread public interest in turning out for this rally it has been decided to hold the event on Saturday, 12/8 rather than Thursday, 12/6, so that more people may attend. Updated information on Rally for Maui will be available at www.maui-tomorrow.org and at www.savekahuluiharbor.com
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11/24/2007
At Waihe'e beach, healing begins at the bottom of the food chain
The Waihe'e Limu Restoration Project is the story of a dedicated Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) inspiring her community to restore a reef she came to know through the stories of her tutu wahine. Not a native of Maui herself, Barrows raised her children at Waihe'e Beach and saw what happens to the herbivorous fish population when a major food source-limu-becomes scarce. Opportunistic fish in the food chain, including sharks, fill the niche that the herbivores once occupied.
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11/24/2007
Honua'ula wins committee OK
With a 6-2 vote, the Maui County Council Land Use Committee ended months of deliberation Tuesday and recommended approval of the Honua'ula housing development. Listed on the Kihei-Makena Community Plan as the Wailea 670 project, the Honua'ula revision has drawn hundreds of residents to committee meetings to speak for and against the development plans. The Land Use Committee report, with its recommendation for approval of the zoning bills, probably will go to the full council for action by the second council meeting in December, according to Land Use Chairman Mike Molina. The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 21.
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11/24/2007
AG Lands and the 'M' Word
Jo Anne Johnson, West Maui's County Council representative, has seen enough. "We've lost sight of our community plan," she said recently before boldly going where few have ventured before-to proposing a moratorium on agricultural subdivisions in her district until traffic impact fees are adopted. "There's no planning going on," Johnson said. "Just sprawl."
Johnson is quick to note that her proposed bill is not a "takings" and wouldn't prevent owners from farming their property. She knows this is just a temporary step-and probably an unpopular one with many-to stimulate discussion and begin to address existing problems.
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11/19/2007
Bad reviews sink Molokai EIS
Those critical of Molokai Ranch's proposed luxury development at Laau cheered yesterday after the large landowner withdrew its environmental impact study during a state Land Use Commission hearing. Ranch representatives said they are still committed to developing the project but wanted to revise the 3,000-page study because of public criticisms. The commission's pending staff report, usually read at the end of the hearing, would have been unfavorable, according to one of the commissioners.
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11/19/2007
Superferry's Kahului barge breaks loose
Just after a Maui judge said the ferry Alakai could soon resume operating in Kahului Harbor on Wednesday, the docking barge that serves the ferry snapped a mooring cable and began pounding the end of Pier 2. Only minor damage was inflicted before harbor tugs were able to first stabilize the barge and then move it up against the side of Pier 2, away from the end of the dock where an early-winter swell apparently was more than it could handle.
The incident opened a question about the viability of the ferry operations at Kahului, which is subject to severe north swells during the winter months. The occasions were reckoned to be few. But the huge barge got in trouble in the first north swell it encountered, and it wasn't a big swell.
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11/19/2007
Hawaii Superferry readying for protests
As the Hawaii Superferry prepares to sail again after winning challenges in court and at the state Capitol, the company now faces its most daunting obstacle -- more protests in the water. The Coast Guard has been thrust into the middle of the emotional showdown and is now being forced into the difficult, unusual and possibly dangerous task of arresting Americans. Coast Guard personnel previously failed to provide safe passage for the vessel as protesters heckled and splashed them with water. But the Coast Guard has repeatedly warned it will take immediate action next time around.
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11/14/2007
Public meeting on Kihei beach park closures
The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a community meeting to seek public input on park closing hours in the Kihei area; the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kihei Community Center on Lipoa Street.
Representatives from the County Parks and Recreation Dept., Maui Police Dept., Corporation Counsel, Maui County Council, Maui Tomorrow and the Ohana Coalition will be present to express their respective positions. The community meeting, which will be facilitated by Parks Dept. administrative staff member Sue Kiang, will allow participants to explore the topic more thoroughly in break-out groups.
"Due to public interest in extending the hours at some parks, we are initiating a community partnership to examine the request," said Tamara Horcajo, Dept. of Parks and Recreation director. "We look forward to establishing a working relationship with interested citizens to determine the most appropriate times and places for consideration."
For more information, contact the Maui County Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 270-7626.
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11/12/2007
1st Annual Maui Water Resources Forum
UH-Maui Community College will be hosting the 1st Annual Maui Water Resources Forum on the MCC Campus December 7th-8th.
The event will be an educational forum intended to raise the Maui community's awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding our island's water resources. The event will bring together entities and individuals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors of Maui in order to present the multiple perspectives and major issues associated with water resources on Maui.
Attendance to the event is open to the public. Food and light entertainment will be provided. Please contact Alex de Roode with the Sustainable Living Insitute of Maui (SLIM) regarding attendance, participation, and sponsorship opportunities. A detailed agenda for the event will be posted shortly.
Aloha and mahalo,
Alex de Roode
Executive Director
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) www.sustainablemaui.org
E-mail: deroode@hawaii.edu
+1 (808) 984-3379 (office)
+1 (808) 268-7589 (cell)
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11/12/2007
Molina says committee will vote on Honua'ula
Maui County Council Land Use Chairman Mike Molina said Thursday that his committee should be prepared to vote next week on whether to approve or disapprove the zoning request for the Honua'ula project district. He announced his intention to close months of deliberation on the proposed project when the Land Use Committee reconvenes beginning Tuesday evening.
"In my opinion, I think we've reached the saturation point," Molina said, referring to piles of documents and countless hours of debate and questions over the proposed 1,400-unit project district in South Maui.
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11/12/2007
Workshop: Let's Plan our Island's Future
This Tuesday, November 13, the Kula Community Association's General Meeting will have an exciting program, "Let's Plan our Island's Future" at the Kula Community Center from 7pm - 9pm. We encourage you to get involved.
Since the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is developing Maui Island's General Plan during the next few months, most of the evening will be devoted to involving participants in a workshop to explore our island's preferred future. The input of participants will assist the Kula Community Association Board in making it's recommendations to the General Plan Advisory Committee.
The audience will break up into groups to explore important issues, such as: desired types of communities, transportation, affordable and senior housing, water-use, location of future developments, agricultural lands, preservation of a high quality environment, and conversion of lands to more intensive uses. Hopefully, the groups will be able to make some useful recommendations or formulate helpful guidelines.
KCA Board and GPAC Member Dick Mayer is expecting to hear from participants as to what are their priorities. 'We need to know what the residents want the future of Maui to be like." The participants will also be asked to describe additional issues that could be the subject for further discussion.
Kula Community Association Vice-President Gina Flammer said, "Let's not have others tell us what changes should take place and what are the important issues. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our upcountry residents to look at planning issues that will go beyond the upcountry region to cover our whole island."
The Kula Community Association seeks to encourage both a deeper understanding of changes taking place on Maui and the creation of plans to prepare for our island's future. It should be both an educational and pleasant evening with your neighbors! The usual great refreshments will be served. Call 878-1874 for information.
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11/12/2007
Panel to discuss ag subdivisions reviews
A bill to require County Council review of all agricultural subdivisions will be discussed at a council Planning Committee session at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the Council Chambers, Planning Chairwoman Gladys Baisa said. The committee will also consider whether a county policy is needed on agricultural tourism and will include a review of a law on the subject passed by the state Legislature. Information on the committee agenda is available by calling the committee staff at 270-7663.
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11/05/2007
Renewable not the same as sustainable
As Maui rushes to embrace alternative energy, a local group has formed to push a bottom-up approach to sustainability. Kelly King, who put together the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, presented it to about 20 people at a meeting of the Kahului Kiwanis Club this week. At the heart of her view is the distinction between "renewable" and "sustainable."
"Renewable energy isn't always sustainable. People are starting to figure that out," King said.
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11/05/2007
Winds of change blow for Maui's energy future
Hawai'i relies on imported fuels more than any other U.S. state, with about 90 percent of energy production coming from imported petroleum. This should serve as a poignant reminder for residents that Hawai'i is geographically vulnerable and needs to pursue locally abundant renewable resources like solar and wind power.
These are among the topics for discussion at the Maui County Energy Expo 2007, to be held Nov. 7-9 at the Grand Wailea Hotel & Spa. The symposium, titled "Green Power, Green Future," should provide an informative forum of current and proposed energy solutions, conventional fossil fuel systems and renewable options.
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11/02/2007
Superferry might return in 2 weeks
Legislators approve measure, protesters say they will be back
The state Legislature gave final approval yesterday to a bill allowing the Hawaii Superferry to sail while an environmental study is completed.
Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to sign it, and the Superferry's top executive says he is hopeful the service can be running again by Nov. 15.
Superferry Chief Executive Officer John Garibaldi says there still are some procedural hurdles to overcome, but the company will immediately begin work on its restart plan.
A Kauai protest leader said his group expects the bill will result in more crowds and more protesters when the Superferry returns to the neighbor islands.
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11/01/2007
House gives final OK to Hawaii Superferry bill
The state House yesterday gave final approval to a bill to help Hawaii Superferry resume service as several lawmakers asked Gov. Linda Lingle and Superferry executives to join them in trying to heal divisions over the project. The House voted 39-11 in favor of allowing the ferry to resume service under operating conditions to protect whales and deter the spread of invasive species while the state conducts an environmental review. The state Senate passed the bill 20-5 on Monday. Lingle is expected to sign the bill into law. Superferry executives hope to hire back the 249 workers furloughed last month and restart ferry service by Nov. 15.
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11/01/2007
Legislature bails out Superferry
Casting sustainability aside, the legislature exempts high-speed ferry from keystone environmental review law
The Hawai`i State Legislature, operating on a threat from Hawai`i Superferry that they will leave the state if they are not granted a special privilege to circumvent Hawaii’s environmental law, passed a bill permitting the Superferry to begin operations before an environmental review is complete. Throughout the special session called by Governor Linda Lingle expressly to bail out the Superferry, the Sierra Club argued that the session sets an unfair and dangerous precedent, damages Hawaii’s three-decade old environmental protection act, and may expose Hawaii’s environment to irreparable harms.
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10/31/2007
Planning commission action on Montana Beach affirmed
Circuit Judge Shackley Raffetto has affirmed a Maui Planning Commission decision to uphold former Planning Director John Min's withdrawal of SMA exemptions from the Montana Beach project. In an order issued Oct. 2, Raffetto ruled that the owners of the condominium units could not rely on "so-called 'long standing policy' and/or oral employee assurances" from county staff, since in this case "both are against the law."
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10/31/2007
Final vote for Hawaii Superferry nears
A compromise bill that would allow Hawaii Superferry to resume service while the state conducts an environmental review is ready for a final vote tomorrow after the state Senate approved it yesterday and state House committees moved it to the House floor.
The state Senate voted 20-5 in favor of the bill but several senators voted with reservations because they were uncomfortable about coming back into special session to overturn the courts and help Superferry. The House committees sent the Senate's version to the floor without any changes, but only after lawmakers spent much of the afternoon and evening questioning Gov. Linda Lingle and the Superferry's president on the circumstances that led to a special session.
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08/30/2007
Trust for Public Land Development Director
August 27, 2007
The Hawaii office of the Trust for Public land seeks to hire a State Development Director, someone with fundraising/development background. Pay is dependent upon experience. The job description is posted at this link:
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=21788&folder_id=176
For more information, contact:
Lea Hong
Hawaiian Islands Program Director
Trust for Public Land
212 Merchant Street, Suite 320
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-524-8563 (direct)
808-783-3653 (mobile)
(808)-524-8565 (fax)
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08/15/2007
Maui water meets state, federal standards
Annual Water Quality Monitoring Results reported to consumers around Maui County in July show all water systems are in compliance with state and federal standards, Department of Water Supply officials said Thursday. The reports sent to consumers last month indicate some contamination by agricultural chemicals in two systems, and contamination by a number of naturally occurring substances - barium, chromium and nitrates. But testing of water at sources and in the distribution systems found none of the chemicals exceeded or even approached the allowable maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency or the state Department of Health.
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08/15/2007
USGS Central Maui Ground-Water Availability Study
This is to inform you that the next liaison committee meeting for the USGS Central Maui Ground-Water Availability Study will be held on Friday, August 24th at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku, Maui.
Agenda:
Introductions
Overview of study objectives and timeline
Status of Iao and Waihee aquifer areas
USGS report on effects of agricultural land use and rainfall on ground-water recharge
Estimates of ground-water recharge from streams
Ground-water modeling progress, preliminary results, and future plans
Calibration
Effects of recharge and drought
Effects of new wells and redistributed pumping
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07/24/2007
Tree holds promise for future of biofuel
Unused land on the Waianae Coast and other areas of the state could one day be green with plants grown for fuel to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported oil. That's the hope of researchers who are trying to determine if biofuel crops have the potential to re-engergize Hawaii's agriculture industry. The University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center are growing test plots of jatropha, a plant that is already being used to make biodiesel in India. But what's yet to be determined is whether the crops will be profitable for farmers.
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07/24/2007
Ahihi-Kinau reserve management to be discussed at public meeting
A public informational meeting about new management activities in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's education center in Kihei. The management effort began this month and involves increased public outreach and education by rangers, naturalists and volunteers. According to the reserve staff, many of the actions by visitors that impact the reserve are due to lack of knowledge of the sensitive area.
In addition, the Action Ahihi Program is seeking volunteers to assist with the outreach and education efforts at areas of the reserve subjected to heavy use. Roving naturalists are needed at Kanehena Cove and at an information station. Volunteer training sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 2 at the Sanctuary Education Center. An in-the-field training will follow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 4 at the reserve.
To register for the training, contact Emily Carlson, sanctuary volunteer programs and outreach coordinator, at 879-2818, ext. 102, or send e-mail to: emily.carlson@noaa.gov
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07/22/2007
Wailea 670 – What's in a name?
In traditional Hawaiian life, a name was often very important. A place name like Wailea, for example, told a story. In one more generation, few will recall that Wailea once referred to a small spring and the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing settlement on Wailea Point. Fewer still will recall the place name Kahamanini, referring to the abundance of reef fish in nearby waters. Who will remember that Wailea is part of the ahupua'a of Paeahu?
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07/19/2007
Proposed Maui Development Maps
See our page of arial photo maps with a list of downloadable files that show most of the committed, designated, and proposed developments in each of the six community plan districts of Maui Island as of April 2007
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07/17/2007
Bark in the Park
Pet Walk and Family Fundraiser to benefit the programs and services of the Maui Humane Society with Emcee Augie T. You and your pet will enjoy a howling good time with contests, demonstrations, food, fun and prizes.
August 18th, 7-11AM at the Keopuolani Boy’s and Girl’s Club
Register at www.mauihumanesociety.org
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07/16/2007
KOKUA HALEAKALA
Haleakala National Park needs volunteers for trail maintenance, visitor assistance, weed control, cultural demonstrations, library work and clerical help. Transportation from Makawao available. Apply at www.nps.gov/hale/supportyourpark/volunteer-opportunities.htm. Call (808) 572-4487.Hawaii Nature Center - Iao Valley, Maui
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07/16/2007
PINE TREE PULLERS
Help remove invasive pines near Maui's Hosmer Grove, 9 a.m.-noon Sundays. Transportation provided at 7:30 a.m. from Harbor Shops, Ma'alaea, and 8:15 a.m. from Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani. Closed footwear required; bring water and lunch. Reserve space by calling (808) 856-8341.
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07/13/2007
Kaulana Na Wai `Eha: Restoring Maui's famous streams
Beginning tonight at 5 pm, a half hour program (Kaulana Na Wai `Eha: Restoring Maui's famous streams) will air on Akaku (Channel 53) to share the story of Hui o Na Wai `Eha and Maui Tomorrow Foundation's efforts to restore life-giving water to Waikapu, `Iao, Waiehu and Waihe`e streams in Central Maui, which are traditionally known as Na Wai `Eha or the Four Great Waters. Agricultural plantations (and former ag interests) have drained Na Wai `Eha Streams dry for over a century. Community groups are now working to return public trust resources to public management to protect and restore their quality of life for present and future generations. This is their story.
The program will also air on Channel 53 on:
July 19th at 5:30 pm
July 27th at 10 am
July 31 at 6 pm, and
August 8th at 9:30 pm
Feel free to share the good news with your friends and family.
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07/13/2007
Palm Oil Firms Burning Indonesian Forests
Palm oil companies are burning peat forests to clear land for plantations in Indonesia's Riau province, despite government pledges to end forest fires, environment group Greenpeace said on Thursday. Forest fires are an annual menace for Indonesia and the country's neighbours, who have grown deeply frustrated at the apparent lack of success in curbing the dry-season blazes and vast smoke clouds, or haze, that smothers the region.
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07/02/2007
Superferry case goes to Hawai‘i Supreme Court
The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear Oral Argument on whether the Hawai'i Superferry was illegally granted an exemption from Chapter 343 of the Hawai'i revised statutes which requires an Environmental Impact Statement for projects using public funds. This is an appeal of 2nd Circuit Court Judge Cardoza's earlier ruling. The case has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on August 15, 2007.
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06/17/2007
Beach unit condemnation sought
The Office of Corporation Counsel has asked the County Council to consider acquiring the last unit in the Montana Beach condominium through eminent domain and condemnation. The county is locked in court with Asghar Sadri, who claims in a federal civil rights lawsuit that he is suffering a loss of up to $20 million in being blocked from using his property. That does not mean he thinks his beachfront lot is, by itself, worth $20 million. He is claiming damages from being unable to use his property for the past six years.
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06/02/2007
Maui Tomorrow and County of Maui Move Forward with their Case
Judge Joel August ruled that the Hawaii Department of Transportation's FONSI (Finding of NO significant impact) for the changes at Kahului Harbor was insufficient. He stated specifically that the examination of traffic issues was inadequate.
This is the case in which Maui Tomorrow, the Kahului Harbor Coalition and the County of Maui have joined together as plaintiffs, charging that the State's (Environmental Assessment) was incomplete.
Judge August asked that the parties come before him on Thursday, August 2 to determine what relief measures can be required.
Although this decision does not directly involve the Hawaii Superferry "ship", the necessary traffic study will have to examine the impact of the HSF operations bringing up to 280 vehicles into the affected area two time each day (mid-mornings and evenings), and the loading of up to an additional 280 vehicles onto the ferry.
Furthermore, it is expected that there will be many other vehicles (taxis, busses, rental vehicles, etc.) delivering and picking up Hawaii Superferry passengers. The traffic study will also have to consider the closing of the road between Pier 2 and Pier 1 because that was caused by the Superferry's need for space.
Finally, to get a proper analysis of traffic impacts, it will be necessary to include the huge 450 residential housing unit and commercial center that is soon to be constructed on the site of the Old Kahului Shopping Center (where Ah Fooks burnt down).
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05/31/2007
How to register for Superferry Traffic Simulation
Call 249-8811 (Pacific Whale Foundation). Wait till after all the phone prompts.
The operator will take your name and let you know where to stage:
- End of Puunene Ave, next to Cary& Eddy’s Hideaway Restaurant ,
- At back of Maui Mall parking lot, near DMV, or
- At Kahului Shopping Center parking lot (old Ah Fook’s)
From staging areas cars will be given numbered signs (provided by Pacific Whale Foundation)
- Traffic simulating Superferry off-loading will flow:
from N. Puunene Ave. onto S. Puunene Ave.,
and left onto Hana Hwy. heading east.
- Traffic simulating vehicles loading the Supergerry will flow:
from S. Puunene Ave. onto N. Puunene Ave.,
and west on Hana Hwy onto N. Puunene Ave.
Staging begins at 9 am
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05/28/2007
Take a tour of dunes, wetlands
Maui Coastal Land Trust has scheduled a free, guided three-hour walk through the Waihe'e coastal dunes and wetlands refuge on June 2 beginning at 9 a.m.
The event is open to the public, but call (808) 244-5263 for reservations.
"This is a terrific opportunity to see an incredible coastal dunes and wetlands complex, which was once the site of ancient Hawaiian villages, an extensive inland fishpond and several heiau," said Dale Bonar, executive director of the Maui Coastal Land Trust, which owns and manages the property.
The 277-acre site will be restored as an environmental, cultural, historic and educational treasure.
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05/26/2007
Please Participate in Superferry Protest And Traffic Simulation Demonstration
When 110 cars drive off the Superferry and onto Ka'ahumanu Avenue each morning while another 110 cars wait to drive onto the ferry, exactly what sort of traffic jam will result?
That's the question that Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. hope to answer with a live traffic simulation that will be conducted on Friday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The traffic simulation will be conducted in conjunction with a sign-waving protest along Ka'ahumanu Avenue.
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05/25/2007
Kahului Harbor Squeeze Play
On Wednesday May 30, 2007 the Wailuku Mainstreet Association Inc, Tri-Isle Resource Center will be hosting a Small Town Forum entitled : Kahului Harbor Squeeze Play. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss harbor uses, accessibility, affordability and how to plan for the future of the harbor. The meeting will be held at Good Shepard Episcopal Church (just below Wailuku McDonalds) in the meeting hall (2140 Main Street, Wailuku). The church requests that you park in the municipal lot next to the church.
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05/25/2007
Renewable Energy Lab blessed at Hana School
Hana high school students have built what one of them called the "green shack." Not the kind made from coconut fronds with bamboo framing but the other kind of green building, the more high-tech one, an energy-saving structure with photovoltaic panels, a windmill and solar hot water system. The Alternative Energy Lab was erected by about 40 students in the Hana School Building Program Ma Ka Hana Ke 'Ike ("In Working, One Learns") and blessed by Solomon "Uncle Bully" Kahalewai Hoopai last week in a ceremony attended by about 250 students, school staff and community members.
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05/25/2007
Dry Molokai has little enough water, none at all for La'au Point
Molokai has a long history of drought relative to the neighboring islands. Molokai is very arid, and for this very reason was bypassed in the late 1700s and 1800s by sailing ships looking to replenish their water supplies.
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05/23/2007
Maui Tomorrow dedicated to responsible planning
Maui Tomorrow Foundation Inc. thanks The Maui News for its coverage of the May 14 public forum, "Wailea 670 and South Maui Development, How Much is Too Much?" However, we would like to clarify that our organization's mission is not "anti-development" but rather is dedicated to the promotion of responsible planning and sustainable growth for Maui County.
The purpose of the public forum was not to attack the Wailea 670 plan, but rather to inform the public of what the impacts would be from the project as currently proposed. Issues of water usage, increased traffic congestion and loss of endangered native plants are worthy of discussion. As Charlie Jencks and Wailea 670 consultants have been allowed ample time to present this project to the County Council - half-hour presentations versus three minutes allowed for public testimony - we believed this was an opportunity to hear and consider another perspective.
As part of Maui Tomorrow's mission we work to promote, sponsor and participate in educational and community programs, seminars and other functions related to best development practices and an informed public. Without vigorous discussion, Maui County will continue to get whatever developers propose rather than thoughtful and manageable growth.
Maui Tomorrow believes the environment truly is our economy and remains dedicated to responsible planning and sound management of Maui's natural and cultural resources.
Irene Bowie
Executive Director
Maui Tomorrow Foundation Inc.
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05/25/2007
Maui Permaculture Network news
Maui Permaculture Network
Sunday, May 27th, 2007 – 9am - 1pm-ish
Site Visit: to Claire's Door of Faith Permaculture Home, "Soul Nest"
Starting with Intro to Permaculture Principles
Site tour of living examples of the principles. Pot Luck to follow with local organic greens, salads, coconuts and pupus.
Trash-free event; Please bring your own utensils, plates/bowls.
This network is intended for us to empower each other on our journey to creating more regenerative lives and homes on our island and beyond, as our example and influence are felt on Maui and shared in rippling waves beyond our shores. Come explore the possibilities. Children are welcome and we are honored to have them here.
Donations of $10+ for members will be very welcome and appreciated. First meeting is free naturally!
Directions:
Coming from Paia... Take Hana Hwy to Door of Faith Road, turn towards ocean. (Look for MPN signs & circle paintings to follow...)
Left at Kaulanapueo Church ("Haven of the owl"), 2nd church, on your left. Left at fork, bear right down the hill. Left at the bottom. Right at the first road on your right. Follow signs to KLARITY, welcoming you to our eleventh Maui Permaculture Network Gathering.
Let's continue creating a web of positive human influence on our island of infinite power & beauty. Maui no ka oi!
MPN Announcements: ABUNDANCE EXCHANGE will be in full effect May 27th, so bring it! Exchanging organic produce and goodies, and all good things....local art, growers and services announcements welcome. Dogs are welcome, only if you call first to arrange. For more info and photos of permaculture see:
www.zaadz.com
www.klarity.org
www.sbpermaculture.org
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05/21/2007
How Much is Too Much?
Watch the AKAKU broadcast of the Wailea 670/South Maui Development forum held in Kihei on May 14, to be broadcast on AKAKU Channel 54:
Monday, May 21 8:30pm-10:30pm
Tuesday, May 22 8:30pm-10:30pm
Thursday, May 24 8:30pm-10:30pm
Friday, May 25 8:30pm-10:30pm
Saturday, May 26 1:30pm-3:30pm
Sunday, May 27 10:00am-12:00 noon
Monday, May 28 8:30p-10:30pm
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05/20/2007
County joins plea for designation of Wailuku streams
Mayor Charmaine Tavares joined a cross-section of Maui residents, from environmental activists to Wailuku taro farmers, in urging the state to designate the four major streams of Central Maui for special management. "Practices that may have been acceptable during the plantation era may not be appropriate today," she said.
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05/21/2007
To Remake the World
Something Earth-changing is afoot among civil society – by Paul Hawken
This is the largest social movement in all of history, no one knows its scope, and how it functions is more mysterious than what meets the eye.
What does meet the eye is compelling: tens of millions of ordinary and not-so-ordinary people willing to confront despair, power, and incalculable odds in order to restore some semblance of grace, justice, and beauty to this world.
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05/10/2007
Developer: Land to stay agricultural
The developer of an 1,800-acre agricultural subdivision in lower Kula said the plan is aimed at keeping the former pineapple land in agricultural use. Farmers and residents in the area were not convinced when representatives of Kula 1800 Investment Partners LLC presented the plans at a special meeting of the Kula Community Association. Waiakoa Ranch would have 86 large lots on the former pineapple and pasturelands running from Pulehu to Naalae Road below Kula Highway. Lot sizes will range from 6 to 40 acres, with one large remnant parcel of 323 acres available for sale or lease.
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03/29/2007
Ranch plans to respond to EIS comments
Moloka'i Ranch Ltd. said it received and is reviewing about 125 written comments on its plan to develop luxury home lots at La'au Point. The company said it will respond to all the comments, which it will use to help it refine its plan.
"We may not be able to make all the changes being requested, but we will be doing our best," said John Sabas, Moloka'i Ranch community affairs general manager.
Moloka'i Ranch received the comments as part of a draft environmental impact statement process that invited public comments that were due Feb. 23.
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03/29/2007
Refuting the Myths: Hawaii Superferry facts add clarity to the murky debate
Many people have asked that I provide a factual overview of the potential environmental impacts of the Hawaii Superferry, and the status of current legal challenges. I hope that the following facts - in response to a few well-intentioned and passionate, but misinformed letters, editorials and news reports – will be helpful to the discussion.
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03/27/2007
Honua'ula makes halting progress
After more than six hours of discussion, Council Land Use Chairman Mike Molina put the Honua'ula project district on hold for three months, giving committee members until June 15 to prepare comments on conditions proposed by the planning staff and developer. Molina said that he expects the Land Use Committee to continue its review of the 670-acre residential development in late summer or early fall.
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03/27/2007
Wailuku stream water issue heading toward showdown
About 30 people gathered at the Cameron Center to prepare for a hearing scheduled for April 26 on a petition to designate the surface waters of Na Wai Eha - the four major streams draining from the West Maui Mountains to Central Maui. Earthjustice, representing Hui O Na Wai Eha and Maui Tomorrow, has petitioned the State Commission on Water Resource Management to take control of surface water.
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03/28/2007
A&B files for new residential project in Kihei
A&B Properties is proposing long-range residential development of 93 acres in North Kihei. A&B Vice President Grant Chun said A&B's petition for land reclassification from agricultural to urban is the "first step in a long process" toward development of nearly 68 acres of multifamily units, 25 acres of single-family residences and 1.4 acres of commercial space. The amount of acreage eyed for the project would be enough room for about 600 multifamily and single-family units, he said.
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03/28/2007
Court Halt on GMO Alfalfa Shows USDA Failure
A court decision overturning US government approval for a biotech alfalfa underscores complaints made for years that the USDA is failing to adequately oversee genetically altered crops, biotech crop critics said on Tuesday. Critics believe it sets a precedent that should prompt more stringent oversight of these controversial crops.
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03/28/2007
Community Supported Energy Offers a Third Way
Although we have the necessary resources and technology to meet most of our energy needs in the future with renewable energy, until fairly recently one key strategy has, for the most part, been overlooked in North America. This strategy involves the cooperative or collaborative installation and ownership of renewable energy projects at the local, community level.
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03/28/2007
Maui Sierra Club criticizes La`au Point Development plan
In a letter addressed to the Maui County Planning Dept. and Molokai Planning Commission, the Sierra Club Maui Group urged planning professionals to “seriously question” the conclusions of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment for La`au Point and asked that the Sierra Club be considered as a consulting party on the matter.
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03/01/2007
Hunters say outside aid 'slap in the face'
Some Molokai hunters want to shoot down a plan to hire outside professionals to control Hawaii's feral animal population. The Nature Conservancy remains in discussions with Prohunt New Zealand Ltd. to bring in hunters, dogs and a helicopter to four islands to manage wild pigs and other feral animals. Molokai Hunters Association secretary and longtime Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte Jr. said he favors conservation efforts but is upset that conservancy officials have not discussed their plans with island residents.
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