at 5:15pm Bobby wrote
Susan:
I have better news for you. We applied for $5 million for Makalei and are currently awaiting approval/award via the Fire Station Construction Grant under a FEMA program which is stimulus funds. Our station does qualify under federal guidelines afterall. I'll let you know when we get the money.
Aloha
Bobby
=============================================================================
At 4:15pm Bobby wrote
Susan:
As with all stimulus projects, federal dollars come with federal rules.
Qualifying for stimulus money could do a number of things, including extending the environmental process and requiring that the project be built to federal standards. Either possibility could delay the project and/or add to its cost.
Bobby Command
Executive Assistant
to Mayor Billy Kenoi
Monday, August 31, 2009
Helga's response to Roads Article in WHT
hi susan,
great article and right on the money!
i just attended the final public meeting for the conversion of the old airport. what a wonderful bunch of ideas for the new park.....all only costing some $40 million. i raised my hand to ask the obvious question....how and where is the money coming from? the answer was rather curt....grants, federal monies, etc. i did not have the opportunity to ask my follow-up question: has someone and/or is someone working on getting these funds now as we are planning this park?
it is my understanding that is already the 4th study, the most recent rumored to cost some $500,000. would not surprise me if the council waited a few years and secured another study. i am particularly interested in a dog park in the kona area. a "potential" dog park is included in the airport park. as far as i'm concerned, i will not live long enough to see anything more than what we have now at the old kona airport, certainly not a dog park.
after becoming involved with this waste of my time project, i feel almost in need of checking out of any further involvement. where, oh where in the world is this bunch of misfits going to find that kind of money? where i come from, if you really want something like this kind of project to come to fruition in ones lifetime, you float a bond issue. has anyone around here ever heard of that?
I AM HIGHLY ANNOYED EVERYTIME I DRIVE DOWN THE NEW HIGHWAY AND SEE ALL THAT GRASS!
grass is watered, fertilized, mowed and thrown away!
i thought we were trying to sell the hawaii islands as a leader in all things GREEN. i guess the morons
in charge see grass as green.
if i could find another planet, i would take a chance and move there!
frustrated,
helga hans
great article and right on the money!
i just attended the final public meeting for the conversion of the old airport. what a wonderful bunch of ideas for the new park.....all only costing some $40 million. i raised my hand to ask the obvious question....how and where is the money coming from? the answer was rather curt....grants, federal monies, etc. i did not have the opportunity to ask my follow-up question: has someone and/or is someone working on getting these funds now as we are planning this park?
it is my understanding that is already the 4th study, the most recent rumored to cost some $500,000. would not surprise me if the council waited a few years and secured another study. i am particularly interested in a dog park in the kona area. a "potential" dog park is included in the airport park. as far as i'm concerned, i will not live long enough to see anything more than what we have now at the old kona airport, certainly not a dog park.
after becoming involved with this waste of my time project, i feel almost in need of checking out of any further involvement. where, oh where in the world is this bunch of misfits going to find that kind of money? where i come from, if you really want something like this kind of project to come to fruition in ones lifetime, you float a bond issue. has anyone around here ever heard of that?
I AM HIGHLY ANNOYED EVERYTIME I DRIVE DOWN THE NEW HIGHWAY AND SEE ALL THAT GRASS!
grass is watered, fertilized, mowed and thrown away!
i thought we were trying to sell the hawaii islands as a leader in all things GREEN. i guess the morons
in charge see grass as green.
if i could find another planet, i would take a chance and move there!
frustrated,
helga hans
Kona Roads Meeting 9/8 Don't miss this one
Kona Town Meeting :West Hawaii Road Project Status and Plans28 08 2009
COMMUNITY ENTERPRISESKona Town Meeting
West Hawaii Road Project Status and Plans
September 8, 2009
What is being done to improve Kona Roads?
Come listen to our State Department of Transportation and Hawaii County Department of Public Works Directors and ask your questions about Kona Road Projects, such as Queen Kaahumanu, Phase Two, Ane Keohokalole Mid-Level Road, Lako, Laaloa and Mamalahoa Bypass।
Guest speakers are Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director of State Highways, Warren Lee, Director of HI Co. Public Works, Galen Kuba, Division Head of DPW Engineering, and Ron Thiel, Division Head of DPW Traffic. Councilman Kelly Greenwell will provide a Council update.
The Kona Town Meeting Tuesday, September 8, will start at 6 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM at Makaeo Events Pavilion which is located at the old Kona airport.
Kona Town Meetings are presented by Community Enterprises, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, to provide vital information on community concerns to Kona citizens. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Fred Housel at 331-8602
Thanks Aaron for the info.
Great Opportunity to come and ask questions.
COMMUNITY ENTERPRISESKona Town Meeting
West Hawaii Road Project Status and Plans
September 8, 2009
What is being done to improve Kona Roads?
Come listen to our State Department of Transportation and Hawaii County Department of Public Works Directors and ask your questions about Kona Road Projects, such as Queen Kaahumanu, Phase Two, Ane Keohokalole Mid-Level Road, Lako, Laaloa and Mamalahoa Bypass।
Guest speakers are Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director of State Highways, Warren Lee, Director of HI Co. Public Works, Galen Kuba, Division Head of DPW Engineering, and Ron Thiel, Division Head of DPW Traffic. Councilman Kelly Greenwell will provide a Council update.
The Kona Town Meeting Tuesday, September 8, will start at 6 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM at Makaeo Events Pavilion which is located at the old Kona airport.
Kona Town Meetings are presented by Community Enterprises, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, to provide vital information on community concerns to Kona citizens. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Fred Housel at 331-8602
Thanks Aaron for the info.
Great Opportunity to come and ask questions.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Who pays the Most? How Much are the Property Taxes?
FYI, Thank you Title Guaranty for the rate sheet.
(Fiscal Year July 1,2009 to June 30,2010)
Real Property Tax Rates in Hawaii
Tax Period Payment Due Date Tax Period Payment Due Date
July 1 to December 31 August 20 January I to June 30 February 20
NET TAXABLE NET TAXABLE
COUNTY CLASS BUILDING LAND
(PER $1,000) (PER $1,000)
HONOLULU*
0 Vacant Agricultural $ 8.50 $ 8.50
1 Residential 3.42 3.42
3 Commercial 12.40 12.40
4 Industrial 12.40 12.40
5 Agricultural 5.70 5.70
6 Preservation 5.70 5.70
7 Hotel & Resort 12.40 12.40
9 Public Service 0.00 0.00
Classes 2 & 8 have moved into class 1
MAUI
0 Time Share $ 14.00 $ 14.00
1 Improved Residential 4.85 4.85
2 Apartment 4.55 4.55
3 Commercial 6.25 6.25
4 Industrial 6.50 6.50
5 Agricultural 4.50 4.50
6 Conservation 4.75 4.75
7 Hotel & Resort 8.20 8.20
8 Unimproved Residential 5.35 5.35
9 Homeowner 2.00 2.00
HAWAII
0 Affordable Rental Housing $ 5.55 $ 5.55
1 Residential 7.10 8.10
2 Apartment 8.10 8.10
3 Commercial 9.00 9.00
4 Industrial 9.00 9.00
5 Agricultural and Native Forest 6.35 8.35
6 Conservation 8.55 8.55
7 Hotel/Resort 9.00 9.00
9 Homeowner 5.55 5.55
KAUAI
1 Single Family Residential $ 4.25 $ 3.95
2 Apartment 7.90 6.90
3 Commercial 7.90 6.90
4 Industrial 7.90 6.90
5 Agricultural 4.25 6.90
6 Conservation 4.25 6.90
7 Hotel & Resort 7.90 6.90
8 Homestead 3.44 4.00
year Effective Date: 7/1/2009
(Fiscal Year July 1,2009 to June 30,2010)
Real Property Tax Rates in Hawaii
Tax Period Payment Due Date Tax Period Payment Due Date
July 1 to December 31 August 20 January I to June 30 February 20
NET TAXABLE NET TAXABLE
COUNTY CLASS BUILDING LAND
(PER $1,000) (PER $1,000)
HONOLULU*
0 Vacant Agricultural $ 8.50 $ 8.50
1 Residential 3.42 3.42
3 Commercial 12.40 12.40
4 Industrial 12.40 12.40
5 Agricultural 5.70 5.70
6 Preservation 5.70 5.70
7 Hotel & Resort 12.40 12.40
9 Public Service 0.00 0.00
Classes 2 & 8 have moved into class 1
MAUI
0 Time Share $ 14.00 $ 14.00
1 Improved Residential 4.85 4.85
2 Apartment 4.55 4.55
3 Commercial 6.25 6.25
4 Industrial 6.50 6.50
5 Agricultural 4.50 4.50
6 Conservation 4.75 4.75
7 Hotel & Resort 8.20 8.20
8 Unimproved Residential 5.35 5.35
9 Homeowner 2.00 2.00
HAWAII
0 Affordable Rental Housing $ 5.55 $ 5.55
1 Residential 7.10 8.10
2 Apartment 8.10 8.10
3 Commercial 9.00 9.00
4 Industrial 9.00 9.00
5 Agricultural and Native Forest 6.35 8.35
6 Conservation 8.55 8.55
7 Hotel/Resort 9.00 9.00
9 Homeowner 5.55 5.55
KAUAI
1 Single Family Residential $ 4.25 $ 3.95
2 Apartment 7.90 6.90
3 Commercial 7.90 6.90
4 Industrial 7.90 6.90
5 Agricultural 4.25 6.90
6 Conservation 4.25 6.90
7 Hotel & Resort 7.90 6.90
8 Homestead 3.44 4.00
year Effective Date: 7/1/2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Respones on the Makalei Fire Station
aloha susan!
isn't the highway a state thing and not the county?thanks for mentioning the grass. how stupid. saw the sprinklers spewing at noon, and ed what in the hell these "planners" were thinking.mahalo! shannon
Yes Shannon, I can honestly say both the County and the State of Hawaii have yet to Build a road ON BUDGET AND ON TIME! why so slow! WHY! come on. Any where else in America any other State would have had that 4 miles of road done in what 6 months maybe a year. Honolulu would have had it done in 3 months. Is it the management? Is it the money? What the heck is it?
Is it the State's lack of planning? then they revise the contract after the origional bids? It ups the Union contractors to add in extras so it is bid plus (means BIG BUCKS for the Tax Payers). The Engineers and Architecs get paid Big bucks to redesign on top of the origional contract; which adds time and money to the contract? Into the project someone says Hey What about Water and they stop to rework the water line? oh yea. and maybe we should add the sewer line and the cost and revised and revised. Why didn't they sit down and go over all of the utilities and present it to the community for review and input. Maybe the State needs to hear from us?
What do you think?
Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Susan,
You raised some excellent points in your letter. I suggest also that you started the list of
"Here are Kona's Problems that could be fixed by A West Hawaii County."
Infrastructure Problems: Noth Kona's fire station. Connecting some of the dead end roads. Requiring all subdivision and commercial buildings and areas to have at least 2 access roads. We have only one road. All 'main roads' should be 4 lane. No more building within xxx feet of any main road. Start to buy/condeming buildings along the main roads so that they can be converted to four lane. Also. I suggest you let someone proof read you letters before they go out. ( I can help) There were a number or typos. Regards, Ben Collins
Thanks Ben, I do need help with typos and layout as well as formatting help for this blog too.
Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I support everything you said above. Time for county managementchange, BIG TIME!!!!!Thank you,Harry Zola
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with this letter by Susan McGeachy, aloha and mahalo,H. Chuck Clark
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan: Mahalo for sharing your message to the County. A couple of concerns: 1) Property tax valuations are not the same as property tax revenues, Although the property tax valuations in North Kona are the highest, the tax rates applied to those valuations may not result in the highest revenues because North Kona has a high percentage of owner-occupied homes, which are taxed at a low rate. South Kohala, on the other hand, has a great number of multi-million dollar homes that are not occupied by Hawaii County residents, and are therefore taxed at a much higher rate, resulting in higher revenues. 2) Railing at the county for the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway delays, etc., is misguided. It's a State highway, and the State is responsible. Aloha, Joel Gimpel
Aloha Joel,
Thank you for responding. The property tax valuations I got from the County is the amounts that apprear on your assesment card. This does take into consideration the exemptions for age, disabled as well at the assed value of the property according to the County's records. North Kona has 19,000+ lots. Look at the attachement here and you will see the differences in assessed values as well as the number of lots in each district.
As for railing the County, I am sorry I did not mean to imply that the State was doing any better with the execution of our roads. Both apply to my letter. Both are neligent in completing a sucessful road on time or on budget.Both the County and State have failed the people of West Hawaii.
Aloha, Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aloha! please take this quick poll! please forward!
3/4 down the page on right.http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/mahalo!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan, aloha,
I just read your latest communique to the County Council.
You should be aware of two things:
-Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway is a state project, usually primarily Federalfunds, not a County project. Very different areas of responsibility inthat the County has no involvement. If you have concerns about thatproject, it's Brennon Morioka, head of State Department of Transportation,who is the responsible party.
-the Ane Keohokolole Highway has a lot of great community support.Obviously you personally don't feel it will be of benefit, but many do, asit is indeed an alternative road to both Palani and Queen Ka'ahumanuHighway to get from Kailua-Kona to Kealakehe High, the new Countyheadquarters on the corner of Ane Keohokolole and Kealakehe Parkway, andCostco. Many feel it will be wonderful in reducing traffic congestiononce it's built. That was definitely my sense in attending the publicmeetings on the subject. In fact, the way you describe not having deadends, etc., you might take a look at the Ane Keohokolole plans, as iteliminates many of the current dead ends and provides significantconnectivity.
aloha, Sherry
isn't the highway a state thing and not the county?thanks for mentioning the grass. how stupid. saw the sprinklers spewing at noon, and ed what in the hell these "planners" were thinking.mahalo! shannon
Yes Shannon, I can honestly say both the County and the State of Hawaii have yet to Build a road ON BUDGET AND ON TIME! why so slow! WHY! come on. Any where else in America any other State would have had that 4 miles of road done in what 6 months maybe a year. Honolulu would have had it done in 3 months. Is it the management? Is it the money? What the heck is it?
Is it the State's lack of planning? then they revise the contract after the origional bids? It ups the Union contractors to add in extras so it is bid plus (means BIG BUCKS for the Tax Payers). The Engineers and Architecs get paid Big bucks to redesign on top of the origional contract; which adds time and money to the contract? Into the project someone says Hey What about Water and they stop to rework the water line? oh yea. and maybe we should add the sewer line and the cost and revised and revised. Why didn't they sit down and go over all of the utilities and present it to the community for review and input. Maybe the State needs to hear from us?
What do you think?
Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Susan,
You raised some excellent points in your letter. I suggest also that you started the list of
"Here are Kona's Problems that could be fixed by A West Hawaii County."
Infrastructure Problems: Noth Kona's fire station. Connecting some of the dead end roads. Requiring all subdivision and commercial buildings and areas to have at least 2 access roads. We have only one road. All 'main roads' should be 4 lane. No more building within xxx feet of any main road. Start to buy/condeming buildings along the main roads so that they can be converted to four lane. Also. I suggest you let someone proof read you letters before they go out. ( I can help) There were a number or typos. Regards, Ben Collins
Thanks Ben, I do need help with typos and layout as well as formatting help for this blog too.
Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I support everything you said above. Time for county managementchange, BIG TIME!!!!!Thank you,Harry Zola
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with this letter by Susan McGeachy, aloha and mahalo,H. Chuck Clark
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan: Mahalo for sharing your message to the County. A couple of concerns: 1) Property tax valuations are not the same as property tax revenues, Although the property tax valuations in North Kona are the highest, the tax rates applied to those valuations may not result in the highest revenues because North Kona has a high percentage of owner-occupied homes, which are taxed at a low rate. South Kohala, on the other hand, has a great number of multi-million dollar homes that are not occupied by Hawaii County residents, and are therefore taxed at a much higher rate, resulting in higher revenues. 2) Railing at the county for the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway delays, etc., is misguided. It's a State highway, and the State is responsible. Aloha, Joel Gimpel
Aloha Joel,
Thank you for responding. The property tax valuations I got from the County is the amounts that apprear on your assesment card. This does take into consideration the exemptions for age, disabled as well at the assed value of the property according to the County's records. North Kona has 19,000+ lots. Look at the attachement here and you will see the differences in assessed values as well as the number of lots in each district.
As for railing the County, I am sorry I did not mean to imply that the State was doing any better with the execution of our roads. Both apply to my letter. Both are neligent in completing a sucessful road on time or on budget.Both the County and State have failed the people of West Hawaii.
Aloha, Susan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aloha! please take this quick poll! please forward!
3/4 down the page on right.http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/mahalo!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan, aloha,
I just read your latest communique to the County Council.
You should be aware of two things:
-Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway is a state project, usually primarily Federalfunds, not a County project. Very different areas of responsibility inthat the County has no involvement. If you have concerns about thatproject, it's Brennon Morioka, head of State Department of Transportation,who is the responsible party.
-the Ane Keohokolole Highway has a lot of great community support.Obviously you personally don't feel it will be of benefit, but many do, asit is indeed an alternative road to both Palani and Queen Ka'ahumanuHighway to get from Kailua-Kona to Kealakehe High, the new Countyheadquarters on the corner of Ane Keohokolole and Kealakehe Parkway, andCostco. Many feel it will be wonderful in reducing traffic congestiononce it's built. That was definitely my sense in attending the publicmeetings on the subject. In fact, the way you describe not having deadends, etc., you might take a look at the Ane Keohokolole plans, as iteliminates many of the current dead ends and provides significantconnectivity.
aloha, Sherry
Margaretwille on Sustainable Healthy Food
From The Kohala Blog http://www.margaretwille.com
Support Sustainable Healthy Food; See FOOD Inc -Honoka'a People's Theater 8-25, 26, or 27th:and Take Action to Care for BI Ag Submitted by margaretwille on 24 August 2009 - 4:10pm
WATCH AND BECOME A BETTER ADVOCATE FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY ON THE BIG ISLAND: On the 25th 7 pm, 26th 7 pm, and 27th 5:30 pm at the Honoka’a People's Theater there will be a showing of “FOOD INC” -- documenting the corporate “take over” and impact of multi-nationals controlling agriculture. GO SEE THIS FILM. The showing on Thursday the 27th is a “Garden Event” is for all those interested in establishing a network of people and organizations “working towards a sustainable agriculture and food production vision for Hamakua and the Big Island as a whole." Attend the discussion session following the film. Right now the Big Island is vulnerable to a major agricultural take over. There is an effort to pass legislation that would eliminate the County’s ability to regulate the use of GMO’s – in other words, the Monsantos et al RULE! What happens if Monsanto were to buy the 700 acre parcel Mayor Kenoi is planning to sell – if there is not an outpouring of opposition?Plan on going to the Council’s Finance Committee Hearing on September 1 in Kona Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort (time to be announced) Or attend via video conferencing at Waimea or Hilo Council offices. Encourage the use of this land for family and community farm leases. It is incumbent upon us citizens to prevent the degradation of crops and soils (and harm to to human and creature health. Support our family farmers who provide us with high quality fresh fruits, nuts, and produce. Please read Richard Ha! 8/24 blog “Changing World, Changing Farm” here. Did you shop at a farmers' market this week????
If there is one issue on this island that we should all be able to wrap our arms around (a hug), it is food sustainability and food self-sufficiency. Here is a copy of the “flyer” for the Honoka’a People’s Theater: HONOKAA PEOPLE'S THEATRE775-0000Showtime: 7pm (Unless otherwise indicated)Tickets: $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 12 and under
Support Sustainable Healthy Food; See FOOD Inc -Honoka'a People's Theater 8-25, 26, or 27th:and Take Action to Care for BI Ag Submitted by margaretwille on 24 August 2009 - 4:10pm
WATCH AND BECOME A BETTER ADVOCATE FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY ON THE BIG ISLAND: On the 25th 7 pm, 26th 7 pm, and 27th 5:30 pm at the Honoka’a People's Theater there will be a showing of “FOOD INC” -- documenting the corporate “take over” and impact of multi-nationals controlling agriculture. GO SEE THIS FILM. The showing on Thursday the 27th is a “Garden Event” is for all those interested in establishing a network of people and organizations “working towards a sustainable agriculture and food production vision for Hamakua and the Big Island as a whole." Attend the discussion session following the film. Right now the Big Island is vulnerable to a major agricultural take over. There is an effort to pass legislation that would eliminate the County’s ability to regulate the use of GMO’s – in other words, the Monsantos et al RULE! What happens if Monsanto were to buy the 700 acre parcel Mayor Kenoi is planning to sell – if there is not an outpouring of opposition?Plan on going to the Council’s Finance Committee Hearing on September 1 in Kona Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort (time to be announced) Or attend via video conferencing at Waimea or Hilo Council offices. Encourage the use of this land for family and community farm leases. It is incumbent upon us citizens to prevent the degradation of crops and soils (and harm to to human and creature health. Support our family farmers who provide us with high quality fresh fruits, nuts, and produce. Please read Richard Ha! 8/24 blog “Changing World, Changing Farm” here. Did you shop at a farmers' market this week????
If there is one issue on this island that we should all be able to wrap our arms around (a hug), it is food sustainability and food self-sufficiency. Here is a copy of the “flyer” for the Honoka’a People’s Theater: HONOKAA PEOPLE'S THEATRE775-0000Showtime: 7pm (Unless otherwise indicated)Tickets: $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 12 and under
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Denny Coffman responds to Makalei Fire Station
Hello Susan:
I do not know why the Makalie North Kona fire station was not put on the stimuls list.
Phase I of the mid-level road is a major component of the transportation portion of the Kona Community Development Plan. As a legislator, I received a lot of requests to support the Counties request to the State to place this project on the stimulus list. I was also asked to get CIP budget approval for $15,000,000 for underground utilities in this roadway. Apparently federal funds only support road building not underground utilities.
Please note that the mid-level road is being made shovel-ready at this time by the County. This must be completed by the end of September. If shovel-ready by October 1st, the state will place it on the stimulus list and take-over project responsibility. If the County fails to get the project shovel-ready by October 1st, the state will move the $35,000,000 stimulus funds to another state project.
While my legislative focus must be on state issues, I am following-up on the Laaloa and Lako Mauka - Makai connector road projects that the county has spend millions of dollars conducting meetings and paying outside contractors for engineering work. Both of these road project appear dead-in-the-water.
Aloha,
Denny
I do not know why the Makalie North Kona fire station was not put on the stimuls list.
Phase I of the mid-level road is a major component of the transportation portion of the Kona Community Development Plan. As a legislator, I received a lot of requests to support the Counties request to the State to place this project on the stimulus list. I was also asked to get CIP budget approval for $15,000,000 for underground utilities in this roadway. Apparently federal funds only support road building not underground utilities.
Please note that the mid-level road is being made shovel-ready at this time by the County. This must be completed by the end of September. If shovel-ready by October 1st, the state will place it on the stimulus list and take-over project responsibility. If the County fails to get the project shovel-ready by October 1st, the state will move the $35,000,000 stimulus funds to another state project.
While my legislative focus must be on state issues, I am following-up on the Laaloa and Lako Mauka - Makai connector road projects that the county has spend millions of dollars conducting meetings and paying outside contractors for engineering work. Both of these road project appear dead-in-the-water.
Aloha,
Denny
Rick responds to Nuc. Reg.
I wonder if this is connected to the desire/demand for the Army to buy up some additional land near the west end of where the re-routed saddle road was supposed to cut closer to Kona. It will now not cut through that area. Maybe there is an unannounced danger there that they don't want discovered or people exposed to??? Possibly and probably likely this wasn't the reason but, I to do not trust them. They will only confess when caught.
Dan responds Nuclear Reg.
Yea, and saliva in now know to cause cancer.... but only if you swallow a lot.........This is a typical rant of a vein of anti military protesters........ That and lets legalize drugs and America is evil and those corporations are at the root if it all..........and the phone company.... flouride in the water.... et al By the way in geologic termsl it is not relevant.........as in about 15 million years hawaii will be a guyot at the bottom of the northern pacific I find it rather mundane............but sadly it gives some something to do. There is no risk greater then living next to cal tech
Good lord
Good lord
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Why isn't the Makalei Fire Station being funded in the Stimulus Package for the Big Island?
http://www.hawconews.com/stimulus-list
Letter to the Editor,
Can you tell me why North Kona's fire station at Makalei was not funded in the stimulus monies?
Take at look at the attachment above (9.12.pdf) from Hawaii County Data Book. You see who pays the most taxes. http://co.hawaii.hi.us/databook_current/section09.htm
North Kona over 10 million in property taxes collected.
We get the mid level road $35 mil. Is that what we want? How about connecting all dead ends and requiring all subdivision and commercial building to have 2 exits. Start planning and building this town like a real city. Connecting the dots if you know what I mean. When you are in Hilo you have a huge variety of roads to take as alternate routes. In Kona if thereis an accident on Palani that's it. Just sit or maybe you can turn around.
Why the mid level road? It is because back in the 90's a Japanese Companybuilt Hina Lani Road with grand plans of developing it as a business center,and their market fell out and they went home. But they did build 3 LARGE water tanks and the best road in Kona before they left. The water tank atthe bottom is being used by Kaloko Industrial. The other two tanks are still sitting waiting for a developer to come to build some pipes leading to thesetanks. The mid level road would get to those tanks. Hopefully they will besmart enough to create a 4 laned road (2 lanes in each direction) for the future. Hopefully they will require HELCO to build back from the road (it'scalled setbacks). Building with the plan in mind for the future generations.
Our roads are done so poorly that even when they are finished it is a mess.Look at Palani Road. An engineering student could have done a better design. Lack of knowledge and leadership at the department Heads and management levels for years on end have lead to this miss-management of tax payer dollars. The thousands of residents that live on the West side and have to battle these poor roads are the ones that are paying the price.
Another great example. Phase 1= Henry St. to Honokohau Harbor Road Improvement on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.7 Years later only about 4 miles of road is a another fiasco. The Company that did that job should be banned from any further work with the County. If these guys built your house like that, do you really think they would getthe job to do the garage? NO. Does anyone working with the County know how to write a contract? Like if you are late or over budget you will need to post a bond protect the County and the Tax payers. We are run like a third World Country. Kona/ Holualoa is known for the arts. You would think we could have done something a little more creative then lawn. Everyone is trying to go Green and rather than picking something that is low water, low maintenance, maybe with some lava... perhaps a design contest for the students of Kona or maybe the Kona Outdoor Circle; they did an outstanding job on Hualalai connector road. Let's be a little more cutting edge and show a little class. Lose the grass and let's start planning smart.
Susan McGeachy
Letter to the Editor,
Can you tell me why North Kona's fire station at Makalei was not funded in the stimulus monies?
Take at look at the attachment above (9.12.pdf) from Hawaii County Data Book. You see who pays the most taxes. http://co.hawaii.hi.us/databook_current/section09.htm
North Kona over 10 million in property taxes collected.
We get the mid level road $35 mil. Is that what we want? How about connecting all dead ends and requiring all subdivision and commercial building to have 2 exits. Start planning and building this town like a real city. Connecting the dots if you know what I mean. When you are in Hilo you have a huge variety of roads to take as alternate routes. In Kona if thereis an accident on Palani that's it. Just sit or maybe you can turn around.
Why the mid level road? It is because back in the 90's a Japanese Companybuilt Hina Lani Road with grand plans of developing it as a business center,and their market fell out and they went home. But they did build 3 LARGE water tanks and the best road in Kona before they left. The water tank atthe bottom is being used by Kaloko Industrial. The other two tanks are still sitting waiting for a developer to come to build some pipes leading to thesetanks. The mid level road would get to those tanks. Hopefully they will besmart enough to create a 4 laned road (2 lanes in each direction) for the future. Hopefully they will require HELCO to build back from the road (it'scalled setbacks). Building with the plan in mind for the future generations.
Our roads are done so poorly that even when they are finished it is a mess.Look at Palani Road. An engineering student could have done a better design. Lack of knowledge and leadership at the department Heads and management levels for years on end have lead to this miss-management of tax payer dollars. The thousands of residents that live on the West side and have to battle these poor roads are the ones that are paying the price.
Another great example. Phase 1= Henry St. to Honokohau Harbor Road Improvement on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.7 Years later only about 4 miles of road is a another fiasco. The Company that did that job should be banned from any further work with the County. If these guys built your house like that, do you really think they would getthe job to do the garage? NO. Does anyone working with the County know how to write a contract? Like if you are late or over budget you will need to post a bond protect the County and the Tax payers. We are run like a third World Country. Kona/ Holualoa is known for the arts. You would think we could have done something a little more creative then lawn. Everyone is trying to go Green and rather than picking something that is low water, low maintenance, maybe with some lava... perhaps a design contest for the students of Kona or maybe the Kona Outdoor Circle; they did an outstanding job on Hualalai connector road. Let's be a little more cutting edge and show a little class. Lose the grass and let's start planning smart.
Susan McGeachy
Shannon Rudolph re: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Testimony
***Please come to the meetings if possible.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission testimony: 8/26/09
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel 6pm Wed. Hilo -6pm 8/27 Hilo Hi. School 6pm Thur.
Aloha,
Thank you so much for coming to our island to help us try to figure out this mess that the army wants to leave us. I'm no scientist, I didn't read the license and probably wouldn't understand half of it. What I am is, a very concerned resident who has done quite a bit of research and is very worried for my community. I come to you begging for some straight, verifiable answers to residents questions on depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Range and elsewhere in Hawai'i.
I can only put my comments in layman's terms, and I relate to it best, this way; have you every had a friend that you've had to cut loose because they were a pathological liar? You know you can't trust them and they will eventually rope you into their trouble so you have to cut them loose from your life. This is how I and a couple hundred of my fellow residents feel about the military at PTA and I suspect, more than a few O'ahu residents feel this way, too.
To put this into context historically, many times the military has been unable or unwilling to tell the truth to the American people who finance them. For example; I am re-reading a book by Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston, titled "Half Truths-Half Lies, Confronting The Nuclear Legacies of The Cold War".
I realize this type of radiation is from a different source but the same thread runs through these examples.From 1945 to 1963, a group of 400,000 Atomic Veterans were created who are either being minimally compensated or are dead because of nuclear testing. At first, the military told them they were crazy and it took those left alive decades to be compensated.
Our own neighbors from the Marshall Islands had to be relocated to our island because their islands have been contaminated forever; they can't go home again. It is documented fact that we, our military, even used South Pacific Islanders as Guinea Pigs by actually giving them "radiation pills" and told them it was medicine, just to study their demise.
Same with Agent Orange, sick U.S. soldiers fought for decades to be compensated, all the while being told they were nuts. The same with sick soldiers returning with Gulf War Syndrome, the powers that be denied and denied that there was a problem but finally had to admit that there was.
Now bare with me, all of these examples have a common thread.
In 1967, under projects 112, SHAD, and Test Red Oak, our military did chemical and biological testing in our forest reserve north of Hilo, spreading Sarin Gas and other known carcinogens near uniformed residents - breaching all ethical principals and informed consent - using us as Guinea Pigs and telling local officials they were doing "weather testing"; many other similar stories are known throughout the U.S.
None of these historic examples seem related but a common thread runs through them all. Lies. By the military whom we pay to protect us. We have 824 plus, contaminated military sites at inactive bases in Hawai'i, not even counting active bases such as Pohakuloa; seven are superfund sites and they are doing very little to clean up any of it. This is not my idea of good land stewardship or of good neighbors.
Now, in more modern times, the army swore for years, that they never used depleted uranium in Hawai'i until an Earthjustice attorney found the smoking gun in a pile of correspondence while working on another case. Finally, the army admitted that yes, they did use it.
Shortly after this discovery, I started reading about our nuclear legacy; the more I read the more worried I became for our community.
Epidemiologist and nuclear researcher, Dr. Rosalee Bertell, wrote that "there are over one million "alpha bullets" released per day from processed uranium the size of a period at the end of a sentence." (for 4.5 billion years) I have read that burned or aerosolized uranium dust is easily inhaled or ingested and easily goes airborne with the wind to be resuspended again and again.
I point out three studies that I am familiar with, done by Dr. Chris Busby and Dr. Dan Fahey, that say depleted uranium travels on the wind; I am not talking about natural uranium or "chunks" found on the ground but aerosolized nanoparticles smaller than a virus.
I was across the highway from Pohakuloa in May 2007, with other residents watching radiation monitors for an hour and a half staying at, or below normal background radiation levels of 5 to 20 counts per minute. A visible "dust devil" blew up off the training range and traveled directly over the monitors and all of us. As the dust blew over us, the radiation monitors spiked 4 times, up to 75 cpm. We were horrified.
Our State Dept. of Health was contacted and they came up the mountain to measure. Their protocol for measuring radiation was to practically hold their monitor out the window of their car for a few moments and declare safe levels, which they immediately reported to the Honolulu Advertiser. Cabrera Services was hired to monitor, and flew over a small part of Pohakuloa for a couple of days in a helicopter, which residents think wasn't nearly enough.
Now purportedly, we have seen a 1992 study of the Hawai'i cancer map, by the State Public Health Dept. that shows Kona to have one of the two, highest cancer rates in the state, the other being Pearl Harbor; a giant superfund site. We have no heavy industry here to account for this high rate and no official wants to talk about it.
When asked, the State Health Dept. official for the Radiation Branch said the reason the cancer rate in Kona is so high was because everyone in Kona was old. The average age at the time was thirty seven. Several nurses in Kona say there has been an explosion of Thyroid problems here, also. I myself have a medical problem called Trigeminal Neuralgia, a neurological disorder said to affect 1 in 35,000. I know, or have heard of similar symptoms of shocks in the face of twenty two people in my small area.
I've talked to a few island hunters who have report seeing unusual tumors in sheep and goats near the perimeter of Pohakuloa. I have no idea if any of these problems have anything to do with depleted uranium but its seem somewhat unusual that all of these medical problems are also known symptoms of radiation exposure, or "markers". This is why we sincerely ask for your help to see if any of these problems in humans or animals are related to ingested or inhaled DU.
We do know that a similar situation is happening on a similar island in Vieques, Puerto Rico, the town near a former, now shut down, navy training range. A 1990-94 study by the Puerto Rico Dept. of Health said cancer rates were 26.9% above the Puerto Rican average. Dr. Rafael Rivera-Castano said this study was out dated and estimated that cancer rates had risen to 52% over the average by 2001.
Residents have gotten no answers they feel are reliable regarding questions we have about DU on our mountain, we've mostly gotten stalling, misinformation, and disrespect. We need some straight answers to our questions and residents are counting on the NCR to protect us as one of our last lines of defense against the military who have a historically poor record of telling the truth. Many residents think many more radiation weapons systems have been used beyond the Davy Crockett, tail fin spotter rounds.
I ask that in addition to absolutely foolproof, verifiable, long term, air, soil, and water monitoring, preferably by independent professionals, for all Hawai'i bases that are contaminated, I plead with you to do some independent testing of sick, life long, Hawai'i residents living downwind, in addition to wildlife near perimeters. It is well past time that we have some straight answers from someone.
I know of one Hawai'i resident who had themself tested for DU at the same lab the British Government used, the test came back with traces of DU but the lab couldn't differentiate between whether it was an old or recent exposure. This lab was shut down shortly after this test, and some residents find this quite curious. This test case didn't count for Hawai'i because this person had only lived here for thirty five years and also grew up next to a similar training range on the mainland.
Let's cut to the chase, IF depleted uranium is discovered in any life long resident or animal, it means the radiation is migrating off of the property. I ask that you make the army follow their own regulation AR 700-48 according to regulation author, Dr. Doug Rokke; to shut down these Hawai'i training areas now, clean up every speck of DU, and take care of and compensate well, any soldier or resident they may have harmed. Personally, I think if widespread contamination is discovered, the army should build us a new hospital or pay to relocate those who care to leave.
I mean no disrespect, but I must tell you, many residents believe that the NCR is in "cahoots" with the military on trying to keep a lid on this issue; I hope and I pray this is not the case. You folks are one of our last lines of defense to get the truth of whether or not we are in danger; the burden of proof should not fall on the residents of our island.
I dearly hope you will take all of our comments seriously, hold the military's feet to the fire on the DU issue, and babysit their every move as your sacred duty to us all; the alleged involuntary Guinea Pigs of the Pacific.
Shannon Rudolph
Passed by the Hawai'i County Council: July 2nd, 2008
(We have also had help from some of our state legislators)
RESOLUTION 639-08 URGING THE UNITED STATES MILITARY TO ADDRESS THE HAZARDS OF DEPLETED URANIUM AT THE POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA.
WHEREAS, in the early 1960's the United States Military used the Pohakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium (DU) in the impact area at the U.S. Army Garrison, Pohakuloa; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and
WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and
WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive alpha particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause kidney and lung damage; and
WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products or materials containing depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area to protect all residents of Hawai'i Island; and
WHEREAS, the United States Military is hereby requested, with urgency, to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area with the following five-point plan:
1. Ordering a complete halt to B-2 bombing missions and to all live firing exercises and other activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area that create dust until there is an assessment and clean up of the depleted uranium already present; 2. Establishing a permanent, high- tech monitoring system with procedures to ensure air quality control; 3. Establishing a citizen monitoring system to work closely with Military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; 4. Hosting quarterly meetings to update and inform the public; and 5. Ensuring permanent funds are available for the monitoring program; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI'I that the U.S. Military will incorporate the five-point plan to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to Colonel Howard Killian, Deputy Region Director, Army Installation Management Command-Pacific; all members of the Hawai'i State Legislature; Senator Daniel K. Inouye; Senator Daniel K. Akaka; Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission testimony: 8/26/09
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel 6pm Wed. Hilo -6pm 8/27 Hilo Hi. School 6pm Thur.
Aloha,
Thank you so much for coming to our island to help us try to figure out this mess that the army wants to leave us. I'm no scientist, I didn't read the license and probably wouldn't understand half of it. What I am is, a very concerned resident who has done quite a bit of research and is very worried for my community. I come to you begging for some straight, verifiable answers to residents questions on depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Range and elsewhere in Hawai'i.
I can only put my comments in layman's terms, and I relate to it best, this way; have you every had a friend that you've had to cut loose because they were a pathological liar? You know you can't trust them and they will eventually rope you into their trouble so you have to cut them loose from your life. This is how I and a couple hundred of my fellow residents feel about the military at PTA and I suspect, more than a few O'ahu residents feel this way, too.
To put this into context historically, many times the military has been unable or unwilling to tell the truth to the American people who finance them. For example; I am re-reading a book by Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston, titled "Half Truths-Half Lies, Confronting The Nuclear Legacies of The Cold War".
I realize this type of radiation is from a different source but the same thread runs through these examples.From 1945 to 1963, a group of 400,000 Atomic Veterans were created who are either being minimally compensated or are dead because of nuclear testing. At first, the military told them they were crazy and it took those left alive decades to be compensated.
Our own neighbors from the Marshall Islands had to be relocated to our island because their islands have been contaminated forever; they can't go home again. It is documented fact that we, our military, even used South Pacific Islanders as Guinea Pigs by actually giving them "radiation pills" and told them it was medicine, just to study their demise.
Same with Agent Orange, sick U.S. soldiers fought for decades to be compensated, all the while being told they were nuts. The same with sick soldiers returning with Gulf War Syndrome, the powers that be denied and denied that there was a problem but finally had to admit that there was.
Now bare with me, all of these examples have a common thread.
In 1967, under projects 112, SHAD, and Test Red Oak, our military did chemical and biological testing in our forest reserve north of Hilo, spreading Sarin Gas and other known carcinogens near uniformed residents - breaching all ethical principals and informed consent - using us as Guinea Pigs and telling local officials they were doing "weather testing"; many other similar stories are known throughout the U.S.
None of these historic examples seem related but a common thread runs through them all. Lies. By the military whom we pay to protect us. We have 824 plus, contaminated military sites at inactive bases in Hawai'i, not even counting active bases such as Pohakuloa; seven are superfund sites and they are doing very little to clean up any of it. This is not my idea of good land stewardship or of good neighbors.
Now, in more modern times, the army swore for years, that they never used depleted uranium in Hawai'i until an Earthjustice attorney found the smoking gun in a pile of correspondence while working on another case. Finally, the army admitted that yes, they did use it.
Shortly after this discovery, I started reading about our nuclear legacy; the more I read the more worried I became for our community.
Epidemiologist and nuclear researcher, Dr. Rosalee Bertell, wrote that "there are over one million "alpha bullets" released per day from processed uranium the size of a period at the end of a sentence." (for 4.5 billion years) I have read that burned or aerosolized uranium dust is easily inhaled or ingested and easily goes airborne with the wind to be resuspended again and again.
I point out three studies that I am familiar with, done by Dr. Chris Busby and Dr. Dan Fahey, that say depleted uranium travels on the wind; I am not talking about natural uranium or "chunks" found on the ground but aerosolized nanoparticles smaller than a virus.
I was across the highway from Pohakuloa in May 2007, with other residents watching radiation monitors for an hour and a half staying at, or below normal background radiation levels of 5 to 20 counts per minute. A visible "dust devil" blew up off the training range and traveled directly over the monitors and all of us. As the dust blew over us, the radiation monitors spiked 4 times, up to 75 cpm. We were horrified.
Our State Dept. of Health was contacted and they came up the mountain to measure. Their protocol for measuring radiation was to practically hold their monitor out the window of their car for a few moments and declare safe levels, which they immediately reported to the Honolulu Advertiser. Cabrera Services was hired to monitor, and flew over a small part of Pohakuloa for a couple of days in a helicopter, which residents think wasn't nearly enough.
Now purportedly, we have seen a 1992 study of the Hawai'i cancer map, by the State Public Health Dept. that shows Kona to have one of the two, highest cancer rates in the state, the other being Pearl Harbor; a giant superfund site. We have no heavy industry here to account for this high rate and no official wants to talk about it.
When asked, the State Health Dept. official for the Radiation Branch said the reason the cancer rate in Kona is so high was because everyone in Kona was old. The average age at the time was thirty seven. Several nurses in Kona say there has been an explosion of Thyroid problems here, also. I myself have a medical problem called Trigeminal Neuralgia, a neurological disorder said to affect 1 in 35,000. I know, or have heard of similar symptoms of shocks in the face of twenty two people in my small area.
I've talked to a few island hunters who have report seeing unusual tumors in sheep and goats near the perimeter of Pohakuloa. I have no idea if any of these problems have anything to do with depleted uranium but its seem somewhat unusual that all of these medical problems are also known symptoms of radiation exposure, or "markers". This is why we sincerely ask for your help to see if any of these problems in humans or animals are related to ingested or inhaled DU.
We do know that a similar situation is happening on a similar island in Vieques, Puerto Rico, the town near a former, now shut down, navy training range. A 1990-94 study by the Puerto Rico Dept. of Health said cancer rates were 26.9% above the Puerto Rican average. Dr. Rafael Rivera-Castano said this study was out dated and estimated that cancer rates had risen to 52% over the average by 2001.
Residents have gotten no answers they feel are reliable regarding questions we have about DU on our mountain, we've mostly gotten stalling, misinformation, and disrespect. We need some straight answers to our questions and residents are counting on the NCR to protect us as one of our last lines of defense against the military who have a historically poor record of telling the truth. Many residents think many more radiation weapons systems have been used beyond the Davy Crockett, tail fin spotter rounds.
I ask that in addition to absolutely foolproof, verifiable, long term, air, soil, and water monitoring, preferably by independent professionals, for all Hawai'i bases that are contaminated, I plead with you to do some independent testing of sick, life long, Hawai'i residents living downwind, in addition to wildlife near perimeters. It is well past time that we have some straight answers from someone.
I know of one Hawai'i resident who had themself tested for DU at the same lab the British Government used, the test came back with traces of DU but the lab couldn't differentiate between whether it was an old or recent exposure. This lab was shut down shortly after this test, and some residents find this quite curious. This test case didn't count for Hawai'i because this person had only lived here for thirty five years and also grew up next to a similar training range on the mainland.
Let's cut to the chase, IF depleted uranium is discovered in any life long resident or animal, it means the radiation is migrating off of the property. I ask that you make the army follow their own regulation AR 700-48 according to regulation author, Dr. Doug Rokke; to shut down these Hawai'i training areas now, clean up every speck of DU, and take care of and compensate well, any soldier or resident they may have harmed. Personally, I think if widespread contamination is discovered, the army should build us a new hospital or pay to relocate those who care to leave.
I mean no disrespect, but I must tell you, many residents believe that the NCR is in "cahoots" with the military on trying to keep a lid on this issue; I hope and I pray this is not the case. You folks are one of our last lines of defense to get the truth of whether or not we are in danger; the burden of proof should not fall on the residents of our island.
I dearly hope you will take all of our comments seriously, hold the military's feet to the fire on the DU issue, and babysit their every move as your sacred duty to us all; the alleged involuntary Guinea Pigs of the Pacific.
Shannon Rudolph
Passed by the Hawai'i County Council: July 2nd, 2008
(We have also had help from some of our state legislators)
RESOLUTION 639-08 URGING THE UNITED STATES MILITARY TO ADDRESS THE HAZARDS OF DEPLETED URANIUM AT THE POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA.
WHEREAS, in the early 1960's the United States Military used the Pohakuloa Training Area for firing a formerly classified weapon, the Davy Crockett recoilless gun, which has created the presence of depleted uranium (DU) in the impact area at the U.S. Army Garrison, Pohakuloa; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has released several reports and scientific studies concerning the health risks from exposure to depleted uranium; and
WHEREAS, depleted uranium is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal with a half-life of 4.6 billion years; and
WHEREAS, depleted uranium emits radioactive alpha particles that can cause cancer when inhaled or ingested and also cause kidney and lung damage; and
WHEREAS, there is a public health need to ensure the safe storage, disposal, and clean-up of munitions and other products or materials containing depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area to protect all residents of Hawai'i Island; and
WHEREAS, the United States Military is hereby requested, with urgency, to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area with the following five-point plan:
1. Ordering a complete halt to B-2 bombing missions and to all live firing exercises and other activities at the Pohakuloa Training Area that create dust until there is an assessment and clean up of the depleted uranium already present; 2. Establishing a permanent, high- tech monitoring system with procedures to ensure air quality control; 3. Establishing a citizen monitoring system to work closely with Military experts to assure transparency and community confidence; 4. Hosting quarterly meetings to update and inform the public; and 5. Ensuring permanent funds are available for the monitoring program; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI'I that the U.S. Military will incorporate the five-point plan to address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to Colonel Howard Killian, Deputy Region Director, Army Installation Management Command-Pacific; all members of the Hawai'i State Legislature; Senator Daniel K. Inouye; Senator Daniel K. Akaka; Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rep. Denny Coffman reaching out!
Aloha from your District 6 State House Representative:
Mahalo for allowing me to contact you through email. I sincerely hope that my newsletters and other informational items are beneficial. Your feedback in regards to the type and amount of information is always welcome.
As you are aware, the cost of printing and mailing newsletters and other information is very expensive. Money for postage is very limited. Emailing is the most cost effective method to update people in our district. However, unlike mailing addresses, email addresses are not readily available from any single source.
I would like to ask for your assistance to extend my outreach to the community through email. Would you be willing to forward this email to members of our community from your address book?
If, you have received this email from a friend or neighbor and would like to receive newsletters and other information from your District 6 State Capitol Representative, please send an email to repcoffman@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include "subscribe" in the subject line and provide as much contact information as possible. At a minimum, I need your first and last name.
If at any time you wish to be removed from the distribution list, just send an email with the subject line "unsubscribe" and we will remove your name immediately.
Mahalo,
Rep. Denny Coffman
District 6 - N. Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Holualoa
Mahalo for allowing me to contact you through email. I sincerely hope that my newsletters and other informational items are beneficial. Your feedback in regards to the type and amount of information is always welcome.
As you are aware, the cost of printing and mailing newsletters and other information is very expensive. Money for postage is very limited. Emailing is the most cost effective method to update people in our district. However, unlike mailing addresses, email addresses are not readily available from any single source.
I would like to ask for your assistance to extend my outreach to the community through email. Would you be willing to forward this email to members of our community from your address book?
If, you have received this email from a friend or neighbor and would like to receive newsletters and other information from your District 6 State Capitol Representative, please send an email to repcoffman@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include "subscribe" in the subject line and provide as much contact information as possible. At a minimum, I need your first and last name.
If at any time you wish to be removed from the distribution list, just send an email with the subject line "unsubscribe" and we will remove your name immediately.
Mahalo,
Rep. Denny Coffman
District 6 - N. Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Holualoa
Gate to Coast is OPEN
Thanks to Josh Green and Denny Coffman. The elected officials actually doing something.
The gate to NELHA is open. Lets see if they keep it open.
This goes to show you, that with enough will from the people you can make changes.
Great Job!
The gate to NELHA is open. Lets see if they keep it open.
This goes to show you, that with enough will from the people you can make changes.
Great Job!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Church and State don't belong together at Council Meeting
After watching the County Council meeting on TV we were surprised to see the comments made by Emily Naole. According to the Law, you are not supposed to mix Church and State. I take offense to see her lack of the English language and reference to God in every other sentence. Does anyone else see this as a problem?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Hunderds turn out for NELHA Gate Closure 8/22/09
bigislandchronicle.com
Guest Column — Hundreds Turn Out For NELHA Gate Closure Meeting22 Aug 2009 / Guest Columns, commentary, environment, news, surf
Photo by Shannon Rudolph By Shannon RudolphA polite but agitated crowd, an estimated 500 to 600 people, filled the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria Friday night and spoke unanimously; open the gate at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) to O’oma / Kohanaiki — now. Many members of the Kohanaiki ‘Ohana community public access group and other residents gave testimony to open the gate immediately, including former council member Angel Pilago, along with representatives of the Kapena, Ka’aaina, and Freitas families. Kaimanu Freitas told the audience he had the original deed to the NELHA property proving his family ownership.The community talk story sponsored by Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Denny Coffman included representatives from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). (Click here and here to see previous references to the community meeting.)Many testifying called for NELHA chief executive officer (CEO) Ron Baird to be fired immediately, not only for locking the shoreline gate, but also for putting the community in danger with the unfinished and unacceptable access further south on the highway. Rep. Coffman and the DOT representative also called the secondary highway access unsafe.Hawaii County Councilman Kelly Greenwell told the crowd that he held the “key” to to the NELHA gate and that community members held that key also — namely, civil disobedience — and invited everyone to come down on Saturday morning to help remove the gate.Puna’s Kale Gumapac and other community activists from around the island also attended and spoke of the need to stand up and protect public access in all areas of the island for future generations.Sen. Green urged the audience to call NELHA’s CEO Ron Baird at (808) 329-7341, along with his boss, Ted Liu, director of DBEDT
Toll Free-947-4000 ext. 52423to open the gate. Ron Baird was invited, but did not attend the meeting or send a NELHA representative.(Shannon Rudolph is a Kona resident concerned about shoreline access amongst other community issues.)Posted by Tiffany Edwards Hunt @ 7:40 am
Tags: Angel Pilago, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Transportation, Freitas, Hawaii County Council, Ka'aaina, Kaimanu Freitas, Kale Gumapac, Kapena, Kealakehe High School, Kelly Greenwell, Kohanaiki, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Rep. Denny Coffman, Ron Baird, Sen. Josh Green, Shannon Rudolph, Ted Liu
Guest Column — Hundreds Turn Out For NELHA Gate Closure Meeting22 Aug 2009 / Guest Columns, commentary, environment, news, surf
Photo by Shannon Rudolph By Shannon RudolphA polite but agitated crowd, an estimated 500 to 600 people, filled the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria Friday night and spoke unanimously; open the gate at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) to O’oma / Kohanaiki — now. Many members of the Kohanaiki ‘Ohana community public access group and other residents gave testimony to open the gate immediately, including former council member Angel Pilago, along with representatives of the Kapena, Ka’aaina, and Freitas families. Kaimanu Freitas told the audience he had the original deed to the NELHA property proving his family ownership.The community talk story sponsored by Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Denny Coffman included representatives from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). (Click here and here to see previous references to the community meeting.)Many testifying called for NELHA chief executive officer (CEO) Ron Baird to be fired immediately, not only for locking the shoreline gate, but also for putting the community in danger with the unfinished and unacceptable access further south on the highway. Rep. Coffman and the DOT representative also called the secondary highway access unsafe.Hawaii County Councilman Kelly Greenwell told the crowd that he held the “key” to to the NELHA gate and that community members held that key also — namely, civil disobedience — and invited everyone to come down on Saturday morning to help remove the gate.Puna’s Kale Gumapac and other community activists from around the island also attended and spoke of the need to stand up and protect public access in all areas of the island for future generations.Sen. Green urged the audience to call NELHA’s CEO Ron Baird at (808) 329-7341, along with his boss, Ted Liu, director of DBEDT
Toll Free-947-4000 ext. 52423to open the gate. Ron Baird was invited, but did not attend the meeting or send a NELHA representative.(Shannon Rudolph is a Kona resident concerned about shoreline access amongst other community issues.)Posted by Tiffany Edwards Hunt @ 7:40 am
Tags: Angel Pilago, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Transportation, Freitas, Hawaii County Council, Ka'aaina, Kaimanu Freitas, Kale Gumapac, Kapena, Kealakehe High School, Kelly Greenwell, Kohanaiki, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Rep. Denny Coffman, Ron Baird, Sen. Josh Green, Shannon Rudolph, Ted Liu
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Public access to Shoreline at NELHA Closed!
PLEASE FORWARD TO KONA AREA FAMILY AND FRIENDS who care about public access to the shoreline.
Aloha-
The management at NELHA has closed the gate at NELHA which permanently shuts off the jeep road/ shoreline access to Kohanaiki and O'oma from the NELHA side. The only access is now through the Kohanaiki Development construction road ...but highway access and egress are very dangerous as there are no turn off lanes or signage on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway- please be careful.
Please attend the meeting sponsored by Representative Denny Coffman and Senator Josh Green to show your support to keep (GET) the gate open and get the facts.
FRIDAY, August 21 from 6 to 8:00 pm- Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.
More questions call Karen Eoff @ 938-3580
Come out and support the surfers, fisherman, hikers, and camping families who have been using this area for years. Your attendance indicates your strong support.
Aloha-
The management at NELHA has closed the gate at NELHA which permanently shuts off the jeep road/ shoreline access to Kohanaiki and O'oma from the NELHA side. The only access is now through the Kohanaiki Development construction road ...but highway access and egress are very dangerous as there are no turn off lanes or signage on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway- please be careful.
Please attend the meeting sponsored by Representative Denny Coffman and Senator Josh Green to show your support to keep (GET) the gate open and get the facts.
FRIDAY, August 21 from 6 to 8:00 pm- Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.
More questions call Karen Eoff @ 938-3580
Come out and support the surfers, fisherman, hikers, and camping families who have been using this area for years. Your attendance indicates your strong support.
Monday, August 17, 2009
3 agencies paying Lobbyists
Article Title:
3 agencies paying lobbyists
To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, go to: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200908170200/NEWS01/908170338
My question is what did they get for 1 million dollars? Is this what Kelly Greenwell is pushing for? What is the money for anyways???
3 agencies paying lobbyists
To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, go to: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200908170200/NEWS01/908170338
My question is what did they get for 1 million dollars? Is this what Kelly Greenwell is pushing for? What is the money for anyways???
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Health Care without the spin from Grand Junction
Refreshing to hear straight talk from the President himself. Now is the time for action. We can not wait any longer. Photos from Nancy Cohn Morgan in Grand Junction.Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Response to Ms. Millie Tanaka's ltr to Editor
County Split-Get the FACTS:
This is in response to Ms. Millie Tanaka’s letter to the editor. I don’t need to rally the west side of Hawaii, the county council’s actions do that nicely.
If she hasn’t noticed that the reason people want their own government is because something is wrong with ours.
Yes I had a meeting at Hualalai after numerous calls and emails pleading to take action. Here are a few facts for Ms. Millie,
1. We cannot split the county or any other county of the State of Hawaii without a Constitutional Convention to change the State Charter. This (Con Con) Constitutional convention only comes about every 10 years. We have not had a con con in 30 THIRTY YEARS. So we can’t split the county nor can east Oahu or west Maui or any other group seeking to split and become their own county.
2. We have looked at the idea of 2 City Managers. One for the east and one for the west, but we would need 25% of the voters to sign a petition to bring it forward, and a majority of votes on election day. This would at least give us some say over our community.
3. We are currently trying to create an umbrella group for All of the districts around the island to address County issues that are not being addressed. Yes voters registration is a problem. We do have a group forming now to get their voters registrar cards to set up around the island to register voters. West Hawaii was at a disadvantage when east Hawaii had a store in the Hilo mall just to register voters for the east side. Fair play isn’t something the west side has experienced.
4. Let’s look at the parcels/lots/taxes for the island of Hawaii. The tax assessor’s gross valuations ($1,000) These records are from the Real Property Tax Division, Hawaii County Finance:
a. Puna: district 1 56,414 parcels $3,670,725.50
b. South Hilo: district 2 20,198 parcels $3,990,672.30
c. North Hilo: district 3 1,393 parcels $192,253.60
d. Hamakua: district 4 3,602 parcels $424,724.40
e. North Kohala: dist. 5 3,317 parcels $863,959.40
f. South Kohala: dist. 6 9,910 parcels $5,830,808.60
g. North Kona: dist. 7 19,127 parcels $10,029,269.40
h. South Kona: dist. 8 5,909 parcels $1,089,863.30
i. Kau: dist. 9 16,742 parcels $795,035.30
Here are the 9 districts for which each has one County Council person. Does this look fair to you? Where does the money come from and who decides where the tax revenues go?
Gee it isn’t brain surgery. I wonder why the west side doesn’t have the same services as the east side? 2.5 districts are controlling the money for the other 6.5 districts. No wonder people are anxious to get their own government.
My own goals? No I am not making any money fighting for equal rights. No I am not planning or plotting anything. It is the people of the community who have come forward asking for help.
Look Ms. Millie Tanaka I really don’t want to do this volunteer work. Your bad taste in your mouth of “Community Organizer” can be handled simply by brushing your teeth and volunteering to better your community rather then cut down those trying to better our quality of life. It is short sighted people like this that leave us in the dark.
If you want to volunteer: contact me at: westhawaiicounty@gmail.com
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
This is in response to Ms. Millie Tanaka’s letter to the editor. I don’t need to rally the west side of Hawaii, the county council’s actions do that nicely.
If she hasn’t noticed that the reason people want their own government is because something is wrong with ours.
Yes I had a meeting at Hualalai after numerous calls and emails pleading to take action. Here are a few facts for Ms. Millie,
1. We cannot split the county or any other county of the State of Hawaii without a Constitutional Convention to change the State Charter. This (Con Con) Constitutional convention only comes about every 10 years. We have not had a con con in 30 THIRTY YEARS. So we can’t split the county nor can east Oahu or west Maui or any other group seeking to split and become their own county.
2. We have looked at the idea of 2 City Managers. One for the east and one for the west, but we would need 25% of the voters to sign a petition to bring it forward, and a majority of votes on election day. This would at least give us some say over our community.
3. We are currently trying to create an umbrella group for All of the districts around the island to address County issues that are not being addressed. Yes voters registration is a problem. We do have a group forming now to get their voters registrar cards to set up around the island to register voters. West Hawaii was at a disadvantage when east Hawaii had a store in the Hilo mall just to register voters for the east side. Fair play isn’t something the west side has experienced.
4. Let’s look at the parcels/lots/taxes for the island of Hawaii. The tax assessor’s gross valuations ($1,000) These records are from the Real Property Tax Division, Hawaii County Finance:
a. Puna: district 1 56,414 parcels $3,670,725.50
b. South Hilo: district 2 20,198 parcels $3,990,672.30
c. North Hilo: district 3 1,393 parcels $192,253.60
d. Hamakua: district 4 3,602 parcels $424,724.40
e. North Kohala: dist. 5 3,317 parcels $863,959.40
f. South Kohala: dist. 6 9,910 parcels $5,830,808.60
g. North Kona: dist. 7 19,127 parcels $10,029,269.40
h. South Kona: dist. 8 5,909 parcels $1,089,863.30
i. Kau: dist. 9 16,742 parcels $795,035.30
Here are the 9 districts for which each has one County Council person. Does this look fair to you? Where does the money come from and who decides where the tax revenues go?
Gee it isn’t brain surgery. I wonder why the west side doesn’t have the same services as the east side? 2.5 districts are controlling the money for the other 6.5 districts. No wonder people are anxious to get their own government.
My own goals? No I am not making any money fighting for equal rights. No I am not planning or plotting anything. It is the people of the community who have come forward asking for help.
Look Ms. Millie Tanaka I really don’t want to do this volunteer work. Your bad taste in your mouth of “Community Organizer” can be handled simply by brushing your teeth and volunteering to better your community rather then cut down those trying to better our quality of life. It is short sighted people like this that leave us in the dark.
If you want to volunteer: contact me at: westhawaiicounty@gmail.com
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
Letter to the Editor-Millie Tanaka
County split
Unwise choice
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 8:23 AM HSTMy comments are in response to your article of July 22 headed "Whith county split unlikely, Kona woman turns to organizing."There are two major issues I wish to address. The first is Susan McGeachy, who is attempting once again to rally the community to help themselves. I don't know Ms McGeachy but I remember her efforts on behalf of a neighborhood water system to right a mess created by a nonresponsive government. In the blog she is being attacked as a realtor that no longer is making big bucks, though she appears to have some credible credentials. In reality whatever she is or isn't doing to make a living is not the issue.The issue at stake is once again the nonresponsive government.
I keep wondering what has to happen for us to stop the name calling and differences we may perceive and look for what we have in common with Ms McGeachy, who obviously willing to put out a lot of her time and energy to help you, not where you might not agree.This is true of anyone who is willing to give of their time and talents. I would stop before saying "community organizing," because that term really leaves a bad taste.And when we were short sighted enough to follow along with Hilo leader's plan for single-member districts -- we sealed our fate.We, those few who vote, allowed ourselves to be lead into a pit that would be difficult to crawl out of. If real thought were put into the plan in West Hawaii, anyone would see that when the population or political will shifted Kona would be sitting pretty with at-large voting. Ms McGeachy's plan would be a snap. Or, she wouldn't need to be planning and plotting. She would be out registering voters and seeing to it that they voted. Everyone can vote in this state. No excuses.And, since we are now on the subject of voting, we voted against, not for, the North Kona council seat. And look what we got. Mr. Kelly Greenwell has always been a colorful figure in this community and has come up with some outrageous ideas. He has garnered very few votes in his earlier attempts to secure an elective office. But when all the stars are aligned and you don't campaign, lay low and watch from behind your rock, it is amazing what can happen.What we had was an opposing candidate with an agenda. Obviously many felt that it was not correct to put a 2 percent off the top of our tax money toward anything other than what our government is supposed to do -- health and safety. A majority of those voting (40 something percent) felt this was a serious enough issue to vote against the candidate and for the loose cannon.So, we have a loose cannon who is just being himself. Bringing terrorists of any branding to Hawaii Island is not a popular idea. It doesn't matter what we think; it sounds good to him.Now he is playing the race card. Shame on Mr. Greenwell, but he is just being himself. This is not new with him. I was blown away that we had actually voted in a person who was not going to be an acceptable representative for North Kona.My question now, taken from the article, why is Mr. Greenwell on his way to Washington on my dime or at all? And, how would anyone in Washington know that West Hawaii would prefer their own government unless he told them? Who is he meeting with now and what crazy ideas does he have up his sleeve?There is so much more to this story and we would all appreciate it if this paper would start asking some hard questions. We are crying for investigative reporting.Millie TanakaNorth Kona
Unwise choice
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 8:23 AM HSTMy comments are in response to your article of July 22 headed "Whith county split unlikely, Kona woman turns to organizing."There are two major issues I wish to address. The first is Susan McGeachy, who is attempting once again to rally the community to help themselves. I don't know Ms McGeachy but I remember her efforts on behalf of a neighborhood water system to right a mess created by a nonresponsive government. In the blog she is being attacked as a realtor that no longer is making big bucks, though she appears to have some credible credentials. In reality whatever she is or isn't doing to make a living is not the issue.The issue at stake is once again the nonresponsive government.
I keep wondering what has to happen for us to stop the name calling and differences we may perceive and look for what we have in common with Ms McGeachy, who obviously willing to put out a lot of her time and energy to help you, not where you might not agree.This is true of anyone who is willing to give of their time and talents. I would stop before saying "community organizing," because that term really leaves a bad taste.And when we were short sighted enough to follow along with Hilo leader's plan for single-member districts -- we sealed our fate.We, those few who vote, allowed ourselves to be lead into a pit that would be difficult to crawl out of. If real thought were put into the plan in West Hawaii, anyone would see that when the population or political will shifted Kona would be sitting pretty with at-large voting. Ms McGeachy's plan would be a snap. Or, she wouldn't need to be planning and plotting. She would be out registering voters and seeing to it that they voted. Everyone can vote in this state. No excuses.And, since we are now on the subject of voting, we voted against, not for, the North Kona council seat. And look what we got. Mr. Kelly Greenwell has always been a colorful figure in this community and has come up with some outrageous ideas. He has garnered very few votes in his earlier attempts to secure an elective office. But when all the stars are aligned and you don't campaign, lay low and watch from behind your rock, it is amazing what can happen.What we had was an opposing candidate with an agenda. Obviously many felt that it was not correct to put a 2 percent off the top of our tax money toward anything other than what our government is supposed to do -- health and safety. A majority of those voting (40 something percent) felt this was a serious enough issue to vote against the candidate and for the loose cannon.So, we have a loose cannon who is just being himself. Bringing terrorists of any branding to Hawaii Island is not a popular idea. It doesn't matter what we think; it sounds good to him.Now he is playing the race card. Shame on Mr. Greenwell, but he is just being himself. This is not new with him. I was blown away that we had actually voted in a person who was not going to be an acceptable representative for North Kona.My question now, taken from the article, why is Mr. Greenwell on his way to Washington on my dime or at all? And, how would anyone in Washington know that West Hawaii would prefer their own government unless he told them? Who is he meeting with now and what crazy ideas does he have up his sleeve?There is so much more to this story and we would all appreciate it if this paper would start asking some hard questions. We are crying for investigative reporting.Millie TanakaNorth Kona
Friday, August 07, 2009
News Release- Hawaii House of Representatives
News Release - Hawaii House of Representatives
August 6, 2009 - For immediate release
Lawmakers hold community meeting on Pine’s beach access near NELHA
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rep. Denny Coffman (District 6 – North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona and Honokohau) and Senator Josh Green (District 3 – North and South Kohala, North and South Kona) will hold a joint community meeting to discuss problems related to beach access near the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA). Specifically, this involves the Kohanaiki beach access road to the Pine surf area and camping grounds.
The meeting will be held on:
Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
The lawmakers have invited the following state officials to attend and provide information to the community: Brennon Morioka, Director of the Department of Transportation; Ted Liu, Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; and Ron Baird, Executive Director of NELHA.
The problem: Presently, access to Pine’s beach via the Kohanaiki shore line access road is blocked from the north bound Queen Ka’ahumanu highway lanes. A driver must travel one (1) mile north to the NELHA turn-off to make a safe U-turn and then travel south to the new Kohanaiki shore line access road. When Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway is widened, a safe driver will need to travel to the airport turn-off to make a safe U-turn.
“I have already experienced someone stopping in the middle of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway to make a U-turn to get to the new Kohanaiki shore line access road,” said Rep. Coffman. “I am concerned about traffic safety, and we’ll be working with the Department of Transportation to find a solution.”
Access to the Pine’s area via the Kohanaiki shore access road from the southbound lanes is unsafe. The right-turn in and right-turn out are directly from the highway; no special turn or merge lanes have been provided.
“All the beaches in Hawaii must remain open and accessible to the public by law,” said Senator Josh Green. “People should be able to access the beach without putting themselves and their families at risk. This is an opportunity for the community to give their feedback and to urge a quick response.”
Contact: Rep. Denny Coffman – 808-586-9605
Sen. Josh Green – 808-586-9385
August 6, 2009 - For immediate release
Lawmakers hold community meeting on Pine’s beach access near NELHA
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rep. Denny Coffman (District 6 – North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona and Honokohau) and Senator Josh Green (District 3 – North and South Kohala, North and South Kona) will hold a joint community meeting to discuss problems related to beach access near the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA). Specifically, this involves the Kohanaiki beach access road to the Pine surf area and camping grounds.
The meeting will be held on:
Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
The lawmakers have invited the following state officials to attend and provide information to the community: Brennon Morioka, Director of the Department of Transportation; Ted Liu, Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; and Ron Baird, Executive Director of NELHA.
The problem: Presently, access to Pine’s beach via the Kohanaiki shore line access road is blocked from the north bound Queen Ka’ahumanu highway lanes. A driver must travel one (1) mile north to the NELHA turn-off to make a safe U-turn and then travel south to the new Kohanaiki shore line access road. When Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway is widened, a safe driver will need to travel to the airport turn-off to make a safe U-turn.
“I have already experienced someone stopping in the middle of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway to make a U-turn to get to the new Kohanaiki shore line access road,” said Rep. Coffman. “I am concerned about traffic safety, and we’ll be working with the Department of Transportation to find a solution.”
Access to the Pine’s area via the Kohanaiki shore access road from the southbound lanes is unsafe. The right-turn in and right-turn out are directly from the highway; no special turn or merge lanes have been provided.
“All the beaches in Hawaii must remain open and accessible to the public by law,” said Senator Josh Green. “People should be able to access the beach without putting themselves and their families at risk. This is an opportunity for the community to give their feedback and to urge a quick response.”
Contact: Rep. Denny Coffman – 808-586-9605
Sen. Josh Green – 808-586-9385
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Voters Registration Group Organizing
Aloha All,
I would like to Thank Auntie Elaine Watai for heading up our Voters Registration Group.
We have 7 Volunteers so far. We will be organizing a meeting/ training and making a game plan for where and when to set up Voter's reigstration tables.
If you want to join this group or any other group please respond back to westhawaiicounty@gmail.com
Thank you again for your support.
Susan
I would like to Thank Auntie Elaine Watai for heading up our Voters Registration Group.
We have 7 Volunteers so far. We will be organizing a meeting/ training and making a game plan for where and when to set up Voter's reigstration tables.
If you want to join this group or any other group please respond back to westhawaiicounty@gmail.com
Thank you again for your support.
Susan
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Testimony Today to reverse the Musical Chairs
This morning the council is taking your testimony regarding the actions that removed all of the West Hawaii council members from their department head positions. They are trying to turn the clock backwards and make nice like it never happened.
Should be we suprised? Isn't this the way West Hawaii has always been treated? Like the ulgy step child!
Should be we suprised? Isn't this the way West Hawaii has always been treated? Like the ulgy step child!
Monday, August 03, 2009
More Great Questions of 2 CM's
Hi, further questions:
You said they would be hired by Corp. Council. Do you mean Corporation Counsel, the attorney (ie Lincoln Ashida) or would County Council hire? And thanks, in a previous email I thought you'd said the County Managers would be elected, and that did not seem to be the best approach. So to whom would they report?
I would hope they would report to the corp. Council in their districts. We need the best and the brightest with the MOST experience.
Who is the "we" who's doing the financial breakdown and review of this?
I am a financial Organizer since 1979. I am trying to get a breakdown from the finance dept. I have reorganized First Credit Bank after FDIC took it in bankruptcy. I put together financials for many clients I also do General Ledgers, proposals, etc... Money is what I do.
Wow, you said each district would have their own fire and police...
One the mainland each City and each county has their own. Just as Honolulu has fire and police, but the County of Oahu has fire and police for the rest of the island. There are no repeats and they assist others as the situation needs. There is also a former City Manager in Waikoloa that wants to break off and Incorporate. But without a Con Con to change the rules it is not possible. Waikoloa is the most ready compared to the rest of the island. I can see now the kind of duplicate expense as for dup. services we have that now. We are paying top dollar to a Hilo gentleman to haul all of the Abandoned cars on the big island for a cool $2,061,984.00, no questions asked, no bids, to opportunity for anyone to do that job cheaper. Staffing would be reviewed closer and we can get rid of the dead weight that is costing the tax payers. that would likely be involved in double staffing of this kind of arrangement.
Thanks for helping me understand that. Interesting conundrums would result: a bulk of the police hired live in Hilo, We already know what happened with the hiring practices of the Hawaii police department. This would give them better control of their own areas. I don’t see doubling. Take a look at how the rest of America does it, state by state is different. Some have townships, some have counties, some have cities in the counties. The questions you raise are great. We need to look at how others have done it affordably and follow suit. which is why the county has a police barracks in South Kona so police can live there if their primary residence is too far away. I can see there would have to be serious procedures in place without an islandwide police force or fire department. Most states Do not have a state wide police department. Just as Hawaii does not have a state wide police department. Each island as each district will have its own needs, fire, rescue and police. Just as the fire station at Keahole Airport is for the State and not the County. They can NOT leave the airport unless it is to fire/rescues an aircraft situation. There is no doubling of services. North Kona just doesn’t have any fire department. The only station for North Kona is at Queen K and Palani.
We have been in need of a fire station for years.
And I also see, the revenue then would flow to the district...so South Kohala would get a bulk of the TAT,
You know who gets the TAT (Transit accommodations tax) the STATE, and not the County, someone has to pay for the rail on Oahu. For example., as they have the bulk of the hotel rooms.
You said they would be hired by Corp. Council. Do you mean Corporation Counsel, the attorney (ie Lincoln Ashida) or would County Council hire? And thanks, in a previous email I thought you'd said the County Managers would be elected, and that did not seem to be the best approach. So to whom would they report?
I would hope they would report to the corp. Council in their districts. We need the best and the brightest with the MOST experience.
Who is the "we" who's doing the financial breakdown and review of this?
I am a financial Organizer since 1979. I am trying to get a breakdown from the finance dept. I have reorganized First Credit Bank after FDIC took it in bankruptcy. I put together financials for many clients I also do General Ledgers, proposals, etc... Money is what I do.
Wow, you said each district would have their own fire and police...
One the mainland each City and each county has their own. Just as Honolulu has fire and police, but the County of Oahu has fire and police for the rest of the island. There are no repeats and they assist others as the situation needs. There is also a former City Manager in Waikoloa that wants to break off and Incorporate. But without a Con Con to change the rules it is not possible. Waikoloa is the most ready compared to the rest of the island. I can see now the kind of duplicate expense as for dup. services we have that now. We are paying top dollar to a Hilo gentleman to haul all of the Abandoned cars on the big island for a cool $2,061,984.00, no questions asked, no bids, to opportunity for anyone to do that job cheaper. Staffing would be reviewed closer and we can get rid of the dead weight that is costing the tax payers. that would likely be involved in double staffing of this kind of arrangement.
Thanks for helping me understand that. Interesting conundrums would result: a bulk of the police hired live in Hilo, We already know what happened with the hiring practices of the Hawaii police department. This would give them better control of their own areas. I don’t see doubling. Take a look at how the rest of America does it, state by state is different. Some have townships, some have counties, some have cities in the counties. The questions you raise are great. We need to look at how others have done it affordably and follow suit. which is why the county has a police barracks in South Kona so police can live there if their primary residence is too far away. I can see there would have to be serious procedures in place without an islandwide police force or fire department. Most states Do not have a state wide police department. Just as Hawaii does not have a state wide police department. Each island as each district will have its own needs, fire, rescue and police. Just as the fire station at Keahole Airport is for the State and not the County. They can NOT leave the airport unless it is to fire/rescues an aircraft situation. There is no doubling of services. North Kona just doesn’t have any fire department. The only station for North Kona is at Queen K and Palani.
We have been in need of a fire station for years.
And I also see, the revenue then would flow to the district...so South Kohala would get a bulk of the TAT,
You know who gets the TAT (Transit accommodations tax) the STATE, and not the County, someone has to pay for the rail on Oahu. For example., as they have the bulk of the hotel rooms.
Great Questions on 2 Managers for County of Hawaii
I'm unclear: how would this east side/west side manager work? Each side of the island would hire a city Manager. The Mayor would be a figure head like he is now. (never goes to council meetings...) Each side CM would be hired by the Corp. Council. the job description will have goals and standards that must be met. These positions will be like the private sector. Reviews and will not change with every administration every 2 years. If they are not doing the job they will be counciled and terminated. Just like the private sector. By having a CM that is NOT tied to elections we can hire the most qualified and maintain what we start.
-What would constitute east side, what would constitute west side?
A finanical breakdown is being done to verify the income and expenses of the current administration. We will make it as even as possible.
-Has there been consideration of North, East, South, West, to alloweverybody individual jurisdiction? Or by district? This I don't know. More research is needed.
Is it true that mosttax revenue comes from South Kohala? No a majority of tax revenue comes from Hualalai/ Kuiko which is in North Kona district.
One wonders where they'd want to go,to the East or to the West...or would districts be given choices? This is up to the people. If they want better controls of their own neighborhoods then they will need to participate.
-How is it envisioned these managers would be put in place: appointed byMayor, by County Council, or....? You say they'd be given a budget basedon taxes collected and current County positions...not clear on what thatmeans, "their current County position...?" After reviewing the 75 pages of
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
Bill No 36
Draft 4
ORDINANCE NO 09 64
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1 2009 TO JUNE 30 2010
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
SECTION 1 Purpose It is the purpose of this ordinance to establish an operating
budget for the County of Hawaii in compliance with subsection 13a0 Hiawai County
Charter
SECTION 2 General SummaN and Comparative Statements of Revenues and
Expenditures A simple clear general summary of the detailed contents of the operating
budget and comparative statements of revenues and expenditures are hereby presented
-What would the thinking be regarding islandwide issues, how would they behandled, whether it is roads that go between districts, or say anemergency that devastates a part of the island. Example, the Waikoloa fire: would the manager there have to negotiate bringing in fire fromanother district, or would there be some provision? The exact same as the mainland when you have city or Counties that have to negotiate these rules and standards prior to the split.Or would eachdistrict be strictly on their own for dealing with an immediate emergencyand then managing and repairing the aftermath? Yes each district will have their own fire, police, etc... If another company is assisting (as on the mainland) they are billed for the services used.
Yes folks, there are a million and one questions that need to be addressed. Please send us your thoughts and experiences so we don't have to re-invent the wheel.
Great Work guys!
-What would constitute east side, what would constitute west side?
A finanical breakdown is being done to verify the income and expenses of the current administration. We will make it as even as possible.
-Has there been consideration of North, East, South, West, to alloweverybody individual jurisdiction? Or by district? This I don't know. More research is needed.
Is it true that mosttax revenue comes from South Kohala? No a majority of tax revenue comes from Hualalai/ Kuiko which is in North Kona district.
One wonders where they'd want to go,to the East or to the West...or would districts be given choices? This is up to the people. If they want better controls of their own neighborhoods then they will need to participate.
-How is it envisioned these managers would be put in place: appointed byMayor, by County Council, or....? You say they'd be given a budget basedon taxes collected and current County positions...not clear on what thatmeans, "their current County position...?" After reviewing the 75 pages of
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
Bill No 36
Draft 4
ORDINANCE NO 09 64
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1 2009 TO JUNE 30 2010
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
SECTION 1 Purpose It is the purpose of this ordinance to establish an operating
budget for the County of Hawaii in compliance with subsection 13a0 Hiawai County
Charter
SECTION 2 General SummaN and Comparative Statements of Revenues and
Expenditures A simple clear general summary of the detailed contents of the operating
budget and comparative statements of revenues and expenditures are hereby presented
-What would the thinking be regarding islandwide issues, how would they behandled, whether it is roads that go between districts, or say anemergency that devastates a part of the island. Example, the Waikoloa fire: would the manager there have to negotiate bringing in fire fromanother district, or would there be some provision? The exact same as the mainland when you have city or Counties that have to negotiate these rules and standards prior to the split.Or would eachdistrict be strictly on their own for dealing with an immediate emergencyand then managing and repairing the aftermath? Yes each district will have their own fire, police, etc... If another company is assisting (as on the mainland) they are billed for the services used.
Yes folks, there are a million and one questions that need to be addressed. Please send us your thoughts and experiences so we don't have to re-invent the wheel.
Great Work guys!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
How do we get an east/ west city manager?
I believe you’ll have to amend the County Charter to do that. A vote of the electorate will be required to do so. Hawaii County Charter Sections 15-1 and 15-2. To put the question on the ballot, a 2/3 super majority of the County Council must vote to do so by ordinance or by petition of 20% of the registered voters in the last election.
The Six Groups
The Groups and their responsibilities:
Group 1: Media:
Read all of the island's newspapers. Determine which groups are
interested in creating either a separate county or incorporating as a City or
Township. Create a report we can use each month to track the media.
Group 2: Government:
Create a report we can use each month to track County and State projects
that are currently under way. Organize a group to go to County Council
meetings as needed.
Group 3 Registered Voters:
Work on getting as many people into the Voter Registrar Classes. This is a
1.5 hour required class to register voters. Create a report on the progress of
the voter's registration group.
Group 4 Finance and Fund Raising:
This group will work on a fund raising (awareness) event. This group will
also work on getting a Tax Id and any other legal documents the group
will need. Create a report we can use each month to track income and
expenses.
Group 5 Advertising and Design:
This group will corne up with three names/ logos for our group to choose
from. They will design and handle the newspaper ads and posters for the
upcoming meetings or fund raising events.
Group 6 Research and Development:
Research how much each district is receiving in preperty taxes for 2008.
How many people voted and by what district? Research why specific
projects are stalled and give solutions to get them back on track. Create a
report we can use each month to track information.
Group 1: Media:
Read all of the island's newspapers. Determine which groups are
interested in creating either a separate county or incorporating as a City or
Township. Create a report we can use each month to track the media.
Group 2: Government:
Create a report we can use each month to track County and State projects
that are currently under way. Organize a group to go to County Council
meetings as needed.
Group 3 Registered Voters:
Work on getting as many people into the Voter Registrar Classes. This is a
1.5 hour required class to register voters. Create a report on the progress of
the voter's registration group.
Group 4 Finance and Fund Raising:
This group will work on a fund raising (awareness) event. This group will
also work on getting a Tax Id and any other legal documents the group
will need. Create a report we can use each month to track income and
expenses.
Group 5 Advertising and Design:
This group will corne up with three names/ logos for our group to choose
from. They will design and handle the newspaper ads and posters for the
upcoming meetings or fund raising events.
Group 6 Research and Development:
Research how much each district is receiving in preperty taxes for 2008.
How many people voted and by what district? Research why specific
projects are stalled and give solutions to get them back on track. Create a
report we can use each month to track information.
Do we Want to form a Group or Not???
Aloha Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have had calls and emails asking what can we do? I will be honest with you. There are a few things I need to clear the air about.
First: The meeting at Hualalai was supposed to be about splitting the County or if nothing else reorganizing back to a government watch dog group. But I attended a meeting the day before and the group wanted me to go with an Umbrella group to supports the entire island. I find we can't approach and fix the problems in our own back yard, so how are we going to branch out and help everyone on the island?The goal of this group would be to select and support candidates that will vote with the West side. Well we all know what happened when we voted and supported Virginia Isabel and she voted with the East side. So just because you work to put someone in office that doesn't mean they will vote the way you want them to. Getting good people to run and stand up for the entire island has always been a huge challenge.
Second: The idea of a West side and East side manager sounds more realistic. Each would be given a budget based on their taxes collected and their current County positions. This would give the people that live, and vote a say in their own community. This type of idea would only come about with thousands of letters and calls to our elected officials. I find allot of people want to participate but don't have time to go to meetings. I will keep this web address open westhawaiicounty@gmail.com for your ideas, suggestions and/ or you can post directly to the blog at: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com .
If we want to continue with meetings, then we will need a group to look for meeting locations, do set up and pay for the location. The Hualalai Academy was so kind as to give me the room that night for free, I guess it is because my daughter was in the first graduating class of Hualalai (a class of 8). The cost for meeting rooms range from $75.00 to $400.00 plus. So before we make another meeting we need to know you are serious about wanting to move forward. This is not a one man show. It takes many to particiapte and make this happen. Your responses will tell if this project moves forward or not. As you can see by the attachment there are groups we had established in the past. If you would like to head a group or just be a participant in a group please email me back. In the future we will be calling upon you when we need a mass testimony or showing at council meetings.If you are concerned about your community and want to take action this is your opportunity.
If there is not enough drive and ambition to move forward then I will bow out gracefully and let this other group take over with their own adgenda.FYI: In my opinion the Internet is the answer to organizing.
Thank you for your support in the past.Mrs. Susan McGeachy--
westhawaiigroup@gmail.com http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
I have had calls and emails asking what can we do? I will be honest with you. There are a few things I need to clear the air about.
First: The meeting at Hualalai was supposed to be about splitting the County or if nothing else reorganizing back to a government watch dog group. But I attended a meeting the day before and the group wanted me to go with an Umbrella group to supports the entire island. I find we can't approach and fix the problems in our own back yard, so how are we going to branch out and help everyone on the island?The goal of this group would be to select and support candidates that will vote with the West side. Well we all know what happened when we voted and supported Virginia Isabel and she voted with the East side. So just because you work to put someone in office that doesn't mean they will vote the way you want them to. Getting good people to run and stand up for the entire island has always been a huge challenge.
Second: The idea of a West side and East side manager sounds more realistic. Each would be given a budget based on their taxes collected and their current County positions. This would give the people that live, and vote a say in their own community. This type of idea would only come about with thousands of letters and calls to our elected officials. I find allot of people want to participate but don't have time to go to meetings. I will keep this web address open westhawaiicounty@gmail.com for your ideas, suggestions and/ or you can post directly to the blog at: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com .
If we want to continue with meetings, then we will need a group to look for meeting locations, do set up and pay for the location. The Hualalai Academy was so kind as to give me the room that night for free, I guess it is because my daughter was in the first graduating class of Hualalai (a class of 8). The cost for meeting rooms range from $75.00 to $400.00 plus. So before we make another meeting we need to know you are serious about wanting to move forward. This is not a one man show. It takes many to particiapte and make this happen. Your responses will tell if this project moves forward or not. As you can see by the attachment there are groups we had established in the past. If you would like to head a group or just be a participant in a group please email me back. In the future we will be calling upon you when we need a mass testimony or showing at council meetings.If you are concerned about your community and want to take action this is your opportunity.
If there is not enough drive and ambition to move forward then I will bow out gracefully and let this other group take over with their own adgenda.FYI: In my opinion the Internet is the answer to organizing.
Thank you for your support in the past.Mrs. Susan McGeachy--
westhawaiigroup@gmail.com http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Aaron Stene via Margaret Wille:Council musical chairs
http://thekonablog.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/hawaii-county-council-going-to-attempt-to-restore-council-committee-chair-changes/
Margaret Wille alerted me today that the Hawaii County Council is goingto try to restore the June 16 council chair changes that were allegedlytainted by a Sunshine law violation at their August 5th county councilhearing in Hilo. (Resolution 218-09)
It appears this is political maneuvering is perfectly legal. The TROgranted by Judge Ibarra allows the council to reorganize but blocks anyfurther legislative action between August 5-15,2009.However I hope thecouncil rejects this do over. The public testimony was largely againstthe council reorganizing during the first go around. I would bet thathasn’t changed one bit since June 16.
-- *********************************Aaron SteneKailua-Kona, Hawaiiaaron@hawaiiantel.nethttp://thekonablog.wordpress.com/Twitter: @konablog
Margaret Wille alerted me today that the Hawaii County Council is goingto try to restore the June 16 council chair changes that were allegedlytainted by a Sunshine law violation at their August 5th county councilhearing in Hilo. (Resolution 218-09)
It appears this is political maneuvering is perfectly legal. The TROgranted by Judge Ibarra allows the council to reorganize but blocks anyfurther legislative action between August 5-15,2009.However I hope thecouncil rejects this do over. The public testimony was largely againstthe council reorganizing during the first go around. I would bet thathasn’t changed one bit since June 16.
-- *********************************Aaron SteneKailua-Kona, Hawaiiaaron@hawaiiantel.nethttp://thekonablog.wordpress.com/Twitter: @konablog
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