County of Hawaii Issues and More with Susan McGeachy

These are Spooky Times We live in.

2011-07-27T12:34:00.002-10:00

When radical right wingers are holding our Nation Hostage.

by Susan McGeachy on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 12:28pm

The United States Congress has raised the ceiling hundreds of times over the past years. The US Congress has balanced the budget many times without any demand. I can't help feeling like the right wingers are fighting against our President regardless of how hard he tries.

This Congress / those that vote against raising the debt should be impeached.

This is not a game of "we are right or we aren't playing).

It is this new radical breed that want to stop the grandfather clock of time and try to change the access of government; (when they are less then the 1/3 majority of all of the law makers).

The Tea Party is going to teach us a lesson and demand a balanced budget without any tax increases. Unless they are from a Planet other then earth, we really don't see how!!! The Democrates have bent over so far backwards that they are now giving the farm away.

The answer is to bring home all of the troops NOW! and cut the contractors working there. Tax the richest 2% billionaires for corp. jets, cut all the give aways on tax subsidies for oil companies (making billions already).
Stop paying the LAW MAKERS in WASHINGTON NOW!

This congress was sent there to guide our Nation forward, getting the people's business and interests first. Yea before all of the lobbiest (with there power and control).
As an AMERICAN I am embarassed by our Government and lack of consideration for ALL American's.
The Tea Party is right that we want to cut the debt but not TODAY. Pass something and then lazer focus on fixing the jobs, the economy and the damaged image our Nation is having to endure

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Comment:

Don't forget making the banks lower Americans' home mortgages after reappraising their homes when their entire neighborhood is now in decline and worth less original purchase price. Allow unions to fight for the employees of big corps now expecting servitude instead of helping Americans make a wage that will allow them to rise above their present status.

Phyllis Chu
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Comment:

What do you think he can do?
    What he can do is "get it" that the the other party is not genuinely    at the negotiating table and wants NOTHING but failure for the black    man and anything he tries to do.
      He can stop acting like they are anything but disingenuous and say    so. When they say no to things they actually were for in the    past,..that says they aren't there at the table. He can say it is a    shame what they are doing.
     He can stop taking Bonner to play golf!!!!!
      He can say the three programs that help those struggling is OFF    the table,.just as easily as they say the tax loopholes and    corporate welfare for the 2% fat cats is off their table.
       Social security is solvent for 30 years and paid by US!! Why in the hell is THAT on ANY frickin table???? It should not be! This is unbelievable!!!!
     He can say a word of encouragement to protesters who are fighting the union busters and say that these evil people are trying to make campaign money and voting difficult for no other reason that to    stifle Democratic votes!
     He can be as tough as his words were during his campaign. He could be as tough as a Teddy Kennedy!.
     What we need is someone with a frickin sack!! Like Greyson! Who wouldnt keep trying to negotiate with people who have no intention of negotiating! When I see a picture of him sitting with these    fakes and smiling I want throw up! They hate his guts and have no intention of compromising! Why does Obama keep acting like they are    anything but fake?
     He could come out and say they are obviously NOT interested in    creating a jobs bill,.when this is what is MOST important right    now,...he could say that it is shameful for this party to hold our    country hostage as has never been done before,,and use what any same leader would do in this situation and use the Bully Pulpit as much as possible.
      He could say that they wanted to dilute the stimulous money because they knew it would HELP the economy,..He could say they arte    using this Debt Ceiling for no other reason than to distract from    what IS most important right now; JOBS!!!!!
     He could say that their actions show they are not actually anywhere near patriots by their actions!
    Say hey to Sacramento ED!   ;-)
Mike F.

Twist some arms? They have been in meetings for over 8 months and these far right crazies are holding the country hostage.
It is a minority of the population that want the system to crash. These people should all be impeached. Even their fellow Republicans don’t agree with this group.
(Remember them: The ones with the Obama hate signs at all of their meetings? The ones totting guns to their rallies?)

Coqui FROG Hunt in Kona Coastview HELP US!!!

2011-07-15T06:52:00.000-10:00

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are very lucky to have Vickie Kebler to head up the Coqui Frog control for Kona Coastview and Wonderview. She has spent countless hours hunting down frogs in our neighborhood.

Please talk to your friends and neighbors around you and lets all get together and help Vickie.

We need your help killing them with a machine that costs approx. $1,4000.00. We are currently borrowing a machine. Cash too will help buying citric acid and baking powder.

Hopefully with your help this will fight them off and retain the value of our homes.

Mucho Mahalos,

Susan McGeachy

Bill Maher hits the nail on the head.

2011-07-11T14:28:00.000-10:00

As the talks stall with the Credit Rating and the People of America being held hostage by this crazy Congress. Please for the good of the Nation and the future of our world, DO the right thing and get our house in order.
Compromise and get rid of the my way or the highway attitude.
It is up to the Republicans to give way to the will of the people.

Tax the richest and stop taking from the poorist.
Can't help feeling like we should be prepareing for the end of times in our generation.

God help us, we are in deep kim chee right now!
What is going to happen in the future! The middle class will be gone and people will become desparate. The times ahead may be one of survival. This Country is truly going down. Egos will be our demise.

Social Security NEEDS your HELP!

2011-07-08T06:59:00.000-10:00

Subject: Social Security needs help

This affects us personally. Our beloved president has put Social Security cuts on the table for a debt deal with Republicans, because Republicans refuse to roll back tax breaks for the rich and big corporations. Obama is desperate to stop the government shutdown that Republicans are threatening if Obama doesn't play ball and make a bunch of painful budget cuts. Obama doesn't know how to negotiate, so he just gives things away. Now he is saying he would support changes that would reduce the size of annual cost of living increases to social security. Over a period of about 10 years, this would effectively reduce the amount we would receive by about $500 a month, or possibly more. Hopefully we will still be here in 10 years, and, if so, we will need that $500 a month. Since Obama is pretty much a lost cause, we need to put pressure on congressional Democrats to reject this plan. Obama can't do this without them.

Here is the link:

http://pol.moveon.org/bad_debt_deal/?r_by=28665-14543293-yXcvq_x&rc=bad_debt_deal_letter.email.g0

What is your Health worth?

2011-05-16T07:00:00.000-10:00

A few months ago I started getting hot flashes, that lasted and lasted. There were many signs, like swelling ankles, constant headaches, fatigue... I thought I finished the change of life over a year ago and I feel like I am going through it again. I went to my doctor and he ran tests, and called me to get in right away. That worried me. I took a battery of tests, cat scan.... pinched and poked...
Now he wants me to see an Endrocrynologist. He thinks I have a tumor on my adrenal gland. I am not a fan of doctors and think any profession that is called "practicing" is scary. Do they know or are they guessing???
This week I will be going to Oahu to see the specialist. (of course there aren't any on the Big Island so I have to go over there). Your health is very important.
The odd part of this, is that over the last year I have cleaned up my diet and started exercising, and then I get this. go figure!
Just an up date. I would like to say THANK YOU to all of you for your letters, calls and advice. I really apreciate it.
Susan

Osama Bin Laden is DEAD!

2011-05-02T07:13:00.000-10:00

American's will never forget 9/11 or any of the other targets that have been attacked. Now we need to stay vigolent and remain on high security. Many people around the world don't like America, and we will stand strong.

Stop supporting Countries that harbor our enimies. Bring our troop home and revie America.

Thank God President Obama has stepped up to the plate and made the bold decision to TAKEM' OUT.
Great Work.

Now the GOP can talk about something other then President Obama's birth certificate.
Thank God for the persistance and the final out come.

Kona Helping Japan with shelter boxes.

2011-03-18T15:42:00.000-10:00

Lot's of activity in organizing this Kona,Kona Mauka, Kona Sunrise multiclub Rotary/Interact project to benefit theJapanese with as many Shelter Boxes as we can. Given our strong sisterclub relationships, it is the least that we can achieve.
http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/sending-aloha-japan.html

http://news.nationalpost.com/photo_gallery/photos-of-the-day-march-18-2011/

http://shelterboxusa.org/news.php?id=622

We are up to three so far, and today at Walmart, the project has alreadylaunched out to the Kona public, and they are great. Last October, theysupported 180 Christmas Care boxes to the US Marines.
Ann Goody has been in contact with the recently commenced Aloha for Japan project based on Oahu,and they are very interested in using some of their statewide collected fundsto also support the Shelter Box Program. Please if you would, get thismessage out to your contacts, and WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Aloha,
Cliff Kopp
989-7072

Amazing footage of Japan- before and After

2011-03-17T09:02:00.002-10:00

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm

Kailua Kona Tsunami 3/11/11

2011-03-11T13:43:00.001-10:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Wh0_yNJhc
some amazing footage of the water coming over the sea wall at Alii Dr.

The State Akaka Bill needs your help

2011-03-04T09:28:00.000-10:00

The Hawai`i Senate Is About To Vote On The State Akaka Bills.
It Is Critical That You & Everyone You Know Act Today To Defeat These Bills.
You can make a direct difference and help prevent these fake state Akaka Bills from ever becoming law.
These Bills Would Do Two Major Things -

1. Allow the fake state of Hawai`i to seize the so-called ceded or Crown Lands and immediately sell them to foreign developers for billions of dollars, thus solving the fake stateʻs budget crisis.

2. Set up the Danner sisters and Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement as the ones in charge. They will literally have the power to decide if you and your family are "native Hawaiian" or not. They will be able to decide your future and the future of your `ohana if these bills pass.
Now is the time for a display of strong resistance and outrage that your voice is being ignored on this legislation.

WHAT YOU CAN DO -
* Call all Hawai`i state Senators and tell them to vote NO on SB1 and SB1520, the “First Nation,” tribal government schemes. If they pass out of the Senate, call each House member a tell them to vote NO. Find Their Phone Numbers HERE
* Get your testimonies ready. Be ready to send your testimony in at a moment’s notice and then be there at the hearings to present them in person.
* Keep your testimony simple and to the point (see sample ‘talking points’ below). Now is not the time to preach or ‘educate.’ They are not listening. The legislators need only know that there is fierce opposition to these bills.
Below are the four strongest talking points for your testimony. Pick one or two or use all four. “I am opposed to SB1 and SB1520 because...”
1. The State of Hawai`i has no constitutional power to form a new “indigenous” “First Nation” government. Nothing in the State or Federal constitutions give the State of Hawa`ii the authority to form a new “nation” within the “state.” Thus, if passed, these new fake “nation” entities will be ruled unconstitutional by the courts.
2. This will plunge the state of Hawaii into chaos. It will be divisive and extremely disruptive pitting Hawaiians against each other; Hawaiians against non-Hawaiians; families against families. It would create conflicting jurisdictions between the “Native Hawaiian” tribal government, the State government and the US government.
3. The State of Hawai`i is in a terrible financial crisis. Making the people of Hawai`i pay an unspecified hundreds of millions of tax dollars to implement a rogue tribal governing entity is irresponsible, immoral and illegal. It would be far better use tax dollars to fund the critical needs of current services and infrastructure in Hawai`i.
4. The legislature hasn’t spent the time to carefully consider the ramifications. Prematurely rushing through SB1 and SB1520 with so many more pressing, critical matters, would be a serious waste of time. It would also violate the people’s right to participate in the democratic, decision-making process. Before passing something that would so drastically alter the State’s governing structure, the legislature needs to defer action; take at least a year to hear what the people in our communities have to say, carefully study all the factors and ramifications, then make a decision.
One Email Sends Your Testimony To All Senators Here - sens@capitol.hawaii.gov Or Click Here To Submit Your Testimony
Visit http://StopAkakaBill.com for more information.

Kona Police Department AKA Keystone Cops

2011-02-20T09:36:00.000-10:00

Yesterday my husband and I were passing Walmart and saw a fender bender in the other direction. 2 cars no injuries. We went to the bank and returned 10 minutes later and the fire truck on the scene and the 2 vechiles in the accident were pulled around the corner and out of the main traffic. Then out of no where 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 police squad cars fight the traffic and arrive making a HUGE TRAFFIC JAM. NO help. just make the situation worse.
My question is does Kona have what is known as a dispatch service?
Our tax dollars, gas wasted for so many to be on a cleared scene?

Do we have someone that sends 2 cars or as needed or is it EVERYONE JUSt go go go go>>>>>>. What a waste of time, money and created a worse traffic jam.

Larry, Moe and Curley would have been proud of these keystone cops.

Remembering back when!

2011-02-09T09:40:00.000-10:00

Does anyone remember back when you pulled into a gas station and a cheerful guy in a white uniform with a bow tie; would jog out and filler up, wash the windows and check the oil?
Does anyone remember back when your bank asked if there is anything they can do for you, and not try to cross sell you on opening something new?
Does anyone remember back when people took pride in the homes, and mowed their lawn and kept a nice clean home/driveway?
What happened to those days? Service is no longer in our volcabulary.
Why is that.
I look around and see that people just don't care anymore.
WHY?

President Obama helps Tucson and the Nation heal.

2011-01-16T10:54:00.000-10:00

The tradegy in the Tucson shooting was:That the gun and bullets are available with little or no effort.
There should be legislation to out law automatic weapons like that. Why do you need more then 10 rounds at once? This nut had 30 rounds in seconds. Sad.
There were warning signs but he still came under the radar.
The College threw him out and thats all they could do.The guy at Walmart selling the bullets didn't notice that this guy was deranged?The father noticed that his son was dranged but didn't call the Police?
Should of would of could of.....
Time for Congress/ Sentate to step forward and protect us from this kind of mahame.
The Repulican speak is that your right to own and bear a weapon is in the constitution.
The reality is when the constitution was written they had to load one bullet and fire and reload.
They didn't have repeating rounds 30 times?

If heatlh care isn't available to all; who is going to cover all these gun accidents/shootings????

The Changing of the Guards in the House. DANGER!

2011-01-05T13:40:00.001-10:00

These next 2 years should be very exciting. The last two years the Republicans all together agreed to vote NO on EVERYthing that was put forward. Now John Bohener (the cry baby) will have to come up with solutions and ideas.
The Health Care plan has no chance of repeal. The American people have spoken and they want JOBS< JOBS< AND JOBS>>>>>
Quite wasting the tax payers money and work on JOBS>
Who do you think pays for those that use emergency rooms without insurance. Thats right you and me.
Why is America the richest country but we are dieing everyday from Obesity, diabetes, and illness related to poor diet. Well the new health care plan will require restraunts to post the actual calories. The new health care helps Seniors with expensive drugs, the new health care covers students on Mom and Dad's insurance until they are 27.... on and on.......
If the Republicans are serious about no new TAXs then why did they just fight to give the wealthiest Americans a FREE RIDE? How do they think they are going to bring the deficit down with actions like that?
We shall see.
My vote is still with Obama 2012. Excellent Job with the hand he was delt.

The Presidental story with great acting.

2010-12-27T08:54:00.000-10:00

http://politicalirony.com/2010/10/17/the-very-model-of-a-modern-us-president/

This is clever and true. Enjoy our Presidentail woes.

Happy Holidays To All :)

2010-12-24T16:30:00.000-10:00

2010 was a challenging year for many of us. Wishing all a
Happy and Prosprous New Year.

This is an amazing Job. Watch this guy!

2010-12-18T17:18:00.000-10:00

This takes a special person to do this kind of job. Not for the faint at heart.

http://www.liveleak.com/mp53/player.swf?config=http://www.liveleak.com/mp53/player_config.php?token=07b_1284580365%26embed=1

Getting Ready to Organize a Coqui Frog group

2010-12-14T08:34:00.000-10:00

Kona Coastview, Kona Wonderview, Kona Palisades, Kona Highlands.....
Do you hear couqi frogs at night?
Ready to join a group of neighbors to get rid of the frogs?

The County is doing NOTHING, the State is doing NOTHING.
Now it is time for action.
Baking soda worked for us. Now lets go to where they are and getem'

Call if you are interested in joining this group. 325-7576

Looking for Host family to Help a Foreign Exchange Student

2010-12-14T07:52:00.000-10:00

I appreciate you help circulating this information.

Of the 13 foreign students currently placed in Kona this
school year, three are with first semester families. I need to find new
host families for these three students ASAP. They will need their new
homes by January. I would love to find families that will agree to the
second semester, but I will also be happy to find families that will do it
until Easter, or even 6-8 weeks.

Two students are at Kealakehe: a girl from Pakistan who just turned 17, and a boy from Cambodia who just turned 16. The other is a 16 year old girl from Mali at
Konawaena. All speak very good English and are good hard working students,
doing lots of volunteer work and are just really nice teens.

Hosting is purely a volunteer experience: there is no
payment for hosting. Hosting means offering room and board, making sure
the kids catch the bus to school, acting as a friend, mentor and parent and
enjoying the cultural interchange. Families can be old or young, with or
without kids, big house or tiny coffee shack. Willingness is the key
criterion.

Thanks for any help forwarding this message. I can be
reached at 323 2117 or via email. There is also a website: www.cci-exchange.com.

Aloha, PAMELA WANG

Local Coordinator for CCI

Center for Cultural Interchange

808 323 2117

Comments and responses from you on Floating the Bond -County of Hawaii.

2010-11-30T17:23:00.000-10:00

Aloha,

Today, a majority of the council voted to have a public hearing on the Reconsideration of Bill 311 ($56 Million bond). This positive action allows the incoming council to weigh
the public’s comments. The new, incoming chairperson will set the hearing
date.

After the public hearing, Bill 311 will come back to the new council. At that time, the new council may be able to get more information from the administration on the project status to be able
to decide what to do with the potential bond issue – wait until the council
knows what the next budget deficit looks like, pass the bond in part or in
total, or vote down the bond issue in its entirety.

It was very difficult for me to vote against the potential bond issue when two extremely important projects in my district (La’aloa Street Extension to Kuakini and the crosswalk in front of
the Kona Bali Kai) were on the chopping block as well, but the greater public
good was at stake. However, now the council will have the time to analyze
and match all of the projects against the upcoming fiscal budget to
determine which ones, if any, get bonded. I will continue to work for the
La’aloa extension and the crosswalk in front of the Kona Bali Kai.

Mahalo for your understanding.

Brenda Ford

-------------------

Strong
points.

Josh Green

--------------------------

I too wrote to the Council and Mayor.

I want to know "How many jobs and where" will
they be created. There is already $36 million waiting to be spent and the $56 million takes the county to the edge of their good credit rating. Any more and the interest rates would go up
and the Country rating would go down.

Mike Reimer

----------------------------------------

Susan,

Good letter! I concur completely with your observations
and recommendations. Thanks for taking the time to write and share it with the "Aye" team in Hilo.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Curtis Tyler

---------------------------

We need you to Testify: Do we need to BORROW NOW? Wake up Hawaii

2010-11-29T08:35:00.003-10:00

Dear County Council,
Please accept this letter has request to rethink this bond obligation. The property taxes are way down, the foreclosure rate is still on the rise in Hawaii.
To add this kind of debit during this time is just plane irresponsible. There is no plan on how the County is going to pay the addtional interest or the bond it's self.
We have lost 2 cruise ships, Aloha Air lines, and thousands of jobs. We have hundreds of properties sitting vacant with half the value of what they were purchased at.
How do you plan to pay for this? If you can answer this then it would be feasible other wises it is like robbing a bank and not thinking about the jail time ahead.
Common sence is a must in this changing age we live in. If you have a dollar in your pocket you don't spend ten and then figure it out later. Let the new Council decide. Those voteing for this are on the way out anyway.
Respectfully,
Susan McGeachy
Kailua Kona since 1988
=====================================================================

Public testimony can also be at the Kona and Waimea county council
offices by videoconferencing.

If you have questions, please call the Kona county council office
at 326-5684.

Also, you can read more about the issues involved at http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2010/11/24/local/local02.txt

A Special Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday November 30^th
at 9AM at the Hilo Council Chambers, Aupuni Street.

Please see below for details on how to submit testimony.

Click here to go to
the County of Hawaii’s on-line library for the full
agenda (Council Records -> Agendas).

THE RECONSIDERATION OF BILL 311 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

Comm. 972.5: REQUESTS THE RECONSIDERATION OF BILL 311 RELATING TO THE
ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS:

From Council Member Donald Ikeda, dated November 17, 2010, requesting the

reconsideration of Bill 311. Bill 311 was approved by the Council at its meeting of

November 17, 2010, which passed second and final reading by the following vote:

7-ayes and 1-no (1-absent)

Comm. 972.9: From Council Member Donald Ikeda, dated November 18, 2010, requesting that a

Special Meeting by the Council be held before the end of this Council term

Comm. 972.10: From Council Member Dominic Yagong, dated November 18, 2010, requesting the

reconsideration of the vote on Bill 311. Requests that this measure be placed on the

December 15, 2010 Council agenda

Bill 311:  Authorizes the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds of the County of Hawai‘i for

the Purpose of Funding All or a Portion of the Costs of Various Public Improvement

Projects; Fixing the Form, Denominations, and Certain Other Details of Such Bonds

and Providing for Their Sale to the Public; and Authorizing the Taking of Other

Actions Relating to the Issuance and Sale of the Bonds.  {Principal amount not to

exceed $56,000,000.  The projects include:  Kawaihae Housing Closure

($1,000,000), Kaloko Housing Project ($4,000,000), Pool Drainage Covers

($500,000), Hawai‘i Paradise Park-New Park Development ($5,500,000),

Kikala-Keokea New Park Development ($100,000), North Kohala Recreational

Facilities Repair and Upgrade ($2,000,000), Banyan Beach Parking Lot ($300,000),

Kapiolani Street Extension ($8,700,000), Puna Makai Alternate Roadway

($500,000), La‘aloa Extension ($20,000,000), Energy Efficiency and Related

Maintenance Upgrades ($4,000,000), Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station ($8,800,000), and

Waimea Recycle and Transfer Station Garage ($100,000), for a total of

$55,000,000.  (The correct total amount should be “$55,500,000”.  An additional

$500,000 is included for bond issuance costs.)}

   Re:  Comm. 972

   Intr. by:  Mr. Onishi

   1st Reading: November 4, 2010

   2nd Reading: November 17, 2010

(Note:  Pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Section 92, notice is hereby given that

if the motion to reconsider Bill 311 is approved, a re-vote will be taken on Bill 311 at

this meeting.  If reconsideration of Bill 311 is approved, there will be a pending

motion on the floor by Mr. Onishi and duly seconded by Ms. Naeole to approve

Bill 311.)

SUBMITTING
TESTIMONY:

In person: You may testify in person at the Hilo
Council Chambers, or by videoconference from the Waimea or Kona Council
offices.
Written testimony: Testimony may be submitted before
noon on the business day prior to the meeting:

(1) by mail to the County
Clerk’s Office in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, 96720
(2) by fax to (808) 961-8912
By email to counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Iron Man Father and Son team- the Hoyt's Real Human Spirit.

2010-11-21T16:01:00.000-10:00

http://www.wimp.com/fatherson/

Dick and Ricky Hoyt: Fatherson and son team - This is the BEST of the BEST. The ture meaning of the Human Spirit.
We were lucky enough to see the Hoyt's back in 1996. This is a very special team.
This video tells the whole story.
Much Aloha's to the Hoyt's

You ole' rock and rollers will sure enjoy this one.

2010-11-13T08:18:00.002-10:00

http://www.tvkim.com/watch/31/kims-picks-funny-old-rock-star-songs

Our Future- Plastic waste to Oil

2010-11-09T07:38:00.000-10:00

http://www.flixxy.com/convert-plastic-to-oil.htm

This is incredible. This machine could change our future. worth every second to watch this video.
The machine takes plastic waste and turns it into oil. No drilling, no greedy deals........

How do I get one?
WOW.

How does Health Care in Hawaii work?

2010-11-04T08:32:00.000-10:00

If you are employed for 20 hours a week for 4 weeks in a row; your employer is required to co-pay your health insurance. I know this has helped us over the years to pay for our medical and we have piece of mind knowing we are covered.
Our Country is one of the richest in the world and we have the worst health care. In many states people like Rick Scott came in with their corporations and bought up most of the hospitals and closed all but one or two. This way they can charge anything they want. Supply and demand.
The drug companies advertise on TV all the drugs they think you should be taking. Then there is a long list of side effects; in most cases are worse then the reason you are taking to drug to begin with. It is all about money. The insurance companies don't want Obama's health care because it requires that most of the money (.85 on the dollar) collected actually goes to pay for medical care and not share holders.
Why are we so unhealthy? Obesity is the norm in America. This will be the first generation that is not expected to out live their parents.
Physical exercise in the schools has become an elective and not a requirement. When I was a kid we had the Presidential Physical Fitness program. We were tested every year and PE was a requirement. We also didn't have computers and video games to veg out on. The motivation to be fit is no longer a priority. Children over 200 pounds is not acceptable.
We don't need free health care but we do need affordable health care.
I am looking forward to see what the Republicans call health care and who pays and who benefits from it?
All I have heard from the Republicans is repeal. What is there idea of coverage and what is it going to cost?
No one is perfect but we do need to learn a new word in Congress and the Senate it is "COMPROMISE"
No is not an answer. We need solution minded Government. The next two years will be a test.
Can the Republicans get along with the Tea Party?
Can the Republicans compromise and work for solutions?
Can the remaining Democrats compromise?

The Election is over. We are all winners!

2010-11-03T07:42:00.000-10:00

After a nasty mean spirited election we are finally done. I consider alot of great things will come over the next 2 years.
First we are happy to have Neil Abercrombie as our new governor (Dem). Linda Lingle / Iona (Rep) took the State of Hawaii into the ditch. We lost 17 school days, the super ferry, 2 cruise ships, Aloha Airlines and the tax breaks for high tech.
Second we got rid of the idiot County Council members. Emily Nagole and Guy Enriques. Both of which couldn't come up with one idea to cut the Mayor's budget. Welcome aboard Brittany Smart and Fred Blas.
Let's work together as ONE island and get this County turned around.
Third we are very happy all the Republicans have new seats in Congress and the Senate, so now they can say something besides NO, NO, NO, NO and NO. They will be accountable for their decisions. Now maybe just maybe they will try to work together to right our course.

We are looking forward to what President Obama has to say this afternoon. John Bohner will now have to answer for his actions. The next 2 years should be exciting.

and last but not least. How do we change the Supreme Court's decision for disclosure of election contributions? The nasty, hateful election was something most of us DO NOT want to endure prior to every election. Open and Honest disclosure should be required.

Good Luck to all and we are hopeful this Country will be in good hands and solid direction.
ps keep the health care (gee it doesn't even take effect until 2012. So how do they know they don't want it?)

Tom McGeachy's work- Fauxcasso

2010-11-01T10:26:00.000-10:00

http://fauxcasso.blogspot.com/
Painted Stone Carvings- Hawaii

Rally to Restore Peace by Marjorie Cohn

2010-11-01T07:39:00.001-10:00

Let’s Rally to Restore Peace
By Marjorie Cohn
Huffington Post

October 31, 2010
----------------------------------

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-cohn/lets-rally-to-restore-pea_b_776759.html

In their Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, Jon Stewart and Stephen
Colbert effectively demonstrated how the media hypes fear. They
brought out Kareem Abdul Jabbar to show that not all Muslims are
terrorists. A couple of musical numbers dealt with the wars we are
fighting. But neither Stewart nor Colbert mentioned Iraq or
Afghanistan and how they are allowed to continue by the hyping of
fear.
Like his predecessor, President Obama also hypes fear - by connecting
his war in Afghanistan to keeping us safe, even though CIA director
Leon Panetta recently admitted that only 50 to 100 al Qaeda fighters
are there. Hoping to put the unpopular Iraq war behind him, Obama
declared combat operations over, although 50,000 U.S. troops and some
100,000 mercenaries remain.
Tragically, both wars have largely disappeared from the national
discourse. On October 22, Wikileaks released nearly 400,000
previously classified U.S. military documents about the Iraq war.
They contain startling evidence of more than 1,300 incidents of
torture, rape, abuse and murder by Iraqi security forces while the
U.S. government looked the other way. During this time the Bush
administration issued a “fragmentary order” called “Frago 242” not to
investigate detainee abuse unless coalition troops were directly
involved. U.S. authorities failed to investigate hundreds of reports
of torture, rape, abuse and murder by Iraqi soldiers and police.
Manfred Nowak, the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on Torture,
called on Obama to order a complete investigation of U.S. forces’
involvement in human rights abuses.
Many reports of abuse are supported by medical evidence. Prisoners
were shackled, blindfolded, and hung by their wrists and ankles. Some
were whipped with cables, chains, wire and pistols. Some were burned
with acid and cigarettes. Electric shocks were applied to genitals,
fingernails were ripped off, and fingers cut off. Some were sodomized
with hoses and bottles. Six died from their torture.
And there are reports of widespread killing of civilians by U.S. and
other coalition forces. But after a couple of days of reporting about
the largest incident of whistle blowing in our history, news of the
Wikileaks revelations has disappeared from the news cycle.
Both torture and the targeting of civilians are war crimes. And, in
spite of the reports of torture, Obama completed the handover of 9,250
detainees to the Iraqi government in July 2010. In so doing, he has
violated the Convention Against Torture, which forbids a party from
expelling, returning or extraditing a person to a country where there
are substantial grounds to believe he will be in danger of being
subjected to torture. This is called non-refoulement. The United
States has ratified the Torture Convention, making it part of U.S. law
under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.
The newly released documents show that between 2004 and 2009, at least
109,032 Iraqis died, including 66,081 civilians. More than 80 percent
of those killed in incidents related to convoys or at checkpoints
throughout Iraq were civilians. Pregnant women were shot dead,
priests were kidnapped and murdered, and Iraqi prison guards used
electric drills to get prisoners to confess.
A U.S. helicopter crew was granted approval to attack two Iraqis on
the ground even though the pilots reported that the men were trying to
surrender. Under the 1907 Hague Regulations, it is prohibited “to
kill or wound an enemy who, having laid down his arms, or having no
longer means of defence, has surrendered at discretion.”
Last year, 239 American soldiers took their own lives and 1,713
soldiers survived suicide attempts; 146 soldiers died from high-risk
activities, including 74 drug overdoses. One-third of returning troops
report mental health problems, and 18.5 percent of all returning
service members have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression,
according to a study by the Rand Corporation.
Jon Stewart spent a whole show last week interviewing Obama about
everything from health care to the economy. But neither man mentioned
the wars, even though the billions spent on them could go a long way
toward fixing the economy and paying for health care.
It is time to put the wars back on the national agenda. Iraq Veterans
Against the War issued a statement saying, “We grieve for the Iraqi
and Afghan lives that were lost and destroyed in these wars. We also
grieve for our brothers and sisters in arms, who have been lost to
battle or suicide . . . We demand a real end to both wars, including
immediate withdrawal of the 50,000 “non-combat” troops who remain in
Iraq. The Iraq War Logs underscore the urgent need for peace,
healing, and reparations for all who have been harmed by these wars.
The first step is to bring our brothers and sisters home.”
We cannot rely on Obama to end the wars. It’s up to us to put
sustained pressure on him to do it.

Marjorie Cohn is a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and
past president of the National Lawyers Guild. Her latest book is
“Rules of Disengagement: The Politics and Honor of Military Dissent”
(with Kathleen Gilberd). Her anthology, “The United States and
Torture: Interrogation, Incarceration, and Abuse,” will be published
in December by NYU Press

Nov. 2nd Tue. VOTE VOTE VOTE

2010-10-31T09:10:00.001-10:00

This election is very important. The Big Island of Hawaii needs to come out and VOTE. I am reaching out and asking for your vote for Neil Ambercrombie and Brian Schatz.

Over the past 8 years with Linda and Duke, have lost/ sunk the super ferry, thrown our schools and kids under the bus, lost 2 cruise ships, lost Aloha Airlines.............

Step up to the plate and VOTE. Our keikei are depending on your vote.

Let's do a better job of voting then we have in the past. Reach out to your friends and neighbors. Ask everyone you know to VOTE>>>:]

Thanks Susan

Coffee Processing Help! How to remove the beans?

2010-10-28T14:45:00.001-10:00

We are small time coffee growers. We have 30 trees and most are just producing for the first time this year.
We need help with creative methods of home processing. We currently pick only the red cherries, soak them over night. The next day we squeese out the beans, wash and put on our rack. It sun dries for 2 weeks. Then we crunch up the bean to get the shaft off and end up with the green bean.

We do have a coffee roaster and a grinder so we enjoy every drop.

My question is does anyone reading this blog know a better method to remove the beans from the shaft?
If you have any advice, we would love to hear from you.
Thanks, Susan and Tom(JuanValdez)

Charles Flaherty - Affordable Housing hearing

2010-10-28T14:17:00.000-10:00

Aloha e,
There will be a public hearing tomorrow, Thursday, October 28th at 3PM at the Keauhou Sheraton Resort regarding Forest City’s proposed Kamakana Villages at Keahuolu.

The developer applied to be a housing project under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 201H which authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to develop or assist in the development of housing projects which are exempt from certain statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules of any governmental agency relating to planning, zoning, construction standards for subdivisions, development and improvement of land, and the construction of units thereon provided that:

• The project primarily or exclusively includes affordable housing units (Forest City is proposing less than 60% at 140% of median income);

• The Corporation finds that the project meets minimum requirements of health and safety (Forest City does not); and

• The development of the project does not contravene any safety standards, tariffs, or rates and fees approved by the public utilities commission for public utilities or various Boards of Water Supply (Forest City’s development would).

The state agency, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation entered into a development agreement with Forest City Kamakana LLC which allows the developer to simply walk away from the development or any aspect of the development which may be deemed “financial unfeasible” with only 30 days notice.

HHFDC entered into development agreement without any regard to or consultation with the County of Hawai’i administration or its elected council representatives even though this development will have a great impact on the Kona community.

For instance, the county has reserved 431,360 gallons per day (“GPD”) capacity at the Kealakeke Sewage Treatment Plant, but Forest City’s documents state that the development will generate an average flow of 673,778 GPD with a peak flow of 2,555,477 GPD.

Further, as the Queen Liliuokalani Trust’s attorney’s have pointed out Forest City’s traffic studies are inadequate and incorrect.

But the biggest problem is that Forest City refuses to commitment to building any affordable housing units below 140% of median income. So how much money does your family have to make to buy a house in Forest City’s affordable housing project?

Household size = 1 person, $63,800; 2 people, $72,910; 3 people, $82,030; 4 people, $91,140; 5 people, $98,430; 6 people, $105,720; 7 people, $113,010; 8 people, $120,300.
From County of Hawaii website (2009 income schedule by family size)

The average household size in Hawai’i County is about 4.5, so the average family must make about $95,000/year to buy a Forest City “affordable” ($400,000+) home.

HRS Chapter 201H only gives the county council 45 days to make a decision or the project is automatically approved. At the last hearing, none of the county department heads had had time to read the latest revision to the exemptions being requested. It is clear that not all county departments, including police and fire have had time to evaluate what Forest City is proposing.

Forest City has purposefully ambushed the Kona council representatives and Forest City’s attorney has made substantial financial contributions to the political campaigns of council chair, Jay Yoshimoto, and council member Donald Ikeda. So please come speak out against this project as it is being currently proposed and designed. Tell them to go back to the drawing boards and to include our community, not special interests, in the process the next time instead of dictating demands.

Mahalo!
Charles Flaherty

Debbie Hecht on Charter Amendments and Open Space- Vote yes on 1

2010-10-28T14:10:00.000-10:00

PLEASE FORWARD to Big Island Family and Friends-apologies for duplicates!
For a listing of ALL of the charter amendments: click here: http://www.dhecht.com/
and the League of Women Voters' Pros and Cons listing

On Nov. 2nd-or walk in voting is happening now!

Vote "YES" for proposition 1-

Relating to the Establishment of the Open Space Fund.

Mahalo to Council members Ford, Hoffmann, Yagong for supporting THE PLEDGE. Candidates Smart and Blas have also support THE PLEDGE. Angel Pilago and Emily Naole told me that they did NOT want to sign THE PLEDGE. After two phone calls and two emails, the following council members did not respond: Yoshimoto, Onishi, Enriques and Ikeda. PLEASE vote for Brittany Smart and Fred Blas; they will support resuming deposits to the fund and saving land for future generations.

ASK your council members to save our treasured lands and protect the aina.

The Save Our Lands Citizen's Committee asked all of the elected council members and candidates to sign our pledge to support the Open Space Fund charter amendment and to support resuming the deposits to the Fund in 2011. We felt this was important for three reasons: 1) If we can elect a council which agrees to fund the 2% amount, then we can acquire the lands that are pending; 2) so that the 100 people that showed up to testify during budget hearings won't have to attend the hearings, which will save their time and the council's time and 3) to introduce a degree of accountability in the Open Space Fund process.

The PLEDGE that we asked council members and candidates to sign states:

1. I support the Open Space Fund Charter amendment and will encourage my supporters to vote for Proposal #1 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OPEN SPACE FUND on November 2, 2010.

2. I pledge to honor the voters of Hawaii County who voted for the 2% Land Fund ordinance in 2006 to deposit 2% of our property taxes in an open space fund. I will vote to support resuming the deposits to the 2% OpenSpace Fund in 2011 and I will vote to make sure that deposits are not suspended again.

Please vote for Brittany Smart and Fred Blas who have signed the Pledge and support saving Hawaii's great places.

Here's a SHORT LEGISLATIVE HISTORY of the 2%-1% Open space Fund. In 2006, The Save Our Lands Citizen's Committee collected 10,000 signatures on petitions, of which the County disqualified 6,000 signatures. The council placed the Open Space Fund measure on the ballot. 63% of Hawaii County voters voted to save Hawaii Island's treasured places in 2006.

In 2009, the county council voted to suspend deposits to the 2%Open Space Fund for two years. Mayor Kenoi submitted this measure BEFORE the budget was even printed. Stopping the Fund was his first piece of legislation in office. Only 3 council members voted against the suspending deposits to the fund: Greenwell, Ford and Yagong. The rest of the council: Naole, Enriques, Yoshimoto, Onishi and Hoffmann, voted to ignore the 2006 voter's mandate regarding the Open Space Fund. Deposits will resume as of July 1, 2011, unless the council votes to suspend the deposits to the fund again during budget hearings in the spring of 2011. THAT is why your vote for the council seats in Puna and Ka'u is so important.

The land fund is working! The county has acquired Waipio look out, Kawa Bay (Ka'u) and Kaiholena (N Kohala). Purchases that are pending if deposits resume are Pao'o and Kaiholena in N. Kohala, Kawa Bay in Ka'u and the Kingman Trust Parcels in Kona. To see past and pending purchases with matching funds go to:http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=196

IN 2010, the Save Our Lands Committee submitted a 2% Open Space Fund charter amendment to the charter commission. This amendment echoed the existing ordinance and was meant to replace the ordinance. We submitted the charter amendment because 1) Charter amendments can only be changed by a vote of the people, NOT by the council or Mayor; 2) and all other counties in Hawaii have an Open Space Fund charter amendment. The charter commission left the ordinance intact in the Code and put the Open Space Fund charter amendment on the Ballot at a minimum of 1% of our property taxes ($2 million per year). The 2% ordinance in the county is still in effect, so the council can still vote to fund the 2% amount or more. With the ordinance still in effect it became evident that we needed to make sure that the council members would fund this amount in 2011, so we could buy the properties approved by the Open Space Commission and the council to protect shoreline access, beaches, surfing and fishing.

For information on all of the charter amendments and to get the link to the League of Women Voters Pros and Cons publication, go to http://www.dhecht.com/.
Debbie Hecht
Campaign Coordinator 2% for the Land Fund
(808) 989-3222

What was the Supreme Court Thinking?? Or were they?

2010-10-22T07:56:00.000-10:00

The overwhelming horrible TV commercials attacking each other over this election has become unbearable.
The really bad part is that we don't have a clear cut view of who is creating and paying for these commercials. The Supreme Court ruled that NO ONE has to disclose who, what, where and when and why is supporting each canidate. Or how much they are spending?What can we do? Who do we write to?

Since when is America known for this kind of closed / unnamed / under the table kind of campaigning?

Just like the Health Care fight: with Rick Scott of Florida. He bought up all the hospitals in an area (3 States to be exact) and closed all but one. That way he could charge what he wants and the public has no other choices. He is now buying his way into the Senate. America has gone to the dogs.

What happened to our great Nation. We have turned to the dark side, I guess!

Buy AMERICAN MADE. Look specifically for MADE in AMERICA!

2010-10-20T08:50:00.001-10:00

One Light Bulb at a Time

A physics teacher in high school once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

Good idea ... one light bulb at a time.

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it, I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more.

My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico. Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value. " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats; they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio.

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets. Yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

We should have awakened a decade ago.

Let's get with the program. Help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U.S.A.

I Passed this on ......... will you ???????

by: Leslie Lichtenstein

We are returning to the Vacation Rental Business

2010-10-08T11:19:00.002-10:00

http://www.konacoastviewvacationrental.com/

We are on the www://VRBO.com #323528

One Bedroom with a king bed. Upstairs apartment attached to a 4000sq ft home in Kona Coastview.
Full kitchen, lanai, all tile and marble sinks, shower and kitchen., Laundry and private parking.
The property produces coffee, avacados, papayas, lemons, etc...Heliconias. All are available to our guests.
For reservations please call 808-989-4182 cell or 808-325-7576 office

effective 11/2010

Miyan and Jen get married in LA

2010-10-01T19:56:00.000-10:00

left to right: Lucas, Jason, Melissa, Maryn, Jennifer, Miyan and in front Emily and Josh

Miyan and Jen

Emily, Miyan, Jen, Eugene, Tom, Susan and Grandma

I made them beaded fish magnets

Tom fit right in on Venice Beach

Miyan, Lucas and Jen and Maryn

Around 75 people came to celebrate

Joe preformed the harmonica for his baby girl

Ahh the Cakes!

next year is Emily. and We are all done.
It is a real tear jerker to see your kids grow up and get married.

Debbie Hecht Loses District 8

2010-09-21T12:57:00.001-10:00

Aloha Kona friends,
These last two days have been confusing as to the election results because of conflicting reports. I recently got this information from Ken Goodenow, County Clerk as to how the results are figured. Since blank ballots are not included in the final tally, Angel Pilago won the primary with 51.1% of the vote (see the actual part of the charter that addresses this below).

A heartfelt mahalo for everyone who worked on my campaign and took time to tell me their concerns about our quality of life in West Hawaii. Mahalo for considering me to represent you as your council member.

THREE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

THE 2012-2013 BUDGET: I hope Mr. Pilago will consider requesting the following budget items BEFORE the Mayor designs the budget so that they can be included in the 2011-2012 budget for District 8-North Kona. These were projects that you told me were important to you.

1.Open existing bathrooms or build new bathrooms near the police station at Hale Halewai

2. Open the parking lot at Hale Halewai for use by residents and tourists

3. Look into using portions of the parking lots at Lowe's and/or K-Mart for park and ride stops for the island wide bus system AND

4. Obtain two small buses circulating from the park and ride stops along Ali'i from the King Kamehameha Hotel to Huggo's, with a stop at the Regency to ease parking and congestion on Ali'i Drive

5. Pave Kaiminani

SHORELINE PARK: Would you be interesting in working to obtain a 2,000 foot setback on state lands from Kailua to Kawaihae to create a shoreline park? We can protect the Ala Kalakai Trail (The King's Trail) and possibly build a parallel trail for recreation and exercise. This supports the Kona Community Development Plan. We may be circulating a petition to lobby the state.

For more information go to: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=14

CHARTER AMENDMENTS: We will be starting a big push to pass the following new or amended charter amendments: The League of Women Voters has done a terrific job on writing the educational piece with the Charter Commission. We need to raise money to buy signs for the 1% Land Fund and educate the public.

1. 1% land fund

2. Recall

3. Revising the charter

4. Reapportionment

5. Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources

6. WATCH FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE COMING WEEKS

A hui hou!
Debbie
989-3222
http://www.dhecht.com/

Hawaii County Charter- Section 13-27. County Election.

(a) No person shall be a candidate for more than one elective office in the same election. If no person is elected to a county office, the county council shall appoint a person to fill such office. County elections shall be conducted in accordance with the election laws of the state insofar as applicable.

(b) All county elective officers--mayor, council members and prosecuting attorney-- shall be elected in nonpartisan special elections. Such special elections shall be held with the primary and general elections of the applicable year.

(c) First special election. The first special election shall be held with the regularly scheduled primary election. Any candidate for mayor, prosecuting attorney or council receiving a majority of all votes validly cast for candidates for that office, excluding blank and spoiled ballots, shall be deemed elected. If there is only one candidate for the office, that candidate shall be deemed elected regardless of the number of votes received.

(d) Second special election. The second special election shall be held with the regularly scheduled general election. Unless a candidate has been elected in the first special election, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the office in question in the first special election shall be placed on the ballot for the second special election. At the second special election the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each respective office shall be deemed elected.

Brittany Smart district 6 Let's go!

2010-09-21T12:54:00.000-10:00

Aloha e,

Please check out this excellent Youtube interview with Brittany Smart…she REALLY IS akamai. What a great young lady for the county council!

1 of 3 videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_IENp7Qj0w&feature=related

2 of 3 videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBQOTKVNsA8&feature=related

3 of 3 videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYaKNLxdbgg

FROM BRITTANY SMART…

Aloha Friends, Supporters, and District 6 Residents:
Thank you for your generous support of my campaign. Please help spread the word that I came in first for Hawaii County Council’s District 6 seat in the Primary Election on September 18!

This is a very exciting time for the campaign and we feel that the momentum is on our side, but the race won’t be won until the General Election on Tuesday, November 2. I am humbly asking each and everyone of you for your continued support of my campaign. If you would like yard signs, respond to smartforcouncil@gmail.com with your physical address and the number of signs you want and we will have volunteers drop them off. Please remind your friends and family to vote as well.

If everyone would encourage two or more of your friends, family or neighbors to vote, we can win this. The last day to register to vote in the General Elections is OCTOBER 4, 2010. Click on the link below to download the information and application from the State of Hawaii’s Office of Elections.

http://hawaii.gov/elections/voters/registration.htm

And please check out my website to view more about me and the campaign at SmartForCouncil.org.

Mahalo nui loa for all your support,

Brittany Smart
Candidate for County Council, District 6

Paid for by the Friends of Brittany Smart, Brittany Smart Treasurer, PO Box 7151, Hilo, HI 96720
smartforcouncil.org • 989-6110

Microwave ovens ARE NOT SAFE.

2010-09-19T08:56:00.001-10:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/microwave-cancer_b_684662.html

Read this and get rid of your microwave.

Hand Beaded Humuhumunukapua Fish

2010-09-18T15:31:00.000-10:00

A straight talking polition. How Refreshing!

2010-09-18T14:52:00.002-10:00

I hope this guy runs for president!!!!

I love this guy. He tells it like it is and does not pander to any group or individual. He is the kind of guy we need in the White House. This video is a classic and worth watching. It’s little long but this guy is unbelievable.

http://www.breitbart.tv/nj-gov-christie-delivers-brilliant-laceration-of-teachers-union/

sumbitted by Tom Pyne.

Emily McGeachy Judging Horse Show this Weekend in Billings, Montana

2010-09-16T20:10:00.001-10:00

Emily McGeachy graduated Rocky Mountain College May this year with a Business Degree in Equestrian. She will be juding this weekend for Rocky Mountain College Horse Show. Attached is the local newspaper.
Great Job Emily!

http://www.billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_6a7ad4c2-c1c7-11df-a2b1-001cc4c002e0.html

My Personal Choices:

2010-09-12T17:12:00.000-10:00

My choices are based on Education, Experience, and actual past Accomplishments.

These are the Best Choices for Hawaii and Hawaii County. We are looking for People to represent all of us as ONE ISLAND, weather it is Honolulu including Kona or Hilo including Kona. We need people with enough (college) Education to now how to problem solve and write and vote on solutions. No more Ol'e boys lined up in Hilo voting against Kona (the cash cow). We need solution minded people.

Dan InouyeSenator
Neil Ambercrombie Governor
Brian Schatz- Lt. Govenor

Pete Hoffman- District 9

Debbie Hecht- District 8

Brenda Ford- District 7
Maegan MacGregor District 7 State House

Brittany Smart- District 6
Denny Coffman- District 6 State House

James Weatherford-District 5
Fred Fogel- District 5 State House

Anthony Marzi-District 4 State House

Cliff Tsuji-District 3

Sammye-Ann Young-District 2
Mazie Hirono- District 2 State House

Mark Nakashima-District 1

Brenda Ford District 7 Needs your Vote

2010-09-12T16:48:00.000-10:00

Aloha Friends and Voters,

I appreciate the trust you have placed in me these past 3.5 years. I was an advocate for the community for 10 years before I was elected to office, serving with the American Red Cross (Disaster Action Team), Neighborhood Watch (Coordinator), Kona Orchid Society (former Director and Secretary), personally went to the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse an illegal redistricting plan (case not heard), worked collaboratively to design the La'aloa Street Extension, and testified many times before the Planning Commission and the County Council - all before I was elected.

Most of us want to stop the backdoor dealings in government, but there are powerful forces trying to unseat me as a Council Member and continue the Hilo-centric power structure. My opponent has no experience with County issues, and I have never seen my opponent testify before the Council on any issue in the almost four years that I have served. He stated that he will “cooperate” with the Hilo council members, which has been proven in the past to be to our disadvantage. Being civil and respectful is appropriate, and I continue to act in a civil and respectful manner despite the frequent attacks on me personally. However, if “cooperation” means rubber-stamping the Administration or the Hilo-centric majority's continuing view that West Hawai'i should send as many tax dollars to Hilo as possible and then keep quiet, it won't work!

As you undoubtedly know, I am fiscally conservative which is why I voted against the Mayor's budget and the real property tax increase that was so discriminatory against West Hawai'i, farmers, owners of rental property, and the renters themselves. We needed to cut the budget, not raise taxes. I've received many calls from around the island from distraught taxpayers since they received their tax bills and saw the increases in this difficult economic time.

I have been told that my opponent has copied my campaign platform rather than be completely truthful about his real motivations for running against me in District 7. My platform is simple - I work for the people of District 7 to fix and improve the infrastructure (roads, a new fire station in Keauhou, non-salty drinking water, etc.), protect the environment, get more police officers in Kona and a new Captain Cook police station to reduce crime, reduce the drug problem, get drunk drivers to stop driving under the influence of alcohol and killing or maiming our people, promote open and transparent government, require concurrency of infrastructure in development, and increase jobs. If those issues label me as "liberal", so be it. That's what District 7 wants, and I will support it.

District 7 is a complex district of various people, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, social and economic mixes, and many great religious groups. I absolutely believe in the U.S. Constitution that there is a "separation of church and state" and equality for everyone. I treat everyone equally and do not favor any group no matter what the basis of the "group" is.

Walk-in voting started on September 3rd at the Office of Elections at the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Hualalai Street. For District 7, the election is going to be decided in the Primary on Saturday, September 18th. Be sure to vote and ask your friends and neighbors to vote. District 7 is on the back of the ballot, so please turn the ballot over and vote for District 7.

My radio ads begin this week, and my sign waving continues. Please forward this email to your friends. We all deserve to have good, honest, open government. That is what I will support. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Mahalo for your support.

Brenda Ford

p.s. A list of some of my accomplishments follows

BRENDA'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TAX AND BUDGET: Addressed major issues, such as:

• Voted against a property tax increase.

• Supported 3% cap on property tax increases.

• Supported furloughs rather than layoffs for County employees.

• Voted against a 22% salary increase for Council members.

SAFETY: Addressed major issues, such as:

• Initiated legislation for a Captain Cook Police station for better police protection.

• Opposed building in flood-prone areas.

• Supported safer road improvements such as the repairs at Napoopoo junction.

• Supported upgrading the flood plain code.

HEALTH AND WELFARE: Addressed major issues, such as:

• Supported opening Mamalahoa bypass road both ways for 12 hours per day.

• Supported banning GMO taro and coffee on our island.

• Provided contingency funds toward West Hawai'i Community Health Center- Keiki Clinic.

• Provided contingency funds toward mobile dental services.

• Provided contingency funds to improve West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery (12 flag poles).

• Worked with a coalition and the West Hawai'i Community Health Center to bring the Ohio 178th Air National Guard Medical Group to provide free medical and dental services.

OPEN AND BETTER GOVERNMENT: Addressed many issues, such as:

• Supported strengthening ethics codes.

• Introduced vote by mail resolution to the State.

• Initiated multiple Charter amendments to go before the voters.

• Initiated Charter amendment for funding the office of the independent auditor.

• Supported a separate Planning Commission for West Hawaii.

• Support Open and Transparent Government.

BRENDA’S GOALS FOR UPCOMING COUNCIL TERM

ROADS:

• Continue to upgrade road conditions and add roadways where needed.

• Reduce traffic congestion by completing La’aloa Street Extension, Lako Street Extension, and creating more interconnecting roads.

• Finish the Mamalahoa Highway Bypass road.

• Add synchronized traffic signal lights to Ali’i Drive to improve traffic flow.

POLICE SERVICES:

• Build the South Kona Police Station in Captain Cook. The land is already purchased and the design and engineering process is underway.

• Supported remodeling of the substation to add a kitchen and improved barracks.

• Support a 24/7 staffing of the Captain Cook Police Station with officers and administrators.

• Support more officers on duty on all shifts.

• Support Neighborhood Watch to aid the police.

TRANSPORTATION:

• More bus routes in West Hawai’i.

• Support federal funds for buses using alternative fuel sources (hydrogen, anhydrous ammonia, etc.).

FIRE SERVICES:

• Support building a new fire station in Keauhou.

• Get more equipment and add appropriate emergency vehicles to all stations including the volunteer stations.

CONCURRENCY:

• Expand concurrency to include parks, fire stations, police stations, etc.

• Require infrastructure to be in place before subdivisions are finished.

• Reduce burden on taxpayers subsidizing development’s infrastructure.

KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN:

• Enforce the Kona Community Development Plan in all County planning decisions. This assures that future development is in compliance with the intent of the majority of Kona citizens.

IMPACT FEES:

 • Support impact fees to fund new infrastructure

 • Stop illegal “fair share” fees

PARKS & RECREATION:

• Create more bike and walking paths.

• Add more parks to West Hawaii.

• Support Ali’i Drive as a Scenic Byway with more access to shoreline.

AGRICULTURE:

• Support Kona Community Development Plan to protect agricultural lands.

• Support efforts toward 100% Kona coffee branding.

• Support Country Of Origin Labeling (“COOL”).

• Support Truth-in-Labeling for agricultural products.

West Hawaii Today endorses Debbie Hecht for District 8

2010-09-12T16:45:00.000-10:00

A big Mahalo to West Hawaii Today for their endorsement of my candidacy for County council District 8. It means a lot to have the support of intelligent people who care about our community!

Quoted directly from Sunday's paper on the editorial page:

"Voters in Hawaii County Council District 8 should weigh the past two years carefully and consider who has been active and visible and in what regard. Only one person has shown dedication to the community and issues it has embraced and as such only one deserves our endorsement: Debbie Hecht. She was the architect and catalyst behind the 2 percent land fund approved by voters and later disemboweled by Mayor Billy Kenoi and his enabling cohorts on the council. Hecht was right there fighting to keep it alive, and to keep some form of public land fund viable for the county. She comes from a business background yet holds a keen sense of community and environmental values that would serve her district and the island well."

*****************SEE ATTACHED CAMPAIGN FLYER*************

Can you support our campaign too?

The Elect Hecht campaign appreciates your support:

Can you help with Sign waving? walk your neighborhood with Debbie? donate? to P.O. Box 4148, Kailua Kona, HI 96745. I am a publicly funded candidate, your donation of $100. or less goes to get dollar for dollar matching funds AND is tax deductible.

Warm aloha!
Debbie

3 SOURCES FOR VOTER INFORMATION

1. Big ISLAND CHRONICLE voters guide:

http://www.bigislandchronicle.com/?p=16883#comments
2. West Hawaii Today has their voter's guide Sunday, September 12th Newspaper.

3. League of Women Voters has a great website for candidate information, includign Board of Education candidates, Click here: http://www.lwv-hawaii.com/candidates.htm

WALK IN VOTING NOW at the Elections office at Kuakini and Hualalai on the north makai corner across from Dixsons's 76.

VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ON SEPTEMBER 18TH.
--

Debbie Hecht, Candidate for Hawai'i County Council District 8

http://www.dhecht.com/ For articles that appeared in West Hawaii Today, complete resume and current projects.
(808) 989-3222

Not sure if you are registered?
Call Elections- 961-8277
Haven't registered to to my website (above) and click on register to vote in the right hand column.

September 11th Changed the World forever! We will never forget.

2010-09-11T09:55:00.001-10:00

We will never forget.

Our lives have been changed forever.

Travel internationally will never be the same.

Our trust in all men has been shaken.

We are a resilant people and will work through it but we will never be the same.

God Bless America!

Who did the Kona Coastview Water system???

2010-09-06T08:50:00.000-10:00

Let’s get the story straight.

After Joe Fagundas’sattempted to do the water without success, I stepped in and organized the neighborhood. No we don’t have a homeowners association so It was by mailing, calling and setting up email correspondence so we can work together. My help researching and putting this project together came from Bonnie Goodell of Volcano. She was my first point of guidance. She came out and walked the subdivision and worked on solutions. I could talk to her and trouble shoot.

My core group was Contractor David Livingston, Jim Williams, Margaret Marceron, Julian and Karen Silva, Jake Jacobs. David wanted a private system but we needed the Federal funding in order to do it and the County fought for a deductible system and it had to be their design. We had an engineer do his Masters degree on our system for ¼ the cost of the county system. The water from the Mamalahoa crashing down the hill ran the entire system without any power (OIL), It had metal tanks and heavy duty PVC type of pipe (they have been using over the past 2 decades, due to iron pipes breaking down and leaching shards of iron into the water system. The research showed Concrete tanks were NEVER used in a seismic area due to cracking and huge maintenance and repairs). The County wanted the concrete tanks and iron pipes, and the county was the only one that could sign for the USDA Federal Funding (Clinton Water 2000), (I found calling Washington D.C.).

The original thought was to complete a fire station at the same time as the water system so our homeowners insurance would go down (within 5 miles of a fire station) and cover the $65.00 cost of the new system. The Matsumoto water company was in the rears for our water for more than a decade. Harry Kim and Curtis Tyler signed a contract to get 1 acre of Matsumoto’s land (between Palisades and Coastview) for the fire station. Due to the lack of follow up from both Harry and Curtis we lost the land because the contract they signed stated the County had one year to survey the land. They failed to do it and it was sold to Bolton.

Then comes time for the County to offer their design and it comes in at over $16,000.00 a lot. We knew people couldn’t afford it if it was over $10,000.00. So we found Attorney Alan Tuhy to work pro bono. He told me to order the Kona Coastview subdivision file from Hilo through the County building department. 2 weeks later it comes in and the file is almost 4 inches thick. I was told it is .10 per copy, so I had a $20.00 in my purse and just starting copying away. I took all my copies to Alan and he began looking through it and asked if I could order the whole file again so he could come down and review it. The file comes back form Hilo and now it is less than ½ inch. It lost weight between Hilo and Kona??? Go figure. By the grace of God I had copied the County dedication of the roads dated 1963. But when the file came back that was gone! So the water department had to redo the figures and take out the $860,000.00 they were charging for the cost of our roads. Then the figures came back under $10,000.00 per lot.

Harry and the water department failed to add all the of costs in the Water Improvement (add in meters and hook up into the USDA funding) so when it came time to hook up we had up charges ( in the thousands) of a new meter, water pipes (and standards to hook up? None provided and what about those that couldn’t afford it?.) We had a meeting with at my house with plumbers, back hoe operators, and George Wilkins (water board volunteer), no I didn’t see Harry, or Angel there. I fielded call after call asking what are the standards to hook up? What if I can’t afford it??????? I helped dig holes and find pipes to give those that couldn’t afford it. No Angel wasn’t there.

After all that work do you think the County (Angel at the time) would step in and help those in need. NO he was not there. Finally I had it. I was exhausted, not being paid for hours and hours of work and I told people to call your county council man (Angel) and let him do the job he is being paid to do. Then and Only then did Angel’s office field the calls (Karen Eoff). As I said before Angel was not there in the time of need for his constituents. For him to claim he did the water system in Kona Coastview is laughable.

Susan McGeachy

West Hawaii Today - Opinion > Letters - Your Voice > Politician responds

2010-09-04T16:03:00.000-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Opinion > Letters - Your Voice > Politician responds

Jim Rath responds to my letter to the editor. Regarding Politicians claiming credit when they were never there.
Thank you Jim I really appreciate this.

World Newspapers At Your Fingertips

2010-08-31T14:04:00.000-10:00

Subject: World Newspapers At Your Fingertips

Just put your mouse on a city anywhere in the world and the newspaper headlines pop up...

Double click and the page gets larger. You can read the entire paper

on some if you click on the right place. You can spend forever here.

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

Politics of Lieing - District #8 K. Angel Pilago

2010-08-29T09:01:00.002-10:00

Politicians LIE

First Harry Kim claims he built the Kona Coastview/ Wonderview water improvement district. Now K. Angel Pilago in his run for District #8 claims he was responsible for building Kona Coastview/ Wonderview water improvement district. Even Cindy Evans claimed credit for the project too.

The truth is NONE of these people have showed up at a single meeting, fund raiser, planning or execution of the contract.
Jim Rath lives in the neighborhood and he never showed up to a single meeting either.

The process was one of 3 tries over 30 years. We finally got it with the help of NO ELECTED OFFICIALS. We spent 7 ½ years working, planning, researching and holding meetings to get this project complete. The project credit should go to the Homeowners who persevered over the many years and meetings. It was the homeowners that found the funding from the USDA. It was the homeowners that did the entire project and donated it to the Semi-automous Water Department. We are still paying for the project (30 year loans). It was the homeowners that organized and helped those that couldn’t hook up in the end. Meeting with plumbers, back hoe operators, etc…

So the next time a Politian claims they did the Kona Coastview / Kona Wonderview water improvement project. KNOW for a FACT they are lieing.

Susan McGeachy
Kona Coastview since 1988

Nonpartisam moderated Candidate Forum 8/31 from 6-9pm

2010-08-29T08:24:00.000-10:00

The public is invited to a nonpartisan, moderated candidate forum.
Thursday, August 31, County Council Candidate Forum, 6 p.m. til 8 p.m.

Come early, food sales benefit Kealakehe High Culinary Program and Rotary Sunrise by Tante's Restaurant at 5 p.m.

County Council District 7, South Kona: Incumbent Brenda Ford, Enoch Friere

County Council District 8, North Kona: Incumbent Kelly Greenwell, Debbie Hecht, Angel Pilago, Jim Rath

Forum moderator is Sherry Bracken, news reporter for Hawaii Public Radio and host of the LAVA 105.3 fm and KKOA 107.7 fm weekly broadcast, Island Issues.
Please submit questions in advance to sherryb@lava105.com or at the forum. Questions call Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, 329-1758.

Sponsors:
West Hawaii Today
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kohala Coast Resort Association
Kona Outdoor Circle
Community Enterprises - Kona Town Meetings
Rotary Sunrise and Tante's Restaurant
LAVA 105.3 FM/Mahalo Broadcasting
Kealakehe High School

> Council Woman Naeole Beats her new husband?

2010-08-22T08:57:00.003-10:00

Emily Naeole has proven time and time again she can not separate Church from State at the County Council meetings. Now the truth comes out. She held him hostage, took his money and beat him.
If God is in your heart you don't need to advertise you are religious.
What goes around comes around. She is receiving from the seeds she has sewn.
In Hawaiian: poor ting.

West Hawaii Today - Local > Naeole Beats Him?#blogcomments

Sarah Palin DOESN'T SPEAK FOR ALL WOMEN.

2010-08-19T09:11:00.000-10:00

Sarah is Extreme. I would never instill her values in my child. She has not proven to be an example of anything but crazy views way out of the main stream. Womem are MUCH smarter than that.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fvideo%2F%23%2Fvideo%2Fpolitics%2F2010%2F08%2F17%2Fbts.emilys.list.anti.palin.campaign.cnn&h=36b65

US Weather Facts and Extremes, coldest, hotest, windy, snowy, earthquakes.......

2010-08-19T08:37:00.000-10:00

United States Weather Facts and Extremes

Top 10 cities with
Least weather variety
Based on temperature variation, precipitation, wind, severe weather

1. San Francisco, California

2. San Diego , California

3. Los Angeles , California

4. Santa Barbara , California

5. Eureka , California

6. Long Beach , California

7. Honolulu , Hawaii

8. Santa Maria , California

9. San Luis Obispo , California

10. Kahului , Hawaii

Top 10 hail prone cities
Based on frequency and severity of hail

1. Tulsa , Oklahoma

2. Amarillo , Texas

3. Oklahoma City , Oklahoma

4. Wichita , Kansas

5. Dallas / Fort Worth , Texas

6. Arlington , Texas

7. Denver , Colorado

8. Colorado Springs , Colorado

9. Shreveport , Louisiana

10. Kansas City , Missouri / Kansas

Top 10 Tropical storm / Hurricane prone cities
Average # of years with no storm. Totals based on data from 1871- 2007, hitting within 60 miles of the city

1. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 2.49

2. Delray Beach , Florida 2.54

3. Hollywood , Florida 2.58

4. Deerfield Beach , Florida 2.58

5. Boca Raton , Florida 2.58

6. Florida City , Florida 2.63

7. Grand Isle, Louisiana 2.63

8. Ft. Pierce , Florida 2.69

9. Miami , Florida 2.69

10. Ft. Lauderdale , Florida 2.69

Top 10 Tornado states
Avg number of tornadoes per 10,000 square
Miles, occurring from 1953-2004

1. Florida 9.4

2. Oklahoma 8.2

3. Kansas 6.7

4. Iowa 6.6

5. Illinois 6.2

6. Indiana 6.1

7. Mississippi 5.7

8. Maryland 5.7

9. Louisiana 5.6

10. Texas 5.2

Top 10 Thunderstorm
Cities Avg annual number of thunderstorms

1. Fort Myers , Florida 89

2. Tampa , Florida 87

3. Tallahassee, Florida 83

4. Gainesville , Florida 81

5. Orlando , Florida 80

6. Mobile , Alabama 79

7. W. Palm Beach , Florida 79

8. Lake Charles , Louisiana 76

9. Daytona Beach , Florida 75

10. Vero Beach , Florida 75

Top 10 Tornado prone cities
Ranked by tornadoes per 1,000 miles

1. Oklahoma City , Oklahoma

2. Tulsa , Oklahoma

3. Dallas - Ft. Worth , Texas

4. Wichita , Kansas

5. Springfield , Missouri

6. Kansas City , Kansas / Missouri

7. Ft. Smith , Arkansas

8. Little Rock , Arkansas

9. Jackson , Mississippi

10. Birmingham , Alabama

Top 10 Earthquake prone states
# of earthquakes in the last 30 years
Centered in the state

1. Alaska

2. California

3. Hawaii

4. Nevada

5. Washington

6. Idaho

7. Wyoming

8. Montana

9. Utah

10. Oregon

10 all-time hottestTemperatures
Obtained from state temperature
Records, NCDC

1. Death Valley , California 134

2. Lake Havasu , Arizona 128

3. Laughlin , Nevada 125

4. Lakewood , New Mexico 122

5. Alton , Kansas 121

6. Steele , North Dakota 121

7. Ozark , Arkansas 120

8. Tipton , Oklahoma 120

9. Seymour , Texas 120

10. Usta, South Dakota 120

10 all-time coldest Temperatures
Obtained from state temperature
Records, NCDC

1. Prospect Creek , Alaska -80

2. Rogers Pass , Montana -70

3. Peters Sink, Utah -69

4. Riverside , Wyoming -66

5. Maybell , Colorado -61

6. Tower, Minnesota -60

7. Parshall , North Dakota -60

8. Island Park Dam, Idaho -60

9. McIntosh , South Dakota -58

10. Couderay , Wisconsin -55

10 hottest cities
Average annual temperature, F

1. Key West , Florida 77.7

2. Miami , Florida 75.6

3. W Palm Beach , Florida 74.6

4. Ft. Myers , Florida 73.9

5. Yuma , Florida 73.9

6. Brownsville , Texas 73.6

7. Orlando , Florida 72.4

8. Vero Beach , Florida 72.4

9. Corpus Christi , Texas 72.1

10. Tampa , Florida 72.0

10 coldest cities
Average annual temperature, F

1. International Falls , Minnesota 36.4

2. Duluth , Minnesota 38.2

3. Caribou , Maine 38.9

4. Marquette , Michigan 39.2

5. Sault Ste Marie , Michigan 39.7

6. Fargo , North Dakota 40.5

7. Williston , North Dakota 40.8

8. Alamosa , Colorado 41.2

9. Bismarck , North Dakota 41.3

10. St. Cloud , Minnesota 41.4

10 driest cities
Avg annual precipitation in inches

1. Yuma , Arizona 2.65

2. Las Vegas , Nevada 4.19

3. Bishop , California 5.61

4. Bakersfield , California 5.72

5. Phoenix , Arizona 7.11

6. Alamosa , Colorado 7.13

7. Reno , California 7.49

8. Winslow , Arizona 7.64

9. El Paso , Texas 7.82

10. Winnemucca , Nevada 7.82

10 wettest cities
Avg annual precipitation in inches

1. Hilo , Hawaii 128.00

2. Quillayute , Washington 104.50

3. Astoria , Oregon 69.60

4. Blue Canyon , California 67.87

5. Mobile , Alabama 64.64

6. Tallahassee , Florida 64.59

7. Pensacola , Florida 61.16

8. New Orleans , Louisiana 59.74

9. W Palm Beach , Florida 59.72

10. Miami , Florida 59.55

10 snowiest cities
Avg annual precipitation in inches

1. Blue Canyon , California 240.8

2. Marquette , Michigan 128.6

3. Sault Ste Marie , Michigan 116.7

4. Syracuse , New York 111.6

5. Caribou , Maine 110.4

6. Mount Shasta , California 104.9

7. Lander, Wyoming 102.5

8. Flagstaff , Arizona 99.9

9. Sexton Summit , Oregon 97.8

10. Muskegon , Michigan 97.0

10 windiest cities
Avg annual wind speed in mph

1. Blue Hill Observatory, Massachusetts 15.4

2. Dodge City , Kansas 14.0

3. Amarillo , Texas 13.5

4. Rochester , Minnesota 13.1

5. Casper , Wyoming 12.9

6. Cheyenne , Wyoming 12.9

7. Great Falls , Montana 12.7

8. Goodland , Kansas 12.6

9. Boston , Massachusetts 12.5

10. Lubbock , Texas 12.4

10 sunniest cities
Annual percent of possible sunshine

1. Yuma , Arizona 90%

2. Las Vegas , Nevada 85%

3. Phoenix , Arizona 85%

4. Tucson , Arizona 85%

5. El Paso , Texas 83%

6. Flagstaff , Arizona 79%

7. Fresno , California 79%

8. Reno , Nevada 79%

9. Sacramento , California 78%

10. Albuquerque , N.M. 76%

10 cloudiest cities
Avg number of cloudy days per year

1. Astoria , Oregon 240

2. Quillayute , Washington 240

3. Olympia , Washington 229

4. Seattle , Washington 227

5. Portland , Oregon 223

6. Kalispell , Montana 213

7. Binghamton , New York 212

8. Beckley , West Virginia 211

9. Elkins , West Virginia 211

10. Eugene , Oregon 209

10 most humid cities
Avg relative humidity in %

1. Quillayute , Washington 83.0

2. Olympia , Washington 78.0

3. Port Arthur , Texas 77.5

4. Lake Charles , Louisiana 77.0

5. Apalachicola , Florida 76.5

6. Gainesville , Florida 76.5

7. Corpus Christi , Texas 76.0

8. Eugene , Oregon 75.5

9. New Orleans , Louisiana 75.5

10. Houston , Texas 75.0

10 least humid cities
Avg relative humidity in %

1. Las Vegas , Nevada 30.5

2. Phoenix , Arizona 37.0

3. Yuma , Arizona 38.0

4. Tucson , Arizona 39.0

5. El Paso , Texas 42.5

6. Albuquerque , New Mexico 44.5

7. Winslow , Arizona 46.0

8. Grand Junction , Colorado 48.0

9. Winnemucca , Nevada 48.5

10. Reno , Nevada 50.5

10 rainiest cities
Number of days per year with rain

1. Hilo , Hawaii 277

2. Quillayute , Washington 210

3. Astoria , Oregon 191

4. Elkins , West Virginia 171

5. Syracuse , New York 171

6. Buffalo , New York 169

7. Marquette , Michigan 168

8. Sault Ste Marie , Michigan 166

9. Erie , Pennsylvania 165

10. Binghamton , New York 162

10 least rainiest cities
Number of days per year with rain

1. Yuma , Arizona 17

2. Las Vegas , Nevada 26

3. Bishop , California 29

4. Santa Barbara , California 30

5. Long Beach , California 32

6. Los Angeles , California 35

7. Great Falls , Montana 35

8. Phoenix , Arizona 36

9. Bakersfield , California 37

10. San Diego , California 42

Largest annual temperature variation
Change in average temperature between summer and winter

1. Fairbanks , Alaska 90.8

2. Bettles , Alaska 90.0

3. International Falls , MN 88.8

4. Fargo , North Dakota 87

5. Williston, North Dakota 86.6

6. Aberdeen , South Dakota 86.5

7. McGrath , Alaska 86.2

8. Bismarck , North Dakota 86.1

9. Alamosa , Colorado 85.9

10. St. Cloud , Minnesota 85

10 most uncomfortable cities
Average combination of summer heat and humidity

1. Phoenix , Arizona

2. Corpus Christi , Texas

3. San Antonio , Texas

4. Dallas , Texas

5. West Palm Beach , Florida

6. Miami , Florida

7. Waco , Texas

8. Houston , Texas

9. Montgomery , Alabama

10. New Orleans , Louisiana

Top 10 clean air cities
Based on long-term particle pollution

1. Cheyenne, Wyoming

2. Santa Fe , New Mexico

3. Honolulu , Hawaii

4. Great Falls , Montana

5. Tucson , Arizona

6. Anchorage , Alaska

7. Farmington , New Mexico

8. Bismarck , North Dakota

9. Albuquerque , New Mexico

10. Rapid City , South Dakota

Top 10 dirty air cities
Based on long-term particle pollution

1. Los Angeles , California

2. Bakersfield , California

3. Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania

4. Visalia , California

5. Fresno , California

6. Detroit , Michigan

7. Hanford , California

8. Cleveland , Ohio

9. Atlanta , Georgia

10. Chicago , Illinois

Best cities for allergies
Based on pollen counts from 1999-2002

1. Grand Rapids , Michigan

2. Milwaukee , Wisconsin

3. Seattle , Washington

4. San Francisco , California

5. Minneapolis , Minnesota

6. Chicago , Illinois

7. Syracuse , New York

8. Salt Lake City , Utah

9. Los Angeles , California

10. Denver , Colorado

Worst cities for allergies
Based on pollen counts from 1999-20002

1. Kansas City , Mo /Ks

2. Louisville , Kentucky

3. Tampa / St. Pete , Florida

4. Tulsa , Oklahoma

5. Atlanta , Georgia

6. Austin , Texas

7. St. Louis , Missouri

8. Sacramento , California

9. Orlando , Florida

10. Indianapolis , Indiana

Chart data sources: The National Climatic Data Center, Riskmeter Online, Hurricane City , Weatherpages.com,

National Lung Association, Sperling's Best Places

Fastest warming 12 hour warm-up: 83 degrees. From -33 in the morning to 50 by late afternoon in Granville , ND on February 21, 1918
15 minute warm-up: 42 degrees. From -5 to 37 degrees in Fort Assiniboine , Montana on January 19, 1893
7 minute warm-up: 34 degrees in Kipp , Montana in 1896

Fastest Cooling
24 hour chill: 100 degrees. >From 44 to -54 below zero in Browning, Montana on January 23-24, 1916.
12 hour chill: 84 degrees.. From 63 to -21 below zero in Fairfield , Montana on December 24, 1924.
2 hour chill: 62 degrees. From 49 at 6:00am to -13 at 8:00am in Rapid City , South Dakota on January 10, 1911
15 minute chill: 47 degrees. >From 55 at 7:00am to 8 at 7:15am in Rapid City , South Dakota on January 10, 1911

Interesting U.S. weather facts

Through August 2007, the U.S. experienced its hottest year ever. During the month of August, more than 8,000 new heat maximum and minimum records were set or tied across the country.

In Hawaii , where surface temperatures are always above 50F, there is snow. Between 1 and 2 feet of snow falls each year in the mountains above 5,000 feet.

The coldest football game ever played was the NFL Championship Game on December 31, 1967 in Green Bay, Wisconsin between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys when the temperature fell to -13. The 2007 NFC Championship game in Green Bay between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers was the third coldest game in history with a temperature of -1 and wind chill of -23.

The longest rain-free period in the United States was 767 days (2 years, 37 days), from October 3, 1912 to November 8, 1914 at Bagdad, California.

A world record rainfall occurred at Holt, Missouri on June 22, 1947 when it rained 12 inches in just 42 minutes.. This averages to over 1/4 of an inch of rainfall per minute. On July 4th, 1956 In Unionville, Maryland 1.23 inches of rain fell in 1 minute.

The average yearly temperature of New York, St. Louis and San Francisco differs by only 1.8F degrees.

Which is the least rainy city - Seattle, New York City or Miami? Although on average Seattle is cloudy 227 days a year, it only receives 39 inches of rain per year, compared to New York City (42 inches) and Miami (60 inches)

Is Chicago really "The Windy City?" Of the 262 major weather reporting stations in the United States , 27% or 72 stations average higher annual wind speeds than Chicago , which averages 10.3 mph. For example, New York City 's annual wind speed is 12.2 mph.

Due to Florida's proximity to the equator, the state receives more than a hundred times the UV exposure that Maine does.

Cheyenne, Wyoming averages the most hail storms in the United States per year with 10 and Tulsa, Oklahoma experiences the most severe hail storms annually.

The United States leads the world with an average of over 1,000 reported tornadoes each year. A distant second is Canada with an average of approximately 100 reported tornadoes.

Kansas has received the most F5 tornadoes since 1880. Oklahoma encounters the highest number of significant and violent tornadoes per square mile.

Of the total reported tornadoes in the United States each year, 20 can be expected to be F5 tornadoes with winds over 200 mph and nearly complete destruction.

All District 8 Canidates will be speaking at Kealakehe High 8/31

2010-08-18T09:03:00.001-10:00

District 8 Canidates: Debbie Hecht, Jim Rath, Angel Pilago and Kelly Greenwell.

The answer here is Debbie Hecht!.
The other three didn't accomplish much where they were in office.
NEW BLOOD AND NEW SMART METHODS are necessary.
The rest have been there and did nothing.
Just look at our Fire Department?
Oh yea what fire department.
My VOTE is for Debbie.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 19th- TOMORROW last day to register to vote for the primary election: Kona Elections office on Kuakini across from Dixson 76 Station or click here and download to mail by tomorrow: http://hawaii.gov/elections/voters/registration.htm.

August 31st -Candidate Forum-5:45 pm at Kealakehe High School Cafeteria sponsored by the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Sherry Bracken. The public is invited to submit questions at forum or in advance to sherryb@lava105.com).

September 2nd- Kona County Farm Bureau is hosting a candidate forum for County Council races 6, 7, and 8. The Forum will be held at KCFB's bay next to the Hawaii Island Food Basket in Honalo /Keauhou area. The building is at the marshalling yard. Approx. 1/2 mile north of Honalo junction on Kuakini Hwy. We will have a sign out on the highway.

PLEASE PRINT AND HAND OUT THE ATTACHED PAMPHLET

ELECT Debbie HECHT

HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8, NORTH KONA
ON SEPTEMBER 18.

Building Community by Representing You!

http://www.dhecht.com/

Experience: Full resume: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=145

* Working with community- Coordinator, 2% for the Land Fund campaign approved by 63% of voters in 2006, working to form the Kealakehe Regional Sports Park, Old Airport / Make'o Park, Hawaii Natural History Assoc, assistant tennis coach Kealakehe HS. Activities since 2008: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=142

* Writing legislation- I know the job! I know the people, because I worked as a Legislative Aide for the county council, reviewing budgets, doing research and writing laws.

o Wrote the Land Fund charter amendment and presented to Charter Commission. This will be a 1% charter amendment on the ballot in November- PLEASE VOTE YES!

o Worked with League of Women Voters to write the charter amendment on Initiative and Referendum approved by voters 2008.

o IN 2009-2010- Wrote 5 charter amendments for the Charter Commission to consider on Vacancies, Board and Commissions, Recall, Revising the Charter and Impeachment.

* Small business owner, licensed real estate broker, property manager, project manager for remodeling and small-scale development since 1978.

* Teaching degree, trained facilitator and mediator.

Ideas:

* Strengthen communication between the county council and residents by:

o Providing email newsletter on issues like I have been doing.

o Holding regular talk-story sessions

o Polling residents on important issues

o Meeting with citizen's organizations regularly

* Work with community to create a shoreline park system, from Kailua to Kawaihae using Land Fund money + matching funds, linked by National Park Service' s Ala Kahakai Historic Trail to create an eco-tourism industry, to protect access, reefs and fishing. Increase care for parks.

* Support Eco-tourism and Agriculture as sustainable industries to provide food, create jobs and stabilize our economy. see an article on this subject published in WHT: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=14

* Address infrastructure shortfalls- roads, sewers, water etc. and pave streets (like Ka'iminani).

* Work with business to provide park/ride and bus service for Kailua Village.

* Support responsible development and the Kona CDP- for an essay on this subject that was published in WHT: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=101

* Keep youth busy! Work to obtain funding to build Old Airport / Make'o Park. Work to get 200+ acres makai of Kealakehe HS for the Kealakehe Regional Sports Park to build sports facilities, work to expand youth programs.

Dates to Vote: Primary- September 18, 2010 * General- November 2, 2010 *

INFORMATION? go to: http://www.dhecht.com/ , call 989-3222 or electhecht@gmail.com

How you can HELP this is a Grassroots effort!

1. Basic Grassroots Strategy - Talk to friends, family and co-workers - Historically 4,000+ voters vote for Council in District 8. Please talk to 20 people in Kona, give them campaign literature and ask them to vote for me. Then ask them to talk to 20 more people to pass on the good word.

2. Hand out information –Please hand out campaign information in a public place or at a public event. Kid's baseball games? Church? Family dinner? Neighborhood potluck? PRINT OUT ATTACHED CAMPAIGN FLYER

3. Signs - Let me post a sign on your property, if your home or business in District 8. (E-mail me to get a map of district boundaries.) Are you on a busy street? Call to get a sign: 989-3222

4. Want to meet us to Sign wave early in the morning or late afternoon?

5. DONATE to Friends of Debbie Hecht, P.O. Box 4148, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745. I can qualify for matching dollar for dollar public funding if I get 150 to 210 people at $100. each. All amounts at $100 or less go to helping me to qualify for public funding. MAHALO!

6. Gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors - Are you having folks over? May I attend to speak for 5 minutes, then answer questions, and listen to your concerns?

7. Services –Help with printing, signs, [and] radio and newspaper ads. Any ideas for discounts?

8. Walk your neighborhood with me - I want to meet you and your neighbors and listen to what you would like me to do if I am elected

9. Educate others - Invite me to a meeting of your civic group, neighborhood association or office meeting. Print my campaign material in a newsletter.

10. Ads - Pay for an ad through your business.

11. Encourage people to vote - help with phone calling from September 16th to 20th

12. Get out the vote on primary day- by driving people to the polls and phone calling.

Mahalo!
With warm aloha-

Debbie

--
Debbie Hecht, Candidate for Hawai'i County Council District 8
http://www.dhecht.com/
(808) 989-3222

Garage owner tired of getting Ripped off.

2010-08-16T07:32:00.000-10:00

Mexican Lion - How clever is this?!!!

This is the true story of a Garage Owner in the Southwest (New Mexico)

He was sick and tired of thugs breaking into his garage shop to steal tools, etc. So he came up with this idea. He put the word out that he had a new Mexican Lion that would attack anyone that would break in or climb his fence. Would-be thieves saw the "Lion" from a distance and fled the scene.

The dog's probably trying to figure out why his head's so hot and his butt's so cold?

West Hawaii Today - Want to vote? Register by Thursday

2010-08-15T09:47:00.000-10:00

Are you registered?? If you have any opinion at all. This is your chance to be heard. If you don't vote then you have no say.

REGISTER AND VOTE. You have until Thursday to Register.

Vote
Vote
Vote......

West Hawaii Today - Local > Want to vote? Register by Thursday

Guess What this is?

2010-08-13T13:44:00.000-10:00

Guess... What This Is? And don't cheat...

Hint: picture was taken in 1956...

Answer, see below...

* * *

It's a hard disk drive back in 1956... With 5 MB of storage.

In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a 'whopping' 5 MB of data.

Do you appreciate your 8 GB memory stick a little more now?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love this. When I started in Bank Operations 1979 our computer was a full floor downtown LA. There was a line of parkas on the wall in front of the door. When your lips turned blue it was time for a break. Ah Operations.

A Fishy SECRET in Hawai'i

2010-08-12T18:30:00.000-10:00

Heads up!

Do you care?
I added that meetings should be held in Hilo and Kona as I believe that this is an island wide concern.
Thanks for taking time to consider how you feel.

Mahalo, Merry Anne
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: Christina Lizzi, Food & Water Watch [mailto:fwwatch@mail.democracyinaction.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 8:31 AM

Subject: A fishy secret in Hawai`i

Shhh - don't tell anyone about the tuna!

Ask the Army Corps of Engineers To Go Public With a Hearing

Aloha e Merry Anne,

Give Kawaihae the chance to protect these waters.
Ask the Army Corps of Engineers to hold a public hearing.

Want to know a secret? About three miles off of Kawaihae, on the Big Island, a company wants 247 acres of your ocean to put 12 huge untethered cages to grow 6,000 tons of tuna -- mostly for export to the Mainland and Japan. It isn't actually a secret, but with the lack of public hearings held so far, you'd think it was. Before the Army Corps of Engineers gives the green light for a corporation to pollute Hawaiian waters, tell them to hold a public hearing.

Industrial fish farming poses threats to communities like Kawaihae, including disrupting and interfering with the natural ecosystem, fishing grounds, and way of life. Unfortunately, Hawaii Oceanic Technology has almost all its ducks in a row to put its floating "oceanspheres" in the water. Did I mention that each cage is the width of a football field and could hold 30 Olympic swimming pools worth of water?

Even on the Big Island, very few people know that this is happening. Only one public hearing has been held on the Island during the permitting process, and even then the notice for it included incorrect information. A decision like this could greatly impact not only Kawaihae, but all of Hawai'i. Tell the Army Corps of Engineers to hold a hearing near Kawaihae and give people a chance to particpate in this decision.

Contact the Army Corps of Engineers now:

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4132

Malama ke kai,
Christina Lizzi
Food & Water Watch

fish@fwwatch.org

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.

Talk to Us
Support Us
Subscribe

How Bad is the Economy?

2010-08-12T08:30:00.000-10:00

HOW BAD IS IT?

The economy is so bad that -

. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

. Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

. My ATM gave me an IOU!

. I saw a Mormon polygamist with only one wife.

. I bought a toaster oven and my free gift with purchase was a bank.

. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

. McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

. Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America.

. Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

. . A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

. A picture is now only worth 200 words.

. They renamed Wall Street "Wal-Mart Street ."

. When Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

. Congress says they are looking into this BernardMadoffscandal. Oh Great!

The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people

who made $1.5 trillion disappear!

And, finally...

. I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., that I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > Kalaoa station a top priority 2005

2010-08-11T11:34:00.001-10:00

5 years plus 10 years... Waiting for Kalaoa Fire Station. Read this from 2005.
Should have built this instead of the road to no where.

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > Kalaoa station a top priority

Coastview Aquaponics- Fresh Natural Produce grown in Water

2010-08-10T15:36:00.002-10:00

Coastview Aquaponics will be open for produce sales & farm tours:

Tuesday 4-6pm
Thursday 4-6pm
Saturday 8am-12pm

Produce available this week:

Live Lettuce $2.00
Bunching Onions $2.00
Celery $3.00
Basil $1.00
Cilantro $1.00
Mint $1.00
Watercress $2.00
Hybrid Mango $1.00/large, 2 for $1.00/medium

73-1202 Ahikawa Street
Kailua-Kona
325-7665

(We are located above Kona Airport, off Mamalahoa Hwy, between mile markers 32-33. Ahikawa St. is one

street north of Ka'iminani - Kona Palisades. Turn down Ahikawa, we are about 8 houses from the top.)

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/3-9eC1tlq1

Our next Aquaponics Class is scheduled for Saturday, August 28, 2010.

To learn more about Coastview Aquaponics, our training classes, and aquaponics in general

see our website http://www.coastviewaquaponics.com/

Aloha from Coastview Aquaponics

~ Chris & Alexis Smith ~

This Nation is like driving a Car. Now lets put it in gear!

2010-08-10T07:29:00.000-10:00

If you want this Country to move forward. It is like a car.

Put it in "D" for drive (democrates) or
"R" reverse (republicans).

Lets start working together for the good of the Nation
and cut the politics of NO NO NO NO....

Brenda Ford sign waving! Help her out she always stands up for West Hawaii.

2010-08-09T13:17:00.001-10:00

Subject: Brenda's sign waving schedule

Aloha,

If it is raining, do NOT come to the sign waving. It's just not safe with the slippery roads. Larry and I can do it alone. Also, I will list two locations for every date that are close together in case another candidate selects the spot we want.

The following is the sign waving calendar:

Tues 8-10-10 7- 8:00 am mauka side of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway near the intersection of Kuakini and Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (park in our ususal parking spots) OR along the mauka side of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway from Lako Street (park on Lako Street for safety)

Thu 8-12-10 4:30 - 6:00 pm makai side of Mamalahoa Highway in Honalo near the Ushijima Store OR on the Triangle of the intersection of Kuakina Hwy and the Old Mamalahoa Hwy in Honalo.

Thu 8-19-10 4:30 - 6:00 pm makai side of Mamalahoa Highway in Honalo near the Ushijima Store OR on the grass Triangle of the intersection of Kuakina Hwy and the Old Mamalahoa Hwy in Honalo.

Mahalo for all of your support.
Brenda Ford

This is no Bull! Why do you need a horse trailer?

2010-08-07T07:35:00.001-10:00

Cowboy bull hauler Or Who needs a trailer ?

If I'd seen this, I don't think I could drive because I would be laughing too hard.

I notice that this old boy stuck to two lane and gravel roads. For all you yokels, what does NHD mean? No harm done?

He bought the bull in Kansas and headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Even Ripley might have trouble believing this one.

Coqui Frogs in Kona Coastview.

2010-08-05T07:36:00.001-10:00

What a GREAT accomplishment. I finally got the LOUD Coqui frog that has been going all night every night for the past week. I bought a sprayer and citric acid and sprayed the heck out of the area and then it went quite. If anyone has a coqui in your yard give me a call I now know how to do it.
YES>>>>I did sleep like a lamb.

Pond scum to petroleum: NELHA company looks at long-term future of oil production

2010-08-01T09:13:00.000-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Local > Pond scum to petroleum: NELHA company looks at long-term future of oil production

Is this what they mean by home grown?

Debbie Hect for County Coucil, district 8

2010-07-31T07:35:00.001-10:00

ELECT Debbie HECHT

HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8,
NORTH KONA
Vote SEPTEMBER 18.

Building Community by Representing You!
http://www.dhecht.com/

Experience:

• Working with community- Coordinator, 2% for the Land Fund campaign approved by 63% of voters in 2006, working to form the Kealakehe Regional Sports Park, Old Airport / Make'o Park, Hawaii Natural History Assoc, assistant tennis coach Kealakehe HS.

• Writing legislation- I know the job! I know the people, because I worked as a Legislative Aide for the county council, reviewing budgets, doing research and writing laws.

o Wrote the Land Fund charter amendment and presented to Charter Commission. This will be a 1% charter amendment on the ballot in November- PLEASE VOTE YES!

o Worked with League of Women Voters to write the charter amendment on Initiative and Referendum approved by voters 2008.

o IN 2009-2010- Wrote 5 charter amendments for the Charter Commission to consider on Vacancies, Board and Commissions, Recall, Revising the Charter and Impeachment.

• Small business owner, licensed real estate broker, property manager, project manager for remodeling and small-scale development since 1978.

• Teaching degree, trained facilitator and mediator.

Ideas:

• Strengthen communication between the county council and residents by:

o Providing email newsletter on issues

o Holding regular talk-story sessions

o Polling residents on important issues

o Meeting with citizen's organizations regularly

• Work with community to create a shoreline park system, from Kailua to Kawaihae using Land Fund money + matching funds, linked by National Park Service' s Ala Kahakai Historic Trail to create an eco-tourism industry, to protect access, reefs and fishing. Increase care for parks.

• Support Eco-tourism and Agriculture as sustainable industries to provide food, create jobs and stabilize our economy.

• Address infrastructure shortfalls- roads, sewers, water etc. and pave streets (like Ka'iminani).

• Work with business to provide park/ride and bus service for Kailua Village.

• Support responsible development and the Kona CDP

• Keep youth busy! Work to obtain funding to build Old Airport / Make'o Park. Work to get 200+ acres makai of Kealakehe HS for the Kealakehe Regional Sports Park to build sports facilities, work to expand youth programs.

Dates to Vote: Primary- September 18, 2010 * General- November 2, 2010 *

INFORMATION? go to: www.dhecht.com , call 989-3222 or electhecht@gmail.com

How you can help:

How you can HELP this is a Grassroots effort!

1. Basic Grassroots Strategy - Talk to friends, family and co-workers - Historically 4,000+ voters vote for Council in District 8. Please talk to 20 people in Kona, give them campaign literature and ask them to vote for me. Then ask them to talk to 20 morepeople to pass on the good word.

2. Hand out information –Please hand out campaign information in a public place or at a public event. Kid's baseball games? Church? Family dinner? Neighborhood potluck? PRINT OUT ATTACHED CAMPAIGN FLYER

3. Signs - Let me post a sign on your property, if your home or business in District 8. (E-mail me to get a map of district boundaries.) Are you on a busy street? Call to get a sign: 989-3222

4. Want to meet us to Sign wave early in the morning or late afternoon?

5. DONATE to Friends of Debbie Hecht, P.O. Box 4148, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745. I can qualify for matching dollar for dollar public funding if I get 150 to 210 people at $100. each. All amounts at $100 or less go to helping me to qualify for public funding. MAHALO!

6. Gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors - Are you having folks over? May I attend to speak for 5 minutes, then answer questions, and listen to your concerns?

7. Services –Help with printing, signs, [and] radio and newspaper ads. Any ideas for discounts?

8. Walk your neighborhood with me - I want to meet you and your neighbors and listen to what you would like me to do if I am elected

9. Educate others - Invite me to a meeting of your civic group, neighborhood association or office meeting. Print my campaign material in a newsletter.

10. Ads - Pay for an ad through your business.

11. Encourage people to vote - help with phone calling from September 16th to 20th

12. Get out the vote on primary day- by driving people to the polls and phone calling.

Mahalo!
With warm aloha-
Debbie Hecht
P.O. Box 4148
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
(808) 989-3222

Short Sales are good for some. But WHO? Watch and learn

2010-07-30T08:11:00.000-10:00

FDIC, Inddy Mac and One West Bank. GREED, GREED, GREED.

http://www.youtube.com/user/fiercefreeleancer

This guy built his own island from plastic bottles.

2010-07-26T19:01:00.000-10:00

This can save the landfills. build your own island. Really cool. VERY CREATIVE>

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wimp.com%2Fplasticbottles%2F&h=97e5e

West Hawaii Today; Councilman arrested Greenwell

2010-07-20T14:32:00.001-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Local > Councilman arrested

Now this is funny. Kelly (Mister I know how!) gets pulled over for speeding and ends up at the jail.
Ok so maybe he was the only one runing for County Council at the time. Not this time.

The canidates so far:
Debbie Hecht
K. Angel Pilago
Kelly Greenwell
and now
Jim Rath

Boy, the list is growing as the unemployment is effectiving all of us.

and the beat goes on......

West Hawaii Today - Local > Mayor's claim of frugality falls flat

2010-07-19T08:06:00.000-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Local > Mayor's claim of frugality falls flat

Read the comments for more info. We are in deep kim chee when it comes to our County. READ and weep.

Candidate Debbie Hecht, Hawai'i County Council District 8 North Kona

2010-07-18T14:40:00.000-10:00

Debbie Hecht is the best choice here.

Kelly Greenwell is living in a fansty. Wasting tax payer dollars flying to Washington DC, looking for a magic lamp to rub and get money to run the county. He came back empty handed with a nice big bill for the tax payers. The first smart thing he has done is start to work on stopping the tropical fish collecting on the Kona Coast.

K.Angel Pilago did nothing for Kona before, during or after his run for County Council. Never saw him speak up for west hawaii. Was even tempered and always went along with the crowd. No opionion either way. Tried to run for Mayor with no adjenda. Nice guy but not a doer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEBBIE HECHT
Candidate, Hawai'i County Council District 8 North Kona

Building community, through new ideas for Kona.
TOGETHER we can make a difference!
http://www.dhecht.com/

MY PLEDGE TO YOU: I will represent YOU on the Hawaii County Council. My job is to listen to YOU, to promote legislation and find funding for Kona. I believe in representative government and I want to hear your mana'o.

MY IDEAS:
• Have "talk story" sessions, where I can hear how YOU want me to vote;

• Have educational sessions, where we can learn from the experts;

• Facilitate responsible development, by requiring infrastructure (sewers, roads and parks) before building;

• Fund infrastructure through community facilities districts and use impact fees paid by new residents (see http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=101 for more information;

• Address current infrastructure shortfalls

• Build adequate affordable housing to buy or rent;

• Promote alternative energy and food sustainability

• Increase care for Hawai`i County parks with help from Ohana groups

• Develop an eco-tourism industry, based around the Ala Kahakai Trail; and

• Expand land conservation through the shoreline park from Kailua Village to Kawaihae.

MY VALUES:

• Honesty, integrity and respect for everyone!!

• Working with community groups to achieve win-win solutions.

• Land conservation promotes recreation opportunities for families, clean air, clean oceans and safe drinking water.

• Balance in work, family, community and recreation.

• Caring for the land is caring for the people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

ElectHecht2010@gmail.com ** Phone: 989-3222 ** http://www.dhecht.com/

What issues are most important to you? If I get elected, I will need your help to make decisions. What is your advice? Please call or email. Let's get together.--Debbie

NOT SURE WHAT DISTRICT YOU LIVE IN? EMAIL ME FOR A MAP.

VOTE “YES” for the 1% Land Fund and all of the charter amendments introduced by the charter commission

How you can HELP this is a Grassroots effort!

1. Basic Grassroots Strategy - Talk to friends, families and co-workers - Historically 4,000+ voters vote for Council in District 8. Please talk to 20 people in Kona, give themcampaign literature and ask them to vote for me. Then ask them to talk to 20 morepeople to pass on the good word.

2. Signs - Let me post a sign on your property, if your home or business in District 8. (E-mail me to get a map of district boundaries.) Are you on a busy street? Call to get a sign: 989-3222

3. Sign wave

4. DONATE to Friends of Debbie Hecht, P.O. Box 4148, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745. I can qualify for matching dollar for dollar public funding if I get 150 to 210 people at $100. each. All amounts at $100 or less go to helping me to qualify for public funding. MAHALO!

5. Gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors - Are you having folks over? May I attend to speak for 5 minutes, then answer questions, and listen to your concerns?

6. Hand out information –Please hand out campaign information in a public place or at a public event. Kid's baseball games? Church? Family dinner? Neighborhood potluck?

7. Services –Help with printing, signs, [and] radio and newspaper ads. Any ideas for discounts?

8. Walk your neighborhood with me - I want to meet you and your neighbors and listen to what you would like me to do if I am elected

9. Educate others - Invite me to a meeting of your civic group, neighborhood association or office meeting. Print my campaign material in a newsletter.

10. Ads - Pay for an ad through your business.

11. Encourage people to vote - help with phone calling from September 16th to 20th

12. Get out the vote on primary day- by driving people to the polls and phone calling.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON MY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE SCROLL DOWN FURTHER or go to: www.dhecht.com

I believe in REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT and that a council member should represent the wishes and needs of the people of the district. I have had experience writing legislation and reviewing budgets as a council aide and community activist. I have a teaching degree, have been an elected board leader, and have run my own business as a licensed real estate broker (AZ) for 35 years, handling land sales/development, apartment sales and property management. I have invested in small apartment buildings, which I remodeled, maintained and kept rented since 1978. I am competent in these areas, but I do not know everything. I will keep you informed on important issues via the Internet and community talk stories. I will ask for your advice.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ISSUES FACING DISTRICT 8?

Although development has slowed considerably since the recession, I believe the North Kona District will experience heavy development in the next 5 years. Most estimates predict that 30,000 to 35,000 additional new homes in our area at build out. These are homes that are allowed by approved subdivisions and allowed by present zoning. We need to make sure that infrastructure (roads, streets, sewers, fresh water systems) is in place before new people move in. I believe this will take some well-written, easily understandable legislation that enables concurrency, community facilities districts and impact fees. For more information on these issues go to: http://www.dhecht.com/?page_id=101 We need to make sure that new growth follows the guidelines of the Kona Community Development Plan and does not impact existing residents with higher taxes, crowded roads and schools, over used water and sewer systems, or over stretched services like police and fire. I believe it will be important to reach out to other council members and the Mayor's office to work TOGETHER so that existing residents do not pay for new development through increased property taxes.

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING THE LAST YEAR AND YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE ELECTION?

I’ve been busy working in the community since the last election. The most fun that I’ve had is working with the Kealakehe Girls tennis team as the “A minus team” coach. My teaching degree sure helped, as did my love of the game. It was great fun getting to know these young women and introduce them to tennis.

West Hawaii shoreline Park system I’ve been working with Kelly Greenwell, Walter Kunitake, Melvin Mason, Jerry Halverson, Andy Archibald, County Parks Director Bob Fitzgerald, John Moore, Mike Reimer, Gary Orton, Marni Herkes, Dave Hirt, Bo Kahui, Gary Orton, Fred Cachola, Kristen Konan, Rick Gaffney and other members of the community on a West Hawaii shoreline Park system from Kona to Kawaihae. We are still working on the name of the group. This is a new group and membership is open to the entire community. At this time, the vision of this group is to: “Facilitate and Advocate the Protection, the Preservation, and the Enhancement of Coastal Lands and Waters”. It is a goal of this group to get broad based community support to preserve the coastline [and membership is open to everyone]. It has been discussed that the Ala Kahakai Trail, which is a National Park Service historic trail, should be the backbone or linking element of this park system. The Ala Kahakai Trail system stretches 175 miles from Upolu Point to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Here is a link to the management plan for the Ala Kahakai Trail: http://www.nps.gov/alka/parkmgmt/planning.htm This incredible effort was accomplished by Aric Arikaki, Superintendent of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Rick Gmirkin and Ida Hanohano.

After the election, in December of 2008, I wrote the following letter to the Editor with a plan to use our parks as the basis for An eco-tourism industry: http://www.dhecht.com/wp-admin/page.php?action=edit&post=14 I still believe we can establish an eco-tourism industry and replace some of the jobs that were lost in the construction sector. Money from the 2% Land Fund can be used to acquire Hawaii island’s great places that will be permanent recreation sites for residents and visitors to use. We have to increase the care of our parks. Kapuna Fred Cachola has discussed his long-held dream to have a blue trail (an ocean trail for canoes and kayaks) and a brown trail (for land travel), similar to what Hawaiians used in the past. What a great idea!

After attending a charette with the community last summer for Old Airport Park or Makae’o, we realized that the community wanted this area be a more passive beach park. This plan resulted from a Kona Town Meeting, that I facilitated, which brought together 15 stakeholder groups and Pat Englehart, former Hawai`i County Parks Director, who set aside $500,000 in the budget to plan the park. Click here and scroll down to see the plan: http://www.kailuaparkplan.com/publicmeetings.html

We also realized that we still need an area for active sports and a regional sports park. This regional park could be located on almost 200 acres, just makai of Kealakehe High School. Bo Kahui asked me to be a member of the Kealakehe Park Advisory Committee with Elaine Watai, Hawai`i County Parks Director Bob Fitzgerald, Mapuana Kahanu, Laura Dierenfield, Cathy Sawada, Charlie Nahale, Sue Aronson and Wanneta Wilson. We are trying to understand the past commitments between the County and the State and Kealekehe Associates for this land. This land is now set aside for a golf course and needs to be reclassified through the DLNR Land Board for a sports park.

The Kona Community Tennis and Recreation Association has received a 501(c)3 IRS designation. We will help young tennis players further their education and tennis careers. I am working with Kelly Drysdale, Sandy Caldwell and the West Hawaii District Tennis Association on this issue. There are over 700 dues paying members of the Untied States Tennis Association in West Hawai`i, which does not count junior, casual players or tourists. We need more tennis courts.

I was appointed to the Board of the Hawaii Natural History Association. I am grateful to Fred Cachola for his nomination. I am the secretary for this group. Hawaii Natural History Association (HNHA) www.hawaiinaturalhistory.org is a National Park Service cooperating association, a] nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to support the interpretive, educational, scientific and historic mission of the National Park Service. Proceeds from the sale of educational items in park visitor centers and on this website are returned directly to the Park Service to support interpretive programs, research projects, museum activities, free publications, cultural demonstrations, and other related activities. We work with staff at the following parks to fund special programs and projects: Kaloko Honokohau, Pu`uhonua O’ Honaunau, Haleakala, Hawaii Volcanoes National, Pu‘ukoholä Heiau and the National Park of Samoa.

The Land Fund: The Charter Commission is on track to submit a not less than 1% Land Fund charter amendment to the voters in November. We proposed that the Land Fund become a charter amendment to get the Land Fund deposits out of the yearly budget wrangling. Please support this measure. In the future we hope we can get it raised to 2%, to honor the amount that 63% of voters approved in 2006.

Charter Amendments proposed to the Charter Commission: I wrote and submitted several charter amendments to the Charter Commission and lobbied for their consideration, but they did NOT pass:

1. The 2% Land Fund amendment. Because charter articles can only be changed by voters, this would have prevented the County Council or Mayor from suspending deposits to the fund. ALL other Hawaii counties have passed charter amendments to protect their open space funds.

2. An amendment regarding the Recall of Elected Officials - a re-write of this charter section. I collaborated with Council member Brenda Ford.

3. An amendment regarding How to Fill Vacancies if elected officials die, resign, are recalled or impeached. Right now, if the Mayor resigns or dies, the Deputy Director fills the post. If the Prosecuting Attorney's post is vacant, the Deputy Director fills the post. If a council position is vacant, the majority of the council appoints someone to finish the term, which strengthens the majority. My proposed amendment called for an election, if the time remaining was [for] more than 6 months.

4. An amendment regarding How People are Appointed to Boards and Commissions. Currently they are appointed by the Mayor. This amendment proposed that council members propose appointees.

5. Working as a member of the League of Women Voters, with Sue Dursin and Marian Wilkins, we revised Article XV regarding Amending the Charter.

For additional information on my volunteer work for Hawai`i Island, go to www.dhecht.com

Mahalo!

Debbie

-- Debbie Hecht
P.O. Box 4148
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
(808) 989-3222

A Molokai crab. Could feed an army.

2010-07-16T08:07:00.000-10:00

The Oil has STOPPED Flowing in the Gulf! What a RELIEF..

2010-07-15T14:28:00.001-10:00

After 80+ days of thousands and thousands of barrels of oil pouring out into the Gulf of Mexico; British Petroleum has finally got the well under control.

Now what to do with this HUGE OIL slick miles long and deep. Hire every boat they can find and capture it before any storms hit. It is a race against time to get control of the oil in the water.

Sure hope President Obama makes the Oil industry accountable for all the wells that are currently out there with shoddy practices. The Oil companies are so worried about money that they forget about how fragile our environment really is. Let's have a full investigation and charge them so much that they won't pull this stunt again.

Do we really need to drill in over a mile of water where we have no control of it? Let's start waking up and realizing that we are destroying ourselves and our planet. Hopefully there will be more generations to come.

Coqui Frogs in Coastview. A letter from a neighbor

2010-07-13T09:44:00.000-10:00

I recently eradicated my coqui frog with a heavy dose of lemon juice in a spray container, used coffee grounds spread around the base of their tree and a direct hit of boric acid power (cockroach stuff). Please attack yours too. We don't want Kona to sound like Hilo. Coqui's only jump forward not backwards and the noisy ones are males. Here's a number of Brian (?) he catchs them and charges by the hour. 895-8753
Signed you neighbor (?)
I can't wander into your yard to find the coqui.

Vote for Democrates (only) that can make a Difference in Congress!

2010-07-12T07:36:00.000-10:00

Anyone in Congress that is a republican should be kicked out. They blocked every attempt to right our Nation. We don’t need to be reminded that the Republicans came into office with a HUGE surplus, and when they left we were on the brink of disaster. 2 wars, deregulating of the financial institutions, Bush taxs cuts for the Super rich…. And more.

Let's think back some 60 years ago.. It was the democrats that fought for Social Security. The Republicans cried socialism. Re-think your history and see where we are going. It is the future of our children that is at risk.
My hat is off to Obama for taking on such a huge challenge.
He has passed health care, women’s equal pay, and on and on….
With NO help from the Republican's.
It is congress (republicans specifically) that have voted against all bills put forward. The republicans were pro imigration legislation until Obama got in office and now there is no support.

So think twice, and look to the (d) democrat when you vote next election.
Time to clean house and get the do nothings out.

New Solar Energy fees by Director of business, economic development, tourism?

2010-07-07T07:45:00.000-10:00

Yesterday I went to my Real Estate continuing education class to learn about the new changes to Hawaii laws that just passed July 1st. There was one that was quite shocking and disturbing. Read and see if you agree.

SOLAR ENERGY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY- SB 2563 SD 1 HD 2 CD 1

HCEI; Solar Water Heater Systems; Alternate Fuels Standards

Description:
Authorizes the director of business, economic development, and tourism to impose and collect fees for the administration of the solar water heater system variances. Sets the goal of using alternative fuels to meet 30 per cent of highway fuel demand by2030. (CD1)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2563

Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) to IMPOSE and COLLECT FEES for ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOLAR WATER HEATER SYSTEM FOR NEW RESIDENCES PROGRAM, deposit those fees into an energy security special fund and set goals for using alternative fuels to meet 30% of highway fuel demand by 2030. The proposed effective date is July 1, 2010.

This measure will assist DBEDT with administering the program requiring solar water heater systems for new single-family residences. Permitting the department to impose and collect fees to cover the cost of the variance application process will support the program and significantly enhance the effectiveness of the statewide strategy to promote renewable energy, particularly with respect to residential solar water heater systems, which are a major component I the strategy.

Also, the legislature found that to achieve the 2030 goal of 30% alternate fuel standards requires the State to facilitate the development and support attainment of a statewide alternate fuel standard of 10% of highway fuel by 2010, 15% by 2015, and 20% by 2020.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Am I missing something here or are we trying to discourage people from building solar??? The DBEDT is going to build MONEY for alternative fuel demand on the backs of the new home owners? I thought we wanted to encourage ALL to get solar and use less fuel. But apparently not if they are going to charge fees for building solar!

Currently Hawaii Island have 65% oil and the rest in alternative energies, wind, solar, etc… but the residents of the Big Island are not receiving any break regardless of where or how the energy is produced. We are paying as though we are importing every dime from the middle east. Hawaii is now encouraging people to go and build somewhere else that wants your business. Because our law makers are only about saddeling the public with new fees rather than looking for ways to increase our alternative fuel usage. God Help us.

The Best Mayor in the World. What can we learn from her?

2010-07-02T07:21:00.000-10:00

http://www.wimp.com/citymayor

Calling all: Mayor, County councilpersons, All elected officials.... Watch and Learn.

Balancing a budget and planning wisely can be done.

Big Island Video- Na Leo o Hawaii public access TV Needs your Help!

2010-06-24T16:25:00.001-10:00

Aloha, friends
Big Island Video News is sending this out to fans and supporters of our news gathering efforts here on Hawaii Island.
As you may already be aware, we have a weekly TV program on Na Leo o Hawaii public access television (Wednesday on ch. 54 at 6:30 pm, replay on Friday on ch. 53 at 7:30 pm)

Na Leo provides generous support for this program because they believe it serves the public interest. It is a strong first step towards providing dedicated TV news for Hawaii Island, and it helps to fulfill the station's PEG mission (public, education and government) with our varied coverage.

At this point in time, nearly 100% of our funding comes from the support provided by Na Leo. We have plans to introduce additional revenue from website advertising at some point in the future, but until that time, the Na Leo funding is critical to our continued operation. (The weekly TV show cannot have advertising, as per Na Leo rule.)

The Na Leo board of directors is about to consider the continued funding of our newscast at their next meeting in June. In making their decision, they need to see that our efforts matter to the local community in order to justify the expense.

We ask that if you share our opinion that we are doing important work for the community, and if you appreciate our efforts and would like to see them continue, please: send them a short message encouraging them to continue their funding for the Big Island Video News programming.

The message can be short or long, whatever works best for you. We have provided some simple sample letters.

The following message would be great: (For those of you that do not have cable but still appreciate Big Island Video News.)

To the Na Leo Board of Directors,
Big Island Video News provides a valuable community service and is a needed alternative to how the island receives its news and information. Please continue the Big Island Video News program on Na Leo o Hawaii TV.

Thank you,
Signed XXXX

This message would be ideal:

To the Na Leo Board of Directors,
Big Island Video News gives us a strong reason to tune in to Na Leo o Hawaii television. It is a valuable addition to the programming already offered on the station. We hope that you continue to support the effort, and keep Big Island Video News on Na Leo o Hawaii TV.
Thank you,

signed XXXX

We encourage you to use your own words, and only ask that you be truthful in what you write.

Please send your message by email to davidcorrigan@bigislandvideonews.com, and please copy general manager, Juergen Denecke, at jdenecke-naleo@hawaii.rr.com

If you prefer to send via traditional mail, the Na Leo address is:

Leo O Hawai'i, Inc - Community Television
91 Mohouli Street
Hilo, HI 96720

The deadline is this Thursday, June 24th.

Thank you for your kokua. Taking the five minutes to send this message stating your support will go a long way to preserving the current level of Big Island Video News service. We hope to grow and provide an even higher level of service in the future, and this funding is crucial to achieving that goal.

Mahalo!
David Corrigan
Big Island Video News
895-9855

West Hawaii Today - The argument for renewable energy

2010-06-18T09:49:00.002-10:00

Is the problem only energy? How is it billed on our power bill???

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Opinion > Letters - Your Voice > The argument for renewable energy#blogcomments#blogcomments

Do you have a Home Owners Exemption? Better check your TAXES may be going UP!

2010-06-18T08:37:00.001-10:00

Today I was reviewing the multiple listings for North Kona and I noticed something.
Billy Kenoi and our County Council just voted to increase property taxes on agricultural land.

When we bought our home in 1988 our home was zoned unplanned. A few years ago the County decided to change a lot of property designations to AGI (Agricultural).
Here are a few subdivisions that are zoned A5/A. Does that mean all of the Agi zonings will be subject to Billy’s Tax Increase?

Kona Coastview, Kaloko, Wonderview (7,500 sq. ft lots), Palisades (10,000 sq ft lots), Kona Highlands (8,000 to 10,00 sq ft lots), Kona Acres, Kona Hills Estates…
Kona Heavens, Keopu Heights……………..
=====================================================================
I just got off the phone with Hawaii Property Tax Department and here are a few good things to know.

1. If your property is assessed at any of these rates, then here are your taxes.
$0 to $25,000 $25.00 a year
$25,001-$50,000 $50.00 a year
$50,001-$75,000 $75.00 a year
Above $75,000 is at the assessed rate.

2. If your property has a homeowners exemption
of owner occupied plus 20% of assessed value plus $40,000
For Disabled Vets $100.00
Culilani land descendent Hawaiians only $100.00
Additional exemption for 60 years up $40,000

*****NOTE*****
To get a homeowners exemption you have until June 30th
for the next payment or December 30th for 2011 Property Tax Bill.
http://www.hawaiipropertytax.com/ for more information.

People may not know their property is Agi and if they don’t have any exemptions then their taxes will be going UP UP and Away!!!!
You can call me and I can check your property's exemptions on MLS. Be happy to!
Aloha, Susan 325-7576

*112 on your Cell phone can SAVE YOUR LIFE!

2010-06-17T07:52:00.000-10:00

Some know about the red light on cars, but nots the *112.

It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on. Lauren's parents have always told her never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.

Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called *112 on her cell phone to tell the
police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was anunmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and there weren't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground.

The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.

I never knew about the *112 Cell Phone Feature,
but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place.

*Speaking to a service representative at ** Bell ** Mobility confirmed that *112 was a direct link to State trooper info.So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *112.

You may want to Send this to every woman (and man) you know; it may save a life.
This applies to ALL 50 states

Summer Block Party and Music Festival in Waikoloa

2010-06-15T11:51:00.001-10:00

Summer Block Party & Music Festival

Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Time: 9:00am - 10:00pm

Location: Hooko St Park, Waikoloa Village, Big Island of Hawaii

Description.Aloha from Greg Rideout of Loud & Clear Productions, Live Sound Contractor on the Big Island. We have joined forces with the non-profit group Waikoloa Community Development Corporation and are asking you to join us in raising funds for a new Skate Park in Waikoloa Village. This project began several years ago and with your help could be ready to break ground in the near future.

Loud & Clear Productions ‘Summer Block Party & Music Festival’ on July 17th 2010, Hooko St Park in Waikoloa Village from 9am - 10pm will feature some of the Best of the Big Islands top musicians/performers, 5K Skateboard Race (first of its kind), Skate Ramp Exhibitions, Car & Bike Show-Poker Run, Hula & Fire Knife Dancers, Traditional hands-on Hawaiian Cultural Village with crafts & learning plus much more. All proceeds from gate, car & bike show, raffles and auctions will go to the non-profit organization. Huge Mahalo to sponsors KAPA & Native FM, Hawaii Event Lighting, Monster Energy, Koa Puna MC, Oasis Skateboards and many more.

An all day stellar line-up of Entertainers featuring ‘Opu Vibes, Kapakahi Brothers, Ressless Soulz, Keoki Kahumuku, Johnny Shot, Donald Kaulia, Hama’Jang, the Coral Heads, Blaine Brown & the Downtowns and Ras Sparrow. Headlining this event are RJ Kaneou and Ka’u featuring legendary performers Bruddah Waltah & Sistah Robi.

This is a challenging endeavor and we need help from our local business community. Support from local community civic organizations onsite will show the support to our youth & community and the rest of the Island. For more information call (808) 936-4400.

check out the link for flyer... http://www.veryclearsound.com/Events---Pics.html

Next O'oma Land Use Commission hearing

2010-06-14T06:57:00.001-10:00

Aloha e,
The next date for public testimony on O’oma Beachside Villages (OBV) request to reclassify 181 acres of coastal Conservation land into Urban is this Thursday at 1:30PM at the King Kamehameha Hotel.

Talking points against this application include:

1) The Land Use Commission has already twice denied upzoning of this land.

2) Reasons to keep this land in Conservation have become much greater over the past two decades.

3) The infrastructure deficit in Kona, such as traffic and sewage treatment, has dramatically increased.

4) The National Park Service has found that the State Historic Preservation Division has not adequately protected cultural sites over the past ten years and is threatening to yank SHPD’s funding. As such, no Archaeological Inventory Survey or Cultural Impact Statement for any property can be relied upon.

5) The University of Hawai’i-Hilo Marine Sciences Department conducted a study of our nearshore marine water quality which found that “conditions may be developing for extreme environmental degradation”.

6) If all existing approvals for subdivisions and other development already approved in Kona were in place, Kona would look like Honolulu.

7) Numerous studies and polls of the Kona community conducted over the years have proven beyond doubt that Kona residents want “Kona to stay Kona”.

8) Given that one of OBV has hired as a consultant former Hawai’i County Deputy Managing Director and former state Dept. of Land and Natural Resources Director, Peter Young (Ho’okuleana), it is clear that the developer has inside political influence that the community does not enjoy (see NOTE below).

Regardless, there is no economic or legal basis for approval of the OBV application on this land.
If you cannot attend the LUC meeting, please send your testimony to luc@dbedt.hawaii.gov .

Mahalo ia oe!
NOTE: At the March 3rd LUC meeting in Waikoloa, OBV’s consultants and other financially-conflicted supporters arrived early, forcing those opposed to the project to wait for many hours to testify. In addition, many people, including Kona representative Brenda Ford, attended the LUC meeting the next day under the traditional assumption that public testimony would be taken at the beginning of that meeting. However, they were not allowed to do so, despite having driven to Waikoloa from Kona.

Using experience as a guide, those opposing the project arrived early to the May 5th meeting so they could testify first. However, without prior notice, the LUC changed its traditional protocol of first-to-sign-up/first-to-testify. The reason given was to allow those who had not previously testified to testify first. As a result, everyone who had previously testified at the March 3rd meeting were forced to wait for as long as seven hours to testify.

After this, I received e-mails from numerous people, who had taken time from their jobs and businesses, saying that they would never again attend an LUC meeting. So much for encouraging public participation…
Chuck Flaherty

Keep Kealakekua Wild

2010-06-14T06:54:00.003-10:00

http://www.bslandvideonews.com/2010/06/11/video-kealakekua-bay-planning-criticized/

Hawaii fishing and Boating Assoc. HARBOR HELP!

2010-06-13T08:27:00.000-10:00

Hawaii fishing & Boating Association Membership.

Please join and have your friends understand the importance of joining. No cost just need as many as possible people to join and make a showing that we care about our Harbor.

Applications can be obtained at:
Kona Marine Supply
Gentry's Kona Marina
Bite Me Fish Market
Or contact me with address and I will mail the application.

Organization is moving ahead and we need Members. Lets keep up the momentum. Dennis Coffman, Kelly Greenwell, Neil Abercrombie have written letters understanding the what the Kona Communitee is trying to accomplish.

shirl72025@hawaii.http://www.facebook.com/l/89aa6;rr.com

you can also contact
Margaret Smith-Pierce 329-1012
Tina Prettyman 329-7896

8th Annual Hawaii Island Seed Exchange

2010-06-13T08:24:00.001-10:00

Aloha Everyone,

The 8th Annual Hawai'i Island Seed Exchange will be on Saturday form 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook. I hope all seed savors will be able to attend. This year's Exchange will include a short meeting to summarize the work of the recent Seed Symposium at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in April and establish a Kona Seed Working Group of farmers/gardeners who would like to work together in this coming year on knowledge building through seed growing, selection and saving.

Please bring saved seed, cuttings, roots, and huli of food crops that do well for you. Bring a picnic lunch or plan to stay after and talk story with other seed enthusiasts! Attached is a link to more information. See you there! Lotus Cafe will also be serving delicious food!

Aloha,
Nancy Redfeather
Coordinator
322-2801
http://www.hawaiihomegrown.net/events/upcoming-events-month/icalrepeat.detail/2010/06/19/93/-/8th-annual-hawaii-island-seed-exchange-summer-solstice-celebration-south-kona

Meet State Rep Denny Coffman tonight

2010-06-10T13:44:00.000-10:00

Legislative “Talk Story”

Meet your State Representative, DENNY COFFMAN @

End of Session "Talk Story".

• Find out how this year's legislation will affect you.

• Sign up to for updates and newsletters by email.

• Ask questions of the Representative.

• Propose bills or ideas for next year.

• Free Spaghetti Dinner

• Get handouts on participating in the Legislative Process.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Kealakehe High School Cafeteria

4:30 – 8:00 pm

Please forward this email to others in the district.
N Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Honokohau
Thanks and see you there. Bring your family.

Big Island Plane Crash from the 40's

2010-06-10T07:58:00.000-10:00

Plane went down 1943 -1945 time frame. Crew walk away. It is on the mountain SE part of Hawi and N of Waimea.

Councilman Greenwell for Higher taxes!

2010-06-09T07:56:00.003-10:00

Dear Dave,
I thought Kelly Greenwell and Emily Nanoele-Beason went to DC. What did we get for our TAX DOLLARS? Nothing. There is no magic lamp in DC or one of these two would have brought home the bacon.

We are in fact a business and that is why we follow business practices like balancing the budget.

The mid level road is a WASTE of Tax payer dollars. It only benefits those that own property adjoining it. It doesn’t help the thousands of residents in the upper Palisades subdivisions.

Sad our own Councilman wants the rich to pay his way. He came up with the idea of charging all the rich aircraft on the ground $2,500.00 a day to stay here. He doesn't know the State operates the Airport and he has NO jurisdiction there.
What is going to happen to those renters that will now have their rents go up do to the property tax increase. The trickle down will be that the public will no longer want to vacation or buy on the Big Island. The island will become a ghost town when they find out having a rental will be guaranteed 29% taxes and the property has no chance of breaking even.

Get rid of the $100.00 min. tax if you want to be FAIR.

According to West Hawaii Today quote 5/7/10 "That category has grown the most in North Kona, increasing 34 percent in property value in one year alone.Yet County Councilman Kelly Greenwell, who represents that district, says the tax hike is perfectly acceptable to him"

Kelly never did anything prior to being County Council. Never came to a meeting, Never helped volunteer with parks,… Just a golden spoon baby that doesn’t know how to run a successful business (Hawaiian Gardens went under and the property sits with all of his improvements and nothing to show for it.)
Sadly we are at the short end of the stick when it comes to Greenwell.
Mrs. McGeachy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aloha,
Please find attached, and pasted below, Councilmember Greenwell’s June 7 & 8, 2010 Council meeting comments regarding Comm. 711.200 (Bill 211 Draft 3) -the Operating budget-FY2010-2011.

Please feel free to post on your blogs\news sites for public review and comments.
As always, feel free to email or call me with any questions,
Dave Hirt
Legislative Assistant to
Councilmember Kelly Greenwell
Council District 8, North Kona, Hawai‘i
Phone 808-327-3642
Fax 808-329-4786
dhirt@co.hawaii.hi.us

June 7, 2010
To understand the solution to fixing our budget woes, we must first accept that we can no longer think of government as a business. Government process is not based on the typical business model. In fact, government draws on an entirely different reason for being. Beyond the assurance of justice, public safety, and welfare, the responsibility of government is to ensure an economic setting wherein private business can succeed. While responsible accounting is certainly necessary, balancing the county budget, which has dominated our efforts for 6 months, is merely a part of the accounting process and cannot be considered as a required goal. Therefore, before we concern ourselves any further with what is really the Mayor’s budget, we need to focus on reviving our county’s business climate. In our present situation the only realistic way to do this is to enhance our financial situation. Since the level of government that creates money is federal, and since they have largely recognized that more cash is needed in the overall economy, and are providing it through the ARRA, we at county need to make the effort to obtain our share.

Our County’s share of the ARRA has presently been determined to exceed $500 million on a per capita basis but so far we have received only about 20% of that. To illustrate our reluctance to seek ARRA funding, had I not insisted that U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono research our eligibility to receive federal assistance in building the Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kona ($35 million) we might not have gotten it at all. Certainly it was secured by the Mayor and his staff who in a timely fashion met the requirements needed to qualify for the grant, but we as a county were content with Ms. Hirono’s rationale for why we couldn’t qualify until I challenged her thinking – and our thinking as well.

I challenge your thinking today by again insisting that federal money is available if we frame the request properly and with conviction.

The ARRA is intended to be the tool to restart the U.S. economy and like any tool, it only works if we use it − and it works a whole lot better if we learn how.

If we continue to follow the current thinking, where will the county’s business environment be a year from now? Will cutting county services and employment by 10% improve things? In this economy? Do we believe the private sector, pressed to manage with reduced services and probably intensified criminal activity based merely on not having enough to eat, is going to rally?

Do we think that the developers and investors who provide most of our jobs are going to be moved to participate in an extended economic crisis?

Fellow Councilors, please understand that we are government, not business, and as such, have quite different responsibilities, goals and objectives.

It may be the established path of business to cut back during hard times but the very last thing government does during these same hard times is cut service. Again, like so many businesses have done already, we in government do not have the option to fail. – We can not close the doors, and furthermore our success is not measured by profit – or by loss.

Our primary, and perhaps only responsibility right now is to revive the economy, and an economy does not perform if you eliminate its’ ability to grow.—if you take the capacity to earn out of the equation by not spending, the economy will only continue to decline.

Where do we think we will be next year? We are significantly worse off this year than last and we will not reverse the trend by down-sizing. The investors and the businesses who can, along with the minds who operate them, will move away and the rest of us will fail, further impacting government services.
Crime, as the only occupation that pays under those conditions, will take over, and what is left of Government will be entirely focused in that area, perhaps even, as in so many other similar situations, becoming a partner. We can’t afford to take that risk under any circumstance.

We need to return this budget to the mayor with one comment and only one comment: That we will assist his administration in any way possible to secure our share of ARRA funds, so much of which is already being held by the State – that would mean:
1. No Reduction in Service
2. No New Taxes
3. No Furloughs

Alaska Senator wants YOU AND ME to pay for BP Oil Spill!

2010-06-06T17:08:00.000-10:00

http://act.truemajorityaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=71

Hey there,

You won't believe this: As the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig continues to spill over 1 million gallons of oil into the Gulf everyday, Republicans are demanding less regulation for companies like BP and Transocean while also looking for a taxpayer-funded bailout of BP. Yeah, I'm serious.

After a month of oil spewing into the Gulf, the cost of cleaning up BP's mess is $542 million and counting. But a group of Republican senators led by Lisa Murkowski of Alaska want the company to only pay for about the first five days of the cleanup and put taxpayers on the hook for everything else.

That's right, Murkowski and her pals want to "Bail out BP."

I just told my Senators that this is not ok, that it's time to end offshore drilling and focus on clean energy instead. Can you do the same thing?

This website makes it really easy

http://act.truemajorityaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=71

Thanks!

Kenoi decries council budget! WHY and What is he doing about it?

2010-06-04T07:40:00.001-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Local > Kenoi decries council budget amendments#blogcomments#blogcomments
1. Change the $100.00 min. tax to $500.00

2. remove the golf subsidy from west hawaii. charge the east hawaii golf course the lowest rate you can play golf for on the west side.

3. Remove ALL of the unfilled County positions that have not been filled in the last 2 years and put that money BACK into the budget. over 100 paid unfilled positons are being held.

4. Stop all pleasure travel from Council and mayor.

5. charge $2.00 to ride the bus. Why should it be free?

6. charge .25 to swim in any of the County pools.

7.Stop paying for lunch to the Council or the Mayor weather at home or on the road.

8. quite trying to sell any land. This is only a temporary fix. CUT the size of government down. The rest of the Nation is shrinking down their governments, BUT NOT THE BIG ISLAND.

WE ARE INCREASEING OUR BUDGET. DON'T VOTE FOR ANY OF THESE IDIOTS THAT CAN'T FIND SOLUTIONS FOR CUTTING OUR BUDGET. "

" NO TAX INCREASES.

CALL THE MAYOR

CALL YOUR COUNTY COUNCIL PERSON.

CALL ALL OF THE COUNCIL PERSONS.

MAKE IT KNOWN WE DON'T

I REPEAT WE DON'T WANT ANY

PROPERTY TAX INCREASES.

iF YOU DO NOTHING THEN YOU WILL BE SORRY! cALL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. mAKE SOME NOISE PEOPLE. "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links for submitting testimony to our council members:

Council Testimony: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us

Council District contact information;

1 Dominic Yagong < dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us> (808) 961-8225

2 Donald Ikeda (808) 961-8225

3 J Yoshimoto, (808) 961-8225

4 Dennis “Fresh” Onishi (808) 961-8225

5 Emily I. Naeole (808) 965-2712

6 Guy Enriques (808) 961-8225

7 Brenda Ford (808) 326-5684

8 Kelly Greenwell (808) 327-3642

9 Pete Hoffmann (808) 887-2043

Julia Peterson a neighbor?

2010-05-30T08:00:00.000-10:00

Today I received a trojan virus from Julia Peterson claiming to be my neighbor. This person is CRAZY.
I warn everyone not to open this email. Some people are hateful and imature.
I don't know this person or have any idea why they would send me a virus.

Life is short, so enjoy it. and don't let nut cakes effect your day.

All my best to the Veterans and their Families.
Susan

West Hawaii Today - Local > Isle taxes highest in state -- and going higher#blogcomments#blogcomments

2010-05-28T12:16:00.000-10:00

West Hawaii Today - Local > Isle taxes highest in state -- and going higher#blogcomments#blogcomments

Highest Property Taxs in the State! Hawaii Island. What is going on!
This is very sad and will end up turning Kona into a ghost town.
Step up and give your two cents .

Highest Property Taxes in the STATE of Hawaii 29.2% Increase!

2010-05-28T07:02:00.000-10:00

A Call to Action:

Proposed Property Tax Increase

Representation with over taxation! That is what you are getting if they approve the current real property tax increases. Email your County Council testimony today by clicking on the link below or attend the video conference in Kona on June 7th to tell them what you think of this.

The video conference will begin at 7:30am at the following locations:

Hawaii County Office
75-5706 Hanama Pl., Ste. 109, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(Kailua Trade Center)

Councilman Pete Hoffmann's Waimea Office
64-1067 Mamalahoa Hwy.
(Next to the Feed Store)

They will increase rental property taxes by 29.2% if approved. This increase means if you paid $2000 in property taxes last year you will pay $2584 this year...

Use the following link to email your County Council testimony today! EMAIL County Council

You can also call the County Council directly:

County Contact Information

Download a copy of the Kona Board of REALTORS® letter to the Hawaii County Council here.

Kona Board of REALTORS®
74-5620 Palani Court, Ste. 106
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740

808.329.4874 office / 808.329.5191 fax

Emily Nalani McGeachy Graduates at the Top of her Class!

2010-05-25T14:27:00.000-10:00

May 8th Emily Nalani McGeachy at the age of 20 graduated Rocky Mountain College. She now has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Equine Business. Rocky Mountain College is the oldest College in the State of Montana. This was the 128th Commencement, graduating 197. Emily was one of thirteen graduating Summa Cum Laude 3.8-4.0 GPA.

Emily was born and raised in Kona. She went to Kealakehe until the 10th grade. Emily completed both her Junior and Senior year at Hualalai Academy in one year.

Emily has been a Dog Trainer for Pet Smart for three years and is currently looking for Job Opportunities in the Billings, Montana area. Emily is also engaged to be married on 9/10/11 in the Paradise Valley, Livingston, Montana.

It snowed the first night we got there

and no one was happy but us! go figure!

This is Miyan, Emily, Susan, Tom and Jason. Grandma came from California.

A Truely Proud day for us.

Honokohau Harbor group forming

2010-05-23T12:34:00.000-10:00

Subject: Honokohau Harbor

Aloha Susan, The interested people Re: the Honokohau Harbor parking

issue are forming a committee and need all the members they can get.

They want to show that there are a lot of interested people that use the

Harbor for business and pleasure and are against the projected parking fees.

If want to join I can send you a membership form. Please contact me

shirl72025@hawaii.http://www.facebook.com/l/090c1;rr.com .

Mahalo for all your support, Shirlee M. Shumway

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > On windward side, higher taxes proposed -- public hearings, not so much#blogcomments

2010-05-18T03:49:00.002-10:00

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > On windward side, higher taxes proposed -- public hearings, not so much#blogcomments

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What is our County Council and Mayor thinking??? Biteing the hand that feeds you?? We are desparate to create our own County. We are tired of carring the ball for the East side only to get a kick in the teeth. The Council doesn't have time to give the public full disclousre.
CALL YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE TODAY. THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY!

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > Herkes: Why no water for Ocean View?

2010-04-30T10:15:00.001-10:00

West Hawaii Today - from archives > Local > Herkes: Why no water for Ocean View?

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