EVENTS & ISSUES:05/03/2024
IF YOU LIVE IN A CONDO OR A HOME WITH AN ASSOCIATION, THERE IS A FREE DISCUSSION AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF CIVIL BEAT MAY 24TH:
This free meeting on Friday at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 3650 Waialae Ave. with free parking at the entrance to the 2nd floor office on Wilhemenia Rise just off Waialae Ave.
There will be four speakers, experts and advocates for tenants making presentations: Lila Mower, Jane Sugimura, Terry Revere, and Stewart Yerton.
If you have issues that you would like covered, be sure to attend this important event! More information? Contact Ashley Ong--Civil Beat Events Coordinator. Register here: Register to attend live or receive the recording!
Free Coffee and malasadas will be available.
OLANI PALACE "FREE DAY" FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS:
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Kama'aina Sunday, May 12th(also Mother's Day!) Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu with have free audio tours, lei-making, concerts at the bandstand, Cultural Workshops, and local food vendors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a great way for all the family to celebrate Mother's Day. Mark your calendars and get ready for a fun day at the Palace!
HELP THE FRIENDS OF KEWALOS FORCE THE STATE AND BOAT HARBOR MANAGMENT MAINTAIN THE BATHROOM CONDITIONS AT THE KEWALO BEACH PARK.
Ron Iwami, President of FOK, is asking all the public to please call the Honolulu City phone number: 311 or use the Honolulu 311 App to complain about the unsanitary bathroom conditions as well at the increased homeless and the boat owners encroaching on the public beach parking lot spaces.
Even if you do not go to Kewalos beach, you are needed to voice your concerns about the conditions in that area should you ever decide to take your family there. BTW, it's a really great Honolulu beach park for picnics as well as surfing.
SAD NEWS FOR MAKAKILO RESIDENTS ON O'AHU:
State Rep. Darius Kila with the approval of House Speaker Saiki's approval removed the resolution to have the State take over the Makakilo Drive Extension project from the City & County of Honolulu that has stalled the project for about three decades.
BIG Mahalo to all of you who signed the petition and e-mailed the State Representatives to advance the MDE project. State Sen. Mike Gabbard was able to get the resolution passed in the Senate but one person in the State House in the Transportation Committee was able to shelve the resolution so the House could not vote on it.
Once again, we'll have to start from scratch on this safety issue for Makakilo.
PLEASE HELP GET THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION(COMPLETION) PROJECT THROUGH THE HAWAII STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. HERE'S HOW:
Just send a note addressed to the following Representatives in the “Send To” box of an e-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please don’t give up on the e-mail. The generic "[email protected]" gets blocked. A quick note to let four key House Reps know there is "people power" behind the push for the Makakilo Drive Extension(Completion) project. Please do it asap. The House will be acting on the resolution very soon!
j&r
GOOD NEWS FOR THE PEOPLE IN MAKAKILO!
State Sen. Mike Gabbard just informed us the resolution to have the State government take over the authority for the Makakilo Drive Extension project was PASSED and will go to the State House for approval. Once the State and Federal money is available, the safety and convenience project to hook up Makakilo Drive to the H-1 Freeway might finally be completed.
As Sen. Gabbard says: "Stay Tuned!"
DON'T MISS THIS FREE CULTURAL EVENT AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU IF YOU'RE ON O'AHU:
Aloha friends ~ mark your calendar. Hawaii’s Plantation Village in Waipahu kicks off the yearly Summer Bon-dance season on Oahu. June 1, 2024 ~ Saturday 4pm-10pm. Food sales will start at 3:30pm.
The O-Bon event is FREE and FREE PARKING. Bring your family and friends to this fun evening event. Even if you don't know the exact steps of a Bon-Dance, just join in with the crowd and have fun. Everyone is welcome. This is the biggest event of the year at HPV so plan early to be there. Bring your beach chairs. Food and craft sales will start and continue through the night.
Don't miss it!
BREAK-THROUGH ON THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT!
Mahalo to anyone of you who signed the petition to turn over the management of the MDE project from the City & County of Honolulu to the State of Hawaii where there is Federal money to complete the roadway egress to the H-1 Freeway.
Even if you are not from the Makakilo area, know that your effort helps the free and safe access of the people at Makakilo to safety with a second route in and out of the hillside community.
Hawaii State Senator, Mike Gabbard, was able to get the MDE project moved for a vote by the State Senate Monday, 4/22/24, to take over management of the project. We only hope the Senate will approve the transfer.
How can YOU help? Just send an e-mail addressed to all the State Senators simply saying you approve of the Makakilo Drive Extension project and hope the Senate will take it over. The e-mail address: [email protected].
People Power only works if we all exercise it. Please take a few seconds and send a quick note to the Hawaii Senators before the Monday vote. Mahalo!
PLEASE SIGN THE E-PETITION TO PROMOTE THE COMPLETION OF THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT TO THE H-1 FREEWAY ON WEST O'AHU.
We urge all residents as well as EVERYONE interested in improving safety to sign the new petition being forwarded to Hawaii's State legislators. The legislative session season is rapidly coming to a close. The roadway extension is critical as a second egress from the hillside community of over 20,000 residents.
Please take a few seconds to click onto the petition and sign it. Ignore any of the money contribution pleas and just sign and send. Here's the link:
https://www.change.org/p/revive-src110-makakilo-drive-extension-in-the-hawaii-state-legislature
Even if you're not a resident of Makakilo, the neighborhood needs your help right now!
FOR O'AHU SENIOR RESIDENTS, PALAMA SETTLEMENT FREE EVENT SCHEDULED:
Here's their invitation:
Palama Settlement invites you to our Senior Program May Day 2024 on Tuesday, April 30th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Palama Settlement Gymnasium
Refreshments will be available on the Gym Lanai after the program
Palama Settlement address: Palama Settlement · 810 N. Vineyard Blvd · Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 · USA
WE NEED YOUR HELP SENDING A QUICK NOTE IN SUPPORT OF THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT THAT IS STALLED IN THE HAWAII STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE:
Please send an e-mail to State Rep. Chris Todd who heads the Transportation Committee requesting he reschedule the Senate Continuing Resolution 110: “Requesting the City and County of Honolulu to Transfer to the State the City and County of Honolulu’s Authority to Construct a Makakilo Drive Extension.
The City and County government has failed to construct the extension of Makakilo Drive to the H-1 Freeway so the project needs to go to the State where there is Federal construction money available immediately for this project.
Even if you do not live at Makakilo, O'ahu, or even in Hawaii, we need your e-mail note to Rep. Chris Todd to request his committee to reopen the recently shelved SCR110 resolution.
Here is Todd's government e-mail address: [email protected]
Just a short letter of support for the Makakilo Drive Extension project is all we are asking of you right now. Please help by raising your e-voice!
OK, HERE'S YET ANOTHER CHANCE TO PICK UP A FREE HAWAIIAN NATIVE PLANT FOR YOUR YARD OR GARDEN:
Don’t forget to join us, the O'ahu Sierra Club, this Sunday, April 7 at Waialua Elementary to grab a ✨ free ✨ native plant starting at 9am. We are *so* excited to see you all this weekend and celebrate Native Plant and Earth Month!
🪴 Sierra Club Native Plant Giveaway
🗓️ Sunday, April 7, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of plants)
📍 Waialua Elementary School parking lot behind the cafeteria, 67-020 Waialua Beach Rd, Waialua, HI 96791
👋 Everyone is welcome, no matter how green your thumb is
FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO HAWAII'S NORTH SHORE. PLEASE SEND TESTIMONY TO HAVE THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR AN OCEAN SAFETY FIRST RESPONDER CENTER...YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED IT!
The FAC supports building this Ocean Safety building rather than have the land-owner build yet another tourist-trap mall in the Pupukea area of the North Shore of O'ahu.
Click on the Hon. C&C website: testimony Then just say you support Bill 13(24). You need to do this by tomorrow--please don't delay. Here is our Free Access Coalition testimony:
The Free Access Coalition has sent testimony in favor of the Ocean Safety First Responder Center:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly SUPPORTS Bill 13(24) to build an Ocean Safety First Responder Center. Because the N. Shore can be very treacherous in the winter months for surfers, boaters, and other people who enter the water as well as the summer months when tourists enter the beaches, a Center like this is a life-saving necessity.
We are in STRONG SUPPORT of the amendment proposed by Councilmember Weyer to add $500,000 to the capital budget for planning and design of the Ocean Safety First Responder Center - North Shore District.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua!
John & Rita Shockley Coordinators: Free Access Coalition www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
FREE NATIVE PLANT GIVE-AWAY FROM THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB:
Here's the announcement:
In celebration of Native Plant Month and Earth Month, we are giving away ✨ free ✨ native plants! What better way to celebrate April than by adopting a new native plant for your home, school, or office?
🪴 Sierra Club Native Plant Giveaway
🗓️ Sunday, April 7, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of plants)
📍 Waialua Elementary School parking lot behind the cafeteria, 67-020 Waialua Beach Rd, Waialua, HI 96791
👋 Everyone is welcome, no matter how green your thumb is
We will have a variety of native plants well suited for the north shore, as well as species that will thrive in pots for small spaces. Our super volunteer plant experts will be on hand to help you pick the right plant for you! Everyone will receive a booklet with best practices for planting, plant care, and species information. Plants will be first come, first served while supplies last, with a one plant per household limit. Bonus: Everyone that comes to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
ALERT! TESTIMONY AGAINST HB1919 IS CRITICAL--THIS IS THE BILL TO PRIVATIZE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR AREA.
Please submit testimony AGAINST HB1919--the Bill sponsored by DOBOR Director, Ed Underwood, will shift the management of the small boat harbors to a public/private entity. This private enterprise is not necessarily non-profit. One of their goals is to remove public free access to the parking lots at the Ala Wai area by installing parking meters to tax public access to the beach area.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Mar. 28th, at 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol Room 211.
Most of us can't be there in person but we can all TESTIFY on the State Legislature website. You don't have to be a Hawaii resident to testify. It's easy to sign up for the Hawaii State Legislature website where testimony can easily be made.
Let's NOT lose the free public access to the Waikiki area. Just testify against HB1919 before Wednesday evening, Hawaii Time. This takes just a minute--it is critical that your voices be heard.
FREE EASTER EVENT AT HONOLULU'S PALAMA SETTLEMENT THIS FRIDAY.
Bring your family for a FREE fun Easter event at Palama Settlement from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be an Easter Egg hunt for kids 6 years and younger. Other games for older kids. Free Parking at the corner of Vineyard and Palama Streets. Easter dinner will be served for everybody at the end of the activities.
Palama Settlement, located at 810 N. Vineyard Blvd., has been part of Honolulu since 1896 helping with families in Hawaii. If you are on O'ahu, make the effort to bring your family to the Settlement. More information? 808 845-3945 www.palamasettlement.org
Life is short and time flies by. Your children need special events like this to fill their childhood memories.
WE NEED IMMEDIATE TESTIMONY AGAINST HCR98--THE MEASURE TO PRIVATIZE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR AND OTHER HARBORS IN HAWAII.
We need everyone to step up and do e-testimony against DOBOR Dir. Ed Underwood's scheme to privatize Ala Wai Boat Harbor and all the other harbors in the state. Just a strong statement AGAINST HCR98 is all that is needed. Here is our testimony you can use with a copy/paste:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly OPPOSES HCR 98. This "measure" proposed by DOBOR Director Ed Underwood is in direct violation of State Law confirmed by the Hawaii Supreme Court. State property cannot be given to control of private for-profit entities.
The people of Hawaii need free public access to the boat harbors and land surronding them unencumbered by the for-profit interests of private entities.
Mahalo for your time.
Your testimony MUST be made before Monday morning...Just go to the Hawaii State Legislature e-platform, log in home.aspx and click "Testimony" after you fill in HCR98. Please do it now!
FOR MAKAKILO RESIDENTS: PLEASE MAKE THE EFFORT TO SHOW UP FOR THE "EXTEND MAKAKILO DRIVE" PROJECT.
Here's the details from Mick Ferreira:
Everybody in Makakilo who cares about the Makakilo Dr. Extension needs to be at this Town Hall meeting IN FORCE. Meeting #1: Kapolei, ʻEwa Beach, Makakilo Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Kapolei High School
IF YOU LIVE ON O'AHU, HERE IS A "FREE EVENT" TO BE HELD AT THE WAIANAE SMALL BOAT HARBOR , SUN. MARCH 10TH FROM 12 NOON TO 4 PM.
The rally against violence, "E Alae" sponsored by the Moku Waianae Kupuna group and the Suzuki Family Foundation will feature performances to "Ignite Hope-inspiring calls to action" against violence of all kinds. The theme will be "Together, We Rise!"
There will be free food at this event. Free parking. Bring family and friends!
Waianae Small Boat Harbor: 85-491 Farrington Highway, 96792
SATURDAY, FEB. 26 MEETING AT THE ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR YACHT CLUB FEATURED THE PLANNING TO SAVE THE FREE PUBLIC PARKING BEING THREATENED AT THE HARBOR PARKING LOTS:
Featured speakers: Joseph "Nappy" Napoleon--renowned canoe paddler, O'ahu Surfrider president Arleen Velasco, boating activist Kate Thompson, and "Save our Surf" leader Keone Downing.
The group emphasized how important it is for people to get involved if free access to the beach and Waikiki area in general is to be preserved.
Expect to hear what YOU can do when a future event/rally is planned. Stay tuned!
IMPORTANT MEETING REGARDING THE ALA WAI HARBOR AREA PARKING ISSUES COMING THIS SATURDAY!
Activist Kate Thompson is inviting everyone to attend an important informational meeting regarding the potential take over of the parking areas by a proposed public/private management company. Here's the announcement of the Saturday, Feb. 24th meeting:
Event: Information on Water Safety, Water Quality, and Water Access
Speakers: Nappy Napoleon--Anuenue Canoe Club, Arleen Velasco--Chapter Chair O'ahu Surfrider, Captain Maggie Hallahan--Pres. of WOCC, Kate Thompson--Dir. of Surf Parking, Keone Downing--Dir. of Save Our Surf and Surfing Education Assn.
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bldg. opens: 5:45 p.m.
Location: 1739 Ala Moana Blvd. (Ala Wai Yacht Club Bldg.)
Head's Up: Be aware of predatory parking enforcement in certain parking areas.
More information: www.surfparking.org/alawai
Free access to public parking is in jeopardy. Please make plans to attend this important informational meeting.
THE ANNUAL BUFFALO KEAULANA'S BIG BOARD BEACH EVENT IS THIS WEEKEND!
Bring your family out to Makaha Beach this weekend for a great beach event featuring a variety of surf contests, beach activities, and family fun barbecues.
If you miss this weekend's fun, the Big Board Event will continue next weekend with the finals of the various surf contests.
HOW YOU CAN HELP GET THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE STATE BOOKS:
There are two Hawaii House Bills that are resting with the State House Transportation Committee: HB 1789 and HB 1321
There is an initiative to get the Transportation Committee to move the two Bills forward in the Legislature. The Chairperson, Rep. Chris Todd, blocks people from e-mailing him. We hope that Rep. Darius Kila will pick up the ball for the MDE Project as a member of the Transportation Committee. His e-address: [email protected]
Let's hope we can finally get the second egress from Makakilo. Your e-letter to Rep. Kila will help!
Here's what we have written to the State Transportation Committee:
The Free Access Coalition would like to have HB1789 and HB3123 considered for passage by the Legislature as well as the Governor. The Makakilo Drive Extension Project has been on the planner’s agenda for over 30 years. We have over 20,000 residents on the Makakilo hillside. The extension would provide a second public free access to the H-1 Freeway. Needless to say there is an obvious safety issue which would be vital should something happen on the Makakilo Drive during an emergency. Just the traffic savings with the second egress to the H-1 freeway is a plus.
As the State Transportation Committee, we are asking you to move the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to the top of your agenda. We hope you will support these two bills.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition. www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
ALERT! A HOUSE BILL, 1919, MUST NOT PASS THE HAWAII LEGISLATURE. HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Please send your OPPOSITION to HB 1919 which clears the way for uninhibited "public/private" partnerships with Hawaii State property. Here's the report from activist Katherine Lindell:
Aloha,
We encourage all Hawaii residents to weigh in on HB1919 (HERE). This is yet another attempt by our legislature to pass a law to circumvent oversight of proposals that would privatize public lands.
Below find our testimony:
OPPOSE . . . HB1919
ANY legislation designed to circumvent existing rules that help to protect the Supreme Court's Public Trust Doctrine is a reprehensible and disgusting act on the part of each and every legislator who participates. This piece of legislation, instigated by the DLNR's resident sexual predator, Ed Underwood, attempts to erase the oversight that is so necessary to keeping publicly-owned properties out of the hands of for-profit out-of-state corporations who clearly do not have the best interests of the people of Hawaii in their agenda, represents a brand new low for our legislature. The public now knows well that the "Pilot Public/Private Project" subterfuge will NOT benefit anyone except those who will profit from it. ENOUGH . . . BE PONO and stop pandering to wealthy interests who have no interest in Hawaii's community other than to plunder it.
Katherine Lindell
Hawaii Ocean News
Here's the Free Access Coalition letter OPPOSING HB 1919:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly OPPOSES HB 1919. Supposed "Public/Private" ventures often are not in the general public interest. The upcoming proposed "venture" proposed by Director Ed Underwood at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor area can only result in a disaster for free public access to the beach as well as the Waikiki area.
We cannot afford to let HB 1919 pass the Legislature.
Mahalo for your time!
What can YOU do? Register at the Hawaii Legislature site, you don't have to be a Hawaii Resident, look for the "Testify" tab and voice your opposition to HB 1919. If you want to have a democracy, you need to participate.
THE FREE CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENT IS THIS SATURDAY!
Plan to spend a great cultural day celebrating "The Year of the Dragon". Lots of free demonstrations, entertainment, and food samples at the various plantation houses. Games for the kids!
Details: Hawaii's Plantation Village--phone 677-0110. Event starts at 9 a.m. Free entry and parking to the Village. 94-695 Waipahu Street, Zip 96797
We hope to see you, your family and friends!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS FREE EVENT AT THE HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU--CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Where: HPV living museum grounds. 94-694 Waipahu St., zip 96797
When: Saturday, Feb. 3rd.
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Parking: Free at HPV. Overflow--Shuttle from Waipahu Elementary School starting at 8:30 a.m.
Events: Dragon dance, Cultural events on stage, Free keiki games w/ prizes, Genealogy Information, Food and refreshments for sale, Craft and Plant Sale at the Okada(Admin.) Building, Country Store items and collectables, Food samples at the various plantation homes.
More info? 808 677-0110
Bring your family and tell your friends. This is a fun free cultural event! Happy Year of the Dragon!
KAPIOLANI PARK IN WAIKIKI IS IN DANGER OF BEING TAKEN OVER BY A FOR-PROFIT VENTURE BY A "NON-PROFIT" HULA GROUP!
The City is going to let the Waikiki Shell area and parking lot be taken over by a hula "non-profit" next month if it is not stopped. They plan to take over the Waikiki Shell area at 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday on a regular basis starting Feb. 15th. This goes against the Kapiolani Park charter of 1896.
The "Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement" plan is to take over the Shell for evening "for pay" shows and privatize 60 of the free parking stalls at the Shell from Sunday through Thursday both day and night. CNHA offers a "free" day show but wants the "for pay" evening show to monopolize the Waikiki Shell area day-and-night.
Althea Rebman, President of the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society (KPPS) says her group will sue if this plan goes through.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Call Mayor Blangiardi's office and tell them to keep private entities from taking over Kapiolani Park. Phone: 808 768-4141.
Not a Hawaii resident? You still need to call to protect your public interest as a visitor to Hawaii.
Read the Denby Fawcett's Hon. Civil Beat story for details: https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1622536&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=ebf7f45694-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_29_12_00_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-82a4618625-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=ebf7f45694&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
IF YOU'RE WILLING TO GO OUT TO WAIMANALO, THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS GIVING AWAY FREE NATIVE PLANTS ON SATURDAY:
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Pope Elementary School in Waimanalo and ends when all the plants are given out. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 20th. Take the family out for a ride!
As a bonus, all people attending who pick up a plant will be entered in a drawing for Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) IS BACKING OFF THEIR PUSH FOR LUXURY HIGH-RISE CONDOS ON THEIR KAKA'AKO MAKAI STATE-CEDED PROPERTY:
After four failed attempts to build three 400+ ft. luxury condo buildings, OHA is not trying for another push on the State Legislature this year.
Perhaps now the last open coastline area in Honolulu can be developed responsibly. A good story in today's Hon. Civil Beat by veteran writer Denby Fawcett reviews the history of the OHA issue:
https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1621679&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=b37ced3fd3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_29_12_00_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-82a4618625-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=b37ced3fd3&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T SUBSCRIBE TO THE HON. STAR ADVERTISER, THIS IS A LETTER WE WROTE IN THEIR "HOPE" FOR THE NEW YEAR FEATURE:
Maintaining public access on many fronts will be essential
2024 will be an important year for both local and federal government decisions. The most important could be the November election. Post-election, should Donald Trump lose, we hope another insurrection event doesn’t repeat itself.
For Hawaii and particularly on Oahu, the issue of continuing free public access to Hawaii’s beaches and recreation areas could be sorely tested should the public/private plan for the Ala Wai Boat Harbor result in parking meters at the traditional free parking lot fronting the Ala Moana Bowls surfing areas.
The continuing issue with private entities blocking established public right-of-way trails to the beach and hiking areas will be with us.
Hindrances to equal public access to housing and employment will need to be monitored.
Our main hope for all of Hawaii’s people besides free public access issues is that we all find ways to express aloha for everyone in the coming year.
John and Rita Shockley
Free Access Coalition Makakilo
THIS IMPORTANT FREE CLASS IS OFFERED BY THE COOPERATION OF FRIENDS OF KEWALOS AND QUEEN'S MEDICAL CENTER: STOP THE BLEED!
Whether you are at the beach, on a hiking trail, a traffic accident scene or just at home, this course on emergency bleeding control including correct application of tourniquets could save a life--maybe YOURS! Here's the details on the four up-coming courses that will be held at the State Beach at Kewalos:
Four courses: Jan. 24th, April 24th, July 24th, and October 23rd at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Ho'okupu Bldg. at Kewalo Basin Park. Parking lot is free.
Register: www.queens.org/events/ More info? Contact TJ Donayri: [email protected]
Don't let this opportunity slip by. Bring your friends and neighbors!
FREE HAWAIIAN NATIVE PLANT AND TREE GIVE-AWAY SET BY THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB:
If you live on O'ahu and would like to have Hawaiian Native plants in your yard, this is a unique offer:
Plan to come to the Blanche Pope Elementary School in Waimanalo, Saturday, Jan. 20th starting at 9 a.m. until all the plants are given away.
Sierra Club will have a variety of native plants well suited for the windward side, as well as species that will thrive in pots for small spaces. Our super volunteer tree experts will be on hand to help you pick the right plant for you!
Plants will be first come, first served while supplies last, with a two plant limit per household. This is part of our Virtual Tree Planting program.
learn more about the program here.
Bonus: Everyone that comes to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS HAVING A MEET & GREET EVENT IN HONOLULU IN ADVENT OF THE 2024 HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE. EVERYONE IS INVITED:
You are invited to the first Environmental Legislative Network Meeting of the year THIS Thursday, January 11, at 5pm. Join us at the Earthjustice Conference Room, 850 Richards St #400, Honolulu, HI 96813 to meet old and new members, discuss legislative priorities, and kick off the 2024 legislative session. Pupus and drinks provided.
This is your chance to get involved with the mechanics of change as climate change and other issues grow right here in Hawaii.
A WARNING OF HOW FREE ACCESS TO HAWAII'S BEACHES COULD TURN BAD:
Aloha!
Let this message from our friend in the mainland be a warning to Hawaii as what is allowed to go on, uncontested, at many California Beaches. They use the excuse that paying for parking is a “use fee” separate from the actual right to access California and even other State Beach Parks in the U.S.
If we allow government and private entities to “tax” access to recreation, the end result will be a tremendous loss for Hawaii’s present and future generations of people who don’t live at the beach. Let’s resolve to not make Hawaii’s beaches and recreation areas become like Del Mar Beach.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition.
Here’s the new Del Mar beach parking fee’s for 2024 --
New parking rates, low-income passes coming to Del Mar next month
by Laura PlaceJanuary 2, 2024235DEL MAR — A planned increase in paid parking rates and a new low-income beach parking pass program will kick off in February in Del Mar.
Beginning Feb. 1, hourly parking rates will increase from $3 to $4, and daily rates will increase from a maximum of $15 to $20. The city will also add a 30-cent credit card fee for meter payments, and rates will be permitted to increase by up to 3% each year based on inflation.
The changes come as part of a Coastal Development Permit conditionally approved by the California Coastal Commission in early 2023. The city was required to apply for the permit before implementing new parking rates due to the potential impacts on public coastal access.
HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU 2024 FROM THE FREE ACCESS COALITION:
We hope all our non-profit organizations and individual activists have a happy and healthy 2024. That said, the FAC looks at the major success where the Navy has finally drained the fuel from the underground storage facility at Red Hill on O'ahu. Free public access to drinking water is so important!
Challenges for public access continue with the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor management headed by Ed Underwood trying to turn the State Harbor into a "public/private" entity which threatens to turn the free public parking to "for-pay" metered parking. This area has been free since before Hawaii Statehood.
Major challenges for the California mainland include the public access denial at the Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara. Billionaire David Geffen still is blocking the Public Access pathway to Broad Beach in Malibu using private guards intimidating the public.
We hope you who are reading this greeting will continue to support issues of free public access to Beaches, Recreation Areas, Employment, and Housing.
Let's all have a great 2024!
WANT TO START 2024 OFF HELPING THE SIERRA CLUB OF O'AHU? HERE'S YOUR CHANCE:
Sunday, January 14, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at [email protected].
WE WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2024!
When there is an issue of free public access to beaches, recreational areas, housing, jobs, etc. We hope we can count on you to step forward to keep free access for our generation and all the coming ones.
Thank you for your support!
John & Rita Shockley--Coordinators.
EPA REPORTS CONTAMINATION IN THE PEARL HARBOR WATER SUPPLY:
There is possible residual water contamination in the Navy's Pearl Harbor water delivery system. Houses may have residual contamination in piping even though main piping has been replaced by the Navy.
Residents complain about residual contamination that the EPA reports is true. The Navy refuses to replace contaminated water heaters, a possible source of the continuing fuel residue. A sad epilogue to an even sadder story.
HONOLULU'S RED HILL FUEL STORAGE FACILITY IS DRAINED BUT NOT EMPTY OF JET FUEL SLUDGE FROM THE U.S. NAVY
The Hon. Star-Advertiser reports that all the fuel from the 20 massive underground storage tanks has been removed with gravity-flow. Now comes the complete drainage of the unusable liquid and sludge at the bottoms of the tanks and the piping system. Here's a part of the story:
Military concludes ‘gravity defueling’
The remaining 60,000 gallons cannot be drained by gravity
By Kevin Knodell
[email protected]
The military task force draining the fuel from the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility announced Friday that it had wrapped up the last of its major milestones for the year, completing “gravity defueling” operations.
It will begin the last phase of the defueling in January.
Since October, Joint Task Force Red Hill has drained approximately 104,642,160 gallons from the massive underground fuel farm, which sits just 100 feet above a critical aquifer most of Honolulu relies on for drinking water.
IF YOU HAPPEN TO PARK AT THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR FOR A VISIT TO WAIKIKI, KEEP THIS IN MIND:
Kate Thompson, activist at the harbor, writes this warning:
The Mr. Tow company pays one dollar a year on a State Contract.
Likely makes $500k a year
Secure Parking gross was $280k last year and will be more than $300k for 2023.
The Harbor gets a check in the mail from Secure Parking (80/20 split) for over $100k per month, one million a year and it goes into the Boating Special Fund. Therefore the surfers are already giving $40k a month due to the 2008 negotiated release from the public to DOBOR of 249 parking stalls to be converted to free stalls.
Secure Parking simply put up their signs and maintain the meters (twice a week, put in paper), and attend a few meetings, including ‘Post-tow meetings’.
They DO NOT patrol the area, mark tires, give citations or provide security.
All they do is share the electronic information of meter expiration times with the Tow Truck drivers, who then TOW IMMEDIATELY!
More than 2000 cars will be towed by Mr Tow this year. (Based on the number DOBOR Dir. Ed Underwood said on Dec 7th.)
Shameful that DOBOR never did their homework, like State Parks, also under DLNR. In State Parks towing is very rare, there is more staff and Hawai’i residents park for free.
THE BUREAU OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES PUSHES THROUGH DRACONIAN CAR-TOWING CONTRACT FOR THREE YEARS.
Kate Thompson, Ala Wai Yacht Harbor activist, reports that the BLNR pushed through the car-towing contract for "Mr. Tow" for three more years without any discussion. This sounds suspicious to us. The only public recourse at Ala Wai will be for individuals to watch carefully where they park in the boating dock area. Some of the stalls are free but a lot require a permit or parking money. Predator tow-trucks are staged waiting for any infraction.
At least the free public parking spaces at Ala Wai by the Ala Moana Bowls parking lot will remain in tact--for now. Stay tuned.
THE HONOLULU BEACH FRONT AT KAKA'AKO MAKAI SCORES A VICTORY AGAINST RESIDENTIAL HIGH-RISES:
Here's a letter from the Friends of Kewalos President, Ron Iwami:
Aloha Friends!
It was a long process but today the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) approved the Kaka'ako Makai Area Rules/Plan to include the Residential Ban. It is official, we now have a new Rule (today) to supplement the No Residential law(2006) to keep Kaka'ako Makai residential free for all the People.
A big Mahalo for all your efforts and testimonies! We showed up and we made a difference! 40 in favor of the new rule and a big 0 oppose.
However, we must remain vigilant for there have been many attempts to repeal the law that prohibits residential development in Kaka'ako Makai. Stay tuned.
IMPORTANT BLNR MEETING SET FOR THIS THURSDAY REGARDING THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR CAR-TOWING ISSUE:
Since 2008, the Surfrider Oʻahu Chapter has been partnered with Save Surf Parking to Save Ala Wai Surf Parking and protect the last remaining 300 FREE parking stalls in Waikīkī. This Thursday (Dec. 7)the Board of Land and Natural Resources will be considering recent recommendations by the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation to issue a long term contract to Secure Parking Hawaiʻi LLC. This is the draconian "Mr. Tow" parking company contract which must be ended. Testimony must be submitted by Wednesday, December 6 at 9 a.m. [email protected] (Include "J-7" in the subject line.)
If you can, please show up in person Thursday morning at Room 132, Kalanimoku Building (1151 Punchbowl Street), from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am and wear red!
THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO DEC. 7TH FOR THE J-7 AGENDA ITEM. PAID PARKING HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA:
Kate Thompson, activist lead at Save Ala Wai Surf Parking, reports that the BLNR has moved the Ala Wai boat harbor issue forward one day. Paid parking has been removed from the agenda. The new J-7 item will be about the car towing contract where cars were towed without warning from the Ala Wai boat harbor parking areas.
We will continue to watch the BLNR and the free public parking issue. If you have the time, try to attend the meeting: Kalanimoku conference bldg. 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7th.
A NEW GROUP: "WATER ALLIANCE INITIATIVE" HAS FORMED TO PRESS THE U.S. NAVY TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE THEIR RED HILL FUEL STORAGE FACILITY HAS CAUSED SINCE WWII.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, State Sen. Scott Saiki, and Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer, Ernie Lau will head up the "WAI" group to press the Navy to remedy the damage caused by fuel leaks over the life of the fuel storage facility.
Hopefully this coalition of leaders can make the Navy take responsibility for all the ecological damage to the Honolulu aquifer that lies a hundred feet below the massive underground fuel tanks that have degraded over the years causing multiple fuel leaks into the water supply for Honolulu.
Stay tuned for updates from the WAI.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
This special day is our favorite because it reminds us of all the blessings, gifts, friendships, family, and freedom we so often take for granted.
We wish you all a wonderful day of gratitude!
BREAKING NEWS! THE HONOLULU BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY IS BILLING THE U.S. NAVY FOR $1.2 BILLION IN DAMAGES:
Here's the statement from BWS Chief Eng., Ernie Lau:
Two years after Navy fuel tainted Oahu’s primary drinking water source, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is sending a massive bill to the military.
BWS filed a $1.2 billion claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act last month calling on the Navy to cover costs the utility has incurred – and will incur – as a consequence of the water contamination disaster at the Red Hill fuel storage facility in 2021.
Now, let's see if the Navy owns up to their damage to the Honolulu water supply...stay tuned!
SIERRA CLUB O'AHU IS CONTINUING THEIR BEACH RESTORATION PROJECT THIS SUNDAY AT WAWAMALU BEACH--RIGHT AT SANDY BEACH ON THE SOUTH SHORE:
If you want to make a real difference and actually do something to heal the earth, come to this Sunday event that starts at 9 a.m. Here's the details:
Take time to decompress and mālama ʻāina with like-minded folks to help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its natural and native status after years of inattention and damage from off-road vehicles.
We will be collecting and sowing native plant seeds, removing invasive plant species, and picking up litter and marine debris.
You can RSVP via email here (preferred) or just show up THIS Sunday, November 19!
Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Water for refills will be provided. Personal pickaxes welcome.
Meet 9am at western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park.
A FREE EVENT IN WAIPAHU REGARDING FILIPINO VETERAN CONTRIBUTIONS IN WWI AND WWII:
Saturday, November 18, 202310:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Waipahu Public Library, 94-275 Mokuola Street, Waipahu
Click here for ZOOM Link.
In commemoration of Veterans Day (formerly, Armistice Day) FAHSOH presents a discussion based on our WWI (Sakadas and Soldiers) and WWII (Loyalty and Valor) exhibits. We will remember the Filipinos who answered the calls to defend U.S. interests in Hawaii and the Philippines but were denied the benefits promised to them.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Waipahu Public Library (site of the Hawaii Filipino WWII Monument) and is free and open to the public. Online access via ZOOM link above
THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS SPONSORING A MEETING WITH THE PRINCIPLE GROUPS INVOLVED WITH THE DRAINING OF THE RED HILL FUEL STORAGE TANKS.
Anyone interested in this issue can attend the meeting live or catch it on Zoom. Here's the details:
The Fuel Tank Advisory Committee will meet this Wednesday, November 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. HST at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room and online via Zoom (register in advance here ). This is the twice-a-year opportunity to hear from and speak to Navy leaders, as well as state and federal legislators and government officials (including from the Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaiʻi Department of Health, and Honolulu Board of Water Supply), regarding the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. You can review Wednesday’s meeting’s agenda here.
CRI Meeting #2 Agenda:
Facilitator: Healani Sonoda-Pale
EPA Facilitation Support: Dominique & Karen
I. Oli
II. Introductions
IV. Announcements
V. Defueling Update from Navy
VI. Safe Drinking Water Discussion
VII. Air Monitors Discussion
VIII. Transition from JTF to Closure Presentation
IX. Public Q&A Please don't discount this important project. Find a way to attend this meeting.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SENT IN TESTIMONY TO THE BLNR AGAINST THE SCHEME TO METER THE FREE PARKING SPACES AT THE ALA WAI HARBOR LOT RESERVED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC!
Apparently, the Board cancelled the meeting set for tomorrow after receiving a flood of negative testimony regarding the parking issue. They reset the meeting for Dec. 8th, possibly hoping that public interest will subside and they can proceed with DOBAR administrator, Ed Underwood's, plan to privatize the Ala Wai Boat Harbor area.
We will need all of your support one more time as we prepare for a public rally and e-mail flood in advent of the December DLNR meeting. We cannot afford to lose this issue!
EMERGENCY! WE NEED TO SAVE THE FREE PARKING LOT AT THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR FRONTING THE ALA MOANA BOWLS SURF SPOT:
The Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, will hold a meeting to discuss turning the free public parking lot into a "for pay" lot with limited time usage on Thursday, Nov. 9th. For those who can attend in person, here's the details:
This is crucial issue--We need your help. Testimony must be in by today,Nov. 7th. Don't delay your note!
RED HILL FUEL DUMP DRAINAGE PROJECT UPDATE:
54 million gallons of jet fuel have been removed from the Navy's Red Hill storage facility so far. There were 104 million gallons at the 20 underground tanks when the defueling began in October.
The tanks should be 98% drained by November 18th according to Navy Vice-Admiral John Wade who is in charge of the defueling project.
The remaining "sediment fuel" will be removed but not pumped to off-shore ships. That process could take three to five years. Stay tuned! It's not over until all the tanks and miles of piping have been cleared and cleaned.
IF BY CHANCE YOU ARE NEAR WEST O'AHU, HERE'S A SIERRA CLUB EVENT YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO:
Friday, November 10, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.
The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at [email protected].
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE PROGRESS OF O'AHU'S RED HILL DEFUELING ISSUE:
The Navy is FINALLY starting the removal of jet fuel stored at the Red Hill facility. The first ship has been loaded with Red Hill fuel. Hopefully, with no glitches, the project to save the Honolulu aquifer that the Red Hill facility sits above will be complete.
Stay tuned to this issue. It goes beyond just the Honolulu residents drinking water safety. The tourist industry is also dependent on good results. More on this as we go along.
JOIN WITH FRIENDS OF KEWALOS TO LIMIT SURF CONTESTS AT KEWALOS TO FOUR EVENTS A YEAR
Beaches are shut down for surf contests that limit public access to the ocean. Right now eight contests are allowed. Friends of Kewalos would like this limited to four events per year with shorter waiting periods and two instead of four contest days.
If you would like you make your voice known to government about increasing public access to the beaches with less contests, here's where you can testify. (Unfortunately only snail mail and in-person testimony will be heard.)
Send your mail testimony later than Oct. 29th to:
Kapolei Hale
1000 Uluoheia Street Suite 309
Kapolei, HI. 96707
Better yet, plan to come down to Kapolei "Second City Hall" (address above) and do a live testimony. Meeting time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 20th. The C&C will take your mail-in testimony until nine days after the meeting.
If you are tired of excessive surf contests blocking the public from the water, make your voice known!
TWO FREE HALLOWEEN EVENTS HOSTED BY STORY-TELLER JEFF GERE:Halloween is my birthday! So come share a few chilling tales with me to celebrate:
Sat Oct 28- Family Show @ Ala Wai Park (corner of McCully & )
5pm pumpkin carving 6:15-7:15ish Jeff Goes Off…
Silly & Spooky, personal, folktales & local lore. including 3 true supernatural tales told to him in American Samoa.
That canoe house looks abandoned- PERFECT!
This is the second year Jeff’s doing this community show for families. Join us- bring aq friend for protection.
Sun Oct 29- Another Spooky @ UH Manoa, Krauss Hall #012 ( Sakamaki)
2-3pm Alton Chung, Janice Oshiro, & Jeff…. FREE, 20 minutes each
HYBRID SHOW: Online and In-Person (Intimate!)
The Statewide Cultural Extension Program (SCEP, Outreach College),
hosts this annual special HYBRID Halloween Storytelling show.
Registration required:
Click Here for In-Person Registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzkgBpsU_Twsjm45faDi8LAcSo94NyBxjKLdwylG_2wT1R_A/viewform)
Click Here for Online Registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0k8um-5hk6OCSM5nqThC-zcq5qtfBUe9Yt7Tmg2YhVAkBAQ/viewform)
JANINE OSHIRO - MOTHER’S SWEETS
Janine Oshiro loves creating storytelling programs that explore the sparks between folk and fairy tales and personal stories. For Halloween she will share a version of the haunting Japanese folktale Kosodate Yurei, and a personal story about a mother’s love that knows no boundaries.
ALTON CHUNG- UP ON THE MOUNTAIN
This is a true story given to me by a local spiritual healer. Six young Hawaiian lifeguards hike into the Koolau Mountains for a weekend camping trip. It rains. They’re not alone. Something terrifying stalks through their camp late at night. They spent hours hiking endless trails to get back, but something followed them home.
JEFF GERE- TESTING GOD
On a storytelling tour I pulled over at the sign “garage sale”.... We five unloaded and ambled into a
beat up garage. When I recognized the host lady, my blood turned to ice - I knew her... too late to
turn and run. She’d already started her story of life and death in the balance of answers to three
riddles.... it was terrifying.”
CIVIL BEAT DOES A GREAT STORY ABOUT O'AHU'S MAKAKILO NEIGHBORHOOD'S DRIVE FOR ACCESS EXTENSION OF THEIR MAIN ENTRY/EXIT ROAD:
Here's the complete story from non-profit blog Civil Beat reporter Marcel Honore:
https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1599238&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=f9e132dd2d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_10_09_08_26_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-979a16f9d8-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=f9e132dd2d&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
SIERRA CLUB O'AHU IS CONDUCTING A BEACH CLEAN-UP AND RESTORATION EVENT AT WAWAMALU BEACH NEXT TO SANDY BEACH ON O'AHUS SOUTH SHORE THIS SUNDAY:
You are invited to join us THIS Sunday, October 15 from 9am-12pm for a service project at Wāwāmalu!
Take time to decompress and mālama ʻāina with like-minded folks to help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its natural and native status after years of inattention and damage from off-road vehicles.
We will be collecting and sowing native plant seeds, removing invasive plant species, and picking up litter and marine debris.
You can RSVP via email here (preferred) or just show up THIS Sunday, October 15!
Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Water for refills will be provided. Personal pickaxes welcome.
Meet 9am at western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park.
Sincerely,
Reese Liggett
Oʻahu Group Outings Leader
AN IMPORTANT FREE-ACCESS ISSUE AT O'AHU'S ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR:
Aloha All!
Kate Thompson, a boat resident at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, brings up an interesting and important issue about how many people are having their cars towed because of “parking violations” that may not even be State authorized. There is an important story that delves deep into the condition of the parking signs, parking striping, harbor funding misuse, resulting in the general run-down condition at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor.
Of particular interest to civic non-profits like our Free Access Coalition who are monitoring the potential “privatization” of the harbor. The potential for metering the historically free public parking is of critical interest to the general public who use the Ala Wai Harbor area as a gateway to the surf at Ala Moana Bowls as well as the Waikiki area in general. As it stands now, unclear signage that is worn out is causing many people to have cars towed away by a draconian private towing company that may be using illegal methods removing cars from the harbor to Kalihi leaving the owners stranded.
There could be a lawsuit possible. I’m hoping lawyers will take an interest.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your joint Kokua!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators: Free Access Coalition
Hey,
I just signed the petition "Let’s work together to improve the signage at Ala Wai Boat Harbor parking area, and reduce towing." and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 200 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://chng.it/nFXYrqnjM7
Thanks!
John
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE PUBLIC MEETING OF THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION O'AHU CHAPTER TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY OCT. 4TH AT 6 P.M. HAWAIIAN TIME.
Chapter chairperson, Elizabeth says there will be a pot-luck pizza event and a meet-greet for new people. Bring some snacks, food, or beverages if you'd like to contribute. Set your GPS for: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. (2nd Floor) Hon., HI. 91814.
More information? [email protected]
PLANNING TO VISIT MAUI? HERE'S SOME SIERRA CLUB HIKES YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE:
Below is our hike schedule for October through December. Be sure to check this page for updates.
Quarter 4 Outings Schedule:Hike description key: (C) conservation focus, such as discussing how to conserve this land for future generations to enjoy; (E) educational, such as visiting and learning about archeological sites and naming the plants and flowers; (S) service outing (no donation required), (D) round trip hike distance.
Sunday October 1, 2023
Makamakaʻole Stream (13 Crossings) (C/E)
North Shore, 2.4 miles
Beautiful hike with many stream crossings and waterfall-fed pool at the end. Trekking poles are recommended due to loose rocks in the stream and potentially wet trails if there has been recent rainfall. Bring water shoes, lunch, water, swimsuit. Limit 10. Meet at Waiʻehu Golf Course parking lot 8:00am to carpool. Leader: Ann Schultz [email protected], 808-344-6628.
Sign up
Saturday October 7, 2023
Old Haleakalā Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 5 miles
Hike down the segment of the Old Haleakalā Trail from Crater Road to the top of Olinda Road, on the path described by Jack London and Mark Twain. We will meet at the Waihou Spring Trailhead near the top of Olinda Road and shuttle to the top. It is almost all downhill, with some rocky areas in the beginning and then mostly pasture land. There is a video of the trail from the trial leading to access being allowed: https://youtu.be/8pHpIbJ_Ic8. Although this is a relatively short hike, it is rated moderate/strenuous because of some steep gulch traversals and the 2,500′ elevation change. Outing leader Rob Weltman – [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday October 8, 2023
White Cross Wailuku
North Shore, 1.5 miles
Strenuous uphill hike with great views. Long pants are recommended. Bring lunch & water. Meet 8 am. Take Main St. toward ʻĪao Valley, then take the left fork toward Wailuku Heights, a short distance to a large water tank. Park at the water tank (trailhead nearby). Limit 10. Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
Sign up
Monday October 16, 2023
Makaʻiwa Bay and shoreline (east Maui) (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles
(C/E) 4 miles. Sometimes strenuous hike through a muddy forest and then down a ridge line to the coast. There are ropes at the end of the hike if you would like to explore the coastline. The return hike is all uphill. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, swimwear. Limit 10. Meet at Haʻikū Community Center 8 am to carpool. Leader: Miranda Camp [email protected] or 868-6848.
Sign up
Saturday October 21, 2023
Kōkua Day at Fleming Arboretum, Pu‘u Māhoe (C/E/S)
ʻUlupalakua, 1 miles
Help maintain the Fleming Arboretum at 2600 feet in ʻUlupalakua, sanctuary to many endangered native dry land forest plants. Awesome views of La Perouse (Keoneʻoʻio) coast and Kahoʻolawe. Bring a light jacket, lunch and gloves. It is recommended to have shoes with ankle support in case we are working on uneven ground. Meet 9am at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store. Estimate 3 hours of work. Refreshments available. A BYO lunch will be at the Fleming cabin with a great view of South Maui. Limit 20. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday October 22, 2023
Waiohuli/Boundary Trail Loop
Kula, 4.5 miles
We will take a steep dirt road to the Upper Waiohuli Trail then go down to the Boundary Trail and loop back to our cars. Bring sunscreen, layers in case it is cold/misty, water, and snacks. There might be fabulous views 😉 4WD is required on the dirt road,
Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
Sign up
Saturday October 28, 2023
Hāmākua Mālama service outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday October 29, 2023
Kapalua Coastal Trail hike and Makaluapuna Point exploration (C/E)
West Maui, 3.5 miles
Meet in the D.T. Fleming Beach Parking Lot, left side, at 8am. We will walk along the coastal path, a combination of asphalt, gravel, and rocky trail. After a stop at Kapalua Bay, we will return to Fleming Beach. Although the footing can be rough in places, this is an easy three and a half mile RT hike. There are restrooms at each end of the walk. For all who are interested, there is an optional detour to Makaluapuna Point on the way back to see the jagged rock formation known as Dragon’s Teeth and to walk the labyrinth. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent at both DT Fleming Beach and Kapalua Bay, so bring appropriate gear if you wish. Snack/lunch on the beach at Kapalua Bay. Bring water and reef-safe sun protection. Leader Annie Schultz 808-344-6628.
Leader: Ann Schultz [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday November 5, 2023
Pauwela Point Lighthouse and Tide Pools (C/E)
North Shore, 4 miles
Moderate, with some steep muddy sections. Dramatic coastal views and tidepools. Meet 8 am at Haʻikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. There may be an opportunity to bathe in the pools. Bring a plastic garbage bag if you would like to help collect trash along the way. Limit 15. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday November 12, 2023
Honolua Bay snorkel, and ʻOhai Loop & Nakalele Blowhole hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 3 miles
We will begin our Westside Maui Adventure with a short access trail hike and an hour of snorkeling at Honolua Bay (mile marker 32 on highway 30). We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.2-mile ʻOhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nakalele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Māʻalaea by about 1:00 PM. Bring snorkel gear, bathing suit, rash guard, towel, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, and shoes suitable for short (possibly muddy) hikes. Meet at 7:30 AM at the small parking lot on the southwest corner of North Kīhei Road and Honoapiʻilani Highway near Māʻalaea. We will carpool to the Honolua Bay parking area (very limited). People on the west side are welcome to meet us around 8:30 AM at the Honolua Bay dirt parking lot at mile marker 32 on Highway 30. There are porta-potties at the Honolua Bay parking lot. Limit 12. Leader Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
Sign up
Sunday November 19, 2023
Haleakalā Supply Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 4.8 miles
Beautiful high altitude round trip hike from Hosmer Grove campground (7000’) to Halemauʻu overlook (8,000’) at the crater rim and back. Prepare for wet/windy conditions. Wear footwear for rocky terrain. Bring hat, jacket, lunch, plenty of water, trekking poles, and park pass if you have one. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
Sign up
Saturday November 25, 2023
Hāmākua Mālama service outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday November 26, 2023
ʻĪao Valley Exploration
Wailuku, 2 miles
Explore ʻĪao Valley – there might be steep sections and trees will be there to hang on to. There might be swimming!
Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday December 3, 2023
Makena Shoreline Hike (C/E)
Makena, 4 miles
Moderate, pleasant walk on “fisherman’s trail”, road, sandy beaches, rocky beaches past tidepools to Keoneuli (Black Sand Beach). Beautiful views. Hiking stick useful on uneven and sometimes loose rocks. Meet 8 am in public parking lot for Polo Beach, near entrance. Almost entirely exposed, so bring sun protection. We’ll stop to eat anything we have with us at Keoneuli. Limit 15. Leader: Rob Weltman ( [email protected]).
Sign up
Sunday December 10, 2023
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 3 miles
This area was acquired by HILT to keep it from development. Easy 3-mile loop along coast and through forest. Covered shoes recommended on this rocky coast. There are archaeological features, unspoiled views, and we may see whales, monk seals, turtles, Hawaiian birds, and native plants. We will stop for a snack and to enjoy the views. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
Sign up
Friday December 15, 2023
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (C/E)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Come see a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds as well as a very impressive and beautiful Hawaiian native planting area, and hear an overview about the refuge. Meet 10:00 am inside the refuge visitor center (turn into driveway at mile post 6 on Mokulele/Maui Veterans Highway and then right to the parking lot). Bring binoculars, suitable closed toe shoes for mud and water, sun protection, water. Limit 20. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday December 17, 2023
Waihe‘e Ridge Trail hike (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 5 miles
This is a moderate to strenuous hike, as it is uphill most of the way to the top, a 1600-foot elevation gain. This trail can be very slippery if there has been recent rainfall, so a hiking stick is important. There is a beautiful forest, and spectacular ocean and valley views. Meet at 8 AM at the upper parking lot: turn mauka (inland) at Circle M Ranch (mile marker 6.9 on Kahekili Highway) and drive .9 miles to upper parking lot. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
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A GREAT "TITLE" FOR A HONOLULU AREA FREE EVENT!
Palama Settlement has been a non-profit help center for over a hundred years. Most people who grew up in Honolulu are familiar with Panama Settlement outreach programs. Next Thursday, Sept. 28th, Palama Settlement will be hosting a special free event called:
MALAMA THE MAMAS OF PALAMA
The fun-filled event will be held in the Palama Settlement Dining Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event celebrates the women who help at the Settlement and features: Dancing, Health-fair, mini Job-Fair, Health Solutions, Refreshments, and lots of FREE prize give-aways.
Palama Settlement: 810 N Vineyard Street, Honolulu, 96817. Phone: 808 845-3945. Make your plans for a free and fun-filled evening!
HERE'S A GREAT FAMILY EVENT COMING UP THIS SUNDAY!
HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE.
Sunday Sept. 24th. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Come to this FREE event where the Harvest Moon will be celebrated. Astronomer Nick Bradley will have a presentation and telescopes to view the rising moon. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a bento lunch or special saimin for the event.
There will be games for the children, t-shirts and plants for sale, genealogy assistance, entertainment on stage, food sales, hand-made crafts for sale for the upcoming holiday season, and much more!
Hawaii's Plantation Village is located at 94-695 Waipahu Street, Waipahu Hi. 96797
Phone: 808 677-0110 for more details or e-mail: [email protected]
Don't miss this free fun family event!
LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HELP COMES TO LAHAINA:
Big Mahalo to all of the people who have shown compassion to the horrendous losses the people of Lahaina and Kula Maui have taken with the destructive fire of August.
The Free Access Coalition has sent support to the "Maui Strong" fund as well as Go Fund Me for Lahaina people in need.
What is very heartening is that the $111 million given to Maui Strong and the $55 million given to Go Fund Me as well as other relief funds comes from a wide range of people: Local Hawaii, U.S. National and people from over 100 foreign national countries around the world.
There will be a long recovery and FAC hopes that equal access to the help will be given to the fire recovery as we go forward.
BIG MAHALO TO THE SANTA MARIA FIRST METHODIST CHURCH FOR CLEAN-UP WORK AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU!
Hawaii's Plantation Village always could use volunteer help to keep the history of Hawaii's immigrants who worked in the Plantation System for a hundred years. The California Methodist church stepped up to do the very hard work of cleaning up the natural artesian well fed pond at the Village. Here's a letter from Deanna Espinas to the church leader and his volunteers:
Derrick Iwata,
Thank you so much for supervising the California volunteers from Santa Maria First United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 13, 2023 when they helped with cleaning of Hawaii's Plantation Village fishpond. Thank you also for coordinating their tour of the plantation structures.
I am mailing a copy of the Plantation Village News, August 2023 to Reverend Bob Isip from Kilohana United Methodist Church since I think he'd be pleased that their group were mentioned in our newsletter.
Thank you again welcoming these mainland visitors!
Deanna Espinas
If your organization, family or YOU would like to volunteer, please call Mil Holiday or the Staff at: 808 -77-0110
HOW ABOUT A FREE FAMILY EVENING EVENT AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU, HI.?
Harvest Moon Free Event--Sunday, Sept. 24th, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Free Parking, Free Entry to this evening event that celebrates the Harvest Moon. There will be lots of activities including: Astronomer Nick Bradley's talk and telescope views of the moon and planets, the moon will rise big over the taro patch, the SOCIAL HALL will feature the history of food harvested in Hawaii, learn your family genealogy with staff on hand to guide you, Plants and how to care for them will be featured for sale,
At the HALAU: Fun games for adults and kids! Try the Malasada Toss, Marble Maze, and the new "Help Moki the Mongoose" scavenger hunt!
On STAGE will be Hula dancing, story-telling, and even a little Bon Dance at the end of the night!
All kinds of food and drinks will be available for purchase including special saimin, bento boxes, and malasadas for dessert. Check out the gift store for Holiday Gifts.
Mark your calendars now--Time flies quickly and the Harvest Moon Festival will be upon us soon! Bring the family to this free family event.
FREE ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT:
All individuals who were impacted by the Maui fires should apply for FEMA assistance. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply.
Please have the following information available when you apply:
Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.
LAHAINA, MAUI FIRE TRAGEDY:
The news about the fires in Maui that include Kula and Kihei is tragic with over 60 fire related deaths reported. The Free Access Coalition wishes that those who want to donate to the relief please double-check your donation sites to be sure your funds go to relief and not to scammers.
We thank all who wish to help the people of Maui recover from this devastating fire.
INTERESTING CONCEPT TO CREATE MORE EQUAL ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
A Letter to the Editor in today's(08/03/23) Honolulu Star-Advertiser suggests a fast tracking of 3-D homes to speed up affordable home construction.
Build affordable homes with fast 3D printers:
I have read the articles concerning the need for affordable housing. The stumbling blocks seem to be current regulations and permitting processes as well as land-use issues.
It is time to look for simpler solutions, like bringing 3D printing industry technology to Hawaii.
The shell of a two- to three-bedroom house could be 3D-printed in about three hours or less. This will drastically reduce the cost of construction per home as well as increase the inventory of homes much faster.
It will not hurt the union trades, since they will still be working. But they will be using a much-improved construction technique to produce the homes at a faster rate. In fact, this will help the union workers actually afford to purchase a home themselves, since many fall into the same category as most people in Hawaii.
This will work as long as the government does not spend $20 million and waste 10 years doing a study to see if this idea will work. They should consider revising existing building codes to accommodate the use of 3D printing.
Ken Takeya
Kailua
ANOTHER FREE FAMILY EVENT FOR THOSE ON O'AHU: WAIPAHU STREET FEST
Mark the date: August 19th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrating Waipahu's history, people and future. Featuring Food, Pop-ups of all kinds, Classic Cars, Keiki games, Music, and more! How about a $1,000 Karaoke contest?
Come to the corner of Waipahu Depot Street and Hikimoe Street for all the action. Bring the family! More info? www.keawalau.com
HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU IS HOSTING A FREE EVENT:
This is a great family cultural event for residents and visitors to Hawaii July 22nd. The Portuguese Festa event will go on beginning 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of free entertainment and food for sale. Here's the link for the event: photo
IF YOU HAPPEN TO LIVE OR ARE VISITING HAWAII, THIS FREE EVENT MIGHT BE FOR YOU:
HAWAI‘I ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL!
FREE!
HAWAI‘I ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL! FREE!
Sunday, July 23 — 10 am-5 pm
Kapi‘olani Bandstand
Aloha,
Roger Jellinek
Executive Director
Hawai'i Book & Music Festival
808 429-2621
[email protected]
HBMF.online.com
In Partnership with UH Manoa
HBMF--the wonderful diversity of books,
arts, ideas and music that defines us.
FRIENDS OF KEWALOS THANKS THOSE WHO SENT TESTIMONY TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HCDA).
Aloha Friends
Mahalo for your testimony!
Kaka’ako Makai Area Rules will be updated to include the law that bans residential development in KAKA'AKO MAKAI.(Last open coastline in Honolulu.)
Stay Tuned!
FOR O'AHU RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: SURFRIDER O'AHU CHAPTER MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH.
For anyone interested in helping preserve our ocean and beaches, especially in Hawaii, here's your chance to come down to the "live meeting" that will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. at "BOX JELLY" in Kaka'ako: Ward Center, Honolulu 96814.
More info? www.oahu.surfrider.org (click the blue slant) /
THE HCDA IS ASKING FOR TESTIMONY AS THEY CONSIDER RULE CHANGES THAT PROHIBIT HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AT HONOLULU'S LAST OPEN COASTLINE:
State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki is asking for public testimony regarding the safeguarding of the Honolulu Coastal area makai of Ala Moana Blvd. Send e-mail to: [email protected]
The Hawaii Community Development Authority will make rule changes that comply with existing State Law prohibiting rampant development of residential high-rise building construction makai of Ala Moana Blvd.
The future of Honolulu's last remaining open coastline is in your hands for the present and future generations of Hawaii's people. Take a minute and send your support for this HCDA initiative. Mahalo!
A THANK-YOU FROM THE FRIENDS OF KEWALOS:
Aloha Friends!
Friends of Kewalos extends a BIG MAHALO to those who had a part in the 16th Annual Kewalo Basin Park Clean-up and fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, 2023. We had a terrific turnout again, all working hard to “give back” to our beloved park. It is so good to see how many people care about this magical place.
In addition to the general clean up, we also cleaned and disinfected the restrooms, and power washed the showers. All to the sounds of our homegrown Kewalo Band and amazing free coffee from the Makanai Bentos and Coffee Truck. The park looked fantastic when we were done.
After the clean-up, Lester Maximo took our group photo with over 200 hundred trash bags lined up in the foreground. Then we moved the bags curbside and the bags were picked up by the City and County's Park crew. This was a perfect example how people working together can accomplish great things!
TODAY IS THE KEWALO BASIN BEACH CLEAN-UP DAY!
If you live on O'ahu, please consider taking your family down to the Kewalos Beach and participating in the beach clean-up. Lots of activities including, music and lunch. This is your chance to teach your children about helping the community and environment.
Hoping to see you there! 8 a.m to Noon. You will be directed to public parking lots.
THE "FRIENDS OF KEWALOS" NON-PROFIT IS HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL BEACH CLEAN-UP EVENT THIS SATURDAY. HERE'S THE DETAILS:
Aloha Friends!
Just a friendly reminder that our 16th Annual Kewalo Basin Park Cleanup / Fundraiser is happening this Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm!
It will be a great day to give back to this community park for all that it does for our physical and mental well-being.
PARKING will be available at the Swinerton Gravel lot (enclosed by chain link fence) located right before the right turn as you approach the Park. Parking attendants (Elwin's gang) will guide you.
To keep us hydrated, Menehune water will be provided at our water station.
Feel free to bring your own water bottle :)
Lunch will be provided around 10:45 am.
O'AHU'S KAM HIGHWAY AT "TURTLE BEACH" LANIAKEA WILL MOVE INLAND ALLOWING PARKING AT THE BEACH:
Civil Beat, a local non-profit news group, reported yesterday that the Hon. City Council and Dept. of Transportation plan to move Kamehameha Highway inland of Laniakea's "Turtle Beach" to release traffic back-ups from pedestrians crossing the highway to see the sea turtles in the cove of the surfing beach.
Head of the Dept. of Transportation, Ed Sniffen, told the Council that construction of the beach-side parking area could begin around the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024.
GOOD NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA'S MALIBU BEACH AREA!
The Guardian reports that long last, public access to "Escondido Beach" just north of Malibu will reopen to public access after wealthy owners comply with the Cal. Coastal Commission.
Here's part of the Guardian's story:
‘Hidden’ Malibu beach will open to the public for the first time in 40 yearsAccess to Escondido beach was cut off in the 1980s by wealthy homeowners who craftily hindered the path to the coastline
Rose Horowitch
Tue 13 Jun 2023 17.35 EDT
California’s “hidden” beach will now be fully accessible to the public for the first time in 40 years, after the state approved an agreement for wealthy landowners to create a new path to the coastline.
Up to 70% of California beaches could disappear by end of the century
Read moreEscondido beach, known for placid waters and golden sand, had been mostly inaccessible to the public since the 1980s, when homeowners in the area cut it off from the public. Though California law requires that land below the high tide line remain open to all, complicated legal and construction maneuvers had obscured access to the strip of coastline.
At a 7 June meeting, the California coastal commission finally brought an end to a years-long legal battle, approving an agreement to restore public access to the beach – paid for by the wealthy homeowners who live near the area.
“Beaches are California’s crown jewels and public access is a core mission of our law. Access is for everyone, whether you live down the street or in the Central valley or you’re visiting from across the globe,” said Donne Brownsey, the California coastal commission chair. “We hope this enforcement action sends a message to other property owners who may be hiding or blocking access to the coast that it’s time return those beaches to the public.”
The beach had lived up to its name – Escondido is Spanish for “hidden” – as, until recently, people could only access it by paying a fee to park at a lot a quarter-mile away or by entering by way of the restaurant Geoffrey’s, which is a half-mile away.
Direct beach access was obscured by two properties along the 27900 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The homes are owned by Frank Mancuso Sr, the former chief executive of Paramount Pictures and MGM, and the Wildman Family Trust, the heirs of Don Wildman, the late founder of Bally Total Fitness.
In the 1970s, a trail ran from the roadway down to the beach. But the homes’ prior owners made a number of moves to obstruct public access to the area. The former owners, Ken and Jeannette Chiate and Marilyn and Roger Wolk, had begun blocking access to the beach with un-permitted development, including private driveways, walls, mailboxes and palm trees. Wildman further choked off access to the easement.
FOR THOSE IN THE ORANGE COUNTY OR SAN DIEGO AREA: BOOK SIGNING EVENT AT THE CAL. MUSEUM OF SURFING HISTORY BY WRITER MINDY PENNEYBACKER:
Author and Honolulu newswriter, Mindy Penneybacker will be doing a book signing event at the Oceanside Museum of Surfing History at 6 p.m. this evening at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 92054.
Her work outlines the history and features the achievements of women surfers.
Please turn out and support Ms. Penneybacker's new book!
WAIKIKI'S KUHIO BEACH WILL EXTEND THE OVERNIGHT BEACH CLOSURE TO HELP SECURE THE BEACH:
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser report lead paragraph:Kuhio Beach hours to change for safety and cleanliness’ sake
By Allison Schaefers
[email protected]
The city Department of Parks and Recreation is making plans to extend Kuhio Beach Park’s daily closure by an extra two hours — a move that will broaden the park’s shutdown from midnight to 5 a.m.
The story continues by saying the reasons for the extended closure is to keep the area safe from vandals, graffiti taggers, and gang elements who like to operate during the early morning. Normally the Free Access Coalition supports beach access, but regulation is necessary--especially at Kuhio Beach during the late night hours.
THE O'AHU CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB IS OFFERING PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE O'AHU'S WILD AREAS:
Here's their invitation:
Upcoming outings:
Sunday, June 4, 8am
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe Tree Maintenance
1,000+ trees were planted in this area by volunteers led by Professor Mora, in partnership with The Outdoor Circle, Mālama Learning Center, Ko‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, and the Garden Club of Honolulu in 2018. Unfortunately it was a rough winter and many trees died. However in the years since, we have planted almost a thousand trees to re-establish the native watershed—and most of them have survived! Help us keep them thriving! We will be watering, weeding, and clearing debris from around these recently planted trees. Meet at 8am at the gate between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. Tools and refreshments provided. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirt, water, hat, sunscreen, gloves. Reservations required at least 1 day prior to [email protected].
FOR THOSE ON O'AHU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY EVENT THAT HELPS CLEAN THE BEACH, FRIENDS OF KEWALOS HAS AN INVITATION FOR YOU:
Aloha Friends!
KEWALO BASIN PARK CLEAN UP & FUNDRAISER
8 AM to 12 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023
This family event is a great way to help improve the beach. The Friends will supply the trash bags and refill you water bottles. Speakers, t-shirts, lunch service, and prizes will brighten the event!
Mark your calendars! One month flies by quickly. See you there!
CLIMATE CHANGE REGARDING O'AHU'S HANAUMA BAY BEACH:
That sandy strip at Oahu's south shore's Hanauma Bay nature reserve may be gone by 2030 according to a University of Hawaii report. Here's the Hon. Civil Beat story:Study:
Nearly 90% Of Hanauma Bay Could Be Underwater By 2030
15Researchers say the nature preserve is facing significant threats from climate change.
By Paula Dobbyn / May 11, 2023
Hanauma Bay was voted best beach in the United States in 2016. But if researchers are correct, 88% of the bay’s sandy beach will be gone in just seven years. That’s according to the results of a five-year study by the University of Hawaii Manoa’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. The study spanned a nine-month closure of Hanauma Bay during the pandemic in 2020 and looked at biological, physical and social carrying capacities of the bay, located in southeast Honolulu near the Hawaii Kai neighborhood.
The sandy area of Hanauma Bay could be 88% underwater by 2030, a new study predicts. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021) Researchers used models that show the combination of the lowest predicted sea-level rise of one-half foot and the highest tide will result in the jaw-dropping loss of beach at Hanauma Bay, according to a news release Wednesday.
NEW SHORTENED TIMELINE FOR THE DEFUELING OF THE RED HILL UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITY ANNOUNCED BY THE DEPT. OF DEFENSE:
A front page story in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser made the announcement.
RedHill defuelingshortenedto3months
BySophieCocke
[email protected]
TheU.S. Department of Defense has once again sped up its timeline for defueling the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility and now says that it expects to begin draining approximately 104million gallons of fuel from the underground tanks in mid-October, largely completing the process in three months.
Thenew timeline, presented to federal and stateregulators this week as part of asupplement to thePentagon’s defueling plan, shaves off ayear fromthe original timeline. Top military officials originally said defueling would becompleted
by theend of 2024, beforeshorteningthat to July 2024.
TheDOD’s new projected datefor completingdefueling is Jan. 19.
MOLOKAI ACTIVISTS FORCE OPEN THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THEIR BEACH:
Here's the report from Hon. Civil Beat:
MolokaiGate To Kawakui Beach On Molokai Is Open Again — For Now 0Access was RESTRICTED by Kaluakoi Outfitters for months on the Molokai Ranch property.
By Jack Kiyonaga / About 9 hours ago
The public has regained access to the only road leading down to Kawakiu Beach after a private hunting company closed it off due to concerns over public safety and poaching.
Roughly 100 Molokai community members took action last weekend, cutting the chains and removing the gate. They then walked to the beach in a march organized by well-known Molokai activist Walter Ritte.
The gate preventing vehicle access to Kawakiu had been a point of contention among residents for months. The dirt road is owned by Molokai Properties Limited, a Singapore-based company also known as Molokai Ranch that controls 56,000 acres on Molokai.
“The main message is to you guys in Singapore: It’s time to come to the island of Molokai. If you’re going to sell (Molokai Ranch), we’re the guys who want to buy it,” Ritte told the group gathered Saturday.
HONOLULU AND STATE POLITICAL LEADERS STEP UP FOR "LONG TERM" SAFE DRINKING WATER :
The Hon. Star-Advertiser features a front-page story about the Governor and Honolulu Mayor uniting with other leaders to keep the drinking water on O'ahu safe. Here's an excerpt:Isle leaders unite over long-term cleanup
Decades of fuel spills and leaks of other chemicals have put drinking water resources at risk
By Sophie Cocke
[email protected]
Top state and local leaders gathered Tuesday at the state Capitol to sign on to a “unified statement” that calls for an overarching policy governing the cleanup of the area surrounding the Navy’s Red Hill underground fuel facility, where there have been dozens of fuel leaks over the decades as well as spills of firefighting foam containing dangerous chemicals. The show of solidarity was meant to signal the ongoing commitment through all levels of Hawaii government toward ensuring the military follows through on cleaning up the environment after it finishes draining the fuel tanks, which is expected in 2024. “We are here together … saying, ‘Navy, clean up your mess and do it right,’” said Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters.
“ "We seek a proactive approach, plan, and operational integration rather than one that defensively regulates a cleanup to the extent that current laws allow,” according to the statement, which was signed by Waters, Gov. Josh Green, Senate President Ron Kouchi, House Speaker Scott Saiki, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang, state Health Director Kenneth Fink, Honolulu Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau and University of Hawaii President David Lassner.
Green said that he wants to see total transparency from the military, data presented in a more understandable way, clear dates on when Red Hill will be drained and a comprehensive plan for remediating the environment.
GREAT NEWS ABOUT FILTERING FOREVER CHEMICALS FROM WATER SUPPLIES!
A British Columbia research company has found a way to purge "forever chemicals" from water supplies. Red Hill may be causing this kind of water pollution. We will be forwarding this information to Hon. C&C officials.
We are hoping this development can keep free access to drinking water on O'ahu. Here is the website that announced the break-through: https://nicenews.com/innovation/new-water-treatment-removes-forever-chemicals/
A LETTER IN RESPONSE TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS NEWS STORY IN THE SATURDAY HON. STAR ADVERTISER:
Editors:
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs sent a stinging rebuke to the State Legislature and Rep. Scott Saiki in particular in the Saturday issue of the Star-Advertiser. It covered all their talking points about the Kaka’ako Makai property they own and why OHA should be allowed a free hand in developing it.
Follow the money. Their Bill did not offer any guarantee that Kanaka Maoli would have a chance to live in the high-rise development. They did not mention that in their Bill they have the right to sell off their land to private high-rise contractors. Their OHA development bill would open the door for the rest of the area along the Kaka’ako Makai coastal area for high-rise development. Do we want to extend Waikiki to Honolulu Harbor? If Hawaiians cannot live in the luxury area because of their income, how can OHA expect them to drive to Kaka’ako to conduct business and cultural affairs?
OHA sent estimates of their land value at only $41 million saying they were “cheated” during their campaign. Now trustee Mililani Trask says the properties are worth $400 million? The best route forward would be for OHA to just return the property to the State and use the funds to develop properties that are not detrimental to Honolulu's coastline.
John Shockley
Makakilo
THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT HAS JUST BEEN GIVEN A BREATH OF LIFE!
A group from Makakilo met with Mayor Rick Blangiardi today, Friday Apr. 28th to discuss the feasibly of actually building the Makakilo Drive Extension Project that would provide a second entry to Makakilo to the H-1 Freeway at the East/West Road.
Stay tuned for future developments!
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION POSTS INTERESTING WATER POLLUITION INFORMATION:
You probably don’t think about sewage when you head to the beach for a morning swim or surf, but here’s why you should.
The water pollution problem is big — 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage in waters every year, big.
Our nation’s failing infrastructure, old septic systems, and unethical dumping of waste are the main culprits. Water pollution can too easily be out of sight and out of mind until it starts to smell and gets people sick, and that’s the problem.
Hawaii has 85,000 cesspools.
WANT TO DO SOMETHING ON EARTH DAY THIS SATURDAY?
If you live on O'ahu, here's your chance to do something physical to help celebrate Earth Day.
SUNDAY AT 9 AM – 3 PMEarth Day Cleanup Festival 2023
Waimānalo Beach Park
There will be a large group out there, equipment to sift out plastic particles from the sand, food trucks, etc. It would be a great learning experience for kids!
A HAWAII BILL SEEKS TO USE PUBLIC FUNDED ELECTIONS TO LEVEL THE POLITICAL PLAYING FIELD FOR CANDIDATES:
SB1543 is close to becoming law in Hawaii. Publicly funded elections will help remove the back-room influence of private individuals and corporate interests. This measure will help level the playing field in elections giving more equal access to political office for citizen candidates. We'll let you know if and when Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signs the Bill.
NATIVE PLANT GIVE-AWAY SPONSORED BY THE SIERRA CLUB OF O'AHU:
Wayne Tanaka of O'ahu Sierra Club announced the FREE plant give-away this Saturday:
April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month! To celebrate, we are hosting our next native plant giveaway THIS Saturday, April 8, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of trees) at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, A Building. Come by to celebrate with us and pick up a free native plant for you or a friend!
With the help of Hui Kū Maoli Ola and Nānākuli High School teachers, we will be giving away native plant species that are known to thrive in the climate of West Oʻahu on a first come, first served basis.
BONUS: Everyone that comes by to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT WAIMANALO BEACH, O'AHU SPONSORED BY SUSTAINABLE COASTLINES HAWAII:
We’re gearing up for our BIGGEST EVENT of the year… Earth Day!
Join us in celebrating what it means to ‘invest in our planet’ at our Earth Day Cleanup Festival at Waimānalo Beach Park, April 23, 2023. From 9AM - 3PM we’ll be celebrating the Earth in some of the best ways we know how: through stewardship, community, and fun!
This Earth Day Cleanup, we’ll be taking out our mega sifters and handheld plastic particle sifters for the beach cleanup and working to do some epic native plant restoration. Our festival will also have local businesses sharing workshops, other NPOs sharing the ways in which they are stewards of both the land and ocean, locally sourced food, live music, and more! This is a keiki to kupuna friendly event + all are welcome. You can register via the link in our bio
#sustainablecoastlineshawaii #cleanyobeach #coasthuggers #sandsifting#plasticpollution #thetimeisnow #islandhome #beachcleanup #oahubeachcleanup#cleanbeachesstartathome #EarthDay2023 #EarthDayCleanupFestival2023#investinourplanet
Green Shirt RALLY IN SUPPORT OF SB1035 NEEDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
The Bill supports eliminating the "General Excise Tax" on medical providers who are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Tri-Care. This will make it easier for the public to access their medical care.
Audrey and Gene Lee, Malama Moana, are asking people in the Honolulu area to come to the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 28th wearing a green shirt. The rally in support of SB1035 will last about one hour or so beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the morning traffic rush. Meet at the Father Damien statue.
GOOD NEWS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS!
The Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Beach Parking Lot Bill, HB1089, has been shelved. The "private party" group that was looking to manage the area has failed to get their bill through the legislature.
On another note, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, that was looking to get $61 million from the State, supposedly to refurbish the dock area in front of their Kaka'ako Makai land has also failed.
The sad part is OHA says even though they feel cheated, they are not giving up on building Hi-Rise Residential buildings. If they feel that cheated, the Legislature appears willing to take back the sensitive Kaka'ako Makai properties in trade for more useful land OHA could use for moderate priced Hi-Rise construction on other O'ahu lands.
THE ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR "PUBLIC/PRIVATE" COLLABORATION BILL IS MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE--HB1089 and SB1387
The general public needs to be aware that the Legislature is actually ceding their control over the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and surrounding area to private entities who are seeking long-term "leases" from the State so they can control the pricing of boat slips as well as control the public parking in the area.
Please, if you can spare a few minutes, log into the Hawaii State Legislature website and testify AGAINST these un-constitutional bills. Local resident Katherine Lindell is spearheading the fight to have these public properties saved from falling into "private hands."
The State has managed the Ala Wai area since Statehood. There's no reason to cede control to private interests unless...it may profit private companies over public interest.
Just log into: www.capitol.hawaii.gov and click onto the "Testify" button. Type in either Bill and make your voice known about the dubious legislation.
Mahalo for your Kokua!
GOOD NEWS! SB736 IS "SHELVED" BY THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE.
Today's front-page headline in today's Hon. Star-Advertiser chronicled the defeat of the OHA "variance bill" that would have allowed residential hi-rise buildings on the last ocean-front area of Honolulu's coastline.
OHA spent over $7 million on a broad-based campaign including television ads, public surveys, and community support meetings to get their construction bill passed. It was shelved by Senate and House of Rep chairpeople.
Mahalo to all the people who showed up for the March 4th rally along Ala Moana Blvd. Because of activists who want to preserve the future for the next generations, this fourth attempt by OHA has failed.
Perhaps now, they will reconsider trading the Kaka'ako Makai property for more suitable land to build hi-rise residences. Potentially, the land at the Aloha Stadium would be suitable for this kind of construction...other areas are also available...just not the quick-money building OHA envisions in sensitive property.
Aloha Activists!
We don’t want to be a pest and flood your e-mails with too much urging, but this upcoming two-hour rally on Saturday, Mar. 4th, at the Gateway Park on Ala Moana Blvd. is important for the future generations of Honolulu and Hawaii’s people. It’s a two-hour rally starting at 11 a.m. Please come and wear a red shirt, any red shirt will do. There is a supply of red shirts that will be passed out free, but the expense to make up the shirts is prohibitive and all that is asked is a donation to the Friends of Kewalos when you pick up the shirts. There is ample parking at Gateway Park but car-pools will make for more space for others to safely park.
We hope to see you, your family, and friends at this important event. Rarely do we bother you with a “be there” kind of event. Please make plans to come.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition.
BIG RALLY SCHEDULED TO SAVE THE LAND AT KAKA'AKO MAKAI FROM HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG HONOLULU'S LAST OPEN COASTLINE:
Aloha!
Please make plans to be at the two-hour rally that begins at Gateway Park on Ala Moana Blvd. just before the Kewalo Basin. There will be a lot of signs and a supply of special RED shirts available for voluntary contributions. Please wear ANY red shirt at the rally. There have been four attempts to skirt State Law prohibiting hi-rise and residential building on the ocean side of Ala Moana Blvd between Kewalo Basin and Honolulu Harbor. All have failed so far but this massive push powered by millions of dollars could finally destroy the open area along the Honolulu waterfront area.
SB736 is designed to skirt present zoning for a select group that will open the flood-gates for hi-rise exemptions that could turn the Kaka’ako Makai area into another Waikiki extension. There will be two decorated trolleys that will drive around during the rally for those who choose to ride rather than demonstrate along the street.
We need your participation and the kokua from your family and friends to save the aina for future generations to enjoy. Please be there on March 4th. Please click on the Rally Poster attachment below for complete details.
Mahalo for your time and kokua!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators for the Free Access Coalition.
https://mcusercontent.com/21556276fc9cc964f44177dd2/files/24d1c5d4-eaa3-b068-cfb9-285bae3c6b33/mar_21_28.pdf
LAST WEEKEND FOR THE BUFFALO KEAULANA BIG BOARD CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH:
Come down to Makaha Beach tomorrow, Feb. 25th and Sunday, Feb. 26th for the event finals going on all day this weekend. These are all fun events. Family friendly. If you're on O'ahu, this is your last chance to watch the events of the 46th Annual beach event.
THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE BUFFALO KEAULANA BIG BOARD CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH:
We have a video of the beginning ceremony for the Big Board Event. This year honoring Princess Abigale Kawananakoa who recently passed away. She was the last Royal lineage to Hawaii's Monarchy.
The event continues today and will finish this weekend: Feb. 25-26. It's a casual fun and family event. If you can come out, you'll have a nice day. Here's the link to the opening ceremony that took place last Saturday morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd9IEjQUxtA
O'AHU RESIDENTS: THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE REGARDING THE LAST REMAINING HONOLULU COASTLINE IS IN THE LEGISLATURE TOMORROW.
Aloha to all who care what the future of the Honolulu City Coastline will look like for your children and the generations that follow:
This is a chance for you to actually do something that will change the future of Honolulu and O’ahu. Please take the time and effort to come to the State Legislature building at Room 224 to add your voice to saving the future of the Honolulu coastline at Kaka’ako Makai. Bring your family and friends to this critical event--WEAR A RED SHIRT.
REMEMBER, we are NOT against Hawaiians or OHA, we would fight to protect our coast from any hi-rise developer looking to skirt State Law prohibiting hi-rise residential development on the shoreline. OHA has other options but chooses to go for “Quick Profit”…Let’s hope they change their mind. Right now they have invested millions in deceptive television ads as well as pressing legislators to do the wrong thing allowing their “Variance Bill B736" to become law.
Here's the call to arms from the Friends of Kewalos:
Aloha Friends,
We need to pack Room 224 with any type of RED SHIRT to show solidarity to stopping SB736 OHA's strong attempt to repeal the residential ban and build condos 400 ft high and be able to sell their land to a THIRD PARTY. We need to keep the pressure on!
WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
WHEN: Room 224, State Capitol
New testimony will not be accepted, however, If you indicated you wanted to speak, Be ready.
If you can't make it DO THIS:
1, SEND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO:
TIME FOR FUN AT MAKAHA BEACH! THE 46TH ANNUAL BUFFALO'S BIG BOARD SURFING CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH IS SET:
The event starts Saturday, Feb.18th - Monday, Feb.20th.(President's Day weekend) The next weekend is "the Finals Celebration" Feb. 25th-26th.
This year try coming out to compete in the fun events that include: 10ft. Surfboard for all age divisions, Tandems, Subsquatch, Alayah, Paipo Board, Stand-up Paddle, Bullyboarding, and Body Surfing. Just go sign up at: www.hoomaa.org
Richard, "Buffalo" Keaulana is a god-father Kupuna on West O'ahu who welcomes everybody to come down to join this relaxed and fun event--bring family, bring friends! Come play in the ocean! This is a FREE event to attend. A fee for participation in surf events is nominal.
ONCE AGAIN, THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) IS SPENDING BIG MONEY TO GET THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW THEM TO RUIN HONOLULU'S LAST REMAINING COASTLINE:
For those on O'ahu, please try to attend the "Friends of Kewalos" information meeting that will highlight what OHA is trying to build--Multi-million dollar residential condos on the last Honolulu coastal area.
They want to push the State Legislature to give them a variance to tear up the land they were ceded and build high-rise buildings right up to the coastline between Kewalo Basin and the entry to Honolulu Harbor. Here's the announcement from Friends of Kewalo's:
Aloha Friends,
We have a new INSTAGRAM account. It's
@friends_of_kewalos
Please follow us to get the latest. Spread the word!
Save the Date!
Community Informational Gathering
Kaka'ako Makai - What you need to know
Feb. 13 @ 5PM @ KUPU Ho'okupu Center at Kewalo Basin Park.
Free Food and Parking
Watch for a flyer coming out next week.
Through a Shared Vision, we will succeed!
Mahalo,
Friends of Kewalos
PROTECT, PRESERVE, MALAMA
HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE "YEAR OF THE RABBIT" CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION SET FOR FEBRUARY 4TH.
For those who live on O'ahu, the FREE Chinese New Year celebration will take place Saturday, Feb. 4th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking as well as entry is free to the public. Celebration includes: Hawaiian Blessing, Dragon Blessing, Food demonstrations, Genealogy assistance, Crafts and Plants for sale, Children's Games with prizes, Pet Blessing--bring them!, Omamori Demonstration, Food Booths, and more!
Bring your family down for a great Cultural Event! Call 808 677-0110 for details or go to www.hawaiiplantation.org for more information.
Boots-on-the-Ground Written Testimony Request:
Written Testimony link: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-R09-RCRA-2022-0970-0002
The EPA is having public testimony regarding their Consent Order requiring the U.S. Navy to defuel and shut-down the Red Hill underground fuel storage facility. We have local government demands but this is the Federal “consent” to have the dangerous fuel storage facility close. Please send written testimony urging the Federal involvement in expediting the closing of Red Hill. Wayne Maria from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply has forwarded the testimony attachment below. You can contact the BWS Communications office: 808 748-5041 for additional information. The meeting is set for tomorrow for the public to be present or for written testimony. For those who want to attend in person:
O’ahu Veterans Council Center
1298 Kukila Street, Hon. HI. 96818
5 p.m. Wednesday. Jan. 18th
For most of us, please take a moment to send written testimony—Just a few lines will do.https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-R09-RCRA-2022-0970-0002 We need people-power support for this effort! Encourage your family and friends to testify. You don’t have to be an O’ahu resident to have your voice heard—it’s for the future of Honolulu’s drinking water—residents and visitors alike. Send testimony NOW!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition
www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
RED HILL ISSUE HAS ANOTHER SNAG. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY(EPA) WILL HOLD TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THEY DO A CONCENT ORDER REGARDING THE FUEL DRAINING AND SHUT DOWN OF THE FACILITY:
Ernest Lau, Chief Eng. of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is urging the public to attend two EPA public hearings set for next Wednesday and Thursday. The EPA needs to know the urgency of the shut-down of the underground fuel tanks that is threatening Honolulu's drinking water aquifer.
If you are on O'ahu and care about your water, make a point to attend the meetings:
Wed. Jan. 18th--5 p.m. Thur. Jan. 19th--3 p.m.
O'ahu Veteran's Council Ctr. O'ahu Veteran's Council Ctr.
1298 Kukila Street. 1298 Kukila Street
Hon. HI. 96818 Hon. HI. 96818
If you have any questions about these meetings, please call the BWS Communications Office at (808) 748-5041.
We hope concerned people will make plans to attend and voice their opinions.
FRIENDS OF KEWALOS WILL JOIN SURFRIDER O'AHU AND ACTIVISTS AT THIS SATURDAY'S FREE PUBLIC PARKING RRemembering Our Filipino WWI and WWII Veterans: Loyalty, Honor, Duty, Broken PromisesSaturday, November 18, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Waipahu Public Library, 94-275 Mokuola Street, Waipahu
Click here for ZOOM Link.
In commemoration of Veterans Day (formerly, Armistice Day) FAHSOH presents a discussion based on our WWI (Sakadas and Soldiers) and WWII (Loyalty and Valor) exhibits. We will remember the Filipinos who answered the calls to defend U.S. interests in Hawaii and the Philippines but were denied the benefits promised to them.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Waipahu Public Library (site of the Hawaii Filipino WWII Monument) and is free and open to the public. Online access via ZOOM link above. The Free Access Coalition would like to have HB1789 and HB3123 considered for passage by the Legislature as well as the Governor. The Makakilo Drive Extension Project has been on the planner’s agenda for over 30 years. We have over 20,000 residents on the Makakilo hillside. The extension would provide a second public free access to the H-1 Freeway. Needless to say there is an obvious safety issue which would be vital should something happen on the Makakilo Drive during an emergency. Just the traffic savings with the second egress to the H-1 freeway.
As the State Transportation Committee, we are asking you to move the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to the top of your agenda. We hope you will support these two bills.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition. www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
IF YOU LIVE IN A CONDO OR A HOME WITH AN ASSOCIATION, THERE IS A FREE DISCUSSION AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF CIVIL BEAT MAY 24TH:
This free meeting on Friday at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 3650 Waialae Ave. with free parking at the entrance to the 2nd floor office on Wilhemenia Rise just off Waialae Ave.
There will be four speakers, experts and advocates for tenants making presentations: Lila Mower, Jane Sugimura, Terry Revere, and Stewart Yerton.
If you have issues that you would like covered, be sure to attend this important event! More information? Contact Ashley Ong--Civil Beat Events Coordinator. Register here: Register to attend live or receive the recording!
Free Coffee and malasadas will be available.
OLANI PALACE "FREE DAY" FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS:
photo
Kama'aina Sunday, May 12th(also Mother's Day!) Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu with have free audio tours, lei-making, concerts at the bandstand, Cultural Workshops, and local food vendors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a great way for all the family to celebrate Mother's Day. Mark your calendars and get ready for a fun day at the Palace!
HELP THE FRIENDS OF KEWALOS FORCE THE STATE AND BOAT HARBOR MANAGMENT MAINTAIN THE BATHROOM CONDITIONS AT THE KEWALO BEACH PARK.
Ron Iwami, President of FOK, is asking all the public to please call the Honolulu City phone number: 311 or use the Honolulu 311 App to complain about the unsanitary bathroom conditions as well at the increased homeless and the boat owners encroaching on the public beach parking lot spaces.
Even if you do not go to Kewalos beach, you are needed to voice your concerns about the conditions in that area should you ever decide to take your family there. BTW, it's a really great Honolulu beach park for picnics as well as surfing.
SAD NEWS FOR MAKAKILO RESIDENTS ON O'AHU:
State Rep. Darius Kila with the approval of House Speaker Saiki's approval removed the resolution to have the State take over the Makakilo Drive Extension project from the City & County of Honolulu that has stalled the project for about three decades.
BIG Mahalo to all of you who signed the petition and e-mailed the State Representatives to advance the MDE project. State Sen. Mike Gabbard was able to get the resolution passed in the Senate but one person in the State House in the Transportation Committee was able to shelve the resolution so the House could not vote on it.
Once again, we'll have to start from scratch on this safety issue for Makakilo.
PLEASE HELP GET THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION(COMPLETION) PROJECT THROUGH THE HAWAII STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. HERE'S HOW:
Just send a note addressed to the following Representatives in the “Send To” box of an e-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please don’t give up on the e-mail. The generic "[email protected]" gets blocked. A quick note to let four key House Reps know there is "people power" behind the push for the Makakilo Drive Extension(Completion) project. Please do it asap. The House will be acting on the resolution very soon!
j&r
GOOD NEWS FOR THE PEOPLE IN MAKAKILO!
State Sen. Mike Gabbard just informed us the resolution to have the State government take over the authority for the Makakilo Drive Extension project was PASSED and will go to the State House for approval. Once the State and Federal money is available, the safety and convenience project to hook up Makakilo Drive to the H-1 Freeway might finally be completed.
As Sen. Gabbard says: "Stay Tuned!"
DON'T MISS THIS FREE CULTURAL EVENT AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU IF YOU'RE ON O'AHU:
Aloha friends ~ mark your calendar. Hawaii’s Plantation Village in Waipahu kicks off the yearly Summer Bon-dance season on Oahu. June 1, 2024 ~ Saturday 4pm-10pm. Food sales will start at 3:30pm.
The O-Bon event is FREE and FREE PARKING. Bring your family and friends to this fun evening event. Even if you don't know the exact steps of a Bon-Dance, just join in with the crowd and have fun. Everyone is welcome. This is the biggest event of the year at HPV so plan early to be there. Bring your beach chairs. Food and craft sales will start and continue through the night.
Don't miss it!
BREAK-THROUGH ON THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT!
Mahalo to anyone of you who signed the petition to turn over the management of the MDE project from the City & County of Honolulu to the State of Hawaii where there is Federal money to complete the roadway egress to the H-1 Freeway.
Even if you are not from the Makakilo area, know that your effort helps the free and safe access of the people at Makakilo to safety with a second route in and out of the hillside community.
Hawaii State Senator, Mike Gabbard, was able to get the MDE project moved for a vote by the State Senate Monday, 4/22/24, to take over management of the project. We only hope the Senate will approve the transfer.
How can YOU help? Just send an e-mail addressed to all the State Senators simply saying you approve of the Makakilo Drive Extension project and hope the Senate will take it over. The e-mail address: [email protected].
People Power only works if we all exercise it. Please take a few seconds and send a quick note to the Hawaii Senators before the Monday vote. Mahalo!
PLEASE SIGN THE E-PETITION TO PROMOTE THE COMPLETION OF THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT TO THE H-1 FREEWAY ON WEST O'AHU.
We urge all residents as well as EVERYONE interested in improving safety to sign the new petition being forwarded to Hawaii's State legislators. The legislative session season is rapidly coming to a close. The roadway extension is critical as a second egress from the hillside community of over 20,000 residents.
Please take a few seconds to click onto the petition and sign it. Ignore any of the money contribution pleas and just sign and send. Here's the link:
https://www.change.org/p/revive-src110-makakilo-drive-extension-in-the-hawaii-state-legislature
Even if you're not a resident of Makakilo, the neighborhood needs your help right now!
FOR O'AHU SENIOR RESIDENTS, PALAMA SETTLEMENT FREE EVENT SCHEDULED:
Here's their invitation:
Palama Settlement invites you to our Senior Program May Day 2024 on Tuesday, April 30th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Palama Settlement Gymnasium
Refreshments will be available on the Gym Lanai after the program
Palama Settlement address: Palama Settlement · 810 N. Vineyard Blvd · Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 · USA
WE NEED YOUR HELP SENDING A QUICK NOTE IN SUPPORT OF THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT THAT IS STALLED IN THE HAWAII STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE:
Please send an e-mail to State Rep. Chris Todd who heads the Transportation Committee requesting he reschedule the Senate Continuing Resolution 110: “Requesting the City and County of Honolulu to Transfer to the State the City and County of Honolulu’s Authority to Construct a Makakilo Drive Extension.
The City and County government has failed to construct the extension of Makakilo Drive to the H-1 Freeway so the project needs to go to the State where there is Federal construction money available immediately for this project.
Even if you do not live at Makakilo, O'ahu, or even in Hawaii, we need your e-mail note to Rep. Chris Todd to request his committee to reopen the recently shelved SCR110 resolution.
Here is Todd's government e-mail address: [email protected]
Just a short letter of support for the Makakilo Drive Extension project is all we are asking of you right now. Please help by raising your e-voice!
OK, HERE'S YET ANOTHER CHANCE TO PICK UP A FREE HAWAIIAN NATIVE PLANT FOR YOUR YARD OR GARDEN:
Don’t forget to join us, the O'ahu Sierra Club, this Sunday, April 7 at Waialua Elementary to grab a ✨ free ✨ native plant starting at 9am. We are *so* excited to see you all this weekend and celebrate Native Plant and Earth Month!
🪴 Sierra Club Native Plant Giveaway
🗓️ Sunday, April 7, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of plants)
📍 Waialua Elementary School parking lot behind the cafeteria, 67-020 Waialua Beach Rd, Waialua, HI 96791
👋 Everyone is welcome, no matter how green your thumb is
FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO HAWAII'S NORTH SHORE. PLEASE SEND TESTIMONY TO HAVE THE HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR AN OCEAN SAFETY FIRST RESPONDER CENTER...YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED IT!
The FAC supports building this Ocean Safety building rather than have the land-owner build yet another tourist-trap mall in the Pupukea area of the North Shore of O'ahu.
Click on the Hon. C&C website: testimony Then just say you support Bill 13(24). You need to do this by tomorrow--please don't delay. Here is our Free Access Coalition testimony:
The Free Access Coalition has sent testimony in favor of the Ocean Safety First Responder Center:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly SUPPORTS Bill 13(24) to build an Ocean Safety First Responder Center. Because the N. Shore can be very treacherous in the winter months for surfers, boaters, and other people who enter the water as well as the summer months when tourists enter the beaches, a Center like this is a life-saving necessity.
We are in STRONG SUPPORT of the amendment proposed by Councilmember Weyer to add $500,000 to the capital budget for planning and design of the Ocean Safety First Responder Center - North Shore District.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua!
John & Rita Shockley Coordinators: Free Access Coalition www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
FREE NATIVE PLANT GIVE-AWAY FROM THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB:
Here's the announcement:
In celebration of Native Plant Month and Earth Month, we are giving away ✨ free ✨ native plants! What better way to celebrate April than by adopting a new native plant for your home, school, or office?
🪴 Sierra Club Native Plant Giveaway
🗓️ Sunday, April 7, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of plants)
📍 Waialua Elementary School parking lot behind the cafeteria, 67-020 Waialua Beach Rd, Waialua, HI 96791
👋 Everyone is welcome, no matter how green your thumb is
We will have a variety of native plants well suited for the north shore, as well as species that will thrive in pots for small spaces. Our super volunteer plant experts will be on hand to help you pick the right plant for you! Everyone will receive a booklet with best practices for planting, plant care, and species information. Plants will be first come, first served while supplies last, with a one plant per household limit. Bonus: Everyone that comes to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
ALERT! TESTIMONY AGAINST HB1919 IS CRITICAL--THIS IS THE BILL TO PRIVATIZE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR AREA.
Please submit testimony AGAINST HB1919--the Bill sponsored by DOBOR Director, Ed Underwood, will shift the management of the small boat harbors to a public/private entity. This private enterprise is not necessarily non-profit. One of their goals is to remove public free access to the parking lots at the Ala Wai area by installing parking meters to tax public access to the beach area.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Mar. 28th, at 9:30 a.m. at the State Capitol Room 211.
Most of us can't be there in person but we can all TESTIFY on the State Legislature website. You don't have to be a Hawaii resident to testify. It's easy to sign up for the Hawaii State Legislature website where testimony can easily be made.
Let's NOT lose the free public access to the Waikiki area. Just testify against HB1919 before Wednesday evening, Hawaii Time. This takes just a minute--it is critical that your voices be heard.
FREE EASTER EVENT AT HONOLULU'S PALAMA SETTLEMENT THIS FRIDAY.
Bring your family for a FREE fun Easter event at Palama Settlement from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be an Easter Egg hunt for kids 6 years and younger. Other games for older kids. Free Parking at the corner of Vineyard and Palama Streets. Easter dinner will be served for everybody at the end of the activities.
Palama Settlement, located at 810 N. Vineyard Blvd., has been part of Honolulu since 1896 helping with families in Hawaii. If you are on O'ahu, make the effort to bring your family to the Settlement. More information? 808 845-3945 www.palamasettlement.org
Life is short and time flies by. Your children need special events like this to fill their childhood memories.
WE NEED IMMEDIATE TESTIMONY AGAINST HCR98--THE MEASURE TO PRIVATIZE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR AND OTHER HARBORS IN HAWAII.
We need everyone to step up and do e-testimony against DOBOR Dir. Ed Underwood's scheme to privatize Ala Wai Boat Harbor and all the other harbors in the state. Just a strong statement AGAINST HCR98 is all that is needed. Here is our testimony you can use with a copy/paste:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly OPPOSES HCR 98. This "measure" proposed by DOBOR Director Ed Underwood is in direct violation of State Law confirmed by the Hawaii Supreme Court. State property cannot be given to control of private for-profit entities.
The people of Hawaii need free public access to the boat harbors and land surronding them unencumbered by the for-profit interests of private entities.
Mahalo for your time.
Your testimony MUST be made before Monday morning...Just go to the Hawaii State Legislature e-platform, log in home.aspx and click "Testimony" after you fill in HCR98. Please do it now!
FOR MAKAKILO RESIDENTS: PLEASE MAKE THE EFFORT TO SHOW UP FOR THE "EXTEND MAKAKILO DRIVE" PROJECT.
Here's the details from Mick Ferreira:
Everybody in Makakilo who cares about the Makakilo Dr. Extension needs to be at this Town Hall meeting IN FORCE. Meeting #1: Kapolei, ʻEwa Beach, Makakilo Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Kapolei High School
IF YOU LIVE ON O'AHU, HERE IS A "FREE EVENT" TO BE HELD AT THE WAIANAE SMALL BOAT HARBOR , SUN. MARCH 10TH FROM 12 NOON TO 4 PM.
The rally against violence, "E Alae" sponsored by the Moku Waianae Kupuna group and the Suzuki Family Foundation will feature performances to "Ignite Hope-inspiring calls to action" against violence of all kinds. The theme will be "Together, We Rise!"
There will be free food at this event. Free parking. Bring family and friends!
Waianae Small Boat Harbor: 85-491 Farrington Highway, 96792
SATURDAY, FEB. 26 MEETING AT THE ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR YACHT CLUB FEATURED THE PLANNING TO SAVE THE FREE PUBLIC PARKING BEING THREATENED AT THE HARBOR PARKING LOTS:
Featured speakers: Joseph "Nappy" Napoleon--renowned canoe paddler, O'ahu Surfrider president Arleen Velasco, boating activist Kate Thompson, and "Save our Surf" leader Keone Downing.
The group emphasized how important it is for people to get involved if free access to the beach and Waikiki area in general is to be preserved.
Expect to hear what YOU can do when a future event/rally is planned. Stay tuned!
IMPORTANT MEETING REGARDING THE ALA WAI HARBOR AREA PARKING ISSUES COMING THIS SATURDAY!
Activist Kate Thompson is inviting everyone to attend an important informational meeting regarding the potential take over of the parking areas by a proposed public/private management company. Here's the announcement of the Saturday, Feb. 24th meeting:
Event: Information on Water Safety, Water Quality, and Water Access
Speakers: Nappy Napoleon--Anuenue Canoe Club, Arleen Velasco--Chapter Chair O'ahu Surfrider, Captain Maggie Hallahan--Pres. of WOCC, Kate Thompson--Dir. of Surf Parking, Keone Downing--Dir. of Save Our Surf and Surfing Education Assn.
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bldg. opens: 5:45 p.m.
Location: 1739 Ala Moana Blvd. (Ala Wai Yacht Club Bldg.)
Head's Up: Be aware of predatory parking enforcement in certain parking areas.
More information: www.surfparking.org/alawai
Free access to public parking is in jeopardy. Please make plans to attend this important informational meeting.
THE ANNUAL BUFFALO KEAULANA'S BIG BOARD BEACH EVENT IS THIS WEEKEND!
Bring your family out to Makaha Beach this weekend for a great beach event featuring a variety of surf contests, beach activities, and family fun barbecues.
If you miss this weekend's fun, the Big Board Event will continue next weekend with the finals of the various surf contests.
HOW YOU CAN HELP GET THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE STATE BOOKS:
There are two Hawaii House Bills that are resting with the State House Transportation Committee: HB 1789 and HB 1321
There is an initiative to get the Transportation Committee to move the two Bills forward in the Legislature. The Chairperson, Rep. Chris Todd, blocks people from e-mailing him. We hope that Rep. Darius Kila will pick up the ball for the MDE Project as a member of the Transportation Committee. His e-address: [email protected]
Let's hope we can finally get the second egress from Makakilo. Your e-letter to Rep. Kila will help!
Here's what we have written to the State Transportation Committee:
The Free Access Coalition would like to have HB1789 and HB3123 considered for passage by the Legislature as well as the Governor. The Makakilo Drive Extension Project has been on the planner’s agenda for over 30 years. We have over 20,000 residents on the Makakilo hillside. The extension would provide a second public free access to the H-1 Freeway. Needless to say there is an obvious safety issue which would be vital should something happen on the Makakilo Drive during an emergency. Just the traffic savings with the second egress to the H-1 freeway is a plus.
As the State Transportation Committee, we are asking you to move the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to the top of your agenda. We hope you will support these two bills.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition. www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
ALERT! A HOUSE BILL, 1919, MUST NOT PASS THE HAWAII LEGISLATURE. HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Please send your OPPOSITION to HB 1919 which clears the way for uninhibited "public/private" partnerships with Hawaii State property. Here's the report from activist Katherine Lindell:
Aloha,
We encourage all Hawaii residents to weigh in on HB1919 (HERE). This is yet another attempt by our legislature to pass a law to circumvent oversight of proposals that would privatize public lands.
Below find our testimony:
OPPOSE . . . HB1919
ANY legislation designed to circumvent existing rules that help to protect the Supreme Court's Public Trust Doctrine is a reprehensible and disgusting act on the part of each and every legislator who participates. This piece of legislation, instigated by the DLNR's resident sexual predator, Ed Underwood, attempts to erase the oversight that is so necessary to keeping publicly-owned properties out of the hands of for-profit out-of-state corporations who clearly do not have the best interests of the people of Hawaii in their agenda, represents a brand new low for our legislature. The public now knows well that the "Pilot Public/Private Project" subterfuge will NOT benefit anyone except those who will profit from it. ENOUGH . . . BE PONO and stop pandering to wealthy interests who have no interest in Hawaii's community other than to plunder it.
Katherine Lindell
Hawaii Ocean News
Here's the Free Access Coalition letter OPPOSING HB 1919:
Aloha!
The Free Access Coalition strongly OPPOSES HB 1919. Supposed "Public/Private" ventures often are not in the general public interest. The upcoming proposed "venture" proposed by Director Ed Underwood at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor area can only result in a disaster for free public access to the beach as well as the Waikiki area.
We cannot afford to let HB 1919 pass the Legislature.
Mahalo for your time!
What can YOU do? Register at the Hawaii Legislature site, you don't have to be a Hawaii Resident, look for the "Testify" tab and voice your opposition to HB 1919. If you want to have a democracy, you need to participate.
THE FREE CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENT IS THIS SATURDAY!
Plan to spend a great cultural day celebrating "The Year of the Dragon". Lots of free demonstrations, entertainment, and food samples at the various plantation houses. Games for the kids!
Details: Hawaii's Plantation Village--phone 677-0110. Event starts at 9 a.m. Free entry and parking to the Village. 94-695 Waipahu Street, Zip 96797
We hope to see you, your family and friends!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS FREE EVENT AT THE HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU--CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Where: HPV living museum grounds. 94-694 Waipahu St., zip 96797
When: Saturday, Feb. 3rd.
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Parking: Free at HPV. Overflow--Shuttle from Waipahu Elementary School starting at 8:30 a.m.
Events: Dragon dance, Cultural events on stage, Free keiki games w/ prizes, Genealogy Information, Food and refreshments for sale, Craft and Plant Sale at the Okada(Admin.) Building, Country Store items and collectables, Food samples at the various plantation homes.
More info? 808 677-0110
Bring your family and tell your friends. This is a fun free cultural event! Happy Year of the Dragon!
KAPIOLANI PARK IN WAIKIKI IS IN DANGER OF BEING TAKEN OVER BY A FOR-PROFIT VENTURE BY A "NON-PROFIT" HULA GROUP!
The City is going to let the Waikiki Shell area and parking lot be taken over by a hula "non-profit" next month if it is not stopped. They plan to take over the Waikiki Shell area at 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday on a regular basis starting Feb. 15th. This goes against the Kapiolani Park charter of 1896.
The "Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement" plan is to take over the Shell for evening "for pay" shows and privatize 60 of the free parking stalls at the Shell from Sunday through Thursday both day and night. CNHA offers a "free" day show but wants the "for pay" evening show to monopolize the Waikiki Shell area day-and-night.
Althea Rebman, President of the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society (KPPS) says her group will sue if this plan goes through.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Call Mayor Blangiardi's office and tell them to keep private entities from taking over Kapiolani Park. Phone: 808 768-4141.
Not a Hawaii resident? You still need to call to protect your public interest as a visitor to Hawaii.
Read the Denby Fawcett's Hon. Civil Beat story for details: https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1622536&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=ebf7f45694-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_29_12_00_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-82a4618625-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=ebf7f45694&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
IF YOU'RE WILLING TO GO OUT TO WAIMANALO, THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS GIVING AWAY FREE NATIVE PLANTS ON SATURDAY:
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Pope Elementary School in Waimanalo and ends when all the plants are given out. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 20th. Take the family out for a ride!
As a bonus, all people attending who pick up a plant will be entered in a drawing for Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) IS BACKING OFF THEIR PUSH FOR LUXURY HIGH-RISE CONDOS ON THEIR KAKA'AKO MAKAI STATE-CEDED PROPERTY:
After four failed attempts to build three 400+ ft. luxury condo buildings, OHA is not trying for another push on the State Legislature this year.
Perhaps now the last open coastline area in Honolulu can be developed responsibly. A good story in today's Hon. Civil Beat by veteran writer Denby Fawcett reviews the history of the OHA issue:
https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1621679&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=b37ced3fd3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_29_12_00_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-82a4618625-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=b37ced3fd3&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T SUBSCRIBE TO THE HON. STAR ADVERTISER, THIS IS A LETTER WE WROTE IN THEIR "HOPE" FOR THE NEW YEAR FEATURE:
Maintaining public access on many fronts will be essential
2024 will be an important year for both local and federal government decisions. The most important could be the November election. Post-election, should Donald Trump lose, we hope another insurrection event doesn’t repeat itself.
For Hawaii and particularly on Oahu, the issue of continuing free public access to Hawaii’s beaches and recreation areas could be sorely tested should the public/private plan for the Ala Wai Boat Harbor result in parking meters at the traditional free parking lot fronting the Ala Moana Bowls surfing areas.
The continuing issue with private entities blocking established public right-of-way trails to the beach and hiking areas will be with us.
Hindrances to equal public access to housing and employment will need to be monitored.
Our main hope for all of Hawaii’s people besides free public access issues is that we all find ways to express aloha for everyone in the coming year.
John and Rita Shockley
Free Access Coalition Makakilo
THIS IMPORTANT FREE CLASS IS OFFERED BY THE COOPERATION OF FRIENDS OF KEWALOS AND QUEEN'S MEDICAL CENTER: STOP THE BLEED!
Whether you are at the beach, on a hiking trail, a traffic accident scene or just at home, this course on emergency bleeding control including correct application of tourniquets could save a life--maybe YOURS! Here's the details on the four up-coming courses that will be held at the State Beach at Kewalos:
Four courses: Jan. 24th, April 24th, July 24th, and October 23rd at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Ho'okupu Bldg. at Kewalo Basin Park. Parking lot is free.
Register: www.queens.org/events/ More info? Contact TJ Donayri: [email protected]
Don't let this opportunity slip by. Bring your friends and neighbors!
FREE HAWAIIAN NATIVE PLANT AND TREE GIVE-AWAY SET BY THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB:
If you live on O'ahu and would like to have Hawaiian Native plants in your yard, this is a unique offer:
Plan to come to the Blanche Pope Elementary School in Waimanalo, Saturday, Jan. 20th starting at 9 a.m. until all the plants are given away.
Sierra Club will have a variety of native plants well suited for the windward side, as well as species that will thrive in pots for small spaces. Our super volunteer tree experts will be on hand to help you pick the right plant for you!
Plants will be first come, first served while supplies last, with a two plant limit per household. This is part of our Virtual Tree Planting program.
learn more about the program here.
Bonus: Everyone that comes to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS HAVING A MEET & GREET EVENT IN HONOLULU IN ADVENT OF THE 2024 HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE. EVERYONE IS INVITED:
You are invited to the first Environmental Legislative Network Meeting of the year THIS Thursday, January 11, at 5pm. Join us at the Earthjustice Conference Room, 850 Richards St #400, Honolulu, HI 96813 to meet old and new members, discuss legislative priorities, and kick off the 2024 legislative session. Pupus and drinks provided.
This is your chance to get involved with the mechanics of change as climate change and other issues grow right here in Hawaii.
A WARNING OF HOW FREE ACCESS TO HAWAII'S BEACHES COULD TURN BAD:
Aloha!
Let this message from our friend in the mainland be a warning to Hawaii as what is allowed to go on, uncontested, at many California Beaches. They use the excuse that paying for parking is a “use fee” separate from the actual right to access California and even other State Beach Parks in the U.S.
If we allow government and private entities to “tax” access to recreation, the end result will be a tremendous loss for Hawaii’s present and future generations of people who don’t live at the beach. Let’s resolve to not make Hawaii’s beaches and recreation areas become like Del Mar Beach.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition.
Here’s the new Del Mar beach parking fee’s for 2024 --
New parking rates, low-income passes coming to Del Mar next month
by Laura PlaceJanuary 2, 2024235DEL MAR — A planned increase in paid parking rates and a new low-income beach parking pass program will kick off in February in Del Mar.
Beginning Feb. 1, hourly parking rates will increase from $3 to $4, and daily rates will increase from a maximum of $15 to $20. The city will also add a 30-cent credit card fee for meter payments, and rates will be permitted to increase by up to 3% each year based on inflation.
The changes come as part of a Coastal Development Permit conditionally approved by the California Coastal Commission in early 2023. The city was required to apply for the permit before implementing new parking rates due to the potential impacts on public coastal access.
HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU 2024 FROM THE FREE ACCESS COALITION:
We hope all our non-profit organizations and individual activists have a happy and healthy 2024. That said, the FAC looks at the major success where the Navy has finally drained the fuel from the underground storage facility at Red Hill on O'ahu. Free public access to drinking water is so important!
Challenges for public access continue with the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor management headed by Ed Underwood trying to turn the State Harbor into a "public/private" entity which threatens to turn the free public parking to "for-pay" metered parking. This area has been free since before Hawaii Statehood.
Major challenges for the California mainland include the public access denial at the Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara. Billionaire David Geffen still is blocking the Public Access pathway to Broad Beach in Malibu using private guards intimidating the public.
We hope you who are reading this greeting will continue to support issues of free public access to Beaches, Recreation Areas, Employment, and Housing.
Let's all have a great 2024!
WANT TO START 2024 OFF HELPING THE SIERRA CLUB OF O'AHU? HERE'S YOUR CHANCE:
Sunday, January 14, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at [email protected].
WE WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2024!
When there is an issue of free public access to beaches, recreational areas, housing, jobs, etc. We hope we can count on you to step forward to keep free access for our generation and all the coming ones.
Thank you for your support!
John & Rita Shockley--Coordinators.
EPA REPORTS CONTAMINATION IN THE PEARL HARBOR WATER SUPPLY:
There is possible residual water contamination in the Navy's Pearl Harbor water delivery system. Houses may have residual contamination in piping even though main piping has been replaced by the Navy.
Residents complain about residual contamination that the EPA reports is true. The Navy refuses to replace contaminated water heaters, a possible source of the continuing fuel residue. A sad epilogue to an even sadder story.
HONOLULU'S RED HILL FUEL STORAGE FACILITY IS DRAINED BUT NOT EMPTY OF JET FUEL SLUDGE FROM THE U.S. NAVY
The Hon. Star-Advertiser reports that all the fuel from the 20 massive underground storage tanks has been removed with gravity-flow. Now comes the complete drainage of the unusable liquid and sludge at the bottoms of the tanks and the piping system. Here's a part of the story:
Military concludes ‘gravity defueling’
The remaining 60,000 gallons cannot be drained by gravity
By Kevin Knodell
[email protected]
The military task force draining the fuel from the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility announced Friday that it had wrapped up the last of its major milestones for the year, completing “gravity defueling” operations.
It will begin the last phase of the defueling in January.
Since October, Joint Task Force Red Hill has drained approximately 104,642,160 gallons from the massive underground fuel farm, which sits just 100 feet above a critical aquifer most of Honolulu relies on for drinking water.
IF YOU HAPPEN TO PARK AT THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR FOR A VISIT TO WAIKIKI, KEEP THIS IN MIND:
Kate Thompson, activist at the harbor, writes this warning:
The Mr. Tow company pays one dollar a year on a State Contract.
Likely makes $500k a year
Secure Parking gross was $280k last year and will be more than $300k for 2023.
The Harbor gets a check in the mail from Secure Parking (80/20 split) for over $100k per month, one million a year and it goes into the Boating Special Fund. Therefore the surfers are already giving $40k a month due to the 2008 negotiated release from the public to DOBOR of 249 parking stalls to be converted to free stalls.
Secure Parking simply put up their signs and maintain the meters (twice a week, put in paper), and attend a few meetings, including ‘Post-tow meetings’.
They DO NOT patrol the area, mark tires, give citations or provide security.
All they do is share the electronic information of meter expiration times with the Tow Truck drivers, who then TOW IMMEDIATELY!
More than 2000 cars will be towed by Mr Tow this year. (Based on the number DOBOR Dir. Ed Underwood said on Dec 7th.)
Shameful that DOBOR never did their homework, like State Parks, also under DLNR. In State Parks towing is very rare, there is more staff and Hawai’i residents park for free.
THE BUREAU OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES PUSHES THROUGH DRACONIAN CAR-TOWING CONTRACT FOR THREE YEARS.
Kate Thompson, Ala Wai Yacht Harbor activist, reports that the BLNR pushed through the car-towing contract for "Mr. Tow" for three more years without any discussion. This sounds suspicious to us. The only public recourse at Ala Wai will be for individuals to watch carefully where they park in the boating dock area. Some of the stalls are free but a lot require a permit or parking money. Predator tow-trucks are staged waiting for any infraction.
At least the free public parking spaces at Ala Wai by the Ala Moana Bowls parking lot will remain in tact--for now. Stay tuned.
THE HONOLULU BEACH FRONT AT KAKA'AKO MAKAI SCORES A VICTORY AGAINST RESIDENTIAL HIGH-RISES:
Here's a letter from the Friends of Kewalos President, Ron Iwami:
Aloha Friends!
It was a long process but today the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) approved the Kaka'ako Makai Area Rules/Plan to include the Residential Ban. It is official, we now have a new Rule (today) to supplement the No Residential law(2006) to keep Kaka'ako Makai residential free for all the People.
A big Mahalo for all your efforts and testimonies! We showed up and we made a difference! 40 in favor of the new rule and a big 0 oppose.
However, we must remain vigilant for there have been many attempts to repeal the law that prohibits residential development in Kaka'ako Makai. Stay tuned.
IMPORTANT BLNR MEETING SET FOR THIS THURSDAY REGARDING THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR CAR-TOWING ISSUE:
Since 2008, the Surfrider Oʻahu Chapter has been partnered with Save Surf Parking to Save Ala Wai Surf Parking and protect the last remaining 300 FREE parking stalls in Waikīkī. This Thursday (Dec. 7)the Board of Land and Natural Resources will be considering recent recommendations by the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation to issue a long term contract to Secure Parking Hawaiʻi LLC. This is the draconian "Mr. Tow" parking company contract which must be ended. Testimony must be submitted by Wednesday, December 6 at 9 a.m. [email protected] (Include "J-7" in the subject line.)
If you can, please show up in person Thursday morning at Room 132, Kalanimoku Building (1151 Punchbowl Street), from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am and wear red!
THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO DEC. 7TH FOR THE J-7 AGENDA ITEM. PAID PARKING HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA:
Kate Thompson, activist lead at Save Ala Wai Surf Parking, reports that the BLNR has moved the Ala Wai boat harbor issue forward one day. Paid parking has been removed from the agenda. The new J-7 item will be about the car towing contract where cars were towed without warning from the Ala Wai boat harbor parking areas.
We will continue to watch the BLNR and the free public parking issue. If you have the time, try to attend the meeting: Kalanimoku conference bldg. 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7th.
A NEW GROUP: "WATER ALLIANCE INITIATIVE" HAS FORMED TO PRESS THE U.S. NAVY TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE THEIR RED HILL FUEL STORAGE FACILITY HAS CAUSED SINCE WWII.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, State Sen. Scott Saiki, and Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer, Ernie Lau will head up the "WAI" group to press the Navy to remedy the damage caused by fuel leaks over the life of the fuel storage facility.
Hopefully this coalition of leaders can make the Navy take responsibility for all the ecological damage to the Honolulu aquifer that lies a hundred feet below the massive underground fuel tanks that have degraded over the years causing multiple fuel leaks into the water supply for Honolulu.
Stay tuned for updates from the WAI.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
This special day is our favorite because it reminds us of all the blessings, gifts, friendships, family, and freedom we so often take for granted.
We wish you all a wonderful day of gratitude!
BREAKING NEWS! THE HONOLULU BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY IS BILLING THE U.S. NAVY FOR $1.2 BILLION IN DAMAGES:
Here's the statement from BWS Chief Eng., Ernie Lau:
Two years after Navy fuel tainted Oahu’s primary drinking water source, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is sending a massive bill to the military.
BWS filed a $1.2 billion claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act last month calling on the Navy to cover costs the utility has incurred – and will incur – as a consequence of the water contamination disaster at the Red Hill fuel storage facility in 2021.
Now, let's see if the Navy owns up to their damage to the Honolulu water supply...stay tuned!
SIERRA CLUB O'AHU IS CONTINUING THEIR BEACH RESTORATION PROJECT THIS SUNDAY AT WAWAMALU BEACH--RIGHT AT SANDY BEACH ON THE SOUTH SHORE:
If you want to make a real difference and actually do something to heal the earth, come to this Sunday event that starts at 9 a.m. Here's the details:
Take time to decompress and mālama ʻāina with like-minded folks to help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its natural and native status after years of inattention and damage from off-road vehicles.
We will be collecting and sowing native plant seeds, removing invasive plant species, and picking up litter and marine debris.
You can RSVP via email here (preferred) or just show up THIS Sunday, November 19!
Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Water for refills will be provided. Personal pickaxes welcome.
Meet 9am at western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park.
A FREE EVENT IN WAIPAHU REGARDING FILIPINO VETERAN CONTRIBUTIONS IN WWI AND WWII:
Saturday, November 18, 202310:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Waipahu Public Library, 94-275 Mokuola Street, Waipahu
Click here for ZOOM Link.
In commemoration of Veterans Day (formerly, Armistice Day) FAHSOH presents a discussion based on our WWI (Sakadas and Soldiers) and WWII (Loyalty and Valor) exhibits. We will remember the Filipinos who answered the calls to defend U.S. interests in Hawaii and the Philippines but were denied the benefits promised to them.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Waipahu Public Library (site of the Hawaii Filipino WWII Monument) and is free and open to the public. Online access via ZOOM link above
THE O'AHU SIERRA CLUB IS SPONSORING A MEETING WITH THE PRINCIPLE GROUPS INVOLVED WITH THE DRAINING OF THE RED HILL FUEL STORAGE TANKS.
Anyone interested in this issue can attend the meeting live or catch it on Zoom. Here's the details:
The Fuel Tank Advisory Committee will meet this Wednesday, November 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. HST at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room and online via Zoom (register in advance here ). This is the twice-a-year opportunity to hear from and speak to Navy leaders, as well as state and federal legislators and government officials (including from the Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaiʻi Department of Health, and Honolulu Board of Water Supply), regarding the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. You can review Wednesday’s meeting’s agenda here.
CRI Meeting #2 Agenda:
Facilitator: Healani Sonoda-Pale
EPA Facilitation Support: Dominique & Karen
I. Oli
II. Introductions
IV. Announcements
V. Defueling Update from Navy
VI. Safe Drinking Water Discussion
VII. Air Monitors Discussion
VIII. Transition from JTF to Closure Presentation
IX. Public Q&A Please don't discount this important project. Find a way to attend this meeting.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SENT IN TESTIMONY TO THE BLNR AGAINST THE SCHEME TO METER THE FREE PARKING SPACES AT THE ALA WAI HARBOR LOT RESERVED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC!
Apparently, the Board cancelled the meeting set for tomorrow after receiving a flood of negative testimony regarding the parking issue. They reset the meeting for Dec. 8th, possibly hoping that public interest will subside and they can proceed with DOBAR administrator, Ed Underwood's, plan to privatize the Ala Wai Boat Harbor area.
We will need all of your support one more time as we prepare for a public rally and e-mail flood in advent of the December DLNR meeting. We cannot afford to lose this issue!
EMERGENCY! WE NEED TO SAVE THE FREE PARKING LOT AT THE ALA WAI YACHT HARBOR FRONTING THE ALA MOANA BOWLS SURF SPOT:
The Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, will hold a meeting to discuss turning the free public parking lot into a "for pay" lot with limited time usage on Thursday, Nov. 9th. For those who can attend in person, here's the details:
- Attend live at 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 132 (Kalanimoku Building), Honolulu. Please arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the meeting start time in order to add your name to the sign-in sheet. 9:30 a.m. approximate start time.
This is crucial issue--We need your help. Testimony must be in by today,Nov. 7th. Don't delay your note!
RED HILL FUEL DUMP DRAINAGE PROJECT UPDATE:
54 million gallons of jet fuel have been removed from the Navy's Red Hill storage facility so far. There were 104 million gallons at the 20 underground tanks when the defueling began in October.
The tanks should be 98% drained by November 18th according to Navy Vice-Admiral John Wade who is in charge of the defueling project.
The remaining "sediment fuel" will be removed but not pumped to off-shore ships. That process could take three to five years. Stay tuned! It's not over until all the tanks and miles of piping have been cleared and cleaned.
IF BY CHANCE YOU ARE NEAR WEST O'AHU, HERE'S A SIERRA CLUB EVENT YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO:
Friday, November 10, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration.
The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at [email protected].
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE PROGRESS OF O'AHU'S RED HILL DEFUELING ISSUE:
The Navy is FINALLY starting the removal of jet fuel stored at the Red Hill facility. The first ship has been loaded with Red Hill fuel. Hopefully, with no glitches, the project to save the Honolulu aquifer that the Red Hill facility sits above will be complete.
Stay tuned to this issue. It goes beyond just the Honolulu residents drinking water safety. The tourist industry is also dependent on good results. More on this as we go along.
JOIN WITH FRIENDS OF KEWALOS TO LIMIT SURF CONTESTS AT KEWALOS TO FOUR EVENTS A YEAR
Beaches are shut down for surf contests that limit public access to the ocean. Right now eight contests are allowed. Friends of Kewalos would like this limited to four events per year with shorter waiting periods and two instead of four contest days.
If you would like you make your voice known to government about increasing public access to the beaches with less contests, here's where you can testify. (Unfortunately only snail mail and in-person testimony will be heard.)
Send your mail testimony later than Oct. 29th to:
Kapolei Hale
1000 Uluoheia Street Suite 309
Kapolei, HI. 96707
Better yet, plan to come down to Kapolei "Second City Hall" (address above) and do a live testimony. Meeting time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 20th. The C&C will take your mail-in testimony until nine days after the meeting.
If you are tired of excessive surf contests blocking the public from the water, make your voice known!
TWO FREE HALLOWEEN EVENTS HOSTED BY STORY-TELLER JEFF GERE:Halloween is my birthday! So come share a few chilling tales with me to celebrate:
Sat Oct 28- Family Show @ Ala Wai Park (corner of McCully & )
5pm pumpkin carving 6:15-7:15ish Jeff Goes Off…
Silly & Spooky, personal, folktales & local lore. including 3 true supernatural tales told to him in American Samoa.
That canoe house looks abandoned- PERFECT!
This is the second year Jeff’s doing this community show for families. Join us- bring aq friend for protection.
Sun Oct 29- Another Spooky @ UH Manoa, Krauss Hall #012 ( Sakamaki)
2-3pm Alton Chung, Janice Oshiro, & Jeff…. FREE, 20 minutes each
HYBRID SHOW: Online and In-Person (Intimate!)
The Statewide Cultural Extension Program (SCEP, Outreach College),
hosts this annual special HYBRID Halloween Storytelling show.
Registration required:
Click Here for In-Person Registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzkgBpsU_Twsjm45faDi8LAcSo94NyBxjKLdwylG_2wT1R_A/viewform)
Click Here for Online Registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0k8um-5hk6OCSM5nqThC-zcq5qtfBUe9Yt7Tmg2YhVAkBAQ/viewform)
JANINE OSHIRO - MOTHER’S SWEETS
Janine Oshiro loves creating storytelling programs that explore the sparks between folk and fairy tales and personal stories. For Halloween she will share a version of the haunting Japanese folktale Kosodate Yurei, and a personal story about a mother’s love that knows no boundaries.
ALTON CHUNG- UP ON THE MOUNTAIN
This is a true story given to me by a local spiritual healer. Six young Hawaiian lifeguards hike into the Koolau Mountains for a weekend camping trip. It rains. They’re not alone. Something terrifying stalks through their camp late at night. They spent hours hiking endless trails to get back, but something followed them home.
JEFF GERE- TESTING GOD
On a storytelling tour I pulled over at the sign “garage sale”.... We five unloaded and ambled into a
beat up garage. When I recognized the host lady, my blood turned to ice - I knew her... too late to
turn and run. She’d already started her story of life and death in the balance of answers to three
riddles.... it was terrifying.”
CIVIL BEAT DOES A GREAT STORY ABOUT O'AHU'S MAKAKILO NEIGHBORHOOD'S DRIVE FOR ACCESS EXTENSION OF THEIR MAIN ENTRY/EXIT ROAD:
Here's the complete story from non-profit blog Civil Beat reporter Marcel Honore:
https://www.civilbeat.org/?p=1599238&utm_source=Civil+Beat+Master+List&utm_campaign=f9e132dd2d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_10_09_08_26_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-979a16f9d8-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=f9e132dd2d&mc_eid=3b11fcd1b9
SIERRA CLUB O'AHU IS CONDUCTING A BEACH CLEAN-UP AND RESTORATION EVENT AT WAWAMALU BEACH NEXT TO SANDY BEACH ON O'AHUS SOUTH SHORE THIS SUNDAY:
You are invited to join us THIS Sunday, October 15 from 9am-12pm for a service project at Wāwāmalu!
Take time to decompress and mālama ʻāina with like-minded folks to help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its natural and native status after years of inattention and damage from off-road vehicles.
We will be collecting and sowing native plant seeds, removing invasive plant species, and picking up litter and marine debris.
You can RSVP via email here (preferred) or just show up THIS Sunday, October 15!
Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Water for refills will be provided. Personal pickaxes welcome.
Meet 9am at western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park.
Sincerely,
Reese Liggett
Oʻahu Group Outings Leader
AN IMPORTANT FREE-ACCESS ISSUE AT O'AHU'S ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR:
Aloha All!
Kate Thompson, a boat resident at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, brings up an interesting and important issue about how many people are having their cars towed because of “parking violations” that may not even be State authorized. There is an important story that delves deep into the condition of the parking signs, parking striping, harbor funding misuse, resulting in the general run-down condition at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor.
Of particular interest to civic non-profits like our Free Access Coalition who are monitoring the potential “privatization” of the harbor. The potential for metering the historically free public parking is of critical interest to the general public who use the Ala Wai Harbor area as a gateway to the surf at Ala Moana Bowls as well as the Waikiki area in general. As it stands now, unclear signage that is worn out is causing many people to have cars towed away by a draconian private towing company that may be using illegal methods removing cars from the harbor to Kalihi leaving the owners stranded.
There could be a lawsuit possible. I’m hoping lawyers will take an interest.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your joint Kokua!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators: Free Access Coalition
Hey,
I just signed the petition "Let’s work together to improve the signage at Ala Wai Boat Harbor parking area, and reduce towing." and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 200 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://chng.it/nFXYrqnjM7
Thanks!
John
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE PUBLIC MEETING OF THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION O'AHU CHAPTER TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY OCT. 4TH AT 6 P.M. HAWAIIAN TIME.
Chapter chairperson, Elizabeth says there will be a pot-luck pizza event and a meet-greet for new people. Bring some snacks, food, or beverages if you'd like to contribute. Set your GPS for: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. (2nd Floor) Hon., HI. 91814.
More information? [email protected]
PLANNING TO VISIT MAUI? HERE'S SOME SIERRA CLUB HIKES YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE:
Below is our hike schedule for October through December. Be sure to check this page for updates.
Quarter 4 Outings Schedule:Hike description key: (C) conservation focus, such as discussing how to conserve this land for future generations to enjoy; (E) educational, such as visiting and learning about archeological sites and naming the plants and flowers; (S) service outing (no donation required), (D) round trip hike distance.
Sunday October 1, 2023
Makamakaʻole Stream (13 Crossings) (C/E)
North Shore, 2.4 miles
Beautiful hike with many stream crossings and waterfall-fed pool at the end. Trekking poles are recommended due to loose rocks in the stream and potentially wet trails if there has been recent rainfall. Bring water shoes, lunch, water, swimsuit. Limit 10. Meet at Waiʻehu Golf Course parking lot 8:00am to carpool. Leader: Ann Schultz [email protected], 808-344-6628.
Sign up
Saturday October 7, 2023
Old Haleakalā Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 5 miles
Hike down the segment of the Old Haleakalā Trail from Crater Road to the top of Olinda Road, on the path described by Jack London and Mark Twain. We will meet at the Waihou Spring Trailhead near the top of Olinda Road and shuttle to the top. It is almost all downhill, with some rocky areas in the beginning and then mostly pasture land. There is a video of the trail from the trial leading to access being allowed: https://youtu.be/8pHpIbJ_Ic8. Although this is a relatively short hike, it is rated moderate/strenuous because of some steep gulch traversals and the 2,500′ elevation change. Outing leader Rob Weltman – [email protected].
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Sunday October 8, 2023
White Cross Wailuku
North Shore, 1.5 miles
Strenuous uphill hike with great views. Long pants are recommended. Bring lunch & water. Meet 8 am. Take Main St. toward ʻĪao Valley, then take the left fork toward Wailuku Heights, a short distance to a large water tank. Park at the water tank (trailhead nearby). Limit 10. Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
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Monday October 16, 2023
Makaʻiwa Bay and shoreline (east Maui) (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles
(C/E) 4 miles. Sometimes strenuous hike through a muddy forest and then down a ridge line to the coast. There are ropes at the end of the hike if you would like to explore the coastline. The return hike is all uphill. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, swimwear. Limit 10. Meet at Haʻikū Community Center 8 am to carpool. Leader: Miranda Camp [email protected] or 868-6848.
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Kōkua Day at Fleming Arboretum, Pu‘u Māhoe (C/E/S)
ʻUlupalakua, 1 miles
Help maintain the Fleming Arboretum at 2600 feet in ʻUlupalakua, sanctuary to many endangered native dry land forest plants. Awesome views of La Perouse (Keoneʻoʻio) coast and Kahoʻolawe. Bring a light jacket, lunch and gloves. It is recommended to have shoes with ankle support in case we are working on uneven ground. Meet 9am at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store. Estimate 3 hours of work. Refreshments available. A BYO lunch will be at the Fleming cabin with a great view of South Maui. Limit 20. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Waiohuli/Boundary Trail Loop
Kula, 4.5 miles
We will take a steep dirt road to the Upper Waiohuli Trail then go down to the Boundary Trail and loop back to our cars. Bring sunscreen, layers in case it is cold/misty, water, and snacks. There might be fabulous views 😉 4WD is required on the dirt road,
Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
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Saturday October 28, 2023
Hāmākua Mālama service outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie [email protected].
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Sunday October 29, 2023
Kapalua Coastal Trail hike and Makaluapuna Point exploration (C/E)
West Maui, 3.5 miles
Meet in the D.T. Fleming Beach Parking Lot, left side, at 8am. We will walk along the coastal path, a combination of asphalt, gravel, and rocky trail. After a stop at Kapalua Bay, we will return to Fleming Beach. Although the footing can be rough in places, this is an easy three and a half mile RT hike. There are restrooms at each end of the walk. For all who are interested, there is an optional detour to Makaluapuna Point on the way back to see the jagged rock formation known as Dragon’s Teeth and to walk the labyrinth. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent at both DT Fleming Beach and Kapalua Bay, so bring appropriate gear if you wish. Snack/lunch on the beach at Kapalua Bay. Bring water and reef-safe sun protection. Leader Annie Schultz 808-344-6628.
Leader: Ann Schultz [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday November 5, 2023
Pauwela Point Lighthouse and Tide Pools (C/E)
North Shore, 4 miles
Moderate, with some steep muddy sections. Dramatic coastal views and tidepools. Meet 8 am at Haʻikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. There may be an opportunity to bathe in the pools. Bring a plastic garbage bag if you would like to help collect trash along the way. Limit 15. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
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Sunday November 12, 2023
Honolua Bay snorkel, and ʻOhai Loop & Nakalele Blowhole hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 3 miles
We will begin our Westside Maui Adventure with a short access trail hike and an hour of snorkeling at Honolua Bay (mile marker 32 on highway 30). We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.2-mile ʻOhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nakalele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Māʻalaea by about 1:00 PM. Bring snorkel gear, bathing suit, rash guard, towel, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, and shoes suitable for short (possibly muddy) hikes. Meet at 7:30 AM at the small parking lot on the southwest corner of North Kīhei Road and Honoapiʻilani Highway near Māʻalaea. We will carpool to the Honolua Bay parking area (very limited). People on the west side are welcome to meet us around 8:30 AM at the Honolua Bay dirt parking lot at mile marker 32 on Highway 30. There are porta-potties at the Honolua Bay parking lot. Limit 12. Leader Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
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Sunday November 19, 2023
Haleakalā Supply Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 4.8 miles
Beautiful high altitude round trip hike from Hosmer Grove campground (7000’) to Halemauʻu overlook (8,000’) at the crater rim and back. Prepare for wet/windy conditions. Wear footwear for rocky terrain. Bring hat, jacket, lunch, plenty of water, trekking poles, and park pass if you have one. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
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Saturday November 25, 2023
Hāmākua Mālama service outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday November 26, 2023
ʻĪao Valley Exploration
Wailuku, 2 miles
Explore ʻĪao Valley – there might be steep sections and trees will be there to hang on to. There might be swimming!
Leader: Mark Short [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday December 3, 2023
Makena Shoreline Hike (C/E)
Makena, 4 miles
Moderate, pleasant walk on “fisherman’s trail”, road, sandy beaches, rocky beaches past tidepools to Keoneuli (Black Sand Beach). Beautiful views. Hiking stick useful on uneven and sometimes loose rocks. Meet 8 am in public parking lot for Polo Beach, near entrance. Almost entirely exposed, so bring sun protection. We’ll stop to eat anything we have with us at Keoneuli. Limit 15. Leader: Rob Weltman ( [email protected]).
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Sunday December 10, 2023
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 3 miles
This area was acquired by HILT to keep it from development. Easy 3-mile loop along coast and through forest. Covered shoes recommended on this rocky coast. There are archaeological features, unspoiled views, and we may see whales, monk seals, turtles, Hawaiian birds, and native plants. We will stop for a snack and to enjoy the views. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
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Friday December 15, 2023
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (C/E)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Come see a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds as well as a very impressive and beautiful Hawaiian native planting area, and hear an overview about the refuge. Meet 10:00 am inside the refuge visitor center (turn into driveway at mile post 6 on Mokulele/Maui Veterans Highway and then right to the parking lot). Bring binoculars, suitable closed toe shoes for mud and water, sun protection, water. Limit 20. Leader: Rob Weltman [email protected].
Sign up
Sunday December 17, 2023
Waihe‘e Ridge Trail hike (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 5 miles
This is a moderate to strenuous hike, as it is uphill most of the way to the top, a 1600-foot elevation gain. This trail can be very slippery if there has been recent rainfall, so a hiking stick is important. There is a beautiful forest, and spectacular ocean and valley views. Meet at 8 AM at the upper parking lot: turn mauka (inland) at Circle M Ranch (mile marker 6.9 on Kahekili Highway) and drive .9 miles to upper parking lot. Leader: Annie Schultz [email protected] or 808-344-6628.
Sign up
A GREAT "TITLE" FOR A HONOLULU AREA FREE EVENT!
Palama Settlement has been a non-profit help center for over a hundred years. Most people who grew up in Honolulu are familiar with Panama Settlement outreach programs. Next Thursday, Sept. 28th, Palama Settlement will be hosting a special free event called:
MALAMA THE MAMAS OF PALAMA
The fun-filled event will be held in the Palama Settlement Dining Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event celebrates the women who help at the Settlement and features: Dancing, Health-fair, mini Job-Fair, Health Solutions, Refreshments, and lots of FREE prize give-aways.
Palama Settlement: 810 N Vineyard Street, Honolulu, 96817. Phone: 808 845-3945. Make your plans for a free and fun-filled evening!
HERE'S A GREAT FAMILY EVENT COMING UP THIS SUNDAY!
HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE.
Sunday Sept. 24th. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Come to this FREE event where the Harvest Moon will be celebrated. Astronomer Nick Bradley will have a presentation and telescopes to view the rising moon. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a bento lunch or special saimin for the event.
There will be games for the children, t-shirts and plants for sale, genealogy assistance, entertainment on stage, food sales, hand-made crafts for sale for the upcoming holiday season, and much more!
Hawaii's Plantation Village is located at 94-695 Waipahu Street, Waipahu Hi. 96797
Phone: 808 677-0110 for more details or e-mail: [email protected]
Don't miss this free fun family event!
LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HELP COMES TO LAHAINA:
Big Mahalo to all of the people who have shown compassion to the horrendous losses the people of Lahaina and Kula Maui have taken with the destructive fire of August.
The Free Access Coalition has sent support to the "Maui Strong" fund as well as Go Fund Me for Lahaina people in need.
What is very heartening is that the $111 million given to Maui Strong and the $55 million given to Go Fund Me as well as other relief funds comes from a wide range of people: Local Hawaii, U.S. National and people from over 100 foreign national countries around the world.
There will be a long recovery and FAC hopes that equal access to the help will be given to the fire recovery as we go forward.
BIG MAHALO TO THE SANTA MARIA FIRST METHODIST CHURCH FOR CLEAN-UP WORK AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU!
Hawaii's Plantation Village always could use volunteer help to keep the history of Hawaii's immigrants who worked in the Plantation System for a hundred years. The California Methodist church stepped up to do the very hard work of cleaning up the natural artesian well fed pond at the Village. Here's a letter from Deanna Espinas to the church leader and his volunteers:
Derrick Iwata,
Thank you so much for supervising the California volunteers from Santa Maria First United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 13, 2023 when they helped with cleaning of Hawaii's Plantation Village fishpond. Thank you also for coordinating their tour of the plantation structures.
I am mailing a copy of the Plantation Village News, August 2023 to Reverend Bob Isip from Kilohana United Methodist Church since I think he'd be pleased that their group were mentioned in our newsletter.
Thank you again welcoming these mainland visitors!
Deanna Espinas
If your organization, family or YOU would like to volunteer, please call Mil Holiday or the Staff at: 808 -77-0110
HOW ABOUT A FREE FAMILY EVENING EVENT AT HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU, HI.?
Harvest Moon Free Event--Sunday, Sept. 24th, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Free Parking, Free Entry to this evening event that celebrates the Harvest Moon. There will be lots of activities including: Astronomer Nick Bradley's talk and telescope views of the moon and planets, the moon will rise big over the taro patch, the SOCIAL HALL will feature the history of food harvested in Hawaii, learn your family genealogy with staff on hand to guide you, Plants and how to care for them will be featured for sale,
At the HALAU: Fun games for adults and kids! Try the Malasada Toss, Marble Maze, and the new "Help Moki the Mongoose" scavenger hunt!
On STAGE will be Hula dancing, story-telling, and even a little Bon Dance at the end of the night!
All kinds of food and drinks will be available for purchase including special saimin, bento boxes, and malasadas for dessert. Check out the gift store for Holiday Gifts.
Mark your calendars now--Time flies quickly and the Harvest Moon Festival will be upon us soon! Bring the family to this free family event.
FREE ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT:
All individuals who were impacted by the Maui fires should apply for FEMA assistance. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply.
Please have the following information available when you apply:
- A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back;
- Address of the damaged property;
- Social Security number;
- Bank account information or direct deposit information including routing and account numbers;
- Insurance information (if you have insurance);
- Brief description of damages (if known);
- A mailing address;
- Pen and paper to write down your registration number.
Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and usually will not compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.
LAHAINA, MAUI FIRE TRAGEDY:
The news about the fires in Maui that include Kula and Kihei is tragic with over 60 fire related deaths reported. The Free Access Coalition wishes that those who want to donate to the relief please double-check your donation sites to be sure your funds go to relief and not to scammers.
We thank all who wish to help the people of Maui recover from this devastating fire.
INTERESTING CONCEPT TO CREATE MORE EQUAL ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
A Letter to the Editor in today's(08/03/23) Honolulu Star-Advertiser suggests a fast tracking of 3-D homes to speed up affordable home construction.
Build affordable homes with fast 3D printers:
I have read the articles concerning the need for affordable housing. The stumbling blocks seem to be current regulations and permitting processes as well as land-use issues.
It is time to look for simpler solutions, like bringing 3D printing industry technology to Hawaii.
The shell of a two- to three-bedroom house could be 3D-printed in about three hours or less. This will drastically reduce the cost of construction per home as well as increase the inventory of homes much faster.
It will not hurt the union trades, since they will still be working. But they will be using a much-improved construction technique to produce the homes at a faster rate. In fact, this will help the union workers actually afford to purchase a home themselves, since many fall into the same category as most people in Hawaii.
This will work as long as the government does not spend $20 million and waste 10 years doing a study to see if this idea will work. They should consider revising existing building codes to accommodate the use of 3D printing.
Ken Takeya
Kailua
ANOTHER FREE FAMILY EVENT FOR THOSE ON O'AHU: WAIPAHU STREET FEST
Mark the date: August 19th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrating Waipahu's history, people and future. Featuring Food, Pop-ups of all kinds, Classic Cars, Keiki games, Music, and more! How about a $1,000 Karaoke contest?
Come to the corner of Waipahu Depot Street and Hikimoe Street for all the action. Bring the family! More info? www.keawalau.com
HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE IN WAIPAHU IS HOSTING A FREE EVENT:
This is a great family cultural event for residents and visitors to Hawaii July 22nd. The Portuguese Festa event will go on beginning 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of free entertainment and food for sale. Here's the link for the event: photo
IF YOU HAPPEN TO LIVE OR ARE VISITING HAWAII, THIS FREE EVENT MIGHT BE FOR YOU:
HAWAI‘I ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL!
FREE!
HAWAI‘I ‘UKULELE FESTIVAL! FREE!
Sunday, July 23 — 10 am-5 pm
Kapi‘olani Bandstand
Aloha,
Roger Jellinek
Executive Director
Hawai'i Book & Music Festival
808 429-2621
[email protected]
HBMF.online.com
In Partnership with UH Manoa
HBMF--the wonderful diversity of books,
arts, ideas and music that defines us.
FRIENDS OF KEWALOS THANKS THOSE WHO SENT TESTIMONY TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HCDA).
Aloha Friends
Mahalo for your testimony!
Kaka’ako Makai Area Rules will be updated to include the law that bans residential development in KAKA'AKO MAKAI.(Last open coastline in Honolulu.)
Stay Tuned!
FOR O'AHU RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: SURFRIDER O'AHU CHAPTER MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH.
For anyone interested in helping preserve our ocean and beaches, especially in Hawaii, here's your chance to come down to the "live meeting" that will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. at "BOX JELLY" in Kaka'ako: Ward Center, Honolulu 96814.
More info? www.oahu.surfrider.org (click the blue slant) /
THE HCDA IS ASKING FOR TESTIMONY AS THEY CONSIDER RULE CHANGES THAT PROHIBIT HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AT HONOLULU'S LAST OPEN COASTLINE:
State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki is asking for public testimony regarding the safeguarding of the Honolulu Coastal area makai of Ala Moana Blvd. Send e-mail to: [email protected]
The Hawaii Community Development Authority will make rule changes that comply with existing State Law prohibiting rampant development of residential high-rise building construction makai of Ala Moana Blvd.
The future of Honolulu's last remaining open coastline is in your hands for the present and future generations of Hawaii's people. Take a minute and send your support for this HCDA initiative. Mahalo!
A THANK-YOU FROM THE FRIENDS OF KEWALOS:
Aloha Friends!
Friends of Kewalos extends a BIG MAHALO to those who had a part in the 16th Annual Kewalo Basin Park Clean-up and fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, 2023. We had a terrific turnout again, all working hard to “give back” to our beloved park. It is so good to see how many people care about this magical place.
In addition to the general clean up, we also cleaned and disinfected the restrooms, and power washed the showers. All to the sounds of our homegrown Kewalo Band and amazing free coffee from the Makanai Bentos and Coffee Truck. The park looked fantastic when we were done.
After the clean-up, Lester Maximo took our group photo with over 200 hundred trash bags lined up in the foreground. Then we moved the bags curbside and the bags were picked up by the City and County's Park crew. This was a perfect example how people working together can accomplish great things!
TODAY IS THE KEWALO BASIN BEACH CLEAN-UP DAY!
If you live on O'ahu, please consider taking your family down to the Kewalos Beach and participating in the beach clean-up. Lots of activities including, music and lunch. This is your chance to teach your children about helping the community and environment.
Hoping to see you there! 8 a.m to Noon. You will be directed to public parking lots.
THE "FRIENDS OF KEWALOS" NON-PROFIT IS HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL BEACH CLEAN-UP EVENT THIS SATURDAY. HERE'S THE DETAILS:
Aloha Friends!
Just a friendly reminder that our 16th Annual Kewalo Basin Park Cleanup / Fundraiser is happening this Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm!
It will be a great day to give back to this community park for all that it does for our physical and mental well-being.
PARKING will be available at the Swinerton Gravel lot (enclosed by chain link fence) located right before the right turn as you approach the Park. Parking attendants (Elwin's gang) will guide you.
To keep us hydrated, Menehune water will be provided at our water station.
Feel free to bring your own water bottle :)
Lunch will be provided around 10:45 am.
O'AHU'S KAM HIGHWAY AT "TURTLE BEACH" LANIAKEA WILL MOVE INLAND ALLOWING PARKING AT THE BEACH:
Civil Beat, a local non-profit news group, reported yesterday that the Hon. City Council and Dept. of Transportation plan to move Kamehameha Highway inland of Laniakea's "Turtle Beach" to release traffic back-ups from pedestrians crossing the highway to see the sea turtles in the cove of the surfing beach.
Head of the Dept. of Transportation, Ed Sniffen, told the Council that construction of the beach-side parking area could begin around the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024.
GOOD NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA'S MALIBU BEACH AREA!
The Guardian reports that long last, public access to "Escondido Beach" just north of Malibu will reopen to public access after wealthy owners comply with the Cal. Coastal Commission.
Here's part of the Guardian's story:
‘Hidden’ Malibu beach will open to the public for the first time in 40 yearsAccess to Escondido beach was cut off in the 1980s by wealthy homeowners who craftily hindered the path to the coastline
Rose Horowitch
Tue 13 Jun 2023 17.35 EDT
California’s “hidden” beach will now be fully accessible to the public for the first time in 40 years, after the state approved an agreement for wealthy landowners to create a new path to the coastline.
Up to 70% of California beaches could disappear by end of the century
Read moreEscondido beach, known for placid waters and golden sand, had been mostly inaccessible to the public since the 1980s, when homeowners in the area cut it off from the public. Though California law requires that land below the high tide line remain open to all, complicated legal and construction maneuvers had obscured access to the strip of coastline.
At a 7 June meeting, the California coastal commission finally brought an end to a years-long legal battle, approving an agreement to restore public access to the beach – paid for by the wealthy homeowners who live near the area.
“Beaches are California’s crown jewels and public access is a core mission of our law. Access is for everyone, whether you live down the street or in the Central valley or you’re visiting from across the globe,” said Donne Brownsey, the California coastal commission chair. “We hope this enforcement action sends a message to other property owners who may be hiding or blocking access to the coast that it’s time return those beaches to the public.”
The beach had lived up to its name – Escondido is Spanish for “hidden” – as, until recently, people could only access it by paying a fee to park at a lot a quarter-mile away or by entering by way of the restaurant Geoffrey’s, which is a half-mile away.
Direct beach access was obscured by two properties along the 27900 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The homes are owned by Frank Mancuso Sr, the former chief executive of Paramount Pictures and MGM, and the Wildman Family Trust, the heirs of Don Wildman, the late founder of Bally Total Fitness.
In the 1970s, a trail ran from the roadway down to the beach. But the homes’ prior owners made a number of moves to obstruct public access to the area. The former owners, Ken and Jeannette Chiate and Marilyn and Roger Wolk, had begun blocking access to the beach with un-permitted development, including private driveways, walls, mailboxes and palm trees. Wildman further choked off access to the easement.
FOR THOSE IN THE ORANGE COUNTY OR SAN DIEGO AREA: BOOK SIGNING EVENT AT THE CAL. MUSEUM OF SURFING HISTORY BY WRITER MINDY PENNEYBACKER:
Author and Honolulu newswriter, Mindy Penneybacker will be doing a book signing event at the Oceanside Museum of Surfing History at 6 p.m. this evening at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 92054.
Her work outlines the history and features the achievements of women surfers.
Please turn out and support Ms. Penneybacker's new book!
WAIKIKI'S KUHIO BEACH WILL EXTEND THE OVERNIGHT BEACH CLOSURE TO HELP SECURE THE BEACH:
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser report lead paragraph:Kuhio Beach hours to change for safety and cleanliness’ sake
By Allison Schaefers
[email protected]
The city Department of Parks and Recreation is making plans to extend Kuhio Beach Park’s daily closure by an extra two hours — a move that will broaden the park’s shutdown from midnight to 5 a.m.
The story continues by saying the reasons for the extended closure is to keep the area safe from vandals, graffiti taggers, and gang elements who like to operate during the early morning. Normally the Free Access Coalition supports beach access, but regulation is necessary--especially at Kuhio Beach during the late night hours.
THE O'AHU CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB IS OFFERING PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE O'AHU'S WILD AREAS:
Here's their invitation:
Upcoming outings:
Sunday, June 4, 8am
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe Tree Maintenance
1,000+ trees were planted in this area by volunteers led by Professor Mora, in partnership with The Outdoor Circle, Mālama Learning Center, Ko‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, and the Garden Club of Honolulu in 2018. Unfortunately it was a rough winter and many trees died. However in the years since, we have planted almost a thousand trees to re-establish the native watershed—and most of them have survived! Help us keep them thriving! We will be watering, weeding, and clearing debris from around these recently planted trees. Meet at 8am at the gate between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. Tools and refreshments provided. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirt, water, hat, sunscreen, gloves. Reservations required at least 1 day prior to [email protected].
FOR THOSE ON O'AHU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY EVENT THAT HELPS CLEAN THE BEACH, FRIENDS OF KEWALOS HAS AN INVITATION FOR YOU:
Aloha Friends!
KEWALO BASIN PARK CLEAN UP & FUNDRAISER
8 AM to 12 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023
This family event is a great way to help improve the beach. The Friends will supply the trash bags and refill you water bottles. Speakers, t-shirts, lunch service, and prizes will brighten the event!
Mark your calendars! One month flies by quickly. See you there!
CLIMATE CHANGE REGARDING O'AHU'S HANAUMA BAY BEACH:
That sandy strip at Oahu's south shore's Hanauma Bay nature reserve may be gone by 2030 according to a University of Hawaii report. Here's the Hon. Civil Beat story:Study:
Nearly 90% Of Hanauma Bay Could Be Underwater By 2030
15Researchers say the nature preserve is facing significant threats from climate change.
By Paula Dobbyn / May 11, 2023
Hanauma Bay was voted best beach in the United States in 2016. But if researchers are correct, 88% of the bay’s sandy beach will be gone in just seven years. That’s according to the results of a five-year study by the University of Hawaii Manoa’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. The study spanned a nine-month closure of Hanauma Bay during the pandemic in 2020 and looked at biological, physical and social carrying capacities of the bay, located in southeast Honolulu near the Hawaii Kai neighborhood.
The sandy area of Hanauma Bay could be 88% underwater by 2030, a new study predicts. (Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021) Researchers used models that show the combination of the lowest predicted sea-level rise of one-half foot and the highest tide will result in the jaw-dropping loss of beach at Hanauma Bay, according to a news release Wednesday.
NEW SHORTENED TIMELINE FOR THE DEFUELING OF THE RED HILL UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITY ANNOUNCED BY THE DEPT. OF DEFENSE:
A front page story in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser made the announcement.
RedHill defuelingshortenedto3months
BySophieCocke
[email protected]
TheU.S. Department of Defense has once again sped up its timeline for defueling the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility and now says that it expects to begin draining approximately 104million gallons of fuel from the underground tanks in mid-October, largely completing the process in three months.
Thenew timeline, presented to federal and stateregulators this week as part of asupplement to thePentagon’s defueling plan, shaves off ayear fromthe original timeline. Top military officials originally said defueling would becompleted
by theend of 2024, beforeshorteningthat to July 2024.
TheDOD’s new projected datefor completingdefueling is Jan. 19.
MOLOKAI ACTIVISTS FORCE OPEN THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THEIR BEACH:
Here's the report from Hon. Civil Beat:
MolokaiGate To Kawakui Beach On Molokai Is Open Again — For Now 0Access was RESTRICTED by Kaluakoi Outfitters for months on the Molokai Ranch property.
By Jack Kiyonaga / About 9 hours ago
The public has regained access to the only road leading down to Kawakiu Beach after a private hunting company closed it off due to concerns over public safety and poaching.
Roughly 100 Molokai community members took action last weekend, cutting the chains and removing the gate. They then walked to the beach in a march organized by well-known Molokai activist Walter Ritte.
The gate preventing vehicle access to Kawakiu had been a point of contention among residents for months. The dirt road is owned by Molokai Properties Limited, a Singapore-based company also known as Molokai Ranch that controls 56,000 acres on Molokai.
“The main message is to you guys in Singapore: It’s time to come to the island of Molokai. If you’re going to sell (Molokai Ranch), we’re the guys who want to buy it,” Ritte told the group gathered Saturday.
HONOLULU AND STATE POLITICAL LEADERS STEP UP FOR "LONG TERM" SAFE DRINKING WATER :
The Hon. Star-Advertiser features a front-page story about the Governor and Honolulu Mayor uniting with other leaders to keep the drinking water on O'ahu safe. Here's an excerpt:Isle leaders unite over long-term cleanup
Decades of fuel spills and leaks of other chemicals have put drinking water resources at risk
By Sophie Cocke
[email protected]
Top state and local leaders gathered Tuesday at the state Capitol to sign on to a “unified statement” that calls for an overarching policy governing the cleanup of the area surrounding the Navy’s Red Hill underground fuel facility, where there have been dozens of fuel leaks over the decades as well as spills of firefighting foam containing dangerous chemicals. The show of solidarity was meant to signal the ongoing commitment through all levels of Hawaii government toward ensuring the military follows through on cleaning up the environment after it finishes draining the fuel tanks, which is expected in 2024. “We are here together … saying, ‘Navy, clean up your mess and do it right,’” said Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters.
“ "We seek a proactive approach, plan, and operational integration rather than one that defensively regulates a cleanup to the extent that current laws allow,” according to the statement, which was signed by Waters, Gov. Josh Green, Senate President Ron Kouchi, House Speaker Scott Saiki, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang, state Health Director Kenneth Fink, Honolulu Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau and University of Hawaii President David Lassner.
Green said that he wants to see total transparency from the military, data presented in a more understandable way, clear dates on when Red Hill will be drained and a comprehensive plan for remediating the environment.
GREAT NEWS ABOUT FILTERING FOREVER CHEMICALS FROM WATER SUPPLIES!
A British Columbia research company has found a way to purge "forever chemicals" from water supplies. Red Hill may be causing this kind of water pollution. We will be forwarding this information to Hon. C&C officials.
We are hoping this development can keep free access to drinking water on O'ahu. Here is the website that announced the break-through: https://nicenews.com/innovation/new-water-treatment-removes-forever-chemicals/
A LETTER IN RESPONSE TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS NEWS STORY IN THE SATURDAY HON. STAR ADVERTISER:
Editors:
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs sent a stinging rebuke to the State Legislature and Rep. Scott Saiki in particular in the Saturday issue of the Star-Advertiser. It covered all their talking points about the Kaka’ako Makai property they own and why OHA should be allowed a free hand in developing it.
Follow the money. Their Bill did not offer any guarantee that Kanaka Maoli would have a chance to live in the high-rise development. They did not mention that in their Bill they have the right to sell off their land to private high-rise contractors. Their OHA development bill would open the door for the rest of the area along the Kaka’ako Makai coastal area for high-rise development. Do we want to extend Waikiki to Honolulu Harbor? If Hawaiians cannot live in the luxury area because of their income, how can OHA expect them to drive to Kaka’ako to conduct business and cultural affairs?
OHA sent estimates of their land value at only $41 million saying they were “cheated” during their campaign. Now trustee Mililani Trask says the properties are worth $400 million? The best route forward would be for OHA to just return the property to the State and use the funds to develop properties that are not detrimental to Honolulu's coastline.
John Shockley
Makakilo
THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT HAS JUST BEEN GIVEN A BREATH OF LIFE!
A group from Makakilo met with Mayor Rick Blangiardi today, Friday Apr. 28th to discuss the feasibly of actually building the Makakilo Drive Extension Project that would provide a second entry to Makakilo to the H-1 Freeway at the East/West Road.
Stay tuned for future developments!
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION POSTS INTERESTING WATER POLLUITION INFORMATION:
You probably don’t think about sewage when you head to the beach for a morning swim or surf, but here’s why you should.
The water pollution problem is big — 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage in waters every year, big.
Our nation’s failing infrastructure, old septic systems, and unethical dumping of waste are the main culprits. Water pollution can too easily be out of sight and out of mind until it starts to smell and gets people sick, and that’s the problem.
Hawaii has 85,000 cesspools.
WANT TO DO SOMETHING ON EARTH DAY THIS SATURDAY?
If you live on O'ahu, here's your chance to do something physical to help celebrate Earth Day.
SUNDAY AT 9 AM – 3 PMEarth Day Cleanup Festival 2023
Waimānalo Beach Park
There will be a large group out there, equipment to sift out plastic particles from the sand, food trucks, etc. It would be a great learning experience for kids!
A HAWAII BILL SEEKS TO USE PUBLIC FUNDED ELECTIONS TO LEVEL THE POLITICAL PLAYING FIELD FOR CANDIDATES:
SB1543 is close to becoming law in Hawaii. Publicly funded elections will help remove the back-room influence of private individuals and corporate interests. This measure will help level the playing field in elections giving more equal access to political office for citizen candidates. We'll let you know if and when Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signs the Bill.
NATIVE PLANT GIVE-AWAY SPONSORED BY THE SIERRA CLUB OF O'AHU:
Wayne Tanaka of O'ahu Sierra Club announced the FREE plant give-away this Saturday:
April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month! To celebrate, we are hosting our next native plant giveaway THIS Saturday, April 8, 9am-12pm (or until we run out of trees) at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, A Building. Come by to celebrate with us and pick up a free native plant for you or a friend!
With the help of Hui Kū Maoli Ola and Nānākuli High School teachers, we will be giving away native plant species that are known to thrive in the climate of West Oʻahu on a first come, first served basis.
BONUS: Everyone that comes by to pick up a plant will be entered to win Patagonia and Sierra Club gear!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT WAIMANALO BEACH, O'AHU SPONSORED BY SUSTAINABLE COASTLINES HAWAII:
We’re gearing up for our BIGGEST EVENT of the year… Earth Day!
Join us in celebrating what it means to ‘invest in our planet’ at our Earth Day Cleanup Festival at Waimānalo Beach Park, April 23, 2023. From 9AM - 3PM we’ll be celebrating the Earth in some of the best ways we know how: through stewardship, community, and fun!
This Earth Day Cleanup, we’ll be taking out our mega sifters and handheld plastic particle sifters for the beach cleanup and working to do some epic native plant restoration. Our festival will also have local businesses sharing workshops, other NPOs sharing the ways in which they are stewards of both the land and ocean, locally sourced food, live music, and more! This is a keiki to kupuna friendly event + all are welcome. You can register via the link in our bio
#sustainablecoastlineshawaii #cleanyobeach #coasthuggers #sandsifting#plasticpollution #thetimeisnow #islandhome #beachcleanup #oahubeachcleanup#cleanbeachesstartathome #EarthDay2023 #EarthDayCleanupFestival2023#investinourplanet
Green Shirt RALLY IN SUPPORT OF SB1035 NEEDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
The Bill supports eliminating the "General Excise Tax" on medical providers who are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Tri-Care. This will make it easier for the public to access their medical care.
Audrey and Gene Lee, Malama Moana, are asking people in the Honolulu area to come to the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 28th wearing a green shirt. The rally in support of SB1035 will last about one hour or so beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the morning traffic rush. Meet at the Father Damien statue.
GOOD NEWS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS!
The Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Beach Parking Lot Bill, HB1089, has been shelved. The "private party" group that was looking to manage the area has failed to get their bill through the legislature.
On another note, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, that was looking to get $61 million from the State, supposedly to refurbish the dock area in front of their Kaka'ako Makai land has also failed.
The sad part is OHA says even though they feel cheated, they are not giving up on building Hi-Rise Residential buildings. If they feel that cheated, the Legislature appears willing to take back the sensitive Kaka'ako Makai properties in trade for more useful land OHA could use for moderate priced Hi-Rise construction on other O'ahu lands.
THE ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR "PUBLIC/PRIVATE" COLLABORATION BILL IS MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE--HB1089 and SB1387
The general public needs to be aware that the Legislature is actually ceding their control over the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and surrounding area to private entities who are seeking long-term "leases" from the State so they can control the pricing of boat slips as well as control the public parking in the area.
Please, if you can spare a few minutes, log into the Hawaii State Legislature website and testify AGAINST these un-constitutional bills. Local resident Katherine Lindell is spearheading the fight to have these public properties saved from falling into "private hands."
The State has managed the Ala Wai area since Statehood. There's no reason to cede control to private interests unless...it may profit private companies over public interest.
Just log into: www.capitol.hawaii.gov and click onto the "Testify" button. Type in either Bill and make your voice known about the dubious legislation.
Mahalo for your Kokua!
GOOD NEWS! SB736 IS "SHELVED" BY THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE.
Today's front-page headline in today's Hon. Star-Advertiser chronicled the defeat of the OHA "variance bill" that would have allowed residential hi-rise buildings on the last ocean-front area of Honolulu's coastline.
OHA spent over $7 million on a broad-based campaign including television ads, public surveys, and community support meetings to get their construction bill passed. It was shelved by Senate and House of Rep chairpeople.
Mahalo to all the people who showed up for the March 4th rally along Ala Moana Blvd. Because of activists who want to preserve the future for the next generations, this fourth attempt by OHA has failed.
Perhaps now, they will reconsider trading the Kaka'ako Makai property for more suitable land to build hi-rise residences. Potentially, the land at the Aloha Stadium would be suitable for this kind of construction...other areas are also available...just not the quick-money building OHA envisions in sensitive property.
Aloha Activists!
We don’t want to be a pest and flood your e-mails with too much urging, but this upcoming two-hour rally on Saturday, Mar. 4th, at the Gateway Park on Ala Moana Blvd. is important for the future generations of Honolulu and Hawaii’s people. It’s a two-hour rally starting at 11 a.m. Please come and wear a red shirt, any red shirt will do. There is a supply of red shirts that will be passed out free, but the expense to make up the shirts is prohibitive and all that is asked is a donation to the Friends of Kewalos when you pick up the shirts. There is ample parking at Gateway Park but car-pools will make for more space for others to safely park.
We hope to see you, your family, and friends at this important event. Rarely do we bother you with a “be there” kind of event. Please make plans to come.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition.
BIG RALLY SCHEDULED TO SAVE THE LAND AT KAKA'AKO MAKAI FROM HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG HONOLULU'S LAST OPEN COASTLINE:
Aloha!
Please make plans to be at the two-hour rally that begins at Gateway Park on Ala Moana Blvd. just before the Kewalo Basin. There will be a lot of signs and a supply of special RED shirts available for voluntary contributions. Please wear ANY red shirt at the rally. There have been four attempts to skirt State Law prohibiting hi-rise and residential building on the ocean side of Ala Moana Blvd between Kewalo Basin and Honolulu Harbor. All have failed so far but this massive push powered by millions of dollars could finally destroy the open area along the Honolulu waterfront area.
SB736 is designed to skirt present zoning for a select group that will open the flood-gates for hi-rise exemptions that could turn the Kaka’ako Makai area into another Waikiki extension. There will be two decorated trolleys that will drive around during the rally for those who choose to ride rather than demonstrate along the street.
We need your participation and the kokua from your family and friends to save the aina for future generations to enjoy. Please be there on March 4th. Please click on the Rally Poster attachment below for complete details.
Mahalo for your time and kokua!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators for the Free Access Coalition.
https://mcusercontent.com/21556276fc9cc964f44177dd2/files/24d1c5d4-eaa3-b068-cfb9-285bae3c6b33/mar_21_28.pdf
LAST WEEKEND FOR THE BUFFALO KEAULANA BIG BOARD CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH:
Come down to Makaha Beach tomorrow, Feb. 25th and Sunday, Feb. 26th for the event finals going on all day this weekend. These are all fun events. Family friendly. If you're on O'ahu, this is your last chance to watch the events of the 46th Annual beach event.
THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE BUFFALO KEAULANA BIG BOARD CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH:
We have a video of the beginning ceremony for the Big Board Event. This year honoring Princess Abigale Kawananakoa who recently passed away. She was the last Royal lineage to Hawaii's Monarchy.
The event continues today and will finish this weekend: Feb. 25-26. It's a casual fun and family event. If you can come out, you'll have a nice day. Here's the link to the opening ceremony that took place last Saturday morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd9IEjQUxtA
O'AHU RESIDENTS: THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE REGARDING THE LAST REMAINING HONOLULU COASTLINE IS IN THE LEGISLATURE TOMORROW.
Aloha to all who care what the future of the Honolulu City Coastline will look like for your children and the generations that follow:
This is a chance for you to actually do something that will change the future of Honolulu and O’ahu. Please take the time and effort to come to the State Legislature building at Room 224 to add your voice to saving the future of the Honolulu coastline at Kaka’ako Makai. Bring your family and friends to this critical event--WEAR A RED SHIRT.
REMEMBER, we are NOT against Hawaiians or OHA, we would fight to protect our coast from any hi-rise developer looking to skirt State Law prohibiting hi-rise residential development on the shoreline. OHA has other options but chooses to go for “Quick Profit”…Let’s hope they change their mind. Right now they have invested millions in deceptive television ads as well as pressing legislators to do the wrong thing allowing their “Variance Bill B736" to become law.
Here's the call to arms from the Friends of Kewalos:
Aloha Friends,
We need to pack Room 224 with any type of RED SHIRT to show solidarity to stopping SB736 OHA's strong attempt to repeal the residential ban and build condos 400 ft high and be able to sell their land to a THIRD PARTY. We need to keep the pressure on!
WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
WHEN: Room 224, State Capitol
New testimony will not be accepted, however, If you indicated you wanted to speak, Be ready.
If you can't make it DO THIS:
1, SEND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO:
- Senate Water & Land Chair Lorraine Inouye [email protected]
- Senate Hawaiian Affairs Chair Maile Shimabukuro [email protected]
TIME FOR FUN AT MAKAHA BEACH! THE 46TH ANNUAL BUFFALO'S BIG BOARD SURFING CLASSIC AT MAKAHA BEACH IS SET:
The event starts Saturday, Feb.18th - Monday, Feb.20th.(President's Day weekend) The next weekend is "the Finals Celebration" Feb. 25th-26th.
This year try coming out to compete in the fun events that include: 10ft. Surfboard for all age divisions, Tandems, Subsquatch, Alayah, Paipo Board, Stand-up Paddle, Bullyboarding, and Body Surfing. Just go sign up at: www.hoomaa.org
Richard, "Buffalo" Keaulana is a god-father Kupuna on West O'ahu who welcomes everybody to come down to join this relaxed and fun event--bring family, bring friends! Come play in the ocean! This is a FREE event to attend. A fee for participation in surf events is nominal.
ONCE AGAIN, THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) IS SPENDING BIG MONEY TO GET THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW THEM TO RUIN HONOLULU'S LAST REMAINING COASTLINE:
For those on O'ahu, please try to attend the "Friends of Kewalos" information meeting that will highlight what OHA is trying to build--Multi-million dollar residential condos on the last Honolulu coastal area.
They want to push the State Legislature to give them a variance to tear up the land they were ceded and build high-rise buildings right up to the coastline between Kewalo Basin and the entry to Honolulu Harbor. Here's the announcement from Friends of Kewalo's:
Aloha Friends,
We have a new INSTAGRAM account. It's
@friends_of_kewalos
Please follow us to get the latest. Spread the word!
Save the Date!
Community Informational Gathering
Kaka'ako Makai - What you need to know
Feb. 13 @ 5PM @ KUPU Ho'okupu Center at Kewalo Basin Park.
Free Food and Parking
Watch for a flyer coming out next week.
Through a Shared Vision, we will succeed!
Mahalo,
Friends of Kewalos
PROTECT, PRESERVE, MALAMA
HAWAII'S PLANTATION VILLAGE "YEAR OF THE RABBIT" CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION SET FOR FEBRUARY 4TH.
For those who live on O'ahu, the FREE Chinese New Year celebration will take place Saturday, Feb. 4th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking as well as entry is free to the public. Celebration includes: Hawaiian Blessing, Dragon Blessing, Food demonstrations, Genealogy assistance, Crafts and Plants for sale, Children's Games with prizes, Pet Blessing--bring them!, Omamori Demonstration, Food Booths, and more!
Bring your family down for a great Cultural Event! Call 808 677-0110 for details or go to www.hawaiiplantation.org for more information.
Boots-on-the-Ground Written Testimony Request:
Written Testimony link: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-R09-RCRA-2022-0970-0002
The EPA is having public testimony regarding their Consent Order requiring the U.S. Navy to defuel and shut-down the Red Hill underground fuel storage facility. We have local government demands but this is the Federal “consent” to have the dangerous fuel storage facility close. Please send written testimony urging the Federal involvement in expediting the closing of Red Hill. Wayne Maria from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply has forwarded the testimony attachment below. You can contact the BWS Communications office: 808 748-5041 for additional information. The meeting is set for tomorrow for the public to be present or for written testimony. For those who want to attend in person:
O’ahu Veterans Council Center
1298 Kukila Street, Hon. HI. 96818
5 p.m. Wednesday. Jan. 18th
For most of us, please take a moment to send written testimony—Just a few lines will do.https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-R09-RCRA-2022-0970-0002 We need people-power support for this effort! Encourage your family and friends to testify. You don’t have to be an O’ahu resident to have your voice heard—it’s for the future of Honolulu’s drinking water—residents and visitors alike. Send testimony NOW!
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition
www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com
RED HILL ISSUE HAS ANOTHER SNAG. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY(EPA) WILL HOLD TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THEY DO A CONCENT ORDER REGARDING THE FUEL DRAINING AND SHUT DOWN OF THE FACILITY:
Ernest Lau, Chief Eng. of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is urging the public to attend two EPA public hearings set for next Wednesday and Thursday. The EPA needs to know the urgency of the shut-down of the underground fuel tanks that is threatening Honolulu's drinking water aquifer.
If you are on O'ahu and care about your water, make a point to attend the meetings:
Wed. Jan. 18th--5 p.m. Thur. Jan. 19th--3 p.m.
O'ahu Veteran's Council Ctr. O'ahu Veteran's Council Ctr.
1298 Kukila Street. 1298 Kukila Street
Hon. HI. 96818 Hon. HI. 96818
If you have any questions about these meetings, please call the BWS Communications Office at (808) 748-5041.
We hope concerned people will make plans to attend and voice their opinions.
FRIENDS OF KEWALOS WILL JOIN SURFRIDER O'AHU AND ACTIVISTS AT THIS SATURDAY'S FREE PUBLIC PARKING RRemembering Our Filipino WWI and WWII Veterans: Loyalty, Honor, Duty, Broken PromisesSaturday, November 18, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Waipahu Public Library, 94-275 Mokuola Street, Waipahu
Click here for ZOOM Link.
In commemoration of Veterans Day (formerly, Armistice Day) FAHSOH presents a discussion based on our WWI (Sakadas and Soldiers) and WWII (Loyalty and Valor) exhibits. We will remember the Filipinos who answered the calls to defend U.S. interests in Hawaii and the Philippines but were denied the benefits promised to them.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Waipahu Public Library (site of the Hawaii Filipino WWII Monument) and is free and open to the public. Online access via ZOOM link above. The Free Access Coalition would like to have HB1789 and HB3123 considered for passage by the Legislature as well as the Governor. The Makakilo Drive Extension Project has been on the planner’s agenda for over 30 years. We have over 20,000 residents on the Makakilo hillside. The extension would provide a second public free access to the H-1 Freeway. Needless to say there is an obvious safety issue which would be vital should something happen on the Makakilo Drive during an emergency. Just the traffic savings with the second egress to the H-1 freeway.
As the State Transportation Committee, we are asking you to move the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to the top of your agenda. We hope you will support these two bills.
Mahalo for your time and hopefully your kokua.
John & Rita Shockley. Coordinators. Free Access Coalition. www.freeaccesscoalition.weebly.com