Noise and vibration from tour helicopters have bedeviled Hawai’i residents for decades. But repeatedand widespread concerns voiced by beleaguered communities have largely been ignored. The noiseterrifies children and animals, sets off PTSD in war veterans, intrudes on sleep, interrupts conversations,and causes inescapable stress. On Hawai’i Island, during the eruption, tour helicopters never letup—they kept flying, … Read more CHOPPY SKIES by Cory Harden
As astronomers wait with bated breath for the outcome of the decadal survey called Astro2020, the roleof TMT in the future of world astronomy hangs in the balance. The survey is a year overdue, and itprovides an analysis of the needs of the next decade in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics,projecting priorities for the … Read more Mauna Kea Update for September 2021
by Steve Holmes Amy Miller, Director of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 has been in discussions with Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management Director Ramzi Mansour and Mayor Mitch Roth. Mansour and Roth acknowledged island-wide deficiencies and non-compliance with legal requirements. The other bit of good news is … Read more Wastewater Update
by Cory Harden A recent report by the Pohakuloa cultural resources office shows that protecting cultural resources is an extremely low priority for the Army. Surveys to locate burials and archaeological features, and production of a video to educate Army personnel, proceed slowly. A listening session failed due to technical difficulties. The cultural resources manager … Read more Pohakuloa: Little Aloha for Culture
By Steve Holmes While the spin machine for Hu Honua Biomass would have you believe that a recent Hawaiʻi Supreme Court decision was a great victory for them, that really isn’t the full story. Justice Michael Wilson, in a concurring opinion for the majority makes it clear, that the Public Utilities Commission may still decline … Read more Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Round 2 on Hu Honua Biomass
By Deborah Ward While COVID has closed the Mauna Kea visitor center and many tours to the summit, a lot has been happening behind the scenes on the mauna. Two telescopes (Hoku Kea and California Submillimeter Observatory) are slated for decommissioning, four cesspools are being closed, the 2020 Master Plan is about to be unveiled, … Read more Mauna Kea Update
The first Saturday in July was also the last time that our Hawaii Island Sierra Club service volunteers responded to the call from Mark Hanson’s Hawaii Reforestation Program in its usual place on the Southwest slopes of Mauna Kea – the very same critical habitat for the endangered Palila forest birds. Mark, aka “No. 1 … Read more Hana Hou for No. 1 Sandalwood Man!
Charter commission, FRIDAY JUNE 7 AT 9 am, HILO. SEND TESTIMONY to Charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov What’s on the agenda?- everything for 2nd Reading CA-9 and Ca-18. CA-9: What’s at risk? ONE dedicated staff member to work only on the 2% land fund, in addition to the existing staff position provided in the Code to help PONC. What we … Read more Upcoming Agenda: What’s at risk for the 2% land fund? 2 STAFF MEMBERS.
IMPORTANT: The University of Hawaiʻi invites the public to provide feedback on the latest draft of the proposed administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on UH – managed lands on Maunakea [Chapter 20-26, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules]. To obtain a copy of the rules and submit comments, please review the official 30-day public notice. … Read more UH Mauna Kea use proposed admin rules – provide feedback!
by Steve Holmes and Cory Harden Changing aquifer boundaries may solve one thorny problem for a developer—but only one. A developer is proposing Nakahili, a “family agricultural community”, for almost 1,600 acres near the junction of Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road. At first glance, it looks dreamy—lots of affordable housing, agriculture lots, and open spaces. … Read more Nakahili