Scheduled roadwork along Laukahi Street started on Aug. 28. Barring any weather-related delays, it’s estimated the work will be completed in October. Laukahi Street Repaving Project The allowable work hours for the project will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, except for holidays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, if necessary. Motorists are advised to observe and obey all traffic controls, posted signs and special duty officers and proceed with caution through the construction area. Drivers should anticipate delays due to detours, lane and/or road closures, and allow extra travel time while driving through the work areas. Roadwork on Laukahi Street will extend from Kamole Street to Alaweo Street. The project includes, but is not limited to, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing of asphalt concrete pavements, reconstruction of identified curbs and/or gutters, reconstruction of catch basin top slabs, tree mitigation by a qualified arborist that may include pruning, trimming and removal, adjustment of utility frames and covers to finish grade within the roadway, and installation of permanent pavement markings. The contractor is responsible to coordinate local traffic to include residents, deliveries, trash collection and emergency services. On-street parking will be prohibited during working hours. Please observe the dates and times on the posted roadway signs as illegally parked vehicles may be towed, if necessary, at the owner’s expense. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution through the construction area. For any questions or concerns about the project, please contact Maui Kupono Builders LLC at (808) 369-1800. You may reach the office of Senator Chang at the following: Phone: 808-586-8420 Email: Stanley Chang Senator, District 9 (D) senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov Adrian Tam Office Manager a.tam@capitol.hawaii.gov Lynn E. Robinson-Onderko Constituent Director l.robinson-onderko@capitol.hawaii.gov Source: https://mailchi.mp/c7fd87bb6dbe/laukahi-street-repaving-523007?e=b1988e9cda #stanleychang #adriantam #lynnrobinsononderko #SenateDistrict9 #LaukahiStreet #Roadwork #LaukahiStreetRepavingProject #Senatorchang

HONOLULU – Senator Stanley Chang invites the public to meet America’s most prominent urban planner, Jeff Speck, at the Blaisdell Center’s Pikake Room on September 9, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. Speck will be speaking about how to transform Honolulu into a safer, more pedestrian-friendly, sustainable city habitat by using the latest urban design and planning techniques. Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Pikake Room September 9, 2019 Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Presentation starts at 6:00 p.m. Jeff Speck is a city planner and urban designer who advocates internationally for more walkable cities. As Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003 through 2007, he presided over the Mayors' Institute on City Design and created the Governors' Institute on Community Design. Prior to his federal appointment, Mr. Speck spent ten years as Director of Town Planning at DPZ & Co., the principal firm behind the New Urbanism movement. Since 2007, he has led Speck & Associates, a private design consultancy. Mr. Speck is the co-author of Suburban Nation, which the Wall Street Journal calls "the urbanist's bible.” His more recent book Walkable City, was the bestselling city-planning title of 2013-2016. Its sequel, Walkable City Rules, is described by Kurt Andersen as “a must read for urbanists, city-builders, and everyone who lives in cities.” His TED talks and YouTube videos have been viewed more than four million times. #walkableity #StanleyChang #PikakaeRoom #NationalEndowmentfortheArts #MayorsinstituteonCityDesign #JeffSpeck #Walkability #SurburbanNation

Hawaiʻi Wood Utilization Team launches Wood Products Directory (HONOLULU) – Exploring Hawai‘i’s diverse forest industry and connecting to any of the hundreds of businesses passionately involved with wood is now just a click away. The Hawai‘i Wood Utilization Team (HWUT) is launching the Hawai‘i Wood Products Directory. It’s an online search engine designed to highlight and connect the state’s wood industry while making it accessible and transparent to interested consumers. HWUT is a group of experts initiating innovative, cross-sector ideas and projects to expand wood product markets in Hawai‘i. It includes members from forestry, architecture, design, engineering, wood products, construction, finance, marketing, research and Hawaiian cultural practices. The Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association (HFIA), a team member, spearheaded the development of the directory and the website. Michael Tam, CEO of Martin & MacArthur and HFIA Board Member, represents HFIA on the team. He stressed, “This directory is a valuable resource for Hawai‘i’s governments, businesses and people in the forest products industry. It connects buyers and sellers of a variety of wood products and services.” Directory goals include: Highlight & increase awareness of wood-related products and services in Hawai‘i Strengthen and expand the state’s wood products industry by facilitating and promoting the use of wood (focusing on but not limited to Hawai‘i-grown wood) in new and existing markets Connect market players such as woodland owners, log buyers, non-timber forest product buyers, forestry consultants and contractors, manufacturing and value-added industry Encourage the development and support of existing businesses dedicated to the use of wood Enable entrepreneurs and architects to find the suppliers and partners they need to commercialize a product or project Provide information about the industry including economic, environmental, and social benefits of using wood Inform consumers about the benefits of buying wood products from Hawai‘i growers, manufacturers, and retailers The directory already contains hundreds of company profiles doing wood-related business. These include woodworkers, furniture and cabinet makers, forest owners, millwork manufacturers, architects, retail stores, consultants and contractors. Companies that are not listed are encouraged to sign up. Creating a profile is free and takes only a few minutes. John Heideman, President of the Hawai‘i Lumber Products Association (HLPA), another member of the team, points out, “Through HWUT’s multiple-association membership directory, both consumers and cross-genre members will have tremendous access to the broader scope of resources within and surrounding our industry. HLPA has been dedicated to the promotion and education of wood and lumber use since 2004 and we look forward to a long-term relationship with HWUT and their members providing us all the ability to reach across different genres of our industry to better serve our community.” Businesses listed in the directory have the additional advantage of being notified when wood-related opportunities statewide become available such as timber sales and requests for proposals by the state, HFIA and others. Other HWUT projects currently include a partnership with the Albizia Project to design and build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) prototype and design an education center on Kaua‘i that will utilize locally-grown wood resources. Joseph Valenti, HWUT Director commented, “We want to inspire and educate the design and construction industry with innovative and traditional applications for building with wood. These demonstrations aim to inform the community of the opportunities and advantages of utilizing our forest resources.” The directory and the other HWUT projects were made possible by funding from the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations grant. The program aims to expand wood products and biomass markets. A collaboration with DLNR, HFIA, the Albizia Project, and HLPA led to a proposal that was awarded the state’s first grant from the highly competitive national program. Out of 119 proposals, Hawai‘i’s was one of 34 projects selected. The goals of the effort are to facilitate and coordinate new and innovative approaches for the use of locally‐grown wood; reduce the risks of wildfires; analyze resource and market conditions for local woods; and increase the visibility and demand for Hawai‘i‐grown wood products. David Smith, Administrator of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and an avid wood enthusiast, stated, “We’re excited to see Hawai‘i’s diverse wood industry come together and collaborate on innovative projects that highlight the industry’s significance and promote the sustainable use of our local resources. DOFAW is proud to provide leadership and support for this effort. # # # #WOOD #DLNR #ForestsforLife #HWUT #JosephValenti #HFIA #AlbiziaProject #DavidSmith #ForestryandWildlife #DOFAW #MichaelTam #MartinMacArthur #HawaiiWoodProductsDirectory

(ANAHOLA, HI) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, Governor David Ige’s State Homeless Coordinator, and Homeless Support Services on Kaua’i, removed unpermitted campers and unauthorized structures from DHHL properties in Anahola, Kaua`i on Aug. 21, 2019. DHHL notices to vacate the premises were issued on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019. The areas include portions of Aliomanu Road where the roadway erodes into the ocean, Kealia Road/Kuhio Highway, and Anahola Beach Park, as well as an area across the street from the beach park. “The Department takes the decision to remove unauthorized individuals off of DHHL lands as a serious but necessary effort,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair William J. Aila Jr. “The Department thanks the collaborative effort of the Department and other agencies involved in ensuring safety and transitional efforts for the individuals impacted by the removal.” Any unclaimed property will be handled in accordance with 171-31.5, HRS. TMK’s (4) 4-7-004: 003, 004 & 007 (4) 4-8-003: 018, 019, 021, 026, & 027 (4) 4-8-005: 036 (4) 4-8-007: 020 (4) 4-8-010: 003, 005, 006, & 010 (4) 4-8-011: 003, 004, 005, & 007 (4) 4-8-012: 010 (4) 4-8-013: 009 & 012 (4) 4-8-014: 005 & 006 (4) 4-8-018: 028, 029, & 032 ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading. Website: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/ #THEDEPARTMENTOFHAWAIIANHOMELANDS #Anahola #DHHL #DavidIge #AnaholaBeachPark #WilliamAila #UnpermittedCampers #UnauthorizedStructures #Kauai

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced one appointment to the Intermediate Court of Appeals and five appointments to the First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu) as follows: Intermediate Court of Appeals Clyde J. Wadsworth – 61, Solicitor General, Department of the Attorney General, State of Hawaiʻi, is appointed to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, State of Hawai‘i, to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Associate Judge Lawrence M. Reifurth in Aug. 2019. In his current position as Solicitor General of the State of Hawaiʻi, Wadsworth heads the Appellate Division of the Department of the Attorney General and has briefed and argued appeals before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has 34 years of litigation and dispute resolution experience, representing clients in federal and state courts, arbitration and mediation. In recent years, his primary areas of practice have been constitutional and civil rights, public land use, unfair business practices, and other business disputes. Wadsworth is a graduate of Princeton University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law, where he served as an editor of the UCLA Law Review. “I am deeply honored and humbled that Gov. Ige has nominated me to serve on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. I hope to continue to serve the people of Hawaiʻi to the best of my ability, and I look forward to the Senate confirmation process.” First Circuit Court (Island of Oʻahu) Lisa W. Cataldo – 56, an attorney at McCorriston Miller Mukai Mackinnon (M4), is appointed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) to fill the vacancy following the retirement of Circuit Judge Virginia L. Crandall in Nov. 2018. Cataldo is currently a partner at M4 with a diverse litigation practice, primarily defending clients in commercial, employment, disability, insurance defense, constitutional/civil rights and land use matters. Prior to joining M4, she served for two years as the part-time federal magistrate judge (United States District Court, District of Hawaiʻi) located in Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands. She also clerked for senior Judge Roger D. Foley, United States District Court, District of Nevada, and held associate attorney positions with law firms in San Francisco and Honolulu. Cataldo is a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of Law and Oregon State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science. “I’m grateful and humbled by Gov. Ige’s nomination and look forward to the confirmation process,” said Cataldo. Ronald G. Johnson – 58, an attorney advisor for the Transportation Security Administration, is appointed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) to fill the position that has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Rom A. Trader in Dec. 2018. As an attorney advisor, Johnson handles legal issues related to human resources, employee and labor relations, disciplinary actions, mission support and field operations. In addition, he handles civil enforcement cases and acts as the ethics advisor for the Pacific Rim airports. Prior to this, he served in the United States Attorney’s Office as the co-chief of the Violent Crime and Drug Section. He also worked for the City and County of Honolulu in the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi, College of Business Administration, and he earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. “I am humbled and honored to be nominated by Gov. Ige. I am grateful for his confidence in me and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve my community in a very important and impactful way. I look forward to meeting with members of the Senate as they consider my nomination,” said Johnson. Trish K. Morikawa – 48, District Court Judge, First Circuit, is appointed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Colette Y. Garibaldi in Dec. 2018. Morikawa was sworn in as First Circuit District Court Judge by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on May 3, 2017. She was previously employed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Deputy Attorney General, and as an associate at Gallagher Kane Amai. She also served as a Per Diem Judge of the District Family Court of the First Circuit. Morikawa earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. “I am deeply honored and humbled that Gov. Ige has nominated me to serve as a First Circuit Court judge,” said Morikawa. Kevin A. K. Souza – 49, Judge, Family Court of the First Circuit, is appointed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) to fill the vacancy created when Circuit Judge Keith K. Hiraoka was elevated to the position of associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals in Nov. 2018. Prior to his appointment as a District Family Court Judge of the First Circuit, Souza specialized in criminal and family court matters with The Law Offices of Kevin A. Souza. While working as a solo practitioner, he served as a per diem Family Court judge (2012 – 2013), and as Grand Jury Counsel for the First Circuit (2011 - 2012). Souza also worked as an associate litigation attorney with McCorriston Miho Miller Mukai, as a Deputy Public Defender, and as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor from 2006 – 2010. Souza earned a Bachelor of Arts at Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaiʻi – William S. Richardson School of Law. “I appreciate the Governor’s careful consideration of all candidates, and I am honored to be nominated by him. I look forward to the Senate advise and consent process and am excited to continue to serve our community on the First Circuit Court,” said Souza. John M. “Jack” Tonaki – 59, Public Defender, State of Hawaiʻi, is appointed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Glenn J. Kim in April 2019. Tonaki has been the State Public Defender (head of the office) since 2000. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii State Bar Association and the American Judicature Society. He has also been a member of numerous legal committees and task forces including the Judiciary's Standing Committee on the Rules of Evidence and Standing Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions. Tonaki earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. “I am humbled by the governor's appointment and pledge to do my very best in becoming a good judge and continuing to serve the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Tonaki. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. #GovernorIge #DavidIge #ClydeWadsworth #IntermediateCourtofAppeals #FirstCircuitCourt #LisaCataldo #RonaldJohnson #TrishMorikawa #Johntonaki #Senateconfirmation #HawaiiStateSenate

The Public Access Room (PAR) will be on Hawaii Island from September 9-13, Maui from Sept 16-19, and Kauai from Sept 23-25 as part of our annual outreach to the Neighbor Islands. We’re bringing back our “Your Voice“ presentation this year. It goes over the legislative process, but also provides information on using the legislature’s website, offering testimony, tracking legislation, and communicating with legislators. Hawaii Island Outreach Schedule Kailua-Kona West Hawai'i Civic Center, Liquor Conference Room; 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Monday, September 9, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Ocean View Ocean View Community Center; 92-8924 Leilani Circle Tuesday, September 10, 2019 12:00- 1:00 p.m. Pahoa Pahoa Neighborhood Facility; 15-322 Kauhale Street Wednesday, September 11, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Waimea Thelma Parker Memorial Library Community Room; 67-1209 Mamalahoa Hwy Thursday, September 12, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Hilo Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Training Room; 1055 Kinoole Street Friday, September 13, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Maui Outreach Schedule Makawao Makawao Public Library; 1159 Makawao Avenue Monday, September 16, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Kihei Kihei Public Library; 35 Waimahaihai Street Tuesday, September 17, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Kahului Akaku Community Media Center Conference Room; 333 Dairy Rd. Wednesday, September 18, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Lahaina Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria; 871 Lahainaluna Road Thursday, September 19, 2019 6:00-7:00 p.m. Kauai Outreach Schedule Lihue Lihue Public Library; 4344 Hardy Street Monday, September 23, 2019 5:30-6:30 p.m. Princeville Princeville Public Library; 4343 Emmalani Drive Tuesday, September 24, 2019 1:00-2:00 p.m. Hanapepe Hanapepe Public Library; 4490 Kona Rd Wednesday, September 25, 2019 1:00-2:00 p.m. Public Access Room (PAR) A Division of the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) State Capitol, Room 401 415 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808/587-0478 Email: par@capitol.hawaii.gov Website:lrbhawaii.org/par * Toll Free from All Islands Hawai'i..... 974-4000, ext. 7-0478 Maui............ 984-2400, ext. 7-0478 Kaua'i.......... 274-3141, ext. 7-0478 Moloka'i/Lana'i...(800) 468-4644, ext. 7-0478 Oahu........... 587-0478 #PublicAccessRoom #PAR #NeighborIslandOutreach #LegislativeProcess #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiIsland #Maui #Kauai #YourVoice #LegislativeTracking #CommunicationswithLegislators #Howtotestify #Testimonyinformation

HIDOE is empowering schools to lead the charge on cooling classrooms using a new process designed to more quickly deploy AC in buildings that can accommodate the increased energy use. AC window units installed at an Oahu school. Photo Credit: Department of Education The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is empowering schools to lead the charge on cooling classrooms using a new process designed to more quickly deploy air conditioning units in buildings that can accommodate the increased energy use. The Schools Directed AC program enables school leaders to initiate the process by requesting an official electrical assessment from HIDOE’s Office of Facilities and Operations to determine where there is sufficient electrical capacity for AC in classrooms. The assessments are being done under existing heat abatement contracts using no additional funds. “The Schools Directed AC program supports our mission to provide equitable and respectful learning environments for all students. It offers a new, streamlined avenue for our schools to cool down classrooms and buildings,” said Christine Shaw, Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Operations. AC window units installed at an Oahu school. Photo Credit: Department of Education Once assessments are completed, schools have a range of options to move forward, including starting to budget for the project, partnering with community groups for equipment donations, engaging area lawmakers, or seeking funds through the Department’s legislative budget request. “We have schools that have available funding and equipment donations in the pipeline, and this program allows schools to move forward with that,” Shaw said. HIDOE has completed electrical assessments at more than 40 schools since last fall. So far 200 energy-efficient window AC units have been installed or are in the process of being installed under the Schools Directed AC program at 52 schools statewide. Overall, of the roughly 11,000 HIDOE classrooms in the state, about 6,200 currently have AC. “In the past, schools have had the ability to install AC, but the responsibility was on them to do an electrical capacity study,” said HIDOE Public Works Administrator John Chung. “Under Schools Directed AC, we’re able to tell schools which buildings they can install in and how many units they can put in.” With additional AC units coming online, the Department’s energy consumption continues to be regulated under state law to increase energy conservation and sustainability. HIDOE recently completed a large-scale project to replace 700,000 light bulbs at all Oahu schools with high-efficiency LED bulbs to reduce electrical load; similar work is underway at Neighbor Island schools. As part of Gov. David Ige’s 2016 initiative to cool 1,000 classrooms using $100 million appropriated by the Legislature, the Department installed air conditioning for 1,300 classrooms. Unlike some of the complex solar-powered systems designed and installed under that initiative, HIDOE is only allowing energy-efficient window AC units under the Schools Directed AC program to help control upfront costs and future maintenance. “These are less complex units from installation to maintenance, where we’re not having to tear down walls or install solar panels or battery systems. It will be easier for our schools to maintain these units rather than having to contract out for maintenance service,” Assistant Superintendent Shaw said. The Schools Directed AC program replaces former guidance on accepting and installing donated AC units that required approvals by multiple offices. Recommended equipment:​ Capacity: Two 2-ton (24,000 BTU/h) units for a typical 900 square-foot classroom. Technology: Dual inverter or commercial grade. Energy efficiency: Energy Star certified #HawaiiStateDepartmentofEducation #education #DirectedACProgram #AirConditioning #HIDOE #ChristineShaw #PublicWorks #JohnChung #DavidIge #PublicSchools

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has reappointed Michael G. Buck to serve as a member of the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). Buck’s appointment is effective immediately, and, if approved by the Senate, will end on June 30, 2023. Buck has served on the commission since 2014. Buck has held a wide variety of leadership roles during the past 40 years, with more than 25 years of experience with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). In addition to serving as the administrator for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) from 1989 to 2004, he also held positions as coordinator for the Natural Area Reserves system and as a resource survey forester. Buck has been Chairman of the Council of Western State Foresters, served on the Board of Directors of the Western Forest Leadership Coalition and been a Federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee Member. Previously he served as a four-time member of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Forum on Forests and developed management plans and operational capacity for Hawaiʻi’s Natural Area Reserve Systems. Buck has extensive knowledge of federal and State of Hawai‘i environmental and natural resource laws and regulations. He drafted and led multi-constituent support for the passage of major federal and state legislation such as the Hawai‘i Tropical Forest Recovery Act, Endangered Species Recovery Act, and the Invasive Species Council. For over 20 years he has served as the Sustainable Forests Representative for the National Association of State Foresters and since 2015 with the Hawai‘i Fresh Water Council of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Buck holds an undergraduate degree in Resources Management from the School of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, State University of New York and a master’s in science from the University of Florida in Forest Resources Conservation. Buck has a farm in Waimanalo where he currently lives and works as a farmer. “I am honored that the governor has reappointed me to the Water Commission. Hawai‘i’s water laws and its forested watersheds protect our public trust and our fresh water. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Commissioners to facilitate further progress in these areas,” said Buck. Buck’s reappointment is subject to Senate confirmation. #CommissiononWaterResourceManagement #WaterResourceManagement #MichaelGBuck #CWRM #DLNR #NaturalAreaReservesSystem #CouncilofWesternStateForesters #UnitedNationsForumonforests #water #hawaiisenate #SenateConfirmation #DOFAW

(Hilo) – Since last year’s ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest at the Imiloa Astronomy Center, the less virulent of two strains of the fungal disease known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, was detected in single trees on O‘ahu and Maui. The disease has now been detected on Kaua‘i, Maui, O‘ahu and on Hawai‘i Island. Ground zero continues to be the Big Island, where both strains of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death have killed hundreds of thousands of trees. This is the reason the ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest was conceived three years ago. Ohia Love Fest-Opening Protocol (Photo by DLNR) Extension Forester JB Friday of The University of Hawaii is one of the key players in the multi-agency collaboration to try and determine the cause of the fungus, how it spreads, possible treatment and support intensive education and outreach efforts underway. The love fest, Friday explained, “is the single largest public event we stage to really inform people of all ages what they can do to help stem the spread of the fungus.” Last year it’s estimated 2800-3000 people attended some portion of the seven-hour-long festival. This morning, periodic, but brief rain showers seemed to keep attendance a little lighter, but organizers hoped with clearing skies, the crowd would grow. Dozens of displays and interactive activities were available outside on the lawn and inside the astronomy center. Emphasis is on keiki activities with booths or tables where young ones could create ʻōhiʻa tutu’s or push toy trucks through a muddy tray, followed by a demo of the sanitation practices experts ask adult drivers to employ on their vehicles when exiting any forest area, anywhere in the state. Friday said, “Decontamination procedures for footwear and vehicles are an important component of what we ask all visitors to our forests to practice. Hunters, hikers, bird-watchers, backpackers, naturalists, cultural practitioners…anyone who enjoys Hawaiian forests, where ʻōhiʻa is the keystone tree species, can really help in the effort to stop Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in its tracks.” By completing a survey at the festival, people were given free decontamination kits. Friday’s encouragement was echoed during the Festival Opening/Kīpaepae. During the protocol, No’el Tagab-Cruz, of Hawai‘i Community College, asked audience members to become citizen scientists and to take actions in their personal lives to stop the spread of this fungal disease. She asked the crowd, “How can I help…look into the inquisitive part of you because you may be the person that stops the fungus from spreading. You might be the answer…you may be the answer to all of the questions we have?” While intensive research on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues, since it was first identified five years ago, Friday believes additional and consistent funding needs to be dedicated to the fight. He said this will be a long fight, one that will probably never be fully won, but people armed with information and education can take actions to help reduce transmission. Outreach efforts, like today’s ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest, continue to be invaluable in raising awareness. A survey conducted two years ago, showed 90% of Big Island residents are aware of the disease while statewide it was 50%. Both of those percentages have likely risen with subsequent Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death detections. The ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest was sponsored and organized by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the University of Hawai‘i, with support and participation from numerous other government institutions and non-profit organizations. To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/355878718 #HawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #ohia #rapidohiadeath #foresttree

Possible Severe & Widespread Bleaching Across the Islands (Honolulu) – Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch program, indicates Hawai‘i’s coral reefs are entering a major bleaching event within the next two months, if not sooner. Rising sea temperatures are likely to cause corals in Hawaiian waters to bleach and even die. According to NOAA scientist Jamison Gove, “Ocean temperatures are extremely warm right now across Hawaii. They’re about 3°F warmer than what we typically experience in mid-August. If the ocean continues to warm even further as predicted, we are likely to witness a repeat of unprecedented bleaching events in 2014 and 2015.” “We’re already observing bleaching of corals in West Hawai‘i, along with some paling of other species at some of our long-term monitoring sites,” said Nikki Sanderlin, acting Aquatic Biologist for the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) West Hawai‘i district office. Coral bleaching is a change from normal coloration of browns, yellows and greens to a nearly white color. This change occurs when corals are stressed by environmental changes, especially temperature increases. Although corals can recover from moderate levels of heat, if it is prolonged, they will die. But scientists say that reducing secondary stress on corals during these bleaching events can improve the chances of coral survival. DAR Administrator Brian Neilson explained, “We know this bleaching event is coming and it’s probably going to be worse than the ones we experienced four and five years ago. West Hawai‘i experienced a 50% mortality rate and Maui experience 20-30% mortality rates on fixed DAR monitoring sites. We’re asking for everyone’s help in trying to be proactive and to minimize any additional stress we put on our corals.” DLNR and NOAA are asking you to help: Avoid touching corals or coral reefs while diving, snorkeling or swimming Do not stand or rest on corals Use reef-safe sunscreens Boaters should use mooring buoys or anchor only in sand areas Keep anchor chains off the reef Fishermen should reduce or stop their take of herbivores, such as parrotfish (uhu), surgeonfish & sea urchins. Herbivores clear reefs of algae, which over-grow and kill corals during bleaching events. Take extra precaution to prevent other potential contaminants from getting to the ocean: Dirt from poorly managed commercial and private earth work Chemical pollution from fertilizers, soaps, detergents used in outdoor watering, car washing, etc. Other contaminants like oil from poor containment practices Neilson added, “These are actually things we should be doing all the time, but it’s especially important now. We’d also like swimmers, snorkelers, and divers to report when and where they see both bleaching and healthy corals. Those healthy corals may provide valuable information about how some corals are better able to survive these types of events.” In October, DLNR will introduce an initiative aimed at tour operators to inform their guests about good reef practices. Numerous operators, like FairWind Big Island Ocean Guides on Hawai‘i Island are already educating people on their boats, asking them not to stand on, sit on, or touch the reef and to use reef-safe sunscreen products. On a recent tour to Kealakekua Bay, Captain Dante Leuenberger told snorkelers, “The bottom is alive. Coral is a very delicate animal. For your own safety and the health of the reef we ask you to stay off the bottom. Don’t touch anything, don’t stand up anywhere.” DLNR and NOAA are using new technology to better understand the real-time extent of predicted bleaching events. Arizona State University, which created and is maintaining the Hawai‘i coral website noted below, is providing weekly satellite imagery which helps identify bleaching areas. This information is publicly available on the website. To view this video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/355618916 To report bleaching: http://hawaiicoral.org #HawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResources #DLNR #NOAA #CoralBleaching #snorkelers #divers #KealakekuaBay #danteleuenberger #BrianNeilson #DAR #Coralsurvival #DivisionofAquaticResources #Hawaii

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch has ordered two O‘ahu farms to cease the sale of fresh basil due to the presence of unapproved pesticides found on the products during routine sampling. Chun Lian Yuan farm in Kahuku and Bi Bo Wang farm in Kapolei were given the orders on Aug. 14 and 19 respectively. DOH believes that the basil crops tested on Aug. 14 and 19 may have been distributed to consumers in Hawai‘i. However, since the pesticide is allowed in greater amounts on other crops, the department does not consider the situation to be a significant threat to public health. Basil samples were collected on Chun Lian Yuan farm on Aug. 9, 2019 and analyzed for the presence of pesticide residues. The results received from the state laboratory on Aug. 12 indicated a range of 0.042 to 0.099 parts per million (ppm) of dimethoate, a pesticide that is not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on basil. Dimethoate is approved by the EPA for use on a variety of vegetables and has an allowable range from 0.02 ppm for potatoes up to 2.0 ppm for leaf lettuce. Two basil samples were also collected on Bi Bo Wang farm on Aug. 12 and analyzed for the presence of the pesticide, chlorothalonil. The results received Aug. 13 indicated that only one sample contained chlorothalonil residue, which was 0.024 ppm. Chlorothalonil, like dimethoate, is not approved for basil. It is, however, approved for use on other produce at a range of 1 ppm for blueberries up to 15 ppm for papaya. Additional samples from both farms will be collected and analyzed to determine the presence of the unapproved pesticides. No basil will be allowed to be sold by the farm until subsequent samples indicate zero levels of the unapproved pesticides. The DOH Food and Drug Branch routinely collects and tests a variety of produce samples each month for pesticide residues. Any sample found in violation is immediately followed with a cease and desist order, further sampling and education. The Food and Drug Branch safeguards public health by ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices and related consumer products are safe and properly labeled. #HawaiiDepartmentofHealth #DOH #Basil #pesticide #chunlianyuanfarm #EPA #BiBoWangfarm #Chlorothalonil #FoodandDrugBranch

HONOLULU – Senator Lorraine Inouye is pleased to announce that Governor Ige has released $600,000 in funds to develop and complete an access bridge and road to a community resource center in Kawaihae, Hawai‘i. The Kailapa Community Association (KCA) serves Native Hawaiians who reside in the Kailapa Homestead community and another neighboring Hawaiian Homestead community at Puaka'ilima in Kohala. Its mission is "to empower Native Hawaiians living in Kohala by supporting physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural health of people and place." KCA is committed to developing community programs and services that promote healthy living, environmental preservation, and Hawaiian cultural practices. #HawaiiStateSenate #Kawaihae #KailapaCommunityAssociation #Kohala #HawaiiIsland #bigIsland #AccessBridgeKawaihae #HawaiianHomestead #Puakailima #LorraineInouye #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority