Leaders emphasize stewardship, safety and security during construction Gov. David Ige announced that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issued a notice to proceed (NTP) to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project on Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island. The permit was issued after DLNR confirmed the completion of the pre-construction conditions and mitigation measures required of the project in the Conservation District Use Permit (CDUP). The appropriate agencies will work with the TMT representatives to determine the start date. The next generation telescope will be constructed on UH-managed lands located in the conservation district regulated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). The university granted TMT a sublease and the BLNR issued a CDUP to construct and operate the telescope. The CDUP was upheld by the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court in an October 2018 ruling. So that construction of the telescope can begin safely, four unauthorized structures were removed from Maunakea earlier this morning by multiple state agencies. The structures were on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property on Maunakea Access Road near the Daniel K. Inouye Highway intersection, on Department of Land and Natural Resources property near the mid-level facilities on Maunakea Access Road at the 9,000-foot elevation and on the TMT site on the summit of the mountain. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled that the two ahu on the TMT site did not constitute a traditional or customary right or practice, and they were removed with guidance from Native Hawaiian cultural advisors. David Y. Ige, Governor, State of Hawaiʻi: “We will proceed in a way that respects the people, place and culture that make Hawaiʻi unique. I will continue to work with the University of Hawaiʻi and all our partners to make meaningful changes that further contribute to the co-existence of culture and science on Maunakea.” Suzanne Case, Chair, Board of Land and Natural Resources “My staff and I have carefully reviewed the TMT project plans to ensure they are aligned with the permit approved by the board and upheld by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. The project has met all pre-construction requirements under the Conservation District Use Permit. As this project moves forward, I ask everyone who goes to Maunakea to respect this unique place and its fragile natural and cultural resources.” Clare Connors, Attorney General, State of Hawaiʻi “The notice to proceed with construction gives project managers, workers and others from our community authorization to begin work on the telescope. They will need safe access to the work site and safe conditions under which to work. The state will work to ensure their safety as well as the right of individuals to engage in speech about the project.” David Lassner, President, University of Hawai‘i “This notice to proceed is an important milestone in what has been a decade-long public and consultative process through which every requirement in statute, policy and procedure has now been met. We firmly believe in the benefits of the most advanced telescope in the world on the most magnificent and awe-inspiring mountain in the world. We also accept the increased responsibilities for the stewardship of Maunakea, including the requirement that as this very last site is developed for astronomy on the mauna, five current telescopes will be decommissioned and their sites restored.” Link to notice to proceed here. Link to news conference video here. Link to photos here. #TMT #thirtymetertelescope #clareconnors #davidlassner #suzannecase #davidige #hawiaisupremecourt #blnr #DLNR #UniversityofHawaii #maunakea #stateofHawaii

Pollinator insects and animals make food and life possible for humans. We should all thank a bee because 90% of most plants depend on pollinators to reproduce. For example, 1 in 3 bites of food (coffee, chocolate, hops, strawberries, apples, squash and thousands of other crops), come to us courtesy of bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, hummingbirds and other pollinating insects and animals. Over 4,000 species of North American native bees, as well as honeybees brought by European settlers, are a critical part of our agricultural food production. It is time to thank our pollinators and to celebrate all they do for us. These hard-working animals help pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. Often we may not notice the hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies that carry pollen from one plant to another as they collect nectar. Yet without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds, and we would miss many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, like blueberries, squash, almonds chocolate and coffee, all of which depend on pollinators. "Endangered Pollinators", 2019 Pollinator Poster, Credit: Carol Schwartz WHY POLLINATORS ARE IMPORTANT - Pollinators, such as most bees and some birds, bats, and other insects, play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Examples of crops that are pollinated include apples, squash, and almonds. Without the assistance of pollinators, most plants cannot produce fruits and seeds. The fruits and seeds of flowering plants are an important food source for people and wildlife. Some of the seeds that are not eaten will eventually produce new plants, helping to maintain the plant population. Endangered pollinators in Hawai'i include: Sesbania Tomentosa ('Ohai) - An erect to prostrate shrub, sometimes growing to the size of a small tree. Branches can be up to 14 meters long when prostrate. The plant has salmon colored flowers tinged with yellow, orange red, and scarlet. It is a Federally Listed Endangered Species, and actions are being taken both to protect current populations and establish new populations. Geographic Distribution: Endemic to all of the main islands of Hawai’i. Current populations exist on O’ahu, Moloka’i, Maui, Kaua’i, Kaho’olawe, Hawai’i, Nihoa and Necker. Habitat: Dry shrublands or (rarely) dry forests. Found on calcareous beaches and sand dunes, rocky ridges and slopes, deep red soil, and soil pockets on lava. Pollinators: Bees, including Yellow-Faced Bee (Hylaeus anthracinus). Height: 2.5-6 meters. Bloom Period: Winter and spring. Species Facts: Before this plant was added to the endangered species list, many Hawaiians used the flowers for making lei. In the Hawaiian tradition, a lei is a garland used as a symbol of affection and to officially establish peace between two groups. Today it is illegal to possess such flowers in a garden setting and you very rarely, if ever, see a lei made of ‘Ohai flowers. Sources: Native Plants Hawai'i Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources Forestry & Wildlife Metrosideros Polymorpha ('Ohi'a Lehua) - A slow-growing native hardwood tree. It is the first tree to appear on new lava flows where it offers watershed protection, and it often starts as an epiphyte in fern forests. The wood is of fine texture and is often used for flooring, fence posts and fuel. This tree is the most abundant tree in Hawai’i and provides important habitat to native birds, several of which are endangered. Geographic Distribution: Endemic to and present on O’ahu, Moloka’i, Maui, Kaua’i, Lana’i, and Hawai’i. Habitat: Grows just above sea level to 2600 meters, generally in areas with rainfall over 50 cm. The maximum stand growth of M. polymorpha exists on young volcanic substrates in rainforest habitats on Hawai’i. Pollinators: Birds, such as the Akohekohe or Crested Honeycreeper (Palmeria dolei), and insects are the most important pollinators. Mature Height: 20 meters. Bloom Period: Flowering generally peaks in spring or summer, but some varieties peak in fall or winter. Species Facts: The species name polymorpha, meaning "many forms," is most apropos. Probably no other native Hawaiian plant is found in a greater number of varieties than this one. The sheer number and variations of ʻōhiʻa shrub and tree forms, leaf colors and shapes, and floral colors is baffling. Sources: U.S. Forest Service - Southern Research Station The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Hawaiian Plants and Tropical Flowers Pinterest Photos Native Plants Hawai'i For additional plants, pease see here: https://www.pollinator.org/shop/poster-2019 Learn more about pollinators by viewing fun and educational materials on pollinators, including: Activity guide (Go! Wild) - learn about pollinators at Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, then match plants to pollinators and enjoy other games. Can you guess which animals pollinate plants in your yard? Podcasts - listen to broadcasts about native bees, endangered pollinators, pollinator gardens and backyard habitat, and a view a video clip from Green Springs Garden. Are you providing good habitat for pollinators in your yard? Webcasts ( Pollinator Live and Monarch Live) - take a trip on these websites to "see" monarch habitat across North America and learn about the great migration of monarchs, or learn how bees and other pollinators benefit people and how to attract them to your schoolyard. USFWS Monarch Butterfly Website - learn about its lifecycle and migration, and how you can help save this iconic species. The Nature's Partner's Curriculum - fun activities for clubs, schools, and families to learn about pollinators. Children may need some help from adults with many of these activities. Download a variety of resources about pollinators, pollinator week, and what you can do to help pollinators at: http://www.pollinator.org Note: The celebration of Pollinator Week started in 2007, when the U.S. Senate designated Pollinator Week in Resolution 580. How You Can Help - Pollinators need your help! There is increasing evidence that many pollinators are in decline. However, there are some simple things you can do at home to encourage pollinator diversity and abundance. 1) Plant a Pollinator Garden 2) Provide Nesting Sites 3) Avoid or Limit Pesticide Use In the United States pollination by honey bees directly or indirectly (e.g., pollination required to produce seeds for the crop) contributed to over $19 billion of crops in 2010. Pollination by other insect pollinators contributed to nearly $10 billion of crops in 2010. A recent study of the status of pollinators in North America by the National Academy of Sciences found that populations of honey bees (which are not native to North America) and some wild pollinators are declining. Declines in wild pollinators may be a result of habitat loss and degradation, while declines in managed bees is linked to disease (introduced parasites and pathogens). WHAT IS POLLINATION? - Pollination results when the pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) is moved to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma) and fertilizes it, resulting in the production of fruits and seeds. Some flowers rely on the wind to move pollen, while other rely on animals to move pollen. Animals visit flowers in search of food and sometimes even mates, shelter and nest-building materials. Some animals, such as many bees, intentionally collect pollen, while others, such as many butterflies and birds, move pollen incidentally because the pollen sticks on their body while they are collecting nectar from the flowers. All of these animals are considered pollinators. Endangered Pollinators - In 1973, the United States Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.) with the intention of protecting vulnerable species and preserving the ecosystems that we all share. There are numerous species that are at risk and listed as federally endangered or threatened including: 1 fly, 3 bats, 5 birds, 8 bees, and 24 butterflies and moths. Disturbances such as habitat loss, climate change, and application of agricultural pesticides contribute greatly to diminishing populations and disrupt ecological interactions. The problem of extinction can lead to a crippling disaster for ecological resilience and economic interests. Pollinators play a critical role in our global food system; at least 80% of crops we consume are pollinated by bees and other wildlife. The relationship between pollinators and their plants are intrinsically linked, the decline of pollinators make plants more vulnerable to secondary extinction. Conversely, the populations of pollinators determine the stability of plants and our ecosystem health. As keystone species, pollinators have substantial impact on our global systems. Recognizing the importance of vulnerable pollinator species and their habitats, as well as initiating preservation efforts before there is a need to list them as endangered or threatened, is key to maintaining our biological balance. This information is of great value to foresee consequences of pollinator losses and to identify target species for effective conservation. Endeavors such as the Monarch Wings Across America and Bee Friendly Farming techniques can aid in the conservation of critical habitat by prioritizing pollinators and reinforcing the importance of such species. By placing emphasis on the natural networks at play between plants, pollinators, and people, we can begin to ensure healthy ecosystems and food security for all. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Plant Survival and Keystone pollinator species in stochastic coextinction models: role of intrinsic dependence on animal-pollination U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Program State of Hawai'i Proclamation on Pollinator Week, June 17-23 2019 #pollinators #hummingbirds #birds #bats #fruit #vegetables #USFishandWildlife #butterflies #monarchbutterfly #HawaiiSenate #endangeredpollinators #ecosystem #Endangeredspecies

(Hilo) – Wailoa State Recreation Area in Hilo is unique among Hawai‘i State Parks given it’s one of a few parks in an urban setting, right on the edge of downtown Hilo. What also makes this beautiful park unusual, is the unique building which houses the Wailoa Center, which is the largest venue on Hawai‘i Island for showcasing the work of local artists. Wailoa Center (Photo credit: DLNR) The 12-sided (Dodecagon) building was completed in 1967, to help breathe new life into the green zone created by the devastating 1960 tsunami along Hilo’s Bayfront. Over the course of the past half-century the Wailoa Center has featured countless exhibits, including the popular 10X10X10 exhibit which just ended its 2019 run in the center’s main second floor gallery. The long-time State Parks Interpretive Center Coordinator, Codi King, explained, “It’s ten artists that are each given a space and they have ten materials that they can use. One is by their choice and the other nine are materials that we chose. This ‘installation art’ gives them a new outlook on their art and gives then an out-of-the-box experience because this tends to push them to their creative limits.” The Wailoa Center hosts 24 exhibits annually. Coming up in July is a month-long exhibit, titled, “Transformations,” which chronicles and depicts last year’s devastating eruption of Kīlauea which destroyed more than 700 homes and displaced hundreds of people in the lower Puna district of Hawai‘i Island. King expects this exhibit to help people heal, to be cathartic, and to be of great interest to the local community and to visitors. On Friday the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) issued a revocable permit to the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance (HIAA), which will allow the non-profit to expand into education at the Wailoa Center. This includes the potential of hiring visiting artists to teach classes for the community, the production of an annual art festival, and scholarships for keiki. King commented, “It just opens up huge possibilities and opportunities for us. Teaching-artists in the community are looking forward to it because they want to share their experiences. HIAA having the permit will jumpstart enthusiasm and propel us forward into continuing to support the arts and sponsoring more shows that are community based.” Currently the center holds monthly receptions, often attended by more than 400 people. “When people attend an opening reception or peruse through the galleries of the Wailoa Center, we hope they will appreciate the beauty of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area,” said Dean Takebayashi, Hawai‘i Island Superintendent for the DLNR Division of State Parks. “It combines the artistic beauty of nature and the artistic creations of the artists, in one setting” he added. #WailoaCenter #Puna #HawaiiIsland #BlNR #Hilo #DLNR #HIAA #hawaiiislandartalliance #CodiKing #WailoaRiverStateRecreationArea #DeanTakebayashi #StateParks #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority

Photo credit: GEORGE F. LEE / 2010 (HONOLULU) – As a mark of respect for former long-time lawmaker Rod Tam, Acting Gov. Josh Green has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawai‘i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaii National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, June 15. Tam spent three decades in political office, starting with the State House of Representatives where he served for 12 years. He was also a member of the Hawai‘i State Senate and Honolulu City Council. Tam is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He was 65-years old. Flags shall be flown at half-staff on Saturday, June 15, the day of Tam’s memorial service. #davidige #joshgreen #rodtam #StateLegislator #HalfStaff

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige joined seven other governors for a discussion on workforce development with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta at the White House today. The conversation focused on how states can prepare our communities for emerging requirements of jobs of the future, including partnering with states on occupation licensing reform, child care, paid family leave, and vocational skills training. “For the first time in our country, we have more job vacancies than we have qualified people to fill them. Hawai‘i is among the states that are working to prepare the workforce for those jobs – expanding paid internships and apprenticeship programs in construction, cybersecurity, IT, healthcare,” said Gov. Ige. The bi-partisan group included Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee and Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming. The governor also met with Rear Admiral Doug Fears on hurricane disaster preparedness and resiliency. Fears serves as a deputy assistant to the president and is Homeland Security and Counterterrorism advisor on the National Security Council staff. Gov. Ige updated Admiral Fears on Hawai‘i’s recovery progress in the wake of Hurricane Lane and other natural disasters in 2018. Earlier in the day, the governor attended a Pentagon meeting with Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gov. Ige returns to Hawai‘i on June 16. #davidige #Governorige #alexacosta #donaldtrump #dougfears #josephlengyel #workforcedevelopment #SecretaryofLabor

Ken Pimlott spent three decades in the fire service, including eight years as Chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). He retired in late 2018, after California experienced one of the worst fire seasons in history. 86 people were killed and nearly 14,000 homes were burned. Chief Pimlott will share his experiences and wisdom during a public presentation and talk about how people’s encroachment into forests, coupled with changing climate conditions are likely to lead to more destructive and potentially deadly fires across the west, including in Hawai‘i. What: The Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources is pleased to welcome Chief Pimlott for this special presentation. What: Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott (ret). – Reflections on 30 Years of Fire Service When: Monday, June 24, 2019 4:00 – 5:45 p.m. Where: Hawai‘i State Capitol Auditorium Who: Chief Ken Pimlott (ret.), California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection Resources: Chief Pimlott’s remarks will be aired live by ‘Ōlelo Community Television on Channel 49 or can be viewed live at www.olelo.org/49 #hawaiidepartmentoflandandnaturalresources #kenpimlott #CaliforniaDepartmentofForestryandFireProtect #CalFire #CalFire #olelo #olelocommunitytelevision

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed the following bills on June 7, 2019. Legislative leadership has been notified. BILLS SIGNED on June 7, 2019: ACT 37 HB172 Office of Hawaiian Affairs Budget ACT 38 HB510 Judiciary Package ACT 39 HB809 Chapter 42F - Grants ACT 40 HB1259 Capital Improvement Projects ACT 41 HB1319 Special Purpose Revenue Bond for Electric Public Utilities ACT 42 HB1375 Hawai‘i Museum of Natural and Cultural History ACT 43 HB1413 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha ACT 44 SB494 Emergency & Budget Reserve Fund ACT 45 SB985 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist Pearl Harbor Floating Drydock, LLC ACT 46 SB1002 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning, LLC ACT 47 SB1192 Public Employment Cost Items: Collective Bargaining Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13 and 14 ACT 48 SB1195 Public Employment Cost Items: Collective Bargaining Unit 5 ACT 49 SB1197 Public Employment Cost Items: Collective Bargaining Units 1, 7, 10; Health Premium Payments ACT 50 SB1201 Public Employment Cost Items: Collective Bargaining Unit 11 ACT 51 SB1204 Hawai‘i Public Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund Definitions ACT 52 SB1440 Special Purpose Revenue Bonds for Trevi Systems, Inc. or its related entity, Kona Coast Water LLC; Special Purpose Revenue Bonds; Appropriation ACT 53 HB981 Employees’ Retirement System (Overpayment, Recovery) ACT 54 HB250 School-Based Health Services ACT 55 HB340 Hawai‘i Technology Development Corp - Appropriation (Relating to HTDC) ACT 56 HB624 Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation - DBEDT; Appropriation (Relating to Structure of Government) ACT 57 HB867 Department of Human Resources Development ACT 58 HB888 Maui Health System Appropriation ACT 59 SB166 State Budget: Elections, Vote Counting System ACT 60 SB281 Department of Health ACT 61 SB316 University of Hawai‘i Community College Promise Program ACT 62 SB471 Homelessness and Housing ACT 63 SB753 Dept. of Agriculture; Aquaculture Development Program; Appropriation ACT 64 HB941 Public Employment: Employee’s Designation of Beneficiary Form ACT 65 HB944 Nonprofit Corporations ACT 66 HB945 Charitable Organizations ACT 67 SB1173 Child Support ACT 68 SB1176 False Claims to the State ACT 69 SB1130 Taxation: Internal Revenue Code ACT 70 SB25 Health Insurance: Updates/improves existing Insurance Code provisions ACT 71 SB1210 Insurance: NAIC ACT 72 SB1212 Insurance: Regulatory Authority of the Insurance Commissioner ACT 73 SB1213 DCCA – Procurement Filing Fee ACT 74 HB988 Transitional Authority in the Mortgage Industry ACT 75 HB989 Mortgage Servicers ACT 76 HB990 Department of Defense Facilities ACT 77 HB991 State Military Forces ACT 78 HB993 Emergency Management ACT 79 SB1221 Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board ACT 80 SB1223 Hawaiian Home Lands/Affordable Housing ACT 81 HB999 Department of Human Services: Civil Service Exemptions ACT 82 HB1417 Human Services ACT 83 SB1226 Child Care ACT 84 SB1231 Spouse and Child Abuse Special Fund ACT 85 SB1232 Child Safety ACT 86 HB1007 State of Hawai‘i Deferred Compensation Plan – Adding Roth Option ACT 87 SB1236 Parking for Disabled Persons ACT 88 SB1237 Department of Health: State Health Planning & Development Agency, Medicare Part C ACT 89 SB1238 Establishing Executive Office on Aging Administrative Claiming Special Fund ACT 90 HB1013 Involuntary Hospitalization ACT 91 SB1240 Medicaid Waiver ACT 92 SB1241 Energy Data – Greenhouse Gas Data DOH ACT 93 HB1028 Endangered Species Trust Fund ACT 94 HB1033 DLNR/DOBOR Mandatory Vessel Insurance Coverage ACT 95 SB1263 Uniform Controlled Substances Act ACT 96 SB394 Taxation: Amends rules for sourcing sales factor for net income tax ACT 97 SB1271 Tax Refund Offsets ACT 98 HB543 Affordable Housing ACT 99 HB942 Claims Against the State ACT 100 HB901 Government Publications #davidige #billsigning #officeofhawaiianaffairs #judiciary #Chapter42f #CIP #capitalimprovements #SpecialPurposeRevenueBonds #ElectricPublicUtilities #HawaiiMuseumofNaturalandCulturalHistory #EOlaMauNa #EmergencyandBudgetReserveFund #PearlHarbor #CollectiveBargaining #UnionHealthBenefitsTrustFund #HTDC #DBEDT #DepartmentofHumanResourcesDevelopment #MauiHealthSystem

HONOLULU — With the National Weather Service predicting an above average storm potential for this year’s hurricane season, now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawai’i. “Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn’t hit us directly. I urge Hawai’i’s residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient,” said Governor David Ige. The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies. “We advocate for a 14-day recommendation because of Hawai’i’s location in the Pacific during a disaster,” said Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA. “Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but they also help their entire community deal with a disaster.” For homeowners, now is also the time to think about insuring one’s property. “Know what to do pre- and post-event to protect yourself and your family, and minimize significant financial impacts,” advises Insurance Commissioner Colin Hayashida. “With the potential of a more active hurricane season, residents can be more prepared ahead of time by reading their insurance policies and taking an inventory of their home and valuables.” Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Last year’s season brought on the storm named Lane, which, had it maintained its course towards the islands, would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property. It most likely would also have resulted in catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawai’i. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away. HI-EMA suggests keeping your family’s supplies fresh for the entire season by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time. HI-EMA also recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions in preparation for a possible hurricane or tropical cyclone. Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding of what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family intends to shelter in place or evacuate. Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps. Stay tuned to local media and their websites and/or apps regarding weather updates. Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info). Sign up for a community emergency response team. Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other. Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car’s gas tank filled. Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster. Secure your important documents in protective containers including copies of your insurance policies, a home inventory of valuables, and your agent’s or insurer’s contact information. Visitors should download the GoHawaii App and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. Build an emergency kit – now. (Attached is the PDF of our Two Weeks Ready brochure to be printed out double sided and folded.) #HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency #HIEMA #NationalWeatherService #davidige #thomastravis #colinhayashida #TravelSmartHawaii #GoHawaiiApp #HawaiitourismAuthority #HTA

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige issued a third supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. The purpose of the emergency proclamation is to accelerate the completion of housing projects for individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness. It also expands shelter capacity and access to services. The governor signed the initial emergency proclamation for homelessness on Dec. 14, 2018, a supplementary proclamation on Feb. 12, 2019, and a second supplementary proclamation on April 12, 2019. The third supplementary proclamation extends the relief period until Aug. 7, 2019. #Homelessness #davidige #emergencyproclamation #supplementaryproclamation #disasterRelief

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige issued an eighth supplementary emergency proclamation, extending the disaster relief period for the Kaua‘i floods of April 2018. The emergency proclamation applies to Kaua‘i only. It extends the authority to spend state funds as appropriated to protect the health, safety and welfare of Kaua‘i residents. It also supports the state’s efforts to provide efficient relief of suffering, damage and losses caused by the flooding. Gov. Ige signed the initial emergency proclamation on April 15, 2018, followed by these supplementary proclamations: · Supplementary proclamation issued April 18, 2018 · Second supplementary proclamation issued June 17, 2018. · Third supplementary proclamation issued by Acting Gov. Douglas S. Chin on Aug. 16, 2018 · Fourth supplementary proclamation issued Oct. 15, 2018 · Fifth supplementary proclamation issued Dec. 14, 2018 · Sixth supplementary proclamation issued Feb. 12, 2019 · Seventh supplementary proclamation issued April 12, 2019 The current, eighth supplementary emergency proclamation extends the emergency disaster relief period for Kaua‘i until August 7, 2019. Attachment: Eighth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation #KAUAI #GOVERNORIGE #disasteremergencyrelief #emergencyproclamation #hawaii #supplementaryproclamation

(Kailua-Kona) — Celebrate the fourth annual World Oceans Day at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area on June 8, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free, except for a $5 parking fee at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area for non-Hawai‘i residents. Learn more about Hawai‘i’s incredible ocean resources from over a dozen participating organizations at Hāpuna’s south pavilion. The theme this year is “Together we can protect and restore our ocean.” “Plastic pollution is an issue on the Big Island. While a majority of the marine debris that ends up on the coastline comes from other places, single-use plastic water bottles and plastic straws can end up as trash on beaches and coastline. By reducing the amount of single-use plastic we all use, we can help make our ocean and shorelines safer for marine species,” said Dena Sedar, interpretive program specialist for Hawai‘i State Parks. A recycling station hosted by the County of Hawai‘i will allow visitors an opportunity to learn about recycling items they bring to the park. A hydration station will be part of the event so visitors can refill their water bottles. Participating organizations at World Oceans Day include: Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, National Park Service, Eyes of the Reef, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuaries, Coral Reef Alliance, Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center, West Hawaii Aquatic Entanglement Response Network, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Dolphin Quest, Keep Puako Beautiful, Lynker, Liquid Robotics, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Ke Kai Ola The Marine Mammal Center. There will be a beach cleanup from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and there will be 19 informational booths. Keiki can earn a prize for visiting more than six informational booths. Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund will host a marine debris prevention activity station at 10:00 a.m. where people can participate in fun activities and games to learn how to prevent marine debris. # # # #WorldOceansDay #HapunaBeach #HealthyPlanet #Environment #Plasticbottles #plasticstraws #HawaiiWildlifefund #NationalParkService #EyesoftheReef #WaikoloaDryForestInitiative #AlaKahakaiNationalHistoricTrail #HawaiiIslandHumpbackWhaleNationalMarine #coralreefalliance #kahaluubayeducationcenter #westhawaiiaquaticentanglementresponsenetwork #DLNR #DLNRAquaticResources #dolphinquest #keeppuakobeautiful #lynker #liquidrobotics #usarmyhcorpsofengineers #kekaiolathemarinemammalcenter #beachcleanup #hawaiistateparks #kailuakona

From Supt. Christina M. Kishimoto: We wrapped up the majority of our public school graduations this past week and I have thoroughly enjoyed attending ceremonies statewide with my leadership team. Our schools have great personalities! I’d like to congratulate our educators on a successful year. ​We wrapped up the majority of our public school graduations this past week and I have thoroughly enjoyed attending ceremonies statewide with my leadership team. Our schools have great personalities! I’d like to congratulate our educators on a successful year. You should be proud of the achievements of this year’s graduates. All of the pomp and circumstance of graduation – the beaming students walking (or dancing) across the stage, the families cheering them on – is because of the hard work and dedication that you poured into the educational journey of your students. Over the summer, the Department will continue to collect feedback for HIDOE’s 2030 Promise Plan, develop our professionals on topics including Project Based Learning, Quality Special Education Services and Computer Science, and start to shift our focus for school year 2019-20 to quality instructional designs – Ideas That Transform! I look forward to continuing our journey in delivering our core mission of equity, excellence and innovation in the fall. Meanwhile, enjoy your summer! Source: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/Newsletters/Supts-Corner/Pages/0605.aspx #doe #hawaiidepartmentofeducation #christinakishimoto #Graduation #graduationhawaii #HIDOE #ProjectBasedLearning #QualitySpecialEducationServices #ComputerScience