Taro Task Force Briefs Lawmakers

The House Committee on Agriculture held an informational briefing to discuss issues of public concern regarding the current and future availability of taro and the protection and availability of taro producing lands. Representatives from the Taro Task Force briefed the Committee on the current state and possible future of taro in Hawaii then fielded questions.

The Task Force was established in 2008 and is composed of 18 members representing all of the major stakeholders regarding taro. Their recommendations included improving access to water in taro growing communities, increased apple snail containment and control, identifying and controlling invasive kalo varieties, and furthering the “board and stone in every home” movement.

Committee on Agriculture Chair Rep. Jessica Wooley scheduled the briefing to better inform committee members of the state of taro in Hawaii, so they will have as much information as possible when considering current legislation relating to Hawaii’s most culturally significant crop.

Mana Ai Daniel Anthony provided lawmakers with a taste of what's at stake

Decision making on HB484and HB734, both dealing with the protection of taro, will take place tomorrow at 8:00 am in Conference Room 325 of the State Capitol.

Lawmaker Takes Swift Action in Response to Near Tragedy in Kalihi

Fortunately, the two large boulders didn't cause any serious damage or injuries.

Early yesterday morning, two boulders tumbled down the side of a mountain, damaging a home on Nobrega St. in Kalihi Valley. Gerald Abella was sleeping in his bed at 4:45 a.m., when a 3 foot by 5 foot boulder crashed through his bedroom wall, coming within inches of hitting his head.
 

The mountainside where the boulders originates remains unstable.

Before the day was over, Vice Speaker John Mizuno (Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, portion of Lower Kalihi) had visited the scene, talked to the family, and drafted a letter to William Aila Jr, Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, urgently requesting a survey of any potential risks associated with the hillside in the future.
 

Raytan Vares, Rep. Mizuno's Office Manager showing the size of the boulders. 

Yesterday’s event was similar to last year when 5 boulders rolled down the mountainside over Kalihi Valley and damaged several homes at Kula Kolea Place. In the immediate aftermath of that natural disaster, Vice Speaker Mizuno personally delivered a letter to the Governor requesting State assistance in mitigating, stabilizing and/or removing unstable rocks above Kula Kolea Place. The Governor listened and the situation was addressed properly, promptly, and effectively.
 

Vice Speaker Mizuno touring the Kalihi Valley home.

“We’ve been in this position before and used that experience to take appropriate and timely action in the wake of yesterday’s near catastrophe. I’m requesting the DLNR to conduct a survey of any potential future risks associated with the hillside as well as to exercise all means of ensuring the safety and well-being of area residents,” said House Vice Speaker John Mizuno. “Our number one priority is to keep more boulders from crashing into homes on Nobrega St., but we have also begun to work with the DLNR to take a proactive approach in preventing similar occurrences throughout Kalihi Valley in the future.”

DLNR Enforcement Receives Emergency Vehicle Status

Summer is here and more folks are camping out at state beaches and parks, hiking on state trails, fishing, and enjoying Hawaii's natural resources. Please be aware of a new law, HB714, that allows Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) conservation enforcement vehicles to mount red and blue lights and to be authorized as emergency vehicles. The bill was introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll (District 13 - Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana.) Lawmakers believe that the use of the red and blue lights will help deter criminal activity on state lands, and will help the public to identify the DOCARE (Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement) officers as law enforcement personnel who have full police powers.