Malu 'Aina

Hilo RIMPAC Protest Sat. July 19, 2014 from 10-noon at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hilo airport rd.

U.S. government vows to defend environment—except when military is around

Pacific Pivot »

Military »

Why no one should be surprised over environmental exemptions granted to the navy during RIMPAC and beyond.

Please pass the word in support of Ohana Ho’opakele.  Mahalo.

Jim Albertini

Press Release on State’s Motion for Summary Judgment for the reactivation of Kulani Correctional Facility (KCF) set for hearing  9AM, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 in Hilo Circuit Court before Judge Glenn S. Hara

Further contact: Ohana Ho’opakele President, Palikapu Dedman (home) 959-4930, Treasurer, Ronald Fujiyoshi (home) 959-9775; (cell) 345-9688, Also see www.ohanahoopakele.org and Ohana Ho`opakele on Facebook

     Ohana Ho’opakele and supporters will gather outside Hilo Court House at 8AM on Wednesday, July 23, 2014. The message is strong and clear: Pu’uhonua NOT Prisons; Justice for Hawaiians; Hawaiian Misery is Not a commodity and Stop using Hawaiians against Hawaiians. At 9AM there is a hearing before Judge Glenn Hara on the State’s Motion for Summary Judgement regarding the reactivation of Kulani prison.

     Ohana Ho’opakele president, Palikapu Dedman said “Ohana Ho’opakele is looking for legal support for appeal. We are reaching out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC), Earth Justice or any legal firm for assistance. There are key issues involved.

GENERALLY:

1. What is the standard for circuit court review of a Final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)?
2. Is a prison a permissible use of Crown Lands?

SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL ISSUES:

1. Final Environmental Assessment (EA) does not adhere to Act 117: “The department of public safety, in cooperation with Ohana Ho’opakele and other restorative justice groups, is directed to prepare a plan for the creation of a pu’uhonua, or wellness center. On lands owned or controlled by the State. The public land development corporation shall assist in determining an appropriate site for the center; provided that the site formerly used as the Kulani correctional facility on the island of Hawaii shall be given preference, unless another site will provide a greater possibility of success.”
2. Crown Lands should be used for the betterment of native Hawaiians not for the general public.

FUNDAMENTAL UNDERLYING ISSUES:

               1. Disproportionate number of native Hawaiians in prison.

               2. A Hawaiian Pu’uhonua is best model for healing (rehabilitation).

               3. The present prison system (punitive justice) is not succeeding.”

      Ohana Ho’opakele President Palikapu Dedman was critical of Judge Hara’s handling of the case. Dedman said: “By punting the ball to appeal, instead of making a substantial decision at the Circuit Court level affecting the disproportionate number of Native Hawaiians in prison, Judge Hara is wasting tax payers money and suppressing Hawaiians. Judge Hara is following the same old pattern of shrinking from his responsibility as he did in the fencing case decision. It’s time for Judge Hara to stand tall and do the right thing.”

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The “Slacking Eagles” in support of U.S. Bombing Hawaii were nowhere to be seen.

Historic Peace vigil anniversary and RIMPAC Protest!

Aloha kakou,
This week’s Hilo Peace Vigil on Friday, July 18th from 3:30-5PM at the downtown Hilo Post office is an historic day.  It marks the 30th anniversary of the Hilo swim for peace against a visiting nuclear warship to uphold the vision of our county’s Nuclear-Free law.  On Sat. July 19th from 10-noon there is a protest against the ongoing RIMPAC military exercises by 22 nations in and around Hawaii, including bombing at Pohakuloa.  The Saturday protest will be at the Hilo airport Rd and Hwy 11 intersection.    All Hawaii stand together for justice and peace.  Mahalo.
Jim Albertini

PS More details about both events noted above are on the our website www.malu-aina.org.