Archive for September, 2018

Testimony OPPOSING University & OMKM Rules for Mauna Kea

Friday, September 28th, 2018

Testimony by Jim Albertini sent on Mauna Kea Rules. Deadline for written testimony is Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 at 11:59PM Send comments here http://www.hawaii.edu/govrel/uhhar-testimony/
See article on rules here https://www.civilbeat.org/…/big-island-uhs-new-rules-woul…/…

Aloha kakou, Sept. 28, 2018 8:30PM

On behalf of our organization, I oppose your proposed rules. I oppose the industrial and commercial desecration of the most sacred temple in Hawaii, Mauna a Wa Kea and the trampling of the cultural , traditional, and religious rights of Kanaka Maoli.
The Office of Mauna kea Management (OMKM) should be abolished. It and the university of Hawaii have no jurisdictional authority over the Mauna. Mauna Kea is crown and government lands of the Hawaiian Kingdom, under illegal occupation by the United States. The Hawaiian Kingdom and Hawaiian cultural and religious practitioners of the Hawaiian Kingdom should decide on rules for protecting the sacred temple of Mauna Kea.
The University of Hawaii and OMKM along with the proposed rules are engaging in ongoing desecration of the sacred Mauna and regulating Kanaka Maoli rights into extinction. Your primary value for the Sacred Mauna is DOLLARS, and how you can exploit and further commodify the Mauna.
I attended the Hilo Hearing. It was an insult and a disgrace that only 1 Board of Regent member attended the hearing. UH president, David Lassner, all the UH Regents and OMKM Board members should have been present to show respect for the Mauna, the community, and especially Hawaiian practitioners, many who poured their hearts out. Shame on the University and OMKM. Your absence speaks volumes about who you are and what you really value.


Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box 489
Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760
Phone 808-966-7622
email ja@malu-aina.org
visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org
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Stop the next war before it starts!

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

Danger of Escalating War!

Beware of “False Flag” Trigger Event

      The U.S. and Israel have no respect for the sovereignty of other nations. They act as if it is their right to bomb any country they want. Increasing tensions over Syria and Iran could escalate quickly into a global war involving Russia and other countries, including the possible use of nuclear weapons. See the Path to WWIII http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/50313.htm

      U.S. national security advisor, John Bolton and U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo continue to beat the drums of war with threats and more threats at an ever increasing pace, including warning of regime change. Bolton: “We will come after you… There will be hell to pay.”  See https://mondoweiss.net/2018/09/channels-netanyahu-mongers/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-rouhani-says-israel-the-most-daunting-threat-to-world-peace/

      The increasing U.S. rhetoric against Iran is sounding more and more like the run up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the phony U.S. claim of Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) that didn’t exist. The U.S. media helped sell the illegal U.S. war of aggression on Iraq. Will they do the same again with Iran? Don’t buy into it. Don’t buy war! Iran poses no more of a threat to the U.S. than Iraq did. It’s all hype.

      Trump tore up the Iran nuclear deal, despite the fact that Iran was adhering to it and despite the wishes of the other countries that were signatories to it. Now he is imposing draconian sanctions that are hurting the Iranian people. Don’t let Trump do to Iran what Bush did to Iraq. We need diplomacy not war. Act now to stop the next war before it starts. And don’t forget…

  1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties.
    4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc.
    5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
    Contact: Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

    P.O. Box 489 Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760 Phone
    (808) 966-7622. Email: ja@malu-aina.org
    Sign up on our website to receive our posts 
    http://www.malu-aina.org/

September 28, 2018 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet — 888th week – Fridays 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

Excellent testimony on Pohakuloa by Kau’i Trainer

Monday, September 24th, 2018

 

Loreto V. Borce, Jr
U.S. Army, Commanding Lieutenant Colonel 
(808) 969-2536 
loreto.v.borce.mil@mail.mil 
 
Dr. Julie M. Taomia 
Cultural Resources Manager
US Army Garrison – Pohakuloa Hawaii
Desk: (808) 969-2536 Cell: (808) 436-4280
julie.m.taomia.civ@mail.mil
 
John M. Fowler 
Executive Director 
202-517-0200 
jfowler@achp.gov
 
Suzanne Case,
SHPO and Chairperson
Department of Land & Natural Resources 
1151 Punchbowl Street
Suite 555
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-587-0400
 
Katharine Kerr
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
202-606-8534
kkerr@achp.gov
 
 
Sept 24, 2018
 
 
Aloha,
 
I am against the Programmatic Agreement until further consultation with Native Hawaiians occurs and a more collaborative effort to examine the concerns in question (below) are addressed.
 
 
  • How does each training activity impact archaeological resources that are known?
  • If only 45% of the known resources have been discovered, and 55% of the areas being used have not even been surveyed, what is the timeline for surveying so that we know what other impacts are occurring? 
  • What are the adverse effects caused by continued use of the live-fire ranges, including the targeted high-hazard impact area?
  • What are the adverse effects associated with investigation and disposal of unexploded ordnances?
  • What type of adverse effects could result from emergency situations, including but not limited to, emergencies declared by the President or the Governor of Hawaii or actions to protect human health and property?
  • How many archaeological sites will be adversely impacted by training activities within the “Go” areas and each training, high impact and maneuver areas?
 
Stipulation I.A. of the PA states: “To the extent feasible, USAG-Pōhakuloa and RDH shall develop and authorize undertakings designed to avoid adverse effects to historic properties.” The PA authorizes USAG-Pōhakuloa and RDH as the only individuals who will provide “mitigation” measures. Every “mitigation” measure should be formed in consultation with Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals who attach religious and cultural significance to historic properties that may be affected by an undertaking. The PA should be revised to ensure we the consultants and other NHOs are consulted regarding these “mitigation” measures. 
 
There is a reason why I emphasize the word mitigation. The word mitigation means to reduce the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. It often feels like the military and the government agencies do not really seek to mitigate adverse effects to historic properties because the severity, seriousness and painfulness of the their destructive actions have not been reduced, but rather, it has increased in depth and breadth. As a kanaka, Iʻd like to see real solutions and real collaboration to identify what archaeological sites and resources we have, what they mean for us as a people, and whether we are still willing to participate in a legacy of desecration and erasure of these sites and resources. I am certainly not willing to do so. Why we continue to wage war when our world needs us, more than ever, to wage peace, is an issue that we MUST address at all levels of society, all levels of government, and most certainly at all levels of humanity. We cannot continue to destroy the earth and its inhabitants without recognizing humanityʻs role in the consequences. 
 
In the findings of Ching v Aila Civil No. 14-00253, the court determined that:
1.The Defendants breached their trust obligations by failing to mālama ʻāina the Subject Lands [State General Lease No. S-3849], 2. The Defendants are ordered to fulfill their trust obligations by doing the following: A. Defendants shall promptly initiate and undertake affirmative activity to mālama ‘āina the Subject Lands. B. Mālama ‘āina of the Subject Lands by Defendants includes, but is not necessarily limited to 1. To develop a written plan to mālama ʻāina the Subject Lands. I would add, AND ACT ON THAT PLAN TO MĀLAMA ʻĀINA.
 
Please make sure that the Defendants fulfill their trust obligations. Make good on the court findings.
 
Iʻd like to see the military stop all live bombing of our land and waters. Iʻd like to see the military clean up Kahoʻolawe like they said they would. Iʻd like to see the military clean up Makua Valley, Waikoloa, Pohakuloa, and Red Hill. There needs to be greater accountability in regards to environmental and cultural issues. Be pono.
 
Mahalo for the opportunity to comment,
 
Kauʻi Trainer
Hilo, HI
Kau’i Trainer
kauitrainer@gmail.com
 
Aloha kekahi i kekahi.
 

UH Hilo film and forum on Ohia death

Sunday, September 23rd, 2018

SAVING OHI’A: Hawai’i’s Sacred Tree
Thursday Sept 27 7:00PM
UHH UCB 100 FREE
Hear the most recent information on the impact of Rapid Ohi’a Death on Hawai’i’s forests; what scientists have learned; what is being done about the crisis; and what citizens can do.
Dr. J. B. Friday will lead the discussion following the short documentary.
Please announce.
Aloha, Noelie Rodriguez (963-6966)

Next Pohakuloa Strategy meeting is Wed. Sept. 26th from 6-8PM

Sunday, September 23rd, 2018

Next Pohakuloa Strategy meeting is Wed. Sept. 26th from 6-8PM at the Keaau community center.  Items for agenda will include evaluation of the meeting with PTA commander Borce on 9/21, Drake’s radiation monitoring, Mike Reimer’s proposal, etc.  Please come and help pass the word.   Summary of meeting with PTA commander Borce below.  Mahalo.
Jim Albertini

Monday, Sept. 24th Councilwoman Jen Ruggles is having a community meeting from 6-8PM at the Keaau Community Center
Tuesday, Sept. 25th there is a Mauna Kea Management Board hearing from 5-7PM at Imiloa Astronomy center on new proposed hard line rules on Mauna Kea that could seriously restrict free-speech protest rights and Hawaiian rights to cultural and religious practice.  Pass the word and attend.  Mahalo and solidarity