North Shore Kauai

Kaua‘i school funds to be used for O‘ahu special election

nskbuzz — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:05:52 +0000

The special election to fill the U.S. Congress seat vacated by Neil Abercrombie as he prepares to run for governor has nothing to do with Kaua‘i because that congressional district doesn’t include Neighbor Islands, right?

Wrong.

Governor Linda Lingle authorized the transfer of $389,481 from the Neighbor Island public schools repair and maintenance account into an account to help fund the special election.

That move concerns state Rep. Jimmy Tokioka, D-Wailua-Lihu‘e-Koloa, he said Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the project to make Kaumuali‘i Highway four lanes from Lihu‘e to Puhi.

State Legislature to Honor Polynesian Tribal Surfers

nskbuzz — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:46:32 +0000

News Release
Hawaii House of Representatives

The Hawaii State House and Senate will honor outstanding Polynesian Tribal surfers, including surfing legends Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau and Rell Sunn who will be recognized posthumously. Other surfing greats to be honored are Clyde Aikau, Ben Aipa, Mitchell Alapa, Derek Ho and Richard “Buffalo” Kalolo‘okalani Keaulana. The back-to-back floor presentations in the House and Senate will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, which is also Native Hawaiian Caucus Day.

The Senate presentation starts at 11:30 a.m. and the House of Representatives will hold their presentation at 12 noon. Certificates of Appreciation are sponsored by State Representatives Roland D. Sagum III (House District 16-Ni‘ihau, Lehua, Kiloa, Waimea), Mele Carroll (House District 13-Kaho‘olawe, Molokini, Lina‘i, Moloka‘i, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana), Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (House District 45-Wai‘anae, Mikaha, Mikua) and Marcus R. Oshiro (House District 39-Wahiawi, Whitmore Village, Poamoho) and Senators Brickwood Galuteria (Senate District 12-Iwilei, Chinatown, Downtown, Kaka‘ako, Ala Moana, Waikiki) and Fred Hemmings (Senate District 25-Kailua, Lanikai, Waim?nalo, Hawai‘i Kai).

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize some of our local Polynesians who have been tremendously successful in the sport of surfing, or papa he‘e nalu,” said Representative Roland Sagum, who is the primary sponsor on the House side. “It is also important for us to help educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of this sport which was once reserved for the Ali‘i.”

Tuesday’s honorees include world surfing champions, surfing instructors and coaches, surfboard shapers, an Olympic gold medalist, members of the Hikile‘a, and Surf Hall of Famers. Other current Polynesian Tribal surfing greats who are unable to attend Tuesday’s presentation will also be honored.

“Our honorees are all local Polynesians who have contributed greatly to the popularity of surfing,” added Senator Brickwood Galuteria, primary sponsor for the Senate. “It is only fitting that we honor current surfing greats, as well as those who are no longer with us, who have paved the way for this sport worldwide.”

For More Information Contact:
Representative Roland D. Sagum III, 808-586-6280
Senator Brickwood Galuteria, 808-586-6740

Source: Hawaii House of Representatives

Green sea turtle from French Frigate Shoals on Kauai

nskbuzz — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:39:19 +0000

A 300-pound, approximately 50 year -old green old sea turtle who was originally located on French Frigate Shoals has found her way to the north shore of Kauai. Authorities were notified of the turtle’s presence on the beach by Angelica Mia, a concerned citizen who spotted the turtle on Wednesday, and made a phone call.

Don Heacock, aquatic biologist of the state Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR) praised Mia for calling authorities. “This is significant. We can’t be everywhere; the public is the eyes and ears of the community. If it wasn’t for her calling us, we would probably not know that the turtle was here.”

Originally sighted on the beach near the Hanalei River, the honu, who was not emaciated, appeared to be demonstrating natural basking behavior, Heacock reported. He noted that the turtle was eventually pushed into the river by beachgoers, but was pleased to hear that she had come ashore on another beach late Thursday.

Leviathans may battle in remote depths

nskbuzz — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:00:06 +0000

New studies suggest that great white sharks may migrate so they can dine on giant squids.

In what could be the ultimate marine smack-down, great white sharks off the California coast may be migrating 1,600 miles west to do battle with creatures that rival their star power: giant squids.

A series of studies tracking this mysterious migration has scientists rethinking not just about what the big shark does with its time but also about what sort of creature it is.

Few sea denizens match great white sharks and giant squids in primitive mystique. Both are the subject of popular mania; both are inscrutable. That these two mythic sea monsters might convene for epic battles on the stark expanses of the Pacific is enough to make a documentarian salivate.