http://www.iyor-hawaii.org/pledge/
Isle beaches cleaner than most
But study also cites storm-water runoff as biggest pollution threat
Honolulu Advertiser, August 4, 2008
By Leanne Ta
Hawai'i's beaches are relatively clean compared with the rest of the nation, but storm-water runoff continues to contaminate waters and put swimmers at risk, according to an annual report.
In 2007, the nation experienced its second-highest level of beach closures and advisories in 18 years, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council's Testing the Waters report released last week.
The incidence of infections associated with recreational swimming has steadily increased over the past few decades, the report states.
Hawai'i fared relatively well in 2007, ranking 25th out of 30 states included in the study in terms of the percentage of water samples exceeding national standards.
Just 3 percent of nearly 5,500 water samples collected in Hawai'i in 2007 exceeded U.S. health standards. This compares with 23 percent of samples taken in Illinois, which had the highest rate, and none of the samples taken in Alaska, which had the lowest rate.
Rest of article here: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808040328
Rokkashomura Rhapsody
Dir: Hitomi Kamanaka. Japan 2006 119 min.
In 2004, construction was completed on the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, a facility for extracting plutonium from the spent fuel coming from nuclear reactors. Many villagers give witness to the results, expressing diverse responses to this massive national project as it becomes fully operational. Both those for and against the building of the facility must now live with nuclear power. The Rokkasho reprocessing plant project also continues to move steadily forward. The story then shifts to the reprocessing plant in Sellafield, England—the site of a number of accidents. Their 40-year history of planning for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing gives a hint of the future of Rokkasho. Multiple viewpoints are juxtaposed as we all face nuclear power as an option in the era of diminishing oil.
http://www.rokkasho-rhapsody.com/
Letter from Melissa Ling-Ing Concerning Ala Wai Parking Compromise:Aloha E everyone!
I would like to take this time to say MAHALO for all of your support and time into the Ala Wai Harbor parking issue. I'm sure by now, you heard what the outcome was at the Land Board Hearing last Friday.
We did not win, however, we got a pretty good compromise which I think is a workable compromise. Of course, we shall see in time how all this works out, but for now, we did the best we could and I think as long as the DLNR, DOCARE works in good faith, the recreational ocean users will have enough stalls while enjoying the ocean for free!!!!. 300+ free stalls is good. The next good thing was getting the price per hour down from their original price of $1.50 then to $1.00 to $.25 per hour, which is affordable and comparable to C & C beach/park rates in Waikiki. So for the most part, we did well.
We owe a big Mahalo to George Downing who without his inspiration, Mana'o and experiences, & all of his precious time spent working on this, we may not of gotten this far; Mahalo Uncle George! Personally, he was my inspiration all the way!
As he always said, its the "people power" and that's where all of your support is much appreciated for all you have done whether it be word of mouth or sending in testimony, or support in saying "good job, keep up the good work", Mahalo to you all & please let whoever else you know who has supported us, mahalo to them.
So for now, go jump into the ocean and enjoy our precious playground!
Mahalo & Ahui hou, see ya in the surf!
Melissa
Governor Linda Lingle Holds Public Talk to Purchase Kawela Bay at Kahuku Highschool March 4,2008
Kawela Bay Hearing
Beach Cleanup Sand Island
