Lloyd’s of London Throws in the Towel on Lava Exclusion
The Jones Act: Charting a New Course after a Century of Failure
Political Connections Pay Off: Gill Family to Cash in on Makakilo Wind Farm
PBN: …The wind turbines will be erected on approximately 1,600 acres on the eastern slope of Waianae Range. The land is in part owned by Gill ‘Ewa Lands, an organization that aims to restore the Waianae mountain ecosystem at Palehua. Sales of the electricity generated by the wind project will help fund the restoration project.
"Palehua Wind gives us the opportunity to restore and protect the land, which has been damaged by decades of erosion, wildfires and growth of non-native plants," Tony Gill, a representative of Gill 'Ewa Lands, said.
There are currently two existing wind farms on Oahu, both are located on the island's North Shore: the 30-MW Kahuku Wind Farm and the 69-MW Kawailoa Wind Farm, which started operations in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Eurus Energy has been collecting data on the proposed wind farm site for past three years, Henriksen said.
Big Q: What do you think of the Palehua Wind wind-energy project proposed for West Oahu?
SA Editorial: Hawaii will need more wind power
read … New West Oahu wind power project part of larger restoration, conservation effort
In the mountains of Waianae, a restoration project that could take centuries (or until a windfarm deal comes along)
HNN 10-17-2017: ...Another important aspect of the site is a two-acre archaeological site.
"It's very much in the infancy stages of trying to understand what was it used for." said Thomas "Anu" Anuheali`i, the property's Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner.
The Gills have commissioned archaeological digs at the property, but there's much that still remains a mystery.
"The possibility is that there's a substantial population up here. Never been studied before. That's our job," Gill said....
read … In the mountains of Waianae, a restoration project that could take centuries
Sex, Lies and Retaliation at Big Island Election Office—6 years later Case Reaches Supreme Court
BIVN: … On November 19, the Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee heard the latest from Corporation Counsel on the case of Patricia Nakamoto (reportedly the girlfriend of former state Chief Elections Officer Dwayne Yoshina) and Shyla M. Ayau vs. former county clerk Jamae Kawauchi, former Council Chair Dominic Yagong, and Corporate Specialized Intelligence and Investigations, LLC.
Yagong, who is no longer a public official, was in the audience to hear the brief presentation.
The case, which dates back to the year 2012, has gone to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Oral Arguments were presented on Tuesday, October 17….
The circuit court dismissed Petitioners' claims holding that defamation claims are barred by the Workers’ Compensation Law (WCL), HRS Chapter 386, and that CSII as a third-party investigator owed no duty to Petitioners. Petitioners appealed to the ICA, arguing that the WCL does not bar claims based on injuries to a person’s reputation, and that CSII owed them a duty of care. The ICA affirmed the circuit court’s judgment….
Background:
read … Hawaii County Lawsuit Update
Climate report paints dire picture for Hawaii – Public Laughs at Mindless Eco-Hysteria
SA: “Extreme coastal flooding. Warmer temperatures. Extended periods of drought. Imperiled coral reefs. Hurricanes with greater intensity and consequence.”
“…doom our children and their children to a world of deep drought, hundreds of millions of refugees, titanic hurricanes, shrinking food and water resources, and flooded cities,” Fletcher said….
“…eating less meat, fly and drive less and vote for officials who support strong climate adaption and mitigation measures (Democrats).”
Those were the ‘scientists’ quoted in the article, these are the comments. Can you see any difference?
“THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY. for Fiscal Year 2019 All the people writing these "Doomsday", "Climate Change", "Global Warming" articles would not have a Job, not get Government Grants (U.S. Citizens Money), U.S. Citizens Money (Federal Taxes), Hawaii Citizens Money (State Taxes).”
“I've been reading the same "News Story" like this one for the last 50 years here in Hawaii. I'm still waiting to take my boat down Kalakaua Ave to visit Waikiki. What happened to all the "flooding" from rising sea levels????????”
“So vote for all Democrats so they can save the world ? ha ha ha ha, laughable.”
“record heat gigantic storms Godzilla coming Rhodan and King Kong on the way the fish are swimming in circles the crabs are hiding in their caves droughts at the bottom of the ocean poke chunks will be smaller chopsticks will be 2 inches long whales will leave Hawaii and go to the Mohave desert birds will fly backward HEEEEEELPPPP!!!!”
“Just more shibai to raise your taxes.”
Related:
read … Climate report paints dire picture for Hawaii
Iwase Out at PUC—Who Will Raise our Rates Next?
SA: … the announced retirement of Randall Iwase as chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission, effective Dec. 28 and 18 months before his term expires, sets up speculation about his successor and the regulatory agency’s direction. The PUC covers a wide range of regulated industries, from transportation to telecommunications — but in recent years, it’s been the energy utilities and issues that have riveted public attention.
Iwase, appointed by Gov. David Ige in January 2015, says he’s leaving to spend more time with his family. As chairman, he was instrumental in the PUC’s 2016 rejection of the proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. by Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc….
Best Comment: “Hawaii's misguided, anti-consumer energy policies are aggressively pursued, driving our already high prices ever upward.”
read … PUC’s leadership critical now
Bus fares could go up, again
SA: … For bus riders who endured an increase in fares on Jan. 1, it may seem like “deja vu all over again,” to quote Yogi Berra.
On Nov. 14, the City Council passed, on first reading, Bill 77, a measure that would raise basic fares for TheBus beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
The standard single cash fare would go from $2.75 to $3 a ride — perhaps making it easier for those who don’t carry around a lot of loose change. The standard monthly bus pass, which went from $60 in 2017 to $70 this year, would go up again, to $80.
The standard annual bus pass would go up too, from $770 to $880. Other fares, for low-income riders and those using the Handi-Van, would rise marginally if at all, and in some cases could actually go down.
The biggest proposed increase targets the best bargain in public transit — the standard annual senior citizen pass. The $35-a-year pass would rise more than three-fold, to $120….
read … Bus fares could go up, again
Big Island Taxicab drivers say Uber, Lyft putting them at unfair disadvantage
WHT: …taxicab drivers also said Lyft and Uber vehicles are using parking stalls on Alii Drive that are reserved exclusively for taxicabs during part of the day even though taxi owners pay annually for a taxicab license that permits use of the stalls.
“We pay the Mass Transit — each one is $120. Times 100 taxis, that’s $12,000 we pay for these stalls,” Quiros said. “They’re paying zero dollars.”….
Even starting with a car in “pristine condition,” Williams said, a taxicab operator is looking at hundreds of dollars in startup costs for the meter, top light and lettering. Considering the cost of a used vehicle and work needed to get it into good condition, she said, an operator can expect to pay $10,000.
Taxicab owners and drivers also have to navigate a series of paperwork, applications and a public hearing before they can even accept their first passenger.
In addition to the equipment requirements like installing and calibrating a meter, each vehicle requires a thorough inspection and a certificate from the Hawaii County Transportation Commission, which can only be granted after a public hearing determining that “public convenience and necessity” require the operation of a taxi. Taxicab owners can then get a license for the vehicle, which must be renewed annually at a cost of $120.
Even to operate a taxi, a driver needs to submit a 10-year background check from the courthouse, a seven-year driver’s abstract and a doctor’s clearance and also must pass a test assessing their ability to navigate the area and knowledge of taxi regulations. Then, Williams said, the driver pays $10 for their own personal license.
Taxicab drivers are also bound to charging rates fixed in statute: $3 for the start of a ride and first eighth of a mile or minute of waiting/elapsed time and 40 cents for each additional eighth of a mile and additional minute of waiting or elapsed time. Taxicab drivers may also charge $1 a piece for most types of baggage.
Those fees were set in 2008, when the county council last raised rates. And despite the county council also adding language to allow for an annual review of fares to determine whether they should be raised or lowered, that too has never happened.
Uber and Lyft drivers meanwhile aren’t subject to charging those fixed rates….
As this county looks at the options, Kim said it’s unlikely there will be a single set of rules applying uniformly to taxicab drivers and Uber/Lyft drivers….
read … Taxicab drivers say Uber, Lyft putting them at unfair disadvantage
An alternative for the homeless?
SA: …Borge’s solution resembles what many have talked about — a safe zone, supported by fresh water as well as hygiene facilities and services, where those who can’t afford a roof over their heads can live peacefully and legally, regulating their community so it doesn’t turn into a dangerous slum or haven for illegal drug use.
It’s not ideal. The better solution would involve permanent structures and wrap-around social services to reintegrate the homeless into a situation more stable for themselves and, especially, their vulnerable children. Kahauiki Village off Nimitz Highway is one such model, and more are needed.
But Borge and Pu’uhonua o Waianae propose something within reach — a practical, low-cost alternative to Kahauiki Village…
(Clue: The failure of the project will be more expensive than the money saved by not forcing homeless drug addicts into real homes.)
read … An alternative for the homeless
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