Nū Hou - Newsbriefs

By Heart of Hawaii Staff

President Obama Last August, Hawai'i-born Barack Obama and his family, including wife, Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha, visited Hawai'i on a family vacation. Today, Barack Hussein Obama took the Oath of Office as the 44th President of the United States of America. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

OHA grants workshops scheduled

From January through April, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be holding Grants Workshops across Hawai'i for organizations hoping to apply for grants up to $100,000. In fiscal year 2008, more than $18 million in community grants, event grants and Board of Trustees Initiative grants were awarded, the largest amount awarded in a single year in OHA's history.

To be awarded a grant, it is mandatory that an applicant attends a grant workshop or meets with OHA Grants staff within six months prior to submitting a proposal.

"Although the program remains relatively the same from year to year, there may be changes to the program that former applicants may not be aware of. Our workshops specifically cover the current OHA grant application requirements and process and walks applicants through each section of the grant proposal," said OHA grants specialist Karyle Saiki.

Grant awards of up to $100,000 will be made to support programs that address OHA Strategic Plan goals in the areas of education, health, human services, housing, economic development, native rights, culture, land, resource management, governance and community development.

Grants are only awarded to nonprofit organizations or government agencies, and the group must provide a percentage of the total cost of the project. Projects must benefit Native Hawaiians individually or as a group. 2008 grant awardees include programs supporting people with special needs on Kaua'i, protecting the limu in 'Ewa, O'ahu, and constructing a community learning complex in Waimea, Hawai'i.

Workshop registration is required and enrollment is limited. For more information on locations and times, and to register, call the number listed below for your area. More information is also available online at oha.org. Refreshments will be served.

The deadline for fiscal year 2010 grant applications is June 30, 2009.

OHA comes to your neighborhood

ALOHA E NĀ KUPA O KO'OLAUPOKO A KO'OLAULOA!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Learn more about loans, grants, housing, health care and scholarships.

We are excited to respond to your requests for more information on Hawaiian issues and OHA programs and services. Please join the staff and Trustees of the Offi ce of Hawaiian Affairs at your beautiful Windward Mall's Center Court. OHA can answer your questions regarding educational scholarships, loans, housing and health care. This is a special opportunity for the people of your community to personally meet and chat with OHA Trustees. Linger and enjoy the musical and hula performances by entertainers of your very own community.

E kipa mai, e a'o mai, e ho'onanea!

For more information please contact OHA at 594-1835 www.oha.org or visit the Windward Mall's events page at www.WindwardMall.com .

The King Kamehameha statue in Washington, D.C., is among the likenesses of prominent figures lining Emancipation Hall in the Capitol's new visitor center, which opened Dec. 2. The statue, which weighs six tons, was moved to its new home along with 23 other statues to create more space in Statuary Hall, where it has stood since 1969. Its new location features glass skylights with views from underground of the Capitol. "King Kamehameha is a legendary figure who unified the Hawaiian Islands under one government in the late 1700s and 1800s," said Congressman Neil Abercrombie, who with then-Rep. Ed Case lobbied for its relocation. "The new location of his statue provides the prominence King Kamehameha deserves in the Capitol because of his place in the history of our state and nation." - Photo: Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie

DLNR meetings to weigh possible fishing regulations

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold public information meetings to discuss possible rule changes involving fishing of at least three species of fish: parrotfish, or uhu; goatfish, or weke; and Jacks, or ulua and pāpio.

Discussion will focus on using minimum size rules to protect fish that may be at risk of over-harvesting. Rule changes have not yet been drafted by the Divison of Aquatic Resources, DLNR said.

Meetings are scheduled for Hilo, Jan. 27, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hawai'i County Aupuni conference room, 101 Pauahi St.; on Kaua'i, Jan. 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Kaua'i Community College, Electronics Technology building, Room 114.

These species of fish help to maintain healthy coral reefs, but trends like the popularity of ulua and pāpio among recreational fishers and increased commercial harvesting of uhu and the commercial use of more effective nets have caused concern, DLNR said.

Meetings have already been held this month in Kahului, Maui, and in Kona, and more meetings are planned. For information, call Divison of Aquatic Resources on your island: Maui, 808-243-5294; Hawai'i, 808-974-6201, Kaua'i, 808-274-3344; Honolulu, 587-0100; Moloka'i and Lāna'i, 808-567-3778.

The public has until Feb. 23 to comment on a draft environmental impact statement for ferries like the Hawai'i Superferry. – Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Draft ferry EIS released for comment

The Hawai'i Superferry's potential impacts on humpback whales, cultural resources, and traffic – and its proposed corrective measures – are outlined in a newly released draft environmental impact statement for large-capacity interisland ferries.

Comments must be postmarked by Feb. 23 and sent to two addresses: Ms. Katherine Kealoha, Director, Office of Environmental Quality Control, 235 S. Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu, HI 96813. It should also be mailed to: Mr. Michael D. Formby, Deputy Diretor, DOT Harbors Division, 79 S. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813.

To download the draft EIS online, visit hawaii.gov/dot/harbors. Hard copies are available at all regional and selected public libraries and may be borrowed at the state Office of Environmental Quality Control at the address above. Paper copies are available for a reproduction fee by writing to: Belt Collins Hawai'i, 2153 N. King St., Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96819, Attn: Ms. Lesley A. Matsumoto. Belt Collins will provide copies on CD free of charge.

Another push is being made in Congress to establish a memorial on Kalaupapa, where about 8,000 Hansen's disease patients are buried, but only around 1,300 have marked graves. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Kalaupapa Memorial bill gets revived on Capitol Hill

U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono reintroduced the Kalaupapa Memorial Act last week, reviving an effort to establish a memorial honoring those who were exiled to the former Hansen's disease settlement.

The memorial bill passed in the House in February 2008 but died in the Senate. Last week, the Senate advanced the bill by a vote of 66-12 as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 during a rare Sunday vote.

The measure "is well on its way to becoming law" should the Senate approve it, Hirono said, thanking U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka for introducing the companion bill in the Senate and working for the bill's inclusion in the omnibus legislation.

The bill – which may come up for a House vote as early as this week depending on when the Senate votes – would establish a memorial within Moloka'i's Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which served as a settlement from 1866 to 1969. About 8,000 patients are buried there, but only around 1,300 have marked graves, Hirono said.

"I have met with the elderly residents of Kalaupapa," Hirono said in a news release. "Many have expressed a strong desire to know that the memorial will be built in their lifetimes. I have also read the heartfelt and compelling testimony submitted by current patients and family members of former patients who want to make sure the story of Kalaupapa is not only told, but that the patients are recognized as individuals by having the names of each of those exiled to Kalaupapa and buried there recorded for posterity."

Graduate studies fellowship program accepting applications

Applications are being acepted through Feb. 23 for the Mellon-Hawai'i Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, which is designed for Native Hawaiian scholars early in their academic careers and others who are committed to advancing knowledge about the Hawaiian natural and cultural environment, Hawaiian history, politics and society.

The program allows doctoral fellows to complete their dissertations before they accept their first academic posts, and allows postdoctoral fellows to publish orginal research early in their academic careers.

Candidates should show scholarly and leadership promise, a history of service to the Hawaiian community and society as a whole, and live in Hawai'i or conduct research requiring spending extended periods of time in Hawai'i. Native Hawaiian scholars in any residential or external degree program of a fully accredited U.S.-based institution, or institutions abroad, are eligible.

Awards are $40,000 for doctoral fellows and $50,000 for postdoctoral fellows for support during the fellowship period, which runs September through June. Fellows are required to commit full time to their writing projects during that time and must attend all retreats to be held on Hawai'i Island. Scheduled retreats are: opening retreat, July 30-31 and Aug. 1-2, 2009; scholarly presentation, Nov. 12-15, 2009; and closing retreat, July 28-30, 2010.

The program also allows for mentors to guide fellows in networking, completing their writing project and establishing a footing in their academic careers. Mentors will receive a $3,000 honorarium, plus travel and per diem for retreats, as will fellows.

Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 23. Awardees will be notified March 30. For information, contact The Kohala Center at assist@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411.

Hawai'i Island lectures to cover water law, stewardship

Ka'eo Duarte of Kamehameha Schools' Land Assets Division will explore aspects of how water flow, quality, use, law and stewardship – or lack thereof – have evolved over two centuries in Hawai'i.

Duarte will present "Water in Hawai'i: Changing Times and Changing Paradigms" at two lectures scheduled in: Kona, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Keauhou Beach Resort, Ballroom II; and in Hilo, Jan. 26, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, University Classroom Building 127.

Duarte earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, studying envrionmental engineering and specializing in hydrology.

The free talk is part of the Puana Ka 'Ike, or Imparting Knowledge, lecture series, which aims to provide an educational forum for Hawaiian culture, history and tradition. For information, call Natalie Diesroth at 808-322-0088 ext. 100 or call Cindi Punihaole of The Kohala Center at 808-895-1010. It is recommended that groups call ahead to reserve seats. To view a schedule of future lectures, visit kohalacenter.org and click on Puana Ka 'Ike Lecture.

Kumu Hula Kaha'i Topolinski, seated at center, is accepting new students. Select Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i hālau chanters and dancers performed at the centennial celebration of the Hawai'i State Archives, in 2006. - Courtesy photo: Keith Haugen

Ka Pā Hula to register new students

Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i, the 35-year-old award-winning hālau hula under Kumu Hula Kaha'i Topolinski, will hold open registration for adult kāne and wahine students from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Nu'uanu Elementary School at the mauka end of Pū'iwa Lane, Nu'uanu Valley.

Topolinski, also an expert in making and repairing of feather capes and kāhili, is most noted for leading his hālau in the traditional hula, unchanged and passed down to him from some of Hawai'i's most noted scholars and kumu, including Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake. The hālau was given its name by one of Kaha'i's most famous mentors, Mary Kawena Puku'i, and has performed for numerous state historical events and dignitaries. The hālau was in the forefront in hula competitions, both at the Merrie Monarch Festivals and King Kamehameha Hula and Chant Competitions, from the early 1970s into this century.

The hālau is also planning a hō'ike to celebrate its 35th anniversary, and an 'ūniki at which several longtime po'opua'a will become kumu hula.

For information or to register by phone, call Greg Concilla at 808-924-9299.

More stargazing offered at Bishop Museum

Due to popular demand and months of sell-out shows, Bishop Museum has added a second monthly astronomy program, The Sky Tonight, at its Watumull Planetarium.

The hourlong, live tour of the night sky provides an overview of the planets, stars and special astronomy happenings for the coming month. After the 8 p.m. talk, attendees are invited to the museum's observatory to peek through a 12.5-inch telescope.

Starting in the New Year, the program will be offered on the first and third Fridays of each month.

Reservations are required by calling 848-4168. Admission is $6 general, $4 ages 4 to 12, and free for museum members and the Hawaiian Astronomical Society. For more information, bishopmuseum.org.

Public invited to enjoy mele master Keaulana

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Cultural Events Series invites the public to a special kanikapila dedicated to the classic compositions of "Hawaiian Music Dean" John Kameaaloha Almeida. Blinded in his youth, Almeida had a compelling presence as a master musician, singer, composer, arranger and entertainer. Many of his compositions were exclusively in Hawaiian, a rarity during his time. The kanikapila will be led by Kimo Alama Keaulana, who is encouraging all lovers of vintage Hawaiian music to come and sing along and bring an instrument. The special event is free to the public on Tues., Jan. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ruth Ke'eilikōlani Performing Arts Center of the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus. For information, contact Jamie Fong at 842-8655.