Monthly Archives: February 2010

February 27, 2010

I Survived The 2010 Hawaii Tsunami

By Aaron Stene

I woke up early this morning to check if a tsunami was generated from yesterday’s earthquake in Chile. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had issued a tsunami warning statement for the State of Hawaii.

This action forced me to postpone my trip to Hilo with my girlfriend today. We intently watched the tsunami coverage online instead. The Hilo bay tidal surges were very impressive. However, I think we were very lucky that a significant tsunami was not generated by this earthquake.

It will be interesting to see if the armchair quarterbacks will come out of the woodwork complaining that government overreacted to the tsunami threat. Nevertheless, I think they handled this issue perfectly. Mother Nature is very unpredictable. There would’ve been hell to pay if this tsunami did significant damage and the government did nothing to prevent the loss of human life.

3 comments | posted in General

February 26, 2010

***Commentary*** Councilman Hoffmann’s Thoughts About The Absence Of Leadership In County Government

By Aaron Stene

It’s been more than a week since the Council embarrassed itself by failing to take action on the plastic bag reduction bill. Public disappointment with the Council is now more vocal than before and this most recent debacle increases the downward spiral of shrunken credibility with the Council that began with last summer’s re-organization fiasco. Instead of bemoaning the obvious misfortune the County will face in the aftermath of this decision, I’d like to address an even more insidious consequence of the Council’s refusal to tackle issues of this nature.

My concern has nothing to do with the specifics of the plastic bag effort. The issue is much more fundamental; an utter failure to take charge, to lead our County, to define policy in the best interests of the people of our island. Consider some of the plastic bag discussion in Council. Almost every Council member at one time or another admitted plastic bags were a “pollution problem for our island.” Further, most admitted that the issue would “eventually have to be addressed.” A few noted the bill’s sponsor was “on the right track” but couldn’t support the effort due to concerns regarding the cost to the consumers. Despite the fact that at worst the proposal offered in Bill 193 could be considered ‘cost neutral’ in the short term and, most certainly, ‘cost effective’ over an extended period of time, one can only wonder whatever happened to any thought of the cost to our environment? Our shortsightedness I fear will cost us all dearly in the not too distant future and will burden our keiki even more as they wrestle with our foot-dragging on this and other environmental issues. That is a cost to us the consumers – that taxpayers.

Despite the Council attempt not to appear too adverse to a measure with which most members probably agree in principle and despite the spin-control of the administration requesting a more comprehensive measure rather than Bill 193, not one amendment was offered in the two years this issue has been on the Council table. Effective leadership demands much more than simple opposition. Responsible leaders propose alternatives. I can accept that our office does not hold a monopoly on all good ideas. However, no one can accept a complete dearth of options. If you disagree, then offer a reasonable substitute. The public, the taxpayers, you and me should accept nothing less.

The other disappointing aspect of this issue for me involves those saying one thing but not being ready (or willing?) to match commitment with one’s public statements. We all support the ain’a, of course, but all too often when faced with a pro-active measure to take action, some retreat because of politics or special interests and others seek ways to procrastinate and delay. I recognize these decisions are not always easy. I recognize that some important backers might be upset. Good leadership does make exceptions when the best interests of the public are at stake and without alienating one’s base of support. Competent management accepts that on occasion one can’t please everyone all the time. Here was an opportunity to advance the public interest with an issue already agreed upon by Maui and Kauai officials and with much more stringent legislation on this topic discussed at State level. We simply didn’t have the “you-know-what” to move ahead.

This is a statement on the leadership aspects of the plastic bag reduction bill. This particular issue is over, but the results of the County’s lack of leadership may linger and spill over to other more important issues. The economic difficulties the County faces will generate another and more serious ‘leadership-related’ crisis. We face hard choices in trying to balance the budget. The Mayor is on the proverbial ‘right track’ as far as retaining our transit accommodation tax. However, the real ‘crunch’ will occur if we lose even a portion of that traditional revenue source. Do we have the ability to make the difficult decisions in those circumstances? Are we ready to consider the prospect of property tax increases or reductions in staff or eliminating previous ‘budgetary sacred cows’ or imposing a sales tax on County residents (as is rumored by some of our State representatives)? Hopefully we can make those tough decisions if necessary. But based on past behavior, a spectator might be somewhat skeptical.

(Councilman Pete Hoffmann represents District 9 on the Hawaii County Council)

Leave a comment | posted in Hawaii Politics

February 25, 2010

Gold Ivory LLC’s Hawaii Public Safety Broadband Network Funding Proposal Was Rejected

By Aaron Stene

I found out additional information regarding the stalled construction work above Hualalai Vistas subdivision. The reason why Isemoto Contracting stopped constructing the channelized intersection was due to concerns raised by the surrounding homeowners. Firstly, the  vibration from the hoe-ramming into the rock facing was causing damage to the surrounding homes. Secondly, the homeowners were also concerned about excavation work exposing a steep drop off.

The latter issue was addressed by improving roadway pavement and guardrails at the top of the cut slope. However, the homeowners primary concern regarding the vibration from the hoe-ramming remains unresolved. The developer is exploring solutions to resolve this issue.

Nevertheless, the developer’s team has submitted revised construction plans to the HDOT for approval. These plans will also have to be approved by the surrounding homeowners before Isemoto can resume construction.

I hope the county will resurface Kaiminani Drive. There are a plethora of potholes, along with grass breaching the asphalt. Thus, the condition of this roadway has now become unsafe.

This is yet another example showing that WHT has an axe to grind against the county regarding their handling of the Ane Keohokalole Highway project. I think Reed Flickinger’s attacks on this project is unfair and counter-productive. Mr. Flickinger should focus his attention towards lighting a fire under the county to start moving on other stalled roadway projects like the Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass, or the Lako Street extension.

I can’t believe that Councilman Greenwell has introduced a resolution requiring owners of private aircraft parked in Kona and Hilo pay a $2,500 fee. This is yet another insane proposal introduced by Mr. Greenwell. In addition, I wonder if it’s legal to divert money generated at the airport for a purpose unrelated to the airport?

I certainly hope he doesn’t seek re-election. He is an embarrassment to Kona and Hawaii County.

Lastly, it appears Gold Ivory LLC’s broadband stimulus proposal was not funded.

Project title Hawaii Public Safety Broadband Network
Program BIP/BTOP
Proposed Project Area HI
Project type Middle Mile
Funding Round Round 1 – Summer 2009
Grant request* $ 172,607,993
Status Application Not Funded by BTOP
Description To provide a secure broadband network that meets the needs of public safety agencies and first responders to protect and defend the underserved areas of the state of Hawaii. A fiber-optic and microwave system will ensure sufficient and reliable broadband capacity to support technologies necessary for the agencies to prepare and respond to natural disasters, acts of war and other emergencies.

Gold Ivory’s partner, Raytheon, started seeking applicants to build the infrastructure for this project late last year. However, it appears Raytheon made a poor business decision to hire without the funding being in place.

Sandwich Isles Communications broadband stimulus proposal is still alive though.

Project title Rural Hawaii Broadband Initiative
Program BIP
Proposed Project Area HI
Project type Middle Mile
Funding Round Round 1 – Summer 2009
Grant request $ 64,681,760
Loan request $ 67,258,149
Status Application Received
Description Project will bring high speed broadband to rural areas on islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. These 3 middle-mile routes will complete company’s state-wide underground network providing the latest broadband technology to its customers. Network will be made available to other service providers to maximize usage. A network operation center is also included for monitoring and maintaining the network.

The partial rejection of Sandwich Isles’ stimulus funding proposals has put them in a precarious position. SIC’s sister company, Paniolo Cable Company LLC, had a looming debt service payment due February 20th, 2010.

Whether Paniolo paid this obligation on time is unknown. However, I would presume that they did not. SIC’s petition to reverse the NECA’s decision to deny paying the operating cost subsidies for SIC’s new interisland fiber-optic network has not been adjudicated yet by the FCC . Thus, it won’t surprise me if both SIC and Paniolo file bankruptcy soon.

Leave a comment | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

February 24, 2010

Queen Kaahumanu Highway Bid Appeal Delayed Once Again

By Aaron Stene

It appears that the oral arguments for the Queen Kaahumanu Highway bid appeal has been delayed once again. The case was removed from the docket when the court reassigned a new judge to preside over this appeal. However, there will be a status conference held on March 22, 2010 regarding the current disposition of this litigation.



I’m very pleased that the House deferred action on legislation that would’ve raised the GET 1% and decided not to withhold the counties share of the transient accommodation tax.

Lastly, it appears WHT has an axe to grind against the county’s handling of the Ane Keohokalole Highway project. Reed Flickinger, WHT’s editor, complained that the surrounding landowners were not paying their fair share assessments to the county. Then WHT complained today that the winning contractor, Nan Inc., is using a nonunion subcontractor (CTS Earthmoving Inc), for this project.

I don’t have a problem with Nan’s decision at all. It will significantly help our local economy more that a local contractor was selected versus an off island contractor.

Leave a comment | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Transportation

February 23, 2010

Hawaiian Development Corporation Has Completely Opened Hale Kapili Street Today

By Aaron Stene

Hawaiian Development Corporation has removed the barricades at the Ka’u end of Hale Kapili Street today. I’m very happy that HDC took this action. The complete opening of Hale Kapili Street will give motorists an alternative route around the Henry Street intersection.

I received this e-mail from Richard Wheelock, Hawaiian Development Corporation’s representative, confirming the removal of the barricades.

“Aloha Aaron:

In accordance with the wishes of the State DOT and the County DPW=Traffic Division as well as the Corporation Counsel’s office, the barricades were removed by a contractor this morning, I was present to observe.

I appreciate your help in this matter.

Aloha,
Richard Wheelock”

John Powell hit the nail on the head with his  thoughts about Margaret Wille’s  support of Syd Singer’s Mangrove eradication lawsuit.

It seems Mr. Singer’s lawsuit is without legal merit. The Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hawaii County, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service all stated that an environmental assessment was not necessary for this project. Thus, I strongly think that Mr. Singer is wasting the Court’s time by filing this frivolous lawsuit.

Lastly, I’m absolutely steamed that  Governor Lingle decided to withhold our 2009 tax refunds until after July 1st. I know the State of Hawaii is having serious budgetary issues. However, the taxpayers of this state are facing the same issues.Thus, it is not fair that the state took this action. The State of Hawaii should really learn to live within its means instead of looking at the taxpayers for a bailout.

1 comment | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Transportation

February 22, 2010

Hawaiian Telcom Is Finally Starting Work On Palani Road

By Aaron Stene

The Court has reassigned a new judge to the HDOT’s Queen Kaahumanu Highway bid appeal as of February 18, 2010. However, the start of oral arguments for this appeal has not been delayed due to this change yet. It is still scheduled to start on February 24th, 2010.

The defendants have filed a answering brief in response to Mr. Keoki Kai’s first amended complaint on February 19th, 2010.

The Court has entered a final judgment on February 17th, 2010 regarding KAHEA’s, etc Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan lawsuit .

The Hawaii County DPW has announced when Hawaiian Telcom will start relocating their wires makai of the Kealaka’a/Palani Road/Palihiolo Street  intersection.

“Hawaiian Telcom plans to close Palani Road at night beginning on Monday, March 1, as workers transfer cables to new utility poles. This work is part of the Hawaii County’s Palani Road Safety Improvements project under the Department of Public Works.

Palani Road from Uluaoa to Konalani will be closed from approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on week nights from March 1 through 12 for the first phase of this work. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, plan accordingly and use alternate routes. Hawaiian Telcom will hire security guards to allow access to area residents at secured points and to provide assistance during this time.

Suggested alternate routes:

* From Waimea to Kailua, take Hinalani St. to Queen Kaahumanu Highway
* From Kailua to Waimea, take Queen Kaahumanu Highway to Hinalani St. to Hawaii Belt Road.

Weather conditions could alter this schedule. Information and updates can be obtained by calling the Hawaii County hotline at 808-334-9559.”

Lastly, Kamehameha School/Bishop Estate has started to crack down on people illegally trespassing on their land at the top of Kaloko Mauka. This is an unfortunate turn of events. I hope KS/BE and the hikers can reach a consensus that legalizes hiking on KS/BE’s Kaloko Mauka land.

Leave a comment | posted in Hawaii Development, Hawaii Economy, Hawaii Planning, Hawaii Politics, Hawaii Technology, Hawaii Transportation

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