I hope the Hawaii Supreme Court renders a decision on Charles & Joan Coupe’s Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass appeal before Chief Justice Ronald Moon retires on September 4th, 2010.
Chief Justice Moon, along with (retired) Associate Justice Steven Levinson, didn’t agree that condemnation two should be remanded back to the trial court to decide if the public purpose was pretextual. So, it seems Associate Justices Nakayama, Acoba, and Duffy believe there is no public purpose for this land condemnation. These justices are likely scrutinizing Judge Ibarra’s supplemental ruling reaffirming the condemnation’s public purpose. In addition, it is unknown how Associate Justice Levinson’s replacement, Justice Recktenwald, would opine on this appeal.
(The majority’s opinion is available here)
The Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club responded to my e-mail inquiry regarding Nelson Ho’s (Moku Loa Group Chair) recent anti-Mauna Kea astronomy commentary.
“Aloha Aaron,
Thank you for your message and your past participation in Sierra Club activities. In carrying out our mission, the Sierra Club Hawai`i Chapter has a deep regard and respect for the opinions and viewpoints of members and non-members, and has a special appreciation for the culture and values of the native Hawaiian people.
As a member, I’m sure you are aware that many of our most controversial stands have come when we are attempting to protect the letter and intent of federal and state environmental review laws and affiliated rulings and procedures. In general, we are most challenged when developers of new business opportunities, often strongly supported by many of our members and the public, violate or attempt to circumvent these laws and procedures.
Regarding Mauna Kea, please note that I have prepared a revised draft policy on Mauna Kea and the Mauna Kea Science Reserve for the Executive Committee’s attention at the next scheduled board meeting. Updated policies are usually posted on the Chapter website soon after adoption.
Do not hesitate to share your mana’o with me at any time.
Mark”
I’m still waiting for the Hawaiian Telcom apologists to explain how Hawaiian Telcom can supposedly offer 1Gbps service, but also tried to qualify for USF funding. Hawaiian Telcom claimed they didn’t have the financial wherewithal to upgrade their aging last mile copper loop facilities in that FCC petition. This plainly shows that their existing last mile infrastructure is incapable of offering 1Gbps speeds.
Lastly, Jas Glover was the lowest bidder for the Highway 190 resurfacing project between Kaupulehu and Makalei. This project is expected to start six months after the bid opening.
