HONOLULU – Crewmembers from Station Kauai and Air Station Barbers Point are searching for a missing swimmer off the coast of Hanakapiai Beach, Kauai, Thursday.

Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators at Sector Honolulu received a call from members of the Kauai Fire Department requesting assistance in locating a male tourist, last seen wearing dark-colored swim shorts and goggles Thursday afternoon.

Station Kauai crewmembers launched a 47-foot Motor Life Boat at approximately 9:16 p.m. and arrived on scene at 11:54 p.m. A Barbers Point aircrew launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter at approximately 9:32 p.m. and arrived on scene at 10:29 p.m. and began conducting their search.

The Dolphin and MLB crew are searching a more than 20 square-mile area off Hanakapiai Beach.

Also assisting in the search are members of Kauai Fire Department, Ocean Safety and the Kauai Police Department.
The Coast Guard urges anyone with information to call Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation would like to inform the public about the closure of two parks facilities this summer.

The first is the closure of the War Memorial Football Stadium from May 23 to August 25, 2011. During this time workers will be replacing lights, the PA system and all of the wood bleachers with aluminum seats. They will also be repairing track drainage, the scoreboard and the concrete.

The second closure will be of the Baldwin Beach Park Pavilion area from June 6 to September 9, 2011. During this time workers will be repairing the pavilion’s wood and concrete and also replacing the roof.

While work is going on the public will not be allowed to use either facility for their own safety.

For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 270-7230.

HONOLULU – Total spending by visitors who came to Hawai‘i in the first quarter of 2011 increased 16.9 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2010, to $3.2 billion. Total visitor days for all visitors grew 10.8 percent, and total arrivals rose 9.1 percent to 1,823,870 visitors, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

All four major markets (U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan and Canada) had double-digit growth in total visitor spending in the first quarter of 2011, boosted by higher average daily spending and increased arrivals.

Quarterly arrival data by visitors from the smaller markets: Other Asia (+20.7%), Oceania (+10.5%), Europe (+9.2%) and Latin America (+6.6%), also showed increases compared to the first quarter of 2010 (see Visitor Arrivals from Other Major Markets – First Quarter 2011, page 8).

For the month of March 2011, total visitor spending grew 11.8 percent ($103.5 million) from March 2010, to $980.7 million. Total arrivals rose 4.2 percent to 633,365 visitors. The average daily spending by all visitors in March 2011 was $167 per person, up from $162 per person in March 2010.

Total arrivals by air in March 2011 rose 3.1 percent to 615,553 visitors. Arrivals from Canada climbed 34.7 percent from March 2010. Arrivals from U.S. West (+3.4%) and U.S. East (+7.2%) also increased compared to a year ago.

Arrivals from Japan plunged 17.9 percent compared to last March, due to flight suspensions and trip cancellations following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11. Prior to this devastating event, visitor arrivals from Japan had increased nine out of the last 10 months (since May 2010).

Arrivals by cruise ships in March 2011 grew 65.8 percent to 17,812 visitors compared tothe same month last year.

Read the entire report here.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reminds the public that the season for taking ula and ula papapa (spiny and slipper lobsters) and Kona crabs in state waters will be closed starting this Sunday, May 1. The closed season extends through the end of August.

Hawaii Administrative Rules prohibit the taking, killing, sale or offering for sale, or possession of any ula, also known as spiny lobster (Panulirus penicillatus, P. marginatus) and ula papapa or slipper lobster (Scyllarides squammosus, S. haanii) from state waters during the closed season.

It is also illegal to take, possess, or sell Kona crab during May through August.

“These rules are in place to protect lobsters and Kona crabs during the summer months, which are the peak of their reproductive season, and to help ensure their populations will continue to be sustainable,” said William J. Aila, Jr. DLNR chairperson.

However, any commercial marine dealer may sell, or any hotel, restaurant, or other public eating house may serve spiny or slipper lobster lawfully caught during the open season by first procuring a license to do so pursuant to section 13-74-41, Hawaii Administrative Rules.

During the open season, catching, taking or possessing of female spiny and slipper lobsters and female Kona crab is prohibited as a result of the passage of Act 77 by the 2006 State Legislature.

Also during the open season, any spiny or slipper lobster, or Kona crab, caught with eggs must immediately be returned to the waters from which it was taken. Taking or killing of females is prohibited year round.

The Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet, available at all Division of Aquatic Resources offices and most fishing supply stores, shows how to determine the sex of spiny lobsters and Kona crabs. Or go online to http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regulated_fish_invert.html.

For more information on regulations concerning these and other marine invertebrates, including minimum sizes, go to http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regulated_fish_mia.html or call the Division of Aquatic Resources.

To report any violation of these or other fishing regulations call the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at 643-DLNR.

NEWS FLASH - April 28, 2011 6:45 a.m. HST

Trace Japan Radiation Found in Big Isle Milk Again

The state Health Department confirmed that strontium-89 from Japan's nuclear release was detected in Big Island dairy milk after a nationwide high level of cesium also was found in the same April 4 testing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency posted the finding Tuesday on its website, saying 1.4 picocuries per liter of strontium were detected in Hilo.

However, Lynn Nakasone, administrator of the Health Department's Environmental Health Services Division, said the strontium is not a danger.

"It's of no health consequence," Nakasone said. "I realize it is a different reading and new data, but I guess from our point of view, it's not a health risk."

Trace amounts of cesium-134 and 137 and iodine-131 were previously reported in Hilo milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "action level" for strontium-89 and 90 is 4,400 picocuries per liter, Nakasone said.

Although still far below health risk concerns, Hilo dairy milk had the highest nationwide levels of cesium when testing was conducted on April 4, she said. That may have triggered additional testing for strontium, an isotope not part of the EPA's "RadNet" publicly available radiation readings. The EPA posted the Hilo finding as a separate update.

"Usually, if you see cesium, you will see strontium, so I guess what EPA did was they ran the tests for strontium (based on Hilo's cesium detection), and that determined there was a small amount of (strontium) in the milk," Nakasone said.

Forbes blogger Jeff McMahon reported the Hilo detection was the first for strontium in the country.

"We have completed our first strontium milk sample analysis and found trace amounts of strontium-89 in a milk sample from Hilo. The level was about 27,000 times below the Derived Intervention Level set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration," McMahon reported the EPA as saying in a statement.

The EPA in Honolulu could not confirm the information, or explain why strontium is not part of regular RadNet reporting on its website.

"We tried to call EPA, but I think the lab is just totally booked up and they are not returning all their phone calls," Nakasone said. Testing for strontium is done on different equipment than that used for cesium and iodine, she said.

A second Hilo milk sample was taken by the EPA on April 13 — the most recent testing — and cesium and iodine levels dropped significantly, officials said. Iodine-131, in fact, was no longer detected.

Because the trace cesium levels have dropped even further in Hilo, Nakasone speculated that the EPA won't test for strontium from the April 13 sampling.

Strontium-90 is chemically similar to calcium, and is referred to as a "bone seeker" because it tends to deposit in bone and bone marrow, the EPA said on its website.

About 70 to 80 percent of ingested strontium-90 passes through the body and virtually all of the remainder is absorbed and deposited in bone.

Reach William Cole at wcole@staradvertiser.com.

Honolulu –Governor Neil Abercrombie signed the following bills into law today:

House Bill 112: Allows the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to designate an access organization to oversee public, educational, and governmental channels on cable television. Promotes use of 'Olelo, Akaku, and Ho'ike community public communications.

House Bill 1540: Makes permanent the current practice of allowing the Department of Education to hire teachers as “emergency hires” for only three years. The intent is to motivate emergency hired teachers to obtain their teaching license. This ensures that emergency hire teachers obtain proper training to meet the federal requirement to be “highly qualified.”

Senate Bill 1171: Allows the Board of Education to grant a waiver if schools want to deviate from the common, single school calendar; and allows the lowest performing schools identified in Race to the Top to be able to add school days for extended learning time.

Senate Bill 675: Repeals state authorization to allow a private not-for-profit corporation to acquire student loan notes.

Senate Bill 1484: Clarifies insurance code for those organizations that primarily provide insurance benefits to members of our armed forces, veterans, and their families.

Senate Bill 698: Eliminates mandate requiring minimum recycled glass content in roadway materials. Roads should now be better built and glass will be better recycled.

For more information on these measures and other legislative bills, please visit http://capitol.hawaii.gov.

To date, 24 measures have been enacted. The Governor has until July 12, 2011 to sign into law all measures that are passed out of the state Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature adjourns on May 5th.

PEARL CITY, Hawai‘i – At its monthly meeting held last week at Leeward Community College, the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents (BOR) granted provisional status for a new bachelor of applied science in sustainable science management at University of Hawai‘i Maui College, making it the third baccalaureate degree program now offered by Maui College and one of the only degree programs within the university system with a special focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation.

The BOR also approved the establishment of an advanced professional certificate (APC) in culinary management at Kapi‘olani Community College. Both programs are scheduled for implementation in fall 2011.

The BAS in sustainable science management at Maui College will provide students with an educational path to careers in virtually any business or industry that seeks to identify, implement and design methods of becoming more sustainable economically, environmentally and socially. As an interdisciplinary program, the BAS integrates topics in energy, ecology, business and management, water and wastewater, agriculture, wastewater management, economics, policy, the built environment and social science. It will provide workforce training for the emerging green industry in Maui County, the state of Hawai‘i and throughout the nation.

“We are particularly excited about launching the first sustainability-focused degree in Hawai‘i to emphasize the importance of energy efficiency, conservation, generation and storage,” said UH Maui College Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto. “UH Maui College is also committed to addressing the green workforce opportunities related to water, wastewater management, waste, agriculture, transportation, and many other areas. We will generally seek to reduce our natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas production, improve our strategies and expand our efforts to sustain our islands as precious resources for our future generations.”

“A recent publication of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations identifies Maui as the county with the largest green workforce sector and largest potential in the state,” said Joie Taylor, sustainable science management program coordinator at UH Maui College. “Students have expressed excitement about the program opportunities. Community and national companies such as the Grand Wailea and Sandia National Laboratories have extended their support in partnerships, course development, and classroom participation."

The advanced professional certificate (APC) in culinary management at Kapi‘olani CC will provide students from across the UH System with an opportunity to gain advanced culinary and managerial skills beyond the current two-year programs, and can lead to a bachelor of applied science degree in culinary management from the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.

A key objective in offering this certificate is to keep culinary talent in Hawai‘i. There are currently no programs in the state that teach advanced culinary skills, which has led those aspiring to more senior, higher-paying positions to leave Hawai?i to obtain the necessary skills and credentials. Graduates of the program will find employment in positions requiring advanced culinary skills such as executive chefs, chefs and sous chefs, as well as in management positions in food service, restaurant and hotel operations.

WAILUKU - The Aloha Initiative co-founder Keith Regan today announced that community meetings are scheduled on Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m. at Kahului Hongwanji Mission social hall and Tuesday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Door of Faith Church to provide information to prospective host families and other volunteers wanting to help with The Aloha Initiative, a project led by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui to provide citizens of Japan who have been displaced by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis with a warm and welcome home.

The meetings will include a presentation by Dr. Al Arensdorf, a Red Cross trainer in disaster mental health and in psychological first aid, on: (1) what to expect – the “normal emotional reactions” to earthquake/tsunami disasters; (2) how to use an evidence-based intervention called, “Psychological First Aid,” both for host families and disaster workers and for persons displaced by disaster; and (3) tips for both adults and children as to how to cope and how to recover by being resilient.

Regan of Wailuku and Rev. Jeffrey Soga of Kahului, along with Roy Tominaga of Honolulu returned from the Tohoku region last Friday after meeting with government and nonprofit organization leaders, including Fukushima City Mayor Takanori Seto, Miyagi Prefecture Councilor Toshiaki Sugawara, and Sendai City Deputy Mayor Nobuyoshi Inaba to discuss The Aloha Initiative. A press conference was held in Fukushima City and, since then, the program has received TV and newspaper exposure in Japan. The tremendous publicity has resulted in The Aloha Initiative phone in Japan ringing off the hook with inquiries and requests to sign up for the program.

To date, over 130 families throughout Hawaii have signed up to open their hearts and homes to the people of Japan, and over $150,000 in pledges has been received to help defray the transportation and insurance costs. “More host families and donations are needed to meet the demand,” said co-founder Lynn Araki-Regan.

“We are so grateful for the many students from various schools such as Emmanuel Lutheran School, King Kekaulike High School, St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School, St. Anthony Grade School, Kamehameha Schools – Maui Campus, Pomaikai Elementary School, Kansha Preschool, Wailuku Hongwanji Preschool, Kahului Hongwanji Preschool, and Baldwin High School as well as members of our Maui Nui community who took time out of their busy schedules to use their creative skills in doing scrunchies, headbands, necklaces, artwork, poetry, and other expressions of hope for the children of the Tohoku region of Japan,” said Regan. “When we presented the gifts to those living in the extremely chilly shelters, they were extremely touched.”

To sign up to volunteer, visit www.AlohaInitiative.com or call 280-1299.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Health Department recently complied with a request by President Barack Obama for certified copies of his original Certificate of Live Birth, which is sometimes referred to in the media as a “long form” birth certificate.

“We hope that issuing certified copies of the original Certificate of Live Birth to President Obama will end the numerous inquiries related to his birth in Hawai‘i,” Hawai‘i Health Director Loretta Fuddy said. “I have seen the original records filed at the Department of Health and attest to the authenticity of the certified copies the department provided to the President that further prove the fact that he was born in Hawai‘i.”

On April 22, 2011, President Obama sent a letter to Director Fuddy, requesting two certified copies of his original Certificate of Live Birth. Also on that day, Judith Corley, the President’s personal attorney, made the same request in writing on behalf of the President. (Read the letters from President Obama and Ms. Corley).

On April 25, 2011, pursuant to President Obama’s request, Director Fuddy personally witnessed the copying of the original Certificate of Live Birth and attested to the authenticity of the two copies. Dr. Alvin Onaka, the State Registrar, certified the copies.

President Obama authorized Ms. Corley to pick up the documents. On April 25, 2011, Ms. Corley appeared in person at the Hawai‘i State Department of Health building in Honolulu, paid the requisite fee, and was given the two certified copies, a response letter from Director Fuddy to President Obama, and a receipt for payment. (Read the letter from Director Fuddy).

In June 2008, President Obama released his Certification of Live Birth, which is sometimes referred to in the media as a “short form” birth certificate. Both documents are legally sufficient evidence of birth in the State of Hawai‘i, and both provide the same fundamental information: President Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i at 7:24 p.m. on August 4, 1961, to mother Stanley Ann Dunham and father Barack Hussein Obama.

In 2001, the Hawai‘i State Department of Health began computer-generating vital statistics records. Since then, its longstanding policy and practice has been to issue and provide only the computer-generated Certifications of Live Birth, and to not produce photocopies of actual records to fulfill requests for certified copies of certificates.

Director Fuddy made an exception for President Obama by issuing copies of the original birth certificate. The departmental policy to issue only computer-generated Certifications of Live Birth remains in effect for all birth records that have been computerized. Director Fuddy, in her capacity as Health Director, has the legal authority to approve the process by which copies of birth records are made.

“The exception made in this case to provide President Obama with a copy of his original Certificate of Live Birth was done according to the letter of the law,” Attorney General David Louie said. “Director Fuddy exercised her legal authority in a completely appropriate manner in this unique circumstance. We will continue to maintain the strict confidentiality requirements afforded to vital statistics records, such as birth certificates. These requirements help protect the integrity of the records, and keep us all safe from crimes, such as identity theft.”

Governor Neil Abercrombie stated: “Considering all of the investigations that have been done and the information that has been provided, no rational person can question the President’s citizenship. We have found a way – once again – to confirm what we already knew: the President was born here in Hawai‘i. State officials of both parties have verified that President Obama’s birth records show that he was born in Honolulu.

“President Obama’s mother and father were dear friends of mine, and we must respect their memory. It is an insult to the President, his parents and to the Office to suggest that he was not born in Hawai‘i. The State of Hawai‘i has done everything within our legal ability to disabuse these conspiracy theorists. We granted the President’s request for certified copies of his birth certificate so we can all move on from this unfortunate distraction and focus on the real issues affecting people today.”

Maui High School students are to compete at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Engery said Monday the Maui team is one of 69 high schools nationwide to compete for championship titles next week.

Students will be quizzed on various science topics including biology, chemistry, astronomy and math.

The high school championship team will win a two-week trip to the International Science School in Sydney, Australia.

The Maui team members are: Michael Flynn, Zachary Hill, Trent Hori, Ross Ito and Dane Oshiro.

Their coach is Ed Ginoza.

A continued freeze on allowing registered public health nurses to step up to the next pay tier was the primary reason they rejected a proposed two-year contract with the state, a union leader said yesterday.

“Step movements have been frozen for two years already,” said Sue Kaulukukui, Bargaining Unit 9 director. “It just kind of cripples (new) nurses without them. So they have to enter the work force at a low wage, and then they’re stuck there.”

Unit 9, representing 1,500 nurses who work at state-run hospitals and other government health care facilities, voted 509-392 to reject the contract. The other six Hawaii Government Employees Association units ratified the deal Monday.

The contract cuts worker pay 5 percent and increases their share of paying for health care premiums to 50 percent from 40 percent. The contract gets rid of furlough days but gives workers an extra nine days off per year.

The nurses and the state are expected to return to the bargaining table, but no date has been set, an HGEA spokeswoman said.

KAULUKUKUI said the ban on step increases often results in a high turnover of new nurses, many of whom come out of school saddled with loans.

“It’s hard on the morale of the nurses who see them leave” after having trained them, said Kaulukukui, a public health nurse at the Department of Health.

The public health nurses in Unit 9 provide acute, nursing home and rural health care services 24/7, working for the Health Department, the University of Hawaii, other state agencies, the State Hospital and 12 other health care facilities.

Miles Takaaze, spokesman for the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. — the state agency that operates government hospitals — said the nurses’ rejection surprised HHSC officials.

“HHSC will continue to examine the situation and remains committed to working closely with the Abercrombie administration and the HGEA in developing an equitable solution for the Unit 9 nurses in this financially challenging period,” Takaaze said.

Kaulukukui said the first step movement usually comes after six months, and a second one might occur about 18 months later. “It’s something to look forward to, but now there’s nothing to look forward to,” she said.

“Hopefully some of the issues can be resolved so the nurses can feel good about ratifying a contract,” Kaulukukui said.

Salaries for registered professional nurses for Level II start at $57,828. Top-tier, Level VII nurses make up to $110,088.

Gail Tiwanak, executive director of the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, said about a year ago that private-sector registered nurses’ salaries ranged from about $68,640 for a new graduate to $83,200 for experienced nurses.

Tiwanak said many of the public health nurses work at neighbor island hospitals. They are “really vital to the communities they serve,” she said.

Reach Leila Fujimori at lfujimori@staradvertiser.com.

NEWS FLASH - April 26, 2011 3:20 p.m. HST

Mayor Adds Maui Perspective to Hotel Groundbreaking

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is pleased to join A&B Properties, Inc and Marriott Resorts Hawaii in announcing the long-awaited groundbreaking of the County’s first airport hotel in Kahului.

The Courtyard by Marriott is expected to employ more than 200 local workers during its 13 months of construction according to project officials. Another 50 people will be hired to run the hotel itself once it is completed.

Mayor Arakawa was the first to tell the public about the Marriott hotel project moving forward during his State of the County address on Feb. 25th.

“We have needed a community based hotel like the Marriott,” said Mayor Arakawa during today’s groundbreaking ceremony. “This will not only benefit our local construction industry but also local business travelers and local families, who want to stay close to Central Maui.

This is why we are working to improve our permitting process, so that more critical projects like these won’t be held back any longer. It’s time to break the log-jam.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Maui is being built near the intersection of Haleakala Highway and Keolani Place on a 3.35-acre parcel of land. The site was identified by A&B planners years ago as an ideal hotel location. Construction on the $16.5-million project begins next week.

The 138-room hotel will be the first Courtyard by Marriott in Hawaii and will be managed by Marriott International, while the developer, R.D. Olson Development, will retain ownership.

“I’ve worked with government for years and I’ve never seen the level of cooperation that I’ve seen from Maui County, particularly Mayor Alan Arakawa,” said Robert Olson, CEO and President of R.D. Olson. “He was determined to make sure this project moved forward and we appreciate his help.”

HONOLULU - The Honorable Yoshihiko Kamo, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, addressed a special joint session of the Hawaii State Legislature today, providing an update on conditions in Japan more than a month after the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan earthquake, considered one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. He also expressed thanks for the support and assistance from the international community, the government and people of Hawaii, and appreciation for the strong bonds between Hawaii and Japan.

Consul General Kamo delivered an official update on the impact through a statement released by the Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan. The complete text of the Prime Minister's statement is provided at the end of this release.

In his own words, Consul General Kamo said he was touched by the human dignity and compassion of the Japanese people amidst the triple calamity of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. He spoke of the relationship between Hawaii and Japan that began more than 125 years ago, and pledged to make sure that the people of Japan know how much Hawaii helped and cared about them.

"I want to tell you that Japanese tourists will be back soon," said Consul General Kamo. "The great earthquake and tsunami made many Japanese refrain from having fun to show condolence and solidarity with the victims. With more than 500,000 cancellations, Japan’s domestic tourism suffered a heavy blow. Accordingly, there has emerged a growing apprehension that excessive self-restraint does more harm than good to the stricken area as it slows down the economy. Hawaii’s appeal to Japanese tourists remains unchanged. Nature, people, history, safety, cleanliness, and proximity all contribute to alluring Japanese to Hawaii. You can count on our loyalty."

Consul General Kamo described the sharp drop of foreign visitors to Japan as another serious problem and attributed it to the fear of exposure to radiation.

"Radioactive contamination is largely an on-site and near-site issue," he added. "A large part of Japan escapes from contamination that poses general threat to the public health. World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) have made objective assessments that general travel restriction to Japan is not needed. Going to Japan is not prohibited by any laws. Whether it is Hokkaido or Kyushu, Tokyo or Kyoto, we eagerly await you in Japan and opportunities to reciprocate the hospitality."

The Consul General closed by stating that Prime Minister Kam aims for an innovative reconstruction, drawing from the best ideas and expertise at home and abroad, and that Japan will be rebuilding steadily with help and support from Hawaii and the rest of the world.

----

"Japan: The Road to Recovery and Rebirth"
Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan

“At 14:46 on March 11, Japan was hit by one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. We are now making all-out efforts to restore livelihoods and recover from the series of tragedies that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. The disaster left more than 27,000 people dead or missing, including foreign citizens.

"Since March 11, Japan has been strongly supported by the international community and our friends around the world. On behalf of the Japanese people, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity we have received from over 130 countries, nearly 40 international organizations, numerous NGOs, and countless individuals from all parts of the world. The Japanese people deeply appreciate the Kizuna (a Japanese word for “bonds of friendship”) that has been shown to us by friends around the world. Through this hardship, we have also come to truly understand the meaning of “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

"Immediately after the earthquake struck, the U.S., our most important friend and ally, has provided swift cooperation. President Obama kindly called me to convey his strong commitment, confirming that the U.S. stands ready to provide all-out support to the Japanese people during this time of great difficulty. He also reaffirmed that the friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable. So many Japanese citizens, including myself, were enormously encouraged by these remarks. From an early stage in the response efforts, U.S. Forces have diligently performed relief activities on multiple fronts as a part of Operation Tomodachi (named after the Japanese word for “friendship”). The cordial attitude that Americans have demonstrated toward us under this operation has deeply touched the hearts and minds of the Japanese. Support has come from not only the Government, but also NGOs and countless individuals, in the various forms of humanitarian assistance, search and rescue missions, and charity events and fund-raising. We have also received the full support of the U.S. in responding to the accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, from providing equipment and other material assistance such as fire trucks and special protective suits, to dispatching nuclear experts and radiation control teams. I wish to express our sincere thanks for all the sympathy and assistance the American people have extended to us.

"That Japan has experienced nuclear accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi plant whose severity was assessed as most serious based on an international scale is extremely regrettable and something I take it very seriously. Bringing the situation at the plant under control at the earliest possible date is currently my top priority. I have been working at the forefront of efforts to tackle this troubling situation, leading a unified effort by the Government. I have mobilized all available resources to combat the risks posed by the plant, based on three principles: first, give the highest priority to the safety and health of all citizens, in particular those residents living close to the plant; second, conduct thorough risk management; and, third, plan for all possible scenarios so that we are fully prepared to respond to any future situation. For example, we continue to make the utmost efforts to address the issue of outflow of radioactive water into the ocean from the plant. In addition, the Government has taken every possible measure to ensure the safety of all food and other products, based on strict scientific criteria. We have taken highly precautionary measures so that the safety of all Japanese food and products that reach the market has been and will continue to be ensured. In order to assure domestic and foreign consumer confidence in the safety of Japanese food and products, my administration will redouble its efforts to maintain transparency and keep everyone informed of our progress in the complex and evolving circumstances at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

"I pledge that the Japanese Government will promptly and thoroughly verify the cause of this incident, as well as share information and the lessons learned with the rest of the world in order to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future. Through such a process, we will proactively contribute to global debate to enhance the safety of nuclear power generation. Meanwhile, from a comprehensive energy policy perspective, we must squarely tackle a two-pronged challenge; responding to rising global energy demand and striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. Through the “Rebirth of Japan” I would like to present a clear vision to the entire world – that includes the aggressive promotion of clean energy – that may contribute to solving global energy issues.

"The Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami are the worst natural disasters that Japan has faced since the end of the Second World War. Reconstruction of the devastated Tohoku region will not be easy. However, I believe that this difficult period will provide us with a precious window of opportunity to secure the “Rebirth of Japan.” The Government will dedicate itself to demonstrating to the world its ability to establish the most sophisticated reconstruction plans for East Japan, based on three principles; first, create a regional society that is highly resistant to natural disasters; second, establish a social system that allows people to live in harmony with the global environment; and third, build a compassionate society that cares about people, in particular, the vulnerable.

"We, the Japanese people, rose from the ashes of the Second World War, using our fundamental strength to secure a remarkable recovery and the country’s present prosperity. I have not a single doubt that Japan will overcome this crisis, recover from the aftermath of the disaster, emerge stronger than ever, and establish a more vibrant and better Japan for future generations.

"I believe that the best way for Japan to reciprocate the strong Kizuna and cordial friendship extended to us by the international community is to continue our contribution to the development of the international community. To that end, I will work to the best of my ability to realize a “forward-looking” reconstruction that gives people bright hopes for the future. I would wholeheartedly appreciate your continued support and cooperation. ARIGATOU.”

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie released the following statement on the Hawai'i Government Employees Association ratification vote:

“Without accusations and confrontation, the state and six of the seven bargaining units of the Hawai'i Government Employees Association have come to an agreement that brings an end to Furlough Fridays and produces the savings needed to help balance the budget in our financial plan.

“HGEA members have families and pay taxes like the rest of us. Over the years, they have carried a heavy burden in increasingly difficult work conditions. But HGEA members want to move Hawai'i forward as we all do. Throughout Hawai'i, people are ready to follow their example — to attack our problems instead of attacking each other.”

Construction is set to begin immediately on the triangular lot at the intersection of Old Haleakala Highway and Dairy Road. The "neighbors" across the street include Costco and Krispy Kreme.

While management and oversight of the project will be the responsibility of Olson Development, the 12-month project is expected to generate about 50 local jobs - primarily in the areas of contract and sub-contract affiliations.

A&B Properties VP Grant Chun said, "We are confident this hotel - long anticipated for sure - will be a welcome and convenient option for short-term visitors from the neighbor islands, government officials desiring proximity to Wailuku offices and, quite possibly sports events or family reunion attendees, visiting Maui for a few days."

Chun added, "We do believe the timing is right, the economy is coming back -- and Marriott is going to be a great operator for this property."

The structure will be four stories tall, comprised of 49 studio king rooms, 79 studio double-queen rooms, six suites and extended stay suites. The hotel will be the first in Hawai'i to feature Marriott's new "refreshing business" concept which provides guests with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between work and play.

We will have more details on the project in this week's edition of Maui TV News.

(Information Provided by A&B Properties and R.D. Olson Development)

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for creative ways to tax online shopping, either by requiring Internet sellers to hand over customer information to the government, or by enrolling in a multistate program in which websites voluntarily collect taxes.

Online retailer Amazon.com said Monday it would stop doing business with affiliate advertisers in Hawaii if the reporting requirement becomes law, but the company would comply with the voluntary tax collection scheme.

Legislation for both proposals was pending this week before state lawmakers desperate for money, with estimates of uncollected tax from electronic sales reaching $60 million in Hawaii alone next year, according to a University of Tennessee study. State tax officials said they expected to receive up to $30 million in new revenue annually under either measure.

The tax collection method favored by House lawmakers would require out-of-state businesses to provide yearly statements to the government listing customer names and transaction amounts, which tax collectors could then use to seek the state's general excise of 4 percent on neighbor islands and 4.5 percent on Oahu.

"All we're saying is, 'Hey, we can't force you to collect our taxes, but we can request information from you,'" said Rep. Isaac Choy, D-Manoa. "If you're not going to collect our taxes, give us information and we'll collect our own taxes."

The idea is based on a similar law passed in Colorado last year that resulted in Amazon dropping its affiliate advertisers there. Amazon would do the same in Hawaii, said spokeswoman Mary Osako.

"Amazon opposes unconstitutional 'click-through-nexus' or reporting laws and, regrettably, would be forced to end our contracts with associates in Hawaii if the state passed that type of legislation," Osako said in a statement.

Several Web-based companies, including Amazon and Overstock.com, previously cut off its Hawaii advertisers two years ago before then-Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed an online sales tax bill. Afterward, the companies reinstated those business relationships.

"The people who bore the brunt of the damage were all the local affiliates who got cut off for two months. For some companies, that represented all of their income," said Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-Lower Makiki-Punchbowl. "That to me is kind of harsh."

She prefers enrolling Hawaii in the 24-state Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, which changes state tax codes to make it simpler for Internet retailers to collect the tax.

Amazon and about 1,500 other companies participate in the voluntary program by collecting taxes on items bought online and then sending the money to the states.

The voluntary approach allows online companies to collect and distribute taxes in bulk, rather than burdening state tax departments with sending tax bills to residents who sometimes only owe pennies, said Scott Peterson, executive director for the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board.

"It shifts away from the tried and true method of having the retailer collect the tax," Peterson said. "The issue is that the states don't have the legal requirement to make everybody collect, but everybody owes the tax."

Retail stores in Hawaii find themselves at a competitive disadvantage with websites that don't collect general excise taxes, said Carol Pregill, president for the Retail Merchants of Hawaii.

"Internet sales have increased dramatically, and obviously they're taking business away from the brick-and-mortar stores," she said. "Business taken away from stores here does affect our survival and also employment."

The two Internet tax bills were pending before a conference committee this week, where House and Senate legislators must resolve their differences in order to pass the bill.

They're facing a Friday deadline for all bills to have cleared conference committee and be ready for final votes next week.

The parent of Hawaiian Airlines avoided finishing in the red during the first quarter as it parlayed an $8.4 million net gain from fuel hedging into an overall profit of $900,000.

In the year-earlier quarter, Hawaiian had net income of $200,000, or break-even on a per-share basis. The earnings per share last quarter were 2 cents.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc. said today that aircraft fuel expenses jumped 55.6 percent, or $39 million, during the period ended March 31. But the company benefited from fuel-hedging activity that enabled it to lock in some of its fuel costs before they rose. The company said its average cost per gallon of jet fuel, including taxes and delivery, gained 32.4 percent to $2.86 from $2.16 a year ago.

The company's operating results, which exclude the fuel hedging, resulted in an operating loss of $4.9 million in the quarter compared with operating income of $5.6 million in the year-earlier quarter.

Revenue rose 22.5 percent to $365.6 million from $298.4 million.

Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian, said the company "did a good job" of mitigating the effects of the rising cost of fuel and the tragedy in Japan.

"Fuel prices have climbed further since then, creating a substantial for all airlines, including Hawaiian," Dunkerley said. "We will continue our focus on controlling these costs that lie within our grasp."

Hawaiian's stock fell 1 cent to $5.58 before the earnings were announced after the market closed.

Reach Dave Segal at dsegal@staradvertiser.com.

An hourlong tour of the Japanese-American experience in Hawaii driven by the rhythm of taiko drums and the voices of Maui residents recalling the old plantation days will be televised Thursday on PBS Hawaii.

"Great Grandfather's Drum" was filmed by former Mauians Cal and Victoria Lewin in collaboration with Kahului resident Kay Fukumoto, whose great-grandfather and his Fukushima-taiko style provided the historical drum line for this documentary. It will show at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Channels 10 and 11.

Since the premiere of the film in February, great-grandfather Tomijiro Watanabe's home prefecture in northern Honshu was devastated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami. Fukumoto, who still has family there, and the Lewins visited the prefecture in 2008, with portions of their visit appearing in the film.

Victoria Lewin said she wept when she learned of the destruction from the March quake and tsunami. The death toll has topped 14,000, and thousands remain missing.

"It was the most wonderful place," she said last week, adding that she and her husband had been planning to return next year. "People opened their arms. . . . They were so kind to us.

"It was losing something personal. It's been really hard."

Fukumoto's relatives, who live inland in the prefecture that stretches from the ocean to the mountains, were unhurt, and their homes withstood the temblor. But they were "stripped to the bare essentials," said Fukumoto. An aunty on her mother's side, who owns a hotel in the city with nearly 300,000 residents, was without water. Food was difficult to come by in the days after the disaster, and her cousin couldn't go to work because there was no gasoline.

The Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station looms 30 miles away, she said. That's outside the evacuation zone set up by the Japanese government but inside the 50-mile zone recommended by U.S. officials.

Fukumoto sent email to her Japanese kin offering to put them up in Hawaii until things got better. She was rebuffed.

They told her that they have to support the "Fukushima 50," the 50 or so workers who stayed behind to try to save the nuclear power plant despite grave health risks to themselves.

" 'I was born and raised in Fukushima so I'm going to stay,' '' they told Fukumoto. "They feel this loyalty to have to stay regardless of what the danger is to them."

With their personal ties to Fukushima, Fukumoto and the Lewins are using the film to raise funds for the victims. A film showing at Orange County Buddhist Church in California on April 3 drew nearly 300 people and raised $15,000. On June 4, the Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai is organizing a Fukushima prefecture relief effort with private screenings of the film.

This documentary project began five years ago and is a product of two parties at the right place at the right time and of similar minds. The Lewins, who lived on Maui at the time, had just finished the documentary "The World In A Box" about geographic information systems and were looking for another project.

Mrs. Lewin was a client of Fukumoto, who piqued the filmmaker's historical interest with stories of her mother, Amy Watanabe, being a "picture bride" and the Japanese immigrant experience. The filmmaker wanted to learn more.

"How did I live on Maui all these years, and I don't know the history of the Japanese," Fukumoto recalls Mrs. Lewin telling her.

So the filmmaker said she decided to make a documentary that would "be understandable to people who don't live in Hawaii, people who don't know taiko, obon." There are many on the island that are unaware of the story of the Japanese in Hawaii, she said.

Fukumoto had her eye on bringing awareness to another group of people.

"She was looking for a way to pass this history on to young people," said Mrs. Lewin.

Like her dad, Fukumoto had passed down her great-grandfather's love and skill for taiko to her son, Mitchell, currently a sophomore in college, in the traditional ways that included watching and listening, practicing and performing. But Fukumoto wanted to do more and employed modern media.

Film seemed better than the written word to get through to the current "visual generation," she said. Then, it came down to what she could teach Mitchell in an hour about the history of his Hawaii ethnic brothers and sisters.

"If you spend an hour with your children, what would we say," Fukumoto explained as she thought about the content of the film. "An hour is so precious."

Stories of the harsh days and the sacrifices made by the early immigrants to Hawaii as they laid the foundation for future generations resonated throughout the documentary. The stories and the people touched the soul of Fukumoto and others, and Mrs. Lewin with her comfortable and conversational interview style was able to capture those moments on film. Talk of "ancestral sacrifices" choked sentences and brought tears to normally composed Japanese-American leaders including Leonard Oka, founder of Maui Sons and Daughters of Nisei Veterans; Yuki Lei Sugimura, a publicist who is actively involved in Japanese cultural events; attorney Lynn Araki-Regan and Fukumoto.

The tears flow from "knowing that people had to go through pain and suffering in order for you to be where you are today, and the feeling of gratitude for all that they did," Fukumoto said. "I've always wanted to pass down that feeling of gratitude."

Ironically, while the sansei (third generation in Hawaii) and yonsei (fourth generation) choke up at talk of the sacrifices of those who came before them, the older generation that lived those difficult times remain resilient, observed Victoria Lewin, who interviewed nearly 50 Mauians for the documentary, including Masaru "Pundy" Yokouchi before he died, Hiroshi Arisumi, member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and a builder, and attorney Meyer Ueoka.

The documentary depicts the long and tiring hours in the field, strict lunas or supervisors, discrimination and low pay.

"What I was struck by was that no one seemed bitter," the filmmaker said of the interviews. "It was so emotionally affecting to me. People were so happy, unbitter."

They live by the Japanese philosophy "shikataganai," which roughly translates to "it can't be helped."

"That is such a wonderful way to live," she said.

Woven in between the big picture historical events in the film was the personal story of the Fukumoto family, who hailed from Keahua Camp, now lost in the cane fields below Haliimaile. The filmmakers used the Fukumoto story "to make history emotionally accessible to people . . . not just dates and people who are long gone," explained Cal Lewin.

"We create history as we live our lives" he added.

Fukumoto may have made history herself as the first female taiko performer. Sojin Kim, who was with the Japanese American National Museum at the time, made that observation while collecting Hawaii information for an exhibit years ago.

The Baldwin High School graduate picked up the stubby sticks of the Fukushima-style at age 10. Her father, Albert Watanabe, noticed that his daughter had "the beat" when she'd pick up the sticks and pound the drum during breaks of his taiko group's practices.

Most of the performers at the time were in their 40s and 50s, so the young Fukumoto stuck out. Youth had its rewards.

"When I was 10, people would come up to me and give me money" after performances, she said. "They thought it was cute, and they would hand me money."

She and her family formed Maui Taiko about 15 years ago to play at community and private events. They are fixtures at obon dances during the summer performing the popular "Fukushima Ondo," a song that speaks to friendships and the circle of life, said Fukumoto.

The beat has sped up to keep up with the times. In a portion of the documentary filmed in Fukumoto's ancestral home, elderly Fukushima residents - with the familiar "hunk'in short sticks" as Fukumoto describes them - sing and beat at a slow pace, making the song almost unrecognizable as the "Fukushima Ondo" that's played at Hawaii obons.

When Fukumoto began playing the tune decades ago, the beat was much slower than today. Young dancers would bolt from the ring when "Fukushima Ondo" was announced. Bringing the song up to speed has drawn the younger set back into the dancing ring.

"Continuing tradition in its purest form or wanting the tradition to continue, we've had to balance," said Fukumoto. "If we go too fast the older people leave now."

For the filmmakers who currently live in Seattle, this was a long "labor of love," which was done "off and on" for five years on a limited budget. There were grants from the county, Japanese Cultural Society, A&B Properties and other local businesses and individuals through the years but Fukumoto said, "the majority of the costs were donated by the Lewins, so this film is truly a gift from the Lewins."

"It was such a wonderful experience," said Victoria Lewin. "I got to do work I loved. . . . Life is a mixture of things. It really impacted my life.

"It is a story of acceptance and tolerance. . . . It made me think of my family. It affects people. It has been so affecting to people outside the culture.

"As we move into the new, it helps to be grounded in where we came from. It brings stability."

In addition to PBS Hawaii, "Great Grandfather's Drum" will be shown at free movie night at the Maui Matsuri, May 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center, Pilina Building, University of Hawaii Maui College.

In Honolulu, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii will put together a gallery exhibit about the film and will have regular screenings from May 14 to June 17.

Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.

Online: greatgrandfathersdrum.com

NEWS FLASH - April 25, 2011 7:15 a.m. HST

Maui's Fontaine Warns 'G.E.T Still Not Safe'

An increase in Hawaii's general excise tax is dead for now, but Rep. George Fontaine worries that it could make a comeback.

Fontaine, a Republican representing Maui, said on the House Minority website that there could be an effort to raise the general excise tax between now and the end of this year's legislative session May 5.

The general excise tax is the state's broadest tax, levied on most transactions in the state at a rate of 4.5 percent on Oahu and 4 percent on neighbor islands.

A Senate committee voted against increasing it earlier this month, but Fontaine warned that it could be revived in other pending legislation.

Fontaine said raising the tax would hurt the economy and possibly cause businesses to lay off employees.