Fishermen Organize

Big Island fishermen are organizing to protest proposed rule changes being made the the Department of Land and Natural Resources that would seek to place bag limits on a number of types of fish and threatens to severely impair the ability of commercial fisherman to continue their livelihood. The fishermen believe that the proposals are without any scientific basis and are being formulated because Department experts are not willing to consider the importance of seasonal restrictions to control and manage fish populations as a viable alternative to across the board restrictions that do not take into account mating seasons, spawning cycles or fish migration patterns.

First Annual Big Island International Micro Robotics Conference

Participants in the First Annual Big Island Micro-Robotics Conference learned to build several robotics platforms during the three day conference held at the Imiloa Astronomy Center on the campus of the University of Hawaii Hilo. Students and teachers learned about EasyBots, BrushBots, and Letry robots in sessions that included design and construction, introduction to electronics and programming.

The goals of this conference were to introduce the micro-robotics genre to a wider audience in Hawaii and create the opportunity for students to participate in a competition closer to home. Currently, students from Waiakea High School have been travelling to Nagoya, Japan in order to participate in the micro-robotics tournament held at Nagoya University.

"It is exciting to think that we are developing a skill set with students here on the Big Island that equals or surpasses those in colleges anywhere else," said Mark. "Using robotics as a basis for learning is the first step as we progress toward finding real world and business applications for these skills."

With technologies such as volcanology, deep water research, astronomy and geothermal here on one island, the possible applications for robotics are limitless.

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Congratulations George!

After nearly forty years as the head of the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, George Yokoyama is stepping down as Executive Director. A fundraiser/roast was held at the Afook-Chinen Civil Center in Hilo with an estimated 2,000 people gathered to honor the long-time humanitarian.

As head of HCEOC, George has spent his life providing services and assistance to the poor, elderly, young, and unemployed in our community. Many of those people at the fringes of our community who would otherwise fall through the cracks if it were not for the many grants and other assistance that come to Hawaii County as a result of thework of George and HCEOC.

Lions Installation Held

Lion Terry Baxter assumes command of the Hamakua Lions for her second term as President as the Lions gather for their annual installation of officers banquet at held at Honoka'a Club. Pictured standing are the members of the Hamakua Lions Board of Directors as their duties are reviewed and they pledge to full fill the obligations of their office.

Kealakaha Bridge

Recently while flying back from Oahu, I snapped this shot of the brand new Kealakaha Bridge from the air.

Lehua Jaycees Fireworks Crew

Members of the Lehua Jaycees Fireworks crew gathered at Coconut Island in preparation of the evenings festivities featuring the traditional Lehua Jaycees Fireworks Show over Coconut Island in Hilo Bay.

Smile and say "WATERMELON"

Councilman "Fresh" Onishi and I participated in the County Parks and Recreation watermelon eating contest that was held in conjunction with the County of Hawaii Hilo Bay Blast celebrating the Fourth of July in Hilo. All of the children participating in the contest received a bevy of school supplies from the Parks Department.

Kohala Community Reunion

Every five years since 1995, the Kohala community has hosted a reunion, providing residents past and present the opportunity to reconnect with their roots, enjoy good fellowship and taste lots and lots of ono grinds.

The Host committee has been accepting applications and arranging for housing for the many former residents who are returning home to celebrate their roots, relive the good times and reminisce with old acquaintances.