Moku Loa Group

Aloha Kakou!  Elections and the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) have topped our agenda since the last newsletter.  As regards the former, our Group’s endorsement process is complete.  The process was more difficult this time for two reasons:

1. the large field of competent candidates; and
2. the fact that this election has been more issue-driven than usual.  We have very exciting races for Mayor, Council District 5 and State House District 4!

Intertwined with the elections has been the advancement of the PCDO through the first reading before the full Council.  Passions ran high and tempers flared a few times at the day-long meeting as more than forty people testified—with the greater majority favoring passing the Plan now and amending later.  More than fifty people showed up at 7:00 am to join a street protest at the Ben Franklin building.  At day’s end, the Council passed the Plan sans amendments!  This is an astounding victory for the people of Puna; yet we must remain vigilant through two more readings and the subsequent amendment process.

Going out on a high note, our yard sale fundraiser was a great success.  We cleared just shy of $700, and had a great time in the process.  Mahalo nui loa to Susan Hicks for use of her lanai, yard and storage building, and to all those who gave of their time and energy sorting, moving, pricing and selling the goods.  People donated top-quality items this year!
Finally, the next newsletter will be my final one as Group Chair.  I will not seek re-election, but will remain on as Membership Chair.  This brings up the need to find qualified and willing candidates to run for the Executive Committee.  If you or someone you know would like to get involved with our very dynamic and growing group, please contact any of the ExCom members listed on the back page. 

Mahalo nui loa,
Paul

VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE     VOTE
 
MOKU LOA CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

The following candidates have been endorsed by Moku Loa Group:

IN MEMORIAM:  ANSON CHONG 1938-2008
from Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers

            Anson Chong lost his battle with cancer and passed away on July 15, 2008. He may not be here in body, but his moving spirit will be with us always.
            He was passionate about the environment; we relied on his political expertise and advice.  He was always out there waving a sign for a good cause or campaign – his love of Anne, the “Aina” and a good fight!
            Anson, Moku Loa Group will miss you, your friends and neighbors will miss you, and most importantly, the environment, “the Aina” will miss you!
            We pledge to keep up the fight, to draw on your passion and persistence.  Together we will strive for many future environmental successes and protect our beautiful Big Island!

HELP US SAVE TREES by opting to receive your newsletter by e-mail.  Please send your name, e-mail address, zip-code number and membership number to Charlie Stanton at c_m_stanton@hawaiiantel.net. Mahalo.

SIERRA CLUB - Moku Loa Group
P.O. Box 1137, Hilo, HI 96721-1137
Phone: 808-965-5460