Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 9, 2011

Ope`ape`a, the Hawaiian hoary bat, could become
the official Hawai`i State Land Mammal.

OPE`APE`A COULD BE HONORED as the official Land Mammal of the State of Hawai`i. The ope`ape`a is the Hawaiian hoary bat, the only land-based mammalian species found exclusively in Hawai`i. The legislation is proposed by Senator Sam Slom, a Republican, who points out that this endangered bat, setting up house in Hawai`i, has been described as one of the “most spectacular over-water colonization events in mammalian history.”
     The Hawaiian bat is small and acrobatic. It can be seen at night along Highway 11 and flying around in villages throughout Ka`u, emitting its high-pitched sound as it dines on insects. The proposal to make the bat the state land mammal passed the Hawaiian Affairs Committee and goes next to the Judiciary Committee at the state Legislature. The monk seal, another native mammal in the Islands, would be the Hawai`i State Marine Mammal.

THE CIVIL UNIONS BILL PASSED the state House Judiciary Committee last night after five hours of testimony. The committee made some changes in the bill, including changing the tax code to recognize the rights of same-sex couples and also that family matters be overseen by family court. The bill will go back to the Senate for similar adjustments.

Alison Silverstein

WITH HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. headed toward renewable energy with more proposals for firm power like geothermal and biofuels, as well as intermittent power like wind and solar, the Public Utilities Commission has selected consultant Alison Silverstein to facilitate the development of oversight and regulations. Hawaiian Electric Company will pay her salary. Silverstein has an MBA from Stanford University and has worked for the Environmental Law Institute, the U.S. Department of the Interior and public utilities commissions elsewhere. 

HOME SALES ON THIS ISLAND increased last month, according to a story in Pacific Business News. One hundred and three homes sold in January, up 17 percent over the same month last year. The median price was down, at $220,000. Home sales were also up in December. 

Humpback whale counts continue in February and March.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS can sign up to count whales on Saturday, February 26th and also on March 26th. The annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count drew volunteers to Punalu`u and other sites around Ka`u. Some 900 people participated statewide. On this island, the count averaged four whales every 15 minutes. To register for the next event see sanctuaryoceancount.org. 

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S annual Love the Arts fundraiser happens this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The gala supports VAC’s arts and educational programming. Hors d’oevres, entrees, homemade truffles, wine and champagne will be served. Tickets are $45. Call 967-8222 for more information and tickets.