Hawaii Missile Defense System Reviewed
The Senate Committee on Public Safety, Government Operations and Military Affairs, chaired by Sen. Wil Espero, and the House Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, chaired by Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino, heard testimony about missile defense facilities in Hawaii and throughout the nation, the growth of military facilities, and national security.
The briefing is recorded here: https://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13981950
Riki Ellison, founder and chairman of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), made the presentation.
Espero said: “Due to the location and isolation of our islands, national defense is important to us. At the same time, there are more than one-hundred thousand service members and their families living in Hawaii and they are great contributors to our economy and community.”
USS Hopper to deploy to Western Pacific
Guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) will depart Pearl Harbor Friday, April 15, for an independent deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The crew of more than 275 Sailors will conduct Ballistic Missile Defense operations, as well as maritime interdiction operations and theater security cooperation.
Hopper helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and humanitarian/disaster response within 3th Fleet’s 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy’s Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.
– Submitted by Chief Bauer of Navy Region Hawaii –
Iolani and Maryknoll Teams Capture 2011 State Economics Titles
High school teams from Iolani and Maryknoll Schools each claimed division titles in the 2011 Island Insurance Companies Economics Challenge. Hosted by the Hawaii Council on Economic Education on Monday, April 11, 2011 at the University of Hawaii Campus Center Ballroom, the spirited competition featured over 150 registered students from Hawaii private and public high schools, showcasing Hawaii’s outstanding high school economics students.
Reigning national champion Iolani claimed the Adam Smith division title for the seventh consecutive year while Maryknoll earned its first title in the competition’s history by placing first in the David Ricardo Division. Iolani will represent Hawaii in an online regional competition with regional winners moving on to the national finals in New York, May 21-22, 2011.
The winners of the Adam Smith division were Iolani students: Richard Chang, Mark Grozen-Smith, Bobby Huang, Tyler Tokunaga and. Andrew Wu. Winners for the David Ricardo division were Maryknoll students: Josephine Frame, Rikuro Fukusato, Devin Nagamine, Nathan Tobin and Christopher Wong. The Smith Division teams are students enrolled in advanced courses in economics. Ricardo Division teams are students enrolled in one-semester or less general economic courses.
“In a survey of Hawaii’s students, many did not understand current economic principles and concepts,” said Council Executive Director, Toni Takeno. “Students at this caliber deserve special recognition because they are challenging the current statistics,” she added.
During initial rounds of the competition, students tackled fun and challenging written tests of their economic understanding and reasoning ability. The final rounds of the Economics Challenge involved a “first-to-the-buzzer” lightning-fast “Jeopardy Style” format as teams answered questions on complex economic concepts and theories involving micro and macroeconomics, international economics, and current events.
“The knowledge and poise under pressure displayed by all participants were truly impressive,” said Nolan Kawano, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Island Insurance. “Their exceptional performances show that Hawaii has many outstanding future economic leaders,” he added.
– Submitted by Wally Zimmermann –
BAYFEST is on!
The 22nd Annual BayFest will be held aboard Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay July 15-17. The public is invited to Oahu’s largest music and family fun festival, featuring national concert acts, EK Fernandez carnival rides and midway, fireworks, competitions, food and military displays. There will be music for every taste – from local legends to alternative rock to country. Plus, the first ever GreenFest @ BayFest Expo will transform Hangar 101 into an eco-village of environmentally conscious businesses and organizations.
Hawaii’s favorite duo Cecilio & Kapono will take the stage Friday for a two-hour show. Fireworks by Grucci will follow the performance. Puddle of Mudd with special guest Hoobastank will be a two-for-one treat on Saturday night for post-grunge alternative rock fans. Country music returns to the BayFest stage on Sunday with the award-winning artist Joe Nichols. The Marine Forces Pacific Band will perform all three nights.
Daytime activities on Saturday will include children’s contests and an inaugural stand-up paddleboard competition. Sunday will feature the Bathtub Regatta and the Body Search Fitness Challenge. Contest details and registration information are online at BayFestHawaii.com. BayFest hours are 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Concert gates will open at 5 p.m. each day. Tickets will be available in advance at all military ticket outlets and online through BayFestHawaii.com, starting May 2.
– Submitted by Marine Corps Base Hawaii –
Hawaii Songs Benefit Japan
Hawaii’s top vocalists have come together to lend their voice of support to the victims of one of the world’s most tragic natural disasters in modern times. “Together Hawaii,” shown during the recent “Kokua For Japan” event, is now available for downloads as a single (and soon as a video) at www.mountainapplecompany.com/togetherhawaii. All proceeds
(100 percent) from the sale of “Together Hawaii” will be donated to the Hawaii Red Cross, Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund.
“Together Hawaii” was composed by Amy Hanaiali‘i and Henry Kapono and features many Hawaii-based entertainers including Amy Hanaiali‘i, Henry Kapono, ManoaDNA, Mailani, Raiatea Helm, Sean Na‘auao, Robi Kahakalau, Chino Montero, Kealoha, Hilo Kaaihue, and Steve Jones.
The single is available to download for 99 cents and the video will be available for $1.99.
– Submitted by David Sayre –