The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens announces the rare flowering of a plant that has the world’s largest un-branched inflorescence (flower). “Stinky 1” is in full bloom today!
Amorphophallus titanum also known as titan arum has the common name of Corpse plant due to its distinctive odor when in full bloom. This “fragrance” resembles rotting meat, to attract carrion feeding beetles and Flesh Flies that pollinate it.
The zoo has two Corpse plants that were donated in 2002 by Artist Hiroshi Tagami. Both plants were estimated to be two years old when they were donated, and have been growing at the zoo for the last nine years.
In April of this year, the zoo was fortunate to have on exhibit a blooming Corpse Plant on loan from a local collector. With this blooming of a Corpse Plant that belongs to the zoo, everyone that missed smelling (and seeing) the first bloom has another chance to visit the zoo for this rare occurrence.
The bloom just tops six feet today, and is located next to the feral pig and across from the large mixed parrot aviary.
Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is open daily from 9:00 a.m. til 4:00 p.m., except for Christmas and New Years day.
-Submitted by Desiree Cruz, Hawaii Island office of the mayor
Task Force Addresses Challenges in Charter Schools
The Charter School Governance, Accountability, and Authority Task Force (CSGTF) held its second meeting today at the state capitol.
Senate Education Committee Chair Jill Tokuda and House Education Committee Vice-Chair Della Au Belatti, co-chairs of the task force, also included lawmakers, governor’s representatives, Board of Education and Department of Education representatives, Charter school parties and Kamehameha Schools representatives.
The task force was established this year through Senate Bill 1174 (Act 130) to address issues related to Charter Schools.
“Act 130 establishes a task force that seeks accountability among stakeholders of the charter school system. Among the objectives of the Task Force are to develop legislation or administrative rules on the governance structure of charter schools, identify oversight and monitoring responsibilities of the charter school review panel, and discuss funding related issues,” said a statement from Tokuda’s office.
The public can attend future meetings scheduled for
- August 31, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol’s room 225
- September 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol’s room 211
- October 12, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol’s room 225
The task force will submit a report to the Legislature 20 days before 2012 session
For more information on SB1174:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1174
Supporting Our Boys and Girls
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii will hold its 15th annual “Walk in the Country” August 20 at 5 p.m. at Lanikuhonua at Ko Olina. This year’s theme is Kamali‘i o Ka ‘aina – Cherished children of the land.
As it celebrates children, the event will take time to honor and bid aloha to David Nakada for his 33 years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. It will also offer the opportunity to introduce the incoming executive director, Tim Motts. The fundraising event will include a silent auction, food and entertainment. “Backyard casual” attire is suggested.
RSVP online at www.walk2011.wordpress.com/about. Downloadable forms are available. Sponsorships and donations accepted.
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring Hawaii’s youth to become responsible citizens. BGCH operates nine sites on Oahu and Kauai.
-Submitted by Barbra Pleadwell