Hawaii’s Instaweek: Pesticides Battles, Furlough Victims and a Film Festival
During the second week of the federal government shutdown, an odd sense of normalcy settled in — the normalcy of inactivity or, in some cases, lessened activity.
The shutdown is expected to stretch through the weekend, perhaps much longer. That is part of why Hawaii’s congressional delegation expressed frustration to Civil Beat in recent days about Congress’ inability to resolve the standoff.
The whole shutdown, of course, began as a fight over the . And as the shutdown woes endured, so did those of the Hawaii Health Connector, whose website still wasn’t fully functional as the weekend arrived. Those seeking to register for Obamacare-driven coverage (that will not actually launch until January) faced some online software glitches and delays similar to other parts of the , as plenty of .
But Hawaii still found time to have fun, whether with man’s best friends or at its annual celebration of film from the Asia-Pacific region.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Animal photos are always a surefire way to grab attention on the internet. The Hawaii Humane Society held its annual on Sunday, raising more than $275,000.
The Humane Society will use the donations to directly support 30 charitable programs and services, including outreach to help families with pets that are at risk of abandonment or neglect, and foster care efforts to save easily treatable animals. They also will bolster their pet food bank, youth and community education, advocacy for a more pet-friendly Hawaii and all their work to investigate and end animal cruelty.
The Pet Walk showcased colorful canine costumes, but humans weren’t left out either.
Monday, Oct. 7
About 3,000 workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard . U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the Pay Our Military Act permits the Pentagon to get rid of furloughs for employees who ‘contribute to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members.’
It still meant slow work days for some workers in Hawaii, as this Instagram user demonstrates.
“Here I am at the . I’m painting … cleaning … and it’s really hot down here, people.”
It is also very empty.
However the Arizona Memorial remained closed.
Pearl Harbor remains closed. Makani Kai Helicopters flies over the Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri daily!
— MakaniKaiHelicopters (@MKHelicopters)
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho testified that the county does not have enough money to implement far-reaching proposed legislation (Bill 2491) to increase pesticide oversight.
The mayor’s comments who released a statement criticizing the mayor for not doing his homework. They argue that Bill 2491 really isn’t that complicated. Carvalho’s office fired back with a .
Kauai Hawaii “..Bill 2491 relating to pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms”
— elizabethzenWrites (@elizabethzen)
Wednesday, Oct. 9
The Hawaii Health Connector’s launch troubles continued. for delays in service.
At an informational briefing before state lawmakers, Andrews said customers should be able to compare plans and prices for the insurance exchange by Oct. 15, . Brent Suyama, spokesman for the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, attended the briefing.
Here is KITV’s report:
It was still slow-going at Pearl Harbor attractions, like at the USS Missouri. This user described herself as #furloughed and #boredoutofmymind.
Although Hawaii isn’t much for seasons, the rewards-card business posted a beautiful reminder that fall — and Halloween — is well underway.
Thursday, Oct. 10
The day belonged to the 33rd annual , which brings together filmmaking talent from around the world. I’ve been a huge fan of the festival for many years. (I’m a huge film buff.) Some of the most touching or funniest Asian movies I’ve seen in recent years had their American premieres at the film festival.
Festival staffer Chris Hall showcases the number of press bags available for the scores of international media in Hawaii to cover the event.
And there were huge lines on Thursday for what is likely the highest-profile film of the festival, “,” by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. It may be his after an unprecedented run of critically acclaimed animated movies that includes “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”
Their kickoff party was held at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki.
Friday, Oct. 11
Aloha Friday started off with some intense weather. The photo of the day — nay, photo of the week — belongs to Terry Reis of Waikele, who goes by @surfershooterhawaii on Instagram.
Here’s hoping for sunny skies this weekend, but in Hawaii, even our worst weather can leave us breathless.
