Current Issues

February 2019

Civilbeat: Rushing to Save Kauai's Ohia Trees from a Deadly, Fast-Spreading Disease
Brittany Lyte

Click here to View Article

January 2018

Civilbeat: Saving Manoa's Monkeypods
By: Denby Fawcett

Click Here to View Article

June 2017

Billboards, billboards everywhere? No thanks
Los Angeles Times Editorial Board
June 5, 2017

billboards_billboards_everywhere__no_thanks_-_la_times.pdf
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April 2017

Call To Action
​Update on Bill 78
Your Urgent Action Is Needed TODAY: Submit online testimony to stop final passage of Bill 78 which allows for ads on almost any city property or assets.

Even if you already submitted testimony opposing Bill 78 at a committee hearing, it is VERY IMPORTANT to submit it again right now to the full council!

Here’s how you can submit online testimony right now before the April 26th full Council Meeting:
 
1. Follow this link to submit testimony online:  http://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html
    
2. Fill out the form online. Meeting Date is April 26, 2017.  Where the form asks for "Council/PH Committee,” select “Council” from the menu.  Agenda Item is “Bill 78." 
 
3.  Check the box that says you Oppose the bill. 
 
4.  Insert your testimony where the form says “Written Testimony." Sample testimony is presented below. You can use all, any part or none of it.
 
5.  Check the “Accept Terms” button at the bottom of the form.
 
6.  You can also fax your testimony to 808-768-3827.
   
After you submit your testimony, make plans to attend the hearing on Wednesday, April 26, at 10 AM at Honolulu Hale, 530 South King St. And bring friends with you if possible. Even though the meeting starts at 10 am it will probably be 10:30 or 11 before this bill comes up. You can speak at the hearing, but you do not have to. Your presence will make a statement.
 
Bill 78 is the sponsorship bill that lets the City and County of Honolulu sell outdoor ads on all City property and most vehicles and equipment. Imagine all parks, sidewalks, fire trucks, benches, buildings, lifeguard stands, lamp posts, garbage cans or even streets covered in ads!
 
The Outdoor Circle opposes Bill 78 because:
 
1.  It violates the Hawaii Outdoor State Advertising law.
 
2.  It will add new sign clutter and visual blight all over the Island of Oahu with no limits on the size or number of signs and no public input.
 
3.  It is not necessary. Private donors can contribute to parks and other civic improvements now and receive recognition. The only reason for this Bill is to allow signs to be put up on city property.
 
SAMPLE TESTIMONY
 
Testimony Opposing Bill 78
Council Meeting
April 26, 2017
 
As a member of The Outdoor Circle I am opposed to Bill 78 because it would increase sign clutter in parks and on public buildings and equipment throughout the Island of Oahu.  

Throughout its 104 year history, The Outdoor Circle has been dedicated to eliminating visual blight and sign clutter in Hawaii. 
 
We advocated for and strongly support Hawaii’s sign law because it prohibits all outdoor, off-site advertising signs. This means that no one can display visual messages anywhere outdoors except on their own property. 

The final version of Bill 78 Relating to Sponsorships seriously threatens to weaken our sign laws because it allows the City to put up off-site advertising signs in return for a financial payment. This clearly violates the intent of Hawaii’s sign law. If it is allowed to pass, it will begin the erosion of that law.
 
Bill 78 puts no limitations on the size or number of “sponsorship recognition displays or messages” that can be posted in city parks or on city buildings or equipment such as garbage trucks, street maintenance equipment or fire trucks. And it provides for no public input on how these signs would look.

Bill 78 is not needed. Civic-minded organizations, companies and individuals will make donations to support our parks and other public facilities without the need to put up signs. Hawaii is one of only 4 states in the U.S. that does not allow off-site outdoor advertising. Why would a civic-minded benefactor want to break this important tradition that has been so valuable to our State?

I urge you to take a stand today in support of strong sign laws. Please vote against Bill 78. Future generations will thank you for preserving the scenic beauty of Oahu.

Call To Action​
Bill 78 Opposition
Update: Bill 78 up for final adoption: City plans to sell advertising space in parks and on other city property and vehicles. Your voice is needed now to stop Bill 78.
 
What:  Bill 78 "Relating to Sponsorships” creates a new City Ordinance allowing the City to solicit financial contributions in return for tangible recognition (signs) on city property.
 
When:  Bill 78 is expected to be on the City Council agenda for Wednesday, April 26. It has already passed 2 readings, so this is third and final reading!
 
Where:  Expected to be at Honolulu Hale, 530 South King Street, Honolulu
 
Background:  Bill 78 (2015) was originally introduced in Nov. 2015 as a process for attracting private sponsors to contribute money to maintain and improve parks on Oahu. However the wording was clear from the beginning that this was not really an appeal for private contributions in support of parks, but rather an offer to sell advertising space on all city assets including parks. Through several re-writes, the word “signs” has been changed to “sponsor recognition” but the Bill still states that the “sponsor recognition” will be "messages and displays placed on city assets" and the value of these displays will be in line with the amount of money contributed by the sponsor. This is advertising by another name and is clearly an attempt to circumvent the state law against off-site advertising.  
 
When The Outdoor Circle actively opposed this bill last year it was held in committee. Now it’s back with very little notice and is nearing final passage. Two weeks ago the Budget Committee held a final hearing on this Bill. Written testimony against the Bill was submitted by 58 people. Thank you! Six of us were there to speak against it, but because Bill 78’s supporters had a long time to prepare before bringing it up, they far outnumbered us at the committee hearing. We must turn this around when the full council hears the Bill.  

What You Can Do Right Now:
 
1.  Send an email to each member of City Council. See sample email messages below. When you email your own council member, be sure to mention that you live in his/her district.

Here are the City Council Members names, telephone numbers and links to email: You may also contact the committee members directly (click on names for direct email). They are Kymberly Pine, Chair, 808.768.5001; Ikaika Anderson, Vice-Chair, 808.768.5003;  Brandon Elefante, 808.768.5008; Carol Fukunaga, 808.768.5006; Anne Kobayashi, 808.768.5005; and Joey Manahan, 808.768.5007. A full list of contact information for these Council Members, including their districts, can be found below.
 
2. Call the council members offices to verify that your email was received and ask to speak to the council member or ask the staff to let the council member know why you oppose Bill 78.
 
3. Write a letter to the editor of the Star Advertiser or other news outlet expressing your opposition to Bill 78. See sample letter to the editor below.
 
4. Make plans now to attend the April 26th hearing at Honolulu Hale and ask others to join you.  
 
5. Once the agenda for the April 26th council meeting has been posted, we will send another alert asking you to submit online testimony, but you can’t submit testimony until then.
 
Quick Talking Points:
 
1. A sign by any other name is still a sign. Just because it’s called "sponsorship recognition” doesn’t change the negative effect that sign proliferation and visual blight have on the scenic environment and quality of life on Oahu.

Throughout consideration of Bill 78, The Outdoor Circle has asked that wording be added prohibiting the use of any type of sign as sponsor recognition. Unfortunately this has still not been added.
 
2. Bill 78 puts no limitations on the size or number of “sponsorship recognition displays or messages” that can be posted in city parks or on city buildings or equipment such as garbage trucks, street maintenance equipment or fire trucks. The only limitation stated in the bill is that the physical sponsorship must blend in with the surrounding environment, but there is no definition of what type of signs would “blend in” or how the community could have a say in this decision.
 
3. Since 1926, off-site outdoor advertising has been banned by Hawaii State (and Territorial) Law. This proposal to put signs on city property to recognize sponsors clearly violates the current state law (HRS Sect. 445-111). If this Bill were to pass it would likely be subjected to an expensive legal test. And if these sponsorship signs were to survive a court challenge, the State of Hawaii billboard ban would be permanently weakened, subject to numerous other exceptions in the future.
 
4. A decade ago, The Outdoor Circle and the City and County of Honolulu joined hands to defend the state billboard law against a court challenge from those who wanted to pull giant billboards behind airplanes in the skies over Oahu. The State law banning all billboards was upheld by the Ninth Circuit Federal Appeals Court because it applies to everyone equally with no exceptions. Bill 78 attempts to open up exceptions making the entire state billboard law subject to challenge.
 
5.  Bill 78 is not necessary! In cities everywhere civic minded individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations regularly raise and contribute money to make improvements to public facilities such as parks. museums and concert halls. This type or philanthropy does not require advertising signs. In fact, recognition of philanthropic benefactors is far more effective when provided through recognition events, publicity or online acknowledgement. Hawaii is one of only 4 states in the U.S. that does not allow off-site outdoor advertising. Why would a civic-minded benefactor want to break this important tradition that has been so valuable to our State?
 
6. Bill 78 provides for most sponsorship agreements to be developed by the City’s executive branch and ”recognition” signs to be placed in public view without any review by neighborhood boards and without approval of the City Council. This provides an unacceptable lack of transparency and avoidance of public input.
 
7. Bill 78 is a far-reaching change in policy that not only attempts to subvert State law but also threatens the priceless beauty of our island. 


SAMPLE E-MAIL MESSAGE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS:
 
Dear Council Chair Menor,
​
I am opposed to Bill 78 Relating to Sponsorships because it violates both the spirit and the letter of State of Hawaii sign laws. Hawaii is one of only 4 states that prohibits off-site outdoor advertising. This long-standing billboard ban has greatly benefited our beautiful islands by protecting them from the visual blight of sign proliferation that obscures the view of landscapes in so many of the mainland states.
 
Even though the word “sign” was removed from Bill 78, it does not prohibit off-site advertising signs on city property or in parks and it makes clear that each sponsorship agreement would provide for tangible visual displays and messages to be “placed on” city property and that the value of these displays would be in line with the amount of money contributed by the sponsor.
 
This bill would create sign clutter throughout the island of Oahu and would also weaken our state sign laws by attempting to create an exception for people who make a financial contribution to the City.
 
As Council Chair I asking that you defer any further consideration of Bill 78 until the administration has prepared and released a full legal analysis of the impact this Bill would have on our state sign laws and allowed time for public review and comment.
 
I know that you want to preserve Hawaii’s strong sign laws and that your constituents are depending on you to keep Oahu free of visual blight.
 
Please join me in opposing Bill 78.
 
Mahalo,

Dear Councilmember Fukunaga,
​
Please join me in opposing Bill 78 Relating to Sponsorships.  
Bill 78 is an extremely far-reaching bill not limiting its application to City parks and park facilities. It provides a mechanism for selling advertising space on all City facilities and equipment which would include fire trucks, ambulances, solid waste trucks, road maintenance equipment and numerous other items creating a fleet of rolling billboards around our island. I believe this is not at all consistent with the original intent of this Bill.
 
Bill 78 would allow new sign clutter and visual blight throughout the island that will have a negative effect on the scenic environment and quality of life on Oahu. 
 
I believe that this Bill would also weaken our state sign laws by trying to create an exception for people who make a financial contribution to the City.  
 
I understand that Bill 78 was originally intended to encourage philanthropic contributions to improve our parks. This is a goal I support. But I know that it is not necessary to offer advertising space for sale in order to attract financial support for parks. In fact, I believe that most civic-minded benefactors would not want to violate Hawaii’s long-standing ban against off-site advertising throughout the islands.
 
Bill 78 is a bad idea. Please vote against it. Your constituents will thank you for working to preserve Hawaii’s strong sign laws. We are depending on you to keep Oahu free of visual blight.
 
Mahalo,
 
 
 
Dear Councilmember Anderson,
 
I live in your council district and I am writing to ask you to oppose Bill 78 relating to sponsorships. This Bill was originally intended to encourage philanthropic support to improve our parks. But as it is presently written, it provides for "tangible visual displays and messages” to be “placed on any city asset” and that the value of these messages be in line with the amount of money contributed by the sponsor. Sounds like another name for selling advertising on city property.
 
Throughout discussion of this bill, The Outdoor Circle has advocated that the use of any type of sign as sponsorship recognition be specifically prohibited in the Bill. This would bring the sponsorship program in line with the state law that prohibits outdoor off-site advertising. Unfortunately, the budget committee has not accepted this addition.  
 
I believe the reasons for our strict laws against visual pollution are obvious. Hawaii is the most beautiful and special place on earth. The natural beauty of these islands supports our tourism industry and enhances the quality of life for all of our residents. We must support and protect our laws against sign clutter in order to preserve our visual environment for future generations.
 
Please join me in opposing Bill 78.
 
Mahalo,


SAMPLE  LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
 
The Star Advertiser will not print every letter they receive, but the more they receive, the more they will print, so we need to start submitting them right now. On the internet, go to http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorial/.

Scroll down to the section that says Submit a Letter to the Editor and fill out the form. You have to include your name, address and a daytime phone number. They will not print your address but will print your name and the city or town name in your address. They will call your daytime phone number before your letter goes into print just to verify that you sent it. Limit is 150 words. Here are some suggestions:
 
Sample #1:
Bill 78 Relating to Sponsorships should not be passed by City Council. It seriously threatens our state sign laws because it allows off-site visual displays to be placed outdoors on City-owned land, buildings and equipment in return for a financial payment from the sponsor. This clearly violates the intent of Hawaii’s sign law. If it is allowed to pass, it will begin the erosion of that law.

The reasons for our strict laws against visual pollution are obvious. Hawaii is the most beautiful and special place on earth. The natural beauty of these islands supports our tourism industry and enhances the quality of life for all of our residents. We must support and protect our laws against sign clutter in order to preserve our visual environment for future generations
  
Sample #2: 
The City wants to raise private money to improve the parks. They can do that by accepting a restricted gift from any civic-minded person, company or group who wants to help. There is no need to sell advertising in the parks. Civic-minded benefactors who care about the community will support our parks without wanting to post advertising signs in the parks.
 
The City Council Budget Committee approved Bill 78 Relating to Sponsorships despite the fact that it calls for putting visual displays on any city assets such as garbage trucks, city buildings, road maintenance equipment, as well as city parks. The Bill says these displays should have a value in line with the contribution made by the sponsor. Sounds like selling advertising by another name.  And it clearly violates the State law against off-site outdoor advertising that has been in place for 90 years. The full Council needs to reject this bad idea.
 
Sample #3: 
Several years ago, those who wanted to proliferate huge signs pulled by airplanes sued the City of Honolulu for violating their First Amendment right to free speech. After a lengthy and costly legal battle, the federal appeals court upheld our sign laws on the grounds that all parties who wanted off-site advertising signs were treated the same in Hawaii. Bill 78 now before City Council would change that by making exceptions based on financial payments to the City.  Once our sign laws are put in jeopardy, they will be challenged from many quarters, and the next court ruling may not go our way. 

Bill 78 was intended to encourage private support for our parks.  Instead it proposes to sell advertising space on every piece of property or equipment the City owns. It needs to be amended to prohibit any kind of sign being posted on city property.  

Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to protecting the scenic beauty of our island!


Council Members Full Contact Information

Kymberly Marcos Pine
Portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Ma'ili, Wai'anae, Makaha, Kea'au, Makua.
Phone: 808.768.5001   |   Email: kmpine@honolulu.gov   |   Website: www.councilmemberpine.com

Ernest Y. Martin
Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Kualoa, Waiahole, and Kahaluu.
Phone: 808.768.5002   |   Email: emartin@honolulu.gov   |   Website: Ernie Martin

Ikaika Anderson
Ahuimanu, Heeia, Haiku, Kaneohe, Maunawili, Kailua, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, and Waimanalo.
Phone: 808.768.5003   |   Email: ianderson@honolulu.gov

Trevor Ozawa
Hawaii Kai, Kuliouou, Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Wailupe, Waialae-Iki, Kalani Valley, Kahala, Wilhemina Rise, Kaimuki, portions of Kapahulu, Diamond Head, Black Point, Waikiki, and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Phone: 808.768.5004   |   Email: tozawa@honolulu.gov

Ann Kobayashi
Kaimuki, Palolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Manoa, Moiliili, McCully, and portions of Ala Moana, Kakaako, and Makiki.
Phone: 808.768.5005   |   Email: akobayashi@honolulu.gov

Carol Fukunaga
​Portions of Makiki, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Pauoa Valley, Nuuanu, Alewa Heights, Papakolea, Fort Shafter, Moanalua, Halawa, Aiea, Kalihi Valley, and portions of Liliha and Kalihi.
Phone: 808.768.5006   |   Email: cafukunaga@honolulu.gov

Joey Manahan
Kalihi, lwilei, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Hickam, Foster Village, Ford Island, and Sand Island.
Phone: 808.768.5007   |   Email: jmanahan@honolulu.gov

Brandon Elefante
Lower Aiea, Pearlridge, Waimalu, Newtown, Pearl City, Seaview, Crestview, Waipio Gentry and Waipahu.
Phone: 808.768.5008   |   Email: belefante@honolulu.gov

Ron Menor
Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Mililani Town, West Loch, Iroquois Point, and portions of Ewa Villages and Ewa Beach.
Phone: 808.768.5009   |   Email: rmenor@honolulu.gov

Click here to view Bill 78.

​September 2016

​Call To Action
Protect the Honomu War Memorial Banyan Tree!

UPDATE: On September 21st, there was a meeting held to determine the future of this incredible tree.
Due to the immense amount of public testimony in support of its preservation, a certified city arborist will soon be
assessing the tree and offering their opinion of the situation. We will provide further updates as we receive them.
In the meantime, please continue to sign our petition to save this incredible tree. Mahalo!
Click here to sign a petition to save this tree.
​
One of the largest and most majestic banyans in Hawai‘i is threatened to be cut down by Hawai‘i County due to a complaint about the
tree providing too much shade and being a "safety issue." This banyan is located at Honomu Park and is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike as it is located on the way to Akaka Falls. 

Please call and ask for any and all action to remove the Honomu War Memorial Banyan Tree be stopped until there can be wider community input. The hazardous tree ordinance does not require that an entire tree be removed, only that hazards be appropriately addressed. At this point it is unclear whether the trees predate the home, but if the trees were there first, the county ordinance does
not apply. 

These trees are on the nominations list for statewide Exceptional Trees but since the Mayor has not appointed anyone to the county arborist advisory commission, a state-mandated commission, it has not advanced. In lieu of county action, the trees should be considered as ‘exceptional.' 

Other options, such as trimming and root pruning need to be considered. These trees are a focal point for the town and an attraction for tourists, helping to ensure that people stop and visit shops in the town center after visiting the waterfall.

Please call to express your concerns as well as sign our petition to save this tree!

Hawai‘i County Mayor: Billie Kenoi ~ Ph: (808) 961-8211 ~ email: cohmayor@hawaiicounty.gov
Hawai‘i County District 1 Rep: Valerie Poindexter ~ Ph: (808) 961-8018 ~ email valerie.poindexter@hawaiicounty.gov
​Parks and Recreation Superintendent: Pat Daly ~ Ph: (808) 961-8719 ~ email: parksmaintenance@hawaiicounty.gov
Executive Assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi: Craig Kawaguchi ~ Ph: 808-961-8211
Public Information Officer for Parks and Recreation: Jason Armstrong ~ Ph. 808-961-8311
Click here to sign a petition to save this tree.
Mahalo!

Light Pollution - August 22, 2016

ama_adopts_community_guidance_to_reduce_the_harmful_human_and_environmental_effects_of_high_intensity_street_lighting_copy.pdf
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Offshore Wind Farms - July 14, 2016

It has been brought to our attention that view planes around Oahu may be at risk, along with many other issues for offshore Puena Point. Please read below to educate yourself about this issue in order to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken.
​NOTE to STAKEHOLDERS
July 8, 2016

BOEM (Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management)
 
You're Invited: Public Scoping Meetings on 
Potential Oahu Offshore Wind
Aloha,
 
On June 22, 2016, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Ross Hopper announced a major step in BOEM's Hawaii offshore wind planning process.
 
In addition to issuing a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) to gauge interest in acquiring commercial wind leases in areas offshore Oahu and solicit comments on potential multiple use and environmental considerations relating to wind development in those areas, BOEM issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA). Through the Notice of Intent (NOI), BOEM is seeking public comment for determining issues and alternatives to be analyzed in the EA, which will consider potential environmental impacts associated with issuing future commercial wind leases and approving site assessment activities on the lease areas.
 
Please note that the issuance of these notices is a very early step in BOEM's offshore wind process, and BOEM has not yet determined whether it would be appropriate to issue commercial wind leases in all or part of the areas included in the Call. Stakeholder comments and input will be critical to informing BOEM's decision-making process moving forward.
 
BOEM has scheduled the following public scoping meetings to provide opportunities for the public to comment on the EA.
 
Tuesday, July 19, 2016; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
McKinley High School
1039 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96814

Wednesday July 20, 2016; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Waianae Intermediate School
85-626 Farrington Highway
Waianae, Hawaii 96792

Thursday July 21, 2016; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Waialua Elementary School
67-020 Waialua Beach Road
Waialua, Hawaii 96791

The NOI was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2016, and BOEM will accept public comments for 45 days (ending on August 8, 2016) via the following:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. In the field entitled, ''Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2016-0049, and then click ''search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice;
or
2. U.S. mail: Mail in an envelope labeled ''Comments on Hawaii EA'' and addressed to Regional Director, BOEM Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102, Camarillo, California 93010.
 
3. Public Scoping Meetings: Per the schedule above, comments will be accepted during these meetings on Oahu.
For more information about offshore wind planning efforts for Hawaii, go tohttp://www.boem.gov/Hawaii.

Mahalo.
John D. Romero, public affairs officer
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Office of Public Affairs - Pacific Region

760 Paseo Camarillo
Camarillo, CA 93010 

​Call to Action- April 15, 2016

Dear TOC supporters,

The North Shore Outdoor Circle needs all of our support to stop a proposed development of open space and a restored fish pond in Haleiwa town.
At risk:  Loko’Ea Pond:

The proposed development is called the Shops at Anahulu:  a 5,000 sq. ft. building and parking lot to be built on a 1/2 acre commercial lot at the corner of Kam Hwy and Loko’Ea Place adjacent to the Fish Pond and across the street from Haleiwa Beach Park.

Because this is right by the ocean, the developer needs a Special Management Area Use Permit.  There will be a hearing on his application for the permit next Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30 AM at the Ali’i Surfing Beach Park in Haleiwa.  We are trying to generate as much attendance and testimony for this hearing as possible. Written testimony can be submitted in advance of the hearing to Alex Beatty (abeatty@honolulu.gov) referencing the permit application number:  2016/SMA-15.

This hearing is being conducted by the Department of Planning and Permitting.  After their review, it goes to the full City Council for another hearing and vote.  
NSOC decided to oppose this development because it blocks the view of the Fish Pond from Kam Hwy and removes the opportunity to preserve open space in that location.  The Fish Pond actually belongs to Kamehameha Schools and is currently being restored by Malama Loko’Ea Foundation to once again be a working fish pond.  The parcel of land proposed for the development is owned by Queen Liliuokalani Trust.

NSOC has met with the North Shore Community Land Trust about the potential for voluntary land conservation if the land owner is willing to sell a conservation easement on the land. The state also has some money available for this type of land conservation. Yesterday, NSOC met with the Vice President of Queen Liliuokalani Trust to open dialog with them.  They expressed some interest in the conservation easement but made it clear that the developer as well as Kamehameha Schools would have to agree to the plan.

Please submit your written testimony in support of keeping this open space and in opposition to the proposed development to the email address above. Then, please further support the preservation of this space by attending the meeting on Tuesday, April 19th as mentioned above—your voice counts and matters greatly. 

See you in Haleiwa on Tuesday!

Bill 78 Update - April 15, 2016

Many thanks for those of you who responded to our call for action on this bill last month! Your phone calls, emails, and showing up in person make a big difference. The bill was deferred until further notice, but still technically remains ‘alive’ and we must watch vigilantly for the next couple of years that it is not put on the agenda (which could happen with as little as 24 hours notice) before an official meeting. Please continue to express your opposition to this bill or any similar bills that come up in the future like it to your local city council member. The Outdoor Circle will continue to monitor the situation, but we hope our unanimous opposition to this bill was heard loudly and clearly in city hall, and that it will remain deferred indefinitely.