Island Breath: Stop Arctic Drilling

by H. Josef Herbert on 21 December 2005 for the Associated Press

A quarter-century long fight over the nation's most divisive environmental issue rages on after the Senate on Wednesday rejected opening an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling — even though that provision was included in a must-pass bill that funds U.S. troops overseas and hurricane victims.

It was a stinging defeat for Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, one of the Senate's most powerful members, who had hoped to garner more votes by forcing senators to choose between supporting the drilling measure, or risking the political fallout from voting against money for the troops and hurricane victims.

Instead, Stevens found himself a few votes shy of getting his wish.

Republican leaders could not break a Democratic filibuster threat over the drilling issue, falling three votes short of the 60 votes need to advance the defense spending bill to a final vote. Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., left the bill in limbo as he, Stevens and other GOP leaders gauged their next move.

The measure was widely expected to be withdrawn and reworked without the refuge language, although Stevens warned he was ready to stay until New Year's if necessary to fight for the drilling, a cause he has pursued for 25 of his 37 years in the Senate.

Democrats as well as a number of Republicans were already angered by Stevens' tactic that delayed action on the $453.5 billion defense bill including $29 billion for hurricane relief, the war and border security, and $2 billion to help low-income households pay this winter's heating expenses.

"Our military is being held hostage by this issue, Arctic drilling," fumed Sen. Harry Reid , the Democratic leader.

But Stevens, 82, the Senate's most senior member known for his sometimes cantankerous nature and fiery temper, expressed frustration, but had no apologies.

"Every time this subject comes up ... the minority has filibustered," Stevens complained, reminding colleagues of his 25-year campaign to get Congress to allow development of an estimated 10 billion barrels of oil beneath the coastal tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the far northeastern corner of his state.

After the vote, Democrats celebrated as did environmentalists, knowing they had tangled with one of the Senate's toughest members and won.
"It took a lot of guts for a lot of people to stand up," Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., said after the vote. He said he expects the 43 senators who voted against drilling — all but four Democrats as well as GOP Sens. Mike DeWine of Ohio and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island — not to yield to further pressures and change their vote.

But no one believes the issue — which has galvanized environmentalists determined to protect the refuge from development — is going away.
"I expect to see it again next year," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., a longtime drilling opponent.

"Yes, it'll be back," agreed Lieberman.
Environmentalists rejoiced, aware that never before had drilling proponents come so close to victory. The House already had approved the defense bill with Steven's drilling measure included and President Bush was eager to sign it. Congress approved ANWR drilling in 1995 as part of a budget package that was immune from Senate filibuster, but President Clinton, a drilling opponent, vetoed it.
The Sierra Club called it "an against-all-odds" victory.

"Drilling proponents pulled out all the stops, and tried every trick in their playbook," said Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope. "This is a tremendous victory for all Americans and proof that the fate of the Arctic refuge must be debated on its merits, not as part of a sneak attack."

Stevens argued that Congress in 1980 agreed to allow ANWR's oil to be developed at some future date as part an a compromise he supported that expanded the federal refuge to 19 million acres.

It was a commitment, he maintains, that has not been met.
Those who advocate drilling contend the oil — an estimated 1 million barrels a day during peak production — is needed for national security to reduce the country's dependence on imports. Drilling opponents say ANWR's oil would do little to curtail imports.

Steven's proposal would have required the Interior Department to issue its first oil leases in the 1.5-million-acre coastal plain of the refuge within 22 months and another package of leases in 2010. Oil was not expected to flow before 2015.
Developing the Arctic refuge's oil has been one of Bush's top energy priorities and the administration stepped up lobbying for the ANWR provision this week. Interior Secretary Gale Norton has said repeatedly that the oil can be developed without harming wildlife given environmental safeguards in the bill and use of the most modern drilling techniques.

But drilling opponents argued that ANWR's oil should not be exploited because of the coastal plain's fragile ecosystem and wildlife. While the region looks bleak during its long winters, and oil can be seen seeping from some of its rock formations, the coastal strip also is the calving ground for caribou and home to polar bears, musk oxen, and the annual influx of millions of migratory birds.
"Destroying this wilderness will do very little to reduce energy costs nor does it do very much for oil independence," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

SUBJECT: ARTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

SOURCE: JUDY DALTON dalton@aloha.net

Steven's attaches ANWR drilling to defense bill

20 December 2005 - 1:30pm

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in a still from the film "Oil on Ice". Click on www.OilonIce.oeg

Call Senator Akaka now!

by Carl Pope, Executive Director The Sierra Club on 20 December 2005

We know the battle to protect the Arctic Refuge has been long, with lots of twists and turns, but it's important for us not to lose focus at this critical moment. Here's the latest information on the battle to save the Arctic, what you can do, and a reminder of what you're fighting for.

THE LATEST
Senator Stevens realized last week that there wasn't enough support to pass the Arctic drilling provision as part of the budget bill, so he has now attached it to the Defense Appropriations bill. Stevens -- the man who brought us "Bridges to Nowhere" -- has linked Arctic drilling to defense funding and Hurricane Katrina relief, an outrageous move that amounts to blackmail -- with hurricane victims and America's troops being held hostage.

Your Senator, Daniel Akaka, will cast one of a handful of key votes on this bill, so it is especially important that you call him TODAY -- the Senate could vote as early as tomorrow on the Defense Appropriations bill. News reports indicate that Vice President Cheney is cutting a trip to the Middle East short to be back in D.C. to break a possible tie vote. It's going to be THAT CLOSE.

CALL YOUR SENATOR – IT'S NOT THAT SCARY
HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO SAY

If you haven't called your Senator before, it can seem a little intimidating but just think of it this way... it's not nearly as scary as the idea losing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge FOREVER. It's actually pretty easy and takes less than five minutes.

1. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to Senator Akaka's office.

2. An office assistant will answer the phone. Just let them know that you are a resident of Hawaii and would like to let Senator Akaka know that you would like him to do everything in his power to remove Arctic drilling from the Defense bill. Let them know that Senator Stevens's attempts to hold up defense spending is a betrayal of the public's trust, an abuse of power, and is an exploitation of our troops, hurricane victims and our natural heritage. Please ask Senator Akaka to filibuster the Arctic provisions if necessary.

3. The assistant may ask you for your contact information to confirm that you are indeed a resident of Hawaii or so the Senator can respond to you at a later date about this issue. That's it!

WHY WE'RE FIGHTING FOR THE REFUGE
Since this battle to prevent drilling in the Arctic Refuge has been such a long one, we sometimes forget what we're fighting for. Here's a reminder (and some motivation for your call) of why drilling in the Arctic Refuge -- especially through the Defense bill -- is such a bad idea:

1. The Arctic Refuge is an amazing and inspiring place. Visitors tell of its stunning vistas, unique wildlife and untouched landscape. Scientists note the importance of the refuge as habitat for hundreds of species and the crucial role it plays in Alaska's web of life. The Gwich'in -- native Alaskans who live nearby -- depend on the caribou that give birth in the refuge for food, clothing, and spiritual sustenance. The Refuge is also an important part of American's heritage.
2. It's not worth it -- literally! Proponents of drilling in the Arctic Refuge point to rising gas prices as a reason to drill. But in reality, Arctic Refuge oil would amount to a drop in the bucket of the oil market. The U.S. Department of Energy recently estimated that if we drilled for oil in the Refuge tomorrow, it would lower gas prices by roughly a penny per gallon... in 20 years.

3. Arctic drilling does not belong on the Defense bill. Senator Stevens is manipulating funding for America's troops and blackmailing Hurricane Katrina survivors: "The levees will be paid for when we drill in ANWR," said Stevens. (San Francisco Chronicle, "New Twist to Arctic Drilling Deal," 12/19/2005)

4. Even Joe Scarborough, former congressman and conservative talk show host on MSNBC, is railing against Stevens' outrageous moves: "But, in this case, I just — and it doesn't matter whether it's a Republican doing it or a Democrat doing it. To attach such a controversial bill, a bill I support — I support drilling in Alaska — but to attach this controversial...politically toxic rider to funding our troops in Baghdad, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, across the world, it's unforgivable. Call your senator today, 202-224-3121, and tell them to fight this with all the energy they have." ("Scarborough Country," 12/16/2005)

Weigh in. Be part of the decision. Let your voice be counted!
Thanks in advance for taking the time to call your Senators,

Carl Pope - Executive Director: Sierra Club
85 Second Street, San Francisco CA 94105
www.sierraclub.org

SUBJECT: ARTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

SOURCE: JUDY DALTON dalton@aloha.net

Council resolution against oil drilling in ANWR

13 April 2005 - 6:00pm

a view of Alaska's Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

Council Meeting Thursday, 14 April 2005

Editor's Note 4/16/2005: This resolution did not pass

A Kaua`i County Council resolution "requesting the United States Congress to Designate Area 1002 within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as Wilderness" will be introduced by County Council member JoAnn Yukimura on Thursday, April 14. The meeting starts at 1:00pm (See Council agenda below for other items of interest) with this item beginning around 3:00pm.

Please come and support the Gwich'in and Inupiat people. They are still standing strong and need our help!

This is your opportunity to say no to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) by supporting this resolution. At stake are 1.5 million acres of mountains and tundra, immense caribou herds, a host of other wildlife, and the lives and age-old practices of the people who have called these areas home for thousands of years.

Earlier this month the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives each passed a version of the pending Budget resolution. The ensuing process will not be over until both the Senate and House agree on all aspects of the proposed expenditures itemized in the resolution, vote again, and pass the same document through both bodies.

If you recently sent testimony to Senators Akaka or Inoyue re the Senate vote, you can modify it for this resolution or email new comments addressing them to County Council members at: cokcouncil@kauai.hawaii.gov If you prefer, you can FAX comments in support of this resolution to 241-6349.

Comments to be considered for the meeting should be received no later than 11:00am on Thursday. If you have time to come to present in person at the meeting that would be great!

COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE and AGENDA
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2005 - 1:00PMCOUNCIL CHAMBERS
Historic County Building
4396 Rice Street, Room 201
Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

MINUTES:
of the following meetings of the Council:
Regular Meeting of March 10, 2005
Mid-Month Meeting of March 31, 2005
Special Meeting of March 31, 2005

COMMUNICATIONS:
C 2005-116 Communication (02/24/2005) from Richard K. Maeda, President, Kaua‘i Builders, Ltd, requesting to address the Council at the March 10, 2005 Council meeting regarding the Kapa‘a-Kealia Bike & Pedestrian Path, FAP No. STP-CM-0700(48). (Deferred 03/31/2005)

C 2005-118 Communication (01/28/2005) from the Council Chair, requesting that the Department of Public Works provide an update on the County of Kaua‘i’s various solid waste programs at the March 10, 2005 Council meeting. (Deferred 3/10/2005) Council Meeting Agenda 2 April 14, 2005

C 2005-142 Communication (03/17/2005) from Council member JoAnn A. Yukimura, requesting Council support of a resolution urging Kaua‘i County’s delegation to the United States Congress to:

1. support Senate Bill 261 to preserve Area 1002 within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,
2. reject a line item in the 2006 Budget, which would allow oil exploration, development and production in Area 1002 of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and
3. to designate Area 1002 within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as Wilderness to achieve the ends for which the refuge was created. (See Resolution No. 2005-34)

C 2005-143 Communication (03/30/2005) from the County Attorney, requesting Council approval to appropriate $200,000 from the Unappropriated Surplus account to the special counsel account, because of anticipated depletion due to pending and anticipated cases against the county. (See Proposed Draft Bill No. 2131)

C 2005-144 Communication (03/24/2005) from the Mayor, transmitting for Council consideration, an amendment to Chapter 9, Kaua‘i County Code 1987, as amended, Relating to Subdivisions, to ensure access to our communities for everyone. (See Proposed Draft Bill No. 2132)

C 2005-145 Communication (03/30/2005) from the Mayor, transmitting the arbitration award (cost items and agreement) for Unit 11 (Firefighters) rendered by the arbitration panel on wages in accordance with procedures contained in Chapter 89, HRS, and draft bill for Council approval. (See Proposed Draft Bill No. 2133)

C 2005-146 Communication (03/14/2005) from the Chief, Building Division, transmitting the Monthly Report on Building Permit Information for the month of January.

C 2005-147 Communication (03/14/2005) from the Chief, Building Division, transmitting the Monthly Report on Building Permit Information for the month of February. Council Meeting Agenda 3 April 14, 2005

C 2005-148 Communication (03/09/2005) from the Mayor, requesting Council approval of the following two (2) gifts for the Adolescent Residential Treatment
Facility:

1. Complete architectural services of Ronald Agor for the Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility, including coordinating the electrical, mechanical and civil work, and
2. Roland Sagum, for the Environmental Assessment for the Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility.

C 2005-149 Communication (03/23/2005) from the Executive on Transportation, requesting Council approval to apply for, receive, indemnify, and expend a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 and 5311 (b)(2) RTAP (Rural Transportation Assistance Program) grant in the amount of $320,653, for operational, administrative, and training expenses for the County Transportation Agency.

C 2005-150 Communication (03/23/2005) from the Chief of Police, requesting Council approval to apply for grant funding entitled the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant or “JAG”, in the amount of $45,370, available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and will be shared by the Kaua‘i Police Department (65%) for computer equipment and software and training, and the Prosecutor’s Office (35%), for training for all of their trial attorneys.

C 2005-151 Communication (03/24/2005) from the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall Manager/Ho‘olokahi Coordinator, requesting Council approval indemnifying the Good Beginning Alliance for the Hanapepe Cliffside and Heights Park playground equipment project.

C 2005-152 Communication (04/05/2005) from Gary L. Balich, M.D., President of the Kaua‘i Public Land Trust (KPLT) requesting the Council to grant the appropriate agency approval to apply for a grant from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, that if acquired, will be used toward the purchase of one (1) or more parcels near or adjacent to Hanalei’s Black Pot Park. Council Meeting Agenda 4 April 14, 2005

LEGAL DOCUMENT:
C 2005-153 Communication (03/31/2005) from the Executive on Housing, requesting Council approval of the proposed twenty (20) year lease between the County of Kaua‘i and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity for the emergency homeless facility in Lihu‘e.

C 2005-154 Communication (03/29/2005) from the Chief, Engineering Division, Department of Public Works, requesting Council approval of a quitclaim deed, granting the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources an abandoned portion of Kaholalele Road.

CLAIMS:
C 2005-155 Communication (03/22/2005) from the County Clerk, transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua‘i by Charles S. Fulks, for damages to his vehicle, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua‘i.

C 2005-156 Communication (04/01/2005) from the County Clerk, transmitting a claim filed against the County of Kaua‘i by Roxanne Mac Dougall, for damages to her vehicle, pursuant to Section 23.06, Charter of the County of Kaua‘i.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORTS:
CR-PPW 2005-5: on Bill No. 2123 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2004-622 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, BY REVISING THE SURPLUS AND APPROPRIATIONS ESTIMATED IN THE GENERAL FUND ($350,000 Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot)
[Approved.] Council Meeting Agenda 5 April 14, 2005

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT:
CR-W 2005-4: on Bill No. 2124 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2004-621 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, BY REVISING THE SURPLUS AND APPROPRIATIONS ESTIMATED IN THE GENERAL FUND ($39,864 Commission Support Clerk, $35,450 Litigation Costs)
[Approved.

RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. 2005-34, REQUESTING UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO DESIGNATE AREA 1002 WITHIN THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AS WILDERNESS

BILLS FOR FIRST READING:
Proposed Draft Bill No. 2131 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2004-621 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I, STATE OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, BY REVISING THE SURPLUS AND APPROPRIATIONS ESTIMATED IN THE GENERAL FUND ($200,000 Special Counsel)

Proposed Draft Bill No. 2132 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, KAUA‘I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SUBDIVISIONS

Proposed Draft Bill No. 2133 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR BARGAINING UNIT 11 BETWEEN JULY 1, 2005 AND JUNE 30, 2007 Council Meeting Agenda 6 April 14, 2005

BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
Bill No. 2123 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2004-622 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, BY REVISING THE SURPLUS AND APPROPRIATIONS ESTIMATED IN THE GENERAL FUND ($350,000 Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot) (The Parks & Public Works Committee recommended approval on 04/07/2005)
Bill No. 2124 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2004-621 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, BY REVISING THE SURPLUS AND APPROPRIATIONS ESTIMATED IN THE GENERAL FUND ($39,864 Commission Support Clerk, $35,450 Litigation Costs) (The Committee of the Whole recommended approval on 04/07/2005)

ADJOURNMENT:
Council Meeting Agenda 7 April 14, 2005
NOTE: SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER AND INTERPRETERS FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PERSONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE, TO THE COUNTY CLERK, 4396 RICE STREET, ROOM 206, LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I.
TELEPHONE NO. 241-6371.

NOTE: If the Council is not finished with this meeting by approximately 2:00 p.m., it will recess for public hearings. After the public hearings, the Council will reconvene to complete any unfinished business.

Bill No. 2127 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5A, KAUA‘I COUNTY CODE, 1987, RELATING TO TAX RELIEF FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMEOWNERS

Bill No. 2130 A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 23, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 23-1.14, KAUA‘I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED RELATING TO LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF TAXIS

For complete information, including a summary of the item, please refer to the official Notice of Public Hearing. The official Notice of Public Hearing has been published, posted on the bulletin board, and filed in the County Clerk’s Office as required by law. Notwithstanding this Council Agenda, the Council may hold a public hearing on any item which has been posted in advance in compliance with the Sunshine Law.

ARTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

lindapascatore@me.com 19 March 2005 - 9:30am

Caribou in the Alaska's Artic National Wildlife Refuge