Turn out your lights !!

[Genxor]

I had to bring this up.
I was rummaging through the Puna section of the Hawaii Island Plan - and found an interesting thought from the September archive of Puna CDP participants.
We have an issue I was unaware of - Light Pollution.
Apparently it is becoming too bright in Puna.
Also, it seems some believe Security Lights outside of your home do not actually work to prevent thefts nor deter individuals from breaking into your home.
They even discuss, amongst themselves, a certain named individual whose home "looks like San Quentin".

Give me a break folks.

Thanks for volunteering your time, but there are multitudes upon multitudes of priorities to discuss in Puna. Light pollution is rather low on the list.

[LavaOcean]

maybe we should all go with those orange lights so that theres less light pollution

Pleeze

Shane Turpin
Lava Ocean Adventures

[Greg]

With all due respect, light pollution is an important issue in one of the most pristine areas on the planet for astronomy. I look at our telescopes as a low impact, sustainable technology. Astronomy and it's educational spin offs are a perfect industry for Hawaii County, and low ambient light levels are important. As far Hawaiian cultural sensitivity; The Hawaiians have always been gifted astronomical observers, and should be included in any plans for the summit of Mauna Kea.

[malolo]

Whew.
Mahalo Greg.
Very nicely put.
I'm sure this gentleman would agree...(and he'd applaud you too, AkoniV)

"Next time you go out on a moonless, cloud-free night, take a moment to count the stars. Chances are, if you do this in central Honolulu, you'll be able to see 20 stars or less. If you do it in Hawaii Kai or Kailua, perhaps you'll be able to see 200 stars. Only if you live far from city lights, such as on the Big Island, will you be able to see the sky in its full glory, with 2,000 or more stars visible to the naked eye.

Nevertheless as the population of the Big Island grows, we must continue to be vigilant to protect Mauna Kea's dark sky, and work to update the Hawaii County lighting ordinance as necessary."

---from a presentation on "Light Pollution in Hawai'i" by Richard Wainscoat, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai'i, 2006.

http://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/newsletters/article.cfm?a=301&n=1

[Ed Smay]

quote:

---

Whew.
Mahalo Greg.
Very nicely put.
I'm sure this gentleman would agree...(and he'd applaud you too, AkoniV)

"Next time you go out on a moonless, cloud-free night, take a moment to count the stars. Chances are, if you do this in central Honolulu, you'll be able to see 20 stars or less. If you do it in Hawaii Kai or Kailua, perhaps you'll be able to see 200 stars. Only if you live far from city lights, such as on the Big Island, will you be able to see the sky in its full glory, with 2,000 or more stars visible to the naked eye.

Nevertheless as the population of the Big Island grows, we must continue to be vigilant to protect Mauna Kea's dark sky, and work to update the Hawaii County lighting ordinance as necessary."

---from a presentation on "Light Pollution in Hawai'i" by Richard Wainscoat, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai'i, 2006.

http://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/newsletters/article.cfm?a=301&n=1

---

How many of you have been on a ship at sea, miles away from land at night? That's where you see the most brilliant sky! So many stars, you couldn't even begin to count them all.

"From knowledge comes understanding"

Edited by - Ed Smay on 09/24/2007 04:24:16

[mella l]

A suggestion for security or safety lights would be a solar light with a motion detector and a time out. Time it so just enough time for friends or family to get into the house, say 4 minutes or so. One light is plenty for this purpose. JMO

Flood lights all night long are not necessary for safety or security.

Loving to sleep in the dark.

mella l

[oink]

If you need or desire city lights, stay in the city.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[Kelena]

One thing that blew me away about Puna was the beautiful night sky. When my sister and I stayed down in Kapoho, we stood out in the yard and gazed up, and could clearly see the Milky Way. We both agreed it reminded us of the skies in Texas 50 years ago which where "big and bright" (boom, boom, boom, boom). Similarly, when I stayed on First Street in HPP, I saw stars I hadn't seen in years. We turned off the lights on the lanai and went out in the yard. We saw a meteor -- something I never see in Southern California due to light pollution. These skies are a precious resource, and the codes should be revised (if necessary) to preserve these dark skies and to preserve the effectiveness of the observatories on Mauna Kea.

Agreed, though, Puna has other fish to fry. Tops on my list would be crime prevention, transportation issues, and a reasonable plan for developing the community.

[Rob Tucker]

The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) deals with a multitude of subjects. It shouldn't be faulted for getting into topics like light pollution.

To discuss light pollution does not detract from transportation or zoning or whatever any individual thinks ranks higher.

While one might think that light pollution is of no consequence today while Puna is approx. 20%+ built out. As Puna grows the problem grows.

[Carolann R]

Thanks for reminding me, Genxor. I turned out the lights 'cause don't need 'em. The TV was already on.

I can't believe how beautiful the night sky is here. I have NEVER seen this many stars. We turn out all the lights and fumble our way into the yard and just dream.

Also our electric bill was HUGE last month. No can do. I'm back to pulling out all the plugs in the kitchen after I use the appliance and no dryer!!

Carrie

"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart