Appeal Korab/McManaman: January 20, 2012- Notice of Oral Arguement

Posted by: Universe Yamase

Message taken from an e-mail:

" Friends, Advocates, Community Members:

As you know, the State of Hawai`i is appealing the Preliminary Injunction in Korab v. Koller that restored State Quest health benefits for Micronesians.  Today we received the Notice of Oral Argument for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for the Korab case. 

On January 20, 2012 oral arguments will be held in the case at the courthouse in San Francisco. During oral arguments the litigators and attorneys from each side will have 15 minutes to state their case before the panel of judges. At this time, we do not yet know the  judges who will decide the case. After oral arguments, we do not know how long it may take to get a decision from the 9th Circuit. 

We ask that all of you please forward this on to your relevant community leaders and allies. If you have questions or would like to talk to us about the case, please don't hesitate to call or email. 

We will send out more detailed information when it becomes available, but wanted to get the word out in the community today."

Note: If there are any comments or questions, please feel free to post, and we'll make sure your voices will be heard.  

Video Challenge: What's Your Story?

From an e-mail:

Greetings Friends,

Last month, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders announced the launch of its “What’s Your Story?” video challenge. The challenge aims to explore the personal stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country who have impacted their community through their dreams, experiences, and dedication to a cause.

Watch our call out video here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/whatsyourstory.

The video challenge asks you to share your unique experiences and the issues that are important to you. Respond to our launch video above with a 3-minute video about your own experience and leadership. You may also submit an essay to address these questions.

The deadline for the challenge is November 1st. Remember that your story can be in any form, and everyone is welcomed to participate. We will choose three winners and invite them and their guests to share their stories to Washington, D.C.

Submit your entries here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/whatsyourstory.

We look forward to hearing your stories.

Sincerely,

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Chuuk, Churches Gather for Track Event.

Churches from the eastern side of the island of Weno (Yongku), in Chuuk state, gathered for some friendly competition.

For more on this, please visit Facebook page of event organizer: SHIP/HOOPS

Kiribati ponders floating island to fight sea rise - By NICK PERRY, Associated Press

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The president of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati is so worried about climate change wiping out his country that he's considering ideas as strange as building a floating island.

President Anote Tong raised the notion Wednesday on the opening day of a meeting of Pacific leaders in Auckland. Climate change has become a central theme of this year's Pacific Islands Forum thanks to the presence here of United Nations Secretary-General leader Ban Ki-moon, who has vowed to put the issue at the forefront of the U.N. agenda.

Ban visited the Solomon Islands and Kiribati before coming to New Zealand and said it only strengthened his view that "something is seriously wrong with our current model of economic development."

Tong said he'd seen models for a $2 billion floating island, which he likened to a giant offshore oil platform. He said while it sounded "like something from science fiction," every idea had to be considered given the dire situation facing Kiribati, a low-lying archipelago with a population of 103,000.

Other ideas to combat rising ocean levels include building a series of seawalls at a cost of nearly $1 billion, Tong said, and relocating some residents to other Pacific nations. But he said he couldn't imagine a day that Kiribati was abandoned.

"Would Kiribati disappear?" he said. "Never. Never."

Tong said some people have already lost their homes to rising sea levels. He said he's yet to see much in the way of financial aid from Europe despite ambitious pledges.

But in an interview with the Associated Press, European Commissioner for climate action Connie Hedegaard, who was attending the conference, said Europe has granted more than 7 billion euros for specific environmental projects around the world over the three years ending 2012.

"Climate change is not just a theoretical future. It is actually happening," Hedegaard said. "It is destabilizing areas of the world."

Hedegaard said she's dismayed governments around the world haven't reached broad agreement on reducing carbon emissions. However, she said, she is heartened that many companies and municipalities are stepping in where governments are not — as much to save money on resources as for concern over the environment.

"I see a lot of good things happening out on the ground now," she said.

Hedegaard praised Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's push to introduce a tax on carbon emissions. That plan will go to a vote next week.

Gillard, who has been facing political pressure at home and who has been criticized for her carbon-tax plans, told reporters Wednesday that she was sure the tax plan would pass because it has enough support among lawmakers.

The Pacific leaders leave for a retreat Thursday on Waiheke Island before the conference ends. Many leaders are staying on for the Rugby World Cup which begins here Friday.

Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Manuel Minginfel, (Yap, FSM) Takes 3 Golds in Pacific Games.

Minginfel takes 3 gold medals in Men's weightlifting, 62kg. The medals marks FSM's first and only medals in these games.

Minginfel adds 3 gold medals to his already hefty collection of awards.

Manuel Minginfel's statistics:

1. Finished 10th in 2004 Athens Games totaling 272.5kg.
2. Finished 7th at 2005 World Championships with 280kg.
3. Finished 4th at 2006 World Championships with 293kg.
4. Won 3 gold medals and placed 19 records at the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa.
5. He has compiled 9 gold medals from the last 3 South Pacific Games.

-------------------------------

sources:

1. Sports Illustrated, Beijing 2008.

2. XIVth Pacific Games Website (Medal Tally).

Chuuk Special Election, 2011 Mock Poll

OFFICIAL RESULTS WILL BE POSTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. STAY TUNED.

(This is a mock poll. This does not effect and may not reflect the actual election.)

"Fighting Decline, Micronesia Creates Shark Sanctuary"

Video courtesy of "Shark Defenders" visit their site to learn more about them. www.sharkdefenders.com.

By: Richard Harris (August 7,2011)

     "Micronesian islands have declared vast areas of the Pacific Ocean to be a  sanctuary for sharks. It's the latest move in a trend to create zones  where sharks can live undisturbed....But nothing tops what just happened out in the southwestern Pacific,  where islands in Micronesia, including Guam and the Marshall Islands,  have said they would ban shark fishing in more than 2 million square  miles of their waters."

To read on, click on this link:http://www.npr.org/2011/08/07/138996118/fighting-decline-micronesia-creates-shark-sanctuary?sc=17&f=1001

NEW U.S. IMMIGRATION INITIATIVE ALARMS MICRONESIA

excerpt:

(By: Giff Johnson)

"MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, July 25, 2011) – United States calls for limiting the number of Micronesians and Marshall Islanders eligible to enter America under a visa-free treaty provision will be a top item on the agenda at the July 28 Micronesian Presidents Summit in Pohnpei."

Follow link to read the article: http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2011/July/07-25-01.htm

Job Opening Fall 2011: Xavier High School, Micronesia

Xavier High School has a job vacancy for Fall 2011. Please contact the high school for further information.

Location: Sapuk, Chuuk
Position: Dean of Students
Qualifications: Male, Have completed an AS degree or higher
Contact:  Xavier High School Principal- Martin Carl
e-mail:  xhs-principal@mail.fm

280 Bicycles Claimed in One Day!

Mr. Clark Graham  Mr. Clark Graham, the founder of SHIP/HOOPS (Chuuk), brings smiles to the communities of Chuuk.

 Awaiting at the dock, two 40 feet containers stacked to capacity with unclaimed bicycles. The dock was clamoring with eagerness as a multitude of tired feet waited to trade steps for turns. Where did these bicycles come from?

  Mr. Graham stated "our Rotary Club received 280 bicycles, a donation from 2 Japan Rotary  Clubs, for distribution to those in need of inexpensive and health[y]  transportation". This project was such a success. Mr. Graham continued by saying,  "...amazingly, all 280 [bicycles] were claimed in one day. Simply amazing, and it shows  that there is a need. We hope to try and bring in another load of  bicycles in 2012."

To Follow SHIP/HOOPS, visit their Facebook site with the link provided below.

SHIP/HOOPS

Mau Piailug Remembered in, "Papa Mau: The Wayfinder".

"Papa Mau: The Wayfinder" is a documentary by Palikū Documentary Films. It documents the Polynesian people's attempts to reinvigorate interest in their own customs and cultures. With the help of traditional navigator Mau Piailug of Satawal (FSM), they revived island pride and worldwide interest in Pacific island traditions through the art of traditional navigation.

The film was shown at Kapiolani Park Waikiki in Honolulu Hawaii on May 14, 2011. For future showings please visit facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/PapaMau.

COFA States Ask for Your Support

Micronesians living in Hawaii and their supporters are asking for signatures to request Governor Abercrombie

to stop the States appeal in Korab v. Keller to restore Basic Health Hawaii. Please sign and read the petition, as well as share it with other. Your support is much appreciated!

Click here to see the website, or search:  https://sites.google.com/site/healthypacific/

Young People from throughout the Region meet in Guam for Micronesian Youth Services Network Conference (MYSN)

Established in 1990, the Micronesian Youth Services Network (MYSN) is a network of various youth service providers and communities within the Micronesian region. MYSN works collaboratively to improve the quality and quantity of youth and community’s unique cultural values. MYSN seeks to develop opportunities for an exchange of information between young people, organizations, agencies, individuals and coalitions on Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Belau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Nauru, Kiribati and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. MYSN’s mission is to support, collaborate, coordinate, promote and strengthen youth programs and services throughout Micronesia. Its vision is for Youth, families, leaders and communities taking a positive role in issues that impact our lives today for a better tomorrow.

Each year, MYSN hosts a conference for youth, service providers, policy makers, political leaders and youth advocates from all over Micronesia to gather and network with one another. Through this regional event, we share ideas to improve youth programs, seek solutions to the issues our youth face and develop programs to assist the needs of the community. It is a well-known tradition of MYSN to host the conference at different Micronesian island each year. This allows opportunities for the youth, youth advocates, service providers and policy makers of each island to create necessary changes for stronger communities.

This year's 2011 MYSN Conference was hosted in Guam from March 19-25, theme being: "Policy + Practice: Raising the Bar in Youth Services".  It brought together around 160 participants, including youth delegations from throughout the Micronesian islands.  For the duration of the conference itself concurrent workshops were held on various issues, and I was lucky enough to hold workshop as an Intro-Session on the World Youth Alliance.  The international youth led NGO that I have been interning at.  For more information visit www.wya.net.

Alongside me in the FSM Delegation were a handful of other promising active youth leaders:

Tim Ruda, Yap

Libuw Aaron Pongliyab, Yap

Alex Thaley Fnoway, Yap

Quintina Letawerpiy, Yap

Myjolynne Kim, Chuuk

Lucille Sain, Chuuk

Harrison Seymour, Kosrae

Bell Toise, Kosrae

Ryan Yamada, Pohnpei

Stuard Penias, Pohnpei

Here are some words and thoughts on the MYSN Conference from the FSM Youth!

"Majority of FSM Representatives were involved and dedicated not only to the meetings but to the best interest of youth in Micronesia.  I could not have asked for a better group of leaders to work with"

-Myjolynne Kim

"This MYSN 7th Annual Confrence Trip has been adventurous for me.  We, as FSM Youth Council Representatives, accomplished alot in regards to doing the works, finding the common grounds to address each of our differences and compromised in order to make the best out of this trip.  We worked together as one to face challenges, meet the expectations, iron out the disappointments and frustrations, share the enlightenments and fun-filled moments"

- Lucille Sain 

"We must work together hand in hand and pick up from our slacks and scratches and try our very best to drive FSM Nation forward with great success."

- Harrison Seymour 

"The conference allowed me to get to know and network with other youth representatives from the Pacific region.  In the week since the conference, we have already created a very active and vocal community amongst ourselves sharing experiences, both positive and negative and sharing relevant communications from our areas that affect youth; in which matters we can have a voice on a larger scale."

- Alex Thaley Fnoway

All in all, the conference served very beneficial and am sure that our brothers and sisters from throughout Micronesia who attended feel the same way.  We all look forward to progressing from here, to next year's conference (hopefully in Palau), and also hopefully involving and reaching out to more young people from throughout the region through initiatives such as this.

English Lessons and Family Strengthening Groups for Micronesians in Honolulu

English Classes for MicronesiansFamily Stengthening