State Land Board Director Laura H. Thielen denied the group an assembly permit yesterday, saying it had broken the rules of previous permits issued to the group.

“Based on their behavior over the last week, we cannot rely on the assurances that they’ve provided us because they have violated the permit conditions after full explanation of what those conditions prohibit,” Thielen said.

The group violated permit conditions by collecting money and entering buildings that were off limits, Thielen said.

A few questions I want to present to you readers out there is under the U.S. Constitution, citizens have the right to assemble peacefully which is what the Hawaiian Kingdom Government is doing. Would that apply in this case if you consider the land you are occupying non U.S. soil, which in turn would mean you are a foreign national and therefore in a foreign land that is not governed under the U.S. Constitution and laws?

Could this also mean that you did not have to comply with the conditions and laws of the State of Hawaii in this matter so therefore a permit would not be required? Would this protest and assembly then be allowed under Hawaiian rule? Would the King have permitted these actions? Just some food for thought. If you think about it, it’s a weird sort of loop that almost has no end. I’m just curious what others out there think…especially law guru’s. Add a comment below and join in this conversation.

Note:
The official site of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government which is occupying the palace grounds, is HIGovt.org and NOT HawaiianKingdom.org. For more clarification read here…

Additional Links:
Permit denied for assembly at palace
Native Hawaiian group: We’re staying
Native Hawaiians take over palace in Honolulu
Four Hawaiian royal societies criticize sovereignty group

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Since then, the focus on bicycling has increased in Hawaii, not only because of critical mass, but also because of the increasing rise in gas prices, the traffic congestion that is experienced throughout Oahu and the overall price increase in just about everything which is causing people to look for alternatives to saving money. This increased awareness has finally brought attention up to lawmakers and state officials here in Hawaii and prompted them to look at the old 1999 Oahu bike plan.

The original 1999 bike plan only looked at bike paths from Kahala to Pearl City, whereas the new updated plan is set to address bike paths islandwide and put emphasis on linking bikeways for commutes and connections with public transportation.

While it’s estimated that there are only approximately 2,500 cyclists on Oahu, it’s still enough of a percentage to put Honolulu ninth in a ranking of 50 cities and therefore calls for the city to stand up and become more bike-friendly! This number is only destined to climb as projects such as K-Vibe and Cycle Manoa continue to reach out to the community and promote cycling.

Read here for more information on how the City of Honolulu is working to become a more bike-friendly community.

You can help in the progress of Oahu’s bike plan. Participate in the Survey on Bicycling on O’ahu, even if you rarely ride or live in another state. Your input will help the “Plan” address the needs of our island’s riders.

Other Links of Interest:
Bike O’ahu
Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL)

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“A Native Hawaiian group that advocates sovereignty locked the gates of a historic palace in downtown Honolulu on Wednesday, saying it would carry out the business of what it considers the legitimate government of the islands.

State deputy sheriffs weren’t allowing anyone else to enter Iolani Palace grounds as unarmed security guards from the Hawaiian Kingdom Government group blocked all gates to the palace, which is adjacent to the state Capitol.“

• Iolani Palace: http://www.iolanipalace.org
• Hawaiian Kingdom Government: http://www.higovt.org

Source: The Associated Press

UPDATE: Sen. Will Espero Wants Answers On How Palace Takeover Occurred

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“Critical Mass is an event typically held on the last Friday of every month in cities around the world where bicyclists and, less frequently, unicyclists, skateboarders, inline skaters, roller skaters and other self-propelled commuters take to the streets en masse. The ride was originally founded with the idea of drawing attention to how unfriendly the city was to bicyclists.“

Tomorrow (April 25, 2008) will mark the gathering of another Critical Mass (Honolulu) which will start at 5pm at the State Capital Beretania side in downtown Honolulu. Last month’s critical mass resulted in a clash between the police and cyclists in which an incident between an officer and a rider occurred after key roadways were taken over during Friday afternoon traffic. Police are hoping after their discussions with the group regarding the problems facing bicyclists in Honolulu, that this Friday’s ride will not result in another incident.

For those of you who commute in the downtown Honolulu area and have wondered what is going on the last Friday of every month, now you know. For the most part the riders that participate in Critical Mass are not out to cause any problems, but use this as a way to show their discontent with the not so bike-friendly city of Honolulu and to bring awareness that motorist and cyclists must learn to share the road. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get out there and enjoy a ride will fellow cyclists as well.

To the motorists out there, remember next time your driving along in your car, be sure and keep a look out for cyclists and same goes for cyclists to make sure you look out for the motorists and follow applicable traffic laws. Let’s work together and share the road.

Featured video:

“LAST FRIDAY” Critical Mass Short Documentary - A short documentary of San Francisco’s Critical Mass 10th anniversary. Take a look inside one evening from a bicyclists point of view. Whether you like the event or not, it’s perhaps a perspective the mainstream media often ignores.

More Info:

What Is Critical Mass?
Critical Mass Honolulu

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