Latest news with #Kamaka
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oldest New Mexico troop settles in Chimp Haven
KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Chimp Haven recently welcomed retired New Mexico Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) chimps. The final troop is among the oldest and most fragile to ever enter the sanctuary, with many in their 50s and 60s. These chimpanzees from APF are protected after a federal judge ruled against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 for violating the Chimpanzee Health, Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act. Twenty-one chimpanzees, including the most recent group of six, were moved to the sanctuary over eleven weeks. They say it is a milestone in a decade-long journey to retire the chimps. It follows a focused effort by animal welfare groups, lawmakers, and supporters who tirelessly advocated for their retirement from the research facility to the sanctuary. Federal ruling finds NIH violated CHIMP Act; chimps must be moved to Chimp Haven They said transferring them to the sanctuary was risky due to their age and health conditions. However, extra care and collaboration have made this transition seamless to sanctuary life. They say the chimpanzees are in the process of integrating. 'For example, Al and Kamaka, two wild-born males, have joined a social group led by Tabu, a confident male, and four strong females,' says Chimp Haven. Chimp Haven's hidden gem is a Remarkable Woman with a loving heart – meet Lindsey Peters Chimp Haven is located on 200 acres in Keithville, just 39 minutes south of Shreveport, Louisiana. It provides an environment that closely mirrors the wild, offering these chimps a space to climb, forage, rest, and form deep social connections with others. This sanctuary is built for their physical, social, and emotional needs, giving them the best chance to thrive. 'Al, known for his tall, gentle presence, quickly captured the attention of caregivers and chimps. Kamaka, once fiery and energetic, has revealed a playful, more relaxed side since his arrival. The two have been observed grooming, playing, and resting with their new companions, signaling that their transition is off to a strong start.' Chimp Haven says. Seventh Tap Brewing and Chimp Haven team up to launch special beer 'These chimps, who have spent so many years waiting, are finally home,' said Rana Smith, Chimp Haven President and CEO. 'This is not just a momentous occasion for Chimp Haven, but for every person who worked tirelessly to make this possible. These chimps now have the space to roam, the care they need, and the chance to form deep, lasting relationships with their new companions.' As Chimp Haven approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the arrival of the final group of chimps from APF represents a milestone achievement in chimp welfare, ten years after NIH decided to end research on chimpanzees. They say this milestone is a full-circle milestone for the sanctuary, its supporters, and the chimpanzees whose lives will forever be changed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kamaka Ukulele business manager avoids jail in tax case
A third-generation Kamaka ukulele builder and manager avoided prison time for failing to file general excise tax returns for six years and racking up a bill of more than $115, 000 for the 109-year-old business. The state objected to the deferred sentence, according to the state Department of the Attorney General, and Frederick Ku Kamaka, Jr., the former business manager of Kamaka Hawaii, Inc., the oldest ukulele manufacturer in Hawaii, pled guilty Mar. 5 before Judge Erika Ireland. Kamaka Hawaii, Inc. was, Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka Sr.. The company was first known as the Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works. The state did not disclose why they objected to no jail time for Kamaka Jr. His attorney, Howard T. Chang, did not immediately reply to Star-Advertiser request for comment. Today the state dismissed the criminal case against Kamaka Hawaii, Inc., after the company paid back taxes exceeding $115, 000 to the Department of Taxation. Kamaka Jr. was granted a deferred acceptance of guilty plea to six counts of willful failure to file returns. Kamaka Jr. was charged by state criminal complaint on Aug. 5, according to court records. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. The company, which builds about 4, 000 ukuleles a year, still owes civil penalties and interest, according to the AG's office. Kamaka Jr. entered into a plea agreement with the state and will pay $20, 000 to the Hawaii State Tax Collector, perform 100 hours of community service and 'be under court supervision for one year, ' according to a news release from the AG's office. The case was investigated by the Hawaii Department of Taxation's Criminal Investigation Section and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General David Williams of the of the Criminal Justice Division. 2 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .