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David Raatz Ⓥ

@raatz.bsky.social
1.4K followers 2K following 507 posts

Living liver donor, vegan, tennis player, basketball fan, founding member of Hawai'i State Bar Association's Animal Law Section. He/him.

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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 4h
A federal appellate judge today lamented the "pall of secularism." At least it's just in dissent. #FirstAmendment #JudicialOpinions cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/op...
cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov
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The Animal Law Foundation @animallawfdn.bsky.social · 14h
On World Farm Animals Day, we’re asking: Is the Animal Welfare Act working as intended? Our new report explores the gap between the protections in law and what animals experience in practice. 🔗 Read the full report: animallawfoundation.org/reports #WorldFarmAnimalsDay #AWA20 #AnimalWelfareAct
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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
NEW: Statement from Christa Pike's lawyers: ”Tonight the State of Tennessee once again failed to carry out a lawful execution. ... Christa is being treated at a nearby hospital. We have not been informed as to her condition.” www.lawdork.com/p/the-big-pr...
Statement from Christa Pike's attorneys Randy Spivey and Kelly Gleason from the TN
Office of the Post Conviction Defender, and Stephen Ferrell and Luke Ihnen from Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee
Tonight the State of Tennessee once again failed to carry out a lawful execution. We take no pleasure in being right, but the concerns raised by Ms. Pike proved to be true: difficult vein access, blown veins, degraded pentobarbital, no emergency medical care available when things inevitably go wrong, all under a protocol that remains veiled in secrecy.
Christa is being treated at a nearby hospital. We have not been informed as to her condition.
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Kashana @kashana.blacksky.app · 01/10/2026
I read a couple hundred death penalty cases for a case once and I think you’d all be shocked at how often this happens. The death penalty is one of the cruelest things in our system, an obvious violation of the 8th amendment cruel and unusual punishment clause, but we just love to kill.
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Climate News Now @climatenewsnow.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Long After Wildfire Smoke Is Gone, Heavy Metals Could Still Be Harming Survivors’ Lungs. A new study from University of Hawai‘i researchers links metals found in the ash of the 2023 Maui wildfires with impaired lung function. #ClimateChange insideclimatenews.org/news/2909202...
insideclimatenews.org
Long After Wildfire Smoke Is Gone, Heavy Metals Could Still Be Harming Survivors’ Lungs - Inside Climate News
A new study from University of Hawai‘i researchers links metals found in the ash of the 2023 Maui wildfires with impaired lung function.
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khon2news.bsky.social @khon2news.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Maui voters will face 8 Charter amendments this November. What would each one change? Here’s a breakdown of the proposals before you fill out your ballot: www.khon2.com/maui-county-news/hawa… 
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Hawai'i Bar Convention hosts virtual Animal Law Seminar Oct. 14 with: *Denise Cartolano of @sentientmedia.org *Dr. Kelsey Leonard of @uwaterloo.ca *Jessica Chapman of @animallegaldefense.bsky.social *Megan Senatori of @lclarklaw.bsky.social Register: hsba.org/catalog/even... #AnimalLaw #CLE
hsba.org
2026 HSBA Bar Convention - Animal Law Seminar | HSBA
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
c.org/cGv6ttcJZJ
c.org
Sign the Petition
Norway: Ban Commercial Whaling 🇳🇴
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Alerts from NWS Honolulu HI (UNOFFICIAL) @hfo.nws-bot.us · 24/09/2026
🚨 Flood Watch issued September 24 at 4:48AM HST until September 26 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI 🚨 Additional Details Here.
Intensifying Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to bring heavy flooding
rain to the eastern end of the state over the next few days. The
exact track of the dangerous tropical cyclone remains somewhat
uncertain, but significant heavy rain is likely over windward and
southeast Big Island.

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.

* WHEN...Through Saturday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of
streams and drainages. Roads in several areas may be closed, along
with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff.
Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Deep moisture on the north side of Nolo will bring heavy showers
later today and tonight over Big Island and spread to Maui.
Windward and southeast Big Island and windward Maui are the most
likely to experience heavy rain due to the slow moving tropical
cyclone, with considerable flooding possible over portions of Big
Island Friday and Saturday. Other islands in Maui County are at
risk as well.
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SeaNews @seanews.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#Hawaii - Tropical Storm #Nolo is stalling just south of the islands, setting up a severe threat for catastrophic flooding. The Big Island and Maui could see 20 to 35+ inches of rain. Complete your final preparations immediately, charge your devices, and stay off the roads.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
@nithyaforthecity.bsky.social Thank you for prioritizing animal welfare in your campaign. www.nithyaforthecity.com/animalwelfar...
nithyaforthecity.com
Animal Welfare | Support Animal Welfare Today — Nithya for the City
Learn about Nithya Raman's initiatives to improve animal welfare in Los Angeles, including shelter reforms, pet retention programs, and cruelty prevention efforts.
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Mercy For Animals @mercyforanimals.org · 18/09/2026
In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Hispanic and Latino Americans' histories, cultures, and contributions. Let's honor and recognize the rich diversity that strengthens our nation. 🧡 mercyforanimals.org/blog/acciden... #HispanicHeritageMonth #Diversity
mercyforanimals.org
Vegan Mexican Foods Cherished and Preserved for Generations
Discover the rich and authentic flavors of vegan Mexican dishes that have been cherished and preserved for generations.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Learn about elephants Mari and Vaigai and their historic case underway at the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in a talk on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., McCoy Pavilion Auditorium, Ala Moana Park. www.vsh.org/events_calen... #Hawaii #Oahu
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khon2news.bsky.social @khon2news.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Hurricane Lowell's storm surge and powerful waves stripped South Maui beaches of over half their sand, prompting widespread entrance closures. Full story: www.khon2.com/maui-news/hurricane-l…
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Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
JUST IN: A federal judge concludes that DHS leaders arbitrarily decided to cut FEMA staff by 50% even though it damaged the agency's ability to fulfill its mission — and leaders hid their comms about it on auto-delete Signal chains. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
“The court also found there is no constitutional right to truthful information from government officials during a public health crisis.” #JudicialOpinions #CleanWater #ConLaw #democracy
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Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association @hawaiipacificparks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
You guys 💚🩵❤️ your national parks. We work in them, we can tell! In just the last 11 months at our #Haleakalā NP stores, you folks donated $138,945 at the registers at checkout because you knew your donation would stay right there in the park to support its natural & cultural resources. Mahalo! #HPPA
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USA TODAY @usatoday.com · 09/09/2026
In the final match of the night, that spanned 4 hours and 28 minutes, Shelton defeated Caros Alcaraz 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7), ending the latest night in US Open history.
bit.ly
Shelton outlasts Alcaraz in five-set thriller to make US Open semifinals
Jessica Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton each won tight quarterfinal matches to end the latest night in US Open history.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
When checking out at Foodland this month, we can each donate up to $249 to Leilani Farm Sanctuary of Maui via the Give Aloha program. Organization code for clerk: 78697. Foodland matches a portion. Foodland has 100+ vegan-labeled options. shop.foodland.com/sm/planning/... #Hawaii #Maui
shop.foodland.com
Search
Foodland
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Gummy Arts @gummyarts.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Wishing a happy 102nd birthday to Bill Greason, the last surviving player from the Negro Leagues’ major-league period
Colored-pencil card drawing of Bill Greason pitching for the Birmingham Black Barons
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Mike Hoerger, PhD, MSCR, MBA @michael-hoerger.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Hawai'i is in the midst of a large COVlD outbreak. Levels on the Big Island are estimated at approximately double that of the national peak of the largest COVlD surge (BA.1 Omicron, winter 2021-22). (1/2)
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Maui County almost put ranked-choice voting on the ballot more than 20 years ago but withdrew the proposal at the last moment. The City & County of Honolulu this year may be the first municipality in the state to approve it. #Hawaii #LocalGov #RankedChoiceVoting
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Seafood industry is cruel and destructive. But animal agriculture often calls the shots in Congress.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Issues presented: 1. Does a state statute supersede the common law writ of habeas corpus? 2. If the statute does not supersede the common law writ of habeas corpus, does the common law writ apply to non-human animals such as Mari and Vaigai? www.courts.state.hi.us/courts/oral_... #AnimalLaw
courts.state.hi.us
Oral Arguments Schedule
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and Intermediate Court of Appeals   Click here for Accommodation for a Disability Protocols for In-Person Oral Arguments before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and Intermediate Court o...
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
“There is a critical shortage of livers for transplant around the country.”
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Cleveland Clinic @clevelandclinic.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
If you volunteer to become a living liver donor, your liver can save a life while you’re still alive. It only takes a piece of your liver to grow into a full-sized liver in another person. Your liver will also grow back to full size.
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Esther S. Yoo @estheryoo.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
We are overjoyed for our client Sae Joon Park and his family, and deeply grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for this act of mercy. While there's still more to do, we are thrilled to have achieved this crucial milestone in the fight to bring Sae home.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Transcendent.❤️
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JD Alsobrook @jdalsobrook.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Barclays Center! THANK YOU!!!! In case y'all didn't know, this is an all inclusive league! #wnba #thew
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Butterflies Katz ⓥ @butterflieskatz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Larry the Baby Goat and Henry the Cat, residents of Leilani Farm Sanctuary, Ha’iku, Maui. (Based on a photo by Laurelee Blanchard). #art #caturday #AnimalSanctuary #animals
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
I’m honored to support the summer fundraiser for @afro-vegansociety.bsky.social givebutter.com/AVS-summer-g...
givebutter.com
Summer Give-a-thon
The Afro-vegan Society team has been out in our community for over 10 years, providing free resources and support to help families live their best lives - and now we're asking for your help.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
@nithyaforthecity.bsky.social Thank you for endorsing the Plant Based Treaty! www.idausa.org/campaign/far...
idausa.org
MEDIA RELEASE: Los Angeles City Council Unanimously Votes to Support the Plant Based Treaty Through Resolution Adoption
In Defense of Animals, PawPAC, and the Animal Alliance Network happily welcome a unanimous vote by the Los Angeles City Council to adopt a resolution in support of the Plant Based Treaty.
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Nithya Raman @nithyaforthecity.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Paramount’s threat to leave California unless the lawsuit is dropped is an attempt to strong-arm our state. Serious questions about this merger’s legality should be decided in court, not through corporate threats.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
11 a.m. #Lala update www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/text/...
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I’m glad people are staying off the road. #Maui #Lala
View of empty Main Street in Wailuku near Market Street looking toward the Mauna Kahālāwai, which is hidden by thick cloud coverage.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Power is out in parts of Maui. #HawaiiWeather #MauiOutage #Lala
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khon2news.bsky.social @khon2news.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Honolulu Ocean Safety is warning all swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water as Tropical Storm Lala continues to come. Read more: www.khon2.com/local-news/tropical-s… 
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FarmSTAND @farmstand.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Big Ag and Big Oil like to call it “biogas” or even “renewable natural gas” because these names deceive people into thinking factory farm gas is natural and sustainable. But we call it what it really is — factory farm gas. Read more on our blog ➡️ farmstand.org/this-sht-sti...
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Augie Ray @augieray.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
My weekly update on #COVID19 levels and risks in the US. COVID continues to rise (both positive rate and COVID levels in wastewater). Viral activity is highest in the South, along with Alaska and Hawaii. medium.com/@augieray_66...
medium.com
COVID’s Modest US Surge Continues, with Higher Levels in the South: Update for August 7, 2026
Data from the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) and WastewaterSCAN indicate our still-modest COVID surge continues. Infection…
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DJ "Jo" NoneYa 🟧 @djnoneya.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
weather.com
Hawaii threat from future Tropical Storm Lala this weekend
Typical of a strong El Niño, Hawaii has a higher threat from tropical storms and hurricanes. This weekend, it's from Lala. Here's what you need to know.
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Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management @readylacounty.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
8/8/26 8:30pm - A shelter is open for the #TashaFire evacuations in #LACounty. HUMAN SHELTER Castaic Sports Complex Community Room 31230 Castaic Rd. Castaic, CA 91384 (Small pets are welcomed) Visit lacounty.gov/emergency for updates and information.
HUMAN SHELTER

Castaic Sports Complex
Community Room
31230 Castaic Rd. Castaic, CA 91384
(Small pets are welcomed)
Visit lacounty.gov/emergency for updates and information.REFUGIO PARA PERSONAS

Castaic Sports Complex
Community Room
31230 Castaic Rd.
Castaic, CA 91384
(Se admiten animales domésticos pequeños)
Visite lacounty.gov/emergency para obtener actualizaciones y información sobre evacuaciones.
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
jewishveganlife.org/events/new-y...
jewishveganlife.org
Join Healing the World Through Compassion, New Year for Animals
This global livestream conversation about the New Year for Animals focuses on how we can build a more compassionate world.
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Chihiro Isozaki @cisozaki.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Can state high court opinions serve as catalysts for national change? Examining Hawaiʻi Justice Todd Eddins' latest opinion, my latest @statecourtreport.org essay draws on Prof. Justin Long's insight that state court opinions can engage the public and inspire democratic change. Read below!
statecourtreport.org
One Hawaii Justice Is Using State Constitutionalism to Challenge Federal Constitutional Orthodoxy
Justice Todd Eddins has consistently reminded us that state courts need not agree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning or conclusions — and neither do we.
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The Nonhuman Rights Project @nonhumanrights.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
It’s official: The Hawai'i Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in our case for Mari & Vaigai, two elephants held captive at the Honolulu Zoo, on 11/9/26. ⚖️ The hearing will be open to the public + livestreamed. Donate now & support their case: bit.ly/4z3RnJx
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Herbiⓥore @herbivoreclub.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The only ethical way to capture fish 📸 🎨 LittleVeganArtist
A colourful underwater cartoon illustration shows a scuba diver peacefully photographing a vibrant array of fish, surrounded by bubbles and marine animals including an octopus and a ray. A heart-shaped bubble rises from the diver. Bold white text at the top reads, “SHOW FISH LOVE, LET FISH LIVE.” The artwork, by LittleVeganArtist, promotes compassion and respect for fishes' lives.
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Cheryl Moss @betterlife4animals.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Meet Leilani Farm Sanctuary. ❤️ Founded by Laurelee Blanchard in 2007, this nonprofit sanctuary in Haʻiku, Maui provides care for rescued animals and humane education to the community. Meet Bobby, Leah, Henry, Stephanie, and many more who call this beautiful sanctuary home. #sanctuary #compassion
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David Raatz Ⓥ @raatz.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Great opinion by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch. #AnimalLaw #CommonLaw #JudicialOpinions
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SuzyM @suzymarxist.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
www.animallawconference.org/agenda/
animallawconference.org
Agenda - Animal Law Conference
Download the full agenda Virtual Sessions Friday, 10/16 Saturday, 10/17 Sunday, 10/18 Virtual Sessions Virtual sessions are available on-demand exclusively to registered conference attendees. Login cr...
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khon2news.bsky.social @khon2news.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
“The progress is real, and it should be recognized, but the biological, emotional and social consequences of a disaster do not disappear on the same timeline as debris removal or reconstruction." Read more: www.khon2.com/local-news/maui-wildf… 
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Ken White @kenwhite313.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The first Declaration recognizing whales as sentient beings with inherent rights. Declared by indigenous peoples of New Zealand and Polynesia. Fascinating. www.whaledeclaration.com
whaledeclaration.com
He Whakaputanga Moana | Whale rights and legal personhood declaration
He Whakaputanga Moana is the first Indigenous-led Declaration recognizing whales as sentient beings with inherent rights. Grounded in Te Ao Māori and Polynesian values, it establishes legal protection...
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