The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Sunset at South Point, Kalae, last night, captured by Ka`u photographer Peter Anderson.

SHARK SIGHTING - KEEP OUT signs are posted at turtle laden Punalu`u Beach today following a tiger shark biting a bodyboarder 20 yards off shore in 8 feet of water at Ninole Horseshoe around 8 a.m.. The 29 year-old Captain Cook man was paddling out to bodyboard for his second session with two friends when a shark knocked him off his board. According to police reports, companions of the surfer identified the attacker as a tiger shark about ten to 12 feet long. Friends escorted the victim to Ka`u Hospital where he was treated in the Emergency Room, receiving stitches and released.
As a precaution, the lifeguard at Punalu`u posted signs along the waterfront. Swimming, wading, diving and surfing are prohibited. If no sharks are seen following a helicopter flyover tomorrow by the county fire department, the beach could be reopened by noon.
Punalu`u waterman Guy Enriques said his sons saw a tiger shark in the bay earlier this week when they were diving at Punalu`u. This is the fourteenth shark attack in the state this year, eight of them in waters off Maui, including one leading to the death of a kayak fisherman. Until this year there were no fatal shark attacks in Hawai`i in a decade. In August, a surfer at Dead Trees in Poho`iki suffered bites to his leg and was hospitalized and recovered.
O Ka`u Kakou, the community organization, has volunteered to help warn the public to stay out of the water at Punalu`u until the beach reopens, a statement from the State Department of Land & Natural Resources reports. Punalu`u is a favorite spot for sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, a favorite food of tiger sharks.

THE VACANT STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEAT to be left by Denny Coffman, who is resigning to help his family, will be determined through the district’s Democratic party members interviewing prospective candidates and submitting three names directly to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The governor will make the appointment of the new House member to serve west Ka`u and Kona.
Names mentioned so far include current County Council member Brenda Ford, who said she plans to stay on the council, south Kona organic coffee farmer Una Greenway; Maile David, who ran to be Ka`u’s County Council member last election and now works for the county clerk; and Dru Kanuha, serving his first term in the County Council.

Denny Coffman resigns to care for his
family. Photo by William Neal

The former County Council member for Ka`u, Brittany Smart, who has been living on Maui for the last four months, called it “surreal” that her name was listed as a possibility by Civil Beat other news organizations. She said this morning that she would be unable to take the legislative position with her and her husband’s work commitment on Maui. Smart and her husband were both transferred by their company to its Maui EKO Systems composting facility. Living on Maui, she is ineligible to represent District 5 on the Big Island.
Smart praised Coffman for his work in the legislature and said, “My heart goes out to Denny and his struggles with his family.” This could not have happened to a nicer guy.
Chair for the Ka`u area for the Hawai`i County Democrats Committee is Dr. Richard Creagan. Chair for the island is David Tarnas.

HAWAI`I RANKS AT THE TOP AS HEALTHIEST PLACE TO LIVE in 2013, according to United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings, released this morning. At the bottom is Mississippi. During the last 24 years, Hawai`i reached number one four times and ranked in the top six in every one of the last 15 years.
In major measures, Hawai`i ranks third in the country for the least number of smokers and third for the least number of obese people. Hawai`i ranks seventh in the fewest number of people with diabetes. It ranks second in the determinants of good health, with a high rate of health insurance coverage and access to health care. It has one of the lowest rates for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Hawai`i boasts the highest rate of childhood immunization in the country. Eighty-two percent of people exercise regularly in Hawai`i, compared to 77 percent nationally.

Hui Malama provides health services and education in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

These are more of the Hawai`i highlights, which also show some challenges, according to the America’s Health Rankings report:
• In the past year, smoking prevalence decreased from 16.8 percent to 14.6 percent of adults; however, more than 150,000 adults still smoke.

• Nationally, Hawai`i has one of the lowest prevalence of obesity; however, there are almost 250,000 obese adults in the state.
• In the past year, the violent crime rate decreased from 287 to 239 offenses per 100,000 population.
• In the past five years, levels of air pollution increased from 4.6 to 9.1 micrograms of fine particulate per cubic meter.
• Hawai`i has the lowest rate of preventable hospitalizations in the nation. In the past 10 years, preventable hospitalizations decreased from 34.8 to 27.4 discharges per 1,000 Medicare enrollees.

In addition to the low rate of obesity within the population dominated by Asian, multiracial and Caucasian residents, the health of Native Hawaiians, who have previously registered some of the shortest life spans in the country, has also improved in the last decade, Hawai`i based studies show.
Local education through Native Hawaiian programs, such as Hui Malama, based in Na`alehu, urges and supports preventative care and teaches a move away from fast foods toward simpler, locally grown nutrition, which gave Hawaiians a healthy and fit lifestyle in ancient times. While obesity rates among Hawaiians are going down, obesity rates within the U.S. population are soaring, rising from around 13 percent in 1990 to 28 percent in 2011.

Nationally, diabetes rates have risen since 1996 from under 5 percent to around 9 percent.
Another organization deep into health education is Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., which is helping local residents sign up for insurance through the Hawai`i Health Connector. Its executive director Jessie Marques also helps organize health fairs, training for careers in health and organizing studies of lung health in the wake of volcanic emissions. See www.krhcai.com.
Reaching out to the community to improve health care is Ka`u Hospital which urges residents to fill out its survey online or in person. See surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

Another advance in Ka`u health care is the recent opening of the new Bay Clinic facility in Na`alehu for medical, dental and mental health services. The staff sees patients regardless of whether they have health insurance.

Making a big impact on preventative health care is the HMSA health van which gives free physicals to student athletes in Ocean View and on the campus of Ka`u High School, as well as free care to anyone.
The 2013 America's Health Rankings are not only based on lifestyle choices, availability of medical and preventative care, but also the amount of pollution in the environment. Hawai`i has a low rate of pollution, but more particulates in the air in recent years due to the ongoing volcanic eruption.

According to a story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser this morning, State of Hawai`i Director of Health Loretta Fuddy said the number one ranking “reminds us how fortunate we are to live in the Aloha State.” She noted that state government has long helped the needy with coverage through Med-Quest and the state child health insurance programs.
"We do very well for the population that's economically challenged," Fuddy said.

A STRONG VOICE FOR CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE is what Gov. Neil Abercrombie calls his participation in the President’s Task Force on the issue. Abercrombie attended the first meeting yesterday at the White House’s Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. On the task force are seven other governors, numerous mayors and Native American tribal officials.
A statement from Abercrombie said, “The President established the task force to advise his administration on how the federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are currently dealing with or anticipate extreme weather, sea level rise, and other impacts of climate change.”
Named to the task force last month, Abercrombie attended along with Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro and Hawaii State Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Kozak Thiel.
Cited as factors in his selection for the task force were Abercrombie’s congressional experience (including serving on the Armed Forces Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and as a senior member on the Natural Resources Committee) “along with his ability to provide insight into the needs of the Asia-Pacific region,” the statement from his office said.

HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU’S Public Access Room offers free training to help the public follow the 2014 state Legislature tomorrow, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The training demystifies the state lawmaking process and demonstrates ways people can participate in the Legislature.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL WAHINE VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM fell to the Konawaena Wildcats last night, 11 - 69. Denisha Navarro led the Trojans , scoring 6 points. Ka`u Wahine basketball will host the Kea`au Cougars on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL team spent four days at the Waiakea - Kea`au Classic Basketball tournament in Hilo from Dec. 4 - 7. On Wednesday, Ka`u defeated Kea`au Two, 57 - 41. On Thursday, Konawaena defeated Ka`u, 58 - 20. On Friday, Kea`au Defeated Ka`u 59 - 40, and on Saturday, Kaiser defeated Ka`u 69 - 32. The next preseason tournament will be on Dec. 19 - 21 hosted by St. Joseph High School.

Drake Fujimoto invites all keiki to the annual Hana Hou Christmas party today
at 5 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY is today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Na`alehu. The annual event includes buffet dinner, lucky number prizes, keiki ID and photos with Santa. Call 929-9717 for more information.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE holds its annual dinner and meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 12 at Tiki Mama's, near the corner of Aloha and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Cost is $12 per person for dinner. Entertainment at 5 p.m. will feature live music by The Last Fling Dance Band and magic by Allan Humble. Dinner and voting are at 6 p.m. RSVP to cytodbd@aol.com or 930-4697.

SECOND SATURDAY VOLCANO POTTERY SALE will be held at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus on the lawn beside Hale Ho'omana, from 9 am - 4 pm. this Saturday, Dec. 14. Big Island potters TR Andrews, Ron Hanatani, Shannon Hickey and Carol Yamashita will show and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural work, in this outdoor setting.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues its exhibit featuring artist-designed holiday wreaths and ornaments continues, in addition to the fine art that the gallery features year-round. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day but Christmas Day from now until the end of the year.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Hundreds of keiki and adults enjoyed a free Christmas dinner and gifts for the kids at the annual Hana Hou Christmas gathering
last night in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

LORETTA FUDDY, DIRECTOR OF HAWAI`I’S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, died in a plane crash off the coast of Moloka`i yesterday after a Makani Kai Air flight took off on its way to Honolulu. Maui County Fire Department reported that all of the eight other people onboard, including DOH deputy director Keith Yamamoto and the pilot, were rescued after Moloka`i firefighters and the

Coast Guard found them in the ocean, wearing life vests.

Donna Kekoa, who works at Ka`u Hospital Rural Health Clinic, said "Diliana (Fuddy's first name) "was a pilar of leadership. She cared about the children and famililes of Hawai`i. She was unwaiving in her expectation that we work together to improve the environment and conditions in which people live so that everyone in our state can have the benefit of good health and a good life." Kekoa said that Fuddy helped with the Ka`u Local Consortium, which sponsors activities for childbearing teens and women of Ka`u. She was a beautiful, passionate woman and very down to earth."
Merilyn Harris, administrator of Ka`u Hospital, said, “Fuddy was well loved by everyone and well respected by all who worked with her because she was so dedicated and focused on improving the health of the community. Her passion was those people who are the most vulnerable, certainly those who are disadvantaged. She was very active with programs that champion mothers, newborns and early childhood care.”

Diliana "loretta" Fuddy and Gov. Neil Abercrombie who chose her to lead the state
Department of Health. Photo from Hawai`i Childrrens Trust Fund

Nona Wilson, deputy administrator and chief of Nursing at Ka`u Hospital, said Fuddy “had such a fantastic reputation as a community leader. but I knew her more on a personal level. She was from Kaimuki, where I am from, and my sister also graduated from Kaimuki. Loretta and I talked about small kid time. She was a local girl, very personable, very in touch with the community needs from a local perspective. She was a home-grown girl. I knew her on that level.”

Wilson said that despite the tragedy, the pilot of the plane should be commended. “In a smaller aircraft, he did what Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger did on the Hudson, getting everyone in their life jackets and gliding the plane to safety in the water. From an airline perspective, that is pretty awesome.”

“Our hearts are broken,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who appointed Fuddy as head of DOH in 2011. “Loretta was deeply loved and respected. She was selfless, utterly dedicated and committed to her colleagues in the Department of Health and to the people of Hawai`i. Her knowledge was vast; her counsel and advice always given from her heart as much as from her storehouse of experience.

“We send our best thoughts to her family and will do all in our power to reflect her professionalism, her love of Hawai`i and the high standard she set for herself and all of us,” Abercrombie said.

Fuddy was chair of the Hawai`i Public Health Association, president of the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Association and treasurer and secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. She was recognized for her dedication to public service, advocacy on behalf of children and efforts to expand health care services for the poor.

Free photos and a shaka with Santa
drewkeiki to the Hana Hou event.
Photo by Julia Neal

Fuddy was at Kalaupapa for an annual meeting of Hansen’s disease patients. As head of DOH, she served as mayor of Kalawao County, where the Hansen’s disease settlement is still run by DOH. Kalaupapa was also the home of two saints; Father Damien and Mother Marianne Cope both served the leprosy patients there.
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono said Fuddy “was a dedicated public servant who spent most of her life working to improve public health on behalf of Hawai`i’s families. It was a privilege to work with Loretta since my time in the Hawai`i State Legislature. She touched so many lives and will be missed.”

State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim said Fuddy “embodied the very spirit and character of public service, dedicating her life to the health and well-being of all of Hawai`i’s people. Under her leadership, she fostered a transparent and collaborative environment, engaging with lawmakers, community members, health care providers and social service organizations.“

Alice Hall, acting president and chief executive officer of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp, said Fuddy “devoted her life to all facets of healthcare improvement for Hawai`i, including healthcare provisions that HHSC has benefited from. Loretta also has served on the HHSC Corporate Board of Directors, as an ex-officio representative, since 2011. She was a wise, sincere, wonderful person who will be greatly missed.”

Keoki Kahumoku's `ukulele kids provided entertainment at Hana Hou last night. Photo by Julia Neal

In a story yesterday about Hawai`i’s recent number one ranking in U.S. health care by United Health Foundation, The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs quoted Fuddy telling the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “This reminds us how fortunate we are to live in the Aloha state.” She noted that state government has long helped the needy with coverage through Med-Quest and the state child health insurance programs.
“We do very well for the population that’s economically challenged,” Fuddy said.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Free keiki IDs from police officers are
another Christmas gift at the Hana Hou
event. Photo by Julia Neal

THE ANNUAL HANA HOU CHRISTMAS GATHERING for keiki and their families fed close to 1,000 people last night in Na`alehu. Gifts for the kids, with funding donated by community groups and individuals, included a total of about 50 scooters and bikes, large stuffed animals, blankets, electronics and many other keiki items including coloring books. Photos with Santa and free keiki id's, courtesy of police officers were on the agenda. The meal included turkey, veggies, rice, hot dogs, chili, mac and cheese, cake and a Filipino dessert. The event is organized each year by Hana Hou owners Patty and Drake Fujimoto.

PUNALU`U BEACH REOPENED TODAY AT NOON after a county fire helicopter flyover this morning showed no presence of sharks in nearshore waters.

Yesterday, a body boarder was attacked by a tiger shark estimated to be between 10 and 12 feet long. Friends took him to Ka`u Hospital, where he received around 40 stitches. According to Department of Land & Natural Resources director William Aila, Jr., the victim was carrying a bright yellow camera, which could have attracted the shark.
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“FARMERS AND OTHER AG AND BUSINESS PEOPLE on the Big Island are in disbelief – to put it mildly – that Mayor Kenoi signed Bill 113, the anti-GMO bill, last week, without first putting together a group to research the science and investigate the serious, unintended consequences we know will result,” says Hamakua Springs Country Farms owner Richard Ha on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com. “Farmers are very practical and play the position that exists on the chessboard, not the position they wish they had. Most of us are moving into strategic contraction mode now.”

Ha decribes the current “level of uncertainty” as comparable to the Great Depression and points to it in deciding to subdivide 264 acres on his farm rather than dedicate them as agricultural land in perpetuity “so we have options as we go forward into a future that has some new uncertainties,” Ha says.

Hamakua Springs Country Farms owner has decided to leave
his land open for subdivision rather than preserve it in perpetuity
for agriculture. Photo from hahaha.hamakuasprings.com

“If there’s an upside to the mayor signing the bill, it’s that maybe now we will finally take a real look at the current Peak Oil crisis and how it affects the Big Island’s food self-sufficiency situation, and come to grips with finding long-term solutions.”
“Being open to safe scientific advances when needed (a.k.a. biotech or 'GMO') would have been a way to decrease our dependence on petroleum products, such as pesticides and fertilizers, and increase our island’s food self-sufficiency.
“This is not about the sky falling. It’s about common sense. It’s all a matter of how much risk we are willing to take,” Ha writes.

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COFFEE GROWERS AND OTHER KA`U FARMERS are invited to U.H. Cooperative Extension Service’s free Proper Pesticide Use and Safety Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal, “which are major production, labor, marketing, legal and financial risks that growers face,” says a flyer on the program.
For coffee growers in Ka`u who participated in the Synergist Hawai`i Agriculture Council program, this pesticide safety workshop is required for participation in the current county beauveria program as well as for consideration of future pesticide assistance programs, according John Ah San. For more information, contact him at 928-8188 or jlahsan.coffee.co@hotmail.com.
Farmers are asked to bring their pesticide cards.
To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

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NA`ALEHU SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets today at the school’s Computer Lab at 5 p.m. The topic is a school data presentation. Coffee and cookies provided. For more information, call 939-2413.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE holds its annual dinner and meeting today at Tiki Mama’s, near the corner of Aloha and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Cost is $12 per person for dinner. Entertainment at 5 p.m. features live music by the Last Fling Dance Band and magic by Allan Humble. Dinner and voting for new officers are at 6 p.m. RSVP to cytodbd@aol.com or 930-4697.

HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU’S Public Access Room offers free training to help the public follow the 2014 state Legislature today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The training demystifies the state lawmaking process and demonstrates ways people can participate in the Legislature.

SECOND SATURDAY VOLCANO POTTERY SALE will be held at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus on the lawn beside Hale Ho`omana from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. this Saturday. Big Island potters TR Andrews, Ron Hanatani, Shannon Hickey and Carol Yamashita will show and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural work in this outdoor setting.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN KA`U this Saturday include Christmas in Ka`u from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. The event sponsored by Thy Word Ministries offers free lunch plates while supplies last, live entertainment and a craft fair.
Ocean View Community Association’s Keiki Christmas Party begins at 11 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School is one of five Big Island schools where students are unable to access campus libraries during school hours, unless accompanied by a teacher, because there is no school librarian. The library is also a place where anyone can
follow the state legislature online. Photo from Hawai`i State Library System

“THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE in the legislative process are you and me,” said Suzanne Marinelli at a workshop on how the public can participate in lawmaking and tracking legislation in Hawai`i. Marinelli, who heads Hawai`i’s Public Access Room at the state Legislature, said that in order for the process to work, “the Legislature needs you to add your voice.” She suggested that the best time to talk to state representatives and senators is when the Legislature is not in session, when they are in their districts rather than at the Capitol in Honolulu. That time is now. The 2014 Hawai`i State Legislature begins Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Martinelli noted that Hawai`i has the most transparent legislative process in the country in that anyone, even in a remote place like Ka`u, can go online at capitol.hawaii.gov to testify and search for any word, from surfing to taxes, and find out all the legislation proposed and where it is in the process. Those without computers can go to Pahala Library, which has many computers for public use.

As well as talking with their senators and representatives, members of the public can also discuss issues with others involved in the legislative process. Marinelli suggested finding out who is on committees that would be involved in an issue and contact them. For example, if someone has an idea for a law regarding traffic, that person could contact members of the Transportation and Public Safety Committees.
Marinelli also said it’s good to get to know representatives’ and senators’ staff members.
She also gave tips on submitting testimony for bills:

Testimony can be submitted at capitol.hawaii.gov.
Call or write a letter instead of emailing.
If sending email, include your name.
Be brief, clear and to the point.
Direct testimony to the relevant committee.
Instead of following a form letter, use your own words.
Explain your position and why it matters.
Include return address or contact information.

The workshop included an overview of the Legislature’s website at capitol.hawaii.gov, where the public can find a wealth of information on current and past Legislatures, track measures and sign up for email notification of progress of measures as they go through the legislative process.

Hawai`i State Legislature's website at capitol.hawaii.gov offers a wealth of information
for citizens who want to follow the upcoming legislative session.

Marinelli encouraged the public to be persistent, pointing out that during each two-year legislative cycle, a bill that did not make it through the first session automatically comes up for reconsideration in the second year. If it doesn’t make it through the second year, then it dies. Even then, it is possible to continue trying to have an idea considered in future sessions. “Bills die, but ideas never die,” Marinelli said.
Among those who attended the workshop were Ka`u Farm Bureau vice president Phil Becker, Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative and Friends of Ka`u Libraries member Ann Fontes, South Point Road resident Paul Komara of No GMOs Hawai`i, Ka`u Scenic Byway committee member Lynn Hamilton and former head of the local Democratic party Sara Witt.
PAR’s website is hawaii.gov/lrb/par. For more information, call 974-4000 x 7-0478 or email par@capitol.hawaii.gov.

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LIMITED PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT ACCESS to Pahala Public & School Library and other Big Island libraries is the topic of a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The library is part of the state library system, and because the school has no school librarian, “students are unable to visit the libraries during normal school hours unless accompanied by a teacher or school administrator,” the story says.

According to reporter Megan Moseley, funding of a school librarian position is decided by each school’s administrators, and funding comes from the Department of Education. While Hawai`i State Public Library System is separate from the DOE, but both institutions report to the Board of Education.
Moseley said Hawai`i Island BOE representative Brian De Lima was aware of a similar situation at Pahoa, where “they have a public library that’s attached to the school, and it presents some challenges for that school, and is something we really need to take a look at,” he said.

According to the story, De Lima later said he was not aware of any complaints concerning availability of the libraries at the other four schools discussed in the story, including the Pahala campus. “The only concerns that have been raised have been at Pahoa, and issues haven’t come up elsewhere,” he said.

The subject had previously come up during the 2012 state Legislature, when the state was considering transferring Pahala Public & School Library from the state library system to the DOE. In her testimony, Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School principal Sharon Beck said, “When the school could no longer afford to fund the librarian’s position, the library would not allow students to use the facility without DOE personnel accompanying them.”

Pahala Public & School Library, which had until recently been open 15 hours a week, is now open 34 hours a week. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono

PROVIDING EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines is the purpose of the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation co-introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono. The bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual.  

“With up to 6,000 casualties, almost 1,800 missing people and more than a million destroyed houses in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, it is clear that our work to help this community rebuild is not over,” Hirono said. “We simply cannot wait to support recovery efforts in the Philippines. To help all families during the holiday, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will boost charitable giving by providing tax relief this year for those who donate to help communities rebuild homes, schools and roads.”
Edmund Aczon, chair of the Filipino Community Center Board of Directors, sent a mahalo to Hirono and her colleagues for encouraging Americans to contribute this holiday season. “It has been truly heartbreaking to witness the death and destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives, facing displacement and hunger. Everybody can make a difference, even if it’s donating just a little bit.”
Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year. The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act would eliminate this delay by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns.
Original co-sponsors of the bill also include Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

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Arlene Araki and Dick Hershberger sing and play horn for Ka`u Chamber
of Commerce last night in Ocean View. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE held a meeting and Christmas celebration for the public yesterday at Tiki Mama’s in Ocean View, featuring Christmas music with baritone horn, trumpet, accordions, baritone `ukulele, washboard bass and electric bass, drums and piano. A general membership meeting will be announced for January, when The Directory 2014, the Ka`u phone, business and community organization guidebook, will be presented and distributed, said Chamber president Dallas Decker.

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PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan is due this Monday, Dec. 16. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website.
The appendix discusses opportunities in various sectors of Ka`u’s economy, including construction.
While the construction sector is still struggling, particularly with new homes, and “it is unlikely any immediate substantive increase in jobs related to construction will be seen in Ka`u, there may be limited opportunities” in this economic sector, according to the analysis. The draft document mentions the possibility of an increase in home remodeling, both from local residents and secondary homeowners.
Another area of construction possibilities may come from growth in other sectors including renewable energy, health and wellness, education and research, visitor and retail, the document states.

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BIG ISLAND POTTERS TR ANDREWS, Ron Hanatani, Shannon Hickey and Carol Yamashita show and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural work at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus on the lawn beside Hale Ho`omana from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. tomorrow during the Second Saturday Volcano Pottery Sale.

THY WORD MINISTRIES PRESENTS CHRISTMAS IN KA`U tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. The event offers free lunch plates while supplies last, live entertainment and a craft fair.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S Keiki Christmas Party begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Bring lunch to this free program. Call 985-6011 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Tutu & Me goes on holiday Dec. 19 and reopens Jan. 6, but not before celebrating Christmas in such events as the Pahala Christmas Parade this week. Photo by Julia Neal

DEC. 23 IS THE DEADLINE FOR DEMOCRATS in good standing in Hawai`i House of Representative’s District 5 to apply for appointment to the seat being vacated by Rep. Denny Coffman, whose resignation is effective Dec. 20. The geographic area of those qualified to be considered includes Na`alehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kailua-Kona.

According to John Buckstead, vice chair of the Democratic party for West Hawai`i, requirements for persons interested in applying are as follows:

Candidates must meet the state requirements for election to this office;
Candidates must have been members in good standing of the Democratic Party of Hawai`i for at least the past six months;
Candidates must show their support within the District 5 Democratic Party by securing signatures from at least five District 5 DPH members. An alternative method is to provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least five District 5 DPH members who will be available and are willing to be called by the District Council to verify their support of the candidate;
Candidates must send a short (no more than two pages) cover letter describing why they are interested, as well as their experience, community activities and efforts that make them good candidates. Candidates may submit additional material, but are not required to do so.

A brief form has been developed for candidates’ use in complying with these first three requirements; candidates may request a copy of this form by emailing Buckstead at jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com. Candidates are not required to use the form, but must submit all required information.
All required materials from candidates must be received by Buckstead via postal mail no later than Dec. 23 or by hand delivery to the Buckstead residence at 77-6356 Halawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740 no later than midnight Dec. 23.
Depending on the number of candidates, the District 5 District Council may choose to interview candidates. If interviews are necessary, candidates will be so informed.
Buckstead also listed roles of the District Council:

The District Council is responsible for considering candidates and nominating three whose names will be forwarded to Democratic Party chair Dante Carpenter for transmission to the governor for his selection;
Members of the District Council who decide to be candidates will not be allowed to participate in the nomination process;
The District Council will meet after candidate documents have been received in order to finalize and carry out the process;
The District Council will complete its part of the process in compliance with all DPH requirements and in a timely manner.

Candidates seeking clarification on the requirements should contact Buckstead at jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
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A three-year-old female nene focuses on fattening up for nesting season
while her mate stands guard.

ANOTHER NENE HAS BEEN KILLED by a vehicle on Hwy 11. The location was around mile marker 41 between Pahala and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s entrance. The bird was most likely hit sometime on Thursday. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and look for nene geese along the stretch of highway. Nene are the Hawai`i State Bird. Their nesting season continues until April.

“Nene are most vulnerable to vehicles this time of year. They are focused on eating and could be out foraging from dawn to dusk. They blend in with their surroundings, and in low-light periods, they are especially hard for motorists to spot,” said Kathleen Misajon, Nene Recovery Project manager.
The park has posted nene crossing signs that highlight key roadside areas that nene use. These include sections of Hwy 11, Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. Motorists are urged to use extra caution in signed nene crossing areas and to obey posted speed limits.
Nene are endangered, and in the mid-1940s, only 50 birds remained. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the species in the 1970s. The Nene Recovery Program continues today, and more than 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet. As many as 2,000 or more nene exist statewide.
“We’ve had a great deal of success protecting nene and maintaining the population in the park,” said Misajon. “But it is imperative that humans keep a respectful distance from the geese, especially during this sensitive time.”
Visit nps.gov/havo/photosmultimedia/nene_psa.htm for more information. To report nene on the road in the park, call 985-6001. Outside the park, call 974-4221.

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A Solomon Islands beach with Miss Hawaiian Islands, Ulu Makuakane, of Ka`u.

KA`U’S OWN MISS HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, Ulu Makuakane, has completed her tour to the Solomon Islands for the Miss South Pacific Pageant. The week-long event, including visits to historic and scenic sites as well as charitable organizations and a float parade, was held in Honiara with the grand finale on Dec. 7. The program hosted contestants from American Samoa, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Hawai`i, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tokelau and Tonga.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lili noted that it was the first time for the Solomon Islands to host the event. “Our people have truly embraced this pageant and ensured that this regional is a success. The event presents us with the perfect opportunity to show the world what we are capable of achieving.”

Ulu Makuakane in the sarong competition.

The winner was Miss Cook Islands. Makuakane, through local fundraising, enabled Hawai`i to be represented. Makuakane not only is Miss Hawaiian Islands; she was also the second Miss Ka`u Coffee.

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TUTU AND ME goes on holiday after Dec. 18 and starts up again on Jan. 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. Program director Betty Clark said that the team invites families to visit any Tuesday or Thursday morning. “Our program is free, and we are here to help families with children age birth to five provide a quality early childhood education for their keiki by providing the tools, resources, materials and activities that encourage their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Parents, tutus, aunties and uncles are all welcome to enroll with up to three children. For more information, call 929-8579.
While a trial to provide transportation was conducted in 2012, Tutu & Me is unable to provide transportation for 2014. The Ka`u Calendar newspaper regrets publishing, in error, a story in the December issue stating that a transportation trial program is planned for next year.

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PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Bring lunch to this free program. Call 985-6011 for more information.

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT for Ka`u students of all grade levels, parents and guardians is this Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The event is a once-a-year chance to learn more about available financial aid and college scholarships. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., representatives of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo Financial Aid office, Kolby Santiago and Sara Beth Andres, present important scholarship and Free Application for Federal Student Aid information. The opportunity includes time to talk story and gather information from organizations providing scholarships such as Kamehameha Schools, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, `O Ka`u Kakou and more. A light dinner and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event ends with a surprise giveaway.
For more information, call Steve Stephenson at 313-4120.

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop this Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Santa arrived in a classic car at Ocean View Community Association's Keiki Christmas Party and feast. Photo by Melissa Tveter

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website.

Ka`u CDP shows population distribution in the district.

“There are many demonstrated ways in which communities like Ka`u can play pro-active roles in their own economic development,” according to the draft document. “In fact, based on the unique nature of Ka`u’s economy … a community-based approach to economic development seems the most appropriate for Ka`u.” Such an approach would feature a regional focus, local initiative and control, incubation of local micro-enterprises and an equitable distribution of benefits.
The analysis lists 10 categories of strategies for advancing community-based economic development:

Enhance Regional Identity by preserving and improving the natural, cultural, architectural, artistic, historic, and recreational resources that contribute to the local community character and sense of place;
Build Local Industry Clusters to develop competitive advantages of place- and sector-specific businesses that can mutually benefit from coordination, like agriculture, renewable energy, education, health and wellness, heritage arts and entertainment, and tourism;
Connect to Anchor Institutions like schools, hospitals and large landowners to leverage their redevelopment, hiring and purchasing power;
Advance Innovation by developing products and services unique to the character and needs of the region;
Build Entrepreneurial and Business Capacity to innovate and create jobs through incubation, training and other supports;
Build Workforce Capacity through local education and workforce development programs (to) help local residents capitalize on opportunities within local clusters;
Democratize Ownership of enterprises in local industry clusters with organizational models that reflect local values, strengthen local control and retain local wealth;
Diversify Investment and improve access to capital by attracting investment from firms and investors that embrace local values and by creating opportunities for local residents to secure a stake in local businesses;
Promote Regional Assets like distinctive features and unique, place-based products in order to build long-term relationships with markets within and outside the region; and
Foster Network Leadership that supports community-based economic development initiatives by uniting the community behind its unique identity, connecting local industry clusters, building local collaborative capacity and interfacing with markets and government officials.

“To be most effective, each of these should be employed simultaneously and in coordination with one another. In other words, taken as a ‘whole,’ these strategies are ‘greater than the sum of their parts,’” the analysis concludes.

A PUBLIC MEETING OF AHA MOKU O KEAWE COUNCIL OF KA`U is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss many important issues, said representative Darlyne Vierra. Items on the agenda include plans for a sewage treatment plant in Na`alehu, with speaker Keoni Fox; a water line planned at Ka`iholena; lo`i, with speaker Paul Makuakane; and possible development at Kawala. President of the Ka`u branch of the statewide councils is Vierra. Vice-president is Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka.
For more information, contact Vierra at dpvierra@yahoo.com or call 640-8740.

Ed Olson, with Santa at last week's Pahala Christmas Parade,
opened a new retail store, Big Island Trading Co.this morning in Hilo,
where Ka`u Coffee and mac nuts will be featured. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U-GROWN COFFEE AND MACADAMIA NUTS have a new retail location in Hilo. Big Island Trading Co. opened this morning on Kamehameha Ave. near Ken’s House of Pancakes. The location is a former Volvo dealership with two buildings, one for retail and one that will open as a coffee shop in January with lots of outdoor seating. Owned by a hui led by Ed Olson, the business will feature Ka`u Coffee Mill coffee, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., which sources much of its macadamia from Ka`u, and many other local products. The opening today was soft, and the grand opening will be scheduled for late January, said Olson.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Logo produced by Tanya Ibarra and
Local Productions, Inc.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. Tulsi Gabbard is co-sponsoring legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics, according to a statement from Gabbard. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs.

“I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms,” Gabbard said. “This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‘voluntary’ plan … to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA’s ‘voluntary guidance’ does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand.”
Gabbard cites an FDA report released in April 2013 that says antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops and ground beef tested. Gabbard says FDA’s voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses. For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead move to a system requiring veterinary oversight. “As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share,” Gabbard said.
Constituents can contact Gabbard through her website at gabbard.house.gov.

Keiki received stockings full of gifts and a photo with Santa at Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Melissa Tveter.

KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY sponsored by Ocean View Community Association yesterday was a huge success, according to its organizers, with 188 kids receiving a stocking along with a picture with and gift from Santa. Fun, food, games, raffles, face-painting, decorating Christmas cookies and a chocolate fountain entertained keiki waiting for Santa.

Ocean View Community Association fed 400 with a free Christmas meal.
Photo by Melissa Tveter

The party started at 11a.m., and Santa arrived in a classic car just before noon. The Ocean View Community Association fed around 400 keiki and adults with a free Christmas meal. Fortune Otter managed the event, with many volunteers and donations from the community.

KA`U STUDENTS OF ALL GRADE LEVELS, parents and guardians are invited to learn about financial aid available for continuing education Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A light dinner and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event ends with a surprise giveaway.
For more information, call Steve Stephenson at 313-4120.

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The public can vote for their favorite holiday decorations at Kilauea Military Camp.
Photo by Dave Berry

AWARD-WINNING SLACK KEY GUITARIST, composer and recording artist John Keawe rings in the holidays with his music Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. His wife Hope provides interpretations of his music with her hula. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S ANNUAL Holiday Challenge is on, with the front row of cottages decorated. The public is welcome to walk along the sidewalk fronting the cottages in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and vote for the best decorations through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Praising the lord through dance, Thy Word Ministries' Dexlyn Navarro is the leader at Christmas in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

FOLLOWING A TIGER SHARK BITING a bodyboarder at Ninole near Punalu`u last week, Hawai`i is closing in on Florida for the most shark attacks per coastline this year. To date, Hawai`i, with 750 miles of coastline, has 14 and Florida, with 1,350 miles of tidal coastline, had 26 as of Dec. 5. Last year, Florida posted 26 attacks and Hawai`i ten, according to sharkattackfile.info.

Studies of tiger shark migration hope to show reasons for increasing attacks.
Photo from wikipedia

Studies in Florida and Hawai`i are focusing on migration patterns of sharks and their possible relation to attacks. Florida researchers led by Yannis Papastamatiou, a marine biologist at University of Florida, showed a spike in how many tiger sharks are seen in October, matching “our predicted model that you’re having an influx of big, pregnant females coming from the northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” Papastamatiou said. “There even tends to be a spike in the number of shark bites that occur during that season.” Since 1926, the highest numbers of reported attacks in Hawai`i occurred in October, November and December.
In Hawai`i, Department of Land & Natural Resources is tracking the movements of several tiger sharks recently fitted with satellite tags near Maui. These tags, attached to the sharks’ dorsal fins, intermittently track their locations as they breach the water’s surface. Information gathered will help determine whether the sharks are more resident (more “site-attached”) and whether they exhibit greater use of inshore habitats than in other locations.
See more and track sharks at dlnr.hawaii.gov.
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Map shows location of proposed sewage treatment and disposal facility in Na`alehu.

CONSTRUCTION OF A WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM in Na`alehu is scheduled to begin in 2014. The system would replace large capacity cesspools mauka of Hwy 11. Construction of a sewage collection system from the former C. Brewer portion of town is planned to begin early next year and take a year to complete, while construction of a transmission line and treatment and disposal facility is anticipated to begin later in the year and last 18 months.

The proposed treatment and disposal site is on six acres of land makai of Hwy 11 that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is turning over to the county for the project. According to a project description from the county Department of Environmental Management, the site is not in a residential area and will minimize public exposure.
The description states that while archaeological sites including petroglyphs, burial sites and the Kahua `Olohu bowling field used for Makahiki festivals have been identified, these sites have been “eliminated from consideration” and will not be used for the project.
DEM also investigated several other properties as options for the project, but decided not to pursue them because of historical and potential archaeological sites.

Buddhists from Na`alehu Hongwanji are invited to sell sushi during the Christian
Christmas in Ka`u celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

In a letter on behalf of the Keanu family, of Na`alehu, Keoni Fox, of Kaneohe, expressed concerns about the project to Lance Fukumoto, of consulting and engineering firm Fukunaga & Associates, Inc. “The proposed siting of the wastewater treatment facility in Kaunamano will have a detrimental impact on the community’s dream of preserving the coastline and protecting these lands from development,” Fox wrote.
“While the proposed location presents a challenge to our preservation efforts, we are also concerned about environmental impacts due to odors and sewage disposal. The winds in Ka`u blow at an east/northeast direction. Therefore the odors from the proposed facility would blow directly toward Na`alehu Town. The facility should be located downwind from the town not upwind. Also, the proposed facility will dispose of treated sewage using a combination of leach fields and injection wells. The Kaunamano properties immediately makai of the proposed facility location are known for complexes of habitation caves and burial caves. Water is known to drip into these caves after traveling from the wet mauka lands above, and in the past, native Hawaiians collected water from these caves. We are concerned about the impact of treated/untreated sewage and odors on the cultural sites which are very close to the proposed facility location. Sewage spills are all too common at Hawai`i treatment plants.

Thy Word Singers inspire the many hundreds of people who attended Christmas
in Ka`u in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

“We feel that the disposal of treated sewage in this area and the risk of an untreated sewage spill is a desecration to our ancestors’ burials and the pristine environmental resources of Kaunamano,” Fox wrote.

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CHRISTMAS IN KA`U, hosted by Thy Word Ministries Ka`u at Na`alehu Hongwanji over the weekend, drew nearly a thousand people and fed about 800. Led by Pastor Bob Tominaga, the annual event includes presentations by area churches, including Thy Word Ministries Hilo, Lighthouse Church of Hilo, New Hope of Volcano, Na`alehu Assembly of God and Ocean View Evangelical Church. Daughters of God Halau, Makualani Ho`onui Halau and Hannah’s Hula Halau performed. The event was for everyone. Vendors sold homegrown vegetables, Christmas wreaths and decorations, protea, jewelry and other gift items. Na`alehu Hongwanji sold sushi.

A bounty of locally grown food helped celebrate Christmas in Ka`u
over the weekend. Photo by Julia Neal

NEW RULES SOON GO INTO EFFECT from South Point to Upolu Point in North Kohala, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing the West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area Rules. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the rule changes on June 28 after considering more than 1,200 pieces of testimony and 2,300 comments. The rules further implement Act 306, passed by the Hawai`i Legislature in 1998.

“I felt it was important to take the time necessary to consider views from the community on both sides of the issue,” Abercrombie said. “An important component of the rules package is the understanding of our responsibility to continuously re-evaluate its impact to ensure that we are achieving desired outcomes. This approach in the West Hawai`i region will allow scientists, managers, those who fish and the community to effectively evaluate the evidence. It will also help the community and the state to test adaptive management strategies for our marine resources through monitoring and enforcement.”
In addition to making technical changes, the rules prohibit take or possession of nine species of inshore sharks, rays and two invertebrate crown-of-thorns predators; establish a list of 40 fish species permitted for aquarium take with size and bag limits on three of these species (No other fish may be collected for aquarium use); establish a 1,500-foot section of Kaohe Bay (Pebble Beach) in South Kona as a Fish Replenishment Area where aquarium collecting and/or recreational fish feeding is prohibited; and prohibit scuba and/or re-breather spear fishing or possession of such gear with a spear and/or speared aquatic life.
“The rules will strengthen the current management of the aquarium fishery in West Hawai`i and address community concerns about increasing pressure on our marine resources,” said William J. Aila, Jr., BLNR chairperson.
The rules are available at state.hi.us/dlnr/dar.

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed new West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area rules
during a mahalo party for Rep. Denny Coffman, standing left of the governor.
Photo from Office of the Governor

WEST KA`U’S REP. DENNY COFFMAN got mahalos from his colleagues Saturday at Kona Airport. Coffman is resigning his seat in the state Legislature and moving to the mainland, where a daughter is fighting cancer.

Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported Gov. Neil Abercrombie comparing his and Coffman’s style, saying that when Abercrombie enters a room, the temperature goes up; “when Denny comes into the room, the temperature goes down, because there’s an adult in the room.”
Coffman said, “I didn’t know the governor and I were such good friends. If I’d known that, I would have asked for a lot more money for West Hawai`i.”
“Denny has set the bar high,” said John Buckstead, Democratic Party vice chair for West Hawai`i. The Democratic Party District 5 Council has begun soliciting names to be considered to fill Coffman’s seat.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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JOHN AND HOPE KEAWE PERFORM tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. Free; park entrance fees apply.

NA LEO MANU: HAKU MELE HO`IKE takes place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park when local island songwriters who attended a three-day Hawaiian music songwriter’s workshop with Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Beamer-Trapp present their new, original compositions. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School Of The Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Clyde Silva, in red, is president of the Ka`u ILWU Pensioners Club which celebrated the holidays Sunday. To his right is his dad, retired sugar worker Albert Silva. His mother, at the head of the table, is Amy Silva. Photo by Julia Neal

MILILANI TRASK, A PROPONENT OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY development on Hawai`i Island, has written a commentary in Civil Beat about a U.S. House of Representatives amendment that she says advances energy independence. “Thanks to Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s efforts, the House adopted an amendment that paves the way for greater renewable energy development on public lands,” Trask says.

Mililani Trask

“Through the amendment she introduced, she made sure that the Hawaiian Home lands selected to be used for the development of geothermal, solar, wind, and other renewable sources will be included in the Quadrennial Federal Onshore Energy Production Strategy.
This policy move and recognition of federal jurisdiction over lands that have largely been forgotten by Congress should propel us forward and enable us to broaden our energy portfolio.
“We are better situated to replace imported oil with geothermal as our firm power base and make the most of the diverse forms of renewable energy that Hawai`i is blessed with.
“This is a policy move that is foundational and one we should build on.
“The Hawai`i homestead community welcomes the freedom this gives them to improve their economic status by developing the assets on their lands. In the long run, it also promises to deliver some relief from the punishingly high (electric) rates that have hindered small businesses and job development.
“As Paul Richards, president of the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association remarked after learning about this amendment, ‘We should move forward, full steam ahead — literally — to develop geothermal on our lands and become better stewards of our destiny and especially our `aina.’
“This is a step in the direction of economic sovereignty, and we welcome it,” Trask concludes.
See civilbeat.com.
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Sen. Dan Inouye passed away one year ago today. Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IS HONORING Sen. Daniel Inouye today on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced legislation that would re-designate the Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in recognition of his instrumental support for the center.
“As a young man, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye responded to the call of duty and wore the uniform in defense of liberty and freedom,” Hirono said. “He then went on to a lifetime of public service, laying the foundation for a modern Hawai`i…. Sen. Inouye never forgot the people and places in Hawai`i, and today we honor his tireless work on behalf of Hawai`i and the nation.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said Inouye was a great leader and a true patriot. “His courage, heroism, and humility earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow service members, his constituents, colleagues, and leaders around the world. In this remembrance, we commit ourselves to the standards he set, to his deep compassion for all people, his love for Hawai`i and his belief that together we can shape an ever brighter future for our state and country.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “As we take time today to remember our beloved Sen. Daniel Inouye, we must honor his legacy of selfless servant leadership and life-long commitment to working in the aloha spirit. His humility and deep compassion for people in Hawai`i and around the world continues to serve as an inspiration to me and the countless lives he impacted.
“With his deep understanding and appreciation of the aloha spirit, he showed us each how to lead with our hearts. While we celebrate his life and legacy today, I am truly grateful for Sen. Inouye’s passionate work on behalf of the people of Hawai`i and selfless life of service to us all.”

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Caren Loebel-Fried's art has been selected for a wildlife
education poster.

VOLCANO ARTIST CAREN LOEBEL-FRIED has been selected for the He Hawai`i Au – Ho`ailona Hawaiian monk seal annual wildlife education poster, which will be distributed free to 450 Hawai`i schools. The Conservation Council for Hawai`i selected the art of the award-winning author and artist. Those interested can become a Poster Partner by making a donation of any amount. Contributors’ names will be printed on the poster front. Mail a check or call with credit card information.

Deadline to become a Poster Partner is Jan. 1. Suggested donations for individuals is $50-$200; small organizations and businesses, $200-$1,000; medium organizations & businesses, $1,000-$5,000 and large organizations and businesses, $5,000 and up.

Send donations to Conservation Council for Hawai`i, PO Box 2923, Honolulu, HI 96802. Call 808-593-0255 to make a credit card donation. Donors can also be anonymous.

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ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE FILED A LAWSUIT in federal court to protect sea mammals. Earthjustice filed the suit on behalf of the Conservation Council for Hawai`i, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Ocean Mammal Institute.
The environmental groups are fighting Navy plans to conduct sonar testing and live-fire training in waters near Hawai`i and California. They are concerned about the impact of sonar testing on monk seals, humpback whales and false killer whales. They claim that, according to the Navy’s own environmental impact studies, up to 2,000 whales and dolphins could be seriously hurt by testing conducted over the next five years.

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Backyard Boys of Ka`u entertained for former sugar workers Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS FOR THE ILWU came early at the party Sunday for former sugar workers at the Ka`u ILWU Penioners Club Party. The group was entertained by the Backyard Boys of Ka`u and enjoyed a lunch at Pahala Community Center. President is Clyde Silva, vice president is Franco Longakit. second VP is August Ballo, secretary is Ernie Peralta, treasurer is Warren Toriano and advisors are Margaret Ann Cabudol, Pauline Enriques and Raymond Kamei. Most members live in Na`alehu and Pahala and worked for Ka`u Sugar before it shut down in 1996.

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Ninety-five-year-old Frank Usman, a retired sugar company
mechanic, celebrates Christmas with the ILWU club,
dancing and singing at Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE KOHALA CENTER AND BROWN UNIVERSITY are offering tuition scholarships for three Hawai`i high school students to participate in the Brown Environmental Leadership Lab-Hawai`i to be held March 22–30, 2014 on the Big Island. The deadline to apply is Jan. 10.
This national leadership program integrates the development of leadership skills with outstanding opportunities for high school students to study the biology, ecology, and cultural traditions of Hawai`I Island.
Program activities include meeting with cultural practitioners to learn about the culture and history of the island, participating in the restoration of native forests, exploring Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, kayaking, camping near the ocean and learning about coral reef ecology and management.
In addition to providing incredible adventures and experiences, the program gives students a chance to identify and develop their group-building and leadership skills.
For more program details, see brown.edu/ce/pre-college/bell/Hawaii.
Application materials are available to download at kohalacenter.org/bell.htm or by contacting Erica Perez at 887-6411 or eperez@kohalacenter.org.
Materials to be submitted include BELL Program application form, scholarship application form, teachers recommendation, an official school transcript and a one-page essay describing what the applicant hopes to learn during this course.

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PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, with presentations about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu today.

LOCAL SONGWRITERS WHO ATTENDED a three-day Hawaiian music writing workshop with Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Beamer-Trapp present their new, original compositions tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School Of The Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL program hosts the Kea`au Cougars tonight. Junior Varsity match starts at 6 p.m., followed by the Varsity match.

KA`U TROJANS BOYS SOCCER played Parker on Thursday, Dec. 12, winning 3-2, with David Pilette scoring three goals. Ka`u boys played Honoka`a on Saturday, Dec. 14 and fell 0-3. Ka`u boys and girls soccer teams host the Waiakea Warriors tomorrow, with matches at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Mrs. Claus comes to Island Market in Na`alehu every year and gives out free Christmas goodies recipes and samples. Photo from Island Market

KA`U LANDOWNER ED OLSON is a major investor in the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, partnering with Waikiki hotel and Aloha Tower developer Ed Bushor and artist Wyland. The hotel, on Banyan Drive, is owned by the state, and the partnership won the bidding war for the property. The deal closed yesterday.
Olson owns 8,000 acres in Ka`u and is the major owner in Ka`u Coffee Mill and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. Over the weekend, he opened Big Island Trading Co. in Hilo to sell Hawai`i Island-made products.

Ed Olson says his partnership in Naniloa Hotel in Hilo will help Ka`u by providing a good
hotel for people who will travel to Volcano and the south end of the island.
Photo from Olson Trust

Olson said this morning that “the Naniloa is terribly rundown and a disgrace to Hilo, but it’s got good bones.” He said he looks forward to restoration of the hotel. He assessed the structure as basically sound and noted that it has numerous meeting rooms and venues to help make it a world-class destination on Hilo Bay. He pointed to a separate, South Pacific-style building used for Polynesian shows on the property that is “classic and in pretty good shape.”

Olson said that “the time is right for Hilo to have a good hotel, particularly with the ever-increasing interest in tourism to Volcano and with the growing market for ecotourism.” He said his investment in the hotel will also help Ka`u, as it will bring more visitors to Hilo and out to Volcano and down to the southern end of the island. He said the hotel will send people to Ka`u Coffee Mill and other Ka`u destinations.
Olson said that the Olson Trust archives will be able to provide historic maps, documents and photos to help bring a sense of Hawai`i’s history to the hotel.
The influence of Wyland, the artist famous for painting whales on buildings and owning galleries of art with sea life, is expected to result in a three-story-tall whale statue in the entrance and water features on the property.
The hotel has 383 rooms and was formerly operated by Ken Fujiyama of Hawai`i Outdoor Tours, who also ran Volcano House. The new operator is expected to be Aqua Resorts, which also runs Volcano House.
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Sources for geothermal energy production may be available in areas beyond those
outlined in red on this map, even on other islands.

SOURCES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY may be available under Hawai`i’s dormant and extinct volcanoes, according to Donald Thomas, director of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Thomas told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald, that a potential source is along rift zones where magma may still be hot enough to create geothermal energy. Thomas is conducting research using low-frequency radio waves to detect magma that scientists think may stay hot for at least 500,000 years after being disconnected from its source.

After collecting data on Kilauea Volcano, Thomas plans to compare it with data on Hualalai, Mauna Kea and other islands.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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THE ABERCROMBIE ADMINISTRATION HAS SUBMITTED its Executive Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Biennium 2013-2015 and updated Program and Financial Plan for 2013-2019 to the state Legislature.
“The supplemental budget and plan continue responsible management of state fiscal affairs in order to build upon the $1.1 billion turnaround our state has achieved,” Abercrombie said. “At the same time, we recognize that Hawai`i’s improved fiscal position allows us to better address important issues such as early learning and development, support for our seniors, environmental protection, and homelessness. The supplemental budget provides an opportunity to navigate our economic environment for the maximum benefit of the people of Hawai`i.”
The administration further committed to building the financial strength of the state by outlining in the plan a strategy to recapitalize state reserves to higher than pre-recession levels.

“We have set a targeted objective to build state reserves to 10 percent of general fund revenues,” said Kalbert Young, state finance director. “These reserves will allow the state to weather future economic downturns and mitigate against cyclical public service cutbacks.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state finance director Kalbert Young.
Photo from Office of the Governor

According to a statement from the administration, the supplemental budget continues to provide stimulus to the economy while still adhering to the optimized debt profile that has been achieved through proper management of the state’s long-term debt.
The budget includes support for a variety of initiatives:

early learning and development initiatives
prekindergarten classes,
Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL)
Preschool Open Doors
Kupuna Care
Adult Disability Resource Centers
environmental preservation
Housing First
ten positions to expand Healthcare Transformation initiatives
restoration of eight positions in Hawai`i Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program
R.E.A.C.H. Initiative for middle and intermediate afterschool programs
University of Hawai`i repair and maintenance projects.

“Although there are many priority needs that must be addressed, fiscal sustainability is essential,” Young added. “This plan will allow the state to address its priority needs while positioning itself to best handle uncertainties, such as economic slowdowns or the recent federal government shutdown, by building up our reserves and exercising continued fiscal prudence.”
Sen. David Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, who is challenging Abercrombie in next year’s election, said, “Our first priority is to maintain the state’s fiscal health and budget reserves. We understand that the governor’s proposed budget substantially increases general fund appropriations; moving forward we must be cognizant of and monitor general fund tax collections.”

The budget is available at budget.hawaii.gov/budget.

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This manele in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is a
nationally crowned champion. Photo from DLNR

THE PROPOSED SEWAGE treatment and disposal facility in Na`alehu is receiving calls for relocation from some members of the community. Plans call for the facility to be built makai of Hwy 11 on six acres of land that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is turning over to the county for the project.
“Ka`u is known for the wind; we call Hilo wind, said lifetime resident Darlyne Vierra. “We don’t need that bad smell coming direct to Na`alehu town.” She compared the project to other similar ones. In Keaukaha, she said a facility was moved “after so many, many years the people had complained.” At Kealakekua McDonald’s and Malama Market in Ocean View, “Tell us what you smell, is this clean air?” Vierra asked. She urged officials to seek input from the local community: “We want a voice on issues concerning Ka`u,” she said. She also wants them to consider “our historical sites, mauka-makai, ahupua`a system. What is up mauka does effect makai. Where does all that wastewater flow? Underground, and it will and can reach the ocean. Our food from the shoreline, fresh water, our historical caves, lava tubes, burials can and will be contaminated.”
Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka brought up disruption of the view. “Who would want to look at a wastewater collection system? It will be an eyesore,” she said. “Why even have it close to the highway? Tourists go through the town daily. Is this the kind of scenery to share?
“Come on Ka`u, you fought for no prison, no spaceport, now fight” to relocate the wastewater collection system, Kuluwaimaka said.

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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN NOMINATE SPECIMENS for Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Big Tree Competition through Dec. 31 for the 2014 National Register of Big Trees.

This year, six new champions in Hawai`i joined more than 40 new champions that were crowned across 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A manele (soapberry wingleaf) in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one of the ten nationally crowned champions from Hawai`i.
To learn more about Hawai`i’s Big Tree Competition or how to nominate a potential champion tree, contact Nicholas Joly at 808-586-0915 with tree’s height, circumference and crown spread measurements.

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HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE Water Co-op meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. Agenda items include the business plan and election of board members. Email katywhite@hawaiiantel.net.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Kilauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge continues through New Year's Eve. The public can vote for their favorite decorated cottage
at KMC front desk. Park entrance fees apply. Photo by Dave Berry

A NATIVE HAWAIIAN MAKAHIKI SITE between Na`alehu Police Station and Na`alehu town, along Hwy 11, is the subject of discussion regarding its possible preservation. The county considered using the state land and a smaller adjacent private property for the proposed Na`alehu sewage treatment plant until archaeological surveys revealed the existence of the ancient Hawaiian playing field on both properties.

The property that the Weatherfords want to preserve
as part of a makahiki, Hawaiian games complex,
is to the right of Hwy 11, surrounded by state property
outlined in purple. Map from Pacific Legacy

Most of the makahiki site is state land. The owners of the smaller 13-acre property, James and Elizabeth Weatherford, said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said this morning that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.
Pacific Legacy, Inc., which conducted the archaeological survey of the surrounding state land, noted that part of the land on old maps was called Kahua-olohu and was described in the famous book of archaeology and history, Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing, and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”
Diana Prentiss, of Lotus Properties, who is helping the Weatherfords with the property, said the land has a 1,625-foot-long frontage along Hwy 11 that would provide a natural parking area for those visiting the makahiki site. Those interested in helping with the project can call her at 989-8777.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act, a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.
“It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD, WHOSE ELECTION as the first Hindu in the U.S. Congress made headlines in media in India, has released a statement about the treatment of an Indian diplomat recently arrested on charges of submitting false papers relating to domestic help.

“Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world,” Gabbard said. “Among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul general in New York. While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad.
“Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”
Gabbard, who is currently in Hawai`i on a statewide trip, visits Hilo today to meet with leaders of agencies and organizations that promote social justice and reduce recidivism.

HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM now offers free new services to library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an app to browse the online catalog, download eMagazines and learn how to speak Hawaiian.

Na`alehu Public Library is one of 37 libraries statewide offering netbook computers for loan for a three-week period free of charge. Each netbook is equipped with mobile Internet services as well as Microsoft Office 2010 programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Na`alehu Library has netbook computers
for loan to patrons.

“We are delighted to offer our HSPLS Mobile program and envision it as an exciting new way to bridge the digital divide in Hawai`i,” state librarian Richard Burns said. “It is a unique opportunity to bring technology to Hawai`i’s people and share our abundant e-resources and free services through our HSPLS website.”
HSPLS also now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website.
“Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section manager. “Patrons can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic and more, with no waiting and no loan period to worry about.”

Patrons need to create two accounts, a library Zinio account to view HSPLS’ collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device.

HSPLS offers patrons the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language anytime, anywhere, free via Mango Languages and the HSPLS website.

“The Mango Languages system offers a unique learning environment that allows patrons to take lessons at your own pace, reviewing and perfecting skills as you advance through new lessons,” said Lynne Kobayashi, HSPLS Language, Literature & History Section head.

Patrons can learn to speak Hawaiian at librarieshawaii.org.

Memory building exercises are embedded into each unit to ensure that patrons retain what they learn. To ensure correct pronunciation, Mango offers an opportunity to record speech and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker. Intuitive pop-ups also help with pronunciation. Mango focuses on quickly getting to a point where users feel comfortable with a new language.
For more information, select the E-Learning @ Your Library button on the HSPLS website.
Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through a new mobile app called Hawai`i Mobile. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into the library system’s catalog.
To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search chilifresh hawaii in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
For more information, see librarieshawaii.org.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR KEIKI takes place Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; kanikapila `ukulele group from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., marshmallow roast with Fireman Mike; games with Julie and ornament decoration with Lanaya. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Little fire ants may have come to Ka`u, and the state Department of Agriculture is trying to bait them with help from The Nature Conservancy. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

LITTLE FIRE ANTS may have been discovered in Ka`u, according representatives of the Department of Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy. John Replogle, of TNC, and Michelle Montgomery, of DOA’s Hawai`i Ant Lab, were putting peanut butter on sticks this morning on Bay Clinic property in Na`alehu in an attempt to find any possible little fire ants in the area for identification. One person on land near Bay Clinic reported her dog being stung, which drew concern, said Replogle.

He said that fire ants can be distributed to new locations through many methods. These include hitching on potted plants and agricultural products, in mulch, construction materials, dirt, cinder and gravel and on vehicles.
In Ka`u, little fire ants could stunt coffee trees, spoil coffee cherry, cause premature fruiting and become a hindrance to coffee and macadamia pickers. Little fire ants like to live in stands of banana trees, ti plants and palms, particularly if there is consistent moisture.

Little fire ants are much smaller than the tropical fire ant, which is also more red
in color. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

Little fire ants were first found in Hawaiian Paradise Park in 1999, and the state Department of Agriculture set up a quarantine to prevent shipment of infested potted plants from the Big Island to the rest of the state. The ants, however, made it to Kaua`i. By 2009, they reached Maui. By 2010, they landed in Kona. In 2012 they were discovered on a coffee farm in Honaunau. Little fire ants have been located from sea level to an altitude of 2,000 feet.
Fire ants, with the scientific name Wasmannia auropunctata, are only a pin head in size, about one-sixteenth of an inch long and colored pale orange. They are slow moving. In the U.S., they are common in southern Florida. Internationally, they live in many places, including South America, West Indies, Mexico, West Africa, the Galapagos, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands.
While little fire ants are not aggressive and sting only when disturbed, the sting produces large, painful, raised red welts, followed by more pain and intense itching. Fire ants sting humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Multiple stings in the eye can cause damage.
The tropical fire ant is a distinct species from the little fire ant and more than twice as large and brighter red in color.
Anyone finding little fire ants can call 315-5656.

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TAX BREAKS FOR CLAIMING agricultural use of property will be reviewed more strictly by the county, but those coming forward and admitting that no ag is taking place will receive amnesty, according to Hawai`i County Finance director Nancy Crawford. Sometimes landowners place a couple of head of cattle, sheep, horses or goats to claim the discount without actually being involved in any ag enterprise. The claim of ag use is also sometimes an effort to keep taxes down while the land is being planned for subdivision and development.

For more information, contact the Real Property Tax Office at 961-8201, or see hawaiipropertytax.com.
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Randy Perreira

HAWAI`I PUBLIC SCHOOLTEACHERS AND THE AFL-CIO have forged a partnership which was announced this week.

“We will continue to build on the success of this new affiliation by working in unity with the members of the HSTA to ensure the ongoing improvement of education in Hawai`i for all students,” Hawai`i AFL-CIO president Randy Perreira said.
HSTA president Wil Okabe said, “A partnership with the AFL-CIO will allow our 13,500 members an opportunity to work with other union members in the community to promote a shared goal of transforming education in the state of Hawai`i.
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MAYOR BILLY KENOI SIGNED INTO LAW BILL 135 to raise the legal age of sale of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 in Hawai‘i County. A ceremonial signing of the bill was held yesterday at West Hawai`i Civic Center.

The Coalition For A Tobacco-Free Hawai`i West Hawai‘i and East Hawai‘i Coalitions and staff from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids worked closely with West Hawai`i Councilmember Dru Mamo Kanuha and his staff to pass this bill. Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed the bill on Nov. 20.

“I signed this bill for the benefit of our community, and most importantly, our kids,” Kenoi said. “Mahalo to Councilman Kanuha for hearing their voices and having the courage to follow through. With all of the known harmful effects of tobacco use, this measure is in the best interest of public health and safety.”

More than 40 students from Kealakehe High and Konawaena High attended the initial committee hearing on Oct. 15 and the final reading on Nov. 20, wearing T-shirts stating “One Good Reason” with an arrow pointing up toward their faces. Waiakea High students submitted nearly 300 pieces of written testimony.

Representatives from the Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawai`i and Kealakehe High School
students who advocated for the measure join Mayor Billy Kenoi and Counciman Dru
Mamo Kanua for a ceremonial signing of Bill 135.

“My commitment is to help our young people live longer and healthier lives than the generation who came before them, and to improve the overall health of our island,” Kanuha said.

“We are deeply grateful to Council member Kanuha and his staff for creating a bill that was easy for the other council members to support,” said Sally Ancheta, East Hawai‘i Coalition coordinator for CTFH. “We thank Mayor Kenoi for taking the initiative to protect our youth and supporting the many voices that came to testify.”
The ordinance takes effect on July 1, 2014 and will exempt people who reach the age of 18 before that date. Any person who distributes tobacco or electronic cigarette products to an underage customer will be subject to a fine of up to $2,000.
Nearly 1,200 Hawai`i residents die each year from diseases that can be attributed to smoking, according to CTFH. Of those, more than 90 percent of them became daily tobacco users before the age of 18.
For more information about the 21 reasons campaign, see twentyonereasons.org.

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St. Marianne Cope

ST. MARIANNE COPE’S REMAINS WILL RETURN to Hawai`i next year, according to a press release from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Syracuse, New York, where the saint’s remains have been housed during her canonization process.

“Through great deliberation and prayer, the sisters have determined that the remains of St. Marianne Cope will return to Hawai`i,” said Sister Lorraine Wesolowski.
The Diocese of Honolulu is in the process of renovating Our Lady of Peace Cathedral and will be building a special reliquary chapel to house the relics of both St. Marianne and St. Damien, who dedicated years of ministry in helping people afflicted with Hansen’s disease in Kalaupapa on Moloka`i.
The relocation was prompted by the congregation’s need move due to their current facility being found to be structurally unsound and too costly to repair. A new shrine and museum will be built at a different location in Syracuse, and a relic of St. Marianne will remain there in her original reliquary.
The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities is a congregation of more than 460 sisters who serve in 12 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Africa and Peru.
See sosf.org.

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KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. with performances by Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOLDS ITS holiday celebration for keiki Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends, yule log hunt, kanikapila `ukulele group, marshmallow roast, games, ornament decorating and lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Call 967-8222 for more information.

THE 14TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials, and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Teachers and students could see reindeer racing across the sun-drenched clouds from the Ka`u High School campus before Christmas break began. Photo by Julie Williams

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS ENDORSED Gov. Neil Abercrombie for a second term. The President cited Abercrombie’s fiscal stewardship of the state, investment in Hawai`i’s youth, commitment to renewable and alternative energy and efforts to improve infrastructure and housing.

Pres. Barack Obama has endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie
for a second term. Photo from Office of the Governor

President Obama said, “I’ve known Gov. Abercrombie for decades, and I’ve come to appreciate him not only as a friend, but as an extraordinary public servant who has never let politics get in the way of serving the people of Hawai`i. Since taking office, Neil has brought a renewed sense of fiscal discipline to the state, cutting back on wasteful spending and making the investments necessary to grow the economy and expand opportunity. Neil has never hesitated to make tough choices, and the people of Hawai`i are better off today because of his leadership. I firmly believe that Neil deserves a second term as governor, and I look forward to continuing to work with him for years to come.”

Abercrombie stated, “I am deeply honored and gratified by President Obama’s endorsement. I share the President’s vision of a nation and a state that improves the lives of all families and communities. I am eager and ready to continue working with him and his administration on an agenda for Hawai`i and the United States. With him I say, ‘yes we can!’”
Abercrombie’s work with the President and the White House includes appointment to the Council of Governors to co-coordinate with the Pentagon and Secretary of Defense on the nation’s military budget and all issues involving National Guard units across the country. Obama also asked the governor to join the President’s Climate Change Task Force and make recommendations on global warming and climate change.

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ATTORNEY JOHN CARROLL, A FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR, and Honolulu energy advocate Edward Wagner have filed a lawsuit against the state of Hawai`i and Gov. Neil Abercrombie seeking relief from the implementation of an agreement signed by Gov. Linda Lingle in 2008 which they say “created an ironclad control over the production and sale of electricity in the state.”

The National Honor Society and Interact members celebrated the holidays before school
vacation, which lasts through Jan. 6. Photo by Julie Williams

In a letter to Abercrombie, Wagner, the primary plaintiff in the class action suit, questioned what he called the governor’s “failure to fulfill or even attempt to fulfill his many campaign promises and statements regarding electrical energy production, the effect of a monopolistic control over electrical production and other failures.”
Wagner said, “You ran for governor on an energy platform in which you called out the HECO monopoly for its abuse of power and promised bold action to reign in those abuses.”
He quotes Abercrombie as saying, “We have a regulatory system and a utility monopoly that were built for a time and public purpose that are in the past. If we do not fundamentally change our approach, we will not reach our (energy) goals.”
Wagner asked Abercrombie to explain “why have you not rescinded the 2008 Lingle-HECO agreement, knowing full well that its only intent was and still is to support, protect and perpetuate the archaic utility monopoly and its profits to the detriment of our economy, our planet, and our residents.”
Carroll stated, “The current grip on electrical production makes it excessively expensive for Hawai`i’s people and, like the Jones Act restrictions, current practices are in violation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The current effect of the 2008 Lingle agreement is to give HECO/HEI and subsidiaries virtual, unfettered control and is causing solar and geothermal production to be diminished, hampered or eliminated.

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Richard Ha

“IF SUDDENLY THERE WAS REAL SCIENCE that showed harm from genetically modified organisms, I would cross that off my list and move on to the next best solution that would help our island. To date, though, there has never been any such science, not anywhere,” said Richard Ha, owner of Hamakua Country Farms, in a commentary in Civil Beat.

Regarding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s signing of Bill 113, which bans most GMO crops in Hawai`i County, Ha said he would have preferred a veto, but he supports the mayor over the County Council. “Its members have proven that they cannot separate fact from fiction, and therefore they are unqualified and unable to prepare us for the future,” Ha said.
“Our county Council clearly does not understand farming. Councilwoman Wille likes to show how many letters she has in favor of banning GMOs, but the smaller stack from people opposing the ban was from the farmers who produce more than 90 percent of the calories grown here on the Big Island.
“Why is she listening to the gardeners and not the farmers? There is such a difference between gardening and farming.”

See civilbeat.com.

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AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE MEMORY of Hawai`i Department of Health director Loretta Fuddy, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that the flags of the United States and state of Hawai`i be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai`i National Guard from sunrise to sunset today, the day of her memorial service.

Services for the late Loretta Fuddy, seen here with Gov. Neil Abercrombie, are today.
Photo from Hawai`i Children's Trust Fund

Fuddy was appointed to the governor’s Cabinet in Dec. 2010 as deputy director of the Hawai`i Department of Health and then as its director on March 2, 2011.
She previously served as chair of the Hawai`i Public Health Association, president of the Association of State and Territorial Public Health Social Workers, treasurer and secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs and a member of the Policy Committee of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers.

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SENS. MAZIE K. HIRONO AND BRIAN SCHATZ have joined Alaska Sen. Mark Begich in introducing an amendment that would exempt Hawai`i and Alaska from an increase in air travel fees. This exemption would protect interisland flights from increased air travel fees, which would more than double from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill.
“The budget deal makes tough choices, working to balance critical investments that grow our economy, ease the pain of the sequester and preserve our promises to our seniors,” Hirono said. “However, raising air travel fees ignores the disparate economic impact that increased fees and taxes on air transportation would have on non-contiguous states. In Hawai`i, residents rely on air travel to receive healthcare, connect with family and friends and conduct business. That’s why I’ve introduced this amendment with my colleagues from Hawai`i and Alaska to help maintain affordable air transportation for our constituents.
To support her request, Hirono sent a letter to Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Budget Committee, before the budget deal was unveiled, noting the history of Congressional exemptions for Hawai`i air travel passengers.
Schatz said, “We in Hawai`i are in a different situation than those on the mainland, and we often are dependent on air travel for business, health care or to visit family. Recognizing the unique position of both Hawai`i and Alaska and exempting us from increased air fees is not only fair, it is common sense.”

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The Winter Fest at the Pahala school campus featured games and a
Christmas theme. Photo by Julie Williams

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert today at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts tomorrow at 3 p.m. with performances by Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOLDS ITS holiday celebration for keiki tomorrow at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. include a forest music walk, yule log hunt, kanikapila `ukulele group, marshmallow roast, games, ornament decorating and lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u's Hawai`i County Council member Brenda Ford, shown at the recent Pahala Christmas Parade, said this morning that she will not seek the state House of Representatives seat vacated by Denny Coffman. Photo by Julia Neal

DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES for West Ka`u’s state House of Representative District is tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 23 by midnight. Candidates must be been in good standing as members of the Democratic Party of Hawai`i for at least six month, provide signatures showing support from at least five other district Democratic Party members or provide contact information for the five supporters.

Candidates must send no more than two pages of description of why they are interested, their experience, community activities and efforts that make them good candidates.

Christmas garb, Hawaiian-style: Kelly Andrade Thome, who grew up in Pahala,
handmade Christmas outfits for herself and her daughter Tehya and proudly wore
the off-shoulde rcostume at last night's Pahala Filipino Association Christmas
party. Her Andrade family in Ka`u is Hawaiian, Filipino and Portuguese.
Photo by Julia Neal

Leaders of the Democratic Party of District 5, which extends from Honu`apo, around South Point and up the Ka`u and Kona Coasts to Kailua-Kona, may choose to interview candidates. The top three candidates’ names will be submitted to Hawai`i Democratic Party chair Dante Carpenter and forwarded to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who will appoint the new House member to replace Denny Coffman, who is resigning in the wake of serious health problems among his family members.
Anyone needing further clarification can contact John Buckstead, vice chair for West Hawai`i in the Democratic Party, at jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.

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KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD confirmed this morning that she will not be seeking the vacant District 5 state House of Representatives seat. She said she has had many calls and emails but has stood firm in her vow to stay on the Council. “I am not putting my hat in the ring,” she said. “My reason is that I have a commitment and an obligation." She also said, “I really and truly appreciate people's belief that I could help.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Pahala Filipino Association president
Hilaria Panglao. Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA FILIPINO ASSOCIATION president Hilaria Panglao urged her community last night to remember the Sakadas, the hard working immigrants who came to Hawai`i between 1906 and 1946 to work in the sugar fields. She was speaking at the association's annual Christmas party and said that many Filipino families here today are “an extension of the Sakadas.” She said that when she first arrived, she was able to interview many of them through research she was conducting with her university professor. A Filipino radio personality and emcee at the party reminded the party-goers that Pahala is one of the few communities left with a Filipino association. Panglao said the organization helps many with socialization and understanding of the U.S. government, in addition to helping the sick and elderly in the community.

To contact Pahala Filipino Association, call Panglao at 928-8261.

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SAMPLES THAT COULD BE LITTLE FIRE ANTS were collected on Friday and have been submitted for identification to the Hawai`i Ant Lab in Hilo, according to Michelle Montgomery, of the UH-Pacific Cooperative Studies unit. She said yesterday that “a neighbor of Bay Clinic initially reported possible LFA, and further communications with other people in the area lead to reports of possible LFA on surrounding properties. The ant surveys were conducted and spanned the area of a vacant lot next to Bay Clinic (NE side) all the way to (and including) the park ball field. Samples were collected with locations recorded and are awaiting processing and ant identification.”
Little fire ants, Wasmannia auropunctata, are the size of pin heads but can be destructive to agriculture and painful to people and pets. Anyone seeing little fire ants can call Hawai`i Ant Lab at 315-5656. See littlefireants.com for more on their identification, distribution and problems that come with their possible invasion of Ka`u.

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Pahala Filipino Association's annual Christmas party last night drew caroling,
with members also going house-to-house to sing. Photo by Julia Neal

THE U.S. SENATE HAS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED the Native American Memorial Amendments Act of 2013 introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz and co-sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono and several others. Passage paves the way for a Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. honoring Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan and American Indian veterans. The legislation has already passed the House of Representatives and now goes to President Obama for his signature.

“In every conflict since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans have answered the call to serve and defend our country. It is long past time for our nation to honor the uncommon contributions of Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan, American Indian, and other native veterans,” Schatz said. “I introduced this bill so that our nation can recognize Native Americans’ service and patriotism with a fitting memorial. A memorial to native veterans will make sure future generations learn about the sacrifices Native Americans made in service to our nation, and it will commemorate their exceptional commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy.”
A Native American Veterans Memorial was originally established more than 20 years ago, but has been languishing due to funding and logistical problems. Sen. Schatz’s legislation allows the National Museum of the American Indian to accept donations to privately fund the memorial, as well as enabling the museum to take on a more active role in planning and construction. Previously, the memorial would have had to be built inside the museum building, but Schatz’s bill allows for the memorial to be located on the National Mall.

Amy Javar, grand-dame of the Javar coffee farming clan, said she
picks coffee every day, taking time out last night to distribute
presents at Ka`u Coffee Farmers Co-op holiday party.
Photo by Julia Neal

As part of his speech, Schatz shared Hawai`i’s record of Native Hawaiian military service and spoke of Congressional Medal of Honoree, Army Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho`ohanohano, who posthumously received the award for his acts of bravery after being killed in the Korean War.
“My home state of Hawai`i is second to none when it comes to patriotism, public service, and personal sacrifice,” said Schatz. “The heroic deeds of Anthony T. Kaho`ohanohano from Wailuku, Maui, prove just how true this is.”

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“THE FINDINGS OF THE PRESIDENT’S REVIEW GROUP (on Intelligence and Communications Technology) are consistent with my call for the need to protect the personal privacy of innocent Americans, who have been unnecessarily targeted by the overreach of the National Security Agency,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a co-sponsor of the USA FREEDOM Act. “This report acknowledges that surveillance reform is critical and urgent, and also builds on a U.S. district court ruling earlier this week that indicated that bulk collection of phone records is likely unconstitutional.”

Sen. Brian Schatz spoke of Anthony Kaho`ohanohano in his call for
a Native American Veterans Memorial.

The USA FREEDOM Act calls for improvements to privacy protections for Americans and limitations of the NSA’s domestic surveillance programs. The legislation primarily targets reforms to Section 215 of the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act, which has been widely blamed for the bulk collection of innocent Americans’ personal data. “The NSA’s blatant violations of personal privacy and freedoms are extremely disturbing, and it is crucial that Congress take action on legislation like the USA FREEDOM Act to put an end to this abuse of the constitutional rights of the American people.”

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FIREWORKS PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE beginning Thursday, Dec. 26. Each permit costs $25 and entitles the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits shall only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older, are non-transferable and non-refundable. Fireworks sales begin on Thursday and end at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Permits are not required for purchasing novelties and paperless firecrackers. Setting off of fireworks for the New Year celebrations are allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Permits must be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of the firing.
Hawai`i Fire Department asks everyone to kokua in helping prevent fires and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
Regulations and recommendations regarding fireworks are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Young Kira, of the Orcino coffee family, hands out one of
the many presents at Ka`u Coffee Growers Co-op Christmas
party, with lucky numbers drawn by co-op president
Gloria Camba. Photo by Julia Neal

For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, or use of fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).

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PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts today at 3 p.m. with performances by Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOLDS ITS holiday celebration for keiki today at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. include a forest music walk, yule log hunt, kanikapila `ukulele group, marshmallow roast, games, ornament decorating and lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Christmas Day Buffet Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Hannah's Makana `Ohana halau shared hula with Ka`u School of the Arts at Ocean View Community Center, wrapping a Christmas concert series at Pahala Plantation House yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY is available through Jan. 31, 2014 for area residents to fill out online and help guide the future of health care in the district.

Survey questions ask where Ka`u residents are receiving health care, from emergency services to cardiology, cancer and other ailments. There are questions about insurance and needs for improvements as well as the satisfaction of Ka`u residents with current services.
The short survey can be taken at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX and through a link at krhcai.com, Ka`u Rural Health Community Association.

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Measurements of gas emissions from Halema`uma`u are becoming more accurate.
Photo from USGS

BEGINNING JAN. 1, 2014, HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY will report the range of sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit of Kilauea volcano based on measurements made with a new technique that gives more accurate measurements. HVO reports that, while gas numbers are going up, emissions are not. “Expect to see a dramatic jump in these values, but keep in mind that the actual SO2 coming out of Kilauea has not changed – just our way of measuring and reporting it,” according to the latest issue of Volcano Watch.

The new system uses an array of 10 upward-facing spectrometers downwind of Kilauea summit that measures the amount of ultraviolet light the gas plume absorbs. From these data, HVO calculates how much gas is in the plume.
Gas numbers presently come from one upward-looking spectrometer mounted on top of a vehicle that is regularly driven beneath the gas plume. The data are summed over the length of the vehicle traverse and multiplied by the average wind speed to obtain an emission rate.
This method, pioneered at Kilauea and used at volcanoes worldwide, works best for gas plumes that appear visually thin and wispy, according to HVO. This was the case at Kilauea’s summit through 2007 and along Chain of Craters Road, where SO2 in the plume emanating from the long-running east rift eruption was measured.
In early 2008, summit emissions leading to the beginning of the eruption at Halema`uma`u in March ramped up to levels unseen before. During the first half of 2008, the summit plume also became milky in appearance, causing SO2 emission rates to be underestimated.
The fixed-array system became operational last year, and since then, HVO has been optimizing its performance while comparing it with vehicle-based values and other monitoring data.
Comparisons between vehicle-based and fixed-array techniques over the past few months have shown that the actual emission rate values were several times higher than pre-2014 estimates. The vehicle-based SO2 emission rate measurements for Dec. 11 were about 600 tonnes per day, while the fixed-array measurements during that week were between 1,300 and 3,100 tonnes per day.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Applications for scholarships and grants provided by the Thirty Meter Telescope
project will be accepted begin next year. Image from tmt.org

THE HAWAI`I ISLAND NEW KNOWLEDGE FUND will begin accepting scholarship and grant applications next year, reports Megan Moseley in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The funds are for Big Island students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. THINK is an outreach program of the Thirty Meter Telescope project, which is planning to build one of the world’s largest telescopes on Mauna Kea.

According to tmt.org, funding of the scholarships and grants “will commence with the issuance of the project’s Conservation District Use Permit by Hawai`i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources in conjunction with the start of construction.” While the project is currently facing a lawsuit, Sandra Dawson, Hawai`i community affairs manager for TMT, told Moseley the THINK program would go forward if no injunction is issued.
“THINK's vision is to raise STEM education as a core community value,” the website states. “In doing so, THINK initiatives will pave the way for the academic, physical, emotional and social success for Hawai`i Island students so they may become self-directed, lifelong learners who think critically and creatively and function as responsible productive members of society.”

The fund is designed to provide $1 million per year for STEM-related education on Hawai`i Island over the life of the TMT lease on Mauna Kea.

Dawson told Moseley that three-fourths of the fund will go to the Hawai`i Committee Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to students throughout the state, and that the remaining one-fourth will go toward Honolulu-based Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation, which supports Kamehameha Schools.

Keawe Liu, executive director of Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation, told Moseley, “We’re excited to do good in the community. This is going to make a significant impact on the Hawai`i Island and Hawaiian community.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Ka`u School of the Arts president Bradley Grohs (right) shared hula with Kumu Marcia Laimana Bulusan and students at a Pahala Plantation House concert yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

DURING CHRISTMAS CONCERTS around the district, Ka`u School of the Arts president Bradley Grohs invited community members to programs for 2014. They include Ka`u Community Chorus, led by Grohs on Mondays at 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall, with the offer to hold practices in the other communities as well. Also offered is Hula Kahiko with Kumu Hula Marcia Laimana Buluson. Classes are Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. She said she is also willing to hold classes in the other Ka`u villages. Ka`u `Ohana Band, led by Cynthia Decker, meets Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

Mike Munnerlyn and Mona Chow assembled little red wagons for last year's
Pahala Christmas celebraation. Photo by Julia Neal

For more information on all of the Ka`u School of the Arts programs, call 854-1540 or email info@kauarts.org.

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE KEIKI, music and food for everyone takes place around the Pahala Christmas tree tomorrow, Christmas Eve. The celebration is in memory of the late Keala Kailiawa, who started the tradition. The gathering is next to the gas station at 6 p.m. with caroling led by Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids.

NA`ALEHU UNITED METHODIST CHURCH across from the post office invites the public to Christmas Eve service tomorrow at 7 p.m. The service includes Word, carols, music and joy with the Bells of Aloha hand bell choir and the church choir. The service ends in candlelight with the singing of Silent Night.
Call 929-9949 for more information.

Pianists Ben Houghton and David Mattson played J.S. Bach's Concerto in D Minor
at Ka`u School of the Arts' concerts around the district. Photo by Julia Neal

HOLIDAY MEALS ARE AVAILABLE at several Ka`u venues.
Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu offers Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring prime rib, deluxe seafood platter, stuffed acorn squash and shrimp linguine. Dinners include starters and special desserts and music with Ernie Kalani.

On Christmas Day at Hana Hou, breakfast begins at 7 a.m., holiday lunch starts at 11 a.m., and dinner is available from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Call 929-9717 for reservations.
South Side Shaka’s in Na`alehu is open for breakfast and lunch tomorrow, closing at 4 p.m. Regular hours on Christmas Day offer breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. and regular menu items until 8:30 p.m.
Call 929-7404.
Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Christmas Day Buffet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Call 967-8356 for more information.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL placed third in St. Joseph’s tournament held Dec. 19 - 21. Thursday, Dec. 19, Ka`u beat St. Joseph’s 63-59, with Alexis Alejo and Chance Emmsley scoring 12 points, Larry Navarro with 11 points and Brian Gascon with five points. On Friday, Dec. 20, Ka`u lost against Hilo. Scores were 23-59, with Larry Navarro and Franklin Orcino, Jr. scoring five points each. Ka`u boys basketball team will kick its regular season off on Friday, Jan. 3, hosting the Kamehameha Warriors.

KA`U HIGH SOCCER TEAMS played against Makualani on Saturday, Dec. 21. Ka`u girls soccer lost 7-0, and Ka`u boys lost 3-1. Next match for Ka`u boys & girls soccer will be on Thursday, Jan. 2, hosting Kea`au at 2 p.m. and at 4 p.m.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Christmas decorations light up Kilauea Military Camp's front row of cottages throughout the month, with Ka`u residents invited to vote for their favorite. Photo by Dave Berry

HEAVY COMPETITION FOR BIOFUEL RESOURCES on the island moved one step closer to reality as the state Public Utilities yesterday approved Hawai`i Electric Light Co.’s contract with a company that plans to produce up to 10 percent of the island’s power requirements. Hu Honua Bioenergy plans to burn biomass trucked in from around the island to its oceanfront Pepeekeo plant, following completion of the renovation of the old sugar mill. The PUC filed its approval yesterday afternoon, permitting a 20-year purchase power agreement.

Unlike the `Aina Koa Pono proposal for Ka`u, which would use some 11,000 acres between Pahala and Na`alehu, displacing ranchers to grow biofuel crops, Hu Honua plans to purchase farmed eucalyptus and other biomass from diverse sources. Also unlike the `Aina Koa Pono plan, Hu Honua will generate electricity directly to HELCO power lines. `Aina Koa Pono would make the biomass into pellets and process them in 27 microwave processors, each the size of a shipping container, and send the resulting gas up a cooling stack to make biodiesel. The refinery would be on the edge of Wood Valley, and the biofuel would be trucked the two-hour trip along Hwy 11 to HELCO’s power plant near Kona Airport.

See testimony from all sides of the `Aina Koa issue by searching this blog and reading the PUC docket at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-1085.
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`AINA KOA PONO MADE ANOTHER PUSH this week with a statement by its consultant AECOM that it has again announced that AKP’s microwave depolymerization process is “optimal for renewable liquid fuel production.” Pacific Business News reports AECOM saying that the process is environmentally sound, producing “substantially less carbon” and requiring “less energy than current petroleum technologies.”
According to the story, Shawn Kelly, Aecom’s vice president of Energy, said “It appears that the AKP project can be replicated throughout the Islands.”
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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Duane Kanuha

A VOTE BY A BIG ISLAND MEMBER of the state Land Use Commission has been thrown out by the state Supreme Court, stopping an O`ahu development in a decision concerning land use statewide.

Although the Senate rejected Duane Kanuha’s nomination for a second term on the LUC in 2010, Gov. Linda Lingle retained him as a holdover appointment. A lawsuit by Sierra Club Hawai`i challenged the validity of Kanuha’s vote on the Koa Ridge development, which called for reclassification of agricultural land. Sierra Club claimed that, because his nomination was rejected, he was not entitled to serve on the commission.

Kanuha is currently Hawai`i County Planning director.
“This is a victory, not only for protecting some of the most productive farmland on O`ahu, but in that it protects the right of the public to have a fair and balanced Land Use Commission,” said Robert D. Harris, director of Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “Hawai`i’s citizens and future generations deserve a Land Use Commission that is fair, balanced, and duly-appointed.”
See sierraclub.org.

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REAP IS THE RURAL DEVLOPMENT ENERGY PROGRAM that is helping farmers, from taro growers making taro burgers to cattlemen needing power to pump water.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development state director Chris Kanazawa, based in Hilo, said this morning that “the REAP program is Rural Development’s flagship renewable energy program. As part of President Obama’s energy strategy, Rural Development continues to work with farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses to help save energy and improve their bottom line.”

He gave the example of taro farmer Holbrook Beck, who operates a 20-acre farm to supply Taro Burgers for local and mainland customers. Whole Foods is requesting them by the container-full, Beck said. He said his taro is non-GMO and pesticide free. Kanazawa announced today that Beck and one other Hawai`i agriculturalist recently received REAP funding.
Under the REAP program, qualified applicants may receive a 25 percent grant and 50 percent low-interest loan to either increase energy efficiency for existing systems or to create new energy efficient systems.

Holbrook Beck, who grows taro for taro burgers, receives REAP funding.
Photo from USDA

The Rural Energy for America Program, authorized through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of projects. Offering both loan guarantees and grants, the REAP program helps eligible applicants install renewable energy systems such as solar panels or anaerobic digesters, make energy efficiency improvements such as installing irrigation pumps or replacing ventilation systems, and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies.
Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack noted that today’s funding announcement is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy. He called it one reason why Congress must get a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill done as soon as possible.
“President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities,” he said. “Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.”
For more information on how Ka`u residents can apply for REAP grants, contact Kanazawa at 933-8302 or chris.kanazawa@hi.usda.gov.

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Colleen Hanabusa

HAWAI`I STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION’S executive board has voted unanimously to recommend Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s candidacy to its 3,500 members, said HSTA president Wil Okabe. Hanabusa is challenging Sen. Brian Schatz for the seat Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed him to after the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye.

Okabe cited Hanabusa’s support of education and teacher issues.

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A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN PAHALA begins today at 6 p.m. around the Christmas tree next to the gas station on Kamani Street. In memory of the late Keala Kailiawa, who started the tradition, the event features gifts for keiki and music and food for everyone, with caroling led by Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids.

NA`ALEHU UNITED METHODIST CHURCH across from the post office invites the public to Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. The service includes Word, carols and music, ending in candlelight with the singing of Silent Night.
Call 929-9949 for more information.

HOLIDAY MEALS ARE AVAILABLE at several Ka`u venues.
Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu offers Christmas Eve dinner today from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dinners include starters and special desserts. Tomorrow, breakfast begins at 7 a.m., holiday lunch starts at 11 a.m., and Christmas dinner is available from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 929-9717 for reservations.
South Side Shaka’s in Na`alehu is open for breakfast and lunch today, closing at 4 p.m. Regular hours on Christmas Day offer breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. and regular menu items until 8:30 p.m. Call 929-7404.
Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Christmas Day Buffet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Near the site of the proposed `Aina Koa Pono refinery on the edge of Wood Valley is the proclamation in stone declaring Malama Aina,
where the Edmund C. Olson Trust plans diversified agriculture and has begun leasing property to more farmers
for coffee and other crops. Photo by Julia Neal

DENIED IS THE DECISION ON THE `AINA KOA PONO PROPOSAL, the state Public Utilities Commission posted on its website yesterday. “The contract price for the `Aina Koa Pono-produced biofuel is excessive and not cost-effective at present and for the foreseeable future, and thus, is unreasonable and inconsistent with the public interest,” the PUC said in its denial of the proposed 20-year, fixed-price contract between AKP and Hawai`i utility companies. The biofuel would have been produced at a microwave refinery that would have been built above Pahala on the edge of Wood Valley using feedstock grown on lands between Pahala and Na`alehu. AKP proposed to clear and farm 8,000 acres from Edmund C. Olson Trust and some 4,000 acres from the Mallick family.
Hawai`i County participated in the case before the PUC, using its county attorneys, energy staff and consultants to oppose the proposal for the utility to purchase 16 million gallons of biofuel a year from AKP for 20 years. Mayor Billy Kenoi stated that the county is not interested in alternative energies “unless they result in a lowering of utility bills, not raising of them.”
Also arguing against the AKP contract was consumer and environmental group Life of the Land, which received legal standing as an intervenor in the case.

The utility companies first filed an application for the contract almost three years ago, in Jan. 2011. After the PUC denied it in September of 2011, the utilities re-negotiated with AKP and submitted a new proposal in Aug. 2012 with a lower per-gallon and still undisclosed biofuel price. The PUC pointed out that the lower price “does not necessarily mean that the new biofuel price is reasonable and in the public interest.”
The commission also said, “The excess level of the biofuel price … is further evidenced by the (utility) companies’ request to establish and implement their proposed Biofuel Surcharge Provision, which is designed to authorize HELCO to pass through to HELCO’s and HECO’s ratepayers the difference between the cost of the biofuel and the cost of the fossil fuel that the biofuel is replacing, in the event that the cost of the biofuel is higher than the cost of the fossil fuel.
“The companies have failed to convince the commission that the contract, if approved by the commission, will lead to lower and stable electricity costs for HELCO ratepayers. Instead, under the reference petroleum diesel price forecast scenario, the AKP-produced biofuel will consistently exceed HELCO’s forecasted petroleum diesel prices for most of the twenty-year contract term. Thus, the companies’ projected cost savings are not expected to occur until the latter part of the twenty-year contract term.”

`Aina Koa Pono's plan,which was turned down by the PUC this week, could have displaced cattle ranchers between
Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

While the commission recognized that the contract is intended to reduce the state’s reliance and dependence on fossil fuels, including the volatility of fossil fuel prices and supply limitations the amount of funds that are expended for importing fuel and greenhouse gas emissions, “the evidence regarding the external benefits of the AKP Project is not sufficient to convince the commission that the contract is reasonable and in the public interest.”

In the first docket, the commission expressed its concerns that HELCO’s commitment to purchase an annual minimum quantity of AKP-produced biofuel has the potential to displace or curtail more economical, existing renewable energy resources or restrict the addition of other new low-cost, fixed price renewable energy projects. “Such a commitment, moreover, appears to benefit AKP, to the ratepayers’ detriment,” the PUC stated. “The commission’s concerns have not been alleviated by the companies’ filings in this proceeding.”
The PUC also expressed concern that neither an independent, third-party assessment of economic impacts and potential externalities nor an environmental assessment have been produced for its review and consideration.

“The commission rejects as unpersuasive and without merit the companies’ assertion that it is more appropriate to address externalities that relate to the AKP project in other forums and processes. Here, it is clear that AKP’s ability to obtain project financing is dependent upon the commission approving the contract. Without such approval, AKP will be unable to proceed with the project. Thus, the project and the contract, for purposes of considering the externalities in evaluating the contract, are intertwined.

“While the Companies correctly note that the contract is for biofuel that will be manufactured within the state from a locally produced feedstock, the economic, environmental, social and other impacts associated with such an operation remain largely unknown and un-quantified at this time. The identification of the source crops is also unknown.”

Another unsupported presumption in the contract, the PUC stated, is the utilities assessment that AKP’s facility would create a direct economic benefit to the state in the form of a net increase in jobs and revenue taxes “because local biofuel production has a labor intensive agricultural component."
The PUC was also not persuaded by the argument that its approval of the contract is necessary to enable the development of a large-scale, local biofuels production facility. “The commission’s rejection of the Biodiesel Supply Contract does not prevent AKP from pursuing a scaled-down version of its proposed bio-refinery project for the purpose of supplying biofuel to the transportation and other non-utility generation sectors.” Here, the commission concluded that ratepayers should not be required to “ensure the economic returns necessary to attract project financing” for the construction and development of AKP’s bio-refinery.
Ka`u News Briefs will report on more from the PUC’s decision in upcoming days.

Keiki await the gift-giving, from educational toys
and games to three-wheelers, bells and bags
of rice and other food. Photo by Julia Neal

The decision and all other documents filed in the docket are available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-1085. Go to Dockets, Trending Dockets, `Aina Koa Pono and to documents.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AS MUCH INPUT from the community as possible, Ka`u Hospital has extended the deadline for its community health needs survey until the end of January. There are many ways to participate: via the Internet at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX or by completing a paper survey being distributed by members of the hospital’s community advisory board. Surveys are also available at the hospital’s rural health clinic. The purpose of this survey is to help the hospital understand the needs and expectations of the community with respect to health services so that it can direct efforts more effectively in planning for the future. “In particular, we want to know what additional services are needed that aren’t provided now at the hospital, what we do well, what we should be doing differently and what the barriers are to getting the care you need,” said administrator Merilyn Harris.
Those who do not wish to complete a survey but who would like to provide a comment or suggestion can contact Harris at mharris@hhsc.org.

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CHRISTMAS AROUND THE TREE, honoring the late Keala Kailiawa last night, drew keiki and adults to enjoy a meal, listen to music and share gifts around the village tree at Pahala Plantation Cottages. Sponsored by Olson Trust and Bull and Jamie Kailiawa, the Jade Moses famiily, Pahala Plantation Cottages, Keoki Kahumoku, Thomas King, Mike Munnerlyn and O Ka`u Kakou, the event drew from donations by many members of the community.

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Ka`u High teacher David Berry plays music with fisherman Guy Sesson

and musician and teacher Keoki Kahumoku at

Christmas Around the Tree. Photo by Carrie Berry

DR. DOEDE DONAUGH, WHO IS LEAVING BAY CLINIC’S Ka`u Family Health Center at the end of this month, will be joining Ka`u Rural Health Clinic half-time in late January. “Ka`u has so few medical providers that we didn’t want to lose this opportunity,” said Ka`u Hospital administrator Merilyn Harris. “We have a lot of respect for her. She has been part of our medical staff since she came to this area, and we have found her to be a very caring physician who goes the extra mile for her patients – just the kind of provider our community deserves.”

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GARY GILL IS HAWAI`I’S NEW INTERIM HEALTH DIRECTOR, appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to temporarily replace Loretta Fuddy, who died in a plane crash on Dec. 11.

Gary Gill

“During this interim period, Gary is ready to ensure that the important work of the Department of Health continues without interruption,” Abercrombie said. “He shares my utmost confidence and that of the entire Department of Health `ohana in moving the department forward until a permanent director is identified.”
Abercrombie has until Feb. 9 to appoint a permanent director.

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VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES supporter Ross Rammelmeyer is asking those interested to sign a petition calling for funding of a new facility for the charter school. “VSAS students learn in rotting tents and WWII quonset huts reached by a rutted dirt and cinder road,” the petition states. “The school auditorium is a sheet of vinyl on large hoops, open to the rainforest weather on both ends. The playground is a former plantation equipment dump. Shards of metal continually work their way up underfoot where the children exercise and play at recess. The school is on leased land with high, annually increasing rent. The school’s burgeoning lease is the second highest line item in the school budget. As the rent increases, the school is forced to decrease enrollment to make ends meet.”

The petition states, “We are struggling to educate our children in one of the fastest growing areas in the state. We have given to the state land on which to build a decent new school. Our present ‘Third World’ school is already producing better-educated children than nearby public schools. We have cobbled up $156,000 to contribute to our ‘bootstrap’ building effort. We have been successful in having our Legislature re-appropriate funds for a decent, safe school only to have the effort arbitrarily strangled by our governor.”
According to the document, the state Legislature has twice appropriated $618,000 of state construction and improvement funds, but Gov. Neil Abercrombie has not released the funds.
The petition is available at petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-abercrombie-5?source=c.em.cp&r_by=.

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HOLIDAY MEALS ARE AVAILABLE today at Ka`u venues.
Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu offers holiday lunch, with Christmas dinner available from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 929-9717 for reservations.
South Side Shaka’s in Na`alehu has regular menu items until 8:30 p.m. Call 929-7404.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at
http://www.flipsnack.com/5B55ECEC5A8/ftjs7qwe
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Country road between Na`alehu and Pahala leads to coffee farms, pastures and the Pacific Quest farm for youth. `Aina Koa Pono, turned down this week by the state Public Utilities Commission, would have cleared trees and brush on some 11,000 acres and planted biofuel crops to be trucked to a refinery planned for the edge of Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal

IN ITS DENIAL THIS WEEK OF THE SECOND proposed 20-year contract between `Aina Koa Pono and the Hawai`i utility companies to produce biofuel at a refinery above Pahala using feedstock grown in Ka`u, Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission expressed concern about several issues.

The PUC questioned AKP’s intended use of microwave depolymerization at its refinery, saying the technology “appears unproven on a large, commercial scale basis.” The PUC agreed with previous statements about Micro Dee’s unproven status by Sen. Russell Ruderman, Mayor Billy Kenoi, energy expert Peter Matlock, Hamakua farmer Richard Ha and Life of the Land director Henry Curtis.

The PUC and others took issue with AKP's Micro Dee refinery process.
Photo from biofuels-solutions.com

According to AKP, the Micro Dee process would “convert biomass into a crude oil using modular units of a microwave process, compressing to about an hour what in nature takes thousands, even millions of years.” In Oct. 2012, AKP announced that it was planning to bring a 33-ton-a-day Micro Dee unit to its proposed refinery site independent of PUC approval and refine transportation fuel. Last January AKP said the unit would be installed “within the next several months and be operational before second quarter, 2014.” While AKP’s consultant AECOM recently announced that the technology is “optimal for renewable liquid fuel production.”
Regarding HELCO’s statement that there are no development, technological or financial risks to customers of paying for anything other than the per-gallon price of the biofuel that is delivered to HELCO in accordance with the contract specifications, the PUC said, “The (utility) companies’ reasoning misses the point. The commission’s approval of the contract is a prerequisite for AKP to obtain the funds to finance the project, which includes the use of the Micro Dee technology on a large, commercial-scale basis. Hence, if the commission ultimately approves the contract and the companies’ corresponding requests, HELCO and HECO ratepayers risk being ‘stuck’ with a long-term, twenty-year contract that is designed to provide AKP with a known amount of revenue and a steady revenue stream during the contractual time period when the price of the AKP-produced biofuel is likely to be higher than the price of the diesel fuel that it is replacing.
“Moreover, the contract, if approved by the commission, will result in a fifty-month period between the contract’s effective date and AKP’s commercial operation date. During this approximate four-year and two-month ‘placeholder’ period, other renewable energy resource options, at potentially lower costs, may not be vetted or otherwise considered by HELCO while a determination is made as to whether AKP … is able to deliver the contracted volume of biofuel to HELCO in accordance with the contract specifications.”
According to the PUC, HELCO must demonstrate that the project provides cost reduction benefits to ratepayers, directly or indirectly, by improving and maximizing the integration of additional lower cost renewable energy. “AKP’s Biodiesel Supply Contract fails to meet this objective,” the PUC stated.
The decision and all other documents filed in the docket are available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-1085. Go to Dockets, Trending Dockets, `Aina Koa Pono and to documents.

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FUNDING FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLASSES is being sought by Hawai`i State Teachers Association. Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported this week that, according to the union, the effort is preserve jobs for teachers and help children who will be too young to enter kindergarten. A new law requires kindergarten students to be at least five years old by July 31, causing an estimated 5,000 children not to be eligible.

“Our initiative is to have all children provided with a free pre-kindergarten education with a qualified teacher,” said HSTA president Wil Okabe.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie applauded HSTA’s announcement, saying he “welcomed the opportunity to work with” the union.
See staradvertiser.com.

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New Year's Day fireworks in Pahala could return in 2015. Photo by Kris Bakken

NO FIREWORKS for Pahala this New Year’s Day. Rodney Freitas, a licenses pyrotechnic expert who has been sponsoring News Year’s Day night fireworks said this morning that without funding, he cannot continue. He said some promises of funding just came in, but that it is too late to organize purchase of the fireworks and any needed permissions. He said he would be happy to start building a fund for 2015.

Call Freitas at Big Island Klimate Kontrol, 987-8918, or email info@bigislandklimatekontrol.com.

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FIREWORKS PERMITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE through midnight on New Year's Eve. Each permit costs $25 and entitles the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits shall only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older, are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Permits are not required for purchasing novelties and paperless firecrackers. Setting off of fireworks for the New Year celebrations is allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Permits must be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of the firing.
Hawai`i Fire Department asks everyone to kokua in helping prevent fires and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
Regulations and recommendations regarding fireworks are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, or use of fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).

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Aikido ceremony at Old Pahala Clubhouse with yellow belts Troy Gacayan, Kyle Pitcher, Sensai Alan Moores, Melinda Eder, CC Ortega and Fresno Eder. Photo from Pahala Aikido Club

AIKIDO STUDENTS IN KA`U displayed their progress Monday at the Old Pahala Clubhouse, where they earned new belts. Instructor and Sensai Alan Moorse said the students earning yellow belts after the first season of classes and the Fifth Kyu – yellow belt grading – are Troy Gacayan, Kyle Pitcher, Melinda Eder, CC Ortega and Fresno Eder.

Aikido teaches practitioners how to defend themselves without hurting
others, as demonstrated by Fresno Eder in white and Troy Gacayan.
Photo from Pahala Aikido Club

Aikido meets every Monday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Moores at 928-0919 or artbyalan2011@gmail.com.

HOLIDAY EVENTS CONTINUE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

The 14th annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials, and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional. Call 967-7565 for more information.
During Kilauea Military Camp’s Holiday Challenge through the end of the month, visitors can vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Ballots are available at the front desk.
Park entrance fees apply.

A GUIDED HIKE AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday focuses on the area’s human history. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hikes over rugged terrain is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 985-6011 for more information.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS A PRESENTATION about Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Frank Trusdell, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist who has studied Mauna Loa for two decades, presents his free talk about Earth’s largest volcano at 6:30 p.m. Trusdell’s talk is one of many programs offered by HVO in January, Hawai`i Island’s fifth annual Volcano Awareness Month.
Mauna Loa, one of Hawai`i’s most active volcanoes, has erupted 33 times since 1843 –most recently in March 1984. During that 23-day-long eruption, lava flows reached to within four miles of Hilo city limits.

Erupting vents on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone in March 1984 sent massive flows
toward Hilo, reaching to within four miles of city limits. Photo from USGS

The volcano has now been quiet for almost 30 years. As a result, many Hawai`i residents may not be aware that it is an active volcano. But Mauna Loa will definitely erupt again, and it could be in your lifetime, according to Trusdell.
“When Mauna Loa erupts, it is capable of disrupting lives and commerce throughout the Island of Hawai`i,” he added.
In 1950, lava erupted from a fissure on Mauna Loa’s Southwest Rift Zone at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet and reached the ocean in less than three hours. By the time this eruption ended, lava flows had crossed Hwy 11 in three places, burying more than one mile of the road and destroying about two dozen structures.  
It’s important for all Hawai`i residents to become aware of the volcano’s potential activity so that they are prepared for its next eruption,” Trusdell said. 

For more information about this presentation, email askHVO@usgsg.gov or call 967-8844.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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`Aina Koa Pono says it plans to forge ahead with its project which called for cutting trees, brush and grasses between Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

`AINA KOA PONO PLANS TO MOVE FORWARD with its plans to construct a $450 million refinery and Ka`u biofuels farm, reports Alan Yonan, Jr. in this morning's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. After its second proposed contract with Hawai`i utility companies was turned down by the state Public Utilities Commission this week, AKP said it still has a contract with Georgia-based Mansfield Oil Co. to distribute up to 24 million gallons of AKP’s biofuel for transportation use. AKP's plan has been to produce the fuel at a microwave refinery on the edge of Wood Valley above Pahala using trees, shrubs and grasses cut from lands between Pahala and Na`alehu.
In an email to the Star-Advertiser, AKP co-founder and partner Kenton Eldridge said, “AKP is very disappointed with the PUC’s decision but will continue to pursue our plan to produce both biofuels as well (as) biochar.” Biochar is a byproduct of the refining process that AKP said can be used as a soil conditioner.

AKP says it has a contract with Mansfield Oil to distribute up to 24 million gallons
of biofuel annually for transportation use.

Previously, Eldridge had said Mansfield Oil Co. would transport 16 million gallons of biofuel annually from the Ka`u refinery to HELCO’s Keahole power plant as well as distribute an additional eight million gallons of biofuel annually “with preference to Hawai`i. If sold here, it would represent 16 percent of Hawai`i’s transportation diesel demand based on the 2011 data of the Federal Highway Administration,” Eldridge predicted, saying, “Mansfield is an industry leader in fuel handling and distribution and will handle all the fuel logistics from the Ka`u facility.”

In its unanimous decision, the PUC stated, “AKP, at its option, is free to pursue a scaled-down version of its proposed bio-refinery for the purpose of supplying biofuel to the transportation and other non-utility generation sectors. Such a venture will not require the commission’s approval of the resulting biofuel supply contract as a prerequisite to obtaining financing for a scaled-down version of any proposed AKP bio-refinery.”
Hawai`i Electric Light Co. president Jay Ignacio told the Star-Advertiser, “We respect the commission’s decision, and our companies will continue to focus on alternatives to meet Hawai`i’s clean energy goals and lower the cost of electricity for our customers.”
State energy administrator Mark Glick told Yonan the PUC decision “reflects the state’s energy policy of balancing technical, economic, environmental and cultural considerations on energy projects to ensure making the best use of land and resources.”
Eldridge is also quoted in Pacific Business News: "We’ve had a Plan B for awhile. We will continue to pursue our project for the transportation fuels and will have more to say in the coming days.”
The land for which `Aina Koa Pono representatives said they had a lease is owned by the Edmund C. Olson Trust and the Mallick family. It is used for ranching and farming, with planned expansion of food crops and coffee production as the market for Ka`u Coffee is exploding.

See staradvertiser.com and bizjournals.com/pacific.
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Pohakuloa Training Area wants to add four helicopter landing zones to its current 31.
Photo from Environmental Assessment

BUILDING FOUR HELICOPTER TRAINING LANDING ZONES along with access and connecting trails within Pohakuloa Training Area is the subject of an Environmental Assessment released Monday. The military’s conclusion, according to the EA, is that the project would have no significant impact on the natural or human environment.

The zones, on the northern slope of Mauna Loa, would be used for pilots to train on varied terrain, under diverse conditions and at multiple altitudes. The locations would allow pilots and troops to be trained to proficiency in austere environmental conditions above 8,000 feet.
No increase in training flights is being proposed. PTA estimates that approximately 10 percent of current training flights occurring at PTA would use the new landing zones once they are constructed.
There would be a maximum of 420 flights a year following a flight path within PTA’s airspace and perimeter and a maximum of 20 landings per day on the proposed zones. Multiple helicopters could be in the air and conducting maneuvers simultaneously.
While there are no cultural resources within the landing zones, three potential cultural sites identified along a trail during a survey in February and March can be avoided during construction activities, the EA stated.
“Impacts to sensitive species from construction activities are anticipated to be low because of the lack of habitat and the implementation of measures to mitigate potential habitat loss and species injury/death,” the EA stated. Impacts from noise to sensitive species are anticipated to be low, “because species would not be attracted to the noise and would vacate the area until the noise subsides.”
The EA is available online at oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov and garrison.hawaii.army.mil/NEPA/NEPA.htm. Copies are also available at public libraries in Kailua-Kona and Hilo.
Comments are being accepted through Jan. 18. Send to Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division (IMHW-PWE), Attn: Dale Kanehisa, 948 Santos Dumont Ave., Building 105, Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, 96857-5013.
For more information, contact Kanehisa at 656-5670 or email dale.kanehisa@us.army.mil.

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Scott Enright replaces Russell Kokubun as Ag chief.
Photo from Office of the Governor.

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED A NEW CHAIR of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. Scott Edward Enright has been named to replace Russell Kokubun, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Enright’s appointment Thursday. “Scott is a respected member of the community whose collaborative spirit has served to bring all parties to the table toward nurturing and sustaining the agriculture industry in Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said. “With Scott’s experience, we will continue to strengthen our agriculture industry by improving infrastructure, building our local markets and expanding exports.”
Abercrombie touted the Hamakua Coast resident’s agricultural experience, including his efforts to develop the state’s grass-fed beef industry.
Enright has served as Kokubun’s deputy since February 2012. His previous experience includes working as a consultant for the Hawai`i Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Project and as a cultivation and irrigation superintendent for Hamakua Sugar Company.
He earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and philosophy from University of Hawai`i – Hilo.
The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.

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HOLIDAY EVENTS CONTINUE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
The 14th annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Call 967-7565 for more information.
Kilauea Military Camp’s Holiday Challenge ends New Year’s Eve. Visitors can vote for their favorite decorated cottage at the front desk.
Park entrance fees apply.

A GUIDED HIKE AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday focuses on the area’s human history. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hikes over rugged terrain is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 985-6011 for more information.

Volcano Awareness Month is featured at January's After Dark in the Park programs
Photo from USGS/HVO

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN LOOK FORWARD to the fifth annual Volcano Awareness Month coming up in January. Among other events, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory presents programs at After Dark in the Park each Tuesday except New Year’s Eve. The programs begin at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

On Jan. 7, geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights from the past 31 years of eruption and talks about recent developments. On Jan. 14, geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of the volcanic processes occurring within the vent. Ben Gaddis, a long-time HVO volunteer, tells the story of Kilauea’s most violent eruption of the 20th century from the perspective of the people who lived through it on Jan. 21, and on Jan. 28, geochemists Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elias offer an update about volcanic gases, especially those related to the 2008-2013 activity at Halema`uma`u Crater. An optional gas tasting party follows the talk.
For more on Volcano Awareness Month, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

A guided hike tomorrow at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explores the area's human history.
Photo by Jay Robinson

THREE NAMES SELECTED LAST NIGHT are on their way to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who will name West Ka`u and Kailua-Kona’s new member of the state House of Representatives. John Buckstead, regional chair of the Democratic Party, said this morning that District V members of the Democratic Party reviewed submissions by nine Democratic Party members who submitted their names for consideration. The district represents citizens from Honu`apo to Kailua-Kona. Buckstead said he expects the governor to make the decision soon since the state Legislature opens Wednesday, Jan. 15.

The seat was vacated by Rep. Denny Coffman after his family experienced a death and an ongoing serious illness

Those who applied, in alphabetical order, were: Abigail Au, who works in the governor’s office in Kona; Kaliko Chun, who has worked for the state Legislature for 12 years and sits on national park and other advisory committees; Richard Creagan, retired physician and farmer in Ka`u; Barbara Dalton, governor’s representative in Kona and retired Na`alehu post office manager; Una Greenaway, coffee farmer and organic farming advocate; Lei Kihoi, Kona social worker and attorney; Gene Bucky Leslie, Holualoa florist; Michael Matsukawa, a Kona attorney who has worked on community issues; and Steve Sakala, a diversified farmer in Kealakekua.

Buckstead said he is unable to reveal names of the three finalists this morning.

He said the selection of the three was made through the voting of 12 Democrats attending the meeting and one proxie. The candidates were not interviewed and did not attend the meeting where the selection was made. However, “we know the candidates,” Buckstead said.

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Mayor Billy Kenoi

MAYOR BILLY KENOI HAS REINTRODUCED AN ETHICS BILL to Hawai`i County Council, according to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Kenoi previously submitted an ethics bill in 2008, but it did not pass, with some County Council members concerned that it might have unintended consequences. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford voted for that measure.
Kenoi’s bill proposes changes aimed at stopping appearances of conflicts of interest. It forbids employees from contracting with county government or lobbying boards and commissions on behalf of private businesses and places bans on companies holding contracts with county government if county employees, their spouses or dependent children have a controlling interest.
The current county ethics code allows county employees to contract with the county as long as the contract is awarded competitively by sealed bid. It also forbids employees from using their position to secure advantages or contracts over others.
“People can choose to be either an employee of the county or a vendor of the county, but not both,” Kenoi has repeatedly said, according to reporter Nancy Cook Lauer.
“We view these proposals as an opportunity to increase public confidence in the operations of county government, and to bring the Code of Ethics more closely into line with evolving community expectations,” Kenoi said in a Dec. 9 letter to the council.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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The Public Utilities Commission contrasted the AKP contract and another
for HECO's Kahe Power Plant. Photo from hawaii.edu

IN ITS DECISION DENYING THE PROPOSED CONTRACT between `Aina Koa Pona and the electric utility companies, the state Public Utilities Commission noted differences between the Hawai`i Electric Light Co./AKP contract and another for Hawaiian Electric Co./Hawai`i Bio-Energy for its Kahe Power Plant on O`ahu.
One difference dealt with economic dispatch, the short-term determination of optimal output of electricity generation facilities to meet the system load at lowest possible cost.
The PUC said HELCO’s commitment to purchase an annual minimum quantity of AKP biofuel “will likely require HELCO to operate its Keahole combined cycle generating units outside of economic dispatch in order to ensure that the contracted volumes of AKP-produced biofuel are consumed. Such a commitment, in turn, has the potential to displace or curtail more economical, existing renewable energy resources or restrict the addition of other new low-cost, fixed-price renewable energy projects.
“By contrast, the minimum off-take volume of ten million gallons per year of HBE-produced biofuel represents only four to five percent of Kahe Power Plant’s total annual fuel consumption. Hence, HECO will continue to operate its Kahe Unit 3 in economic dispatch mode. Accordingly, HECO does not seek the commission’s approval in Docket No. 2011-0369 to allow it to dispatch its systems when using biofuel as if the biofuel was priced at low sulfur fuel oil prices. Moreover, there appears to be no evidence that the HECO-HBE contract will interconnect with or accept additional renewable energy resources.”
Another difference stated by the PUC deals with transportation fuel contracts. “There appears to be no evidence in the docket record of any purchase agreements or other written commitments between AKP and third-party transportation fuel contractors (aviation or ground). By contrast, Alaska Airlines has reached an agreement to purchase locally produced renewable aviation fuel from HBE, while Boeing Company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with HBE, expressing their mutual interest in evaluating and developing opportunities to develop renewable aviation fuels in Hawai`i.

The PUC discussed the different technologies the two companies plan to use: “The Micro Dee technology AKP intends to use to produce biofuel appears unproven on a large, commercial-scale basis. By contrast, HBE intends to utilize the Rapid Thermal Processing Units technology that is an established commercial technology and currently in use in Canada and will be under construction in Italy and Malaysia.”
Community input also was considered by the commissioners. “Significant community and ratepayer opposition exists with respect to the HELCO-AKP contract, including opposition from the local county government,” the PUC states. “By contrast, there is little or no community or ratepayer opposition to the commission approving the HECO-HBE contract.
The PUC pointed out that the two companies’ products are different. “The companies do not assert that the HELCO-AKP contract is comparable to the HECO-HBE contract,” the PUC stated. “To the contrary, they readily note that HBE’s biofuel is a crude biofuel that is not comparable to AKP’s biodiesel.”
The points at which the prices of the two companies’ products would drop below the price of oil were also discussed. “While the referenced ‘heat-adjusted’ biofuel prices for HBE and AKP, respectively, are both projected to drop below the prices of petroleum diesel and LSFO, respectively, during the latter part of their respective twenty-year contract terms, the cross-over point under the HECO-HBE contract is projected to occur sooner.”
The PUC’s decision is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Go to Trending Dockets, Docket Number 2012-0185.
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A GUIDED HIKE AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow focuses on the area’s human history. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hikes over rugged terrain is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 985-6011 for more information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER BEGINS 2014 with a fundraiser, an exhibit and workshops.
On Saturday Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center hosts its Colossal Rummage yART Sale, a major fundraiser for the Art Center. VAC is looking for all kinds of items to be donated, everything except books and clothing (books about the arts and crafts are accepted). All items in working order and/or clean can be delivered to VAC’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9.
VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park ushers in 2014 with an exhibit by painter Christina Skaggs. The Color of Sacred, a Solo Show opens with a reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and continues through Feb. 23.
2014 programs kick off at the VAC’s Ni‘`aulani Campus with Tapping Your Creative Right Brain, a writing workshop with Tom Peek on Saturday, Jan. 11. Participants learn how to unlock the part of their minds that holds wild dreams, fascinating associations, deep metaphors and other gems of imagination, then apply them to their writing. The workshop is open to all levels and genres; no writing experience is necessary.

Tom Peek

Process Painting - Spirit of Creativity with Patricia Hoban is offered on Saturday, Jan. 18. Participants embark on a journey that encourages them to experiment, explore, discover and play. Hoban explains, “We strive to get rid of our internal critic and judge through this endeavor. When people learn ‘the process,’ they can paint from within, letting their subconscious or right brain engage in spontaneous expression.” No previous art education or experience is needed.
For more information about the yART Sale and to register for workshops, call 967-8222.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Turtle digestive systems can become clogged with plastic shopping bags. Hawai`i Island merchants will no longer offer the plastic bag option as of Jan. 17. Photo from theage.com

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN, chair of the Senate Health Committee, plans to introduce legislation that would create state oversight of midwivery, the health care field that focuses on pregnant women. Green told Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Hawai`i’s current lack of standards is “totally unacceptable.”
Hawai`i is one of 23 states that do not regulate midwives, according to data from the Midwives Alliance of North America and the North American Registry of Midwives.

Sen. Josh Green is a physician.

Green’s bill would establish minimum requirements for midwives and others who perform deliveries outside of hospitals. “I trust trained midwives,” Green said, “but I don’t trust those who put up a shingle” and have virtually no training or experience but describe themselves as midwives.
The bill would establish minimum qualifications for a state license or certification, according to the story. Green also wants to limit home deliveries to low-risk cases and ensure that the provider has a medical plan. “This is what I would expect of myself or any provider taking on a pregnancy,” Green said.
Green’s bill is also expected to address the issue of getting more reliable data on home births.
See staradvertiser.com.
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OKINAWA GOV. HIROKAZU NAKAIMA has signed off on plans that will allow the relocation of the Futenma Marine Corps Air Station. The relocation is key to a broader U.S. realignment of troops in the Asia-Pacific region and will move approximately 8,000 Marines to other locations in the region including Hawai`i, Guam and Australia. The Okinawa approval is a diplomatic breakthrough and breaks seven years of impasse in which the relocation plan was unable to move forward.
A new base will be built at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay on Okinawa. The relocation is planned to maintain a strong and sustainable U.S. military presence while having less impact on the people of Okinawa following years of complaints about crime, noise and accidents related to U.S. troops stationed there.
“It is important that the agreement reached satisfies the concerns of the people of Okinawa,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “Japan is an important ally in the region, and Okinawa, like Hawai`i, plays a key role in the U.S.-Japan alliance. As the transition moves forward and the United States continues our strategic rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific, Hawai`i will play an even more important role in ensuring the right distribution of forces throughout the region by providing facilities for Marines and DOD service members. Whether it’s facilitating the base relocation or cooperating in energy research or cultural exchange, Hawai`i and Okinawa have a long history of supporting each other, and this is great news for our friends in Okinawa.”

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President Obama's backup plane is stationed at Hilo Airport during his stay
on O`ahu. Photo by Tim Wright

WHILE VACATIONING ON O`AHU, President Barack Obama signed into law the Native American Memorial Amendments Act of 2013, legislation introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz to pave the way for a Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

“It is long past time for our nation to honor the uncommon contributions of Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Natives, American Indian, and other native veterans,” Schatz said. “I introduced this bill so that our nation can recognize Native Americans’ service and patriotism with a fitting memorial. A memorial to native veterans will make sure future generations learn about the sacrifices Native Americans made in service to our nation. The valor of our Native American veterans, their dedication to duty and remarkable record of military service must forever be remembered. This memorial will do just that.”

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Dolphins can become entangled in plastic bags. Photo from 5gyres.org

ONE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR KA`U residents to consider is to start carrying re-useable shopping bags. A law banning single-use plastic shopping bags went into effect this past Jan. 17 and allowed merchants one year to eliminate their stock. Beginning next Jan. 17, Hawai`i Island businesses will no longer offer them as an option.
Another alternative is paper bags, but Toby Taniguchi, executive vice president of store operations for KTA Super Stores, doesn’t promote that option. He told Megan Moseley, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that “switching to a paper bag is not better from a carbon-footprint standpoint. Modern-day landfills don’t let it dispose. It takes more energy. Switching to a paper bag is not the answer.”
According to Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division, it takes 14 million trees each year in the United States to produce a year’s supply of paper bags for retail use. “Reusable bags reduce litter and conserve natural resources; making them the best choice,” it states at hawaiizerowaste.org.
Proponents of the law point to plastics damaging the ocean that surrounds the islands. Plastic bags choke sea turtles, get caught on dolphins, and when they break down, they are consumed by tiny sea creatures, which are eaten by fish, and the chemicals that make up the plastic go up the food chain and are eaten by humans.
Plastic bags without handles will still be allowed for meat and other perishables, and tiny plastic bags will be allowed for small items like beads, buttons, nuts and bolts.
Reusable plastic bags at least three mils thick will be allowed for sale and for stores to give away to carry merchandise.
Once phased out, fines will be levied according to how many violations a commercial enterprise receives. Fines start at $250 per day for second notice, $500 a day for third notice and $1,000 a day thereafter.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Kamrie Koi is producing a concert to benefit cancer research.

KAMRIE KOI is a producer. The Ka`u High School senior produced and filmed A Land Worth Fighting For and won the People’s Choice Award in the 2012 Digital Mountain Film Festival. Her latest production is a concert to raise money for cancer research through the United Way, and she has drawn a host of performers to the event on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Entertainment will be by Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. The events also features vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes. Call Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249.

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KA`U HIGH TROJAN SOCCER TEAMS hosted Kohala yesterday, with boys winning 2 - 0 . Raycin Salmo-Grace and Derrick Velez scored one goal each.  Goalies were Andrew Garica & Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee.   Girls lost 0 - 5 .
Next matches are Thursday, Jan. 2, when Ka`u plays Kea`au at home.

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WATER POLO AND TRACK COACHES are needed at Ka`u High School, according to athletic director Kalei Namohala. Applications can be picked up at the school office and are being accepted from Jan. 1 through Jan. 17. For more information, contact the AD at 928-2088.

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Kilauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge continues through New Year's Eve.
Photo by Dave Berry

THE 14TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials, and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 for more information.

THREE MORE DAYS ARE LEFT to vote for best decorated cottage during Kilauea Military Camp’s Holiday Challenge, which ends Dec. 31. Ballots are available at the front desk. Park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration beginning at 8 p.m., featuring entertainment by Keoki Kahumoku and a midnight toast. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8365.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET is available at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items include fresh fruit, omelette station, roast pork with gravy, ono picata, sausage patties, bacon, biscuits, brownies, ice cream sundaes and beverages for $15.95 adults and $8.50 children. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ed Olson said this morning that he sees coffee, food cops and ecotourism in the future of his lands, following rejection of the AKP
contract by the state Public Utilities Commission. Here he joined the Ka`u Coffee Mill's float in the recent Pahala Christmas parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE, FOOD CROPS AND ECOTOURISM are the likely future for Olson Trust lands in Ka`u, said Ed Olson this morning. He said he does not see a biofuel plantation and refinery on his 8,000 acres that stretch from Wood Valley toward Na`alehu. The statement comes after last week’s rejection by the state Public Utilities Commission of a plan by `Aina Koa Pono to build a $400 million refinery on the edge of Wood Valley and clear trees, brush and grass between Na`alehu and Pahala. AKP would have planted grasses and other crops to harvest and put into giant microwaves to make biodiesel drawn from an 80-foot-tall chimney. The biodiesel would have been shipped up Hwy 11 to the Hawaii Electric Co. power plant near Kona airport.

Kenton Eldridge

After the rejection, `Aina Koa Pono founder Kenton Eldridge said his company plans to plow ahead with the biofuel plantation and refinery and sell off the biodiesel to a mainland company. However, Olson said this morning that AKP has no contract to lease the property and that he sees his trust focusing more on expanding coffee production, leasing more land out to local farmers and expanding ecotourism to the district.
“We’re happy with Ka`u Coffee,” Olson said, noting that visitation to Ka`u Coffee Mill and demand for its coffee and the coffee grown by other local farmers is steadily increasing, the demand outstripping supplies.

Olson is also planning a hydroelectric plant to make energy for his coffee mill and other value-added agricultural production. The hydroelectric plant at Keaiwa reservoir would also send water down toward his coffee mill and provide additional irrigation for taro and other crop production.
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HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION is looking toward the New Year to continue working on issues from the past year. Adrienne LaFrance, of Civil Beat, asked them what their plans are for next year.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “From my first day in Congress, I have made it a priority to build relationships with my colleagues from across the spectrum. This effort has been critical in my work on issues important to Hawai`i and our country, including the passage and enactment of the very first bill I introduced.” Gabbard’s Helping Heroes Fly Act improves airport screening procedures for wounded warriors.

“It is also important as I continue my work to build support for proposals like the Military Justice Improvement Act and the Freedom Act among my colleagues who may be on the fence,” Gabbard said.
Military Justice Improvement Act deals with the issue of sexual assault within military ranks by removing the decision of whether or not to prosecute from the chain of command and putting it into the hands of trained military prosecutors.

Sens. Mazie Hirono, Brian Schatz; Reps. Colleen Hanabusa, Tulsi Gabbard

The Freedom Act addresses surveillance overreach occurring within the National Security Agency and targets reforms to the Patriot Act to ensure that innocent Americans’ personal data is protected.
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa told LaFrance she would continue seeking federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. “We have to stay the course,” she said. “We need to hear from the White House before we can chart the next steps. There are three ways you can achieve federal recognition: one is through Congress, the other … is executive orders; and then the third is judicial, which in my opinion would require the state to take some kind of action. I think that whatever the course may be, it’s going to be something that the entire delegation pools behind... We have to hear from all the players, primarily the executive branch. It’s in their court.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono said she plans to continue to work on immigration reform. “I continue to talk with immigration advocates,” she told LaFrance. “We are in touch with them all across the country. These are people for whom this is a top issue. It affects so many companies, families, every state. I also have been meeting with DREAMers both in Hawai`i and across the country— the DREAMers are the young (undocumented) people who get here before they turn 16.
“I am proud of the fact that the UH board of regents took the step to offer in-state tuition to DREAMers in Hawai`i...
“We also worked really hard on making some important changes with how we deal with sexual assault in the military. I’m hopeful that as we go forward we’ll bring forth … change to the Military Justice Act.”
Extending long-term unemployment benefits is at the top of Sen. Brian Schatz’s agenda. “Democrats are united in the Senate to make (this) our first order of business in January, and we will have a vote before Jan. 7,” he said.
See civilbeat.com.

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THE HAWAI`I TOBACCO QUITLINE has a new advertising campaign to coincide with smokers’ New Year’s resolutions. The campaign features former smokers talking about their experiences with quitting smoking.

“This is absolutely a big time of year for us,” said Pedro Haro, spokesperson for the Quitline. “People are well aware of the negative effects of tobacco use, which is why quitting is always such a popular New Year’s Resolution. It’s a great time to set your quit date.”

In Hawai`i County, smoking has been banned from beaches and parks since 2008, and the County Council recently passed a law raising the age of those to whom merchants can sell tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The Hawai`i Tobacco Quitline is funded by the Hawai`i Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund, which represents a portion of Hawai`i’s Master Settlement Agreement payments from a joint lawsuit against the four biggest U.S. tobacco companies, according to the Quitline.
Contact the Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 or hawaiiquitline.org.

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Lahars can still happen years after a volcanic eruption. Photo from giglig.com

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY’S latest issue of Volcano Watch focuses on indirect hazards of volcanic eruptions and how innovative technology can provide the gift of peace of mind by keeping constant, long-term watch on lurking hazards such as lahars and directly minimize their risk. Lahars, or volcanic mudflows, occur when water surges downslope, picking up soil, rocks and vegetation on its way.

On Christmas Eve 60 years ago, such an event occurred in New Zealand and killed 151 people on a train going to Auckland when it crossed a bridge that had collapsed from the force of a lahar.
New technology is now available that can detect lahars and provide enough warning that emergency managers can take precautions and alert the public of danger. With this technology, another lahar in 2002 caused no casualties and only minor damage.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP IS CELEBRATING the New Year’s holidays.

Tomorrow, the Lava Lounge hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration beginning at 8 p.m., featuring entertainment by Keoki Kahumoku and a midnight toast. For more information, call 967-8365.

New Year’s Eve partiers can vote for their favorite decorated cottage during Kilauea Military Camp’s Holiday Challenge, which ends tomorrow.

Paul and Jane Field lead Stewardship at the Summit. Photo from NPS

New Year’s Day brunch buffet is available at Crater Rim Café from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items include fresh fruit, omelette station, roast pork with gravy, ono picata, sausage patties, bacon, biscuits, brownies, ice cream sundaes and beverages for $15.95 adults and $8.50 children. Call 967-8356 for more information.
KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROVIDES Ka`u residents with an opportunity to resolve to spend time outdoors by helping remove invasive Himalayan ginger from trails in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and close-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sounds of native honeycreepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended.
Dates set for January are Fridays, Jan. 3, 10 and 24 and Saturday, Jan. 18. Park entrance fees apply.
Contact Adrian Boone for more information at 985-6172.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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