The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Vigilance is key to keeping little fire ants out of Ka`u, according to representatives of Hawai`i Ant Lab and The Nature Conservancy.
Photo from Hawai`i State Department of Agriculture

A PROPOSAL FOR LIQUID NATURAL GAS to be used in power plants on Hawai`i Island and elsewhere in this state could go to the state Public Utilities Commission for approval by as early as August, according to a statement from Hawaiian Electric Co. LNG would be trucked to power plants around the island from maritime facilities. At some locations, most likely O`ahu, storage could be on an offshore barge with the LNG piped to shore.

Earlier this month, HECO issued a request for proposals for a contractor to deliver up to 800,000 tons of LNG per year. The RFP notes that 70 percent of the income from HECO bills currently goes to buying fuel. LNG is expected to be less expensive and cleaner, according to HECO. The RFP also states that use of LNG “is not intended to displace renewable energy.”
It states that “high oil prices and more stringent air regulations (Environmental Protection Agency’s Mercury Air Toxic Standards) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards increase the urgency to reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on oil. While the majority of Hawaiian Electric’s current generation portfolio utilizes oil, liquefied natural gas has emerged as a viable alternative fuel that may substantially lower fuel costs while helping to comply with more stringent environmental regulations.

The RFP is available for review on the company’s website at hawaiianelectric.com/LNG.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Renewable Watch tracks solar and wind generation on Hawai`i Island.
Image from HELCO

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. announced yesterday an online daily report of renewable energy use. Renewable Watch can be viewed at www.hawaiielectriclight.com under Clean Energy Future and shows daily contribution of solar and wind generation and how energy from these resources changes throughout the day. The display shows the measured output from large wind and solar facilities combined with the estimated output from residential rooftop photovoltaic systems. It graphically displays how renewable energy resources can vary significantly by day and time of day due to changes in weather, such as wind strength and cloud cover. Non-variable renewable energy generation, such as geothermal, is not shown.

“Hawai`i is blessed with abundant sunshine and strong winds. With the Renewable Watch displays, anyone can see at a glance that these are extremely productive resources with output that varies throughout the day,” said Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy resources and operations.
The Solar Electric Power Association ranks Hawai`i number one in the nation for solar watts per customer. At the end of 2013, over 40,000 solar installations across the HECO service territories in this state recorded a combined capacity of about 300 megawatts.
A press release from HECO says, “To maintain reliable electric service for all customers, utility engineers must adjust the output of firm sources of generation up or down as the output from variable sources like solar and wind rises and falls throughout the day. The Hawaiian Electric Companies developed Renewable Watch to help system operators and engineers obtain information about the contribution of energy from the variable solar and wind resources.
“This information can help us integrate higher levels of renewable energy more effectively. Solar and wind power are increasingly important to our energy mix, so we need to understand when and how these resources affect our system,” Seu said.
Data from wind facilities and utility-scale solar facilities for Renewable Watch comes from utility system-monitoring equipment. Data for customer-sited solar power comes from regional estimates using solar sensors strategically placed throughout the islands and other sources. Solar sensors monitor irradiance (the rate at which solar energy falls onto a surface) to help estimate the energy generated by thousands of PV systems across the island.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Respresentatives of Hawai`i County Police Department answered questions
from Ka`u residents Tuesday. Photo by Ron Johnson

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF Paul Ferreira, Ka`u Captain Burt Shimabukuro, Ka`u police and other officers from Area II Operations Bureau answered questions from the public at a community meeting in Na`alehu Tuesday.

Property manager Patty Barry brought up concerns about homeowners being burglarized when they are on the mainland. Ferreira suggested that homeowners identify valuables with markings and document what is in their homes before leaving Ka`u for the mainland.
Rancher Lani Petrie asked for information about motion sensitive cameras. “Can they be used as evidence? Do they need GPS for identification of locations?” she asked. Ferreira and other officers said that any kind of camera can be used for gathering evidence. He suggested that security companies can be helpful in setting up these systems.
A Discovery Harbour resident asked if the department had plans to use cameras mounted on officers’ eyeglasses. Ferreira said there were no immediate plans, citing issues of cost and possible concerns by the police union.
“Do thieves have to be caught in the act?” asked one resident. “No,” Ferreira answered and explained that police must have “a reason to believe” a suspect was involved in order to make an arrest. He said that anyone in possession of stolen property can be arrested.
“Is the meth problem getting worse?” asked another resident. One officer replied, “Same; same guys using.” He said there is a correlation between drug use and crime. “When drug use is on the rise, property crime is on the rise.”
Regarding some residents reporting a lack of communication between the police and victims, Shimabukuro said, “The victim should always be contacted with follow-up information.” He vowed to get back with them about their individual cases.
Raylene Moses asked when it is appropriate to call 911. Ferreira said to call 911 in case of emergencies, including serious medical problems, any life-threatening situations, fires or crimes in progress. He also said to call in cases where a situation could become an emergency, such as a cow on a road.
Ferreira encouraged residents to call Ka`u Police Station at 939-2520 with any questions or concerns. He also suggested visiting the Police Department website at hawaiipolice.com.
See more in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Small compared to the tropical fire ant, the little fire ant packs a mighty sting.
Photo from Hawai`i Ant Lab

KA`U CAN CONTROL LITTLE FIRE ANTS if residents are vigilant. This was the message at an informational meeting held by Hawai`i Ant Lab and The Nature Conservancy yesterday. The meeting follows identification of an LFA infestation in Na`alehu ball park and surrounding areas.

Cas Vanderwoude, of Hawai`i Ant Lab, explained that the best way to limit LFA populations, whose natural spread is very slow, is to check items brought in from other locations. Items include plants, gardening materials and anything that might harbor the invasive species, such as a car or containers that have been left outside.
Vanderwoude showed a film about the devastating effects of LFA on communities from Puna and Hamakua to Maui and Tahiti. In Tahiti, some people have abandoned land that has been in families for generations.
In the film, John Cross, manager of Olson Trust Land in Ka`u who has a farm in Hamakua, said the ants cause crops to become unharvestable. In his lychee orchard, he said, “it was raining ants” onto pickers. If the LFA is not controlled, “ag as we know it will not be here,” he said.
The ants’ stings cause itchy and burning rashes which can become infected if scratched. They also cause blurred corneas and blindness in pets and other animals.
Vanderwoude said controlling LFA includes surveying the area to know where they are, developing a management plan, eradicating known populations, preventing re-entry of LFA and ongoing monitoring and vigilence.
Excerpts from the film, as well as information about identification and control of the pest, is available at littlefireants.com. The Nature Conservancy is also helping. Call TNC’s Ka`u representative John Replogle at 443-5401.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Discovery Harbour Community Association's rummage sale to benefit its
volunteer fire department begins tomorrow.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S rummage sale to benefit its volunteer fire department takes place tomorrow and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale also features hot dog lunches for $5 on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DHCA is accepting items for the sale today until 4 p.m.
Proceeds go toward the purchase of supplies not provided by the county.

PICK-UP OF DINNERS TO RAISE FUNDS for Ka`u Summer Fun programs is tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Dinners include teri-beef, rice, corn and bread for $7. Call 928-3102.

CHARLENE ASATO TEACHES traditional styles of Japanese Book Binding, including Tortoise Shell and Noble Binding, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration is required. Fees are $36 or $32 for VAC members, plus a $10 materials fee. Call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

Matthew Koi and Samson Iona learn the craft at the `ukulele building workshop sponsored by Keoki Kahumoku and KuAloha `Ukulele
this morning at Pahala Plantaation House. The workshop is followed by a concert next Wednesday evening. Photo by Julia Neal

MORE POLICE OFFICERS FOR KA`U were announced at the police meeting in Na`alehu this week. Representatives of the Hawai`i Police Department met with Ka`u residents. Deputy Police Chief Paul Ferreira, Ka`u Captain Burt Shimabukuro, Ka`u police and other officers from Area II Operations Bureau answered questions.
Ferreira reported that staffing of additional Ka`u police officer positions approved by the County Council is expected to take place by the beginning of next year. Two classes of recruits will be graduating, and a second class starts, in July. The time period from recruiting to hiring is 18 months, Ferreira said. That includes six months of classroom training, three months in the field, written tests, physical tests and background screening. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

Ka Lae is usually known for its beauty, fishing and archaeology, but Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands is asking for help to stop rave parties there.
Photo by Peter Anderson

RAVE PARTIES AT SOUTH POINT were brought up by representatives from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands who asked for help to squelch them. During a meeting between police and the public this week in Ka`u, DHHL representatives said they are concerned about liability, health, sanitation, drug use and damage to archaeological and cultural sites.
Capt. Burt Shimabukuro suggested notifying the police ahead of time, as well as perhaps placing signs, fences and gates at the site. When asked if the police have authority there, they said they already have permission.
Reports are that hundreds of people, including high school and college age youth are attending and that the rave parties include drinking and other possibly illegal activities.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

THE OCEAN VIEW POLICE SUBSTATION was discussed this week at the police meeting in Ka`u. An Ocean View resident asked about manning a substation there. Deputy Police Chief Paul Ferreira said that although the public has an expectation that substations are to be manned, they are actually places where officers who are out in the field can go to file paperwork rather than go to the main office. Another officer said that with technology such as laptop computers, “officers are now mobile, roaming substations” which reduces the need for actual substations.
The public can call Ka`u Police Station at 939-2520 with questions and concerns. See hawaiipolice.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

MALIAN LAHEY IS DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESIDENT FOR DISTRICT THREE. She is precinct leader for Pahala. District elections were held in early March. District Three includes precincts with voting at Ka'u High School in Pahala, Cooper Center in Volcano, Mountain View Elementary School, and AJA Memorial Hall in Hilo.
Lahey owns a Wood Valley home and farm and is working to found a Ka`u chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. She advocates for the Ka`u Coffee trade name to be held by the state Department of Agriculture “in order to

Malian Lahey, new Democratic
Party President for District Three

protect our international reputation in the coffee industry,” she said. Through her nonprofit, I Ola Nā ʻĀina Momona, she articulates “a vision for Ka`u's future in which farmers will stay on their land with long term leases and reasonable terms.”
Lahey owns the brokerage Ka`u Specialty, LLC, which works with local coffee farmers to deliver 100% Ka`u coffee to market “while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and sustainability,” she said. She sells Ka`u Coffee wholesale and said that she will soon be launching online retail at kauspecialtycoffee.com.
Lahey said that Saturday, April 5 is the deadline for Democratic Party Draft Resolutions and Rules, or Platform revisions. April 12 is the meeting to elect delegates to the County Convention and May 3 is the County Convention.
She encouraged all Democrats to “Submit your ideas and comments, or volunteer as a Democratic Party delegate by emailing HawaiiCountyDistrict3@gmail.com.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

GMO FOOD LABELING died in the state House of Representatives yesterday. Agriculture Committee Chair Jessica Wooley added the labeling requirement to Senate Bill 2435, an existing bill to, bring the effort back to life but she deferred it after a contentious discussion among committee members. Common Cause and League of Women Voters opposed the process - not necessarily the content - for the measure being revived through a “gut and replace” procedure that gives the public little notice to weigh in on the measure.

Chris Manfredi, President of the
Hawai`i Farm Bureau

GMO labeling is supported by Ka`u’s state Senators Russell Ruderman and Josh Green, as well as Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford. The state Department of Health, state Department of Agriculture, the Times Supermarkets and Big Save grocery store chain, the Hawai`i Food Industry Association, and statewide Hawa`i Farm Bureau oppose the labeling. The majority of individual testimonies support the labeling.
Hawai`i Farm Bureau’s president Chris Manfredi, who lives in Na`alehu, testified against a state requirement for GMO labeling, saying: “we strongly believe that food labeling should be regulated at a federal level. Because the proposed draft bill has no basis in science and does not apply equitably to all foods, the passage and implementation of this bill will result in Hawai`i consumers being less informed than they are currently.”
He further stated that “We oppose false, misleading, negative or deceptive labeling. We support voluntary labeling using statements that are truthful and not misleading.” He contended that there “are not credible studies, much less a consensus among researchers and the medical community, that crops produced with GMO technology are unsafe. In fact the opposite is true. Independent reviews of thousands of studies have to come to the consensus conclusion that GMO crops are safe,” Manfredi claimed.

Mitsoku Hayakawa supports
GMO labeling

Michael Klungness, of Mountain View, testified: “The State could have made an effort to simplify the whole controversy, by agreeing to mandate that products containing GMO's be so labeled. I think the Industry is shooting itself in the foot by fighting so hard to keep the public from knowing what products are genetically engineered. The net result is that there is a lot of fear generated, that might otherwise not be the case. We consume foods all the time that we know have been tested to have legally allowable quantities of pesticides, herbicides, drugs, etc. But the people buy them because the government says they are safe. GMO on the other hand, has seemed to have been slipped in under the radar, so to speak. That makes the public nervous, and enhances the controversy.”
He also wrote about heavier pesticide use associated with GMO use. “My greatest fear is that there is too little regulation in the field of bioengineering. Who approved the idea of breeding a herbicide resistant crop just so more herbicides could be used to kill weeds? Scientists already know that the net effect will be to select for resistant weeds. Thus the herbicide application will have to increase, and the health risks along with it. We learned this with insecticides. Plants mutate more slowly than insects, but they have mechanisms, other than genetic selection, to adapt. Just because a particular strategy is lucrative, does not mean that it has no long term consequences. We need to be more about studying the long term effects and less about the short term profits.”
Mitsuko Hayakawa, of Food Sovereignty Now, testified that “GMOs have never been proven safe for long term consumption and many independent studies indicate cause for concern for our health and environment. I believe it is only fair and just that consumers be given the right to know and the right to choose for themselves whether they would like to put their hard earned money into a patented technology that may be detrimental to our health. I also strongly support the contingency clause that would allow this bill to take effect after three other states pass similar legislation.”
Pamela Burrell testified that “We as consumers of food have a right to know what we are eating! There is no reason for this to increase the price of food. None. Think about it. If you had a peanut allergy, you would want to know. If you were avoiding too much salt or the quality of fats or if you were avoiding gluten, you would want to know. It is simple. Just label it. Be bold Hawaiians. Listen to the people that live here, not the corporations who are worried about their bottom line...they aren't worried about food prices...just their profits.”

Bruce Tagama of KuAloha `Ukulele teaches Ka`u
students how to build an `ukulele. Photo by Julia Neal

University of Hawai`i Professor Steven Businger, of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, testified in support o the bill. He said it “maintains the proper balance between FDA regulations and allowed state labeling, respect First Amendment rights, and is now consistent with the commerce Clause.” He stated that “Other states have passed such a law and it is only a matter of time before states like California passes GMO labeling. Presently, Hawai`i sources most of its food via distribution from California, so the GMO Labeling requirement should not add new cost to that distribution channel…. Give the people of Hawai`i the informed choice of knowing what they are teaching, that three quarters of Hawai`i residents have indicated they want.”
Hawai`i Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright, who recently spoke on other subjects at the Ka`u Farm Bureau annual meeting, testified against the labeling requirement, saying that the United States Food & Drug Administration “rigorously tests all the foods that are grown for human consumption and have not found any difference between the safety of genetically engineered foods and other foods. The HDOA works closely with its federal partners and relies on their science-based conclusions to guide policy decisions.” He said any labeling for GMO should be handled at the federal level.
State Department of Health Director Linda Rosen, M.D, M.P.H., submitted testimony saying the DOH “does not object in principle to a labeling policy to enhance public awareness of the absence or presence of genetically engineered food or food ingredients in Hawai`i markets.” However, she said her department is not in a position to enforce such legislation and that “testing for common markers could easily be evaded.” She said the state lacks the scientific expertise, capacity, equipment and experience” for the testing. She also contended that “there is no conclusive scientific evidence of negative health effects associated with the consumption of genetically engineered food….”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

AN `UKULELE BUILDING WORKSHOP, student music retreat and concert next week kicked off at Pahala Plantation House today, directed by Keoki Kahumoku and his Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, with assistance from Bruce Tagama of KuAloha `Ukulele, based on O`ahu. In residence, teaching are Tagama, Kahumoku and members of the Aloha Bluegrass Band who will host a concert this coming Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Donations are welcome.

Discover Harbour Volunteer Fire Department is raising money today, tomorrow
and Sunday. Photo by Christine Kaehuaea

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S rummage sale to benefit its volunteer fire department goes until 4 p.m. today, Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dog lunches are $5 on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds go toward the purchase of supplies not provided by the county.

PICK-UP OF DINNERS TO RAISE FUNDS for Ka`u Summer Fun programs is today from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

HALAU HULA Kalehuaki`eki 'eika`iu holds its garage sale tomorrow, Saturday, March 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 99-2035 Pukeawe Circle, in the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision. There will be a hālau "Bake Sale" of home-baked goodies by hālau members, including nā mea ono from "Aunty Pua". Treasures and trinkets, clothing, books, magazines, household items.

CHARLENE ASATO TEACHES traditional styles of Japanese Book Binding, including Tortoise Shell and Noble Binding, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration is required. Fees are $36 or $32 for VAC members, plus a $10 materials fee. Call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya dances hula at the regular Friday night fundraiser dinner at Gilligan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour to raise money for a charter school in Ka`u. She is accompanied by Bradley Llanes. Photo by Julia Neal

GATHERINGS AT KA LAE with music and food are being defended by organizers. Tom Anthony, of Manu O Ku based in Hilo, said he works with the group Na Hoku O Ka`u, which, he said, is comprised of some of the Native Hawaiian ranchers and other Hawaiians who are eligible for Hawaiian Home Lands. He said the group of volunteers is helping to keep Ka Lae clean as well as educate people about the archaeology and Hawaiian history of the area. Anthony described pau hana gatherings as “anything but raves.” He was responding to reports of raves at Ka Lae during a police department meeting with the public last week. Anthony described two recent gatherings as mahalos for volunteers and an effort to get young people interested in learning and caring about Ka Lae. He said the effort is not just for Native Hawaiians, but for young people traveling through the area and volunteering, much like woofers volunteer on farms. He said it is good for young local people to work side by side and get to know traveling young people from all over the world and that some of these young wanderers are very enthusiastic to volunteer at Ka Lae and to learn about Hawaiian culture.

Tom Anthony Image from Big Island Video News

Anthony pointed out that Ka Lae and Green Sands Beach are becoming more and more popular with visitors, now that a paved road has been completed to the boat ramp area. He said latrines and other facilities are needed to reduce liability and improve sanitation and that the cottage industry of Hawaiians acting as guides for the visitors could be somehow supported to help develop this entrepreneurship.

He said that Na Hoku O Ka`u helped to clean up an old military site at Ka Lae after a group of native Hawaiians were evicted from there years ago and that the group maintains the grounds, including mowing, and provides a composting latrine on site for the public. He called the group an “unincorporated action alliance.” He said volunteers in the cleanup include members of the John Kalua`u and Kuahiwinui familes.

Anthony said that the liability and sanitation concerns are pre-exisiting to the volunteer group sponsoring gatherings at Ka Lae. “Hotels and the state encourage people to visit Ka Lae and Green Sand Beach. Visitors to the area, whether from Hawai`i or afar, “are defecating all over the place. Toilet paper competes with the pa`u o hi`iaka and the `ilima and other native plants,” he contended.

Eunice Longakit and Moses Espaniola, Jr. performed
at Gilligan's Cafe. Photo by Julia Neal

He said there is increased erosion on the unpaved road to Green Sand Beach with more visitors going there. The beginning of the trail has no latrine. He said the growing popularity of Ka Lae and Green Sand Beach is an opportunity for Hawaiians and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to work together to solve the problem. He said he could envision an impact fee charged to visitors that would help provide funding to take care of the place.
Anthony said his group will visit with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representatives soon and that DHHL staff members have come to lunch with the Hoku O Ka`u group at Ka Lae. “They know who we are. This rave stuff; this is not us.” He also said that the group is not affiliated with the “Rainbow gathering” promoters who have held camping and music events on other lands near Ka Lae.
Anthony said Na Hoku O Ka`u is not aiming to be exclusive and invites people of all ethnicities, and from all places, including visitors, to volunteer. He said a major goal is to protect the archaeological sites of the area and to solve the sanitation problem.
Anthony can be reached 494-9699. John Kalua`u, of Na Hoku O Ka`u, one of the volunteers who is also a rancher on Hawaiian Home Lands there, can be reached at 854-3057.

CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDRAISING continues Friday and Saturday nights at Gilligan’s Cafe in the Discovery Harbour golf course clubhouse from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant and bar opened to raise money for the Ka`u Learning Academy and is providing a stage for young local talent with Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya, Bradley Llanes, Moses Espaniola, Jr. and Eunice Longakit performing last night. The menu includes Ka`u Coffee, beer and wine, pizza, lasagna, pasta dishes and desserts. The sponsors said they hope to soon start a Sunday brunch service and that they have been working hard on a state-approved charter for their school.

See bigislandgilligans.com and kaulearning.com.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard supports funding to fight the coffee berry borer.
Photo by Peggy Greb/USDA Ag Research Service

DAVE CHUN, REP. TULSI GABBARD’S LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT, is asking Ka`u coffee growers for information that would be used to support funding at the Office of Management and Budget level for coffee berry borer research and development of an Integrated Pest Management plan. “If successful, annual funding challenges could drastically be decreased,” Chun said.

Chun asks: How has the CBB changed your bottom line? Percent change from 2010 to present would be helpful. Have you had to curtail your workforce, and if so, by what percentage? How many workers? How much in extra funds have you had to use to address CBB related impacts? Have your purchases of supplies from local vendors decreased/increased because of the CBB? If so, what percent and dollar amount? What percentage and dollar amount per acre per month are you expensing for CBB control? Have exports been reduced? Have you experienced reduced value (lower-grade coffee)?
Chun asks growers to add other data/information/thoughts that they may feel comfortable in providing.
For more information and to provide answers, contact Chun at 202-225-4906 or dave.chun@mail.house.gov.

Dr. Doede Donaugh, left, Charleen Roddy and Cindy Cohen open
Mango Medical this Monday. Photo by Ron Johnson

DELAYED ONE WEEK, MANGO MEDICAL opens its Ocean View clinic Monday. Dr. Doede Donaugh, APRN Cindy Cohen and case coordinator Charleen Roddy held a public reception yesterday amid last-minute construction work. The clinic features a mango-colored wall in the reception area, and even the staff’s electronic notebooks are mango. The website, mangomed.org, asks and answers the question, “Can a mango a day keep the doctor away?”

Ocean View resident Laura Riblett said, “This is the best medical staff there is.” She said that, while at Bay Clinic, Donaugh helped her family more than any other doctor she’s known, and she knows many people who are waiting for the doctor to open her new office."
The clinic is next to Solar Works at 92-8691 Lotus Blossom Lane, #6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 939-8100 for appointments.

NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is receiving $50,000 through a grant to Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council. Gov. Neil Abercrombie approved allotment of funds for planning, design and construction for emergency repairs and access improvements, as identified by members of the state Legislature.

“This money will be used to improve accessibility for our kupuna and the disabled, particularly those living in remote communities,” Abercrombie said. “These funds represent an investment in community and nonprofit efforts that will have significant impacts in the lives of local individuals and families they serve.”

Noel Eberz prepared hot dog lunches at
Discovery Harbour rummage sale.
Photo by Ron Johnson

Repairs will facilitate outreach and services (transportation, energy and education programs) to disadvantaged residents. A popular program is the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which subsidizes electricity or gas bills of qualified disadvantaged households.
Each June, HCEOC provides outreach for the energy assistance program administered by the state Department of Human Services and local utility companies.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S rummage sale to benefit its volunteer fire department goes until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dog lunches are available today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds go toward the purchase of supplies not provided by the county.

DURING A FREE PROGRAM AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, 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. The one-hour long program begins at 9:30 a.m.

THE FINAL SANCTUARY WHALE COUNT for this year takes place a week from today, on Saturday, March 29. Volunteers gather at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae and also at Ka`ena Point in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey. To sign up, see sanctuaryoceancount.org or call 808-268-3087.

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

The last eruption of Mauna Loa occurred 30 years ago Tuesday, when lava flowed from the Northeast Rift Zone. Photo from USGS/HVO

OPPOSITION TO CONFIRMATION OF RICHARD HA for a second term on the state Board of Agriculture has come from east Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman. He contended this morning that Ha, who supports use of genetically modified organisms as a tool for farmers, “is openly antagonistic to the organic food industry.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Ruderman said that the state Department of Ag has “supported big ag and biotech for the last decade. It is time for some balance. It is time for the Department of Ag to also support small farms and organic farming.” Ruderman said that “appointing someone who campaigns and pounds the drum for GMO, and with antagonism for organic farming, is inappropriate.” He said that his opposition to Ha for the Board of Agriculture “is not about personal attacks about me. It is about which direction that the Department of Agriculture is going to go. Should it be about supporting GMO and biotech even more or giving some support to organic and small farms also?”
Ha earlier criticized Ruderman, claiming that Ruderman, who owns organic food stores, has a conflict of interest in making decisions about GMOs. Ruderman said that “it is OK that Ha is not waving flags for the organic industry, but he should be more neutral. If he is going to be antagonistic, it is my place to say this is not the way for the Department of Agriculture."
Regarding Ha’s pro-GMO stance, Ruderman said, “There is a lot of science worldwide that brings up some serious concerns and at least the need to be cautious.”

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

POTENTIAL PROJECTS THAT WOULD REPLACE the Hilo landfill range from waste-to-energy to recycling, composting and gasification, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today.

The landfill is expected to reach full capacity in one-and-a-half to two years, and Mayor Billy Kenoi wants a replacement project working by the end of his term in 2016, reports Nancy Cook Lauer. He also wants the contractor to take on the upfront financial burden and most of the risk.

Bidders on the projects toured the landfill facility Friday. The winning bidder would have use of the acreage, scales and sort station.
Deadline for the first round of proposals is April 15, with a contract signed by April of next year.
During the tour, county Environmental Management director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd said the best proposal would create energy or fuel as well as reduce waste.
“If we’re able to use municipal solid waste and produce energy and reduce our reliance on imported fuel, that’s a win for us,” she said.
She also said county recycling and green waste programs would continue.
While the type of waste-reduction facility has not been decided upon, Kenoi wants the technology to have at least a three-year track record. “We want something proven,” Cook Lauer reports him saying previously. “We’re not going to be the guinea pigs of the Pacific.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U NONPROFITS, SCHOOLS, organizations and initiatives that embody Aloha Grown’s philosophy to “Support Local. Sustain the `Aina. Share the Aloha” are invited to apply for five $500 awards to be presented by Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund.

Along with completing an application form, interested parties must write a one-page essay explaining how their organization follows Aloha Grown’s philosophy. Essays must include the organization’s mission and vision, along with the specific project, program and/or effort the $500 award would be used to fund.
All submissions are due by March 31.
For more information about Aloha Grown or to see last year’s Malama Honua Fund award winners, see alohagrown.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Humpback whale creates a waterfall in the ocean. Photo from HIHWNMS

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY is seeking applicants for one primary seat and three alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public input into sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management.

“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”
The sanctuary is currently seeking applicants for the following seats: commercial shipping (alternate), Native Hawaiian (alternate) and youth (primary and alternate).
Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources.
Established in 1996, advisory council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The council is composed of 53 government and nongovernmental representatives, who serve on a volunteer basis, represent a variety of local user groups, the general public and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.
Applications are due March 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact Emily Gaskin via email at Emily.Gaskin@noaa.gov, by phone at 808-725-5902 or visit the sanctuary website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship.
The final Sanctuary Whale Count for this year takes place Saturday, March 29, when volunteers gather at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae and also at Ka`ena Point in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey. To sign up, see sanctuaryoceancount.org or call 808-268-3087.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A KA`U HIGH TROJAN WON the long jump yesterday at the state qualifier track meet at Kamehameha School in Kea`au. Esteve Salmo took first with a jump of 20-06.50, putting him in a category to be considered for the state finals on O`ahu. He also took first in the long jump at the season opener on March 15 at Konawaena, with a jump of 18-08.25. Yesterday, the Trojans took fifth in the boys 400-meter relay.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AN ADULT MEN’S SOCCER TEAM has formed in Ocean View and is playing today at the Old Airport field in Kona. The captain is John Replogle, Jr. Coach is Gregorio Zamudio. Player Jorge Zamudio is helping organize the team.

The practice is at Ocean View Park on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Games are Sundays around the island. Players can be 16 and older. The oldest player is in his 40s, said Jorge Zamudio. Call 939-7080.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

This is the final day of Discovery Harbour Community Association's
rummage sale benefiting its volunteer fire department.
Photo by Ron Johnson

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S rummage sale to benefit its volunteer fire department continues today until 1 p.m. Proceeds go toward the purchase of supplies not provided by the county.

TUESDAY’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK PROGRAM takes place on the 30th anniversary of the most recent eruption of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. Mauna Loa comprises more than half of the surface area of Hawai`i Island, and 95 percent of this volcano is covered with lava flows less than 10,000 years old.
Since 1843, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times. It erupts at an average rate of one eruption every five or six years. When it erupts, fast-moving and voluminous lava flows can reach the ocean in a matter of hours, severing roads and utilities, repaving the flanks of the volcano and building new land. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Frank Trusdell talks about the eruptive history and current status of Mauna Loa, an active volcano that will undoubtedly erupt again.
Recent unprecedented upgrades to HVO’s monitoring capabilities, including seismic equipment and the addition of GPS stations, tiltmeters, gas sensors and Webcams allow better investigation of the complex interactions within and between Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes. The improved capabilities increase understanding of how volcanoes work and enhance the ability to forecast eruptions.
The program at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes’ National Park begins at 7 p.m. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

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

Na`alehu Elementary students Chrystal Quiros and Saphire Kahakua-Brown won third place in the Elementary Division of last year's Art of Recycling contest with Water Cycle. This year's contest is coming up in April. Photo by Susan Champeny

RICHARD HA RESPONDED THIS MORNING to Sen. Russell Ruderman’s opposition to his reappointment to the state Board of Agriculture: “We should be toning down the rhetoric, not ramping it up as Sen. Ruderman did by writing that he was revulsed by my reappointment to the Board of Ag. What we need as we move into an uncertain future of rising energy and food costs is the spirit of aloha. Let’s come together to have a meaningful and respectful discussion about our food security.

Richard Ha

“Saying that I am an enemy of organic farming is not true. You can see on my blog ... that I see the problem of rising costs for both conventional and organic farmers. We have to help each other address those costs. I feel that we need all farmers to be able to feed Hawai`i. I’m in favor of organic farming. The problem with organic farming is the large, industrial farming on the mainland having lower costs of production than the organic farming here in Hawai`i. So that’s why conventional and organic farmers have to help each other. It is not accurate to say that I am against organic. That is not right.
Ha said that “Sen. Ruderman said he was revulsed by my reappointment when emailing people about his opposition to my having a second term on the Board of Agriculture. That is inappropriate for a person in his position because it sends a shiver through the agricultural community, and people could be afraid to speak out.”
Ha said, “This is not about me, but the appropriateness of his actions, given his special position of being a senator. That’s the problem. It makes people afraid that what is said in public is different than what is said in private.”
On his blog, hahaha.hamakuasprings.com, Ha discusses organic farming. “Organic, hydroponic, conventional, big farmers, small farmers: We need to find ways to coexist,” Ha writes. He says that, because Hawai`i doesn’t have a winter season, both organic and conventional farmers here are at a disadvantage. “We use much more energy than a mainland farmer to produce our crops, because we are always having to fight insects and diseases. This is just reality. We have to rely on different methods here, many of them dependent on energy that only gets more and more expensive, and all of this increases our costs. We need to work together to lower each other’s costs, not fight about methods and labels and all that.”
Ha writes that getting costs down “will improve the Big Island’s food security (being able to get adequate and sufficient food) and move us further toward our goal of increased food self-sufficiency (growing what we need right here at home).”

KA`U FARMERS planning to start a Ka`u chapter of the Hawai`i Farmers Union United are invited to a meeting of the Kona chapter, which covers Ka`u. It will be held this Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. at Buddha’s Cup Coffee, 78-1377 Bishop Road (Old Poi Factory Rd) in Holualoa. The event is a potluck and features speaker Bob Shaffer, who will discuss benefits of compost and micro-organisms in improving the health of soil. Steve Bess will speak about a new agriculture mediation program available to the farming community. “Along with your delicious local dish, please bring your own plates, utensils and cups so we can reduce our impact on this beautiful island,” said HFUU president Steven Sakala.

Ka`u member Malian Lahey, who is helping to organize a local chapter, said that “Hawai`i Farmer's Union United is a national organization that supports family farmers. It is neither pro- nor anti-GMO, but supports GMO labeling. HFUU is devoted to carrying the requests and needs of small farmers to lawmakers at the state and federal level.”

Call Sakala at 757-7945 or Lahey at 808-280-2851.

Information about the organization is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smDxIWKgXk4&feature=em-share_video_user#aid=P-PrcjnCHZQ.

Alu Like is one organization that will continue
to receive federal funding.

MEASURES FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN CHILDREN proposed by U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz are included in the bipartisan Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 that the Senate passed recently. The bill updates and improves the Child Care Development Block Grant program created in 1990, which provides states with federal funding to help low-income families afford child care while working or in job training programs.

“More than 9,000 children in Hawai`i are able to attend child care programs thanks to the federal Child Care and Development Fund,” said Hirono. “This bipartisan bill strengthens safety and program quality to better focus on the healthy development of our keiki. The additional measures added to the bill will ensure that Native Hawaiian child care programs such as Alu Like and Keiki o Ka `Aina will continue to receive the resources they need to best serve children and working families across our state.”
The Senate also passed an amendment to increase funding for Native and tribal child-care organizations, including Native Hawaiian organizations. The amendment, cosponsored by Hirono, increases current Native organization funding from “not more than two percent” to “not less than two percent” of total CCDBG federal funds.
Schatz said, “We must build more opportunities for native children to learn and excel in school and fulfill their true potential, and we need to provide tribes and native communities with the tools and support needed to design programs in ways to best serve the needs and circumstances of native children in their communities.”
The CCDBG Act of 2014 makes several improvements to the current child-care law:

Requires states to coordinate with existing early education programs, special education and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Requires comprehensive background checks for all child care providers receiving federal funds, including state criminal and sex-offender registries and state-based abuse and neglect registries.
Shares information on quality child care options, how families can access key resources and posts the results of health and safety inspections online.
Calls for child care providers to undergo training in First Aid and CPR, prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and child abuse prevention.
Helps provide increased professional development, including child care college coursework or credentials.
Allows CCDBG funds to be used to construct and renovate native child care facilities.

Rep. Richard Creagan

Rep. Richard Onishi

KA`U REPRESENTATIVES VOTED IN FAVOR of the 2014-15 supplemental state budget passed by the state House.

“This budget recognizes the importance of agricultural sustainability and the need to provide greater support to our farmers and ranchers,” said Ka`u Rep. Richard Onishi during the vote. “It includes over $9.2 million dollars to bring valuable water throughout the state via irrigation projects and $3.5 million dollars for important watershed projects for Upcountry Maui and Hawai`i Island’s Hamakua districts.
“The budget supports our livestock industries and provides $3 million dollars for a Zero Waste Conversion Project, which will focus on the development of livestock feed and biofuel. It also recognizes that aquaculture plays an important role in our food sustainability, and allocates $300,000 for a Fish Feed Feasibility study. The budget also includes funding for the national Ag Corps program and for a Farm to School Coordinator.”
Ka`u Rep. Richard Creagan said, “I am pleased that this includes $482,000 for new equipment for our state laboratories, almost $3 million for programs that service individuals with disabilities, and $2.8 million for Hilo Medical Center’s Primary Care Training Program which, while based in Hilo, will provide medical training for physicians throughout the Big Island, including Kona Hospital and Ka`u Family Health Center.”

Student volunteers help with the Keeping It Green Hawai`i program.
Photo by Rene Mansho

RECYCLE HAWAI`I AND EARTH-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS HAWAI`I invite Ka`u schools, organizations, businesses and government agencies here to work toward earning Keeping It Green Hawai`i awards. The KIGH program highlights projects and activities that promote recycling, resource awareness and sustainable practices in Hawai`i. The program recognizes positive green projects that are being implemented in the community, thereby encouraging others to create projects that care for our environment and take action to address local and global issues.

To be considered for a Keeping It Green Hawai`i award, nominees must meet at least three criteria established by Recycle Hawai`i. Criteria range from practicing the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle; protecting natural resources and native species; alternative energy and green building practices, to respect for native Hawaiin gathering rights and cultural practices.
“Since initiating the Keeping It Green Hawai`i program in 2007, 50 businesses, organizations and schools have shared their ways and means of promoting green practices and sustainability,” said Recycle Hawai`i executive director Paul J. Buklarewicz. “The growing awareness and participation in KIGH by so many who express their conscious actions highlights their strongly held conviction in environmental stewardship of our fragile island communities.”
Awardees for 2013 KIGH, which were announced in March, are The Green House Center for Sustainability and Going Green Recycling Community Clean-Up Program on O`ahu, plus Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education (S.P.A.C.E.) and Hualalai Academy on Hawai`i Island.
For more information, see recyclehawaii.org or call 808-969-2012.

Over Under, by K-2 students at Volcano School of Arts &
Sciences, won Elementary Division first place last year.
Photo by Marsha Hee

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE for teachers to register their students in Recycle Hawai`i’s ninth annual Art of Recycling School Competition, which takes place next month. The program aims to increase environmental awareness and encourage recycling and sustainable practices in our community. This popular event is open to students in grades K-12 who create original artwork from recycled or reusable materials for jury and exhibit.

An ARSC entry and waiver form must accompany each selected art piece to the appropriate district site. Entries from Na`alehu, Pahala and Volcano go to Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo on Thursday, April 3, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Ocean View entries go to Kona International Market in Kailua-Kona on Thursday, April 10 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Artwork focuses on themes of reduce, reuse, recycle; island sustainability; preserving/protecting Hawai`i’s natural environment; or zero waste. Entries are judged on originality, theme, personal expression, execution of materials and artistic merit. Outstanding entries in Elementary, Middle, and High school levels receive prize certificates. Outstanding class/schools receive cash prizes. Reception/awards ceremony and art exhibit are open to the public.

For more information and entry forms see recyclehawaii.org. For questions, call 985-8725 or email hiartrecycle@gmail.com.
This program, sponsored by Recycle Hawai`i, is funded in part by Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management (hawaiizerowaste.org) and the Swain Barber Foundation.

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Frank Trusdell talks about the eruptive history and current status of Mauna Loa tomorrow. The After Dark in the Park program at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes’ National Park begins at 7 p.m. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN TO WEAVE A STAR from leaves of the pandanus tree when members of `Aha Puhala o Puna share the art of lauhala weaving as part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops. The free program takes place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply.

ALOHA BLUEGRASS BAND AND KEOKI KAHUMOKU present a free concert at Pahala Plantation House Wednesday at 7 p.m. Donations are welcome.

Information about the performers is available at alohabluegrassband.com.

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

The final Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Whale Count for 2014 takes place Saturday. Photo from HIHWNMS

HILO CIRCUIT JUDGE GREG NAKAMURA heard arguments regarding Hawai`i County’s registration of genetically modified crops yesterday. Attorney Margery Bronster, representing the plaintiffs, raised concerns about the county keeping information provided by the farmers confidential.

“I would try to keep as much information as confidential as possible,” county Research and Development Department director Laverne Omori said in response to a question from Bronster, according to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. She also said her office “lacked clear rules and procedures for the new program.”

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Tom Callis reports that one of the plaintiffs, Hawai`i Papaya Industry Association president Ross Sibucao, said he fears release of information about his farm could make him a target for vandalism. “It’s my livelihood,” he said.

“You grow these trees from babies on up.

“To have them vandalized, it’s fearful.”
Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who introduced the anti-GMO bill, told Callis the registry is needed for disclosure and that “general information about where GMO crops are grown should be made public.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

To comment on this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES will vote Thursday on legislation that would dismantle the Antiquities Act of 1906, according to Germonique R. Ulmer, vice president of Public Affairs for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She called the Antiquities Act “our best public lands conservation tool.”
Ulmer said HR1459, dubbed the “Preventing New Parks” bill, undermines the President’s ability to act swiftly to preserve lands of public interest through national monument designation. The Grand Canyon, Acadia, Chaco Canyon and Olympic National Parks are just a few of the places first protected under the Antiquities Act. President Obama created national monuments at Virginia’s Fort Monroe and Colorado’s Chimney Rock with strong public support.
HR1459 has three major provisions:

places arbitrary limits on the number of monuments a president can designate using the Antiquities Act;
requires Congress to approve, for the first time, monument designations; and
creates unprecedented roadblocks to swift presidential action;

Ulmer asks the public to contact their respresentatives and ask them to vote no on the bill. “Together, we can stop this major threat to our public lands and our heritage,” she said.
Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard can be contacted at gabbard.house.gov or 202-225-4906. Her Hawai`i Island constituent liaison, Blaise DeLima, can be contacted at 755-5806.

Hawai`i corrections system recruits joined officials during a meeting with
Gov. Neil Abercormbie. Image from Big Island Video News

KULANI PRISON IS ON SCHEDULE to reopen in July, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced at a meeting with correctional facility staff and recruits recorded by Big Island Video News. His plan is to return prisoners housed on the mainland as part of an initiative toward a “complete revamping and reorientation” of the state correctional system.

“Everybody who had return rights is going to be given the opportunity,” Abercrombie said.
He said reopening Kulani is “a visible step that we’re reversing” the practice of sending inmates out of state.
Abercrombie also announced plans to replace Hilo Prison and build a new prison in Kona. “The question that has to be answered right now is, ‘What’s the cost of sending people out of the state, not just in dollars and cents terms, but in lost opportunities for dealing with our own difficulties, our own way, inside our own `ohana, inside this state.”
He said the overall plan is to bring everyone back, “making an investment and seeing to it that we come to grips with our own problems inside Hawai`i and inside our own family.”
He said programs at the facility would include an inmate-to-farmer program with training in all phases of ag and a natural area reserve program, with the hope of reducing the rate of recitivism, “giving people the sense that they are not just in a hopeless situation.”
See bigislandvideonews.com.

BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH: A FAMILY AFFAIR is set for Friday, April 11. From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, the health fair offers health, education and prevention booths, nutrition and healthy food demonstrations, Hawai`i Health Connector enrollment, games and door prizes.

Sponsored by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., participants include Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool, Bay Clinic, Med Assist School of Hawai`i, United Healthcare, `Ohana Healthcare and Hawai`i County Office of Aging.

Registration deadline is Monday, April 7. For more information, call 928-0101.

Vendor spaces are available at Kauaha`ao Congregational Church's bazaar next month.
Photo from Debbie Wong Yuen

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN WAI`OHINU invites individuals and groups to be vendors at the church’s fundraising bazaar on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is at the corner of Hwy 11, Kama`oa Road and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store and Gas Station.

The flea market is open to any club, church, school, athletic organization or individual. The charge for a 10x10-foot booth space is $10. Vendors are asked to bring their own tent, tables, chairs, and, if power is needed, a generator.
The church will be selling laulau plate lunches, chili and rice, hot dogs, baked goods and more.
For more information or to reserve a space, call Walter Wong Yuen after 7 p.m. at 928-8039.

THE ALOHAHAS IMPROV-COMEDY-SKETCH COMPANY returns to Ocean View Community Center for their spring show Saturday, April 19. Doors open for $15 ticket sales at 7 p.m. for adults 18 years or older, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

CJ Roughgarden is a member
of the Alohahas.

The show line-up consists of members performing a series of improvisation games with audience suggestions and participation. Part of the show features original comedy sketches written and performed by the improv members.
Advance $10 tickets may be purchased at thealohahas@gmail.com or 938-2091.
More information on the live show, company members and show tickets is available at thealohahas.com or facebook.com/thealohahas.

NA`ALEHU STUDENTS AND STAFF SHARE their learnings and projects at the annual Math and Science Night on Thursday, April 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will be held in the main school building. Visitors are welcome to bring their families and visit grade-level displays and hands-on activities in classrooms, on the lanai and in the center courtyard. Highlights include exploding fourth-grade volcanoes, make-and-take art pieces with recycled materials, fifth-grade science projects and sixth-grade marble ramp experiments. Families will have an opportunity to take home a native tree starter, in honor of Earth Day, when engaging in the Kamehameha Schools Literacy Instruction and Support booth with their keiki.
For more information, call the school at 939-2413.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN TO WEAVE A STAR from leaves of the pandanus tree when members of `Aha Puhala o Puna share the art of lauhala weaving as part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops. The free program takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply.

ALOHA BLUEGRASS BAND AND KEOKI KAHUMOKU present a free concert at Pahala Plantation House tomorrow at 7 p.m. Donations are welcome.

Information about the performers is available at alohabluegrassband.com.

DURING STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

MORE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE SATURDAY.
At Manuka NARS Shoreline Hiking Cleanup, volunteers hike two or more miles to access the cleanup sites. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Sanctuary Whale Count volunteers gather at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Ka Lae and also at Ka`ena Point in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey. Sign up at sanctuaryoceancount.org, or call 808-268-3087.

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

Legislation calling for tax relief on donations to the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan is on its way to President Barack Obama.
Map from wunderground.com

AS THE MILITARY PLANS TO EXPAND TRAINING areas and the number and sophistication of war games conducted on the Big Island, its leaders plan to meet with warriors and defense industry leaders from around the world next month in Waikiki. The conference, April 8 – 10, is called Land and Power in the Pacific.

Officials said one aim of LANPAC is "assuring security and stability in the Pacific."

Representatives from more than thirty countries are invited to the confab. Speakers include generals from the U.S., Japan and Bangladesh. The Association of the United States Army’s Institute of Land Warfare and the U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Pacific Command are organizing LANPAC. A statement says that one aim is “assuring security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”
See a map at afcea.org/events/tnlf/east12-/documents/MathewsRevRecvd.pdf.
“Participants will explore, in depth, the concept of strategic land power and the future of the Asia-Pacific theater with valuable perspectives from U.S. military and civilian leaders, industry leaders and service leaders from allied countries in this very important region of the world,” retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, president of AUSA, said in a release.
Seven of the 10 largest armies in the world are in the Pacific theater, and 22 of the 27 countries in the region have an army officer as chief of defense, according to John R. Deni at the Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute.

However, the Army has struggled to establish its place in the Pacific in a time of downsizing and a stated Pentagon goal of avoiding the type of foreign nation occupation operations that fell to the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Featured speakers will include Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, head of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter, along with Gen. Dennis Via, commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command; Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas Jr., commander, U.S. 7th Fleet; Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, chief of staff, Japan Ground Self Defense Force; Gen. Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, chief of staff, Bangladesh Army; Lt. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell, U.S. Army chief information officer; and Brig. Tim Gall, land component commander, Headquarters, Joint Forces, New Zealand.
Last year’s inaugural LANPAC forum was advertised as a way to “leverage the strategic location of Hawai`i to bring together government and industry representatives.”
More than 600 attended the symposium, including representatives from 17 countries, U.S. Army Pacific said.
The event, held last year and also this year at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, will feature industry exhibits.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO., HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. and other electric utility companies are in danger of being FedExed, “like the post office got FedExed,” as rooftop photovoltaic systems become lower-priced, said former Energy secretary Steven Chu.

Chu suggested that utilities go into the rooftop solar business. He presented his arguments for the new business model at the University of Chicago, as reported in Forbes by Jeff McMahon.

Steven Chu

“This is not a radical model,” Chu said. “This is the old telephone system model, where the telephone companies owned the phone, they rented you the phone for so long, they maintained it.” In Chu’s model, the utility would own the panels and batteries and sell electricity to customers at a much lower rate.

The model benefits the utilities and their customers, according to Chu.
Utility companies could expand without needing to install new transmission lines, complete environmental impact reports, “and all of that stuff,” he said. They would also benefit from a distributed network of panels and batteries “where they need it the most, at the end of the distribution system, for grid stability.”
Besides getting lower rates, customers would get solar power without having to pay for installation, as well as get a battery backup that works up to a week.
Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, criticized HECO’s slowing of rooftop solar installations because of concerns about capacity and safety. “Solar installations don’t threaten grid stability until they approach 20 percent of the customer base,” Chu said. As of January, seven percent of HELCO’s customers had solar systems.
Lynn Unemori, of HECO, told McMahon the company has adopted “a more cautious approach to applications for new PV systems on circuits with a large amount of PV already installed, solely for reasons of safety and reliability.”
See forbes.com.

LEGISLATION TO OFFER TAX RELIEF on charitable donations to the Philippines is on its way to President Obama after being passed by Congress.

The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will allow Americans who make donations for storm relief and recovery in the Philippines to deduct them from their taxes.

Under this bill, donations must be made after the President signs this bill into law and before April 15, 2014 in order to qualify.

Sen. Mazie Hirono co-sponsored the legislation. “Given the great deal of help still needed, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will help spur another round of new contributions when charitable giving has tapered off and help American families get more back from their tax returns this year,” she said.
Ka`u’s Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who co-sponsored similar legislation in the House, said, “In the past several months, people in Hawai`i and across the country have shown a tremendous outpouring of compassion and support for so many of our friends and family who were deeply impacted by the devastating Typhoon Haiyan. I continue to pray for those who lost loved ones, and I encourage everyone to not forget that there is still so much work to be done, and to consider how we can help in their efforts.” 
Legislation to provide tax incentives for charitable giving was also enacted following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

ALOHA BLUEGRASS BAND AND KEOKI KAHUMOKU present a free concert at Pahala Plantation House this evening at 7 p.m. Donations are welcome.
Information about the performers is available at alohabluegrassband.com.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND AND NATURAL AREA RESERVES teams invite volunteers to their annual Manuka Natural Area Reserve shoreline hiking cleanup in South Kona this Saturday. The region includes anchialine pools, rugged beaches and a couple of embayments.
“Every year, we are able to cover more ground and move further north along this rocky, remote shoreline,” said HWF coordinator Megan Lamson.

Space is limited. RSVP to Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

Whale Tale Photo from Thomas C. Stein

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK encourages volunteers to register to help count humpback whales during the final 2014 Sanctuary Ocean Count held this Saturday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ka`ena Point, near the end of Chain of Craters Road, is one of Hawai`i Island’s 21 Sanctuary Ocean Count sites. It is the first pullout along the ocean, close to the end of the road – about a 45-minute drive from the park entrance. Bring a cushion or chair to sit on, snacks, sun and rain protection. Binoculars are optional. Check in with Sanctuary Ocean Count site leader, park ranger Adrian Boone.
Volunteers on shore monitor humpbacks in nearshore waters for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Residents and visitors look forward to this yearly event, which provides important population and distribution information about humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands.
“The Sanctuary Ocean Count is an ideal opportunity for the community and the park to work together as stewards of the ocean,” said Public Affairs officer Jessica Ferracane. “These splendid creatures swim more than 2,000 miles to Hawai`i from Arctic waters every winter, and the annual count is one way to observe and record their behavior and ensure their future.”
For more information, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. To register online, see sanctuaryoceancount.org, or simply show up for all or part of the count.
For additional questions, call the Ocean Count Hotline 808-268-3087.

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

Aloha Bluegrass Band raised money last night for their children's education workshops with a concert at Pahala Plantation Manager's House. Photo by Julia Neal

AN ASPIRING KA`U CHAPTER of Hawai‘i Farmers Union United invites the public to a meeting on Saturday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Speakers include Vincent Mina, President of the state board of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. Also on the agenda is Bob Shaffer, a coffee farmer and agronomist with Soil Culture Consulting. One of the organizers of the new chapter, Malian Lahey, said all farmers and others interested in the future of agriculture in Ka`u are invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring potluck items made from local ingredients.

Hawai`i Farmers Union United’s mission statement says the organization “advocates for the sovereign right of farmers to create and sustain vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all Hawai`i through cooperation, education and legislation.” It says the Hawai`i division of the Farmers Union is “recognized and respected in representing a family of farmers here in Hawai`i. Hawai`i Farmers Union empowers island farmers to earn a prosperous living through regenerative stewardship of our lands, waters and communities. Hawai`i Farmers Union serves as a bridge between farmers and consumers through vibrant, local, community Farmers Union chapters in all districts on all islands.”

Vincent Mina will be a keynote speaker at the first Hawai`i Farmers Union United
meeting in Ka`u next month. Photo from Vincent Mina

Keynote speaker Mina is co-owner/operator of a family farm Kahanu `Aina Greens on Maui with his wife Irene and two children. Making a living on 2,000 square feet producing baby greens in plant-based compost, he has been advocating for small farmers’ rights since being President of Hawai`i Organic Farmers Association in 1997, according to a statement from HFUU. Mina also served as secretary for the Maui County Farm Bureau from 2005 to 2008, President of the Maui Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United from 2011 to 2013 and the state President of Hawai`i Farmers Union United from 2012 to the present. Along with Irene Mina, he co-founded in 2001 Maui Aloha `Aina Association, a nonprofit organization “that promotes life-nurturing practices for the body and the soil through education outreach services,” HFUU notes. Mina has produced 11 conferences since 2001.
Mina said, “We are on the threshold of our islands becoming a leader in producing a majority of our food, fiber and fuel through the use of regenerative and restorative practices done with a whole systems approach in ecological agriculture. “
According to HFUU, as state president, “Vincent has focused on the issues and needs of our small family farmers, building chapter strength and consistency of chapter meetings on each island along with surveying the membership to find out what direction our members want us to go in advocating for programs that serve the interest of our small ecological farmers.”

The second keynote speaker, Shaffer, said that “the foundation of sustainability begins with respect for nature and feeding the soil.” He is a horticulturist, agronomist and viticulturist for Soil Culture Consulting. He has been consulting and training farmers in sustainable, science-based farming systems in subtropical and temperate environments for 35 years. He is a regular presenter at ACRES USA conferences.
Shaffer has expertise in development and management of cover-crop systems for farms, orchards and vineyards. He “looks at cover crops from a whole-farm perspective including soil biology,” the HFUU statement says, including “soil physics and how the cover crop interrelates with food production and quality.”
According to the HFUU statement, the organization “works closely with farmers to develop policy that will then be brought to legislators on the national and state level. At the April 19 meeting, we will hold a World Café session, where anyone who attends can talk about what their priorities are for agriculture-related policy.”
HFUU also plans a legislative retreat on Maui June 22-23 to develop strategy for the 2015 legislative session.
Specific help for Ka`u Farmers, according to the statement, involves supporting tax exemptions and deductions for farmers; support for small and medium family farmers and growers using regenerative techniques; and support for various food security task forces and help guide strategy on Hawai`i’s food production into the future.”
For more information, contact Lahey at 503-575-9098 or malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

Jade Tredinnick, of Volcano School of Arts and Sciences,
and Keoni Taylor, of Ka`u High School, are regulars at
Keoki Kahumoku workshops. Photo by Julia Neal

A CONCERT AND FUNDRAISER for the educational programs of the Aloha Bluegrass Band drew about 85 people to Pahala Plantation House last night. The group, which plays Bluegrass and Piligrass music, features stand-up bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and `ukulele with Keoki Kahumoku. The band plays at Blue Dragon Restaurant in Kawaihae tonight and at the Palace Theatre on Friday. The musicians teach music at children’s workshops on the Big Island, Maui and on the mainland with a concert each year in Pahala.

DANIEL MORIARTY IS RECOVERING from being shot at his home in Ocean View two weeks ago, reports Chelsea Jensen in West Hawai`i Today. He is receiving treatment at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific on O`ahu. “I am doing exceptionally well. Everybody is saying I am doing good, and I feel I’m at 150 percent,” he told Jensen. “It’s looking like I will walk again at some point — but the extent of that is impossible to say.”
Moriarty said he expects to be back home in a couple of weeks. He said friends and family are getting the house ready to accommodate him.
Moriarty told Jensen he attributes his recovery to a combination of “using every possible tool we can,” including modern medicine and energy prayer.
Regarding his assailant, longtime friend Clyde Hawse “Cris” Criswell, Moriarty said he forgave him “when I was still laying on the floor. I knew in his right mind he would never do something like that and he could never see himself doing something like that.” He said Criswell had “too much alcohol, and something snapped in his brain.”
A fundraising account to help the family with mounting bills has been set up under the name of Brooke Moriarty at HFS Federal Credit Union. Call Ray Henderson at 929-9693 for more information.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Donation jars have also been placed in Ka`u businesses. In Na`alehu, jars are at Hana Hou Restaurant and Island Market. In Ocean View, jars are at Rancho Ace Hardware, Ocean View Pizzeria, Kahuku Country Store, Replay, Ka`u Business Services, Coffee Grinds Restaurant, DJ’s Pizza and Bakeshop, Ocean View Auto Parts, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Spin Zone Wash.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

“I WELCOME THE NEWS OF THE PRESIDENT moving toward ending the sweeping collection of our personal data, and look forward to reviewing the President’s legislative proposal,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The President’s proposal to overhaul its surveillance programs includes ending bulk collection and storage of phone records.
Gabbard said, “For years, millions of Americans have been kept in the dark about the collection of their personal data by their own government, in the name of national security, without any evidence that such intrusive actions were effective in preventing attacks on our country. I will continue working toward bringing about reforms that strike the necessary balance of protecting our constitutional right to privacy and maintaining strong national security. The American people should not have to choose between the two.”

Mother and father nene seen on O`ahu are from Hawai`i Island.
Image from Hawai`i News Now

NEW PARENTS OF THREE NENE GOSLINGS on O`ahu are from Hawai`i Island, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. They are the first nene to be seen on O`ahu since the 1700s. Scientists suspect the birds were on their way to Kaua`i for the nesting season when they stopped in Kahuku. Originally from Kaua`i, the birds, tagged K59 and K60, were previously moved to Maui and then Hawai`i Island.

TONIGHT IS KARAOKE NIGHT at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Beginning at 7 p.m., the activity is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents Aloha Friday on the porch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with variable hula art offerings of hula lessons, lei making, storytelling, lauhala weaving or `ukulele lessons. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Donations are welcome, and park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA LU`AU BUFFET TOMORROW from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. features a free hula show at 7 p.m. At Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the menu includes kalua pork and cabbage, shoyu chicken, breaded ono, chicken long rice and more. Adults $15.25; $8 children 6-11 years old. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8356.

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

`Ohelo plants pop up in an area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park where volunteers cleared invasive Himalayan ginger through ongoing Stewardship at the Summit program. Photo from NPS

THE STATE SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE has given unanimous support to the reappointment of Richard Ha to the Ag Board. Ha, owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms, supports geothermal energy as a way to lower electricity bills and genetically modified crops as a tool for farmers to create food security in Hawai`i.

Testimony from Ka`u reflected the statewide trend supporting Ha’s renomination.

John Cross, manager of Ka`u lands for the Olson Trust, testified, “You cannot find a more fitting person for this position on the Ag Board. I, along with Mr. Edmund C. Olson and his Trust subsidiaries, strongly support Mr. Ha's nomination.”

Michelle Galimba

Ka`u rancher and Ag Board member-at-large Michelle Galimba wrote, “Richard is a thought and action leader in the agricultural community. His interest in and advocacy for clean energy initiatives are invaluable.”
Randy Cabral, orchard manager of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, wrote that Ha “has been a successful farmer for over 35 years and a strong supporter of small farmers. In addition, he is very much involved with various community organizations.”
Chris Manfredi, former president of Ka`u Farm Bureau and current president of the statewide Farm Bureau, wrote that Ha’s “widely shared opinions on peak oil, alternative energy solutions and profitable (read sustainable) farming are above reproach. He’s just a smart, selfless, innovative, progressive and experienced farmer who understands, respects and knows how to interpret science and technology.”
Former Ag Department chief Russell Kokubun, of Volcano, testified, “Hamakua Springs is a working model for successful agriculture, and Richard has always demonstrated his willingness to share his experience and knowledge with anyone who wishes to engage. Having known Richard for over 30 years and having served with him on the BOA, I can say unequivocally that he is an honorable person who has a deep commitment to Hawai`i. which is reflected in his dedication to the agricultural industry in our state.”

Russell Kokubun

Jeff McCall, of Wood Valley, said Ha is a “longtime farmer and a great representative of Hawai`i agriculture – very innovative and forward thinking.”
Lynn Hamilton, of Pahala, wrote that Ha “sees food security as a priority and understands the connection of agriculture and energy. Lowering food cost for both the farmer and the customer is most important. The state is fortunate to have such a qualified person willing to give his time and talents to his fellow citizens.”
Much of the testimony opposing Ha’s reappointment mentioned his support of GMOs. Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte, of Moloka`i, wrote that the board “is already over-populated with GMO supporters and is losing credibility as a neutral body. This is the same trend that is happening at the national level of the ‘revolving door.’”
This and other testimony is available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Bill number is GM598.
Ha’s nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAU’S SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who had launched an email campaign fighting Richard Ha’s renomination to the state Ag Board, said that, after a meeting with Ha, “we left laughing and shaking hands and vowing to work together” on areas of common ground, including food security and renewable energy. Ruderman told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that he was concerned Ha would support biotech over organic agriculture, but he now supports Ha’s renomination.
Ha has written on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com that he is in favor of organic, hydroponic, conventional, big farmers and small farmers, saying, “We need to find ways to coexist.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mina Morita

MINA MORITA, CHAIR OF HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, will continue in her position “on a holdover basis beyond June 30, 2014 when her term ends,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced. “We are at a very critical juncture in developing our clean energy future, and the Public Utilities Commission needs stability to continue to address many of the important regulatory issues before it,” Abercrombie said.

The decision follows reports that Abercrombie would perhaps replace her after she and fellow commissioners Michael Champley and Lorraine Akiba rejected two proposed 20-year contracts between `Aina Koa Pono and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. AKP planned to build a refinery above Pahala to make biofuel for HELCO from feedstock grown in Ka`u.
Addressing accusations that Morita and her husband have illegal vacation rentals on conservation property, Abercrombie said, “At the present time, Chair Morita has business before the Board of Land and Natural Resources, which must be addressed. She will continue to serve in the position while these issues are being resolved.”

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES is accelerating forest protection to secure water supply. More than 140,000 acres of forest lands in Hawai`i are now being managed to conserve Hawai`i’s forests through funding provided by Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s “The Rain Follows the Forest” Watershed Initiative. That number will increase to more than 480,000 acres by the time projects currently funded are completed.

DLNR's The Rain Follows the Forest program conserves
forests to secure water supply.

The administration’s goal, announced is to double the acreage of protected watershed forests in a decade. Abercrombie said, “My administration is supportive of the state Legislature’s consideration of a funding source for the watershed protection.”
Abercrombie has proposed in his supplemental budget $11 million for watershed protection in fiscal year 2015, as a continuation of his New Day plan to steward Hawai`i’s natural resources.
Forests protect Hawai`i’s fresh water sources as Hawai`i’s climate becomes hotter and drier. “Changing climate and species invasion are threatening Hawai`i’s fresh water supplies,” said Dr. Tom Giambelluca, a professor of geography at University of Hawai`i at Manoa who specializes in Hawai`i’s climate. “Forests are a major part of the water equation because they intercept water from the clouds and reduce direct runoff. The types of forests also matter,” he said. “A forest of invasive strawberry guava trees can evaporate 27 percent more water than native `ohi`a forests. When the native forests are replaced by more water-thirsty invasive species, large amounts of water can be lost over millions of acres.”

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jo Caron

AT AN ECSTATIC DANCE WORKSHOP Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ocean View, Jo Caron guides participants exploring the Five Rhythms of Gabrielle Roth. No dance experience is necessary. $35 suggested donation. Call 443-6993 to register and for directions.

GREEN SAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION has invited Ha`ao Springs & Mountain House Agricultural Water Cooperative to give an informational presentation on its project.

Invasive Himalayan ginger
Photo from NPS

At Green Sand Community Park on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m., Bill Savage, member and director on the co-op, will discuss bringing irrigation water from mauka to makai. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford will be in attendance, and light pupus and beverages will be served.

For more information, see haaosprings.org or call 936-0141.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP PROTECT the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species through Stewardship at the Summit programs in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon on April 5, 12, 18, 23 and 30; May 9, 17, 23, and 30; and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply.

Within the last year, volunteers have restored more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava, and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kilauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
“We welcome first-time visitors, repeat volunteers and residents alike. It’s always a fun and rewarding way to spend a few hours,” said volunteer project leader Paul Field. “We supply the tools, you supply the energy to help keep the beautiful Hawaiian rainforest intact and thriving.”

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

NBC'S Today Show reported this morning on the biodome experiment on Mauna Loa to prepare for travel to Mars.
Photo from The Today Show on NBC

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY won approval yesterday for a charter by an advisory board to the Hawai`i State Public Charter School Commission. The establishment of the new charter school is an effort led by former Na`alehu School teacher Kathryn Tydlacka. Tydlacka, Executive Director of Ka`u Learning Academy, holds a Masters Degree in Education Administration. She and Ka`u Learning Academy board member Joe Iacuzzo recently opened Gilliagan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour to raise funding for the charter school, which they hope to establish at the site of the old Discovery Harbour golf clubhouse, which they recently renovated for Gilligan's. Gilligan's Cafe is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ka`u Learning Academy founder
Kathryn Tydlacka

Iacuzzo is a Discovery Harbour resident who recently won a grant from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is developing a science fair to take place in each of the counties in Hawai'i. Board member Michael Richards founded Science Camps of America which offers two summer sessions, one called Land & Sea and the other Air & Space. They are both based in Ka`u at Pahala Plantation House. Also on the board is Na`alehu School teacher Terri Chopot, who holds a degree in Business Administration. Another board member is part time Ka`u resident, Dr. Lok Lew Van Voon, Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics at The Citadel, and recipient of a National Science Foundation Grant to sponsor 30 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students to motivate them to become high-school STEM teachers in high-need school districts.
Another board member is Nancy Sledziewski, a Special Education teacher with more than 30 years experience.
President of the board is Mark Fournier, an author, lecturer and fundraising specialist for non-profit organizations.
The approval at the Charter School Commission level yesterday is a major accomplishment in the long line of permitting for opening the Ka`u Learning Academy campus. See more at www.kaulearning.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REALISTIC MARTIAN COLONY SET UP ON HAWAIIAN VOLCANO is the title of an NBC news segment on the Today Show this morning. The story notes that NASA handpicked six people to live inside a biodome high on Mauna Loa for the HI-SEAS experiment that aims to recreate living conditions for future visitors to Mars. Correspondent Dave Malkofff from The Weather Channel was allowed inside the biodome and reported on the story. He noted that “the Big Island is not a place that would remind most folks of dead, isolated planet Mars….Take a two-hour drive up the side of a still active volcano? You may just forget which planet you are on.”

Blue Planet Research built the NASA-funded University of Hawai`i habitat for "Astro-Nots," who will live in the bubble on Mauna Loa in six “bedroom pods,” with a dining room and kitchen, the story reported. They will wear a space suit each time they go outside. They will stay in isolation in shifts for four months, eight, months and twelve months, with the current shift beginning this weekend, the NBC news story reported.

Inside the biodome on Mauna Loa. Image from NBC

Approximately 700 people applied to live in the biodome. Scientists plan to observe the chosen ones to better predict how people will eat and sleep on Mars with similar isolation and living condition. One condition that the research group cannot replicate on Mauna Loa, is that Mars has a third of the gravity pull found on Planet Earth, the story noted.
The reporter quoted the biodome crew saying that volcanic rocks found on Mauna Loa are nearly identical to volcanic rocks that the rovers find on Mars.
NASA funded the experiment to also help reduce the risk to space travelers to Mars. The journey from Earth to Mars is projected to take two and a half years and is planned for sometime after the year 2030.
This Mars experiment and other getting-ready-for-space exploration experiments are not new to Ka`u. Testing of space suits and equipment for moon landings was conducted in the Ka`u Desert. Earlier Mars biodome experimets have been conducted. One of the Mars mission scientists comes to Ka`u every year and stays in Pahala with his students from University of Washington at Saint Louis to study the geology of Ka`u that is similar to Mars. See the NBC Today Show report at http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/realistic-martian-colony-set-hawaiian-volcano-n66851. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE ANNUAL KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL is firming up participants in its annual Ho`olaulea on May 10 at Pahala Community Center. Ka`u Coffee farmers will show off their world class beans with tasting and sales at their booths. The Ka`u Coffee Experience will present the taste and aroma of select Ka`u Coffees, prepared by trained baristas, in a program organized by Ka`u Farm Bureau President Ralph Gaston, Joan Obra and Miguel Meza.

Halau Hula O Leionalani, with dancers from Pahala, will be
in the lineup. See www.kaucoffeefestival.com

The Ka`u Coffee Festival has grown to ten days of activities.
Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba is heading up the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant to be held on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She said the young contenders for Miss Peaberry and the Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates are working hard on their talent under the direction of Nalani Parlin. Tickets for the event are being sold throughout the community and scholarships are rolling in, said Scholarship Chair Julia Neal. To donate for scholarships, call 928-6471.
In charge of entertainment is coffee farmer Jamie Kailiawa and Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder who have lined up such talent. Entertaining will be Demetrius Oliveira and Keaiwa, Keoki Kahumoku & the Ukulele Kids, Hands of Time, Moses & Eunice and Miss Ka`u Coffee 2013 Tiare-Lee Shibuya, accompanied by Bradley Llanes. Bolo will play his new rendition of the song Kaiholena about the misty mountain of Ka`u, written during a songwriting workshop for an earlier Ka`u Coffee Festival. Dance will be by Halau Hula O Leionalani, of Pahala. and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, of Volcano.

Ka`u Coffee experience brings experts
to pour the brew for tasting on May 10.
See www.kaucoffeefestival.com

Bolo will kick off the first weekend of the festival at a Pa`ina, Open House and CD Release fundraiser for Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarships at Pahala Plantation House on Friday, May 2 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., co-hosted by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday, May 3, an evening called Taste Success: 3rd Annual Ka`u Farmers Table will be held at the Inn at Kalaekilohana. On Sunday, May 4 will be The Triple C Recipe Contest at Ka`u Coffee Mill at noon, followed by the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, May 7 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m will be the Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike at Ka`u Coffee Mill. On Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. will be Coffee & Cattle Day with lunch at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. On Friday, May 9 will be Ka`u Star Gazing from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Farm and Mill tours will be all week with special tours on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, starting from Pahala Community Center. On Sunday, May 11, farmers and other coffee industry enthusiasts can attend the Ka`u Coffee College from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more on each of the events, and fee schedules, see www.kaucofeefestival.com. To sign up to have a booth at the Ho`olaulea, call Brenda Iokepa-Moses at 928-0550. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judges rate the many recipes made with 100% Ka`u Coffee.
See www.kaucoffeefesitval.com

THE TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST, where amateur and professional cooks and chefs employ Ka`u Coffee to create cookies, candies and cakes is open for registration. Register by April 25 to win up to $500 at the competition on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. An official event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, Triple C is sponsored by the Edumund C. Olson Trust II. During the competition there will be music with Keoki Kahumokku & the ‘Ukulele Kids. Meet the current Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya. Tour Ka`u Coffee Mill and Farms and enjoy Ka`u Coffee tasting. The Triple C Recipe Contest will be followed by the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant, also at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

Last year's winners of the Triple C Contest were Gwen Edwards with Coca Mocha Roca, Masako Sakata with Ka`u Coffee Cookie Delights, Lisa Dacalio with Ka`u Bull Crackers, Aikane Plantation and Kapolei High School Culinary Program with Ka`u Coffee Brownies, and Trinidad Marques with Ka`u Coffee Melts. Student winners were Sarah Beth Passarelli with Ka`i Coffee-Chocolate Bites and Lorilee Lokelani Lorenzo with Ka`u Coffee Macnut Candy,

Pam Barton and Caren Loebel-Fried celebrate Kapa Rhythms.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

Pick up registration forms at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road above Pahala, open 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, or download from www.kaucoffeefestival.com.To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAPA RHYTHMS is the title of the new exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery that opens next Saturday, April 5 with a reception from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 18.
"Rich traditions and alegends surround kapa, or Hawaiian bark cloth. As a material kapa can transform into an opaque or gossamer fabrid, and lends itself to being woven, sculpted and draped. Traditionally, it served functional purposes, but was often adorned with highly decorative patters," says a statement from VAC. The artists are Pam Barton and Caren Loebel-Fried.
The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Students map archaeological sites during the Wahi Kupuna internship program. Applications are open for this summers' paid
internships in Ka`u. Photo from Kamehameha Schools

HAWAI'I COUNTY'S TAKE OF INCOME from the 9.25 percent state Transient Accommodations Tax that is levied on income from vacation rentals, inns and hotels, could increase. On Friday, the state Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed House Bill 1671 to repeal the $93 million cap on county income from TAT revenue. Mayor Billy Kenoi and the Hawai'i County Council both support removal of the cap, contending that the county needs the income to take care of police, fire and ambulance services, as well as roads, parks and other public places used by visitors.

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

State Finance Director Kalbert Young testified that the state also needs the revenue to improve the transportation system, which includes airports, harbors, state highways and parks. He wrote: "We must all remember that TAT revenue is not intended to pay for all the costs or perceived county burdens of providing services for visitors. The TAT revenue merely supplements what is already extracted by the counties from visitor industry businesses." He pointed out that counties already collect real property taxes from hotels and businesses that fund services to visitors and residents. "I would also point out that real property taxes on visitor accommodations are the highest ad valorum rates of any property classes in all the counties. The $93 million in TAT provides to the counties supplemental revenue from state tax revenues."

Hawai'i County Council passed a resolution to lift the cap and supporting the counties receiving 44.8 percent of the TAT. The resolution says, "The current allocation to the counties is inadequate for the increased use of resources from visitors on county parks, infrastructure, and first responders."
Ka'u Sen. Russell Ruderman voted to lift the cap. Former Ka'u Sen. Gl Kahele also voted to bring more of the TAT income home to the counties.
Hawai'i County Mayor Billy Kenoi joined the Hawai'i Council of Mayors in submitting testimony stating: "The cap was always understood to be a temporary measure to assist the state with a temporary budget shortfall, with a sunset in 2015. Now that the state economy is recovering and state Transient Accommodations Tax collections are climbing to record levels, there is no further justification for the cap. We respectfully ask that the committee remove the cap on the counties’ share of TAT revenues." To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PIPELINE TO CARRY BIOFUEL between ship and shore at Hilo Harbor was approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources on Friday. The pipe would initially be used to import biofuel to Hawai`i Island for transportation and electricity. The BLNR is requiring review and approval of an Environmental Assessemnt before considering whether to give final approval.
A tax credit to encourage local production of biofuel is moving through the legislature, with the tax credit available for only those products with low transportation costs. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Whale counting sites during Satruday's last humpback observation day for 2014.

THE FINAL HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT OF THE YEAR took place yesterday when more than 500 volunteers gathered data from the Ka`u Coast, the shores of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the coasline of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the rest of Hawai‘i. The series of volunteer events was sponsored by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The count is a shore-based census that provides snapshot data on humpback whales. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey.

Yesterday, volunteers collected data from 58 sites statewide. A total of 165 whales were seen during the 9:a.m.– 9:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout Saaturday's count (57 sites reported data). Weather conditions varied throughout the state. Many sites experienced calm ocean conditions in the morning before heavy rain and thunderstorms reached different parts of the islands, forcing some sites to cancel the count early. Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location is available at:
http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/
For more information on becoming a Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteer in 2015 visit http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov or http://sanctuaryoceancount.org.

University of Hawai`i works with Hawaiian organizations around the state to preserve
aneducate about Native Hawaiian cultural sites. Photo from Oiwi TV

The sanctuary, which is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve and nurse their young. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

INTERNS WILL STUDY IN KA`U FOR THE WAHI KUPUNA Program this summer. It is open to University of Hawai`i-Hilo and Hawai`i Community College student applicants. This summer’s interns will conduct cultural resource management projects on Kamehameha Schools’ legacy lands in the moku of Kaʻū.

The paid internship is sponsored by Huliauapaʻa, a non-profit organization committed to perpetuating and ensuring the integrity of Hawaiʻi’s wahi kūpuna, and Kumupaʻa, a Hawaiian-owned and operated cultural resource management company. Applicants must be enrolled in the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, Hawaiian Studies, or a related subjects. Up to six student will be selected following acceptance of applications and interviews.
The internship program runs for five weeks from July 14 – Aug. 15. Interns will work 40 hours a week and receive pay. Interns from U.H.-Hilo must enroll in Anthropopgy 490 for Fall semester to receive credit. The program includes a week of orientation, three weeks in the field and one week of wrap-up. Students will camp and are expected to be fit for strenuous physical activity for the field work. Work will alsso involve archival research, interviewing, data analysis, lab, keeping field logs and observational data sheets, report writng and making a final presentation to the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology at its statewide conference in October in Hilo.
For more information and an application, email to aoloa@huliauapaa.org or call (808) 430-5031. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A MILOLI`I HOUSE BURNED down yesterday, according to Hawai1`i County firefighters. They arrived to the unoccupied and possibly abandoned home at 9:33 a.m. and found it nearly collapsed and overcome by flames. The fire was extinguished by noon and no injuries were reported. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Esteve Salmo is the star this
season in Ka`u Trojan track.
Photo from Ka`u High

KA`U COAST is the title of one of the artworks on display in the offices of state legislators who encourage constituents to visit them tthis coming Friday for Art at the Capitol, a program sponsored by the Hawai`i State Art Museum. Ka`u Coast was painted by the late Mike Sakamoto, the famed television host of Fishing Tales, who brought his show to Ka`u. Sakamoto's painting can be seen in the office of Rep. James Kunane Tokioko.
Also participating in the art show is Ka`u Sen. Josh Green with a painting in his office called Afro World Independence Congress. Rep. Richard Creagan says the art in his office is by a painter from Ireland (where some of his family comes from) and was created in Hawai`i. The image shows one person looking out a window and another looking out a door. Creagan said the art encourages people to ponder why two people are carrying out two distinct actions at the same time, though near each other. He said it also reminds him of the "opening and closing of doors and windows in life. It's about being open and realizing that you need to leave some things behind," he said."It's a huge painting about 5 feet by 6 feet. I love the painting. It is full of light," said Creagan. More than 500 works are on display in 50 legislative offices and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN TROJAN TRACK & Field at yesterday’s islandwide Big Island Interscholastic Federation meet in Waimea, Ka'u High standout Esteve Salmo took second in the long jump, reaching 20.01.25 feet. That's just 2.25 inches shy of the first place jump by Dennis Preston of Waiakea High and a full foot beyond third-place finisher Caleb John Statler, of Hilo High. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

This unidentified whale was photographed about a month ago between Green Sands Beach and Ka`alualu. The carcass was 60 to 70 feet long with flippers detached, skin gone and blubber showing, scattered across a rocky flat. Photo by Richard Taylor

DISTRICT FIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY held its elections yesterday, with many of the officers involved in agriculture. The District covers Kona and the west side of Ka`u through Na`alehu. The new chair is Steve Sakala, President of the Kona Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. Sakala is also a board member of the Kona Pacific Charter School, which has an agriculturally based curriculum for its 250 students. First Vice Chair is Charlie Young, of Kealia, who formerly worked in the macadamia industry.

Barbara Dalton

Steve Sakala

Second Vice Chair is Tane Datta, a farmer in South Kona, owner of Adaptations, producing high-grade lettuce and cinnamon, which was highlighted in a recent edition of the Hawaiian Airlines magazine. Third Vice Chair is En Young, of Kealia, who heads Hawai`i Island Food Basket. Secretary is Barbara Lewis, of Ocean View, who is retired from Cyanotech and the macadamia nut industry. Treasurer is Mike Matsukawa, one of the founders of the Young Farmers Association, who is also a public interest attorney who has worked on energy issues. Second Secretary is Sarah Crawford, Executive Director of Friends of Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority.
West Ka`u state Representative and former District Five Chair Richard Creagan said yesterday’s meeting drew the largest turnout for any district meeting he has attended.
In Ka`u, two precincts are represented in District Five. Precinct One is in Na`alehu. Its officers are President Marilyn Creagan, who owns a farm in Kiolaka`a between South Point Road and Wai`ohinu along with Na`alehu Vice President, state Rep. Richard Creagan. The Na`alehu precinct’s District Council representative is Joe Iacuzzo, one of the founders of the new Ka`u Learning Academy and science fairs in Hawai`i.
Precinct One for Ocean View is headed by President Barbara Louis. Vice President is Greg Smith, who farms vegetables at Ka Lae.
During yesterday’s meeting, there was a mahalo presentation to John Buckstead for his years of service with the Democratic Party. The new West Hawai`i Vice Chair is Barbara Dalton, Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s liaison for West Hawai`i and former postmaster at Na`alehu. East Hawai`i Vice Chair is John Irving, and Chair for Hawai`i is Island is David Tarnas.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dennis Kamakahi performing at
Pahala Plantation House.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY HOST A BENEFIT CONCERT, dinner and silent auction today for Dennis Kamakahi on his 60th birthday at 6:30 p.m. at Willows Restaurant in Honolulu. Kamakahi is undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

Pakele Live! will stream the celebration at new.livestream.com/pakele. Admission to the event is free. Musicians include Ledward Ka`apana and Mike Kaawa, Keawe Ohana, Herb Ohta, Jr., Danny Carvalho, Maunalua, Stephen Inglis, Waipuna, Na Hoa, Kupaoa, Raiatea Helm, Bryan Tolentino, Nathan Aweau and special guests. Ben Gutierrez, of Hawai`i News Now, will host.
To donate, see teamdenniskamakahi.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP for health insurance or possibly face a fine from the federal government. Help in Ka`u is being offered through a $125,000 grant given to Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. Those wanting to sign up can receive help by calling 928-0101.

KRHCAI has assisted Ka`u residents at various events around Ka`u District and in its offices at 96-3126 Puahala Street in Pahala.
The next open enrollment period begins Nov. 15 for coverage in 2015.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS ENDORSED Sen. Brian Schatz in his race facing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for Senate. "I have worked with Sen. Schatz on the issues that matter to Hawai`i. Brian's deep commitment to the people of Hawai`i and his effective leadership are why I believe it is important to return him to the Senate,” President Obama said. “Sen. Schatz is protecting Hawai`i’s values and fighting every day on behalf of middle-class families. There is no question that Sen. Schatz is the right choice to continue delivering for Hawai`i.”

Pres. Barack Obama has endorsed Sen. Brian Schatz.

Schatz said, “This is confirmation that the work we’ve been doing to fight for Hawai`i’s values is gaining support and momentum. I’m proud to be one of Pres. Obama’s staunchest allies in the Senate. Whether it’s protecting Social Security or advancing clean energy, I hope you will give me a chance to keep working hard for what matters to all of us.”

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JAPAN LOST ITS BATTLE TO BE ABLE to continue whaling. An international court told Japan to stop whaling under the guise of scientific research. Possible delisting of humpbacks, however, could lead to new whaling quotas for humpback whales. Only a few humpbacks are harvested each year legally, and these are by native hunters in the Grenadine Islands in the Caribbean. Whaling internationally has largely been for minkes by Japan, fins and bowheads in Greenland, minkes and fins in Iceland, minkes in Norway and bowheads among native hunters in U.S.
Pilot whales – about 950 a year – are taken in Faroe islands.
Japan said today it objects but will accept the ban on its whaling for scientific research.

The court’s rulings at the Hague are binding and not subject to appeal.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JAMES M. K. TAKAMINE IS THE NEW Executive Vice President of CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union. Takamine was previously President and CEO of Hawai`i Community Federal Credit Union in Kailua-Kona.

“James comes to CU Hawai`i with years of financial experience outside of the credit union industry as well. His past experience with American Savings Bank and First Hawaiian Bank, along with his background with prestigious companies such as M&T Bank Corporation and the New York Stock Exchange, gives James a well-rounded perspective of the finance world from all angles,” said Marketing Manager Cheryl Weaver.

James Takamine

Takamine is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and East Asian Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

“Outside of the office, James keeps busy giving back to the community in many capacities,” Weaver said. Currently, he is Board Chairman of Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, Director/Treasurer of The Kohala Center and Director of Bishop Holdings Corporation. Takamine has also dedicated personal time as a director with The Food Basket and as a volunteer with Hawai`i Island United Way.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL fell to the Honoka`a Dragons Saturday, with a score of 8-19. Winning pitcher for the Dragons was Kailin Agustin, who started pitching in the third inning. Ka`u’s Shaylee Tamura hit one single and one double. The next game for the Trojans will be on Friday, April 4 at 3 p.m. at Pahala ball field.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S NI`AULANI CAMPUS in Volcano Village each week presents Multi-Media Monday’s from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lisa Louise Adams’ students experiment using drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking and more to find their inner voices and personal styles. $50 per month/$45 VAC members, plus a $30 per month materials fee. Call 967-8222.

Ab Valencia Photo by Jay Robinson

Tim Tunison Photo by Lanaya Deily

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES INSTITUTE, a program of the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, presents Plants of Hula: Na Mea Kanuo Ka Hula Friday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this field seminar, which celebrates the Merrie Monarch Festival, a kumu hula and botanist team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula.

Kumu hula Ab Valencia teaches about hula plants as kino lau, manifestations of Hawaiian deities in plant form, as his Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu understands them.
“There are plants for the hula altar, the kuahu, which include maile, `ie`ie, `ilima, lehua, and halapepe. In addition, there are adornments—mele hula plants that are worn by the dancers—which include maile, `ilima, and lehua, plus palapalai, `a`ali`i, pukiawe, and `olapa,” Valencia said.
At Kilauea Overlook, the group discusses cultural protocols used when picking plants and walks among native species in their natural environment, with scientific information and insight shared by botanist Tim Tunison.
“After lunch, we’ll visit Tunison’s property in Volcano Village, where he is restoring the land to its native ecosystem. We’ll get a hands-on lesson in native plant propagation, plus receive plant seedlings to grow at home,” said Valencia.
Program cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are $25. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount.
To register, call 985-7373 or see fhvnp.org.

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

April is Tsunami Awareness Month. In 1975, a tsunami destroyed this house at Punalu`u. Photo from USGS

HAWAI`I IS ONE OF THE FASTEST IMPROVING STATES in public education, said the U.S. Secretary of Education who visited the Islands yesterday. Hawai`i is one of a dozen states that won Race to the Top grants, and the $75 million spent here shows great improvement, said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. He visited a school on O`ahu that showed off its aquaponics and other science projects. Hawai`i News Now reported that “Duncan said that if Hawai`i could sustain recent improvements, much of what was being done in locals schools could be used as a model for the rest of the nation. ‘No one’s declaring victory, a long way to go, but the progress has been extraordinary. To say that now Hawai`i, by any objective measure, is one of the fastest improving states in the nation, that’s amazing!’”

Arne Duncan

Hawai`i News Now noted that “Hawai`i won the four-year grant in 2010, but the funding was soon in jeopardy, with the state placed on high-risk status. After making changes, Hawai`i was back in good standing last July.”
In addition to teachers and administrators, the Education Secretary met with the Hawai`i State Teachers Association representatives of the union.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I STATE SENATE PASSED a $12 billion state budget for the 2015 fiscal year, cutting nearly $168 million from what Gov. Neil Abercrombie originally proposed. While retaining funding for early education and school athletics, most of the reductions were made to proposed capital improvement projects. The Senate also reduced the governor’s proposed budget for 2013-14 by $46.1 million. The adjustments follow the state Council on Revenues lowering of its revenue forecast.
Ways & Means Committee chair, Sen. David Ige said, “We are facing much difficulty in the future that should not be compounded by unwise and irresponsible actions taken today.”
The budget now goes to a conference committee of both houses of the Legislature.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN ORCHARDS, LP HAS REPORTED a loss of $3.7 million, or 49 cents per share, for 2013, compared to a loss of $499,000, or seven cents per share, for 2012. The company cited the second lowest harvest in the past 20 years due to dry weather in Ka`u during key nut development phases, reduction in sales of nuts to build inventory for branded product sales in 2014 and an increase in selling, general and administrative costs of its developing branded product segment.

“While this inventory build and investment in retail shelf space will negatively impact near-term financial performance, the Partnership believes that the benefits it will enjoy from its branded business will more than offset these short-term costs,” according to a statement.
Sales of branded retail products increased to $2.1 million in 2013, from $91,000 in 2012, the company said.
Royal Hawaiian Orchards estimates that its products are now distributed in 3,000 retail stores on the mainland and in Hawai`i and expects to be in 10,000 stores by the end of 2014.
The Partnership, with offices in Hilo and Pahala, is one of the leading growers and processors of macadamia nuts in the world, processing and marketing macadamia nuts in-shell, in bulk kernel form and as better-for-you snack products.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS BEEN NAMED chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Federal Rights and Agency Action.   The subcommittee was created at the beginning of the 113th Congress “to provide oversight and review of agency rule-making” and agency action, according to Hirono’s office.

Hirono said, “I plan to work so that the unique needs of Hawai`i are represented as we review agency actions and Executive Branch initiatives. I will also look for ways to improve oversight of government waste and abuse and strengthen consumer protections for all Americans.”
A complete description of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Federal Rights and Agency Action’s jurisdiction can be read at judiciary.senate.gov/about/subcommittees#oversight.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TSUNAMI AWARENESS MONTH BEGINS TODAY, with public officials urging people to be prepared and reflections on tsunamis that have taken out villages and harbor facilities along the Ka`u Coast. This month was chosen to honor the victims and survivors of the April 1, 1946 tsunami that originated from the Aleutian Islands.

Honu`apo remains of a warehouse taken out in 1975 by a tsunami.
Photo from USGS

The most recent tsunami upset the shoreline and poured salt water into Punalu`u Black Sand Beach pond when it rolled in from Japan after the great earthquake on March 11, 2011.
Other tsunamis in recent history include the Nov. 29, 1975 tidal wave following a 7.7 earthquake at Halape that left severe property damage at Punalu`u. The waves reached 4.3 – 5.8 feet. Further south along the southeastern Ka`u Coast, the waves reached 6.2 feet and then 3.4 feet at South Point.
Standard Oil’s tank and a warehouse were washed away with other buildings at Honu`apo. The warehouse foundation is now part of the park there.
A Tsunami Awareness and Emergency Response Fair takes place Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo. Coordinated by Hawai`i County Civil Defense, the event will showcase current emergency response systems developed as a result of lessons learned from past tsunamis.
Information about how to be prepared in case of a tsunami is available at scd.hawaii.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS is conducting a series of statewide Beneficiary Consultation Meetings on its draft water policy plan. The Hawai`i Island meeting takes place April 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria.
Regarding water, Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands says the mission is to “strive to ensure the availability of adequate, quality water by working cooperatively to understand our trust water assets; plan for our water needs, aggressively understand, exercise and assert our water rights; develop and protect water sources; and manage water systems.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL hosts Hilo High School Vikings tonight at Ka`u High Gymnasium. Junior Varsity game starts at 6 p.m., with the Varsity game to follow at 7 p.m. Next game for the Trojan Volleyball teams will be on Saturday, April 5 when Ka`u hosts Kealakehe Waveriders at 10 a.m.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Yellow `ohi`a lehua NPS photo by David Boyle

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK INVITES everyone to participate in upcoming free Kahuku programs offered through June.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered April 19, May 25 and June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour, guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered April 20, May 18 and June 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
`Ohi`a Lehua focuses on the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors traveling through the park will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent tree in the Kahuku Unit. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered April 27, May 11 (Mother’s Day) and June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

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

La `Elima artist's depiction by Stan Rillon shows the great tsunami of 1868. This is Tsunami Awareness Month, heralded by a tsunami advisory following an earthquake in Chile yesterday. Image by Stan Rillon

A TSUNAMI ADVISORY THIS MORNING closed Punalu`u, Honu`apo and other beach parks until 8 a.m., following an 8.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of northern Chile yesterday at about 2 p.m. Hawai`i time. Surges onto beaches reached three feet where they were measured in Hilo. In Ka`u, Honu`apo recorded a point one-foot tsunami over eight minutes.

The advisory read, “Tsunami waves that can be a hazard to swimmers and boaters as well as to persons near the shore at beaches and in harbors and marinas are now affecting the state of Hawai`i. This hazard could continue for several hours. The situation is being monitored closely, and the advisory will end when the hazard has passed.”
Chile has produced some of the most damaging tsunamis in Hawaiian history. In 1877, an 8.3 Chilean quake generated a tsunami that led to deaths in Hawai`i. On May 23, 1960, a tsunami from Chile killed 61 people in Hilo. The tsunami was generated by the largest recorded quake in history. It measured 9.5 on the Richter scale.

A 1960 tsunami flattened a heavily populated section of Hilo.

Another locally generated major tsunami in Hawai`i happened in 1868 after the largest quake in Hawaiian history struck on April 2 at Keaiwa – Wood Valley. The 7.1 quake, as reported by goat and sheep farmer Fredrick Lyman, caused a huge mudslide that covered thatch and wood homes and killed 31 people in the Wood Valley area. The resulting tsunami wiped out structures at Punalu`u and Honu`apo.
An Aleutians Islands quake on April 1,1946 measured 8.1 and killed 159 people in Hawai`i, leading to the creation of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Warnings have led to evacuations numerous times. On Feb. 27, 2010, Punalu`u beachgoers and everyone staying the SeaMountain condos and others along the entire coast were evacuated after an 8.8 earthquake hit Chile. The tiny tsunami wave did no damage in Ka`u. In 2011, another evacuation was called by Civil Defense after the March 11 Japan earthquake that measured 9.0. That tsunami destroyed several homes along the south Kona coast.
A famous song about a tsunami comes out of Miloli`i and Ka`u. It is called La `Elima, a song to remember. Each year, the La `Elima celebration is held in Miloli`i, where people were spared during the great earthquake and tidal wave in 1868. Though their Hauoli Kamana`o Church site was permanently submerged, the church building landed on the shore. The event also celebrates the Miloli`i community caring for other tsunami victims whose homes were lost. Listen to and watch a vintage recording of the Diana Aki song La `Elima with Israel Kamakawiwaole backing her up at youtube.com/watch?v=v3kIsPWllbM.

Saint Marianne Cope Day is Jan. 23.

Darryl Oliveira, county Civil Defense director, noted this morning that the most recent tsunami threat came yesterday on the 68th anniversary of 1946 tsunami and the kickoff of Tsunami Awareness Month. Aerial surveys of the island began at first light this morning to observe any sea change from the small tsunami waves, generated by yesterday’s quake off the coast of Chile.
While beaches are now open, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says that smaller sea level changes and strong or unusual currents may persist for several additional hours, and boaters and swimmers should exercise appropriate caution.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JAN. 23 IS NOW SAINT MARIANNE COPE DAY in Hawai`i, following Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s signing of a bill passed by the state Legislature.

Maria Anna Barbara Koob, who would later be known as Saint Marianne Cope of Moloka`i, was a German-born American and a member of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Syracuse, New York, who spent many years caring for patients suffering from leprosy, or Hansen's disease, on Molokai.
On October 21, 2012, Mother Marianne was canonized as Saint Marianne Cope by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Saint Marianne is the second person, after Father Damien, who had served in Hawai`i to be canonized, and she is only the 11th American citizen to receive the Roman Catholic Church's highest honor. Prior to her canonization, Cope was beatified on May 14, 2005 in Rome by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Saint Marianne’s feast day was established as January 23 and is celebrated by her own religious congregation, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse.
The status of HB2539 and other bills being considered at the state Legislature is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judge J. Michael Seabright

KA`U’S MARSHALLESE POPULATION COULD LOSE government-sponsored Medicaid health care benefits after a panel convened by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the state can resume offering fewer health care benefits to Micronesian migrants than those given other citizens and legal residents eligible for Medicaid reimbursements.

For many years before Gov. Linda Lingle’s administration, Hawai`i chose to include citizens of Palau, Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia citizens living here in its health insurance plans. The Compact of Free Association allowed them to live and work in the United States in exchange for U.S. control of strategic land and water in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1996, Congress cut health care funding for migrants covered under COFA as part of comprehensive welfare reform. Then, when the Lingle administration attempted in 2009 and 2010 to reduce coverage because of fiscal challenges, U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright stopped it.

COFA residents argued to the Ninth Circuit that the state violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by providing them less health coverage than citizens and legal residents eligible for Medicaid reimbursements, but the court disagreed. In the court’s decision, Judge M. Margaret McKeown wrote, “Congress has plenary power to regulate immigration and the conditions on which aliens remain in the United States, and Congress has authorized states to do exactly what Hawai`i has done here — determine the eligibility for, and terms of, state benefits for aliens … with regard to whom Congress expressly gave states limited discretion.”

According to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser, state House Vice Speaker John Mizuno described the ruling as concerning and a “game changer.” He plans to meet with the Marshall Islands Consulate General in Honolulu, he said.

See staradvertiser.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS has announced its appointment of Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to the House Armed Services Committee. Gabbard will fill an open seat on the committee, and the full House will vote to finalize the appointment later this week.

The appointment came on a recommendation by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

“As a twice-deployed combat veteran and Captain in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, I take very seriously the responsibility to serve on the House Armed Services Committee,” Gabbard said. “This spring, as tough debates take place about the National Defense Authorization in the House, I will continue my work to support our service members and their families and to bring our troops home quickly and safely from Afghanistan. I look forward to working toward ensuring sound national security policy and to cut waste and inefficiency within the Defense Department. I will continue my bipartisan efforts to reform our military justice system in order to end the epidemic of military sexual assault.
“Hawai`i plays a significant role in advancing our defense and foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region, and this appointment ensures Hawai`i will continue to have a voice on this critical committee. I am honored to join the committee and look forward to working with all of its members as we set priorities and funding levels for the Department of Defense, provide for our men and women in uniform and support a robust national security strategy that focuses on emerging threats around the globe.”

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, Volcano Art Center presents Process Painting - Spirit of Creativity with Patricia Hoban Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
“Embark on a journey that encourages you to experiment, explore, discover and play through painting. Every one of us has creativity locked up inside, but we often have difficulty gaining access to that creativity,” Hoban said.
Cost is $40 for VAC members, $45 non-members, with a $5 materials fee.
Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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

A bill being considered at the state Legislature would provide funding to research and develop methods to control the macadamia felted coccid, which is damaging trees in Ka`u. Photo from testimony by Randy Cabral to the state Legislature.

HAWAI`I ONE IS AN AGRICULTURAL SOIL CONSERVATION planning tool under preliminary development with assistance from the Ulupono Initiative. Dwayne Okamoto, Executive Director of Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. on O`ahu, is traveling to meetings of all of the Soil & Water Conservation District member groups around the state to assess interest in the project. He spoke to Ka`u members yesterday at a meeting held at Royal Hawaiian Orchards’ conference room in Pahala. He explained that the idea comes from Idaho One, a working template that helps farmers and ranchers plan for their lands, shaving off time and sometimes the expense of consultants before taking their plans to government agencies and nonprofit organizations that help to finalize conservation plans. The computer program asks a series of questions, directing the farmer and rancher into planning for their property. Okamoto said he has received positive feedback from other conservation districts around the state. With enough interest, the project could be funded for Hawai`i.

Dwayne Okamoto

See more on the Idaho One Plan at oneplan.org. See more on the Ulupono Initiative at ulupono.com.
On hand were staff members Jennifer Lopez-Reavis and Amelia Drury, who work out of Hilo and are responsible for Soil & Water Conservation District services for Waiakea, Puna and Ka`u.
Ka`u agriculture was represented by the chair of Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation District, Brenda Iokepa-Moses, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; vice chair John Cross, of Olson Trust; Ka`u’s secretary-treasurer, who is a retired school teacher and Volcano resident, Amos Meyers; and director Lani Petrie, of Kapapala Ranch. Other directors are Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch and associate director Phil Becker, of Aikane Plantation Coffee.
The Soil & Water Conservation District is enabled by the U.S. Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1935 which enables “local communities to take positive action to collectively protect our nation’s soil and water resources,” says one of the Hawai`i conservation district websites. “Currently, there are nearly 3,000 local districts established throughout the nation to promote local efforts to install the Best Management Practices to prevent erosion and water pollution from agricultural, forestry and urban activities.” The website explains that the local districts “are self-governing sub-units of state government.” Each district is managed by five directors who volunteer their time to assist land users with implementation of resource conservation plans. To implement the programs, the districts enlist assistance from other government agencies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services provides expertise and staffing to districts. The University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service and state Department of Health provide technical assistance.

Lopez-Reavis said that Ka`u residents with farms and ranches of any size can contact her for free services at 933-8350. She said that Soil & Water Conservation District staff is responsible for implementing the county grading ordinance, which applies when an agriculturalist plans on moving more than 100 cubic yards of soil – one acre. She explained that such land movement requires either a county grubbing permit or a conservation plan. An approved conservation plan, which her agency helps to create, exempts the farm or ranch from the grubbing permit. She said that such plans help to prevent flooding and erosion that could affect a neighbor. She said the rule of thumb is the natural entrance or exit for water crossing land cannot be changed. A plan can help route the water to ensure stable land for agriculture.

Meetings of the Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation District are held the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchard conference room on the corner of Pikake and Maile Streets in Pahala. To confirm meeting times, call 933-8350.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE has new board members, who all represent small farms which receive their potable water from the co-op. President is Ron Neeley. Vice President is Tuie Strong. Secretary-Treasurer is Vanessa Guy. Other board members are Jay Failing, MIchael Schwabe and John Weist. The co-op is also a member of the Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District, which is working on restoration of old water tunnels from sugar plantation days and distribution of water for agriculture. The Wood Valley Water Cooperative maintains a state-licensed drinking water system and is planning to add agricultural water with separate lines, as funding becomes available and water sources on state lands are improved. For more information, contact Neely at rgn@isp.com. The Wood Valley Water Cooperative will hold a public meeting at Wood Valley Ranch on South Road at 9 a.m. this Saturday, April 5.

Macadamia felted coccids cover a tree branch. Photo from UH-CTAHR

MACADAMIA FELTED COCCID RESEARCH AND CONTROL is the subject of a bill being considered by the state Legislature. HB1931 would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture to research and develop methods for the prevention and treatment of the pest.

According to testimony of Randy Mochizuki, Crop Control Superintendant at Royal Hawaiian Orchards in Pahala, the coccids, which were first found in 2009 damaging a few trees, have spread to 3,300 acres and destroyed or damaged a substantial number of trees.
“If we don’t find a cost-effective control, it may lead to the demise of our Pahala orchard and 125 jobs,” Mochizuki said. “But, it may also severely impact our company as a whole and another 150 jobs.”
Mochizuki said the pest has the potential of destroying other macadamia orchards in the state, affecting 1,500 acres, 570 farms and a $35-38 million industry.

Randy Cabral, Senior Vice President of Operations for Royal Hawaiian Orchards, testified that, while the company and others have contributed $95,000 to UH-CTAHR to conduct MFC research, more funding is needed. “Currently, very little is known about the life cycle or vulnerabilities of the pest. In its native Australia, macadamia nut growers use considerable pesticides to control the MFC, but in Hawai`i, because we typically don’t use insecticides, we don’t have the equipment and resources to apply these types of pesticides to large, mature trees. Some pesticides seem to work but require adequate rainfall or adequate irrigation, neither of which is available.”

The MFC has no significant natural predators in Hawai`i as compared to Australia, Cabral said.
Cabral pointed out that macadamia farming is a vital source of employment in Ka`u, which has among the highest unemployment rate in the state. “Over 50 percent of Hawai`i’s macadamia tree acres are located in the Ka`u district, the area hardest hit by the MFC,” Cabral said.
“We want you to know that without intervention, we have little chance of successfully continuing macadamia farming,” Cabral concluded.

Paul Alston

John Cross, land manager for the Edmund C. Olson Trust II, testified that while the organization has contributed funding to research in partnership with Royal Hawaiian Orchards, “We need all the help we can get in trying to learn more about this pest and bring it under control. It is truly devastating and could threaten the entire Hawaiian macadamia nut industry.”
The Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association asks concerned farmers, orchard owners, workers and others to contact their legislators about the issue. Interested parties can find contact information and provide testimony at capitol.hawaii.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“THE BATTLE IS FAR FROM OVER,” said Honolulu attorney Paul Alston regarding a decision allowing the state to reduce Medicaid health care benefits for migrants covered under the Compact of Free Association. COFA allows Palau, Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia citizens, including Ka`u’s Marshallese community, to live and work in the United States in exchange for U.S. control of extensive strategic land and water in the Pacific Ocean.

“We’re going to take this to the end. We will not give up,” Alston said, vowing to take it to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary, according to a story in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Alston said that if benefits are cut, migrants will be forced into very costly emergency room treatment, “and some you’re just going to kill. How crazy and how immoral is that?

Wes Awana

“We got these people in our state who are allowed by federal law to be here from birth to death and the (health care) program that the state is offering as a substitute is garbage,” Alston told reporter Kristen Consillio. “All of this was done by the Lingle administration in a callous disregard for the health needs of this population. One would hope the Abercrombie administration would take a more economically rational and compassionate view as to how we treat these people who live among us.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL team fell to the Hilo Vikings yesterday. Scores were 1-12. Hilo High School pitcher Aliesa Kaneshiro had eight strikeouts against the Trojans. Hitting singles were Shylee Tamura and Kamalani Fujikawa. Next game for the Trojans Softball is tomorrow, when Ka`u hosts the Kamehameha Warriors at 3 p.m.

WES AWANA OFFERS FREE `UKULELE LESSONS tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Volcano Art Center Gallery’s porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Everyone is welcome to this Aloha Fridays event. Donations are welcome; park entrance fees apply.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Kumu hula Ab Valencia presents a cultural exploration of plants used in hula as part of a field seminar presented by Hawai`i Volcanoes Institute next Friday. Photo by Dave Boyle

WEST KA`U STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN is the cover story on this past week’s Pacific Business News, under the headline, “Can this Man Cure Hawai`i’s Health Care Ills?” The story by Jenna Blakely notes that “an Emergency Room physician from the Big Island who saves lives on weekends and holidays, Green takes on a much larger patient load during the week as an advocate for system-wide health care policy in Hawai`i as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, a role he has held for the last four years.”

The story points out that Green was the only physician in the state Legislature until January, when Dr. Richard Creagan was appointed to a Big Island House seat. Creagan also represents West Ka`u, and he lives here.

Sen. Josh Green is also a physician.

Ka`u residents remember Green when he lived in the Dahlberg house at Punalu`u Beach, drove a jeep and served as an ER doctor at Ka`u Hospital, supported by the National Health Service Corps. He began working in Ka`u in 2000 during a tough time for the community, with the sugar plantation shutting down and jobs eliminated just four years earlier. Alcohol and drug problems were fallouts of the initial unemployment before workers found new jobs and developed new industries such as Ka`u Coffee.
The PBN story quotes Green saying, “Here I am, this Jewish guy from Pittsburgh, and when I landed in Ka`u, I was shocked at how great the need was.”
The story says, “While many doctors might run from serving in a rural area plagued by a challenging physician shortage, Green decided to stick around, plant roots and do something bigger.” He told PBN, “What got me was the desperation I saw in people suffering, related to methamphetamine. I saw how hard it was for people to live their lives with addiction and the mayhem it was causing their children.”
The story says his early political career focused on substance abuse, evolving to current issues that include access to care, physician shortages, keeping hospitals open, and environmental health policy, including pollutants, toxins and pesticides.
Green ran for the state House a decade ago and won, later taking on the Senate seat that covers a district from Honu`apo, extending up the Ka`u and Kona Coasts.
The PBN story quotes George Greene, president and CEO of Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, saying, “Josh is a visionary. He doesn’t look at things from a silo, which he could easily do as a physician with a particular set of eyes. Instead, he looks at operational issues, everything from public health to looking at transition care on a continuum.”
The story also reports on Green’s legislation that would help partner such hospitals as Ka`u with institutions like Queens Health Systems and his work on a physician residency program to help reduce doctor shortages. The first four residents were chosen last month. See related Ka`u News Briefs below.
See more in Pacific Business News at bizjournals.com/pacific.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A BILL INTRODUCED BY WEST KA`U SEN. JOSH GREEN is progressing through the state Legislature. SB 3064 would allow for the transition of the Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation to a new healthcare management system organized as a nonprofit corporation or public benefit corporation. It establishes a transition committee to assist in implementation, review and negotiations of the transition to a new healthcare management system.

While the new system would change how the hospitals offer care and address staffing requirements, SB3064 would guarantee that existing contracts are honored and that all services the hospitals provide remain available.

The bill also calls for the partnership to be with an organization already working in Hawai`i, such as Queens Health Systems.
Both chambers have passed the bill, and it now goes to conference committee for further refinement.
This and other bills being considered at the state Legislature are available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BRINGING MORE PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS to rural areas like Ka`u through a residency program at Hilo Medical Center may be in jeopardy. While SB3091, co-introduced by Sen. Josh Green, is still alive at the state Legislature, $2.8 million in funding for the program has been deleted from the latest version of the budget.
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reports Lori Rogers, executive director of the HMC Foundation, asking the public to help convince legislators to fund the program. “This funding is crucial to help us further establish and sustain this much-needed program,” she said. “The Primary Care Training Program is a unique solution to the complex and growing problem of physician shortage on our neighbor island communities. We need your voice to help us build momentum and ask our legislators to reinstate the budgetary line item … back in to the governor’s budget.”
Contact information is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents are invited to celebrate Kathleen Kam's
newest mural in Hilo today. Photo from DLNR

KATHLEEN KAM, whose mural art graces such Ka`u venues as Punalu`u Bake Shop, Ka`u High School Band Building, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Keauhou Bird Refuge and, in Volcano, Kilauea General Store, celebrates a new mural today in Hilo. The event starting at the KTA parking lot downtown features a parade with a nine-foot-tall palila bird and other puppets of flowers and mamane seeds, clouds and a rainbow that she and puppet maker Bonnie Kim created.

A statement from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources describes Kam’s latest work as “Hilo’s newest artistic treasure, a mural showcasing the palila (a rare native Hawaiian forest bird),” for which Kam teamed up with the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project, a project of DLNR and the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, to create the nine-by-12-foot mural.
The painting is on the Hilo Loan Shop building in downtown Hilo adjacent to KTA Super Store and Hilo Farmers Market. The public is invited to celebrate the mural’s completion on today at 6:30 p.m. at 64 Mamo Street.
“We are proud to support Kathleen’s gorgeous mural of this beautiful but highly endangered Hawaiian bird as well as the work DLNR is doing to conserve it,” said Chris Farmer, American Bird Conservancy’s science coordinator for Hawai`i. “It has been exciting to already have people walking by the mural, stop and talk with us about the artwork and learn about the conservation of palila.”
Palila are members of the Hawaiian honeycreeper family and are dependent upon native mamane trees for 90 percent of their diet. They were listed as endangered in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act as a result of a drastic population decline due to habitat destruction.
“Palila live in a remote and rugged area of the island that not many people ever visit,” said Robert Stephens, MKFRP coordinator. “The goal of this mural is to inspire and educate the community about palila and how DLNR is preserving this special, native bird and the mamane-naio forest they depend upon.”

Participants in Plants of Hula learn protocols in creating
pu`olo and ho`okupu. Photo by Jay Robinson

Currently, palila only occupy a small area on Mauna Kea but used to also live on Mauna Loa, Hualalai and much more of Mauna Kea. Today, the population is estimated to be between only 1,300 and 1,700 individuals remaining on the planet.
Kam’s numerous murals on Hawai`i Island and O`ahu have focused on Hawai`i’s native plants and animals. She was inspired to do this project because, “This mural’s visual information, which is fueled by a singular message to save a native species, will endure beyond its intrinsic value,” she said.
Kam depicted the mural in the style of a 1940s-era fruit crate label. She said, “It was the perfect fit in its simplicity and aesthetics, and familiar to Hilo’s agricultural community.”
To learn more about palila and how DLNR is protecting Hawai`i for generations to come, see RestoreMaunaKea.org.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE for Hawai`i Volcanoes Institute’s field seminar Plants of Hula: Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula. The program, sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, takes place a week from today on Friday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., when kumu hula Ab Valencia and botanist Tim Tunison team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula.
Program cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are $25. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount.
To register, call 985-7373 or see fhvnp.org.

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

The state Senate yesterday presented the crew of the Hokule`a with a Senate Certificate for honoring Hawai`i's heritage and culture.

THE HAWAI`I STATE SENATE PASSED resolutions yesterday supporting the round-the-world voyage of the Hokule`a. SCR 71 urges the state and state entities to support the Hokule`a and her crew as they journey around the world. SCR70/SR35 urges the governor to proclaim 2014 as the Year of the Worldwide Voyage where the Hokule`a may increase awareness of the importance of ocean protection while honoring and sharing Hawaiian knowledge and practices of natural resource management.

Hokule`a visited Miloli`i last July.
Photo by Peter Anderson

The Hokule`a visited Miloli`i last July during her Malama Hawai`i voyage. The worldwide voyage, called Malama Honua, begins with sailing to Tahiti next month.
According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, “the mission of Hokule`a’s Worldwide Voyage is to navigate toward a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves, our home – the Hawaiian Islands – and our Island Earth through voyaging and new ways of learning. Our core message is to malama (care for) Island Earth – our natural environment, children and all humankind.”
Maps and the sailing plan for the Malama Honua voyage, along with video, photographs and reporting on the sailing in the ocean and the interacting with communities can be viewed at the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s website hokulea.org.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A HAWAI`I CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE HAS RULED in favor of the $1.3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project in a case brought by six petitioners challenging the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ approval of a conservation district land use permit for what would be one of the world’s largest telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea.

A story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reports that Third Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura ruled on four points, one being that the board’s approval of the permit before holding a contested case hearing didn’t warrant a reversal of the decision.

Megan Moseley reported that Kealoha Pisciotta, president of Native Hawaiian group Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, said the group intends to appeal. “It’s hard to accept that the judge could agree with the university that a project like TMT wouldn’t have adverse and significant impact when the university admits it would. We’re ready to go. We’re ready go to the higher courts.”

Pisciotta also said, “Sacredness isn’t for sale. We have to keep fighting for it.”

A Native Hawaiian group vows to appeal a court decision in favor
of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned on Mauna Kea.

TMT spokeswoman Sandra Dawson said, “We’re very happy about the ruling. We are happy that we followed the process every step of the way. This was done in collaboration with great support from this island.”
TMT is a partnership between research universities including the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy, the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, as well as the governments of the United States, China, India, Japan and Canada.
Officials hope to begin construction on the $1.3 billion telescope this year, with operations beginning in 2021.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TWO WEEKS OF TERROR IN KA`U is the title of a recent edition of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. It chronicles 16 days of earthquakes in March and April of 1868 that included a tsunami, landslide and eruption in Ka`u. During that period, between 50 and 300 quakes were felt each day, with the most reported from Ka`u, HVO reports. In some areas, it was described as nearly continuous ground motion.

“The seismic activity came to a head on Thursday afternoon, April 2, when a violent earthquake (at least magnitude 7.9) rattled the island and beyond. Located beneath South Hawai`i, the quake was felt as far away as Kaua`i and stopped clocks on O`ahu.

“In Ka`u, the destruction was nearly complete. People who had been standing or on horseback were knocked to the ground. Those sitting on the ground had to brace themselves with their hands and feet to remain upright as the powerful shaking went on for several minutes. All stone structures—buildings and walls—were thrown down.”
The shaking caused several landslides in Ka`u, and a large mudslide in Wood Valley buried 31 people in a matter of minutes.
“As the people of Ka`u were recovering from the earthquake, they noticed the ocean receding from the coastline,” according to the report. “Over the next several hours, at least eight waves washed ashore, razing coastal villages and carrying people and animals into the sea. The tsunami, estimated to be more than 20 feet high in Ka`u, caused damage from South Point to Cape Kumukahi, destroying more than 100 structures and taking 47 lives. The tsunami was detected several hours later on the west coast of the United States.
“But the devastation was not over. Strong aftershocks continued to shake the island. On Tuesday evening, April 7, a fissure opened low on the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, disgorging voluminous amounts of lava. The lava fountains jetted to heights of several hundred yards and produced lava flows that rushed southward to the sea (a distance of eight miles) in 3.5 hours. The fountains also produced copious amounts of tephra that blanketed Ka`u with deposits of cinder and Pele’s hair several inches deep.
Using modern analysis, scientists have hypothesized that the southeastern part of the island, from Kapoho to Ka Lae, moved seaward and subsided several feet during the April 2, 1868, earthquake.
According to HVO, recent studies suggest that aftershocks of the 1868 main shock are still occurring.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

A GRASS ROOTS UPDATE HAS BEEN RELEASED by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., sharing U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s message of aloha to the organization regarding its upcoming 17th annual Rural Health Conference to be held Friday, April 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

“Since 1998, KRHCA has been positively affecting the Ka`u community by advancing health care initiatives, partnering with other community organizations and being actively engaged in promoting the vitality of Ka`u and her people,” Hanabusa said. “By focusing on rural health initiatives, KRHCA has helped to increase the quality of life for thousands of people in the surrounding area.

“This annual conference promises to continue KRHCA’s track record of excellence. By bringing stakeholders together, examining past successes in the context of current issues, KRHCA and other community partners can plot a better path forward. Ka`u in an extremely historic, important and vibrant community in our state and has shown how many hands working together can achieve success and serve as a model for other communities in Hawai`i.
“I look forward to continuing to support KRHCA, the Ka`u community and rural health initiatives. Working together, we can make powerful and impactful changes but those within the Ka`u community are the ones leading the charge and bnuilding a brighter future.”
The conference offers health, education and prevention booths, nutrition and healthy food demonstrations, Hawai`i Health Connector enrollment, games and door prizes.
Registration deadline is Monday. Call 928-0101.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS HOLDS A MEETING today at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. OHA is canvassing communities across Hawai`i Island as part of a larger effort to ensure as many Native Hawaiians as possible are eligible to participate in the nation-building process.

OHA is recruiting volunteers to knock on doors and make phone calls in hopes of making more Hawaiians familiar with this new opportunity to better manage their future.
Only Hawaiians on the roll will be eligible to participate in the Hawaiian-nation-building process, which OHA has agreed to help ensure runs smoothly and effectively. Already, more than 120,000 names are on the official roll. May 1 is the deadline for others to sign up.

At present, Native Hawaiians on Hawai`i Island make up 19 percent of the Roll, while representing 19 percent of Hawai`i’s Native Hawaiian population.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN GIRLS SOFTBALL, Ka`u fell to Kamehameha yesterday. The Trojan pitcher was Kamakani Fujikawa. Final score was 19-1. It was a home game for Ka`u.

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

Anna Cariaga spoke her mind last night when OHA came to Ka`u to kick off gathering more names for an Official Roll for
Native Hawaiians. Photo by Julia Neal

URGING HAWAIIANS TO SIGN UP for the Official Roll, representatives of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs began in Ka`u where the Polynesians first landed to live in Hawai`i. Last night in Pahala, OHA kicked off its first of 18 meetings around the state to help move forward the process of nation building. The deadline to sign up for anyone of any percentage Hawaiian blood be be included on the Official Roll is May 1. Details are on OHA's website www.oha.org/nationbuilding.
"Rise. Be Heard. Ho'olu Lahui," - raise a beloved nation, said the image beamed on the wall of Pahala Communitty Center. "Native Hawaiians are encouraged to register with the Official Roll during this special open enrollment period if they have not already done so," said a poster provided to attendees.
What is the process? A brochure put forth, "The nation building process will begin and end with our people. Native Hawaiians on the Official Roll may choose to elect delegates to an 'aha or convention. Delegates to the 'aha would draft a governing entity. Those on the Official Roll would then vote in a referendum to approve or disapprove of the draft governing document. If approved, the governing document would determine the next steps."

Pua`ena Ahn lectures about Hawaiian sovereignty issues as Jeanette Howard,
Hannah Uribes and Dr. Kehaunani Abad listen. Photo by Julia Neal

Kawika Riley, whose OHA title is Ka Pou Kihi Ko, Chief Advocate, said that OHA, which is governed by a board chosen through State of Hawai`i general elections, plans to serve as a facilitator for the process for Native Hawaiians to form a governing entity. A third party would oversee elections.
Dr. Kehaunani Abad, whose OHA title is Ka Poukihi, Director of Ka Paia Lono, Community Engagement, said the move toward self governance "is about the seizure of 1.8 million acres from our queen." She was referring to the lands absorbed by the U.S. government when Hawa'i became a territory in 1898. Almost two million of the 4.1 million acres that make up the Hawaiian Islands were under the stewardship of Queen Lili'uokalani when she was overthrown. The queen's image is depicted on the Official Roll poster with her words, "Never cease to act because you fear you may fail."
Abad talked about the Hawaiian people having been a sophisticated nation. The literacy rate of Hawaiians in the 1800s was very high. There was hydroelectric on O'ahu. The palace, the seat of government, was lit up with electricity five years before the White House. There was health care and a hospital, she said.
Lili'uokalani stated that President Grover Cleveland recognized the Hawaiian people's right to sovereignty. "The President acknowledges the right of the Hawaiian people to choose their own form of government. Were that one sentence carried out...that's all that either the people or I could ask," wrote the queen.
With more independence, Abad said, a new Hawaiian government could have more control over land use and could help improve health care, education, and management of resources. "What we are trying to do today is to take up the Queen's cause."

Kuhio Lewis

Kawika Riley

Kehaunani Abad, Phd. is the Community
Engagement Director for OHA

Abad pointed to efforts to better manage resources. They have won in court with little results, she said, giving the example of 90 percent of the streams in Hawai'i being diverted for sugar in the past and now new development. She reported that OHA and Earth Justice "won a huge case" in 2012 on Maui to return streams to their natural flow. However, the win resulted in no additional water going back into the streams, which is needed for growing taro and other farming and to provide for native hunting and gathering and to protect native species "so that the o'opu (freshwater fish) and hihiwai (freshwater shrimp) can thrive," she said. "So if we don't take a more active roll, how can we malama the 'aina?" she asked.
A number of Hawaiians attending the meeting last night weighed in. Anna Cariaga, of Pahala, who retired from managing the Office of Economic Opportunity Council here, pointed out that millions of dollars have already been spent on trying to encourage Hawaiians to sign up for the roll. She said she worries that Hawaiian people will be used for the cause and then top-down government will still rule them.

"We are not big enough, powerful enough. The U.S. is still going to be the bigger government and we are going to be shoved under it." On the other hand, Cariaga said, she worries that advocating for a new Hawaiian government could result in losing benefits that come with being part of the United States and State of Hawai'i. Cariaga said, however, that she knows of people who could be good delegates for the Hawaiian government convention and thanked the OHA representatives for helping to bring the plan to the Ka'u community.

Rep. Faye Hanahano said all cultures,
ethnicities should be welcomed.
Photo by Julia Neal

OHA's Community Outreach Manager Kuhio Lewis noted that Hawaiians have many points of view. "Most Hawaiians would prefer not to be bothered with this conversation. They are concerned about how to pay for their kids' school." He warned Hawaiians, however, "As time goes on we get further apart," and urged coming together for the Official Roll.
Cariaga said, "We Hawaiians have hard time working together. The government made us like this, but we would be better with one namunamu (rumbling, concerned voice)."
Pauahi Pulham, another Native Hawaiian and member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, who lives on a ranch near Hwy 11 and South Point Road, asked whether people who grew up here but have no Hawaiian blood would be left out.
Alan Stafford, not Hawaiian by blood, but a member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, asked about Hawaiian children adopted into non-Hawaiian homes.

The Chief Advocate explained that any Hawaiians who can show a Hawaiian ancestor can sign up for the Official Roll, whether they live in the U.S. or France or anywhere else. The voting would not be handled by state elections officials so the voters would include everyone Hawaiian, not just U.S. citizens, he said. "It's not the State of Hawai'i, the governor, the federal government telling us how to vote." He said that signing up for the Roll does not have anything to do with individual citizenships with the U.S. or Hawaiian governing entities.
Kumu Hula Hannah Uribes, another Hawaiian Civic Club member from Ocean View, said that she has seen that her children and grandchildren have signed up for the Roll. OHA representatives explained that anyone who signed up earlier can leave their names on or take them off.
Pua'ena Ahn, of Volcano, who works with Lawful Hawaiian Government and Aloha Uprising, gave a talk about Hawaiian sovereignty after the OHA portion of the meeting was over. He questioned the authority of OHA, as a state funded entity, to carry out the mission of the Hawaiian Kingdom. A Kingdom of Hawai`i advocate, Thomas Anthony, of Mountain View, also questioned OHA's funding and motives in organizing the Roll.
State Rep. Faye Hanohano attended the meeting and spoke at the end, encouraging participation of people from all cultures and races in the governance of Hawai'i. Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'u President Blossom DeSilva agreed and pointed to the multi-racial and multi-cultural makeup of the organization.
The meeting was hosted by the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'u, providing the attendees with food, including ohi'a 'ai - mountain apples brought by kupuna Jeanette Howard from her yard. Mountain Apples were first brought to Hawai`i by early Polynesian settlers.
To contact the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, call DeSilva at 929-9731.
For more on the OHA Official Roll Call, see www.oha.org/nationbuilding.

For an online, page-turning version,

see The Directory at

http://www.kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE CANNABIS CONUNDRUM is taken up by the Hawai`i Journal of Medicine & Public Health in its April edition. In his editorial, Dr. Michael J. Meagher writes, “There is little that engenders more argument and polemic than a discussion of the legalization of Marijuana usage. As of this writing 21 states allow use of Cannabinoids for medical use and two states allow recreational use. In 2000, the State of Hawai‘i passed Bill 862, allowing the medical use of Marijuana for patients possessing a signed statement from their physician stating that he/she suffers from a debilitating condition and the “potential benefits of the use of Marijuana would likely exceed the health risks.” The law underwent minor amendment in 2013.”
The physician presents two views of two other Hawai`i based doctors, with “opposing perspectives on the use of this drug.” Meagher concludes that “the data is insufficiently clear to render a single, evidence based position and considerably more research is needed.”
Download the Hawai`i Journal of Medicine and Public Health at www.hjmph.org

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S NIAULANI CAMPUS in Volcano Village presents Multi-Media Monday tomorrow and every Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lisa Louise Adams’ students experiment using drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking and more to find their inner voices and personal styles. $50 per month/$45 VAC members, plus a $30 per month materials fee. Call 967-8222.

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

Adrian Boone shares his visit to the Philippines, including the Banaue Rice Terraces, at tomorrow's After Dark in the Park.
Photo from NPS

A PROTECT OPIHI RESOLUTION passed the state House of Representatives last Thursday and will soon be up for a vote in the state Senate. Championed by state Rep. Faye Hanohano, of Puna, who chairs the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs, it asks the state Department of Land & Natural Resources for a study.

House Concurrent Resolution 229 notes that “opihi comprises four species of saltwater Hawaiian limpets that are found nowhere else on Earth.” It states that “the popularity of opihi as a delicacy has led to statewide overharvesting and the decline of natural populations,” and that during “the past century, there was a ten-fold decline in the amount of opihi available in markets, and the average amount of opihi has further been halved in the past forty years.” It advises that “the key to increasing the sustainable harvest of opihi is protecting a portion of opihi populations so that they may reproduce and create the next generation.”

Different sizes of opihi species make establishing harvesting size limits difficult.

Resolution 229 asks that the DLNR conduct an opihi management study on the replenishment of natural populations of all Hawaiian opihi species for all islands of the state, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It asks DLNR to recommend best management practices for each island area, with effective enforcement mechanisms for implementing the best management practices. The DLNR would “consult with the Aha Moku Advisory Committee and any other individual or entity that has expertise that is relevant to the study.” The study would be due by Dec. 19.
Scientists from University of Hawai`i suggested a rotation kapu, letting opihi habitats rest for two years at a time. They said that size limits would not work since size among species vary, with the koele larger than the yellowfoot and blackfoot. Seasonal harvesting would be inappropriate they said, since it takes almost all year for opihi to mature and reproduce.
Opihi are limpets. The yellowfoot and blackfoot grow in the surfline on rocky shores. The koele live in calmer, deeper waters. Opihi picking is considered the most dangerous job in Hawai`i, with pickers swept away by waves, injured and killed by surf pounding them into rocks or falling to their deaths from remote coastal hiking trails that lead to opihi picking sites. The high price and tradition, with opihi being one of the most popular delicacies at family lu`au, keep the pickers going. The least valued opihi was recently selling for more than $42 a pound in Honolulu markets, Chris Bird, of the University of Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology, told lawmakers. He also described the opihi population on the Big Island as “at the tipping point of decline.” He said, “O`ahu is decimated.”
Bird and other scientists estimated that over a century ago, more than 140,000 pounds of opihi were sold each year in Hawai`i. As of 2005, the number was down to 13,000 pounds per year.
To weigh in on HCR229, go to capitol.hawaii.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Compared to farmed salmon, GMO salmon are larger. Photo from kcrw.com

POPULAR LU`AU FOOD LOMI SALMON may eventually have a GMO version. However, fast growing salmon, which would be the first genetically modified fish to be approved for human consumption by the FDA, is facing jittery investors and some federal pushback. According to an Associated Press story today, the Obama administration has stalled for more than four years on deciding whether to approve GMO salmon, and “opponents of the technology have taken advantage of increasing consumer concern about genetically modified foods and have urged several major retailers not to sell it. So far, two of the nation’s biggest grocers, Safeway and Kroger, have pledged to keep the salmon off their shelves if it is approved.”

Mary Clare Jalonick writes that “supporters of genetically engineered fish and meat say they expect Food and Drug Administration approval of the salmon and still hope to find a market for it. However, the retailers’ caution and lengthy regulatory delays have made investors skittish.”
In its April edition, Consumer Reports writes that it expects an FDA ruling on genetically engineered salmon soon. Consumer Reports recommends labeling of all GMO foods and points out that Maine and Connecticut have passed the legislation.
See consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/04/why-we-need-to-label-gmo-foods/index.htm.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

RESOLUTIONS RECENTLY PASSED BY THE STATE SENATE include two addressing issues at the University of Hawai`i.

Senate Concurent Resolution 38 urges the Board of Regents not to raise student fees to balance the budget of the university’s Athletics Department or budget deficit of any other UH department.
The resolution says that, if student fees are raised, the amount should be based on an objective criteria or an appropriate formula, “rather than an apparently arbitrary amount decided by the university. It also says that, if the university raises student fees to balance the budget of the Athletics Department or budget deficit of any other UH department, “once those budgets are balanced, the student fees should be reduced accordingly.”
SCR128 requests that the university create a task force to develop a plan to increase the number of students in science, technology, engineering and math majors relevant to industry demands in Hawai`i.
The task force would conduct a mapping exercise and report on current initiatives that impact STEM readiness for students, including initiatives that increase preparedness of Department of Education and UH students for STEM majors or careers, including the type of initiatives, source of funding, targeted student groups, numbers of students in the targeted student groups and proven impact.
The task force would recommend solutions to increase the readiness of students to pursue STEM fields as well as explore and identify trends in workforce needs in various STEM fields in Hawai`i.
The report task force’s findings, recommendations, overall plan and any proposed legislation would be due prior to the convening of next year’s legislative session.

To see and testify on these and other resolutions, go to capitol.hawaii.gov.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER for Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc.’s 17th annual Rural Health Conference to be held this Friday, April 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-0101.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP FRIENDS of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a Forest Restoration Project Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by planting native tree seedlings in the Mauna Loa section of the park. RSVP to 352-1402 or forest@fhvnp.org today.

Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park was one of the stops during
Adrian Boone's visit to the Philippines. Photo from wikipedia

AT TOMORROW’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Ranger Adrian Boone shares his visit to the Philippines last November when Typhoon Haiyan bore down on the island nation. His travels included several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces and Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park. He explored the hanging coffins of Sagada, the limestone caves of Sumaguing, northern Luzon, Manila, the ancient Spanish city Vigan in Ilocos Sur and much more.  

The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. $2 donations support future programs, and park entrance fees apply.

VENDOR BOOTHS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $10 at Kauaha`ao Congregational Church’s Fundraising Bazaar on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church will offer laulau plate lunches, chili and rice, hot dogs, baked goods and more. Call Walter Wong Yuen at 928-8039 after 7 p.m.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL hosted the Kealakehe Waveriders on Friday, Apr. 4 at Ka`u High School Gym. The Junior Varsity team lost in three sets. Scores were 25-19, 7-25, 16-18. The Varsity team also lost in three sets. Scores were 26-28, 23-25, 23-25. Ka`u hosts the Kamehameha Warriors tomorrow at 6 p.m.

ESTEVE SALMO CONTINUED HIS WINNING STREAK for Trojan’s track on Saturday, Apr. 5 in Kea`au. Salmo took first in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 2.5 inches. Andrew Garcia, also a Trojan, took second in the high jump, reaching 5 feet, 6 inches. Next meet for the Trojans is on Saturday, Apr. 12 at Konawaena at 9 a.m.

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

Former state Rep. Bob Herkes, who Gov. Neil Abercrombie has nominated to the board of directors at Hawai`i Tourism Authority, supports preservation of the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Peter Anderson

TODAY IS EQUAL PAY DAY, 51 years since President John F. Kennedy signed the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act. However, the average woman in Hawai`i still earns 76 percent of income brought in by men, each woman losing out on $433,000 over her career. “That’s unacceptable,” says a statement for The Democratic Party.

Lilly Ledbetter

Equal Pay Day represents how far into this year a woman must work to earn a salary equal to what a man earned last year. “This pay gap has harmed the families of roughly 278,000 women in the Hawai`i workforce, especially as the workforce participation rate of women has risen,” states the Democratic Policy & Communications Center.
A statement from the Center says, “Many women in Hawai`i are their families’ primary wage earners. Today, women make up 48 percent of the state workforce, and 41 percent of married employed mothers in Hawai`i are their families’ primary wage earners. The burden of wage discrimination weighs heavily on the 192,347 Hawai`i children in households dependent on their mothers’ earnings. As the main breadwinners, women are asked to carry a greater economic load while making less than they deserve.”
The organization notes that “Hawai`i families depend on working women’s wages for support. On average, mothers in Hawai`i contribute to 42 percent of their family’s earnings. Closing the gender pay gap would strengthen the finances of these families, and the state economy.”
According to the statement, “Women in Hawai`i earn less across all occupations and educational levels. Research clearly demonstrates that regardless of occupation, education, industry, marital status, and other factors, pay for women lags behind their male counterparts. Women’s median earnings are less than men’s median earnings in 264 of 265 major occupation categories, including the following occupations in Hawai`i:

Management, business and financial, earning 77 percent of their male counterparts’ salaries;
Computer, engineering, and science, earning 90 percent of their male counterparts’ salaries;
Sales, earning 58 percent of their male counterparts’ salaries.”

Members of the American Association of University Women joined
Pres. John F. Kennedy as he signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

The Center contends that “eliminating the pay gap will make Hawai`i families more secure. The wage gap can prohibit working women from fully providing for their families. If the wage gap were eliminated, working women in Hawai`i would have additional earnings to purchase:

70 more weeks of food;
four more months of mortgage payments; or
1,994 additional gallons of gas.”

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act, and the Democratic Party is asking men and women sign a petition to “help make sure that women receive equal pay for equal work.” See signforgood.com/passpaycheckfairness.
“Pay discrimination doesn’t just impact women,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “In 40 percent of American households with children, women are the sole or primary providers. That means every day that goes by without ensuring paycheck fairness is another day when we’re keeping families from thriving.
“Equal pay isn’t a goal; it should be a guarantee,” Gabbard said.
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Women earning less for the same work is unfair, and it’s plain wrong. And holding back women as well as their families also hurts our economy.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TO RECOGNIZE EQUAL PAY DAY, President Barack Obama has signed two executive orders. One prohibits federal contractors from retaliating against employees who discuss their compensation. While the executive order does not compel workers to discuss pay or require employers to publish or otherwise disseminate pay data, “it does provide a critical tool to encourage pay transparency,” said a statement from the office of Sen. Brian Schatz, so workers have a potential way of discovering violations of equal pay laws and are able to seek appropriate remedies.
The second executive order instructs the Secretary of Labor to establish new regulations requiring federal contractors to submit to the Department of Labor data on compensation paid to their employees, including data by race and sex.
“America deserves equal pay for equal work,” President Obama said.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Robert Herkes
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I STATE SENATE IS CONSIDERING KA`U’S former state Rep. Robert Herkes for the board of directors at Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Before his political career, Herkes was in the hospitality industry, working at Edgewater Hotel and later as an executive at Interisland Resorts. He is currently chair of the Hawai`i Hospitality Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.

During his political career, Herkes support of preservation of the Ka`u Coast preceded preservation of Honu`apo, Kawa and other locations including South Kona Wilderness Area. Recognition of the Ka`u Coast as the longest uninhabited coastline in Hawai`i has led to support throughout the state and Congressional efforts to its further preservation.
Other tourism-related efforts by Herkes include support of risk evaluation along the coast and improved health services in Ka`u. He also championed the new Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter, which is expected to be the site of tournaments that would draw visiting athletic teams to stay overnight in Ka`u and boost the local economy.
In his testimony to the Senate Committee on Tourism, which yesterday unanimously approved the gubernatorial nomination, Rep. Clift Tsuji said Herkes “has accumulated a considerable amount of leadership experience and has facilitated beneficial changes for the people of Hawai`i. Some examples include serving on the Hawai`i County Police Commission, Hawai`i County Council, state Senate and the state House of Representatives for over 10 years, chairing various committees. He also has in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry as a retired hotel executive.”
Other testimony cited Herkes’ “in-depth knowledge of issues that directly affect the tourism industry such as the transient accommodation tax, time-share regulations and hotel-to-condominium conversions, making him an excellent choice to help guide the policy decisions of the authority.”
One testifier called Herkes “a true visionary,” citing his support in making Kona a venue for the Ironman Triathlon.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THAT, so far this year, there have been 352 DUI arrests in Hawai`i County compared with 362 during the same period last year, a decrease of 2.8 percent. Six of those arrests were in Ka`u.
There have been 431 major accidents so far this year compared with 356 during the same period last year, an increase of 21.1 percent.
There have been four traffic fatalities on Hawai`i Island compared with 11 during the same period last year, a decrease of 63.6 percent.
To date, two fatalities were related to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
Hawai`i Police Department continues DUI roadblocks and patrols islandwide.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Plants of hula adorn Marsha Hee and Diana Kelley.
Photo by Jay Robinson

AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK this evening, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Ranger Adrian Boone shares his visit to the Philippines last November when Typhoon Haiyan bore down on the island nation.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. $2 donations support future programs, and park entrance fees apply.

BLAISE DE LIMA, A STAFF MEMBER from U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office, meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, call 808-541-1986.

TO CELEBRATE MERRIE MONARCH, Hawai`i Volcanoes Institute, a program of the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, presents Plants of Hula: Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this field seminar, a kumu hula Ab Valencia and botanist Tim Tunison team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula.
Program cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are $25. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount.
To register, call 985-7373 or see fhvnp.org.

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