The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

The 37th Annual Fourth of July Rodeo has been announced by Ka`u Roping & Riding Association. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Photo by Peter Anderson

COFFEE RUST, WHICH WAS A TOPIC at the recent Ka`u Coffee College, made news nationally over the weekend, with reports that the federal government is providing funding to battle the disease in Central America. Raj Shah, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, is expected to announce today a $5 million partnership with Texas A&M University’s World Coffee Research Center to try to eliminate the fungus.

Coffee rust first infects the topside of leaves and makes its way to the underside.
Photo from wikipedia

According to the American Phytopathological Society, coffee rust is the most economically important coffee disease in the world, and in monetary value, coffee is the most important agricultural product in international trade. “Even a small reduction in coffee yields or a modest increase in production costs caused by the rust has a huge impact on the coffee producers, the support services and even the banking systems in those countries whose economies are absolutely dependent on coffee export,” says its website at apsnet.org.
APS says the first observable symptoms of coffee rust are small, pale yellow spots on the upper surfaces of the leaves. As these spots enlarge, masses of orange spores appear on the leaves’ undersides.
The fungus spreads by airborne spores and can kill coffee trees. It has been devastating to poor farmers who cannot afford fungicides to control the disease. According to NBC News, the main concern is that if small farmers lose their livelihood, hunger and poverty in the region could contribute to violence and drug trafficking.
NBC News says production could be reduced by 15 to 40 percent in Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Ric Rhinehart, of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, said that consumers eventually could pay “extraordinarily high prices for those coffees, if you can find them at all.”
According to APS, coffee rust is now found in nearly all the coffee-producing areas of the world, “with the exception of Hawai`i.” However, the disease could come in on plant materials imported illegally without inspection. The spores could also come in on bags of coffee that are imported. One way to prevent rust from coming here is by refraining from bringing coffee plants or beans from overseas – even a few beans in an airplane passenger’s pocket – recommended scientists attending Ka`u Coffee College.
The effort is part of the Obama administration’s Feed the Future program, which aims to rid the world of extreme poverty through agricultural development and improved nutrition.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard wants to keep federal airline fee increases
out of Hawai`i. Image from the Office of U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD IS ASKING KA`U RESIDENTS to speak up in support of an exemption to a proposed increase in airline fees. “Sometimes it is hard for my colleagues to grasp that while they can hop in a car or a train to commute within their state, we travel through the clouds,” Gabbard said. “That’s why our voices must be heard, and why I’m working with my colleagues to get this exemption passed. But I need your help now to ensure our voices are heard.”

“With no inter-island railway, no highways and no ferry service, flying is how we get to doctors’ appointments and go to work. It is how we go to school and visit our family and friends. We have no other option to do these things but to fly.
“Yet both Congress and the President have proposed an increase in airline fees by $3.10 – and for those of us who rely on flying for basic essential services, this is an undue burden on already expensive travel.
Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono have introduced legislation and called on Congress to exempt Alaska and Hawai`i from the fee hike.
To express support for the exemption, see signforgood.com/airlinefees/?code=Tulsi-hi.

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Rodeo queen candidates are, from left, Caliyah Silva-Kamei, Zeishalynn Pua
and Lehiwa Moses.

KA`U ROPING AND RIDING ASSOCIATION is holding its 37th annual Fourth of July Rodeo at the Na`alehu arena on July 5 and 6. Running for rodeo queen this year are Caliyah Silva-Kamei, Zeishalynn Pua and Lehiwa Moses. Residents can support them by buying rodeo tickets for $6.

Events scheduled at the rodeo include Open Dally, Team 90’s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

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CHARLES CLAY, who grew up in Volcano, has signed a three-year, free agent contract to play football with the Green Bay Packers. Clay spent his first 13 years in Volcano, played high school football at Hilo High and college football at Southern Methodist University in Texas and UH-Manoa.
Clay flew to Wisconsin to compete for the position of safety during Green Bay’s rookie mini-camp. He graduated from UH with a degree in environmental science.
See his recruiting video at youtube.com/watch?v=iDo5F3TAYVo.
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“CAN AN EVENT LIKE THE SR530 LANDSLIDE near Oso, Washington happen in Hawai`i?” is the question asked in the current issue of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch.

The answer is, “It already has,” in Ka`u. On April 2, 1868, the strongest earthquake documented in the Hawaiian Islands struck the Island of Hawai`i and dislodged part of a valley wall in the Wood Valley. “In minutes, the landslide covered an area four times the size of the SR530 slide, destroying 10 structures and killing 31 Hawaiian farmers.”

Ka`u residents who observed the mud landslide from a distance thought it was a lava flow, the article reports. “That was understandable, since Wood Valley is on the southeast flank of the active Mauna Loa volcano and since the mudslide appeared to be red in color and was preceded by many earthquakes. But witnesses at the scene found that the ‘lava flow’ was cold mud, with streams of water draining down each side. The red color came from the abundant volcanic ash soil in the area. With more time and scrutiny, it became clear that this was a landslide.

Landslides are hazards in areas where slopes are steep, the issue explains. “The degree of the hazard depends on the type of rocks that make up the slope. Large landslides, like other natural hazards, tend to recur in the same locations where they have occurred in the past.

Ron Self and other farmers in Wood Valley benefit from
deep soil created by the slide.

“Ground vibration caused by the earthquake clearly triggered the 1868 landslide. But earthquakes occur frequently in this area without landslides. What was different in 1868? The Ka`u area experienced heavy rainfall just prior to the earthquake. Perhaps the rainfall saturated the ash layers in the valley walls, weakening or liquefying the ash to the point of failure during strong ground shaking.”

Ron Self, a farmer in Wood Valley, concurs, saying he believes that the slide may have been precipitated by weeks of heavy rains as well as the earthquakes.

One area in Wood Valley is called mud flats, where slide soil is deep and holds water.

“The geology of the Ka`u area is also unique, with one or more thick ash layers interspersed between Mauna Loa lava flows,” the article says. “The ash layers are relatively impermeable, compared with the permeable lava flows. This means that the ash tends to be a barrier to water percolating down through the ground, resulting in water being concentrated in the lava flows. Before the sugar industry, Ka`u had many natural springs, with water gushing out of the lava flows and over ash layers that were exposed in cliffs. Now, an extensive set of tunnels cut into the ash layers extract water more efficiently.

“Modern mapping and studies suggest that the 1868 landslide itself was composed of lava-flow blocks and ashy gravels. The debris was probably the result of lava blocks and ash sliding from the hillside. When saturated with water (rain) and shaken by a strong earthquake, the thick layer of volcanic ash liquefied and flowed like water, removing support for the overlying lava layers.
“Liquefaction is a dangerous consequence of strong earthquake shaking and, in the case of the 1868 Ka`u landslide, can result in life-threatening landslides. Liquefaction during earthquakes can also be a problem on gentler slopes.”
See hvo.wr.usgs/gov/volcanowatch.

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PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic this evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Participants learn how to be compliant and how to implement federal worker protection standard requirements, thereby minimizing their risk of pesticide inspections and citations.

Mark Yamanaka performs Wednesday at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Photo from NPS

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK holds auditions for its summer musical Ruddigore today and tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Parts in the July production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s musical include lead roles for five men and four women, mortals, ghosts, officers, ancestors, villagers and professional bridesmaids.

For more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

SAM LOW PRESENTS HIS FILM The Navigators: Pathfinders of the Pacific tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The film features Satawalese navigator Mau Piailug, the sailing vessel Hokule`a and her crew. Low answers questions and signs his book, Hawaiki Rising – Hokule`a, Nainoa Thompson and the Hawaiian Renaissance, which, along with the DVD, will be on sale at the bookstore. Free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs.

MARK YAMANAKA PERFORMS WEDNESDAY at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The four-time Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter shares original songs from his debut CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Jacie Umemoto, Nicoli Makuakane and Jaestin Karasuda receive their awards at MLB's Pitch, Hit and Run earlier this month.
Photo from Nona Makuakane

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS were educated in pesticide use last night to train them for war against the coffee berry borer using several chemicals, one that kills on contact and one that distributes a fungus that kills the tiny beetle over time. At a meeting organized by Ka`u Farm Bureau at Pahala Community Center, Andrea Kawabata, of the University of Hawai`i Agricultural Extension Service, gave a class on Proper Pesticide Use and Safety. She reminded farmers to protect themselves from the spray by wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes, hats and goggles, protective glasses and/or face shields. She said it is also important to advise workers and surrounding farmers of the schedule of spraying and to plan spraying to avoid the pesticide drifting onto neighboring areas.

Those working with BotaniGard should wear a
properly fitting respirator.

With BotaniGard, no one is supposed to enter the sprayed area without Personal Protective Equipment within four hours of spraying. Picking of coffee is allowed after the four hours. She also talked about the importance of keeping records of pesticide application quantities and times in order to avoid problems if neighbors have a question. Education and notification of workers of safety and emergency procedures are also required, she said.
Kawabata explained that pesticides can include funguses and bacteria that are used to kill pests. Even sprays and applications to organic farms can include pesticides, she said.
The warning label says that BotaniGard ES is a micoinsecticide. It causes moderate eye irritation and is harmful if absorbed through the skin, inhaled or swallowed. “Avoid breathing spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse,” say the directions. Kawabata also recommended washing exposed clothing separately from other clothing.
She said that farmers should use chemical-resistant gloves made of such materials as nirile rubber or butyl rubber. She also said that those applying, mixing and loading the chemicals should wear a dust mist filtering respirator with a cartridge (not a dust mask), meeting NIOSH standards of at least R-95 or P-95. She suggested that those applying the BotaniGard be fitted for a respirator at such places as Gaspro, so there would be no leaks around their faces. Her handout says that “repeated exposure to high concentrations of microbial proteins can cause allergic sensitization.”
The handout says that BotaniGard is potentially hazardous to honeybees. “Avoid applying to areas where honeybees are actively foraging or around beehives.” Keep the pesticide away from gulches where it could make its way into fresh water and eventually into the ocean. BotaniGard could harm fish, the warning says. Kawabata said that while BotaniGard is less toxic to bees than some other chemicals, it is best to refrain from spraying when coffee flowers are blooming. It is a federal violation to use BotaniGard in a way inconsistent with the labeling. BotaniGard also kills whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, leafhoppers and other beetles. It is legal to use on fruits, berries, nuts, spices, vegetables and such crops as cane, potatoes, tea and rice. It is commonly used on ornamentals.

Kawabata also cautioned the use of highly clorinated water to mix with the BotaniGard, as the chlorine can damage or kill the fungus. Water testing kits are avaiable through the Agricultural Extension Service for $5 each.

Kaimana Kaupu-Manini swings at the ball
during MLB's Pitch, Hit and Run.
Photo from Nona Makuakane

Jaisen Garcia gets ready to pitch the
ball at MLB's Pitch, Hit and Run.
Photo from Nona Makuakane

Kawabata said that the pesticide must remain in the container with its label and warnings, rather than pouring it into various containers. She suggested that farmers have a first aid station on the farmland and coordinate with one another regarding warning signs for spraying times. Support for using BotaniGard to fight the coffee berry borer is coming from the County of Hawai`i through Ka`u Farm Bureau. Farmers are required to take the pesticide-use training course to qualify for subsidies to help them pay for BotaniGard. BotaniGard is considered the best tool to fight the coffee berry borer, which has devastated Kona Coffee farms and has moved into Ka`u.

Anyone with questions about pesticide and safety can contact Derek Shigematsu, Environmental Health Specialist Hawai`i Department of Agriculture at derek.m.shigematsu@hawaii.gov or call 974-4143.

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INSTALLATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS in Na`alehu and Pahala may get help from a federal program. In advance of the release of the bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, Sen. Brian Schatz, Chair of the Senate’s Subcommittee on Water and Power, announced key provisions included in the bill that would provide resources for wastewater infrastructure, flood control and water supply projects as well as improve Hawai`i harbors. “As an island state, our harbors and waterways are gateways to communities and are essential to connecting people and goods across our state,” Schatz said. “This agreement dedicates funds for Hawai`i and authorizes funding for our harbors and water projects, which are important to jobs here and will help protect our precious water resources.”

WRRDA makes several important changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The bill allows more flexible loan terms, including lower interest rates and principle forgiveness, in communities that have difficulty raising revenue for projects.
Since 1988, Hawai`i Department of Health has used funding from the program to issue over $675 million in low interest loans to Hawai`i’s four counties to construct high priority drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems.
These loans are expected to help Hawai`i County save millions of dollars in interest costs for construction of sewers to allow closure of cesspools.

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Ceandra Silva-Kamei runs the bases during MLB's Pitch,
Hit and Run. Photo from Nona Makuakane

KA`U YOUTH WHO QUALIFIED at Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit, and Run Regionals held at Pahala ball field on March 20 were invited to attend the Sectionals held in Hilo at Walter Victor Stadium on May 10. Organized by Damien Silva of Hilo, the Sectionals also included qualifiers from Kona, Kohala, Honoka`a, Hilo, Pahoa and Mountain View.

MLB’s Pitch, Hit, and Run is a program where participants pitch six balls at a target, hit three balls off of a baseball tee and are timed in a run. Qualifiers in the Sectionals may advance to the Nationals in California, which will be held this summer.
Winning in her age division and qualifying to the next round is eight-year-old Jacie Umemoto, of Pahala. Nicoli Makuakane placed second, and Jaestin Karasuda placed third in the 7/8-year-old boys division. Ceandra Silva Kamei placed third in the girls 11/12 division. Also competing were 9/10 division boys Kaimana Kaupu-Manini and Jaisen Garcia.

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Molly Amai Stebbins

MOLLY AMAI STEBBINS IS HAWAI`I ISLAND’S new corporation counsel, the county’s top civil lawyer, announced Mayor Billy Kenoi. Stebbins has served as deputy corporation counsel since 2007 and is currently assigned to represent the county police and fire departments.

She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the University of Hawai`i’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
“Molly is a highly skilled attorney who has the talent and experience to lead the Office of the Corporation Counsel,” Kenoi said. “We are proud to have her leading our legal team, and she will do an outstanding job serving our community.”
Kenoi also announced the appointment of Laureen Martin as assistant corporation counsel.
Martin has served as the county’s deputy corporation counsel since 2009 and is currently litigation section supervisor for the office. She also worked as Maui County deputy corporation counsel from 2002 to 2009.
Stebbins replaces Lincoln Ashida, who resigned as corporation counsel April 30 to take a position as senior counsel for Torkildson Katz Moore Hetherington & Harris.
Martin replaces Katherine Garson as assistant corporation counsel. Garson will remain with the county as deputy corporation counsel.
The appointments are are subject to confirmation by the County Council.

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MARK YAMANAKA PERFORMS TOMORROW at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The four-time Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter shares original songs from his debut CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Merridee Smith shares her knowledge of fused
fiber felting and botanical printing this weekend.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

A FUSED FIBER FELTING & BOTANICAL PRINTING workshop will be held at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 p.m. Fiber artists Merridee and Keith Smith present a fun and intensive introduction to fused fiber (nuno) felting and botanical printing using natural materials.
Participants make a shawl from fine white wool and silk. They test to determine which plants might produce prints and practice the use of simple mordants. Students then print scarves and their felted pieces using plants found growing in forests and backyards. “Stunning botanical prints with beautiful color subtleties and patterns are the goal,” said Merridee Smith.
Currently, she is working with wool, silk and other fibers to create works that represent earth forms, images of the sea and lava. Her studio is in the historic Carnegie Library in Auburn, California.
A slide show and potluck reception takes place Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani Campus. Examples of their work will also be on display. The slide show will cover their work and processes used in creating it.
Workshop fee is $215 for VAC members and $245 for non-members, plus a $45 supply fee. Pre-registration is required. 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.

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Tiare-Lee Shibuya not only won Miss Ka`u Coffee last year, she won the 2014 Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarship yesterday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

TIARE-LEE SHIBUYA, OF NA`ALEHU, WON the 2014 Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Essay Contest with her Smile in the Face of Fear, it was announced yesterday. The 2013 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee plans to become a registered nurse. Shibuya attends Hawai‘i Community College and is a Kamehameha Schools at Kea‘au 2012 graduate. Her parents are Terry and Dane Shibuya. She is a returning scholar, studying nursing.
Funding for the Chamber’s scholarship program comes from advertisers in The Directory, the annual business and community publication, as well as other donations. See kauchamber.org and kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. Click on bottom right to turn pages.

Several contenders received scholarships for college through the program this year.

Benjamin Houghton with Chamber
President Dallas Decker

Kamrie Koi

Tyler Amaral, of Na`alehu, attends Hawai`i Community College in Hilo. He is a Ka`u High School graduate of 2013. His parents are Peter and Kelly Amaral, and he is a returning scholar, studying computer science.

Kayla Andrade, of Na`alehu, attends University of Hawai`i at Manoa, where she studies business. She is a Kamehameha Schools Hawai`i graduate of 2012. Her parents are Zenaida and Leslie Andrade, and she is a returning scholar.

Chazlyn Fuerte Castaneda, of Na`alehu, is a Ka`u High School graduating senior. Her parent is Aurea Fuerte Castaneda, and she plans to attend University of Hawai`i at Hilo;

Benjamin Houghton, from Ocean View, is advancing his musical education and is a returning scholar.

Kamrie Koi, of Na`alehu, is a Ka`u High School graduating senior. Her parents are Rorie Koi and Michelle Ortega. She plans to attend University of Hawai`i at Hilo. She announced last night that she plans to go to law school.

Anjulie Larson with Scholarship
Chair Lee McIntosh

Chazlyn Fuerte
Castaneda

Anjulie Larson of Ocean View, attends University of Hawai`i at Hilo. She is a Ka`u High School graduate of 2011.

Jennifer Kau`i Losalio, of Ocean View, is a student at University of Hawai`i at Manoa. She is a Konawaena High School graduate, 2005.

Marley Strand-Nicolaisen, of Na`alehu, is a University of Hawai`i at Hilo student and Ka`u High School graduate, 2013. Her parents are Laurie Strand and Robert Nicolaisen, and she is a returning scholar.

Maria Miranda, of Na`alehu, is a University of Hawai`i at Hilo and Hawai`i Community College student. She is a Safe Haven Christian Coop graduate, 2012.

Siena Okimoto, of Na`alehu, is a Ka`u High School graduating senior. Her parents are Malcom and Sheilah Okimoto, and she plans to attend University of Hawai`i at Manoa.

The scholarships were presented by Chamber Scholarship Chair Lee McIntosh and Chamber President Dallas Decker at a gathering at Pahala Plantation House last night.
Decker said that the Chamber encourages students to submit essays year after year to earn continued support until their higher education goals are met.

Siena Okimoto

The following is the essay by Shibuya:

Smile in The Face of Fear

I could smell hand sanitizer and a minced smell of coffee. The air was very still with a musty fringe. This was definitely in a hospital, and I was in the waiting room. As I look around, I see many faces of despair, sorrow and wariness. I sit patiently awaiting the news of my grandfather with a serious, concerned face. I have contemplated over and over in my mind of what the different scenarios could be, but I didn’t see this one coming. My grandfather Clarence Abraham Andrade has just been diagnosed with lung cancer said to be the size of an orange. I was completely speechless, and my tear ducts filled.

Cautiously, we make sure to smile and show no concern of death in our faces as I greet my grandfather in the hospital bed. My family and I sat listening to his minimal options he had and watch as he decides what he wants to do. He decides that life is not over for him yet and he wants to fight this cancer away. So in a span of two years, he fought his hardest with all his might and never complained of any pain. We all right there standing next to him every step of the way. We would take him to his radiation chemotherapy and he would be the guy making jokes about the chemo not affecting his hair because he was already bald. This is the exact moment where I knew exactly what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it and where I wanted to do it.

Jennifer Losalio read Tiare-Lee Shibuya's winning essay at Pahala Plantation
House last night.

Consequently, my goal was to always be a Registered Nurse and graduate with my BSN degree. Now, I can say I want to be an Oncology RN and eventually expand the Ka`u Hospital branch to have its own oncology department. Just take a second and think of all the possibilities and the many lives that can be saved. According to the Cancer Journal for Clinicians in 2014 there have been 1,340,400 deaths from cancer this year, and we are only in April. I could help so many families in the district I love called Ka`u. It would be the only way I feel accomplished by having and supporting the district’s needs health wise.
Similarly, I would be able to relate to the patients on a deeper level because I have been there. I have not personally experienced cancer, but I have been a family member to experience it four times. My grandfather had lung cancer, and his wife had a tumor in her breast. My other grandparents, my grandfather had kidney cancer, and my grandmother had colon cancer. I know that the family would want the best available help, and I would be right there by their side coaching them on what to expect but also keeping that hope alive because a cancer patient wants their family and to be loved during this tragic time.
Finally, I would like to be a registered nurse and help my community have the strongest oncology system it could have. There are many lives to be saved, and I feel that I was set here to help cancer patients. I will provide the best service and a caring support system. I would like to bring smiles in the face of fear for all those people. It would be such an honor to devote myself to my community and to keep everyone healthy.

Shibuya’s winning essay was read by Jennifer Losalio, who also won a scholarship for her studies toward a master’s degree in library and information science. She works at Na`alehu Library and said she hopes to serve some day as librarian in Pahala.

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Hawai`i County Council District Six candidate Jim Wilson

“I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE,” said Volcano resident Jim Wilson regarding his candidacy for County Council District Six. “I believe it is time for the County Council to start using more ‘common sense’ and a practical business approach in some of its decisions and plans for the future.

“I feel I can contribute to that common sense attitude if elected. I have no pre-conceived agenda, no political alliances and am an independent thinker.”
After working in the private sector and serving on volunteer boards for over six decades, Wilson said he has learned what works and what doesn’t. “My approach is to listen to all the facts and then make good solid business decisions.”
Wilson retired after 39 years as publisher of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. He has lived in Hawai`i for 47 years and in Volcano for 21 years.
His current community service includes Pacific Tsunami Museum Board President since 1994, Volcano Art Center Board of Directors, Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce member, Big Island Press Club member, Hospice of Hilo Community Relations Committee and Rotary Club of South Hilo Secretary.
He has a bachelor of science degree in Business and Journalism from Oklahoma State University.
Wilson plans to hold a series of coffee hours to meet District Six voters. The first is scheduled for June 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Great Room. More events will be announced on his Facebook page, Friends of Jim Wilson.
Wilson can be contacted at jimwilsoncouncil@gmail.com.

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Kamana`opono Crabbe

EFFORTS TO BUILD A HAWAIIAN NATION WILL CONTINUE, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced after meeting Monday. OHA trustees met to reconcile and move forward following disagreement over a letter CEO Kamana`opono Crabbe sent to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, asking if pursuing a Native Hawaiian governing entity could be a violation of international law. The trustees rescinded the letter and said it did not reflect board policy.

Timothy Hurley, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reports Crabbe saying after the meeting, “We are a stronger people today. We are a stronger organization, a stronger OHA. We will continue to rebuild a beloved nation. We look forward to that task. We’ve agreed to move forward together with one voice, in one path, not just for the betterment of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, but for the future of our haumana (students), the next generation, so that we can be responsive to our community and bring dignity to the process.”

OHA recently held 18 meetings throughout the state urging Hawaiians to sign up for the Official Roll, with the first one held April 5 in Pahala.
At the Pahala meeting, 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 Hawai`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.”
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, according to Kawika Riley, whose OHA title is Ka Pou Kihi Ko, Chief Advocate. A third party would oversee elections.
See staradvertiser.com.
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KA`U COFFEE FARMERS are invited to Ka`u Coffee Mill tomorrow, May 22 at 8 a.m. to learn more about BotaniGard, the pesticide made of a live fungus, considered to be the best hope in the fight against the coffee berry borer that threatens the Ka`u Coffee industry. Crop Production Services representatives will talk about the effective use of BotaniGard, offering latest research and best practices. Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba said she encourages all farmers, whether or not they are members of the cooperative, to take advantage of the free education to protect their coffee farms.

Michael Holl

FARMING & TAXES is the subject of a Risk Management Workshop tomorrow, Thursday, May 22 at Pahala Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Michael Holl, EA, is an enrolled agent who is a federally authorized tax practitioner licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury to negotiate with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers. He plans to update farmers and ranchers on business taxes and to help Hawai`i farmers lower tax liabilities through increased understanding of deductions, tax preparation and record keeping; business entities related to farming; employment laws; and income averaging. The workshop aims to help manage labor, financial and legals risks. Holl is experienced in resolving issues between taxpayers and the IRS including “appealing unfair or prohibitive penalties; halting and lifting garnishments, liens and levies; preparing and filing late returns; and negotiating installment plans and offers in compromise. He is President of Tax Services of Hawai`i. He has advised the members of many organizations including the SBA Woment' Business Center, National Association of Tax Preparers, University of Hawai`i, Kapiolani Community College and other nonprofits and foundations. The workshop is sponsored by Risk Management Hawai`i, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE meets Friday at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos office. Usually held on the last Friday of each month, OVDCDC changed this month's date to accommodate schedules of those wanting to attend.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Youth Ranger trainees for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park graduated yesterday in a ceremony held at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. The spring program prepares high school students for summer and future employment. Photo by Jesse Tunison

FORTY-THREE GRADUATED FROM the Youth Ranger Internship training at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park yesterday. The ceremony took place at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus.

The program began five years ago with Ka`u High School students and expanded to Kea`au, Pahoa, and Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences high schools, as well as home-schoolers.

Twenty-two students this year came from Ka`u, all juniors and seniors. Fourteen from Ka`u will work at the park this summer in jobs ranging from administration, interpretation and assets management to law enforcement. Kupono McDaniel, Youth and Programs Volunteer Coordinator for the park, said, “It is so wonderful to see our local kids learning that they can do anything. They are not limited by their minds or their geography.” Almost all of the interns go on to college or trade schools, and a number of them have said they would like to seek careers in conservation, possibly lending their skills to communities in Ka`u.

Twenty-two Ka`u High students passed the rangers training program this spring.
Photo by Elizabeth Fien

Conservation careers are growing in numbers in Hawai`i, McDaniel said. “This program has brought a lot of meaning to my career. The program encourages students to seek careers they are passionate about,” McDaniel said.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando encouraged the youth to seek their dreams. The program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i Pacific Park Association, the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, KTA, Nui Pohaku Adventure Tours, Edmund C. Olson Trust, Safeway, Target and Volcano Art Center.

Creating the program began six years ago when Joan Rubin, Julia Neal and Ka`u High School Principal Sharon Beck joined together to write the first grant. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL “saw more guests than ever before, and the event ran smoother than any of our previous five festivals,” said Ka`u Coffee Festival Chair Chris Manfredi, reporting yesterday on the success of the ten days of celebrating the Ka`u Coffee industry, May 2 – 11. “We wish to thank all of our farmers, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, entertainers and guests. They combine to make this event special and prove every year that Ka`u is a special place,” said Manfredi.

Ka`u Coffee farmers Kili Matsui, Trini Marques, Merle Becker and Berta Miranda
receive a commendation and declaration of Ka`u Coffee Week from Gov. Neil
Abercrombie through Ka`u Coffee Festival Chair Chris Manfredi and Abercrombie's
East Hawai`i liaison Wendy Cortez-Botelho, on stage. Photo by Julia Neal

During the Ho`olaule`a on May 10, a proclamation declaring Ka`u Coffee Week, May 5 – 10, was read on behalf of Gov. Neil Abercrombie by his East Hawai`i liaison Wendy Cortez-Botelho. It says: “The Ka`u Coffee Festival acknowledges the beginning strifes that occurred to succeed in the coffee industries but became renowned with the introduction of Ka`u Farm and Ranch Co. manager Chris Manfredi, who presented Ka`u coffee for the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Annual competition.”
It states, “The Ka`u Coffee Festival showcases internationally recognized Thomas ‘Bull’ Kailiawa and Jamie Kailiawa’s coffee, which has been judged Number One in the United States and Top Ten in the World at the 2011 International Coffees of the Year Competition at the Specialty Coffee Association of America Competition.”

It notes many of the events leading up to the Ho`olaule`a: the Pa`ina kick-off sponsored by The Ka`u Calendar newspaper, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce and Pahala Plantation House; the Kalaekilohana Ka`u Farmers’ Table Event; Triple C recipe contest at Ka`u Coffee Mill; the Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike, sponsored by Olson Trst; and Coffee & Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation Coffee farm. It also recognizes the Ho`olaule`a and Ka`u Coffee College.
The proclamation recognizes “the introduction of coffee in Hawai`i in 1893 by Spanish physician and royal interpreter, Don Francisco de Paula y Marin and cultivated locally by J.C. Seare in 1894,” who planted the first Ka`u Coffee. Descendants now operate Aikane Plantation.

Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba and farmer Maile Abellera
work the Buy Local It Matters tagle at Ka`u Coffee Festival. Photo by Julia Neal

Gloria Camba, President of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, also weighed in for mahalos. She said that she wanted to thank all of the Ka`u Coffee farmers who have worked hard for nearly two decades to build their industry and for their work in putting on the festival, including the Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry pageants, participation in the Merrie Monarch Parade, setting up the Ho`olaule`a and putting their coffee on display for all to see and taste. She thanked pageant directors and many more for scholarships for winners. See those who helped with the Miss Ka`u Coffee pageant at kaucalendar.com/Coffee-Pageant_Program_2014_WEB.pdf.

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NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TIED FOR FIRST PLACE in the elementary division of the seventh annual E Ola Pono Campaign. The campaign promotes youth groups to make a positive difference for people and place. An upper elementary enrichment group at Na`alehu School led a Kindness Campaign featuring Kindness Bug Jars and schoolwide field days. As a result of the program, “our whole school benefits from a kinder and more positive campus,” said teacher Maury Shimizu.
Na`alehu School shares first place with Kahului Elementary on Maui, where first-graders helped create a school garden and learned about science, sustainability and character.
The E Ola Pono Campaign is coordinated by UH Manoa’s Growing Pono Schools Project in partnership with the Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission. For more information, see www.growingponoschools.com.

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Image from NOAA shows Hawai`i in relation to tropical storms tracked
from 2005 to 2010.

2014 HURRICANE SEASON, which begins June 1, will be the last in Ka`u without a certified public shelter. The new gym and shelter adjacent to Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School is expected to be completed this year. Yesterday, the Pacific Hurricane Center predicted more tropical disturbance possibilities than average for this season and noted that a growing El Nino could pump up hurricane possibilities. El Nino decreases vertical wind shear over the tropical central Pacific, favoring the development of more and stronger cyclones. The agency expects four to seven storms to develop this season, compared to an average of four to five.
“I encourage the public to become weather-ready by signing up for weather alerts, developing a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit before hurricane season begins,” said Tom Evans, acting director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “Now is the time to make sure that you and your family are ready and prepared for the 2014 hurricane season,” which runs through Nov. 30.

National Hurricane Center is already looking at the first tropical depression of the season that just formed off Mexico and is moving west-northwest in the eastern North Pacific region.

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VILLAGE COMMERCIAL ZONING IN OCEAN VIEW is the request before the Windward Planning Commission. The commission will consider the rezoning from agriculture on 4.142 acres on the mauka side of Hwy 11, west of Lehua Lane, during its meeting on Thursday, June 5 at 9 a.m. at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Statements from the public will be taken. The applicant is Dr. William Foulk.

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KA`U RUBBISH DISPOSAL is asking for a Special Permit to allow a business office and baseyard for household rubbish pick-up on approximately 460 square feet of agriculturally classified land. The property in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates is 3.5 miles from Hwy 11 and 120 feet south of the intersection of Tradewind and Kailua Blvd. The request will be taken up as first item on the agenda of the Windward Planning Commission at 9 a.m., Thursday, June 5 at the Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Public testimony will be taken. The applicant is Dominique Maus.

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An exhibit of Joe Laceby's cyantype prints
opens Saturday. Photo from VAC

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION is tomorrow, Friday, May 23. Keynote speaker is Kupono McDaniel, of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Co-valedictorians are Kamrie Koi and Toni Beck. Attendance is by invitation for families and special guests at 4:30 p.m. Forty-seven Trojans will graduate in the Class of 2014, receiving their diplomas from Principal Sharon Beck.
The last day of school is May 29. For returning students, the first day of the 2014-2015 session is Tuesday, Aug. 5.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos office. Usually held on the last Friday of each month, OVCDC changed this month’s date to accommodate schedules of those wanting to attend.

AN EXHIBIT OF CYANOTYPE PRINTS by Joe Laceby opens at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday. The technique is an old form of photography using the sun’s UV rays to create imagery. “The relationship of the sun prints to early western contact is a way to capture certain images from those earlier times with what I do now,” Laceby said. “The sun print itself creates that historical connection.”
Opening reception is on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VAC Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply.

MEGA SPORTS CAMP IS COMING UP Monday through Wednesday, June 23 – 25 at Na`alehu Assembly of God Church. Children in grades one through six participate in sports, songs, stories and object lessons. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Registration fee is $15 before June 6 and $25 after. Lunch is provided each day.
For more information, call 929-7278.

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

Randy Cabral, of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, noted the weakening of trees by the 2012 fires. Photo from KITV

A TINY WASP MAY HELP SAVE MACADAMIA PLANTATIONS IN KA`U. State Department of Agriculture entomologist Dr. Moshen Ramadan located Encyrtidae Metaphycus, which kills the pest that is killing mac nut trees. He found it in Australia, the native home to macadamia. According to a report by KITV News this week, the wasp, as tiny as a grain of sand, is reproducing in a lab in Hawai`i and may be released in field trials to combat the macadamia felted coccid as early as next year. Aerial spraying and other chemical applications are not working well, said Ramadan. The wasp inserts its larvae into the coccid, and the larvae eat the pest.

Macadamia felted coccids cover the nuts and eat leaves, bark
and wood, eventually killing the trees. Photo from KITV

Macadamia trees around Pahala are particularly susceptible to the felted coccid, having been weakened by drought and fire that burned through orchards in 2012. The flood of 2000 also damaged the orchards, making the trees more susceptible to pests. Dead and dying trees can be seen in the orchards.
Hawai`i Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi told KITV News that the pest has “begun to spread and multiply exponentially.” He described it as “a small, little bug, but it just destroys the trees. It eats the leaves. It eats the bark,” said Manfredi.
State House of Representatives member Richard Creagan, of Ka`u, said that the Farm Bureau and Hawai`i Farmers Union United are two groups lobbying for more funding to help with the problem and that hundreds of thousands of dollars were recently approved by the Legislature. State officials are expected to tour Ka`u in June to meet with farmers and see the trees for themselves.

New hope: wasp larvae eat the macadamia felted coccid.
Photo from KITV

KITV reported that in 2013, the felted coccid and dry weather caused $3.7 million in damage to Royal Hawaiian Orchards’ macadamia crop. The KITV story quoted the company’s Bonnie Schoneberg: “It’s not only affecting the nut, but it’s affecting pretty much every stage of growth on the tree. You see it on the trunk of the tree. You see it on the leaves, all the branches, and they even coat the nuts as well."
Randy Cabral, of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, told KITV, “This is not the first disaster to hit us. So, I hope it’s the last, but I doubt that.”
See the KITV story at kitv.com/news/hawaiis-macademia-nut-farms-battle-tiny-pest/26089864.
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KA`U COFFEE FARMERS received advice last night on managing their taxes to help them benefit from tax laws that deal with the radical ups and downs of income in agriculture. Michael Holl, an IRS-certified tax expert, mentioned income averaging. For example, farmers could have two years of losses, followed by a season of booming profits. To save from paying whopping taxes for the booming year, under tax law for agriculture, they can average their income over the last three years without redoing previous taxes and pay taxes on the average of the three. The taxes must be paid on time to gain the benefit.
Holl noted this morning that several of the farmers mentioned last night that they did not know about this tax advantage for farmers. He recommended that farmers band together to hire tax preparers who are experts in current agricultural tax law. He said that tax preparers who are generalists may not be taking the latest classes on tax law related to farming. He also advises farmers on making agreements with the IRS on back taxes owed to the government and has advice on labor as it relates to taxes. He was brought to Pahala Community Center last night by Risk Management Hawai`i, the U.S Department of Agriculture and University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Holl can be reached in Honolulu at 808-529-1040 or at michael@eahwawaii.com. He said he will be back on the Big Island later this year with more workshops.
More tips on income averaging for farmers can be found at an IRS website, irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Farm-Income-Averaging-Agriculture-Tax-Tips.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS VOTED against what she calls “a fundamentally altered version of the USA FREEDOM Act.” The original bill, which Gabbard co-sponsored, ended all bulk collection of personal data and only allowed the government to request personal data using “specific” terms. In its final form, the legislation allows the government to continue to obtain bulk personal data without having to target individuals specifically.

“The USA FREEDOM Act I voted against is a far cry from the legislation I co-sponsored, and does not rein in the bulk collection of our personal information – in fact, it does the opposite, ” said Gabbard. “While proponents claim the bill does end some bulk collection, the fact is that it still allows the government to obtain innocent Americans’ personal data, to include phone and email data. Instead of targeting specific individuals, the bill would allow the government to collect data with very broad search terms like an entire area code, an email with a key word, or a whole state or region of the country. That kind of data collection is not ‘specific’ at all; it is the opposite of specific, leaving the door open for continued overreach and abuse. Ultimately, our objective is to keep our country and people safe. This is not a choice between civil liberties and national security. We still have yet to hear of a single example of how national security has been strengthened by allowing bulk data collection.
“We have a responsibility to do better as we strike the balance between national security and upholding the values that make our country strong.”

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WITH THE APPROACH OF THE LONG MEMORIAL DAY weekend and the continuation of graduation parties, Hawai`i Island police will be on alert to help prevent tragedy on roads.

Officers will conduct DUI checkpoints and roving patrols beginning today and continuing through Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called Drunk Driving: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Driving under the influence of alcohol presents a potential danger to every motorist, passenger and pedestrian the driver encounters. Already this year, police have made nearly 500 DUI arrests, and there have been more than 600 major traffic collisions.
Police ask residents to do their part to keep roads safe by remembering to have a designated sober and licensed driver before starting to drink. They advise, “If you don’t find one, don’t take a chance — take a taxi.”

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets today at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos office. Usually held on the last Friday of each month, OVCDC changed this month’s date to accommodate schedules of those wanting to attend.

Iwao Yonemitsu and Toku Nakano are two veterans of
World War II's 442nd Combat Team who live in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION AT Kilauea Military Camp is entitled A Day of Remembrance with a special ceremony slated for 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 26, on the KMC front lawn.

LCDR Shawn Deweese, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA in Hilo, is keynote speaker. Sgt. Rita Miller, of the 291st Combat Communications, Hilo, is guest speaker.

If it rains, the ceremony will be moved to the Koa Room, inside the lobby.

Park entrance fees will be waived from 2p.m. to 3 p.m. for those notifying gatekeepers that they will attend the ceremony.

A special Memorial Day buffet after the ceremony features Hawaiian kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, chili con carne and more.

For more information, call 967-8371. The public is invited.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN CELEBRATE THE MEMORIAL DAY weekend by helping Hawai`i Wildlife Fund with its Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow. Volunteers are asked to RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com if they need a ride . Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required to get to the cleanup location. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park and caravan/carpool to cleanup site from there.

AN EXHIBIT OF CYANOTYPE PRINTS by Joe Laceby opens at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VAC Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its Palm Trail Hike Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult hike has one of the unit’s most panoramic vistas.
See more at nps.gov/havo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Confetti time for Ka`u High graduation yesterday on the stage. Next year, the ceremony will be in the new gym. Photo by Julia Neal

FORTY-SEVEN SENIORS GRADUATED from Ka`u High School yesterday, with co-valedictorians Kamrie Koi and Toni Beck encouraging graduates to keep their eyes on their dreams. Beck encouraged all Ka`u High students to learn more about how the world works and participate by becoming more involved in student government.

Co-valedictorian Toni Beck encouraged
participation in school government.
Photo by Julia Neal

Co-valedictorian Kamrie Koi said
commencement is the beginning.
Photo by Julia Neal

Regarding the commencement ceremonies, Koi told the audience that while commencement “honors our accomplishments in high school, we need to remember that ‘commence’ means to begin; we are just starting our independent lives.

“There are choices that will transform each of us, those that will destroy each of us, and those that will define each of us. We transform through destruction because we learn from our mistakes. Transformation is a process because change is hard. We overestimate the value of what we have and underestimate what we will gain and the abilities we are capable of. The defining moment is the step toward testing what we all know we can accomplish.”

Principal Sharon Beck listed accomplishments of the graduating seniors, including winning their way to the state science fair; training, internships and jobs at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; more than a dozen National Honor Society memberships; acceptance to local colleges and education on the mainland and Japan, with more than $250,000 in scholarships.

“Be proud. Stand tall. Stay strong,” Beck told the graduating class of 2014 as she proclaimed that they are the new alumni of Ka`u High.

Commencement speaker Kupono
McDaniel Photo by Julia Neal

Commencement speaker Kupono McDaniel, of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, advised the graduates, “Love what you do, and you are sure to succeed.” He also provided additional advice:
“Find your voice and use it. Build relationships and give others the benefit of the doubt.” Avoid burning bridges. Adversaries can be allies, he said.
“Do what you love, and you will love what you do.” McDaniel told students. “I am thankful that you will be taking the helm and steering this world’s future.”
As is the tradition, family and friends filled the gym, and more waited outside with lei, balloons, signage and hugs to cheer on the 2014 graduating class on the lawn of Ka`u High.
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GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED A MEASURE that incrementally increases the state’s minimum wage rate over the next four years and the tip credit over the next two years.
“A hardworking sector of our community has gone seven years without a raise,” Abercrombie said. “This legislation will raise Hawai`i’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour, providing our lowest paid workers with the economic stability and security they deserve.”

Act 82 increases the state’s minimum wage rate to $7.75 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2015; $8.50 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2016; $9.25 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2017; and $10.10 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2018. It also raises the tip credit to 50 cents per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and 75 cents per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2016, as long as the combined amount the employee receives in wages and tips is at least $7 more than the applicable minimum wage beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

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Well documented. Family member and friends pull out all kinds of devices to record the 2014 Ka`u High School graduation yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

MODERATE ECONOMIC EXPANSION WILL CONTINUE in Hawai`i County and other counties, according to the latest report from the Economic Research Organization at University of Hawai`i. Last year’s tourism weakness continued in the first quarter of this year, and incremental gains for 2014 will be slight. Beyond this year, available capacity will limit further visitor industry growth.

Construction is poised to contribute growth momentum to all counties going forward. In the broader economy, job growth will continue to bring down unemployment rates and will set the stage for a return to more satisfactory growth in personal income.
The report forecasts that the statewide unemployment rate, which was 4.4 percent in April, will be 4.5 percent at the end of 2014 and fall to 4.1 percent next year.

The report is available at uhero.hawaii.edu/assets/14Q2CountyForecast-PublicSummary.pdf.

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Ka`u High 2010 alumnus Jacob Edwards
graduates from University of Wyoming.
Photo from UW

JACOB EDWARDS, A 2010 ALUMNUS OF KA`U HIGH from Ocean View, graduates from University of Wyoming this year. A profile of Edwards appears in West Hawai`i Today. “During his productive career, Wyoming senior Jacob Edwards was a record-setter in the hurdles for both the indoor and outdoor seasons, soaring high and running fast to leave a couple of all-time marks at the school,” writes Kevin Jakahi.

Jakahi reports that Jacobs recorded a time of 14.58 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles earlier this month, better than his 14.74 last year, UW’s 10th-best all-time mark in the event.

More of Edwards’ achievements are available at gowyo.com/sports/c-track/mtt/jacob_edwards_737022.html:

UW’s second-best all-time mark in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.13 at the Air Force Team Challenge;
competed at the Mountain West Indoor Championships, finishing ninth in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.24 and helped the 4x400 relay to fourth place in 3:23;
ran a career-best 54.74 in the 400-meter hurdles for seventh place at the meet;
placed fifth in the 110-meter hurdles in 15.67 at the Nebraska Quad;
opened the outdoor season at the Tom Benich Invite, placing third in the 110-meter hurdles in 14.86 and fifth in the 400-meter hurdles in 55.66;
named Academic All-MW.

UW’s biography of Edwards notes that he was one of Hawai`i’s best track athletes during his high school years, “evidenced by his Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2009 and 2010.” He was also Male Athlete of the Year each year from 2008-2010 and was a multiple state champion in the hurdles, long and triple jumps.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE CONDUCTING DUI checkpoints and roving patrols through Memorial Day. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called Drunk Driving: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Police ask residents to do their part to keep roads safe by remembering to have a designated sober and licensed driver before starting to drink. They advise, “If you don’t find one, don’t take a chance — take a taxi.”

AN EXHIBIT OF CYANOTYPE PRINTS by Joe Laceby begins at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today, with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VAC Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult hike has one of the unit’s most panoramic vistas.
See more at nps.gov/havo.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC Front Lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees will be waived from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for those notifying gatekeepers that they will attend the ceremony.

A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes Kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, Volcano chili con carne, tossed salad, potato salad, buttered corn, steamed rice, biscuits and honey, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Amanda, off the west coast of Mexico, is this year's first hurricane. Image from The Weather Channel

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE will hold its September 2016 World Conservation Congress in Hawai`i. This will be the first time a U.S. location is hosting the WCC since IUCN’s inception in 1948.

In February, a four-person delegation from IUCN visited Hawai`i for one week. The delegation toured natural and cultural sites on Hawai`i Island, O`ahu and Kaua`i and held meetings with government, non-government organizations, nonprofit and private industry representatives who will be involved in the planning and execution of the 2016 gathering. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will continue to lead a multi-agency, private-public sector team up to and through the 2016 World Conservation Congress.

IUCN World Conservation Congress has two main parts. The Forum is a hub of public debate bringing together people from all walks of life to discuss the world’s most pressing conservation issues. There will be many types of events, which will enable participants to explore the depths of conservation and innovation. The Members’ Assembly is IUCN’s highest decision-making body. A unique global environmental parliament, it involves governments and non-government organizations – large and small, national and international – making joint decisions.
The WCC is held every four years and is considered the only global summit that represents every aspect of conservation. It aims to improve management of our natural environment for human, social and economic development. The event is considered a place to set aside differences and to work together to provide the means and mechanisms for good environmental governance, engaging all parts of society to share both responsibilities and the benefits of conservation.

President Barack Obama expressed his support for the decision: “Hawai`i is one of the most culturally and ecologically rich areas in the United States, with a wealth of unique natural resources and a distinctive traditional culture that draws from the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. After successfully hosting the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting, it is appropriate that Hawai`i now turn its focus to the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability. The diversity and vulnerability of Hawai`i’s natural resources, as well as their importance to the islands’ economy, make Hawai`i a perfect location to discuss these challenges.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie with Hawai`i IUCN 2016 Steering Committee co-chairs
Chipper Wichman, at left, and William J. Aila, Jr.
Photo from Office of the Governor

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said, “This is both an honor and opportunity for us to show the entire conservation community, the world over, how Hawai`i has adopted a leadership role in preserving and protecting resources, developing sustainability programs on multiple fronts and addressing many of the issues associated with global climate change. The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest and most prestigious of all gatherings of the conservation community. We look forward to welcoming as many as 8,000 delegates to Hawai`i in 2016.”
William J. Aila, Jr., chair of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, said, “Hawai`i’s unique culture, location and environment are the perfect attributes for this worldwide conference. We have a lot to offer in how we manage our limited resources and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices in our changing world.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Hawai`i is a top global venue for high profile international events. Hawai`i also faces challenges as our nation’s only island state with unique ecosystems and the highest percentage of threatened and endangered species in the country. Our track record as a gathering place, and in balancing conservation with economic growth, make us a solid choice for the first U.S. host of IUCN. Mahalo to the leaders in Washington and Hawai`i who helped make this momentous announcement possible, including Senators Inouye and Akaka.”
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “As the world’s largest and most important conservation event, the WCC will shine a positive spotlight on Hawai`i as leaders from around the world converge on our beautiful islands. … We welcome this exciting news and look forward to hosting these distinguished leaders as we work toward our shared goal of preserving our environment for generations to come.”
The last World Conservation Congress was held in 2012 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

Amanda is expected to weaken as she heads north.
Image from The Weather Channel

For more information, see http://iucn.org.
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AMANDA IS THE FIRST HURRICANE THIS YEAR, located in the east Pacific region. According to The Weather Channel, Amanda is the strongest eastern Pacific hurricane on record for the month of May, with wind speeds reaching 155 miles per hour. As it travels north off the coast of Mexico, stirring up cold water and experiencing increased vertical wind shear, it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression and not threaten land.
See weather.com.

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LIVING IN HARMONY WITH VOLCANOES: BRIDGING THE WILL OF NATURE TO SOCIETY will be the featured theme at the Cities on Volcanoes meeting in September in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on the island of Java, and in the shadow of Merapi volcano. Indonesia, with over 60 historically active volcanoes and the fourth largest population on Earth, all situated on a combined island area about the size of North Carolina, “is clearly a place on the planet that’s acutely aware—on a daily basis—of what living with active volcanoes means,” reports USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

Kawah Ijen, a hot, acidic crater lake in East Java, Indonesia, will be the location of
a workshop studying wet volcanoes. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

According to HVO, an estimated half-billion people worldwide live on or near active volcanoes. COV meetings, held about every three years, bring together scientists studying volcanic phenomena and emergency managers to exchange ideas on how to meld science and public policy in order to lessen the effects of volcanic unrest on communities worldwide.
Following the weeklong meeting, there will be several field trips and specialized workshops. “One of the workshops will be dedicated to studying eruptive characteristics on volcanoes that have large-scale systems in which magma and water are continuously in close proximity,” the article states. “Many of these so-called ‘wet volcanoes’ host large crater lakes whose water can be thrown out abruptly when the volcano becomes restless. When wet volcanoes erupt violently, they often produce deadly volcanic mud and debris flows, called lahars, and surges of scorching-hot rock debris. They can also produce gas- or steam-driven eruptions similar to those at Kilauea in 1924.
“The recent anniversary of Kilauea’s May 1924 explosive summit eruptions reminds us of the sometimes violent interactions that occur when relatively cool water near the Earth’s surface comes into contact with much hotter magmatic material found at depth. … Even relatively small, steam-driven eruptions like those of 1924 can affect people who live on and near active volcanoes.
“Long before 1924 – indeed for over a thousand years – Hawaiians recognized the significance of magma-water interaction and depicted their understanding through oral tradition and dance. In this way, native Hawaiians have taught, during many generations, that living in harmony with volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa means respecting their power while appreciating their beauty.”

For more, see hvo.wr.usg.gov/volcanowatch.

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Commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA, LCDR Shawn Deweese,
is keynote speaker at Kilauea Military Camp tomorrow.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony on tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC Front Lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. LCDR Shawn Deweese, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA in Hilo, is keynote speaker. Sgt. Rita Miller, of the 291st Combat Communications, Hilo, is guest speaker. Park entrance fees will be waived from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for those notifying gatekeepers that they will attend the ceremony.

A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes Kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, Volcano chili con carne, tossed salad, potato salad, buttered corn, steamed rice, biscuits and honey, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Call 967-8356 for more information.

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Volunteers scoured the South Point coast this past week and hauled away more than 1,700 lbs. of debris.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

ALMOST .75 TONS OF GARBAGE WERE REMOVED during the last week from Green Sands -Mahana Bay, from Kaulana Boat Ramp at South Point to `Onikinalu, and from Kaulana Boat Ramp to Ka`ahue.

Nurdle in the Rough Jewelry company volunteers joined the Ka``u Coast cleanup.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

The effort, organized by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, Three Mountain Alliance and state Department of Forestry & Wildlife, drew 18 students and teachers from a field study course at Normandale Community College in Minnesota.
On Saturday, 16 island residents and representatives from Sustainable Coastlines Hawai`i, Method Home cleaning products of San Francisco, Nurdle in the Rough Jewelry of Holualoa, and Recycle Hawai`i lent many hands.
The five miles of coastal cleanup from Kaulana Boat Ramp to `Onikinalu brought in 1,312 lbs of items that washed up or were discarded on the beach. There were 250 lbs of nets, 240 lbs of tar bundles and other non-net debris. The group removed 124 pounds of plastics. Interesting finds included a long gas cylinder, plastic fishing reel from Guayaquiil, Ecuador, a large black fishing lure, a syringe, and a refrigerator door with local graffiti. The trash ranged from six-pack rings, to food wrappers, disposable cigarette lighters, buoys and floats, styrofoam cups and plastic utensils to aerosol cans and a GI Joe American Hero Toy. Tires and flip flops were also hauled away.

The more than three miles from Kaulana Boat Ramp to Ka`ahue were cleaned of 394 lbs of rubbish including 50 lbs of nets and 344 non-net items. There were lots of cigarette lighters, according to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund report.

College students from Minnesota helped clean up nets and other debris.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

Hawai`i Wildife Fund will participate on Saturday, June 28 in the Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu. Another Ka`u community coastal cleanup will be held at Kamilo Point on Sunday, July 13. For more information, contact Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Also helping over the last week was Nohea Ka`awa, of DOFAW.

KA`U DEMOCRATS FLEW TO HONOLULU for the state Democratic Party Convention over the weekend, to work among 604 delegates statewide to craft a new platform. The new party platform formalizes support for agricultural home rule, for which those wanting limitations to pesticides and genetically engineered crops have lobbied.
However, the Democrats voted against GMO food labeling, with those in opposition including delegate and state Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright who recently spoke at the annual meeting of the Ka`u Farm Bureau.
The Ka`u Farm Bureau has opposed local law to register GMO, its then president Chris Manfredi contending in testimony to the County Council last September that "There are numerous studies that indicate that transgenic crops are safe" and that farmers who register GMO "could become targets of eco-terorism and enviro-terrorism." Regarding GMO labeling, Manfredi, now president of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau, has said that the organization takes the position that labeling should be regulated by the federal government. He said that Ka`u Farm Bureau has not taken a stand on labeling.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who spoke at the Democratic Convention has introduced legislation to congress asking for GMO labeling nationwide. During the convention, according to Civil Beat, she encouraged the conventioneers not to be discouraged by the "doom and gloom" in Washington, saying there are "undercurrents of hope" inspirational to those considering and working in public service.

Resolutions adopted at the Deomocratic Convention also include financial support for public preschools. The new platform recognizes climate change as a "real threat to our islands and the world." It calls for utilities to "open the grid to alternative power sources including solar power and geothermal energy." It brings attention to lobbying and candidate contributions by corporations by stating that "we do not believe that money equals speech or that corporations are people for proposes of First Amendment protections." The Democrats also voted to "support Native Hawaiian rights to self-determination in the formation of the chosen governmental entity."

Gov. Neil Abercrombie told conventioneers that raising the minimum wage, the state providing funding for pre-schools and such conservation efforts as preserving lands around Turtle Bay on O`ahu are the right thing to do. He said his administration is contributing to the economic health of Hawai`i by "focusing on growth and sustainability....We have the right values, we have the right priorities and I can report to you, you've got the right governor."

Statewid Chair of the Democratic Party is Stephanie Ohigashi.

Abercrombie's strongest opponent in the Democratic Primary to be held in August is David Ige. A state senator who has served 27 years in the state legislature, he also spoke to the convention. Ige contended that special interests rather than public interest are getting too much attention in state government. He also vowed to incentivize solar power for every home in Hawai`i and to fight invasive species coming into the state, which not only damage agriculture but tourism, he said.

Ige took issue with Abercrombie's recent fundraising dinner at a mainland home of billionaire Larry Ellison who recently bought the island of Lana`i. "I never wanted a fundraiser at a billionaire's house," said Ige. According to a story in this morning's Honolulu Star Advertiser, Abercrombie earlier said, "It's not a question of whether someone who supports you has money or not. It's a question of whether those who support you respect campaign spending limitations and campaign contribution limitations."

The new Democratic Party Chair is Stephanie Ohigashi, who works in the County Council office of Mike Victorino on Maui. She defeated Tony Gill, of Honolulu. She replaces long time Democratic leader Dante Carpenter. In his speech, Carpenter reviewed the history of the Democratic revolution that started around 1954 and led to the toppling of Hawai`i's "Republican oligarchy," reported Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen Brien Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who are running against each other for a Senate seat in Washington, also gave political speeches. According to the Civil Beat report, Hanabusa "said the party's commitment to fair wages, workers rights, social equality and building a middle class can be directly traced back to 1954. To Hanabusa, the party's core values are family, respect, hard work, equality and kindness." She also talked about equal pay for women. "It is insulting and absurd women do not earn what men do," she said, according to Civil Beat.

Schatz also named pay hikes for women as a top priority. He also called for more affordability for higher education and the expansion of Social Security, which he described as "the most successful anti-poverty program in American history - and we have got to protect it."

Mayor Billy Kenoi and wife Takako at the
Na Hoku Hano Hano event on Saturday.

more at www.civilbeat.com and www.staradvertiser.com.

NA HOKU HANOHANO AWARDS provided praise and Hokus for the Big Island's Mark Yamanaka who performed at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park last week ahead of attending the award ceremonies on Saturday in Honolulu.

Yamanaka took the titles Album of the Year for Lei Maile, Male Vocalist of the Year and Hawaiian Music Album of the Year. He is known for his falsetto voice and skill on stringed instruments.
Yamanaka shares the Male Vocalist of the Year title with Kamaka Kukona, who also won Most Promising Artist of the Year. A band called The Green won Group of the Year and Favored Entertainer of the Year with its reggae music.
All of the titles are won through voting by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Artists with the exception of Favored Entertainer by popular vote. Along with the winners, Hawai`i Mayor Billy Kenoi took the stage as a presenters of Na Hoku Hano Hano awards.

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Hilo Civil Air Patrol cadets post and retire the colors at Kilauea Military Camp Memorial Day ceremony yesterday.
Photos by Elene Rizzo-Kuhn/KMC

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES AT KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP yesterday drew stories of honor and remembrance. Guest Speaker TSgt Rita Miller, of the 291st Combat Communications Squadron in Hilo, talked about her cousin who lost his life from small arms enemy fire while serving with the Army, First Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment deployed to Iraq in 2007. She said her own visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Washington, D.C. helped her to feel very emotional in the presence of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

TSgt Rita Miller, of the 291st Combat
Communications Squadron, Hilo.

LCDR Shawn Dweese, Commanding
Officer, Coast Guard Cutter KISKA, Hilo

Keynote Speaker LCDR Shawn Deweese, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA in Hilo, talked about his travels throughout the islands and afar, which helped him to understand the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. He commended those who attended the ceremonies yesterday for taking action to honor those who lost their lives in support of their country.

Ray Gandy performed Taps on trumpet. Raymond Dustin performed Amazing Grace on bagpipes. Hilo Civil Air Patrol cadets, under the direction of Major Ruth Statler, posted and retired the colors.

The ceremony is usually held on the parade field at KMC but was brought indoors for shelter from rain. About 140 people attended the ceremony. A special Memorial Day dinner followed the ceremony.

Ray Grandy played trumpet and Raymond Dutin played bagpipes at yesterday's
Memorial Day ceremony at Kilauea Military Camp.

THE HAWAI`I REPUBLICAN PARTY has outlined its platform. During its statewide convention held earlier this month on O`ahu, the 300 Republican delegates passed eight resolutions, addressing such issues as reform to the Jones Act, taxes and education. Republicans lauded their major candidate for governor, former Lt. Governor Duke Ainoa, who said recently that the "Republican platform is all about trust, respect and balance."

The Party also elected a new chair, Pat Saiki, who was the first Republican from the state of Hawai`i to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She also served in the state House of Representatives and Senate. A former Hilo school teacher, she headed the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Presidency of George H.W. Bush.

In a statement, Saiki she said that during the convention, Hawai`i Republicans reaffirmed their LLIFE platform "of Liberty, Limited Government, Individual Responsibility, Fiscal Accountability and Equality of Opportunity."

She and other leaders said the Republicans want to register 25,000 more members before the November General Election.
One resolution in the new Hawai`i Republican Platform is supported by many Democrats and Republicans. It calls for an adjustment of the Jones Act, which prevents foreign built, owned and managed ships from transporting cargo and passengers between U.S. ports. The Repubican platform calls on congress to exempt Hawai`i, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Guam, allowing them to be served by foreign ships coming from other U.S. ports. Reform could lower the cost of exporting and importing food and other cargo by sea between Hawai`i and the mainland, as well as encourage more cruise ships to come to the islands. It could also lower the cost of energy, by lowering fuel transportation costs. To make the change, the 1920 federal act would have to be amended or repealed by congress. Its original intention was to protect U.S. ship building interests and to preserve a fleet of U.S. owned ships that could be used during emergencies, such as wartime. However, the cost of building ships in the U.S. is much higher than such places as Japan and China, making the cost of domestic ocean transport very expensive.

Hawai`i state's first Republican member to congress, Pat Saiki, was elected recently to chair the Hawai`i Republican Party.
Photo from Hawai`i Republican Party

As reported today in the Hawai`i Reporter, the new Chair of the Hawai`i Republican Party told Michael Hansen, chair of the Hawai`i Shippers Council, that "Many in politics have expressed their concern over the high cost of living here in Hawai`i. Being the most expensive state in which to live, with goods and services including food costs higher than any other state in the nation, is of real concern to our people. But few in power today have done much to alleviate this situation. Getting an exemption from the Jones Act, as expressed in the Resolution recently passed by our Republican Party is one of the ways by which we can effectively change things for the better. Our Party is committed to finding such solutions to a serious problem and we seek support for our candidates to lead the way," said Saiki.

New Republican Party Chair for Hawai`i, Pat Saiki with Sam Slom, sole Republican
in the state Senate. Photo from Hawai`i Republican Party

Candidate Aiona said that “The Jones act is a federal regulation that affects all the people of Hawai`i. It is time for all stakeholders to come together and resolve this issue in a manner that is in the best interests of our state. I am encouraged and excited by the Hawai`i Shipping Council's recent proposal and the Republican Party's resolution relating to the Jones Act. I look forward to providing the leadership needed for this resolution.”

According to Hawai`i Reporter, U.S. Senatorial candidate Campbell “Cam” Cavasso, a Republican who will likely face either U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz or U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in November, declared, 'It is time for our Hawai`i to free our people from the bonds of federal regulations which artificially increase the cost of living for every family by multiplied thousands of dollars. It is time to set our people free from extreme, external regulations costing every man, woman, and child in Hawai`i. We can do this now.'"
Hawai`i Reporter also included remarks by Hawai`i state Rep. Gene Ward, a Republican and minority leader emeritus: "As the cost to feed ourselves escalates and we continue to import over 80 percent of everything we consume, the most sustainable approach to food security in Hawai`i is lowering the cost of living by lowering the cost of shipping. We know we can cut the grocery bills of Hawai`i's struggling families through a minor exemption to the Jones Act-but we have not acted. Now is the time to press for real food security and sustainability by using all the ships in the world to come to our shores, not just a select expensive few under the Jones Act. If only a fraction of the people understood the Jones Act and how it punishes us, Hawai`i would be quick to act for an exemption as we have done with Obama Care to protect our Pre-Paid Healthcare in Hawai`i. National security will not be effected and in their hearts, the naysayers know this is true."

Duke Aiona is the most prominent Republican contender for governor. To his left is
Republican congressional candidate Charles Djou. Photo from Hawai`i Republican Party

Republican state Senator Sam Slom, minority leader and introducer of a Jones Act reform resolution, told Hawai`i Reporter,"Thanks to the work of the Hawai`i Shippers Council and others, I feel after 20 years of activity, the public has a better understanding of the cost impact of the Jones Act and our options. We welcome support from the Hawai`i Republican Party but reiterate this reform is a non-partisan issue that negatively affects all residents of Hawai`i. We welcome future support from political, social and business organizations. We can win this issue."
Regarding Memorial Day, Saiki released a statement quoting Ronald Reagan: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

THERE IS NO POSITION ON GMO LABELING for Ka`u Farm Bureau, said Chris Manfredi, former chief of the organization and now president of the statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation. He was referring to the story in yesterday's Ka`u News Briefs, which stated that the local Farm Bureau opposed labeling. Manfredi said this morning that he has testified on the state level, opposing local GMO labeling laws, saying that labeling should be regulated on a federal level. He said this morning that Ka`u Farm Bureau "has never taken a position on GMO labeling." He said the Farm Bureau supports all kinds of agriculture.

Testimony given by Manfredi last September to the County Council involved a bill to require GMO farms to register. Manfredi submitted testimony on behalf of the Ka`u Farm Bureau stating that the organization opposed registration of GMO farms. He testified, "There are numerous studies that indicate that transgenic crops are safe" and that farmers who register GMO "could become targets of eco-terrorism and enviro-terrorism." See more of his testimony at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2013/09/kaus-county-council-member-brenda-ford.html
A bill to require registration of GMO farms was introduced by Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford. Another version that subsequently passed was introduced by County Council member Margaret Wille. It is now tied up in legal proceedings between the county and GMO advocates.

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Na`alehu Indendence Day Parade is a month away from today on Saturday, June 28. Last year, Hawaiian Civic Club members handed out lei during the parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Hurricane Amanda has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
Map from The Weather Channel

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE WILL RESPOND to a mock Category Four hurricane June 3 – 5. Civil Defense and other county agencies will participate along with the Red Cross, Army National Guard, community emergency response teams, UH-Hilo’s Performing Arts Department and Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network. Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reports that during the exercise, county departments will practice removing debris to reach victims and removing fallen power poles and wires. Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira told Callis that they try to keep utility equipment as intact as possible “to allow electrical service to be re-established as quickly as possible.”

Communication systems will also be tested, including using satellite equipment that would be available if other services fail. Amateur radio operators will participate, as well.
While Amanda, the first hurricane of the season, is still active in the eastern Pacific region, Central Pacific Hurricane Center officials are preparing for four to seven tropical cyclones in the Pacific Basin this year.
Information about hurricane preparedness is available at hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Fred Fogel

FRED FOGEL, OF VOLCANO, HAS FILED PAPERS to run for state House of Representatives, District Three. Running as a Libertarian, Fogel is challenging incumbent Democrat Richard H.K. Onishi, of Hilo.

Fogel’s platform calls for institution of term limits on public offices, voter-approved legislative pay raises, a flat income tax rate and fiscally conservative government with balanced budgets.
Fogel said Libertarians are more progressive than Democrats. “People should have more control and the freedom to do as you like,” he said.
He also calls for more control by the counties, including deciding whether or not to allow gambling.

Deadline for those interested in running for public office to file papers is this coming Tuesday, June 3.

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY PRESIDENT AND CEO Richard M. Rosenblum has notified the company that he plans to retire within a year. Rosenblum, who turned 64 last month, has served as HECO’s President and CEO and as a member of the company’s board of directors since 2009. He joined the company after a 32-year career at Southern California Edison.
“In 2008, I made the decision to come out of retirement for the challenge of leading an organization embarking on an unprecedented slate of clean energy initiatives,” said Rosenblum. “Today, thanks to collaborative efforts with many partners, our utilities are meeting more than 18 percent of our customers’ energy needs with renewable energy, compared to just eight percent in 2008. We lead the nation in rooftop solar photovoltaic systems per customer, and we’re broadly recognized as an industry leader in the integration of renewable energy.

Richard Rosenblum Photo from HECO

“While I’ve shared my future retirement intentions to allow ample time for a smooth transition, I’m committed to completing the development of our plans for the next phase of our clean energy transformation,” Rosenblum added.
Constance H. Lau, chair of HECO’s board of directors and CEO of parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries, said, “We’ve been fortunate to benefit from Dick’s exceptional knowledge and operational expertise. His passionate focus on improving customer service and reliability, instilling a pervasive culture of safety for our employees and our customers, reducing our dependence on expensive imported oil, and building our talent and management strength has laid a solid foundation for our utilities.
“To help with the transition, I am working with Dick and his team on the ongoing energy planning process as well as the future leadership transition. We’ll ensure we continue to have strong leadership to aggressively move Hawai`i toward a clean energy future,” Lau said.

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“DO YOU KNOW THAT HERE ON THE BIG ISLAND we throw away (‘curtail’) tons of electricity from geothermal and wind every night?” asks Hawai`i Department of Agriculture board member Richard Ha on his blog hahaha.hamakuasprings.com. “We can turn this energy into hydrogen fuel cells for transportation, and this can help us solve our transportation fuel problem. It can also be used for nitrogen fertilizer.”
Ha discusses hydrogen as a transportation fuel following Toyota’s announcement that it is moving its attention away from electric vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“Solar energy projects do not provide curtailed electricity. We need to think about the big picture and be careful about running like lemmings after solar,” Ha says. “Hydrogen fuel cell for transportation is a very good opportunity for the Big Island to use its curtailed electricity. It’s a free resource that already exists; currently, we are just throwing it away.”

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FREE RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE collection events take place in June. Dates are Saturdays, June 7 at Hilo Recycling and Transfer Station and June 14 at Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Recycling and Transfer Station. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

These events are for household generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, nonprofit agency or farm wastes are not allowed. No electronic waste will be accepted.
Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management holds these regular collection events so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable HHW in a manner that protects both public health and the environment. Some types of acceptable HHW are automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent lights and pesticides. Latex paint will be accepted for reuse.
For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable HHW, see hawaiizerowaste.org. The website includes other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.
For more information, call 961-8554 or email recycle3@co.hawaii.hi.us.

NA`ALEHU INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION is one month away from today on Saturday, June 28. The parade begins at 11 a.m.

Following the parade, `O Ka`u Kakou holds its annual event at Na`alehu Park with shave ice, hot dogs, climbing rock wall, water slides, bounce houses, senior Bingo and luncheon.
To participate in the parade, call 929-9872. More information is available at okaukakou.org.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for students in Ka`u public schools. The 2014-2015 school year begins Tuesday, Aug. 5.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and close-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sweet sounds of native honey creepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended.
The hike is around a one-mile, moderate round trip into Kilauea caldera down the Halem`auma`u trail, leaving from Kilauea Visitor Center. The hike involves walking over rough, uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path, with up to a 400-foot elevation change.
This project is open to the public and school groups. For the general public, no reservations are required. Check at Kilauea Visitor Center for more information or contact Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita 808-985-6013.
Stewardship is available for school groups, grades five through college, by submitting a Program Request Form. See the Educational Programs for School Groups page at nps.gov/havo for more information.

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The topic at this month's Sunday in the Park at Honu`apo was la`au lapa`au, with Momi Subiano. On June 8, the topic is the history of Honu`apo.
Photo from Megan Lamson

A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE the county administration and county council to be more responsible for impacts of their decisions on health and welfare of people, agriculture and the environment is a goal of Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford. She said she would like "precautionary language" to be included the county charter. The topic is currently under debate by the council. The effort is to require the council and departments of the County of Hawai`i, when making decisions, to consider all the possible risks and outcomes. She said that the Supreme Court and lower courts have been telling the county and council that they have “the affirmative duty to protect public health, safety and welfare.”

Ka`u's Council Member Brenda Ford

Ford said yesterday that she is apparently the lone ranger with her proposed charter amendment before the County Council. Some council members have said the amendment is in the wrong chapter of the charter. She said she will change the chapter but expects an 8-1 vote against the measure with some council members saying that such language is unneeded because it is already in the state constitution.

In other news, she said the location for new sewage treatment plants for Na`alehu and Pahala are still undecided.

REGARDING THE KA`U GYM & SHELTER, which is under construction, Ford said she is still pressing for the county and state to name it after beloved former Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School principal Laurence Capellas, who started many sports and educational programs in Ka`u.

REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY, Ford said she supports solar for the new Pahala gym and shelter. She said that throughout Ka`u and beyond, she wants to cut the county cost of electricity by installing solar in every reasonable facility operated by the county. “We have got to install solar and drop the electric bill for the county to as low as we can, and get the solar systems paid off, so they will be almost zero cost to the county,” Ford said. “We might only be able to save a half million dollars, (a year) but would be worth it.”
She also suggested encouraging the state to provide low interest loans to put solar on owner-occupied houses, rental units and businesses. “Renters won’t put the solar up, but the landowners could do it, but currently get nothing back for it. They are not incentivized in any way,” Ford said.

COQUI FROG BATTLES are being assisted by Ka`u - which is part of council District 6 - through a fund created by County Council member Brenda Ford. She said she contributed several thousand dollars from her contingency to fight the spread of coqui, which are coming back in Ka`u with the recent rains. Anyone who leads an eradication team can call her office and sign up to get free citric acid.
Several other council members contributed, and the fund covers Districts 6, 7 and 8. She said she hopes the incoming council will also contribute to the fund to fight coffee berry borers. Ford can be contacted at 323-4277.

REGARDING POHUE BAY, County Council member Brenda Ford said she is concerned about access to Pohue Bay and said that she is receiving calls that members of the public trying to go there are being charged to go through a locked gate. To reach Pohue Bay, travelers must cross private property, or hike miles along the shore.

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NINOLE BRIDGE ON HWY 11 NEAR PUNALU`U is in preliminary stages of being replaced. The state Legislature provided $1.3 million for design and acquisition of property associated with the project. Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reports that the project along the state highwy will be part of an upcoming agreement stating project management and cost-sharing responsibilities with the Federal Highway Administration. Caroline Sluyter, department spokeswoman, told Callis the agreement is expected to be finalized in next month.
Callis also said it is too early to offer a timeline or cost estimate for the project.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I IS COMMITTING $4.5 MILLION to Startup Capital Ventures II, a Hawai`i- and California-based fund that will provide investment capital to help Hawai`i technology companies grow. The investment marks a significant milestone for the HI Growth Initiative, the state’s core initiative to drive economic growth by investing in Hawai`i’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“The goal of the HI Growth Initiative is to build a continuum of financing for all phases of business development, from startup, to expansion, to growth,” said Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, who spearheads the initiative. “The successful closing of the Startup Capital Ventures II fund establishes this continuum.”
In his 2013 State of the State Address, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the HI Growth Initiative as a state investment program focused on building an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial high growth businesses and creates high wage jobs for our people. On July 9, 2013, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, as acting governor, signed Act 274 (House Bill 858), appropriating funds to Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation for the HI Growth Initiative.

The HI Growth Initiative, administered by HSDC, has already invested in Honolulu-based venture accelerator Blue Startups, which provides pre-seed capital to startups, and Maui-based investment fund mbloom Fund I, which provides expansion capital. These funds, together with the University of Hawai`i research commercialization fund, UPSIDE Fund II, create a pipeline of companies for prospective investments by Startup Capital Ventures.
“Startup Capital Ventures’ presence in Hawai`i opens the door for other mainland investors to consider investments here, as they have an on-the-ground partner to help watch over their investments,” said state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Director Richard Lim. “Whereas Hawai`i companies were once at a geographic disadvantage, Startup Capital Ventures is closing this gap and making investments here attractive for other investors.”
HSDC President Karl Fooks said the investment in the Startup Capital Ventures comprises both state and federal funds through the HI Growth Initiative and U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, respectively.

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KA `OHANA O HONU`APO CONTINUES ITS Sunday in the Park events at Honu`apo Park.

Earlier this month, ethnobotanist Momi Subiano, from Honomalino, shared her mana`o about Hawaiian healing plants (la`au lapa`au). About 27 people joined Subiano to learn about medicinal uses of common Polynesian introductions and weed species that grow here in Ka`u. She encouraged participants to incorporate Hawaiian healing plants into their lifestyle and landscapes, and mentioned that growing plants is the best way to learn more about this practice. “Momi is very passionate about protecting indigenous knowledge, and she was happy to share some of her wisdom with the group,” said Board President Momi Subiano.

Plants discussed included rosemary, lavender, `olena (turmeric), awapuhi (ginger), awa (kava), kukui, mamaki, milo, noni, luakahi (plantain), tobacco, mullein, hono hono grass (wandering jew), uhaloa, pua kala (Hawaiian poppy), ko`oko`olau, a`ali`i, `ilima, coconut, popolo, pili, `uala (sweet potato) and many more. At the end of the event, Subiano passed out seeds of huewai (water gourd) and sprouts of various herbs and stressed the importance of saving and sharing seeds.
The next Sunday in the Park event is on June 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This free family event includes a presentation and talk story session with Darlene Vierra at 1 p.m. and an interpretive hike around the coastal property with John Replogle at 2 p.m. These kupuna share their knowledge on the history of the Honu`apo area and the times of old in Ka`u. Participants in the hike should bring hiking shoes and re-usable water bottles. Free Ka`u coffee goes to the first 50 people.
For more info about this event or joining the nonprofit, see Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo’s facebook page or contact Lamson at kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT offers an opportunity for Ka`u residents to help Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and close-toed shoes. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.

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Today is the last day of school for students attending Ka`u's public schools. The 2014-2015 session begins Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Photo by Julia Neal

MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation have issued statements regarding the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Shinseki, from Kaua`i, resigned following an investigation that found falsification of appointment records at VA hospitals and suggestions that many veterans did not receive needed treatment.

Eric Shinseki, former Veterans Affairs Secretary.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and the Veterans’ Affairs committees, said   “Gen. Eric Shinseki’s patriotism and dedication to this nation is without parallel. I’ve had a number of opportunities to talk directly with Gen. Shinseki about the challenges facing the VA. I agree with the President’s statement that his ‘commitment to our veterans is unquestioned.’  
“I respect the Secretary’s decision to step aside in order to avoid being a distraction. The focus should be on delivering care to our veterans and ensuring the VA has the necessary resources to accomplish that. As I’ve done all year long, I met with veterans groups in Hawai`i this week to discuss their firsthand experiences with the VA. I will take their comments, insights and concerns back to D.C. to inform my work to address the unacceptable situation that has been uncovered.”  
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said,  “Gen. Eric Shinseki is an American hero; he is a man of character and integrity, with a deep love and commitment for serving our country. Veterans everywhere, and the people of Gen. Shinseki’s home state of Hawai`i, continue to have great love and respect for him and his service.   
“But this day is not about Gen. Shinseki. This day is about all of our service members and veterans, and the tragedy that has been occurring within the VA, an organization which has lost sight of its mission. Our loyalty, anger, and hurt must be focused on taking action to ensure that not another day passes where a veteran in need remains waiting in the dark. We are facing a crisis, with veterans waiting months and sometimes years on official or secret waiting lists, while others are lost in the bureaucracy. This is unacceptable and dishonors these great Americans who sacrificed so much.
“I am currently drafting legislation that will ensure that veterans are immediately able to access care from a doctor, whether in the VA system or not. This is an urgent action that must be taken to begin to deal with the immediate crisis and ensure all veterans are getting the care they need. Until the VA undergoes a systemic overhaul and is once again able to deliver the highest standard of care to our veterans, we need to take creative steps that will yield immediate results.”

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HAWAI`I’S ENERGY EXCELERATOR IS SEEKING 14 energy startup companies to participate in its upcoming cohort. As part of the mentoring program, the excelerator will provide $5 million in funding and mentorship to help the startups bring their ideas to market. Of the 14 companies selected for the program, Excelerator directors are looking for eight in the seed stage and six in the growth stage. Seed-stage startups will be matched with mentors and awarded $75,000 to strengthen their business models and go-to-market strategies. Growth-stage companies will receive up to $1 million, which must be matched by private funding, to demonstrate their solutions in an early market.

Startups with solutions that help solve Hawai`i’s two main energy challenges, integration and resilience, are strongly encouraged to apply. In particular, Excelerator leaders are seeking technologies and business models that advance clean energy across the whole system in the areas of grid, transportation, agriculture and water. Technologies and business models that build security and flexibility into Hawai`i’s energy systems are also encouraged to apply for the cohort. This includes both near-term physical security and long-term economic security technologies.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the energy excelerator is part of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, a Hawai`i-based nonprofit that helps spur technology development in the Pacific Rim.
Founded in 1983, PICHTR has been working to reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on oil. Eight years ago, after the state adopted a goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, PICHTR launched the Hawai`i Renewable Energy Development Venture to help fund energy innovation with $9 million of support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
To facilitate startup energy companies’ access to needed mentoring and strategic connections in addition to funding, PICHTR launched the Energy Excelerator in January 2013 with an additional $30 million in funding from Navy’s Office of Naval Research.
The deadline to apply is June 30. Applying companies then go through a three-round selection process, with the final 14 companies selected Sept. 15.
For more information, see energyexcelerator.com.

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Kamana`opono Crabbe

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS MAY NOT BE THE BEST agency to facilitate the nation-building process, CEO Kamana`opono Crabbe said after a meeting yesterday where OHA trustees discussed how to move the process forward. While Crabbe wants to continue public outreach and education about the process, Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reports Crabbe saying, “It’s imperative for us to establish some political protection as soon as possible.” He also said there is “political will amongst our people to establish or restore our government that is an extension of the legacy of Queen Liliokalani.”

Hofschneider described the differing perspectives on the nation-building process. Some want it “to move forward as planned and believe federal or state recognition is the best option for the indigenous community. … Many others want greater independence, citing the current occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the U.S. government.
“A popular refrain during public testimony Thursday morning was that Hawaiian sovereignty endures and that federal recognition similar to that of many Native American tribes wouldn’t be adequate.”
OHA recently held 18 meetings throughout the state urging Hawaiians to sign up for the Official Roll, with the first one held April 5 in Pahala. The Kana`iolowalu Roll currently has about 130,000 names. OHA trustee Dan Ahuna pointed out during the meeting that 350,000 Native Hawaiians chose not to sign the roll.
See civilbeat.com.

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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for Ka`u’s public school students. First day of the next session is Tuesday, Aug. 5.

STARTING IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, a child must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. The change is a result of Act 183 of 2010 and Act 178 of 2012 (Session Laws of Hawai`i), which noted that younger children may be more appropriately placed in a prekindergarten program.
For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov.

Today is the last day to register for wimming lessons at Pahala pool this summer.
Photo by Tanya Ibarra

THE FIRST SELECTION FOR PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSES in Ka`u takes place today. Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, Na`alehu and Pahala elementary schools will each offer a prekindergarten classroom to prepare as many four-year-olds as possible for kindergarten.

Children born on or between Aug. 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010, and eligible for free- and reduced-price meals, may be eligible for the program. Also this year, priority will be given to children born on or between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009.
The intent of the new program is to ensure that children will be ready to succeed in kindergarten, said GG Weisenfeld, director of the state Executive Office on Early Learning. The program will have a developmentally appropriate curriculum for four-year-olds, focus on child outcomes and  include ongoing professional development for teachers.
Student application packets are available at school offices. For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov and click on the DOE-EOEL Prekindergarten Program tab, or call 808-586-0794.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER for Keiki Summer Fun Learn to Swim programs at Pahala Pool. Held mornings Monday through Friday, four two-week sessions are scheduled beginning June 2, 16, 30 and July 14. Fee is $15 per child.
For more information, call 928-8177.

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

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Kahuku Unit of Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to programs in June, including the Palm Trail Hike, which crosses this 1868 lava flow. Photo from NPS

THE COST OF SOLAR PLUS STORAGE for residential consumers of electricity in Hawai`i is already competitive with the price of utility grid power, according to Barclays, the seventh largest bank in the world. Barclays has downgraded the entire U.S. electric sector corporate bond market over concerns that declining cost trends in distributed solar photovoltaic power generation and residential-scale power storage is likely to disrupt the status quo. While utilities account for almost 7.5 percent of Barclays’ U.S. Corporate Index by market value, according to Michael Aneiro of Barron’s Magazine, the bank is recommending that investors consider alternatives to utilities in areas where solar plus storage is competitive.

According to a report from Barclays, “in the 100-plus year history of the electric utility industry, there has never before been a truly cost-competitive substitute available for grid power. We believe that solar plus storage could reconfigure the organization and regulation of the electric power business over the coming decade. We see near-term risks to credit from regulators and utilities falling behind the solar plus storage adoption curve and long-term risks from a comprehensive re-imagining of the role utilities play in providing electric power.”

Rob Wile, of Business Insider

Reporting on Barclays’ downgrade, Rob Wile, of Business Insider, said times are changing for the “regulated monopolies” which “face almost no competition and enjoy access to cheap credit.
“Cheap solar panels combined with cheap storage will spark a grid ‘defection spiral’ that will pry away utilities’ grip on the power monopoly.”
Wile noted that Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that the annual output of PV modules increased almost 30 times in the past decade, making them much cheaper, and battery storage system costs have declined from as much as $17,000 in 2009 to about $3,700 in 2013.
“It’s been a good run (for the utilities),” Wile concluded.
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“IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO THOSE of us in Hawai`i who know Gen. Eric Shinseki that he would assume responsibility for the reprehensible conduct of those in the VA, whose misconduct has led to unacceptable delays in serving the veterans for whom he has been and is a champion,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie regarding the resignation of the Kauai-born U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
“Twice wounded himself, he has had as his chief ambition since becoming secretary, the welfare of veterans and their families,” Abercrombie said. “That accounts for his resignation today. A man of Gen. Shinseki’s integrity could not allow focus on him to obscure taking the necessary steps to address the pressing issues involved.

“It is a measure of his values, Hawai`i’s values and his lifelong commitment to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces that he wants his resignation to lead to a systematic review of, and the taking of action on, the challenges facing the VA in terms of personnel and program support.
“Eric Shinseki was and is a true son of Hawai`i.”

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HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TOMORROW and continues through Nov. 30. Are you ready? A Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available on the Civil Defense page of hawaiicounty.gov.
The guide tells what Ka`u residents should do to get ready for a disaster in advance:

Determine safe evacuation routes;
Learn locations of official shelters;
Make emergency plans for pets;
Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and cell phones;
Buy food that will keep, and store drinking water;
Buy plywood or other material to protect your home;
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts;
Trim trees and shrubbery;
Determine where to move boats in an emergency; and
Review insurance policies.

See more on hurricane preparedness in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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IMPROVING LAVA-FLOW RISK ASSESSMENT for populated areas is the topic of the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO is testing a new technique that can help identify structures, thereby enabling civil authorities to know how many are in a geographic region threatened by lava flows.
Hawaiian Ocean View Estates was one area where HVO ran tests involving image classification. They used satellite images in combination with geographic information systems software to locate and classify structures. They then checked their accuracy by going into the area and manually counting the number of structures.
“Our study shows that classifying satellite images can be useful in estimating the number of structures potentially in harm’s way,” HVO concluded. “Ultimately, it will enhance our ability to assess our island’s vulnerability to future lava flows.”

For more, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. County Council holds a special meeting Monday at 9 a.m. for its second reading of the County Operating & Capital Improvement Project budgets.
Committees meet Tuesday, with Government Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, 9:15 a.m.; Finance, 9:30 a.m.; and Planning, 10:30 a.m.
Hawai`i County Council hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS a Hardware Science Program Tuesday at 3 p.m. HouseMart, Ben Franklin Crafts and Ace Hardware are partnering with Hawai`i State Publi Library System to present this inspiring program that uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home. Program is recommended for ages 8 years old and up.
Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK INVITES KA`U residents to participate in free Kahuku programs in June.
During the `Ohi`a Lehua program, participants learn about 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 program is offered Sunday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Yellow `ohia lehua is one of many forms of the `ohi`a tree found at Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit. Photo by Dave Boyle

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 Sunday, June 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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 amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Sunday, June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For all programs, enter the Kahuku unit 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.

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Pahala residents Royden Okinishi, at left, and Dexter Lee, holding clipboard, helped organize yesterday's archery tournament.
Photo by Alan Moores

A BILL REQUIRING SITE VISITS TO PLANNED SUBDIVISIONS is on the Planning Committee’s meeting agenda for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Hawai`i County’s Leeward Planning Commission recently forwarded it to the County Council with an unfavorable recommendation. Ka`u’s County Council Member Brenda Ford introduced Bill 182 in an attempt to prevent the Planning Department from approving projects that violate community development plans.

The Planning Commission’s opinion states, “To require a site inspection for every application is not a practical use of (Planning Department) staff time. Simple consolidation or small lot subdivisions may not require a site inspection.

Royden Okinishi aims his bow during yesterday's archery tournament
that he helped organize.

“With technological advancements, a number of software programs, such as Google Earth, Geographic Information Systems and Pictometry, are available to assist planners with identifying general characteristics of the affected property(ies) without having to physically inspect each site. Through these resources, a majority of the information required under Sections 23-63 to 23-66 of the Subdivision Code can be reasonably reviewed using existing resources without conducting a site inspection for each property.
“Further, current staffing levels within the Planning Department would make it impossible to conduct a site visit for every subdivision application submitted to the department. Again, accuracy of preparing a preliminary plat map is the responsibility of the applicant with revisions based on review by applicable agencies using their staff expertise.
“The Planning Department has two planners assigned to review and process all subdivision and consolidation applications islandwide. This is in addition to their other responsibilities. In 2013, the Planning Department received 107 subdivision applications and 31 consolidation applications. There is a great amount of work required by staff to review and process the subdivision and consolidation applications from time of submittal to issuance of final subdivision approval. The assigned planners review the preliminary plat to confirm if the information required under ... the Subdivision Code have been identified and noted or depicted on the preliminary plat map. With the current upswing in our economy, we anticipate that subdivision applications will continue to increase.”
Planning Program Manager Daryn Arai offered a suggestion to the County Council to consider an amendment that would require that the preliminary plat map also be prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor. Right now, the preliminary plat map does not have to be prepared by those professionals.
Commissioner Miles Miyasato responded, “The only reason I’m not including that is for me, it’s a little unfair for someone to pay for that expense, not even at a preliminary point, so I would … leave that up to the Council if they want to put that in, but for me, I feel that’s a little unfair to incur those expenses.”
See hawaiicounty.gov for more information and agenda.

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Ocean View Community Center offers teleconferencing of this week's
county government meetings.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. County Council holds a special meeting Monday at 9 a.m. for its second reading of the County Operating & Capital Improvement Project budgets.
Committees meet Tuesday, with Government Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, 9:15 a.m.; Finance, 9:30 a.m.; and Planning, 10:30 a.m.
Hawai`i County Council hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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Pahala resident Alan Moores with one of the three-dimensional targets at
yesterday's archery tournament. Photo by Royden Okinishi

KA`U ARCHERS PARTICIPATED in Hawai`i Island Archery Club’s One Shot One Kill tournament yesterday. Held a Kaohe Game Management Area on Saddle Road, archers shot at 28 three-dimensional unmarked targets, one arrow per target. Pahala residents Royden Okinishi and Dexter Lee helped organize the tournament. Okinishi explained the set-up: “The targets are set at different yards from in your face – close to 60-some yards. They score your shooting by who can get closer to the kill zone rings on the targets, the x-ring being the smallest and working out 10 points, five points, and if you miss the whole thing, zero.”

Also participating was Pahala resident Alan Moores.
Kapalala Ranch in Ka`u often hosts similar events, with the last one in February.
For more information, see facebook.com/hawaiiislandarcheryclub.
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ON THE FIRST DAY OF HURRICANE SEASON, Hawai`i County urges Ka`u residents to create a family disaster plan. Information is available on county Civil Defense Agency’s webpage at hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.
The guide lists steps to take in making a family disaster plan.
First, gather information about hazards.
Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

Assembling a first-aid kit is part of hurricane preparedness.

Next, meet with your family to create a disaster plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Then, implement your plan.

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarm and fire extinguishers.
Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break or catch fire) and correct them.
Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency number.
Keep enough supplies in your home for at least seven days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents.

Civil Defense lists items to include in a Disaster Supplies Kit:

A seven-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day);
Non-perishable food;
One change of clothing and shoes per person;
Prescription and non-prescription medicines;
One blanket or sleeping bag per person;
First-aid kit;
Battery-powered NWR and a portable radio;
Emergency tools;
Flashlight, extra batteries;
Extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash;
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

Last, practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke alarms monthly, and change the batteries at least once each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office for a copy of Preparing for Disaster (Red Cross A4600/FEMA475).

See more about hurricane preparedness in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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A tour of Clayton Amemiya's pottery studio is set for Friday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

HARDWARE SCIENCE TAKES PLACE at Na`alehu Public Library Tuesday at 3 p.m. The program uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home. Program is recommended for ages 8 years old and up.

Call 939-2442 for more information.

THERE ARE STILL A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE ON THE TOUR to Clayton Amemiya’s pottery studio during the firing of his unique anagama kiln. The Friday, June 6 tour will allow a close-up look into the process of wood firing. It takes place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Amemiya’s studio north of Hilo. Pieces from this firing will be included in Amemiya’s solo show opening July 26 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
The cost for this event is $55 and includes a tea cup from the artist.
Reservations are required.
For more information or to make reservations, 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.

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A brushfire fueled by strong tradewinds scorched over 1,000 acres at South Point yesterday. Photo by Tissy Kaniho

A BRUSHFIRE ORIGINATING NEAR KA`ALU`ALU BAY scorched more than 1,000 acres in the South Point area yesterday before being brought under control at 10 p.m. Fire suppression equipment included four-wheel-drive vehicles and two helicopters dropping water from buckets. Fire crews also protected structures along South Point Road from potential fire exposure.

Wally Andrade and his team cut firebreaks during yesterday's
brushfire at South Point. Photo by Tissy Kaniho

Working with South Point-area ranchers and county and volunteer fire crews, Wally Andrade, his son Les and Kaniala Young used bulldozers to cut firebreaks to help keep flames from spreading further.
Captain Curt Yamashita, of Pahala Fire Station, reported that crews stayed at the scene overnight to monitor the fire and that suppression by helicopter water drops continues this morning.
No injuries occurred, and the cause is under investigation.

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MAC NUTS FROM KA`U ARE IN THE MIX of products produced by Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., a finalist in the new Taste Awards, sponsored by the Hawai`i Food Manufacturers Association. Hamakua is nominated for Innovative Hawai`i Manufacturer of the Year-Small Company. Its majority owner is Edmund C. Olson. Hamakua uses mac nuts grown on Olson Trust lands in Ka`u and also buys from other Ka`u farmers.
Winners will be announced June 14 at Dole Cannery on O`ahu. Other Big Island finalists are Big Island Abalone, of Keahole-Kona, for Product of the Year; Big Island Bees, of Captain Cook, for Innovate Hawai`i Manufacturer of the Year-Small Company; Derek Kurisu, of KTA Superstores, for Innovative Marketing and Governor’s Lifetime Achievement awards; Glow Hawai`i, Inc., of Waikoloa, for Community Service; Nina Tanabe, of Hilo, for Advocate of the Year; University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources for Supplier of the Year and Zippy’s for Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The organization is open to all food producers. Local board members and directors include Kona Chips, Tropical Dreams Ice Cream and Big Island Abalone Corp.
See more at www.foodsofhawaii.com.
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Residents hoped that rain mauka of Wai`ohinu would reach South Point to help extinguish yesterday's fire. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

THE 2008 HAWAI`I CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE Memorandum of Understanding between former Gov. Linda Lingle and Hawaiian Electric Co. is a contractual agreement, not a non-binding MOU as claimed by Hawaiian Electric and the state, ruled Hawai`i Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto. The ruling is to a class action lawsuit filed by attorney John Carroll, a former state legislator, and Honolulu energy advocate Edward Wagner, seeking relief from implementation of the agreement which they say “created an ironclad control over the production and sale of electricity in the state.”
According to Wagner, Sakamoto ruled that because electricity can be produced by using several natural, renewable resources such as solar, wind and geothermal sources, electricity and its production are constitutionally protected as natural resources. “In other words, the state of Hawai`i is in violation of our Public Trust Doctrine in the state Constitution because electricity is natural, not a commodity created by HECO,” Wagner said.

“This ruling sets a precedent for our country in regard to electricity being a constitutionally protected natural resource,” Wagner said.
Sakamoto ruled that the lawsuit be heard under the Public Utilities Commission’s jurisdiction because it is both a regulatory body and a quasi-judicial body.
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DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAI`I has filed an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals following a U.S. district judge’s ruling against the party. At issue is Hawai`i`s open primary, which the party says is an unconstitutional violation of its First Amendment right to free association.
Derrick DePledge, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reports that “Democrats want voters to declare their affiliation before the primary, either by becoming party members or by publicly declaring their support for the party.”
In a brief to the appeals court, Deirdre Marie-Iha, a deputy attorney general representing Scott Nago, the state’s chief election officer, wrote, “If voters must formally register with the Democratic Party in order to vote in the election that will effectively decide their representation, the continued viability of the other parties may be threatened.”
Regarding the court’s ruling that the party failed to present evidence of the impact of open primaries, DePledge reports that “the party said it should not have to show evidence of the influence of an open primary on voter behavior. The party told the appeals court that it would be expensive to compile such voter data and that the party’s rights should not rely ‘on the fluctuating and irrelevant behavior of others.’”
See staradvertiser.com.
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Evan Enriques has been inducted into HHSAA's
Hall of Honor. Photo from Julie Enriques

KA`U NATIVE AND 2014 KAMEHAMEHA-HAWAI`I graduate Evan Enriques has been inducted into Hawai`i High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Honor. Enriques is the sole Hawai`i Island athlete to receive the honor this year. He and 11 other athletes were inducted yesterday during a dinner at the Ala Moana Hotel on O`ahu. Each honoree received a $2,000 scholarship.

Evans will attend Stanford University on a 50-percent scholarship to play volleyball as a libero, a back-row defensive specialist, at Stanford University, where he plans to study business. He was also offered scholarships from University of Hawai`i-Manoa, UCLA and USC. His high school career includes helping Kamehameha win the Big Island Interscholastic Championships this year and in 2012. The Warriors took second place this year at the state tournament. As a sophomore, Enriques was named Player of the Year for the Hawai`i High School Athletic Association and also Most Valuable Player for BIIF in 2012 and 2013. He was also named MVP in the state tournament. Enriques made the all-state high school volleyball team for three years. His grade-point average at Kamehameha is 4.0+.

Enriques played for an O`ahu volleyball team called Ka Ulukoa, which won the USA Volleyball National Championship for six consecutive years. The playoffs included taking on international teams. He also played on a Junior National Team and traveled to Mexico.
The Hall of Honor program has been recognizing the top 12 Hawai`i senior student-athletes each year since 1983.
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KEIKI AGES EIGHT AND UP ARE INVITED to Hardware Science at Na`alehu Public Library tomorrow at 3 p.m. The program uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home.

Call 939-2442 for more information.

SENIORS AGED 60 AND UP ARE WELCOME to join informal, hands-on classes to practice Origami Basics, the art of paper folding. The free classes are held every Thursday this month from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Pahala Senior Center, 96-1169 Holei Street.
For more information, call Julie Pasquale at 928-3101.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK celebrates its 12th birthday on Saturday, June 14 at the Hilo Town Tavern from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The celebration will include Pedjioke with KDEN’s music director Pedro Ka`awaloa, a performance by local band Roach in the Amp, aka R.I.T.A., and a raffle. Tickets are $10 at the door. The money raised will help with production of this summer’s musical, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore.
The raffle will feature a Body Glove Cruise for two, photographs from Britten Traughber, a beaded clutch from the 1940s and a few other fun items. Roach In The Amp consists of 10 members including board member Karen Blue on bass. Pedjioke features Ka`awaloa on the piano as members of the KDEN `ohana sing favorite Broadway tunes karaoke-style. “This will be Ka`awaloa’s last hurrah with KDEN as he is moving to New York the next week,” said KDEN’s Suzi Bond.

KDEN is a nonprofit community theater organization whose goal it is to foster quality Community Theater. The group seeks to enrich and unite our community through involvement in the performing arts. KDEN produces two shows per year, a winter production and a summer musical at Kilauea Military Camp’s Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. It also sponsors the Volcano Festival Chorus and presents a living history program A Walk Into the Past in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger bringing Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life.

Some of the musicals KDEN has produced are Once Upon A Mattress, Beauty and the Beast, Nunsense, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Man of La Mancha and four other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
For more information, call 982-7344, email kden73@aol.com or visit KDEN’s facebook page.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Dark smoke from Sunday's brushfire at South Point rises into white, sunlit clouds. Photo by Isaac Davis

FIRE CREWS CONTINUE MOP-UP OPERATIONS after a brushfire consumed more than 1,000 acres at South Point Sunday. Rain throughout Sunday night and Monday morning helped firefighters gain control of the fire, which began Sunday afternoon near Ka`alu`alu Bay and quickly spread as brisk trade winds fanned the flames.

Tissy Kaniho, whose family ranches on Department of Home Lands property at South Point, said, “Because Wally Andrade knows what he’s doing,” losses to their ranch were kept to 300 to 400 acres.

Kaniala Young used a bulldozer to create
firebreaks. Photo by Tissy Kaniho

Mahalos came from several Ka`u News Briefs readers on Facebook. In response to Wally and Les Andrade and Kaniala Young using bulldozers to create firebreaks, Cheryl Wahn Vos wrote, “Mahalo Wally & Team,” and Carol Anthony wrote, “Thank you, guys!”
Ginger Cook wrote, “Thanks to all the fire crews one of whom is my Pops, a volunteer Fire Captain in Discovery Harbor for putting your lives on the line and enduring God-awful circumstances. Scares me to death but makes me one very proud daughter.”
Rick Ward wrote, “Mahalo to Hawai`i County Firefighters – job well done!”
Cindy Boltz Eilerman wrote, “I could see the glow from our house in Discovery Harbour. Good job, firefighters!”
Jason Fox wrote, “This is bad for the land after because the soil will wash away. Planting the fireproof grass vetiver after would preserve it.”
Crews are still working in the area, with fire suppression equipment along South Point Road. The Fire Department asks drivers to exercise caution.
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ELECTRIC RATES ARE GOING UP ON HAWAI`I ISLAND. The state Public Utilities Commission has approved rate increases requested by Hawaiian Electric Co. and its subsidiaries, including Hawai`i Electric Light Co.
For a Hawai`i Island household using 500 kilowatts of electricity per month, each bill would increase by $3.92, according to the PUC.
The PUC refers to the increases as sales decoupling tariffs. The sales decoupling mechanism is comprised of two tariffs, which serve different purposes. The Revenue Balancing Account tariff is designed to decouple or break the link between sales and total electric revenues, removing the utilities’ disincentives to increase energy efficiency and integrate customer-sited generation, such as rooftop photovoltaic systems. The Rate Adjustment Mechanism is a formula-driven mechanism intended to compensate the HECO Companies for changes in utility costs and infrastructure investment between rate cases and thereby reduces the frequency of rate cases.
These increases, the PUC said, are largely due to increased capital expenditures by the utility and declines in sales over the past year.
This is the third consecutive annual filing for HELCO.

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THE WHITE HOUSE HAS RELEASED NEW RULES under the Clean Air Act governing what existing power plants must do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The rules provide states flexibility to utilize energy efficiency and renewable energy, such as outlined in the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative, as compliance measures.

The rules requiring carbon dioxide emissions reductions from power plants were issued pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. During the extensive process to hear from stakeholders throughout the nation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached out to Hawai`i. The state submitted a set of consolidated comments developed by the Hawai`i Department of Health, Hawai`i State Public Utilities Commission and DBEDT regarding state plans to meet federal carbon emission reduction targets for existing electricity generation units.
The new EPA rules allow states to employ a range of measures to meet carbon emission targets, including renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. In Hawai`i, numerous such   initiatives are underway in the power generation sector under the umbrella of the HCEI.   Ongoing PUC dockets include those relating to energy efficiency portfolio standards, requests for proposals for renewable energy production and interconnection matters. In addition, the PUC and DBEDT are working with the Hawaiian Electric Companies to better align the utility’s business model with consumer interests and the state’s public policy’s goals.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie applauded the new rules, stating, “Hawai`i is at the forefront of responding to climate change through our Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative, which serves as a substantial economic driver while reducing our dependence on imported oil. By building such flexibility into the rules, President Obama is encouraging the rest of the country to follow Hawai`i’s lead in pursuing clean energy.”

New financial tools are under development by DBEDT to increase deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to empower the state’s energy consumers to contribute to greenhouse gas reductions through use of renewable energy like rooftop solar.  “Hawai`i’s Green Energy Market Securitization financing tool, or GEMS, will expand low-cost   financing to clean energy solutions while helping the state gain credit for reducing carbon  through lesser use of petroleum products to generate electricity,” said DBEDT Director Richard Lim.    Proposed by the governor in his 2013 State of the State address and signed into law later that year, GEMS is a financing program designed to make clean energy improvements affordable and accessible to Hawai`i consumers, especially underserved markets such as low- and moderate-income homeowners, renters and nonprofits.

Abercrombie added, “Hawai`i is working with the Obama Administration to align our state’s commitment to go beyond 40 percent renewable energy in the electrical power sector by 2030 and our federal and state policies to reduce our carbon footprint. As a leading test bed for clean energy, Hawai`i can demonstrate to the world how to stimulate our economy while improving the environment for future generations.”

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has served two tours of duty in the Middle East.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

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“MANY OF OUR VETERANS URGENTLY NEED MEDICAL CARE, and they should not have to go another day without it,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard has sent a letter to President Obama urging him to use his executive power to allow veterans to immediately access private medical care outside of the Veterans Affairs system.  “I have seen the wounds, both visible and invisible, of veterans I served with. To make any veteran wait for medical care is not only an emergency, it is a travesty. 
“President Obama and Congress have the power to ensure that our veterans do not wait another week for care,” said Gabbard, a veteran who has served two tours of duty in the Middle East. “They can’t afford to wait for a new head of the VA or for the systemic problems of the VA to be fixed. Nor should they. We must take action immediately.
“Furthermore, I plan to introduce legislation that will give our veterans the right to obtain private medical care using their VA cards over the next 12 months, at which point we can re-evaluate whether the VA problems have sufficiently been fixed. ”

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FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is seeking donations for its annual Fourth of July Silent Auction at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. “We want it to be more successful and more fun than ever!” said FHVNP spokesman Ab Valencia. “We are passionate for our park, and our members have always been generous in their time and talents. We are asking again this year for donations to fill Cooper Center with fabulous items that may be “someone’s must-have treasure!”

Seniors can learn origami every Thursday this month.

In past years, donations to the Silent Auction have included artwork, photography and jewelry; backpacks, bicycles, and telescopes; fishing gear, lounge chairs, and lamps; golf packages and gift baskets; hotel and B&B stays; land, sea, and air adventure tours; retail store and restaurant gift certificates; tools and wheelbarrows and much more.
To donate or volunteer, call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org or fhvnp@icloud.com.
More information is available at fhvnp.org.

CLASSES ON ORIGAMI BASICS are scheduled every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. this month at Pahala Senior Center. Seniors aged 60 and up are welcome to join the free, informal, hands-on classes.

For more information, call Julie Pasquale at 928-3101.

HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE AG WATER CO- OP meets Thursday at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. See haaosprings.org for information about the co-op.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

The South Point brushfire that darkened the sky with black smoke Sunday is "contained and under control," according to Hawai`i County Fire Department personnel. Photo by Isaac Davis

YESTERDAY WAS THE DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES to file papers to run for public office at the primary election on Saturday, Aug. 9. Ka`u residents can register to vote in the primary through July 10.

Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Creagan
faces four challengers.

Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Onishi
faces two challengers.

In Ka`u’s state Senate District Three race, Na`alehu resident Michael Last, a Libertarian, is challenging incumbent Democrat Josh Green, a former Ka`u resident now living in Kailua-Kona.
In the state House of Representatives, incumbent Democrat Richard Onishi, of Hilo, faces Republican Bill Dickson, of Mountain View, and Libertarian Frederick Fogel, of Volcano, in District Three.
In District Five, Democrat Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, who Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed to the state House of Representatives after Denny Coffman resigned, is challenged by Republican Dave Bateman, of Holualoa, Libertarian Jon Lalanne, of Ocean View, Democrat Gene Leslie, of Holualoa and nonpartisan Randy Ruis, of Ocean View.
Hawai`i County Council District Six will have new representation, with Brenda Ford having reached her term limit and unable to run for re-election. Candidates in the race are Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, Maile David, of Captain Cook and Jim Wilson, of Volcano.
Also on Ka`u’s ballot are governor, lieutenant governor, Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large, U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
Former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and state Sen. David Ige are three of eleven candidates seeking to replace Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Incumbent Democrat Shan Tsutsui is one of nine candidates who filed to run for lieutenant governor, including state Sen. Clayton Hee.
The ballot will have 16 names of candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large office.
Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is running for re-election in District Two, faces three challengers.
Nine candidates are seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed after the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is one of his challengers.
For more information, see hawaii.gov/elections.

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Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative members elected officers yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE re-elected Gloria Camba last night to continue as President of the organization during the monthly meeting at Pahala Community Center. Vice President is Willie Tabios. Secretary is Anne Fontes. Treasurer is Ricardo Sambajon. Board members are Leo Norberte, Lorie Obra, Curt Hall, Amelia Biason, Louis Daniele, Leonardo Castaneda, and Edwin Jara. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Membership is $75 and open to Ka`u Coffee farmers. Camba can be reached at 928-8155.

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MAC FARMS OF HAWAI`I, WHICH HIRES MOST of its workers from Ka`u, will have to pay $1.6 million to settle a claim that stems from using labor contractor Global Horizons to supply Thai workers years ago. Mac Farms is one of six Hawai`i agricultural entities that a federal judge ruled are liable for harassing, discriminating against and retaliating against Thai workers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said they were joint employers with the labor contractor and also liable for acts committed by Global Horizons.
EEOC acting Los Angeles District director Rosa Viramontes said, “We are proud to announce that the four farms settling our lawsuit today have taken a stand against human trafficking.”

Mac Farms of Hawai`i hires most of its workers from Ka`u.

Timothy Hurley, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reports that the settlements require the farms to make their workers aware of policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination. The farms must also conduct audits to ensure compliance with labor law and to designate compliance officers to make sure managers, supervisors and employees are aware of their obligations under the law.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the most vulnerable workers are not denied basic human dignity,” said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District. “Farms and farm labor contractors — and the supervisors that represent them — must ensure workers’ civil rights remain intact, no matter their race or the country they come from.”
Most Ka`u Coffee farmers, some of them having used Global Horizons labor in the past, are now employing local coffee pickers, including a large percentage of workers from the Micronesian community.

See staradvertiser.com.

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THIRD CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE RONALD IBARRA has rejected a motion by Bobby Jean Leithead Todd’s attorney, Robert Kim, to dismiss a case brought by Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford, reports Nancy Cook Lauer in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The lawsuit claims Leithead Todd does not meet the qualifications to be director of Hawai`i County’s Department of Environmental Management.
Voters in 2010 approved a charter amendment that requires the Environmental Management director to have “an engineering degree or a degree in a related field.” Leithead Todd’s bachelor’s degree is in English. She is also an attorney, former county Planning Director and former County Council member.

Mayor Billy Kenoi appointed Leithead Todd to the position last summer. She had previously held the position before the amendment was approved.
County Council confirmed the appointment in July. Ford, along with Karen Eoff, of North Kona, and Margaret Wille, of Kohala voted against the appointment.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Leocardia Gascon, 101 years of age, surrounded by friends at Ka`u Hospital, including, left to right, clerk Tithing Chun, LPN Yolanda Barrios, Nurse Nancy Gruenler, Gascon's daughter Rosalina Rosario, RN Kristen Ishikawa and CNA Maria Aurelio. Photo by Elijah Navarro

LEOCARDIA GASCON RECEIVED CONGRATULATIONS from Pres. Barack Obama in a letter and from the staff at Ka`u Hospital, where she resides in long-term care. Nurse Nancy Gruenler organized the event and the President’s greeting, which says: “We extend our belated best wishes for a wonderful birthday, and we hope you had a chance to spend the day with loved ones. Your generation helped guide America through extraordinary and uncertain times, leaving an indelible mark on our Nation. As you celebrate 101 years, we trust you reflect with great pride on your achievements and on contributions made over the course of your life.

“Please know you have our warmest wishes for the year ahead. Sincerely, Barack Obama, The White House.”
Gascon was born Dec. 10, 1912.

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SUNDAY’S FIRE THAT BEGAN NEAR KA`ALU`ALU BAY on the Ka`u Coast is “contained and under control” according to Battalion Chief Warren Sumida. Fueled by brisk tradewinds, the fire spread toward South Point Road on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands properties leased out to several area ranchers and damaged over 1,000 acres.
Sumida said crews are still on the scene to douse hotspots and that they will remain in place through tonight and tomorrow morning.

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COVERAGE OF THE SOUTH POINT FIRE continues to be a topic of comments at facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jashia N. Makoa Moses sent a “big mahalo” to Wally Andrade and his crew who used bulldozers to cut firebreaks, “also all the four-wheeler riders” who have land at South Point “for driving around and killing small fires. Well done, you guys.”

Sepulcher Danslard wrote, “Give a heartfelt mahalo to your local firefighters. True heroes are they. Year after year, Ka`u’s hero.”
Volunteers on four-wheelers have also been applauded on The Ka`u Calendar's facebook page. Some response has included a warning to those untrained in fire fighting to be extremely careful or volunteer for one of the local volunteer fire departments to receive free training that includes safety.

CLASSES ON ORIGAMI BASICS are scheduled tomorrow and every Thursday this month from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Pahala Senior Center. Seniors aged 60 and up are welcome to join the free, informal, hands-on classes.
For more information, call Julie Pasquale at 928-3101.

HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE AG WATER CO-OP meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. See haaosprings.org for information about the co-op.

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford participated in Volcano Village's
Fourth of July parade last year. Photo by David Howard Donald

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT TAKES PLACE every Friday this month, June 6, 13, 20 and 27. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No advance registration is required. Park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO VILLAGE’S ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY celebration takes place a month from today on Friday, July 4. The parade from the post office down Old Volcano Road turns left onto Wright Road and ends at Cooper Center, where the party continues. Volunteers, crafters, food vendors and entertainers can sign up to participate with Cooper Center Council President Linda Ugalde at kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Ka`u Hospital expects to maintain services and jobs amid a $48 million shortfall facing Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL’S PARENT ORGANIZATION FACES a $48 million shortfall in the next fiscal year starting July 1. While sister hospital Hilo Medical Center will cut staff and delay improvements, such as installing solar electric systems, Ka`u Hospital is expected to continue managing costs very closely. Administrator Merilyn Harris said this morning that she does not expect any service cuts or job losses here. “Cuts at Hilo Medical Center impact us,” Harris said, “because the hospital supports us.” She gave an example of HMC formerly sending a physical therapist to help at Ka`u, but no longer, due to expenses.

Harris said the Ka`u facility is busier than ever and in good fiscal condition, with the hospital, emergency room and rural health clinic seeing record numbers of patients.
Harris also said one of the reasons Ka`u Hospital is in better fiscal condition than other Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. facilities is that Ka`u has already implemented the mandated electronic medical records system, which was very expensive. Other facilities still have to face that expense.

Molly Stebbins is Hawai`i County's
new Corporation Counsel.

Harris said the Ka`u staff is very committed to provided outstanding service to the community. She also stressed how important it is for residents to let their legislators know that Ka`u Hospital is vital to the community. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HOT SPOTS IN THE SOUTH POINT FIRE burst back into flames today and volunteer and county fire fighters are on the job again battling high, driving winds. Earlier in the week, the fire covered more than 1,000 acres, much of the land in pasture. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMFIRMED Molly Stebbins as Corporation Councel yesterday. Stebbins was appointed by Mayor Billy Kenoi to replace Lincoln Ashida, who resigned after 13 years to join a private law firm.

Stebbins has been with the Office of Corporation Counsel since 2007, serving as the attorney for Police and Fire Departments.
She received endorsements from the police and fire chiefs, director of the Human Resources Department and chair of the Police Commission, reports Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today.
Stebbins graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst and University of Hawai`i’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
During the confirmation hearing, Stebbins told Council members that “having the County of Hawai`i as our client means representing the entire county — the administration and the council — and always in the furtherance of the public interest.”
Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford was the only member voting against Stebbins’ confirmation. According to Cook Lauer, Ford “wasn’t satisfied with Stebbins’ responses to questions she had in a private meeting.”
Stebbins promoted Deputy Corporation Counsel Laureen Martin to Assistant Corporation Counsel. Martin, litigation section supervisor for the office, has been with the department since 2009.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Na`alehu School Garden educator and FoodCorps Service member Kalu Oyama,
at right, holds a $500 award for the garden's aquaponics project.
Photo from Tania Takashiba

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL GARDEN’S AQUAPONICS GARDEN UNIT was one five Big Island organizations’ projects awarded with 2014 Aloha Grown Malama Honua Awards. Each received $500 toward a specific project, program or initiative that embodies Aloha Grown’s philosophy to “Support Local, Sustain the `Aina & Share the Aloha.”

The Na`alehu School garden has been ongoing for the past six years and serves over three hundred and fifty students. Pre-school through fourth grade each have their own garden areas and currently participate in learning about organic methods to plant and grow food. The garden activities encourage learning about nutrition, culture, math, science, language arts, seed saving and creating gardens at home.
Students will use the aquaponics unit to connect the Hawaiian culture with science by growing kalo. “This will offer students an opportunity to connect a familiar family practice, such as fishing, with growing a traditional staple food while utilizing a resourceful technology,” garden staff said in their award application. “At our school garden, we not only connect classroom curriculum to our garden projects, but we also teach that growing your own organic food contributes to health and the well being of a community. Traditional Hawaiian culture had sustainable methods of growing their own nutritional staple food such as kalo, which encouraged building community and sustainability.

“As the children continue to learn and take pride in organic sustainable methods of growing food, their own awareness of food, health, economy and the community grows. As a result, they are each more likely to go out and become self-empowered innovators who understand the connection between food, culture, health, community and the `aina.”
“We were extremely pleased to once again see such a great response to our Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund program,” said Aloha Grown Store manager Tyler Owens. “We received a number of applications and essays from well-deserving organizations.”
Aloha Grown is committed to supporting sustainability efforts in Hawai`i. Two percent of every sale at the Aloha Grown store in downtown Hilo goes to the Malama Honua Fund, which then awards local nonprofits, schools, organizations and initiatives with similar sustainability missions.
For more information on Aloha Grown and to view essays submitted by all 2014 Malama Honua Award recipients, see alohagrown.com.

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Gil Robinson, at left, has stepped down as president of Ocean View Community
Association. His wife Judy, not shown, also has left her position as editor of
the association's newsletter. Photo by Mo Clements

GIL AND JUDY ROBINSON HAVE RELINQUISHED their positions with Ocean View Community Association. Judy Robinson said, “it's time to take it a bit easier and relieve some of the stress.” She was editor of OVCA’s newsletter for four years.

During Gil Robinson’s many years as president of the association, he and others oversaw many improvements. They reduced OVCA’s electricity bill by 50 percent and lowered the annual phone bill by $500. Gil Robinson repaired the community center’s leaking roof and also constructed large reader boards that announce events and activities at the center.
Judy Robinson said her husband “was able to convince the Veterans Administration to establish a twice-weekly clinic at the community center and made it possible for Tropic Care to hold a free 10-day medical clinic there, as well. In his interaction with local politicians, Ocean View is now on the map, so that County Council was convinced to make the center one of their few off-site locations for meetings.
“We love Ocean View and always saw the community center as its heart. We are passing the torch to a new group of people, and we can only hope they will love it as much as we have.” For questions about the newsletter, contact Jo O’Donnell at 939-7033 or lava@aloha.net.

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HAWAI`I METH PROJECT IS RECEIVING $400,000 in state operating grant funds. Identified by the state Legislature, these funds will be used to educate Hawai`i’s young people about the risks and dangers of methamphetamine through online and direct outreach in schools and community events.

“We must empower our keiki to be wise and responsible with their lives,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “The Hawai`i Meth Project provides them with the education they need in our fight against meth.”
Established in 2009, the Hawai`i Meth Project is a 501(c)(3) organization modeled after the national Meth Project prototype implemented in Montana in 2005. The project’s statewide prevention program goal is to reduce methamphetamine use among teens and young adults in Hawai`i. The organization is affiliated with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national nonprofit working to help families solve the problem of teen substance abuse.

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U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ IS COSPONSORING the Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014, legislation that would make the Department of Veterans Affairs more accountable, make way for a major new VA medical facility on O`ahu, cut wait times and improve access to health care for veterans. The Senate is likely to consider the new legislation on the floor next week.  
“Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and we have a responsibility to make sure they get the health care and benefits they have earned,” Schatz said. “Veterans facing long wait times to see a doctor and access health care is inexcusable. Our bill will make VA executives more accountable, cut wait times and establish a major new VA medical facility on O`ahu that would double VA clinical services on the island, helping make sure Hawai`i veterans get the timely care they deserve.”

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Learn Zentangle this Saturday.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT TAKES PLACE tomorrow and every Friday this month, June 6, 13, 20 and 27. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No advance registration is required. Park entrance fees apply.

JULIE EVANS AND LOIS AND EARL STOKES offer an Introduction to Zentangle Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 967-8222

AN EVENING OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL AND HULA is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Evangelical Community Church. This fundraiser for Mission to Uganda 2014 features the Southern Cross Singers, OVECC Hula, Marshallese Choir, a Uganda slideshow and more.

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

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The history of Honu`apo and Ka`u is the topic at Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo's Sunday in the Park, June 8. Photo from KOOH

WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION YESTERDAY unanimously approved curbside trash pickup in Ocean View. Ka`u Rubbish Disposal owners Dominique Maus and Aaron Bakk applied for a special permit to start the business.
Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, said the entrepreneurs recently moved to Ocean View from Alaska, where Bakk worked on an offshore oil rig and Maus worked with mentally handicapped clients for a nonprofit.
Cook Lauer reports that Ka`u Rubbish Disposal will charge $29.99 a month under contract and haul trash to the Hilo or Puuanahulu landfills.
The business is on a one-acre lot near the intersection of Tradewind and Kailua Blvd.
“Our goal is to pick up rubbish for customers and transport it conveniently to where it should go,” Bakk said at the meeting. “There are quite a few vacant lots in Ocean View that are being used as dump sites.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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OEOC's Lane Ueda, at right, helps Bridget Pascubillo fill out forms this morning at
Olson Trust's Old Pahala Clubhouse. Families can sign up for help with electric
bills through the end of the month. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL helped needy people with electric bills today at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. Called Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, it started Monday, June 2 in Na`alehu and continues in back of Na`alehu Senior Center Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through June 30. Low-income families can sign up in Pahala on Thursdays and Fridays through June 27 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ka`u’s electric bills are some of the highest in the U.S., and the county Economic Opportunity Council helps to subsidize the cost with a federal grant.

Applications are open to all, but applicants must qualify based on their income.
For more information, contact Lane Ueda at 936-8396.

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AFTER THE SOUTH POINT FIRE THAT BURNED more than 1,000 acres Sunday, residents worry that illegal campfires and sparks from vehicles not well attended could cause fires with more devastation.
The area is vulnerable to fire due to lack of rain and strong winds. Ten years ago a fire took out ranchers’ paddocks. While this fire did not damage any homes, it did reach an area near homes.
“I hope people stay out of Ka`alu`alu until the `aina heals,” said one resident.

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THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS APPROVED a three-year contract for state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.
The contract extension was approved subject to a report from Matayoshi to the BOE responding to concerns raised by a recent survey of educators. The related issues were presented in public testimony during this week’s BOE meeting.

Kathryn Matayoshi

“Our Strategic Plan establishes very clear goals that require collaboration, thoughtful decision-making and accountability. The department has made significant changes and continues to make positive progress under Superintendent Matayoshi’s leadership,” BOE Chairm Don Horner said.
“During her term, the DOE has faced significant challenges, including budget reductions, union issues, federal mandates and implementation of a new comprehensive strategic plan. She has reorganized the entire department to be in alignment with our strategic objectives, which are focused on student success,” he said.
Matayoshi has been steadily working on the transformation of the state’s public education system since she was appointed superintendent in September 2010. In 2011, the DOE and BOE released a first-ever joint Strategic Plan focused on student success. Matayoshi has refocused the departmental offices to be more efficient and better aligned with the goals outlined in the 2011-18 Strategic Plan.
“Our students and educators have made incredible achievements during a time of change that has not been easy,” said Matayoshi. “I look forward to finding ways to assure the sustainability of the progress we’ve seen in transforming education and ensuring a foundation that allows for student and staff success for the long-term.”
Matayoshi was named superintendent in September 2010. Prior to her appointment, she served as acting and interim superintendent and deputy superintendent.
The three-year contract approval goes into effect on July 1.

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DWAYNE MUKAI IS THE NEW HAWAI`I ISLAND constituent outreach representative for Ka`u’s U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard. A Hilo High School and University of Hawai`i graduate, Mukai owns his own financial advising firm and has actively held positions in Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Sons & Daughters of AJA Veterans and other community organizations.
“I am proud to announce Dwayne Mukai has joined my team as the Hawai`i Island representative, bringing with him 36 years of financial service and community experience,” Gabbard said. “His deep commitment to serving Hawai`i businesses and constituents, as well as his thorough knowledge of AJA veterans, the economy, and our neighborhoods will serve our constituents well, as we constantly work towards addressing Hawai`i’s priorities and needs. I look forward to working closely with Dwayne to provide the best possible constituent services and community outreach across Hawai`i Island.”
Mukai said, “I am very proud to work toward serving Hawai`i by joining Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s team. I am grateful for this opportunity to support her as she continues her tremendous efforts on behalf of Hawai`i’s citizens and especially for our rural communities and veterans, caring for our kūpuna and keiki, and creating job prospects for a 21st century economy.”

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U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES will begin accepting renewal requests for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for undocumented immigrant children.
“I commend the Department of Homeland Security for announcing the renewal of the DACA program for undocumented children,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “These millions of young people, including the estimated 4,000 in Hawai`i who may be eligible, should be able to stay in the country they call home. The DACA program, however, is no substitute for comprehensive immigration reform. I urge House Republicans to take up the bipartisan Senate immigration bill passed more than a year ago.”
The U.S. Senate’s only immigrant, Hirono worked closely with colleagues to shape the Senate’s immigration reform bill in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor, attaching 11 amendments to the bipartisan bill that passed last year.

Since the bill’s passage, Hirono has worked to support immigration reform by introducing legislation such as the Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for DREAMers Act, which would make the University of Hawai`i system eligible for federal funding as part of a new $750 million initiative to reward states like Hawai`i that offer in-state tuition and need-based financial aid to qualified students regardless of immigration status.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has also provided resources to help individuals avoid immigration service scams at www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams.

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JULIE EVANS AND LOIS AND EARL STOKES offer an Introduction to Zentangle tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 967-8222.

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH presents an evening of Southern gospel and hula tomorrow at 6 p.m. This fundraiser for Mission to Uganda 2014 features the Southern Cross Singers, OVECC Hula, Marshallese Choir, a Uganda slideshow and more.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO’S JUNE 8 Sunday in the Park event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Honu`apo Park features Darlyne Vierra discussing the history of Honu`apo Park and Ka`u and a hike led by John Replogle.
For more information email kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

KA`U FARM BUREAU HOLDS ITS NEXT MEETING on Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The organization currently has 30 active members, with 40 members on the rolls, according to Pres. Ralph Gaston. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Contact Gaston at ralph@rustyshawaiian.com for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
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Tissy Kaniho assesses damage to ranch lands at South Point from a distance while the fire burns. Photos from Tissy Kaniho

FIREFIGHTERS REMAINED ON SCENE AT SOUTH POINT to douse hot spots that continued to flare up after the fire was declared contained and under control by Hawai`i County Fire Department. Crews first arrived Sunday afternoon, and over 200 acres were ablaze near Ka`alu`alu Bay within 1.5. hours. Fed by brisk trade winds, the fire quickly traveled toward South Point Road, consuming over 1,000 acres before being contained Sunday night.

South Point families joined forces
to round up cattle for shipment
to the mainland after the fire.

MJ Ranch and TD Ranch
worked together to round
up each other's cattle.

Following the loss of hundreds of acres of pasture for their cattle, South Point ranchers have had to ship stock to the mainland early. MJ Ranch and TD Ranch worked together to round up each other’s stock.
Pahala Volunteer Fire Department Captain Ron Ebert said on Facebook, “There have been several flare-ups of this fire in the last several days. Please be extremely careful if you are in this area until all of the hot spots are eliminated.”
Lizzy Stabo, of Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department, said on Facebook, “It was a long, tough, dangerous fire. Please be careful, only the beginning of our summer fire season.”
A Facebook comment by Denise Laitinen suggests, “It’s a good reason to be Firewise. Check out Firewise Communities Hawai`i for information on how to create defensible space around your home.”
The Fire Department asks motorist to be aware of its equipment and personnel still in the area.
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Moths released to control invasive and toxic fireweed have become established
on Hawai`i Island. Photo from hawaiiinvasivespecies.org

THE MADAGASCAN FIREWEED MOTH has become established on Hawai`i Island, reports Carolyn Lucas-Zenk in West Hawai`i Today. The biocontrol for the invasive and toxic plant was first released last year on three ranches in the Waimea area. According to Rob Curtiss, acting Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control Branch manager, people are starting to see the moth in residential areas of Kona.

After receiving reports of sightings, Curtiss said he went out into the field Wednesday and Thursday and found moths in other places where releases didn’t take place.
According to Lucas-Zenk, Curtiss explained, “it’s going to be years before any real measurable effect … anywhere in the state because there’s so much fireweed. Approximately eight caterpillars are needed for about every single plant.” The department released an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 moths statewide, he said.
“With this little insect, even though there may be millions out there, we need trillions of them or more,” he said. “Meanwhile, they will be continuing to spread and to get established, feeding on fireweed and other weed-related plants.”
Lucas-Zenk said ranchers consider traditional removal methods and pesticides impractical and cost-prohibitive because the weed is so widespread. The state and Hawai`i Cattlemen’s Council consider biocontrol to be the only feasible long-term option for fireweed control.
Curtiss said his department is working on the three other potential fireweed biocontrol agents currently in quarantine: two seed-feeding flies and a stem-boring beetle, as well as exploring new potential biocontrol agents in Madagascar and South Africa. They are also working with Australia, which has an active fireweed control program.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Hawai`i PUC is considering an on-bill financing program for rooftop
solar systems. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has opened a regulatory proceeding “for the purpose of establishing and implementing an on-bill financing program, to be known as the Hawai`i Energy Bill Saver Program.”

Under the program, electric utility customers would purchase or otherwise acquire renewable energy systems, including rooftop solar, or energy-efficient devices through assessments on their electricity bill. The primary focus of the program is to make such systems and devices available to underserved markets, including the rental market, by overcoming the barrier of up-front costs.
The program would provide two options to make energy improvements.
The first option would allow a utility customer to install an energy improvement to be paid for through a tariff assessment that is placed on the metered account. The customer would not actually own the improvement. A third party would own it and be responsible for maintenance and insurance, with the customer essentially renting the improvement and receiving the benefits from the improvement for as long as the customer is receiving utility service through the meter. Under this structure, the energy improvement is tied to the meter, which allows the improvement, the benefits from the improvement and the payments for the improvement to be easily transferred between successive customers who are responsible for the metered account, such as subsequent renters or homebuyers.
The second option would allow a utility customer to install an energy improvement through a market- and finance-based product that, pursuant to a tariff, allows for payment of the product by using customers’ electric bills for purposes of billing and collection. Under this option, ownership of the energy improvement remains with the entities that enter into the financing product.
For more information, see puc.hawaii.gov. Docket Number is 2014-0129.

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Ala Kahakai Trail near Punalu`u.
Photo by Barbara A. Schaefer

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife is inviting applications from interested persons for vacant seats on the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program Advisory Council on Hawai`i Island.

Na Ala Hele is the state Trail and Access Program. It was established in 1988 in response to public concern about the loss of public access to certain trails and the threat to historic trails from development pressure. Na Ala Hele has become increasingly engaged in trail management and regulatory issues due to both public and commercial recreational activities and emerging legal issues.
Na Ala Hele Advisory Council members are asked to advise the program on trail and access concerns and issues, discuss and make recommendations on legal issues and promote communication and cooperation between government and community representatives. Advisory council members receive public comments and recommendations and consult with their constituencies when needed.
The Na Ala Hele Advisory Council consists of nine members representing each of the following categories: Hawaiian culture, trail/mountain clubs, mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, hunters, fishers, environmentalists, landowners and trail/access advocates.
Applicants are now being sought to fill two open seats in the Hawaiian culture and fishermen categories. At the same time, DOFAW is also creating a qualified list of those interested in any of the listed categories. All applicants should have an appropriate background in the category area as well as an interest in representing community stakeholders related to their respected categories.
Application forms are available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah. Applications will be reviewed by DOFAW and members of the council. Final selections will be made by the DLNR chairperson. Applications must be received by July 6, 2014.

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Ka`u youth can sign up by June 13 for Keiki o Hawai`i Nei Junior Ranger Program.
Photo from NPS

SUMMER JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins June 17. Youngsters nine to 12 years old are invited to become junior rangers through the park’s Keiki o Hawai`i Nei program.

Keiki o Hawai`i Nei is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting them with the park’s resources and staff and to inspire their appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i.
Participants must bring and be able to carry their own daypack with water, snacks, lunch, and raingear and hike up to three miles at a leisurely pace.
The fun-filled, four-day program begins Tuesday, June 17 and ends Friday, June 20. On June 17 and 20, the program is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; on June 18 and 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Tuesday and Friday, children will explore the park, and on Wednesday and Thursday, they will visit the national parks on the west side of Hawai`i Island. Transportation is provided, and there is no cost to enroll.
To reserve a space, call the park’s Education Center at 985-6019. Leave your name, email address, phone number, name of child, the child’s age and gender. A registration form will be emailed.
Reservation deadline is next Friday, June 13.

TOMORROW IS SUNDAY IN THE PARK at Honu`apo. Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo’s event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. features Darlyne Vierra discussing the history of Honu`apo Park and Ka`u and a hike led by John Replogle.

For more information email kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY IS SET FOR MONDAYS, June 9 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Peggy Stanton teaches acrylic painting to all levels. Free for VAC members; $20 for nonmembers.
Email peggystanton007@yahoo.com for more information.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE MEETS Monday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited.
Email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

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