The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Hawai`i Forest Food Project begins operations on 17 acres of land off South Point Road Aug. 1. Photo from Hawaii Food Forest Project

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S PESTCIDES BRANCH reminds those in Ka`u’s agricultural industry that the open comment period for the Environment Protection Agency’s proposed changes to Worker Protection Standards ends Aug. 18. The proposed changes may impact agricultural operations.

On February 20, the EPA announced proposed changes to the agricultural Worker Protection Standards to increase protections from pesticide exposure for the nation’s two million agricultural workers and their families.
Proposed changes to the Agricultural WPS include:

Ensuring proper fit of respirators is required by proposed
changes to ag Worker Protection Standards.

Increased frequency of mandatory trainings from once every five years to annually to inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law, including restrictions on entering pesticide-treated fields and surrounding areas, decontamination supplies, access to information and use of personal protective equipment. Expanded trainings will include instructions to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides on work clothing and other safety topics.
Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides; the signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated fields until residues decline to a safe level.
First time-ever minimum age requirement: Children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms.
No-entry buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields will protect workers and others from exposure from pesticide overspray and fumes.
Measures to improve states’ ability to enforce compliance including requiring employers to keep records of application-specific pesticide information as well as farm worker training and early-entry notification for two years.
Personal Protection Equipment (respirator use) must be consistent with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards for ensuring respirators are providing protection, including fit test, medical evaluation and training.
Make available to farm workers or their advocates (including medical personnel) information specific to the pesticide application, including the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheets.
Additional changes make the rule more practical and easier to comply with for farmers.
Continues the exemptions for family farms.

Comments must be submitted to regulations.gov identified by docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0184. Information about submitting comments is available at epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL TOMORROW CONSIDERS a resolution urging Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration to start over the process of finding an alternative to burying trash in Hilo landfill. Kohala council member Margaret Wille introduced the resolution after Kenoi narrowed a list of potential companies to three that specialize in waste-to-energy as an alternative. Covanta Energy Corp., Green Conversion Systems, Inc. and Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. specialize in burning waste to create electricity.

Points brought up in the Wille's resolution include:

“The request for proposals should award points to strategies that maximize environmental benefits and promote community-based green jobs versus investing in expensive equipment;
Other states are moving away from facilities that are dependent upon large municipal waste streams in preference to smaller, local operations;
Most waste-to-energy facilities are dependent upon petroleum sources and cause significant air, water and soil contamination and pollution; and;
It is important to consider recycling, compost production and increasing public participation and responsibility when formulating a comprehensive solid waste program for the County of Hawai`i.”

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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Sharman O`Shea

HAWAI`I FOOD FOREST PROJECT begins operations Aug. 1, according to Na`alehu resident Sharman O`Shea. Organizers have made arrangements to use 17 acres of land off South Point Road for the sustainability project. “We are excited to move onto the land the first of August and start this grand adventure!” O’Shea said.
The project provides “outside-of-the-box” opportunities and ongoing mentoring for Hawai`i’s young people “by providing a place where they can create a new sustainable economy and self-sufficiency by expressing their unique creativity through innovation, ingenuity, entrepreneur endeavors, community building, interconnectedness and living in harmony with the land and all beings,” according to its website at hawaiifoodforest.com.
The project focuses on forest gardening, which O’Shea said provides a low-maintenance, sustainable, plant-based organic food production and permaculture system based on tropical ecosystems, incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and vegetables which have yields directly useful to human consumption. Making use of companion planting, these can be intermixed to grow in a succession of layers, to build a woodland habitat that has been known to thrive for centuries. This includes creating a living design system, water harvesting, fish ponds, eco-friendly habitats and housing, off-the-grid technologies, energy efficiency, food security, animal systems and positive waste management.
“Once the project is fully functional the system will be self-sustaining, generating livelihoods and giving back to the community as well as becoming a training and learning center for other similar projects worldwide,” O’Shea said.
Donations to the nonprofit are accepted at gofundme.com/40mjfc.

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Kaliko Trapp-Beamer is one of the teachers at next month's
Hawaiian Music songwriting retreat.
Photo from NPS

CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD QUESTIONED PENTAGON officials on Wednesday about a $5 billion request for Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund, recently proposed by Pres. Barack Obama in his commencement speech to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Gabbard pointed to the generality of the request and said that the “assumption that we must do something, particularly in Iraq, is where many (members of Congress) are concerned about writing this kind of blank check to fund that ‘something’ if that ‘something’ is not the right course of action to take.”
In response to proposed U.S. involvement in Syria and Iraq, Gabbard, herself an Iraq war vet, has repeatedly called for the administration to define a clear objective before committing U.S. resources or troops in a foreign conflict, said a statement from her office.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS OFFERING a two-day Hawaiian music songwriting retreat for beginners on Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17. Hawaiian music, language and haku mele (Hawaiian song) experts Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Trapp-Beamer will lead the workshops.
Both workshops run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be held at the park’s Education Center. Advance registration is required. To register, call 985-6166. Leave your name, email address, and best contact number no later than Aug. 8. Space is limited. The park will contact callers by email to confirm reservations.
The retreat will be held in the park at the summit of Kilauea. “Budding songwriters will find inspiration in this wahi kapu (sacred place), among the towering koa and `ohi`a lehua trees, over fields of ropy pahoehoe lava and in the eruptive glow from Halema`uma`u Crater,” according to a statement from the park.

“Also inspirational are the retreat’s accomplished teachers.” Makuakane is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winner, along with his group, The Pandanus Club. He’s a prolific songwriter (1,500-plus songs), producer of more than 100 albums and collaborator who has worked with virtually all of the stars of Hawaiian music over the years.

Trapp-Beamer was raised as the hanai son of Hawaiian cultural expert Aunty Nona Beamer, learning Hawaiian chant, storytelling, traditional protocol, family songs, and stories. He currently teaches Hawaiian language courses at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo and helps coordinate the Beamer Family Aloha Music Camp. He is president of the Mohala Hou Foundation dedicated to “preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education and the arts.”
The two-day Hawaiian songwriting retreat is sponsored by Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association. Park entrance fees apply.

INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE is urged from the public as Ka`u Hospital hosts an annual public meeting of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. Saturday at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend; topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
Covered in a presentation will be an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.

For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary, at 932-3103.

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

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Ka`u residents are invited to the annual meeting of HHSC's East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Ka`u Hospital. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HONOLULU has issued a flash flood watch for all islands from 6 p.m. tomorrow through 6 p.m. Monday. Tropical Storm Wali, while expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression before arriving in Hawai`i, is predicted to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to the islands. Rainfall amounts could exceed those recently experienced from remnants of Tropical Storm Fausto.

Effects of Wali are expected on Hawai`i Island Sunday evening.

This morning at 5 a.m., the system was 950 miles east-southeast of South Point.
A hurricane or tropical storm watch is issued when conditions are expected in the specified area of the watch within 48 hours.

When a hurricane or tropical storm watch is issued:

Fuel and service family vehicles;
Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials;
Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools;
Check and replenish disaster supply kits;
Have an extra supply of cash on hand.

To track the storm, see weather.gov.

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THE FIRST PUBLISHED DESCRIPTION OF KILAUEA’S volcanic activity came from a team of missionaries on a tour of the Island of Hawai`i starting on this day, July 18, in 1823. Their trip, led by William Ellis, began in Kailua-Kona and took them around the southern coast and inland through Ka`u. When they were in the vicinity of Kapapala, their attention was drawn to some rising columns of “smoke” a few miles away.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory chronicles the trip in its current issue of Volcano Watch. “The next morning, they decided to investigate and discovered a very recent fissure eruption along the Southwest Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano. Later geological studies revealed that the source of this eruption was a 5.7-mile-long fissure that fed lava to the south into the sea. There were no spatter cones built by the eruption, and the lava seemed to have moved quickly. ‘The inundation was sudden and violent, burnt one canoe and carried off four more into the ocean’ according to Ellis.

Witnesses to a Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea in 1823 may have seen a
sight similar to this more recent East Rift Zone eruption. Photo from USGS/HVO

“A nearby farmer informed them that the fissures opened about ‘11 moons’ earlier, followed by a slight earthquake ‘two moons’ before their visit. The eruption probably occurred sometime after the earthquake. The area was still too hot for the missionaries to stand for long, so they moved on toward Kilauea.
“The next day, Aug. 1, 1823, the group arrived at Kilauea Crater. ‘After walking some distance … we … came to the edge of the great crater, where a spectacle, sublime and even appalling, presented itself before us. … Astonishment and awe for some moments rendered us mute, and, like statues, we stood fixed to the spot, with our eyes riveted on the abyss below.’
“About 500 feet below the crater’s rim, there was a ‘black ledge’ of hardened crust extending all the way around the inside of the crater, with the floor a few hundred meters below. At the time of their visit, the floor of the crater ‘was covered with lava,’ probably an active lava lake,” HVO reports.

“‘It was evident that the large crater had been recently filled with liquid lava up to this black ledge, and had … emptied itself into the sea … in all probability this evacuation had caused the inundation of the Kapapala coast … about three weeks prior to our visit,’ Ellis wrote. This deduction was very astute.
“During repeat visits to the crater over the next two years, the missionaries observed that the level of activity decreased with each visit and that the crater was filling up.
“The missionaries had stumbled on a fundamental behavior of Kilauea volcano: the crater floor subsides and lava drains away, often fueling an eruption along one of its two rift zones, only to slowly refill before the process starts again.”
The article describes several other occurrences where Kilauea acted in similar fashion.
“The same sequence, but on a smaller scale, occurs at the Pu`u `O`o vent. Over the past several years, the crater floor subsided and refilled, only to subside again, coincident with an outpouring of lava from somewhere nearby. The sequence occurred three times in 2011 and, most recently, on June 27, 2014.
“Recognizing this sequential behavior allows us some ability to forecast what volcanic activity might come next, but not when. To improve our forecasts, we continue to look for the clues to help us understand the timing of the sequence.”

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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Hawai`i Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Kozak Thiel

WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A PANEL DISCUSSION at the 22nd Hawai`i Conservation Conference, Gov. Neil Abercrombie shared an update from President Obama’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, to which the governor was appointed last fall.
“When the President’s task force initially convened in December, the state of Hawai`i emerged as a leader by presenting a comprehensive report on our state’s approach to adaptation titled Navigating Change at the very first meeting,” Abercrombie said. “We showed up prepared and ready to provide a strong voice for Hawai`i on how best to partner with federal agencies in addressing the impacts of climate change.
“The White House has responded with an announcement on federal investments that focus on a National Disaster Resilience Competition, grants for green infrastructure, localized data and mapping, partnerships to integrate traditional ecological knowledge, and coastal management and planning – a number of areas where Hawai`i is demonstrating leadership.”
The Aloha State was also recognized as having the most local stakeholder engagement among the task force members. This was achieved through an online survey and a series of Resilient Hawai`i Forums hosted by the governor earlier this year, where more than one thousand citizens participated. The Abercrombie Administration incorporated the input from across the state into its recommendations for the task force.
State Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Kozak Thiel represented the governor at the fourth task force meeting, held this week in Washington, DC, at the White House with a visit from President Obama. “Our proposal outlines steps to engage the next generation of leaders and communities,” she said. “One example of a priority recommendation being considered by the White House and federal partners is our plan for ‘Climate Change Corps.’ The proposal would create green jobs and service learning opportunities through community-based climate preparedness and resilience projects. Climate Change Corps members would help to restore watersheds, support food security and public health, remove invasive species, respond in disasters, and build trails and infrastructure.”

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS CO-INTRODUCED the ACT Now for Veterans bill (H.R. 5131) to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse non-VA medical providers who provide care to eligible veterans. “This legislation will ensure that veterans in Hawai`i and across the U.S. who are lost in the VA bureaucracy, and who have been sitting on unacceptably long waiting lists, are able to get medical care immediately,” Gabbard said.   “Hawai`i veterans need care today and shouldn’t have to wait for Congress, or the VA bureaucracy, to make the systemic changes necessary for the VA to fulfill its mission once again,” said Gabbard, a twice-deployed Army combat veteran. “Some Hawai`i veterans have been waiting eight years to see a doctor. With 1,331 Hawai`i veterans waiting to see a doctor, Hawai`i’s Veterans Health Administration leadership only requested $250,000 from the VA to provide access to non-VA physicians for these wait-listed veterans. Other states have asked for and received more than $7 million to provide this access for their veterans to receive care from private physicians and deal with this crisis.   
“Our bill will give veterans the flexibility they need to seek care from a doctor in their community immediately, with the assurance that the VA will cover the bill as a temporary solution to this urgent crisis. Our veterans deserve far better than to have their service dishonored by the VA’s bureaucratic red-tape or even blatant negligence.” 

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KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. tomorrow at 2 p.m. Topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
A presentation will cover an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.
For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary, at 932-3103.

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH hosts Ocean View Ho`olaule`a: Lu`au for God, in Jesus’ name Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes free Hawaiian food while supplies last, different worship teams, hula, door prizes, games and prizes for children, keiki I.D. and a prayer booth. Everything is free at this alcohol and drug free event.
For more information, call 345-5899.

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

The summit eruption of Kilauea volcano from Halema`uma`u Crater continues to attract visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo by Stephen Geiger

A NEW NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPORT FOR 2013 shows that the 1,583,209 visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park spent $124,937,400 in communities near the park. This spending supported 1,476 jobs in the local area.

“We are pleased to again report a steady annual increase of visitors to Hawai` Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “The ease of viewing the summit eruption from Kilauea, the many free cultural and scientific programs, the re-opening of Volcano House, and the diverse ecosystem of native plants and animals that park stewards have worked hard to protect for nearly 100 years are part of what attracts people, and can be attributed to the increase,” she said.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando speaking at
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Photo by Julia Neal

Visitors from across the country, around the world, and from local communities statewide and islandwide, visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
“National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the NPS – and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities and businesses,” Orlando said.
The 2013 report reflects a consistent trend of increasing visitation to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park over the last five years, as well as higher spending by visitors in local communities. In 2013, visitation increased 6.7 percent over 2012 (1,483,928 visitors), and spending increased by 10.2 percent ($113,376,400). The 2012 visitation to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was 9.7 percent higher than 2011 (1,352,123 visitors), and 2012 spending was up 17 percent from 2011.
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas, Christopher Huber and Lynne Koontz for the NPS.
The report shows $14.6 billion of direct spending by 273.6 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported more than 237,000 jobs nationally, with more than 197,000 jobs found in these gateway communities, and had a cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy of $26.5 billion.
According to the 2013 economic analysis, most visitor spending was for lodging (30.3 percent) followed by food and beverages (27.3 percent), gas and oil (12.1 percent), admissions and fees (10.3 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (10 percent).
The largest jobs categories supported by visitor spending were restaurants and bars (50,000 jobs) and lodging (38,000 jobs).
To download the report, see nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm.

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“INCUMBENT POLITICIANS NEED CHALLENGERS,” state House of Representatives District Three Libertarian candidate Fred Fogel told Civil Beat. “Voters need a choice at the polls — someone without political career ambition. Someone who is willing to make the necessary, systemic governmental changes to better serve the people.
“Government is like a pyramid with the small federal oversight at the top, larger state government below, county governments beneath that, and the people as the broad foundation. Today that pyramid is upside down, with an overreaching federal government at the top and correspondingly less power until you reach the people at the tip. We must right this pyramid before it collapses.”
Fogel answered several questions posed by Civil Beat staff.

Fred Fogel, candidate for state House of Representatives
District Three

Regarding genetically modified organisms, Fogel said he favors labeling of all GMO food products, starting with produce. “However, requiring the manufacturers of processed foods to label GMO foods should happen at the federal level. … If the state requires such labeling, we might find ourselves with a reduced selection of processed foods. Of course ‘every cloud has a sliver lining,’ and the unavailability of processed foods might steer people towards more ‘real food,’ in turn supporting local agriculture.
“As far as the ‘public safety issue,’ present laws regarding GMO and the use of pesticides are adequate. However, I believe the counties should have more say than the state or the federal government on all issues, not just pesticides and GMO.
“The present philosophy of federal law ‘trumping’ state law and state law trumping county law is exactly opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. If the people (and associated government) in a specific county want to regulate, ban or legalize something, they should be able to trump higher-level governments.
“Of course, this philosophy would apply to everything and include things like education, health care, transportation, alternative energy, gambling, prostitution and cannabis. If people have “home rules” in the areas of pesticides and GMO, they should have home rule for everything!
Regarding Hawai`i’s high cost of living, Fogel said, “In a free enterprise system, it’s not the responsibility of government to make things like housing, food and transportation less expensive (usually through subsidies which penalize and reward others). Rather, it is the responsibility of government to enact legislation that will facilitate the purchase of housing, food and the like. Improve the business climate and you will give those people with the drive and desire a better opportunity to succeed in all facets of life.
Fogel calls for government to eliminate sales tax on food and medicine, implement a flat business tax and a flat income tax, eliminate tax on tips and inheritance, embrace alternative energy to reduce the cost of electricity and make building codes optional for private owner-occupants, “who through personal choice would accept the resulting impacts relating to insurance, loans, liability and resale value.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Fogel said he is not satisfied with the way Hawai`i’s public school system is run. His suggestions of improvement include paying good teachers more and helping underperforming ones find a different profession; providing more trade training; issuing school vouchers and allowing parents to send children to schools utside their district if space available; and dissolving the state school board … and creating county boards compromised of principals (public and private). …”

“My primary goal in representing the people is to implement fundamental changes to they way government operates — the result being government that serves the people better at the lower cost of the taxpayer. In simple terms the people will get more bang for their buck. This can be done by creating an environment where the people have more freedom to pursue their dreams and enjoy the benefits of their efforts. The resulting growth in the economy and business environment will support generations to come through better job opportunities. This can only be achieved with a coalition of like-minded politicians working together. Eventually lawmakers will come around to doing the right thing.”
See civilbeat.com.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL YESTERDAY REJECTED a resolution calling for the Kenoi administration to start over the process of finding an alternative to burying trash in Hilo landfill. Kohala council member Margaret Wille introduced the resolution after Kenoi narrowed a list of potential companies to three that specialize in waste-to-energy as an alternative.
Nancy Cook Lauer reported in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald that Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman was one of 49 people who testified against a waste-to-energy system. In written testimony submitted as a private citizen, Ruderman said he was on the 24-member Solid Waste Advisory Committee that had voted unanimously against recommending a waste-to-energy incinerator, “partly because the county’s waste stream is not large enough to economically support any such system and partly because an incinerator would undermine the committee’s stated goal of reducing waste and eventually achieving zero waste.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

“Consider taking the recommendation of those who studied this more than anyone else and move to zero waste instead of a trash-hungry installation that will require burning everything to be economical, while we continue to import compost and organic materials at great cost.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. today at 2 p.m. Topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.

A presentation will cover an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.
For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary, at 932-3103.

COLLEEN HANABUSA COMES TO PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The congresswoman who is running for U.S. Senate against Brian Schatz will present Special Congressional Recognition Certificates to Ka`u Rural Health Academy students. The presentation will be followed by a talk story with community members. The public is invited.
See hanabusaforhawaii.com for more on Hanabusa’s campaign.

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

Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawai`i Board of Directors held a meeting at Ka`u Hospital yesterday, speaking with state Reps. Richard Creagan and Richard Onishi and members of the public. Photo by Julia Neal

“WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY-NET HOSPITALS SURVIVE,” said Howard Ainsley at Ka`u Hospital yesterday. The director of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawai`i Region spoke about the status of Hawai`i’s state hospitals during the organization’s board meeting.

Howard Ainsley

Ainsley said hospitals throughout the country are distressed because reimbursements, such as those from Medicare, are going down. He said, “Strategic system alliances are more important now” than ever, explaining that relationships with other local entities could help with “economies of scale.” He gave an example of larger hospitals being able to buy supplies cheaper, which in turn could help facilities like Ka`u Hospital save money.
When questions arose regarding the future of Ka`u Hospital, Ainsley said no one at HHSC wants to see it close, and that recent funding of many improvements is evidence of that. He also said Ka`u Hospital and other HHSC facilities have to “continue to bring value” to communities they serve.
Board member Wayne Kanemoto said maintaining state hospitals “is a social contract we should have” as taxpayers. He said the Legislature needs to provide funds for services and encouraged audience members to lobby legislators to continue essential services at rural hospitals. He also explained that the entirety of Hawai`i Island is considered rural. “We don’t have the population, but because we’re rural, we should expect services,” he said.
Reps. Richard Creagan and Richard Onishi expressed their support for Ka`u Hospital. “Ka`u Hospital will survive,” Creagan said. He said he considers the hospital a “return on the investment” of taxpayers. “The services have to be maintained and grow,” he said.
Onishi said the East Hawai`i Region of HHSC is a “standout.”
Both representatives encouraged those involved with the hospital at all levels to talk to them about the facility’s importance to the community. “The Legislature is not going to listen to us; they’re going to listen to you,” Onishi said.
Creagan said, “We may not have always appreciated what Ka`u Hospital means to this community, but we do now.”
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Nadine Ebert accepts a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of `O Ka`u Kakou from
state Reps. Richard Onishi, at left, and Richard Creagan. Photo by Ron Johnson

SEVERAL KA`U ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION from Hawai`i state House of Representatives yesterday. Reps. Richard Creagan and Richard Onishi presented the certificates at yesterday’s meeting of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawai`i Region Board of Directors.
All the organizations were recognized for their efforts to improve Ka`u Hospital. Nadine Ebert accepted a certificate on behalf of `O Ka`u Kakou, which has helped with several construction projects, including the lanai that allows patients to spend time outdoors. Ebert said Ka`u Hospital is “the soul of Ka`u.” Jesse Marques accepted a certificate on behalf of Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, and another went to Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation. To acknowledge their efforts in raising $150,000 for the hospital’s emergency room over a ten-year period, certificates also went to Ka`u Red Hat Ladies, accepted by Barbara Beatty, Ka Lae Quilters and Ka`u Golf Group.

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Hanabusa campaign personnel handed out pens, bumper stickers, pamphlets and T-shirts at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

U.S. REP. COLLEEN HANABUSA MADE STOPS IN KA`U TODAY. At Ka`u Rural Health Community Association in Pahala, she presented Special Congressional Recognition Certificates to Health Academy students. She then visited with Ka`u residents at Pahala Community Center as part of her around-the-island trek to campaign for U.S. Senate.

Colleen Hanabusa talks story with Ka`u residents at
Pahala Community Center. Photo by Ron Johnson

About 40 residents listened as Hanabusa discussed issues. She focused on Social Security, saying she does not favor raising the age of eligibility and doing so is not a Congressional responsibility. She said a board of trustees annually examines the status of the trust that funds Social Security and makes adjustments based on their findings.
Hanabusa said she favors lifting the cap on income that is taxed for Social Security. “People don’t know there’s a cap,” she said. “If you earn money, you should pay into Social Security.”
She also said Social Security income should not be taxed at all. “If we want to take care of seniors, we have to revise the tax structure,” she said.
Hanabusa also expressed concern about the status of rural hospitals such as Ka`u Hospital. She said 80 of rural hospitals’ income comes from Medicare reimbursements and that she was the only representative who voted against a two-percent cut in reimbursements.
Regarding the status of the Micronesian community in Ka`u and the rest of the state, she said she is working toward getting the federal government to compensate the state for expenses involved in their care. The estimated cost is $187 million per year. She suggested making Micronesians eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Other issues Hanabusa brought up as important to her were education, Native Hawaiian recognition, the appropriate role of the military in Hawai`i and the pivot to the Asia-Pacific region as a center of defense.
Regarding her race against Sen. Brian Schatz for Senate, Hanabusa referred to her experience in government at state and federal levels as qualifications. She was elected to the state Senate in 1998, serving as Senate Majority Leader before being elected the first woman President of the Senate in 2006 – making her the first Asian American woman to preside over a state legislative chamber in the United States.

“To do what I’ve been able to do is the best training,” she said.

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Apollo 11 landed on the moon 45 years ago today.

TODAY IS TRANQUILITY BASE DAY IN HAWAI`I. The Hawai`i state Legislature unanimously passed SCR 82 during the 2014 Session, marking the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, when Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans in history to walk on another world. This seminal event helped launch humankind’s first steps beyond Earth, and the state of Hawai`i played an instrumental role in both training the Apollo astronauts for their historic mission at multiple lava fields on the Big Island and in providing a communications link with the Apollo spacecraft through the Koke`e Tracking Station on Kaua`i during its sojourn to the lunar surface.

In recognition of this occasion and Hawai`i’s support for and continued involvement with space exploration, Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin is also commemorating this historic occasion through a video presentation in which he discusses Hawai`i’s role in the Apollo program, as well as the substantial scientific, educational, social, and commercial opportunities and benefits the aerospace industry in general, and space exploration in particular, can bring to the state.
“Hawai`i has positioned itself to become an active participant in the aerospace industry,” said Sen. Will Espero, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. “Space tourism, regional unmanned aerial systems test site, small satellite launches, a research park on the Big Island based on space exploration, robotics, and laser telecommunications are areas that Hawai`i can be a leader in the aerospace world.
“We are on the verge of expanding and establishing a niche market around science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he added. “This industry will be good for Hawai`i residents, our nation, and the world.”
For more information, contact the office of Sen. Will Espero at 808-586-6360 or the Hawai`i Office of Aerospace Development at 808-383-9811.

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HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION is hosting a series of free community wildfire preparedness workshops. Those who attend will learn about Hawai`i’s wildfire issues and how they can mitigate those issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications.
They will also learn about how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan, what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures. HWMO makes each workshop a fun, interactive and casual event that the whole `ohana can enjoy. Each family will also receive a free copy of the Ready, Set, Go! Hawai`i Wildland Fire Action Guide that can be used as a step-by-step tool for carrying out the recommended actions. HWMO will also be holding a raffle at the end of each workshop.
Elizabeth Pickett, Executive Director of HWMO, explains, “It is essential that Hawai`i’s residents learn about the important role they play in protecting their family, home, community and natural resources from wildfires. Participants will be safer and empowered after attending these workshops.”
Workshops take place tomorrow at Ocean View Community Center; Friday, July 25 at Cooper Center in Volcano Village; and Monday, July 28 at Pahala Elementary School. Each workshop starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

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

Thirty-six volunteers joined Hawai`i Wildlife Fund crew to clean the Ka`u Coast last weekend. Photo from HWF

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION facilities in Ka`u and islandwide will benefit from $375,000 obtained to control little fire ant infestations.

The State Department of Agriculture is providing $200,000, and the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council has awarded a grant of $175,000 that will allow Parks and Recreation to establish an LFA control program at county parks and facilities.
Funding will be used to hire up to three full-time employees who will work exclusively fighting LFA infestations islandwide, purchase bait and equipment and finance transportation needs.

Hawai`i County has received funds to battle the little fire ant.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

Once an infested park or facility has been identified, the LFA team will apply bait on a six-week cycle, rotate the bait type based on recommendations from Hawai`i Ant Lab and then continually monitor the treated area to ensure a reduction in ant infestations.
Similar treatments conducted at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo have reduced LFA populations in the affected areas by up to 40 percent, according to data collected during a recently completed pilot project involving the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawai`i Ant Lab.
Ranked among the world’s worst invasive species due to the environmental harm they cause and ability to inflict painful stings that can blind animals, LFAs have established colonies in numerous areas following their discovery on Hawai`i Island in 1999.
For more information, contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.
The Nature Conservancy also offers assistance to Ka`u residents with LFA infestations. Contact John Replogle at 939-7171.
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Children from households with income at or below levels in the chart qualify
for free or reduced-price meals at school.
Chart from Hawai`i Department of Education

HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Copies of the policy are available at public schools in Na`alehu and Pahala. Children from households with income at or below levels in the chart at left are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out one application and return it to the school where the child is enrolled or complete an online application via ezmealapp.com. Applications for the current school year (2014-2015) are now being accepted. The application information will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials.
For DOE officials to determine eligibility, households receiving SNAP or TANF must list the child's name, date of birth, grade, school code and their SNAP or TANF case number and the signature and name of an adult household member. Households not receiving SNAP or TANF must list: 1) the names of everyone in the household; 2) the amount of income received by each person, how often the income is received and the source of the income; 3) the name and Social Security number of either parent/guardian who is the primary wage earner or the adult household member who signs the form or the word “none” if neither adult household member has a Social Security number; and 4) the signature of an adult household member.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Under provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the DOE will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request for a hearing on the decision in writing to: Glenna Owens, SFA Director, 1106 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816.  Phone number is 808-733-8414 or toll-free 1-800-441-4845.
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Microplastics made up much of the debris collected at HWF's most recent
Ka`u Coast cleanup. Photo by Sean King

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND and 36 volunteers from around Hawai`i Island and as far away as Illinois, Pennsylvania and Japan removed 500 pounds of derelict fishing nets and 597 pounds of miscellaneous marine debris during the recent Ka`u Coast Cleanup. In total, 35 bags of debris, including several five-gallon bucketsful of microplastics, were removed and sorted for recycling.
The derelict fishing nets will be stored at Wai`ohinu Park until there is enough to fill another 40-foot container via NOAA’s Nets-to-Energy Partnership, with support from Matson Navigation, Schnitzer Steel and Covanta Energy Group. More information is available at marinedebris.noaa.gov.
NOAA Marine Debris Datasheets revealed that the group collected an estimated 63,404 pieces of marine debris, of which 96.5 percent were plastic in origin.
Finds included a hand-painted buoy, two plastic dinosaur toys (brontosaurus and tyrannosauras rex), two full-sized tires and a partially used package of birth control pills.
Hawai`i Wildlife Fund encourages Ka`u residents to join its Plastic-Free July campaign. Useful tips and ideas available to help give up plastic for the month of July are available at #plasticfreejuly and plasticfreejuly.org.

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Lego toy pieces have become marine debris that drifts onto the coast of Cornwall, England
and other worldwide beaches. Photo from BBC News Magazine

KA`U COAST ISN’T THE ONLY PLACE to find interesting plastic marine debris. The beaches of Cornwall, England are famous for Lego toy pieces that wash ashore after a shipping container fell into the sea in 1997 when the ship carrying it was hit by a massive wave.

U.S. oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer, who has tracked the debris since 1997, told BBC News Magazine writer Mario Cacciottolo that pieces from the container could have drifted 62,000 miles, and since its 24,000 miles around the equator, they could be on any beach on earth. “Theoretically, the pieces of Lego could keep going around the ocean for centuries,” Cacciottolo concluded.
See bbc.com/news/magazine-28367198.

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HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER HAS ENDORSED BRIAN SCHATZ to continue serving in the U.S. Senate, according to co-chairs for the Schatz for Hawai`i campaign.
  The co-chairs list reasons mentioned by the Star-Advertiser as his collaboration on legislation promoting college affordability, universal preschool, securing funding critical to the East-West Center, the rail project and defense and other planks from the Democratic platform. “Schatz brings experience, idealism and vision to the job of shaping a future that his own children’s generation will inherit” and “represents a fresh perspective this state needs in its leadership.”  
“The Star-Advertiser recognizes that as chair of two subcommittees critical to our economy, Schatz is uniquely positioned to help Hawai`i,” the co-chairs state.   “The Subcommittee on Tourism, Innovation, and Competitiveness has drawn Hawai`i industry leaders to two hearings so far. And for a state with a longstanding pledge to boost clean energy, chairing the Subcommittee on Water and Power is a fortuitous position, too,” said the Star-Advertiser.
See brianschatz.com.

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Volcano Art Center hosts a presentation about native Hawaiian bees.

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION hosts a free community wildfire preparedness workshop today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Those who attend will learn about Hawai`i’s wildfire issues, how they can mitigate those issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications, how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan and what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures.
More workshops are scheduled for Friday, July 25 at Cooper Center in Volcano Village and Monday, July 28 at Pahala Elementary School. Each workshop starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOSTS a unique presentation about native Hawaiian bees Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
These largely overlooked bees are vital pollinators of native Hawaiian plants, and they have been vanishing with hardly any notice. The Hylaeus Project experiments with some creative ways of getting the word out about this imperiled and fantastic species.
For this event, entomologist and drummer Lisa Schonberg presents audio and images gathered as part of the project.
Suggested donation to is $5.

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

Trini and Francis Marques, two of the founders of the Ka`u Coffee industry, moving from sugar plantation work to coffee nearly
two decades ago, took first in the Ka`u division. Photo from Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands

ALI`I HAWAIIIAN HULA HANDS COFFEE, grown by Francis and Trinidad Marques, won the Ka`u division of Hawai`i Coffee Association’s annual cupping competition last weekend at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou. Second place went to FL Farm, founded by the late Fanny Lilly, of Wood Valley, and operated by Thaddeus Lilly. Third went to Ka`u Coffee Mill, founded by Edmund C. Olson. Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee earned a score of 88.7 out of a possible 100, followed by FL Farm with a score of 88.5. Ka`u Coffee Mill scored 87.5.

Ali`i and FL took first and second in the statewide Creative Division. Miranda’s Farm took eighth, and Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee took ninth. Rusty’s also won People’s Choice during Roast & Roots, a coffee tasting and culinary competition attended by 1,000.
In the Commercial Division, Ka`u Coffee Mill took fifth statewide.

Jose Miranda, along with wife Berta and family,
scored in the top 10 for Creative Coffees.

Three representatives of the Ka`u Coffee industry were elected to the board of Hawai`i Coffee Association: John Cross, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; Ralph Gaston, of Isla Custom Coffees; and Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm and Ranch.
John Cross was a presenter at the conference, speaking on farmers being proactive on the possible arrival of coffee rust, a disease that has devastated farms in Latin America. "Coffee rust has been called the most economically damaging coffee disease in the world," Cross told coffee farmers and marketers, referring to a report from the American Phytopathological Society. Hawai`i is the only coffee growing region in the world that does not yet have coffee rust, Cross warned.
HCA also hosted coffee buyers, brokers and other industry professionals for a Reverse Trade Mission to expand markets in Canada.
HCA brings together people from all facets of the Hawai`i coffee industry – growers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers. Its purpose is to educate, increase awareness and promote research and consumption of Hawaiian coffees.
Among the Ka`u Coffee farmers who attended were Leo and Hermie Norberte and Lorie Obra.
The new President of the Hawai`i Coffee Association is a major buyer of Ka`u Coffee, Jim Wayman, president of Hawai`i Coffee Co. Wayman is also a major donor to the Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarship fund.
See more and complete scoring at www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.org.
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COUNCIL CANDIDATE Richard Abbett testified last Friday in favor of County Council member Margaret Wille’s non-binding resolution asking the mayor to revise the Request for Proposals for a bid solicitation for the waste reduction facility. The resolution calls for the RFP to be more inclusive of recycling, upcycling, mulching and other green initiatives. “Even though not sited in our district, it is an islandwide issue,” Abbett told The Ka`u Calendar. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford voted in favor of Wille’s resolution, but it failed 6-2.

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Proposed site of Lehua Court is highlighted.

LEHUA COURT PROFESSIONAL AND RETAIL PLAZA in Ocean View has received favorable recommendations from the Windward Planning Commission and Hawai`i County Planning Committee. The property is on the mauka side of Hwy 11 and connects with Lehua Lane and Keaka Parkway.
The applicant, William C. Foulk, is seeking to change the site’s zoning from Agricultural to Village Commercial. The 4.143-acre site would be developed with 54,000 square feet of commercial space and another 12,500 square feet of open, landscaped area for periodic craft fairs, thespian events and public gatherings.
In its report to County Council, the Windward Planning concluded that the project “will give residents an opportunity to shop closer to their homes and provide a location for service-oriented businesses, like offices for doctors, tax preparers, hairdressers and the whole host of commercial needs generated by a large residential population.”
In April 2012, many supporters sent in testimony saying, “Such a development will upgrade the area, create businesses, jobs, shopping and service opportunities. Having new services in our area will allow residents to stay close to home for their professional and shopping essentials. At the same time, it will alleviate traffic and driving requirements to meet those needs.
“The Lehua Court Plaza will enhance the value of my property and spur resurgence of the overall economic growth of the Ka`u area.”
At Thursday’s meeting of Hawai`i County Council’s Planning Committee, most testimony was in support of the proposed commercial development across from the entrance to Ocean View’s water spigot site. County Council candidate Richard Abbett encouraged the committee to approve it and work out details on traffic and water.
All 12 people who came to testify at Ocean View Community Center supported the development.
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Ka`u residents participate in county meetings at Ocean View Community Center.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE BROADCAST OF COUNTY MEETINGS to and from remote sites from Ka`u to Kohala are making it difficult for testifiers to be assured that their input is entered into the public record. The breakdowns also leave those in remote communities unable to see and hear all of the public meetings.
County Council candidate Richard Abbett said he has been attending council meetings through the remote feed in Ocean View for the last ten months. If elected, he said, one of his priorities will be to acquire funding to upgrade the system to provide stable service with current technology. He said a number of Ka`u people have expressed frustration after driving to Ocean View Community Center only to wait hours to provide their testimony because of technical difficulty. “Some people simply have to leave because of work obligations and other time constraints.” In Ocean View, five people left on Thursday, and three on Friday, he said.

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This historic photo of Hilea Bridge was submitted to bridgehunter.com
by Erick Castillo.

TWO KA`U BRIDGE PROJECTS ARE BEING EXPEDITED through a federal/state partnership. Hawai`i Department of Transportation is partnering with Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highways Division to replace bridges over Hilea and Ninole Streams on Hwy 11.
“We have experienced great results (on past projects) because of the strong partnership we have with the HDOT and the incredible support of the Big Island communities,” said CFLHD Division Engineer Rick Suarez.
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VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT KA`U LEGAL CLINIC to provide free legal advice to low-income Ka`u residents. This will be an opportunity to get information on the following types of cases:

Family Law – Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Paternity, Guardianships and Adoptions;
Employment – Unemployment Benefits, Wrongful Termination;
District Court – Landlord-Tenant, Small Claims, Collections; and
Probate/Estate Planning – Wills and/or Trusts, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives.

Ka`u Legal Clinic is being planned for Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The site is yet to be determined.
Interested residents must pre-qualify and pre-register to participate in this special service. Call 313-8210 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by Hawai`i Access to Justice Commission and Volunteer Legal Services Hawai`i, a 501(c)(3) legal service provider dedicated to removing the income barrier to access to justice.
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HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY IS BRINGING speakers to Ka`u this Sunday, July 27. Filipino leaders Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak with farmers, farm workers and others at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A potluck begins at 5 p.m.
Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak about farming and agriculture issues as they affect Filipinos across Hawai`i and the Philippines, including health and environmental impacts of pesticide exposure and genetically modified crops.
The speakers will equip audiences with knowledge and tools needed to empower themselves as stakeholders in the farm and food movements, as well as a renewed sense of communal resiliency.
For more information, contact Kasha Ho at 808-681-7688 or kho@centerforfoodsafety.org.

MEET AND GREET COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association Center. OVCA President Fortune Otter said topics regarding Ocean View to be discussed include an additional water well, more bus transit times, schools, a medical facility, a bank, early childhood education, waste disposal and recycling, Lehua Court and beach access.
“Come hear, and be heard,” Otter said.
Refreshments will feature items from Ka`u.
For more information, call 939-7033, or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY. Students return to Na`alehu Elementary and Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

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

An audit initiated by former County Council member Brittany Smart, shown at left during blessing of Ocean View well, has ended. The audit studied procedures followed in the issuance of commercial water hauling permits for spigots at the site. Photo by Charles Tobias

ISSUANCE OF PERMITS TO COMMERCIAL WATER HAULERS at Ocean View’s water spigot site followed regular policies and procedures, county auditor Bonnie Nims told the Water Board. “We have completed our preliminary survey regarding the proposed performance audit, and our review did not identify any significant threats or risk areas,” she told the board, according to a story Hawai`i Tribune-Herald.
County Council, through a resolution authored by former member Brittany Smart, called for the audit when Ocean View residents said the price of water hauling was kept at artificially high levels after permits were issued to the first ten applicants.
According to the Tribune-Herald story, current council member Brenda Ford said, “While I personally don’t like the way the original assignment of spigots was done, it’s totally out of the control of the County Council to do anything” because the Department of Water Supply is under the authority of the Water Board, a semi-autonomous body.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Michael Last

Sen. Josh Green

STATE SENATE DISTRICT THREE CANDIDATES participated in a forum yesterday. Incumbent Sen. Josh Green, of Kailua-Kona, and challenger Michael Last, of Na`alehu, answered questions at Kealakehe High School in Kona.
Green, a former ER doctor at Ka`u Hospital, said stabilizing the state-run hospital system is a priority. He also wants to improve access to quality health care, reported Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today. According to the story, Green also seeks “a balance of good, steady jobs and education opportunities.”
Yager reports Last taking a “get the government off our backs” approach. “Is the state government too invasive? You decide,” he said. “Look at some of the things that are presently illegal — gambling and marijuana — I don’t gamble and smoke, but I have no right to dictate how another adult lives their life.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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“I AM RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION TO A SECOND TERM to represent the House of Representatives … because I believe that there is still more that I can do to fulfill the vision for our Third District communities that I pledged to support in my initial campaign in 2012,” Democratic incumbent Richard Onishi told Civil Beat. “That vision was for our communities to be safe, healthy, economically viable and sustainable. I feel that I have worked hard to accomplish this vision through my record of legislation introduced, issues supported, and the securing of funds for projects within the Third District. However, there are still more issues to address and projects that require funding. I believe that I can make it happen as the Third District’s state representative.”

Rep. Richard Onishi

Onishi answered several questions posed by Civil Beat staff.
Regarding genetically modified food issues, Onishi said it is the federal government’s responsibility to make decisions based on reliably verified scientific research on effects on human health and the environment. “The federal government has the systems and resources in place to evaluate the volumes of information, require the cooperation and participation of the private and public sectors, and to mandate regulations and rules that apply to all government agencies and states,” he said. “Neither the state nor the counties have these systems in place or the resources necessary to fully evaluate the scientific research in this area. It would be difficult to mandate the private sector to comply with regulations and rules that would only apply in Hawai`i. Stricter regulations may cause private companies to decide to just not do business in Hawai`i instead of having to meet more rigorous and potentially more costly regulations which would be specifically mandated only in Hawai`i.”
Regarding Hawai`i’s high cost of living, Onishi suggested development of workforce and low-income housing and increasing funds to the state’s Rental Housing Trust Fund that provides money for such projects.
“We need to address the high cost of shipping goods from the mainland and between our islands,” Onishi said. “To reduce the cost for transportation between the islands, we need to re-visit the use of a ferry system between our islands and also look at more federal assistance for intrastate air travel.”
Onishi said he supports the Department of Education’s focus on STEM education, computerization of classrooms and providing a computer to every student for educational use.
“All organizations can be run more effectively,” Onishi said in reference to DOE. “It takes better communications and collaboration between all stakeholders in our education system including administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, volunteers, businesses, school and community organizations, higher education organizations and our government to accomplish better effectiveness.”
Onishi also gave his views regarding health care. State support for the hospital system that includes Ka`u Hospital is critical to the continuation of medical care, he said, “but the question of what level of care the system is required to provide has not been fully established and has to be determined by all of the stakeholders of the system.”
He also said Hilo Medical Center’s Rural Primary Care Physician Training Program is crucial throughout the state. “This program must have continued state support to solidify and establish itself. Once the program is established, it will then be able to receive federal physician training funds.”
Onishi said he supports development of jobs to keep children in the state and provide them with the income to establish themselves, afford a home, start a family and become contributing members of communities. He cited support for funding of projects through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s programs in Space Initiatives and new technology-based business development which focuses on the development of opportunities to provide higher quality jobs that are more appealing to younger generations.
See civilbeat.com.
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Sen. David Ige

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX CANDIDATES meet at a forum Saturday at Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Candidates on the primary election ballot for Aug. 9 are Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson.
Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN MEET GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE DAVID IGE Monday, July 28 at the Pahala home of Marion Villanueva at 4 p.m. at 96-1174 Holei Street at the corner of Pikake Street for a talk story session. Ige, Finance chair of the state Senate, is challenging sitting governor Neil Abercrombie for the Democratic Party nomination in the Aug. 9 primary election.

SEN. DAVID IGE FACES GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE in separate debates at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on Monday, July 28 and King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel on Tuesday, July 29. Both debates are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Hawai`i Island debates are among several issue forums AARP is planning for this election season to inform its members and the general public of where candidates stand on issues that impact their lives. The debates will focus on issues of importance to older voters – including health care, retirement security, jobs, support for family caregiving and long-term care.
The format will allow candidates to question one another directly, and some questions will also be taken from the audience.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Both gubernatorial debates will be featured in the second half of a two-part event that begins with a discussion of the future of Social Security and an update on AARP’s state legislative priorities. The debate will follow this discussion and last for about an hour. The events are open to the public, but registration is required by calling toll-free 1-877-926-8300 or going online. For the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel debate, see aarp.cvent.com/socsechilo; for King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, aarp.cvent.com/socseckona
For further information, see aarp.org/hi.
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VOLCANO ART CENTER HOSTS a presentation about native Hawaiian bees tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The Hylaeus Project informs attendees about this imperiled species, with entomologist and drummer Lisa Schonberg presenting audio and images.
Suggested donation is $5.

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION hosts a free community wildfire preparedness workshop Friday at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Topics include how to mitigate wildfire issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications, how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan and what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures.
Another workshop is scheduled Monday, July 28 at Pahala Elementary School. Each workshop starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Wildfire preparedness is the topic of workshops tomorrow at Cooper Center in Volcano Village and Monday at Pahala Elementary School. Ka`u wildfire photo from Hawai`i County Fire Department

FOUR OF THE FIVE CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE District Five discussed agricultural issues at Konawaena Elementary School yesterday.

Dave Bateman

Regarding labeling of coffee blends as 10 percent, Republican candidate Dave Bateman, who grows coffee in Kona, said he would support designating the blends as 90 percent foreign, reported Bret Yager for West Hawai`i Today. “I’d like to get all sides together and resolve this once and for all,” he said.
Democrat incumbent Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, agreed that the labeling issue needs to be resolved, Yager said. “I’d be glad to sponsor and introduce such legislation, but it would require strong backing by the coffee industry if it’s to get any further than it has in the past,” he said.
Gene “Bucky” Leslie, a Democrat from Holualoa, said, “The purity of the Kona coffee brand needs to be protected. But until broad federal legislation can be completed, farmers need to exert their own strong quality control.”
Non-partisan candidate Randy Ruis, of Ocean View, also agreed that protecting the name of 100 percent Kona coffee is important. “I am in favor of labeling the source of the other 90 percent,” he said.

Rep. Richard Creagan

All candidates agreed that more needs to be done to battle invasive species. Bateman called for “more robust inspections at entry points and in the field.”
According to the story, Creagan said the state has been penny-wise but pound-foolish in its fight against invasive species. “We’re heading for major disaster,” he said. “You can’t pick coffee in a field with fire ants. We need to jump on the fire ant problem immediately.”

Leslie said the state needs to add agricultural inspectors and restore inspection of green coffee. “We need to take mandatory inspections seriously,” he said. “We need ag inspectors at every port.”
Ruis said, “I believe the state must do a much better job to protect ag lands and residents from invasive species.”
How to encourage more agriculture in the state and House District Five, which stretches from Na`alehu into Kona, was another topic.

Gene "Bucky" Leslie

Bateman called for two-year agriculture degrees that would qualify young farmers for low-cost agriculture loans, He also wants to eliminate general excise tax on farm products. Encouraging farmers markets would be “one way to get our ag products out there,” Bateman said.

Yager said Creagan called for a “rural renaissance” to support dwellings for farmers who are working to take over the land from older farmers. He called for farmers market vendors to be exempt from excise tax for unprocessed food sales and for markets to be permitted on agricultural land.
Yager said Leslie proposed working with landholders to encourage a new generation of farmers. While calling for better access to water and other resources, “it’s not possible for the state to guarantee affordable lands,” he said.

Randy Ruis

Ruis suggested that the state build an inventory of ag land and offer long-term leases to young farmers. The state must also protect agricultural land from development, he said. He also said he wants to limit permits required for vendors at farmers markets.

Libertarian candidate Jon Lalanne, of Ocean View, was on the mainland and did not participate in the forum.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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REOPENING OF KULANI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY can proceed following Hilo Circuit Court Judge Glenn Hara’s granting of a summary judgement against `Ohana Ho`opakele. The Hawaiian group had sued the Department of Public Safety, saying the state’s environmental assessment didn’t consider a pu`uhonua.
John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported Hara saying, “I basically believe the state’s position is the correct … statement of the law.” The judge noted he previously “made a statement to the effect that if this isn’t a proper purpose, I don’t know what was … in respect to the land being used for a prison and public safety.”
`Ohana Ho`opakele representatives said they’ll appeal the decision.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Sen. David Ige

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR debated issues on the Big Island yesterday. Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his challenger, Sen. David Ige, met in Waimea.
Tom Callis, reporting for Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, said the candidates had few major policy differences and emphasized their leadership abilities and knowledge of neighbor island needs.
Regarding the high cost of electricity, both said geothermal could help reduce it and that utility companies need to change the way they do business. Ige said, “I think the real key is really challenging the pricing model the utility uses,” which involves “requiring them to change from a generation and distribution of energy to primarily the distribution of energy.”
Abercrombie said if the electric utilities don’t reform themselves, “we will do it for them.”
Both candidates agreed that more needs to be done regarding invasive species.
Ige said the state needs a comprehensive biocontrol program to intercept invasive species. Abercrombie referred to little fire ants as “terrorists not open to group discussion.”
Ige pledged to listen to communities on all the islands, while Abercrombie said, “You know if there was an issue to be faced … you know Neil Abercrombie was there.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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BrandUSA promotes tourism in Hawai`i and the entire country.

THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS PASSED legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa to reauthorize BrandUSA, a public-private partnership that promotes U.S. travel to the global community. The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 (H.R. 4450) was introduced by members of the Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus. It will reauthorize BrandUSA for five years and will add several accountability and transparency measures. The bipartisan legislation passed 347-57.  
“Tourism is the most powerful driver of our local economy in Hawai`i, as we welcome visitors from countries in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world,” said Gabbard, a member of the Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus. “We need this commonsense legislation because if Congress supports tourism, we create jobs, grow our economy, and increase opportunity in our communities across the country. In Hawai`i, we are uniquely positioned to take full advantage of the BrandUSA reauthorization and the public-private dollars that will be spent to promote the U.S. abroad.”
Last year, tourism in Hawai`i contributed $1.5 billion in total state tax revenue and supported 168,000 jobs, making it the largest generator of jobs across the islands. 

BrandUSA’s work is supported through a combination of private sector contributions and matching funds from an existing international visa fee. In fiscal year 2013, BrandUSA’s marketing efforts generated one million incremental visitors, which resulted in $7.4 billion in total sales and supported more than 53,000 new U.S. jobs.

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HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION hosts a free community wildfire preparedness workshop tomorrow at Cooper Center in Volcano Village from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Topics include how to mitigate wildfire issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications, how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan and what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures.

For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

COOPER CENTER IS THE NEW VENUE for Volcano Rotary Club’s forum featuring County Council District Six candidates Saturday at 8 a.m. It was originally to be held at Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Candidates on the primary election ballot for Aug. 9 are Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson.

PATRICIA HOBAN TEACHES PROCESS PAINTING Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Hoban guides participants as they experiment, explore, discover and play with paint. No previous art experience needed. Register at 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Leon Chow and Merle Becker represent Ka`u ranching and farming at Ka`u Plantation Days parade last October. This year's event is organizing for Oct. 11. Photo by Julia Neal

STEWARDSHIP OF KAWA, in partnership with Hawai`i County, is the subject of an application process with proposals from community groups to be postmarked or delivered to the Department of Parks & Recreation by Aug. 29.
According to a legal notice posted in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald in July, the county will provide stewardship grants-in-aid for public safety, maintenance and preservation of the land acquired through the county Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Fund.

Some 800 acres on Kawa Bay were purchased for the county using county, state and federal money for preservation of wildlife and natural resources as well as open space for the public. Some of the money came from a fund created by two percent of property taxes collected by the county.

Pu`eo McGuire describes surfing at Kawa as a Hawaiian cultural activity.
Photo by Julia Neal

A similar relationship to manage open space is arranged between the County of Hawai`i and Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo.

Several local organizations have discussed joining a team to manage Kawa, including Pu`eo McGuire and Na Mamo O Kawa, which met with members of families associated with Kawa in an attempt to become a liaison between the county and local interest groups. McGuire said last year that “we want to see what they want done, how they want to see Kawa managed. He said he and other members of the new organization are talking with “the families, the young, the recreational users and surfers.” McGuire talked about surfing at Kawa as more than recreation. “It is not like we are out there playing. It is a spiritual activity. It is a Native Hawaiian cultural activity that we do down there.” He and member Lui Sales said that in addition to the families, the group would talk with Karen Teshima and other representatives of Kawa as the planning goes forward.

The county recently conducted an archaeological survey of Kawa finding numerous historic sites.

According to the county, only 501(c)(3) organizations or an organization that operates under the umbrella of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit shall be considered for a stewardship grant.
In addition to the grant application, the applicant must submit a detailed business plan for the project along with a signed agreement to file a written report on what has been accomplished and how the money was spent within one year after receipt of funds.

Applications are available online at hawaiicounty.gov, selecting Boards & Commissions from the bottom left side and Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Hard copies are available at the Parks & Recreation office in Aupuni Center at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 in Hilo. Deadline to submit proposals is Friday, Aug. 29 at 4:30 p.m. Contact Jason Armstrong at 961-8311 with questions.

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Vice Principal Wilma Roddy

KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has announced job openings for the fall semester. The school would like to hire paraprofessional tutors for 19 hours a week with pay of $13.34 an hour. They would serve as academic tutors within the classroom, supporting students mainly in math and language arts.
The school would like to hire one part-time teacher for 17 hours a week with pay of $22.34 an hour. The teacher will provide direct instruction in math intervention skills for middle and high school math courses. The teacher would design intervention lessons based on Common Core standards as well as use computer-based programs to support learning.
The public school is also looking for classroom substitutes and substitutes for educational assistants and adult supervisor positions.
Those with experience in working with students and who enjoy working with kids can stop by Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School’s main office to fill out an application, for an interview by an administrator and a background check.
For more information, call Vice Principal Wilma Roddy at 313-4112.

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KA`U PLANTATION DAYS, SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 11 at Pahala Plantation Manager’s House, will hold planning meetings on Mondays, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Sept. 22 and Oct. 6 at Pahala Community Center. The theme is Sweet Memories and will include a parade in Pahala with pa`u riders and representatives of farms, ranches and community groups.

For more information and to participate with booths and entertainment, contact chair Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740. Sponsors are Ka`u Multicultural Society, `O Ka`u Kakou and Pahala Plantation Cottages.

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Mayor Billy Kenoi participates in Volcano Rain
Forest Runs. This year's runs are three weeks
from tomorrow. Photo from Sharron Faff

REGISTRATION IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS on Saturday, Aug. 16. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. All runs start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.

Packet pick-up and late registration is Friday, Aug. 15 at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooper Center will be having a Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all inclusive for $15.
Participants in 10K and 5K can register race morning at Cooper Center until 7:30 a.m. T-shirts are not guaranteed for late registrations. There is no race day registration for the Half Marathon.
Keiki ages 1 – 7 can register for the free 100- or 200-yard dashes on race morning until 9:30 a.m. The Keiki runs, sponsored by Kilauea Lodge, begin at 10 a.m. All entrants receive a ribbon and other goodies after coming through the finish line.
Volcano Rotary Club serves an $8 BBQ Grill Lunch on race day from 9 a.m. Other activities include face painting, balloon animals with the Hiccup Circus to delight the children and craft and other booths for everyone’s enjoyment.

“Parking is limited within Volcano Village so come early and carpool, please,” said Race Director Sharron Faff. There are parking lots located at Volcano Store, Thai Thai Restaurant and Volcano Garden Arts. All parking lots are located on Old Volcano Road and within walking distance of Cooper Center.

Please check the Notice to Motorists information found in this newspaper for road closures on race morning.
“Everyone please use caution throughout the village during the race morning to insure the safety of all participants, volunteers and spectators,” Faff said. “A big mahalo goes out to everyone involved in this fifth annual community event.”

All participants are responsible for knowing their race route. For more information, maps, FAQs, registration and volunteering, see volcanorainforestruns.com, or call 967-8240.

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KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYS EVERY WEEK on Mondays and Wednesdays at Pahala High School gym. Seven men’s teams started the round robin play on Monday, July 23 and will continue until all teams have played one another. While the men’s teams are set, women’s teams are invited to organize. Play is expected to run into September.
Call Elijah Navarro at 430-9461.

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COOPER CENTER IS THE VENUE for Volcano Rotary Club’s forum featuring County Council District Six candidates tomorrow at 8 a.m. Candidates on the primary election ballot for Aug. 9 are Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson.

HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY IS BRINGING speakers to Ka`u this Sunday. Filipino leaders Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak with farmers, farm workers and others at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A potluck begins at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Kasha Ho at 808-681-7688 or kho@centerforfoodsafety.org.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN MEET GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE David Ige this Monday, July 28 for a talk story session at the Pahala home of Marion Villanueva at 4 p.m. The address is 96-1174 Holei Street, on the corner of Pikake Street. Ige, Finance chair of the state Senate, is challenging sitting governor Neil Abercrombie for the Democratic Party nomination in the Aug. 9 primary election.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates Richard Abbett, at left, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson participated in a forum at Cooper Center in Volcano Village this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

PRIMARY ELECTION EARLY WALK-IN VOTING starts Monday at Pahala Community Center on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 7. Early walk-in was unavailable in Ka`u during the last election, but election officials decided to reopen the opportunity for the primary and general elections. For the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, early walk-in voting is from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1.

Registered Ka`u voters will be able to cast ballots for the following offices: U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives District Two, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state Senate District Three, state House of Representatives Districts Three and Five, Office of Hawaiian Affairs At-Large Trustees and Hawai`i County Council District Six.

On the ballot for state Senate District Three are incumbent Josh Green, of Kailua-Kona, and Michael Last, of Na`alehu.
State House of Representatives District Three candidates are Bill Dickson, of Mountain View; Fred Fogel, of Volcano; and incumbent Richard Onishi, of Hilo.

State House of Representatives District Five candidates are Dave Bateman, of Holualoa; incumbent Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu; Jon Lalanne, of Ocean View; Gene “Bucky” Leslie, of Holualoa; and Randy Ruis, of Ocean View.

On the ballot for Hawai`i County Council District Six are Richard Abbett, of Ocean View; Maile Medeiros David, of Captain Cook; and Jim Wilson, of Volcano.
Sample ballots are available at hawaii.gov/elections.

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ALL THREE CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY COUNCIL Volcano-Ka`u-South Kona District vowed to serve the people and not special interests today at a forum sponsored by Volcano Rotary Club. Candidates Jim Wilson, Maile Medeiros David and Richard Abbett gave talks about why and how they would benefit the community.

Maile Medeiros David and Richard Abbett, behind table, are running
for County Council District Six. Photo by Julia Neal

All three tackled questions on their views on the proposed county incinerator to handle the island’s waste stream and whether they would allow commercial haulers to pick up garbage and take it to county transfer stations.

Volcano resident and Rotary member Jim Wilson, the retired publisher of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, said he has always, at times, been critical of the way the council does business and talked about a common sense, no nonsense approach. He said he researches topics through library and Internet sources. When asked about consulting people and experts on various issues, he said, “That goes without saying.” When asked about the needs of greater Ka`u beyond Volcano, he talked about an industry to provide jobs. He mentioned transportation, water and sustainable agriculture issues.
When asked about Hawai`i Electric Light Co. and electric rates, he said, “They have us by the long hairs. Our rates are atrocious.” He said there has to be a way to “reduce the needs of HELCO” and to help lower prices.
When asked how many of the candidates have read the integrated solid waste resource plan for the county, Wilson said he hadn’t. David said she attended hearings on it, and Abbett said he recently reviewed it.

David said she could not give a pro or con on the idea of an incinerator without the request for proposals for county waste processing facilities moving forward to provide her with “all the information.”

County Council District Six candidate Jim Wilson is a Rotary Club member.
Photo by Julia Neal

Wilson said the community can’t keep putting garbage in a hole in the ground and that he would support the best way to dispose of it, including recycling and upcycling.
Abbett took the strongest stand against the incinerator. “There is a good reason they haven’t been built for 20 years,” he said. He called incinerators “an all around outdated idea.” He also said that the RFP requirement that the chosen technology for processing waste for Hawai`i County have a minimum 15-year history elsewhere is “an excuse to use old technology.” He said an incinerator “would completely erode” the county’s zero waste policies.
Former County Council member Bob Jacobson asked, “Do you know who makes policy” for the county? Wilson answered first with the correct answer, the County Council.
Questions were asked on whether the new council member would be independent in his or her considerations and decision-making from the mayor and county administration.
All promised to study the issues and make their decisions independently. Abbett said he would do everything he could to set a reasonable tone at council meetings and to create a more mature outlook by council members. He said that personality conflicts, personal problems and conflicts between districts currently hinder the council’s work.
David said she would always go to the people, study issues and abide by the legal process.
See more on the forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

The candidates participate in another forum Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

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Registration for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run is available online.

A PAHALA BUILDER NAILED THE STATE SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP for shotguns shooting aerial clay targets. Mike Munnerlyn traveled to Maui along with other Big Islanders Milford Tabura, Tracy Lewis and Alford Pestrello - all from Hilo - as well as Jimmy Watt from Mountain View and Tom Griffith from Kona. In C class, Tabura placed second. In D class, Griffith placed third, and in E class, Munnerlyn placed first.

Munnerlyn will shoot in the National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas in October.

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KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN IS COMING UP SATURDAY, SEPT. 20. This first time opportunity through private property offers breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of the Ka`u Coast and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
All runs and walks start at 7:30 a.m., beginning and finishing at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The 5K is an easy, family-friendly run or walk through macadamia nut orchards and coffee fields. The 10K follows the 5K course then climbs to higher elevations through a eucalyptus tree forest. The Half Marathon follows the 10K course before shifting into high gear and intensity through grazing pastures and former sugarcane fields to the highest elevation of 3,100 feet, then winds down through newly planted coffee fields.

Awards go to top three men and women overall and top three men and women in age groups from 19 and under to 70 and over.

After the run, participants can enjoy award-winning Ka`u Coffee, food, entertainment and many other family-friendly activities. A Kendama tournament is also planned.

KDEN's final performances of Ruddigore are tonight and tomorrow afternoon.
Photo from KDEN

Registration for all events is available online at race360.com/21357. High school team members can participate for $10. Registration on or before Aug. 19 is $30 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K and $50 for the Half Marathon. Fees increase $5 from Aug. 19 through Sept. 13, and late registration is an additional $20.
The event is sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, and all proceeds stay in Ka‘ū to benefit the Ka`u community.

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ROMANCE AND HUMOR ABOUND IN KDEN’S production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore, or, The Witch’s Curse. Final performances are today at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors over 60 and $10 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling 982-7344.

For more information call the number above, email kden73@aol.com, or see KDEN’s Facebook page.

HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY IS BRINGING speakers to Ka`u tomorrow. Filipino leaders Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak with farmers, farm workers and others at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A potluck begins at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact Kasha Ho at 808-681-7688 or kho@centerforfoodsafety.org.

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE David Ige comes to Ka`u Monday for a talk story session at the Pahala home of Marion Villanueva at 4 p.m. The address is 96-1174 Holei Street, on the corner of Pikake Street. Ige, Finance chair of the state Senate, is challenging sitting governor Neil Abercrombie for the Democratic Party nomination in the Aug. 9 primary election.

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION hosts a free community wildfire preparedness workshop Monday at Pahala Elementary School from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Topics include how to mitigate wildfire issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications, how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan and what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures.
For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

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

See kacalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Tours and screenings of a film about Kilauea Military Detention Camp during WWII take place Tuesday. Drawing by
Japanese-American Yoshio "George" Hoshida courtesy of Japanese National Museum and NPS

THE COUNTY COUNCIL FORUM sponsored by Volcano Rotary Club on Saturday showcased the reasons the three candidates for District Six, from Volcano through Ka`u to South Kona, see themselves as fit to represent the region. The primary election is Saturday, Aug. 9, with walk-in voting beginning tomorrow at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 7.

A candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote will become the new council member representing the south side of the Big Island. If everyone receives less than 50 percent plus one vote, a runoff will take place in the Nov. 4 general election.

From left, Richard Abbett, Maile David and Jim Wilson are
running for County Council District Six. Photo by Julia Neal

During yesterday’s forum, candidate Maile Medeiros David noted that she was raised in a big family in Kona. “I was fortunate being born and raised here to raise my children in my home town,” she said. She talked about children staying nearby when they grow up as everybody’s dream. She reviewed her 30-year career as a paralegal and her work as a council staff member under former county council member Angel Pilago. “I know how government works and should work,” she said.

David said her life’s work is to preserve and protect native Hawaiian cultural resources and said they are tied to protection of the environment. She said she personally filed lawsuits when government was sidestepping laws. She said she stopped dredging of a marina, stopped dredging two of three swimming holes that were being dug on weekends for the Hualalai resort. She said she worked on Native Hawaiian access to cultural and environmental sites.
David noted that her work helped lead to the requirement of not only environmental impact statements but also cultural impact statements.
She called the stopping of a seven-story condominium project at a sacred site on Ali`i Drive as one of her most important efforts.
David said she drafted the legislation that bans GMO kalo (taro) and GMO coffee. She said she works on the problem of gang cesspools being changed over to sewage systems that protect the environment.
She described becoming a County Council member a “natural progression” in her life. “I would like to know I did everything for my community and, more importantly, my people,” she said. She said her job to solve a problem would be – after talking with the community – “to create legislation to fix it.”
When asked how she views Volcano, since she is a Kona resident, she talked about coming to the farmers market and appreciating the community. “Volcano is not going to be an orphan child,” she said. “I will always be available.”
See more from the forum on candidate Richard Abbett in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs. See more on candidate Jim Wilson in yesterdays Ka`u News Briefs.
Another forum for County Council District Six candidates begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4 at Ocean View Community Center.

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Representing Pahala Dojo in a recent tournament were, left to right, Cliff Field Sensei,
Susan Field Senpai, Francisco Villa, Jake Villa, Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy,
Cheydon Kaluahine-Salmo, Josiah Barrios, Maiki Cofer,
John Poetzel and Jack Minassian. Photo from Cliff Field

PAHALA KARATE DOJO PARTICIPATED in the International Karate League tournament held in Hilo July 12. The International Karate League holds a tournament every year, rotating through each of its six regions. The six regions include dojos in Hawai`i, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota and North Carolina. This year was Region Two’s turn, and the hosting dojo was Kea`au Dojo, with Wilbur Mina as Sensei.
The tournament attracted 160 competitors from all regions throughout the school and was held at the Edith Kanaka`ole stadium. Representing Pahala Dojo were Cliff Field Sensei, Susan Field Senpai, Jack Minassian (Black belt), Francisco Villa (Brown Belt), Jake Villa (Junior Brown Belt), Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy (Junior Brown Belt), Maiki Cofer (Green Belt), Josiah Barrios (Junior Green Belt), Cheydon Kaluahine-Salmo (Junior Green Belt) and John Poetzel (White Belt).
Sensei and Senpai Field and Jack Minassian helped with officiating while the others participated as competitors in their respective divisions. Francisco Villa placed second in the men’s brown belt kumite (sparring) division, Jake Villa placed second in the junior brown belt kata division, Maiki Cofer placed third in the adult green belt kumite division, and Josiah Barrios placed third in the junior green belt kata division. All junior competitors who did not place received a participation medal.

In addition to the tournament, there were other events throughout the weekend including picnics, a training seminar, banquet and a tour of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Sensei Mark Svenkeson and his family from the dojo in Forest Lake, Minnesota participated in Pahala Dojo’s Tuesday night training.
Pahala Dojo practices every Tuesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and is open to new students of all ages.

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Arroya Rivas serves possibly the world's first Green Drink shave ice
to Wayne Kawachi, of `O Ka`u Kakou. Photo from Kalu Oyama

GOT GREEN? FREE GREEN DRINKS WERE SERVED to over 700 students, teachers, staff, and parents/community members at Na`alehu Elementary School’s May Celebration held on the last day of school. “The yummy Green Drinks were full of nutritious and delicious greens from our school garden and Hawaiian-grown fruits. Green Drink is a nutritional wave that is up and coming to all of the Hawai`i Islands,” said garden educator and mentor Arroya Rivas. Rivas introduced the Green Drinks to school students, staff, and community members two years ago. “This year, we decided to go all the way. We also handed out nutritional data along with a Green Drink recipe,” she said.
Each Green Drink contained a healthy portion of kale, beet greens, purslane and lettuce. “The addition of juicy pineapples and ripe bananas gave it a delicious flavor. It was awesome to witness kids with green mustaches holding up their empty cups and asking for more,” said Kalu Oyama, FoodCorps Service member and site leader.

Rivas and Oyama called on the community to help make the event possible and sent a big mahalo to Rudy Balala, Maui Pineapple, Richard Ha, Hamakua Springs Country Farms, Na`alehu School and principal Darlene Javar, Nancy Redfeather, Hawai`i Island School Garden Network, Eugene Strehler, Wayne Kawachi, Shaunda Fujikawa, Kamaki Boy Fujikawa, Otis Salmo, Tess Castaneda, Dell Shultz, Carol Porter and Rolland Alcoran.
Rivas and Oyama shared their recipe from Na`alehu School Garden Kitchen for approximately one serving of Green Drink. Rivas suggested playing with the ratio of fruits and leafy greens to satisfy individual tastes.
In a blender, put about one-half cup of water. Add one William banana or two apple bananas. Add between one-quarter to one-half cup of pineapple chunks to the blender. Chop a few leaves of a leafy green vegetable like kale, beet greens, Swiss Chard, spinach, bok choy or lettuce. Add greens to the blender, and blend until smooth.
Rivas suggested rotating the greens you use and keeping it simple: greens, fruit and water. Also, too much water can make the drink taste bland. “Frozen bananas make the Green Drink thick and yummy,” she said. “Try using a variety of frozen fruit.”

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Sen. David Ige, candidate for governor,
comes to Pahala tomorrow.

HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY IS BRINGING speakers to Ka`u today. Filipino leaders Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak with farmers, farm workers and others at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A potluck begins at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Kasha Ho at 808-681-7688 or kho@centerforfoodsafety.org.

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE DAVID IGE COMES TO KA`U tomorrow. A talk story session at the Pahala home of Marion Villanueva begins at 4 p.m. The address is 96-1174 Holei Street, on the corner of Pikake Street. Ige, Finance chair of the state Senate, is challenging sitting governor Neil Abercrombie for the Democratic Party nomination in the Aug. 9 primary election.

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION hosts a free community wildfire preparedness workshop tomorrow at Pahala Elementary School from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Topics include how to mitigate wildfire issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications, how to develop a clear and achievable family emergency plan and what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures.
For more information, email pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, call 808-885-0900, or see hawaiiwildfire.org.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK OFFERS FREE GUIDED TOURS of the former World War II detention camp site at Kilauea Military Camp on Tuesday and shows the documentary, The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i.

The one-hour tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. focus on Japanese residents of Hawai`i who were detained at Kilauea Military Camp during World War II. Park archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura and archive technician Geoff Mowrer lead the tours. Limited copies of the new National Park Service cultural resources report, A Silent Farewell, will be available.
At 1 p.m., the documentary is screened at KMC’s Lava Lounge adjacent to the post office. That evening, the park shows the film as part of its After Dark in the Park series at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Filmmaker Ryan Kawamoto and Carole Hayashino, president and director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i, present both showings of the documentary.
While the story of the 1942 mass roundup, eviction and imprisonment of Japanese Americans in California, Oregon and Washington has been well documented, very little is known about Hawai`i internees and their unique experience during World War II. This is the first full-length documentary to chronicle this untold story in Hawai`i’s history.
The tours and film screenings are free. No registration is required. Participants meet at KMC’s check-in area at near the flagpole. Park entrance fees apply.

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

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Hawai`i Wildlife Fund begins its Marine Debris Keiki Education & Outreach program on Hawai`i Island this fall with activities to introduce topics like ocean circulation, marine ecology and human impacts. Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF

INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATORS FOR PROTECTION of small farms, farm workers and the public from pesticides, GMOs and the taking over of small farms by corporate interests spoke at Pahala Community Center last night. The event was sponsored by Hawai`i Center for Food Safety; Pesticide Action Network, North America; Pesticide Action Network, Asia and the Pacific; The Ceres Trust; and Hawai`i Seed. The second of two presentations on the Big Island will be this evening at University of Hawai`i-Hilo in Room 1 at Wentworth Hall.
Dr. Romero Quijano, a medical doctor, talked about his research as a physician into the causes of cancers, birth defects and other ailments where massive pesticide use, including aerial spraying, has blanketed farms and farmer housing. Much of his work has been done in the Philippines, his native country, and other Asian locales on banana, palm oil and other plantations, where protective gear and regulations are not as strictly enforced as in the U.S.
However, he contended that pesticides everywhere get into the air and water and affect not only people nearby but the entire planet. He said that the highest concentration of pesticides in the breast milk of mothers is in the Arctic, far away from where it is sprayed.
He talked about the need for public health officials, planners and physicians to look at health as the balance of the entire person, from their exposure to pesticides, to their living conditions, family and work stress and access to clean water. Giving people drugs when they show up with an illness is not the way to practice medicine, he said, and reported that studies of physicians show that they tend to be influenced more and more by pharmaceutical companies the longer they are out of medical school.

Dr. Romeo Quijano spoke on farm issues at Pahala Community Center yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

Regarding genetically engineered or genetically modified organisms, Quijano contended that the GMO material can spread into the environment and that microbes that cause human disease can take up the resistance bred into the GMOs and make them more resistant to antibiotics and other treatments.
He said that he takes issue with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approving of GMO crops as “substantially equivalent” when they look like the food that they are mimicking. He said that would be like saying two people are the same person because they have one nose and two eyes. He called the FDA approvals unscientific and called for use of the precautionary principle, to make sure food is safe before being marketed.
Regarding land security for small farmers and the analysis of food production via large plantations versus small farms, Quijano said some analysts do not include the cost of mass-scale agriculture when it comes to pesticide illnesses, poor health in the community and environmental degradation. He gave examples of a mining project and a palm oil plantation destroying native forests, leaving the indigenous local people without their traditional source of food. “Of course they become less healthy” when their land, their food source and their way of living is disrupted, he said.
Gilbert Sape spoke about community organizing and said that such issues need to be discussed not only on the United Nations level, where he is a negotiator, but at the local level. He talked about U.N. efforts on the Food Security committee of the Food & Agricultural Organization. He talked about the idea of responsible agricultural investments, which he said are difficult to negotiate. Sape said he also works on rights to the land and reported on indigenous Asian people going to court and proving their family has been using lands for many generations in order to be able to stay on land and farm in their traditional ways.
Quijano talked about a small village where, he said, pesticides led to many cancers and deformities. He contended that it was organizing of the villagers that led to an eventual ban, almost worldwide, on a pesticide. He said he has been sued by a plantation where he was documenting the pesticide risks. It was painful; it cost him money, but, he said, it gave the cause more publicity and helped win the case.
See more at www.panap.net, www.panna.org and www.centerforfoodsafety.org.
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Richard Abbett spoke on environmental issues at Saturday's candidate
forum in Volcano. Photo by Nalani Parlin

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX CANDIDATE RICHARD ABBETT, of Ocean View, discussed his work on environmental issues at Volcano Rotary Club’s forum held Saturday. He spoke of experience on the mainland working with water quality and wildlife as it relates to issues in Hawai`i, where he worked on nearshore water and reef issues. He said that in the Pacific Northwest, he was amazed at how salmon went from prolific to almost an endangered species. He said he operated a hunting and fishing outfit when the salmon habitat collapsed, damaging his business. He said he volunteered for Trout Unlimited, which took up the salmon issue, and became a lobbyist for the issue in the state of Washington and in Washington, D.C. He said he was involved in negotiations during the Salmon Wars in the late 1990s when Canada wouldn’t let American fishing boats travel through Canadian waters to reach Alaska for the wild salmon harvest there.

Maile Medeiros David is one of three candidates vying for
County Council District Six. Photo by Julia Neal

Abbett said he successfully worked to remove pesticides from waters where salmon spawn, achieving clearance of pesticides from 80 percent of the topical area of the state of Washington, then reaching into Oregon with the same project.
He said that Hawai`i is 20 years behind some places on the mainland in setting policy and carrying out plans to protect resources. He said it takes community building, planning for 20 years ahead of time.

Abbett promoted his idea of a green industry park, which, he said, would create three to four times the number of family-wage jobs than building an incinerator to get rid of the island’s waste stream. He said that transfer stations should change to commodity centers, and more of them should be sited around the island. Such places would have trash sorting and offer space to businesses that would make mulch and compost as well as recycle and upcycle building materials, metals, plastics and other discarded items, creating jobs. He said management of waste should include more education and outreach.

Jim Wilson will join the other two County Council District Six
candidates at a forum at Ocean View Ocean View Community
Center on next Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

Abbett also said he would support commercial garbage pickup operations that would be allowed to take trash and recyclables to local transfer stations rather than driving them to Hilo or Kona. The other two candidates also said they support legislation to allow the practice.
See yesterday’s Ka`u News Briefs for forum coverage of Maile Medeiros David and Saturday’s for Jim Wilson.
The three candidates meet at another forum Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

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WALK-IN VOTING BEGAN TODAY at Pahala Community Center. Registered Ka`u residents can vote weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The primary election is Saturday, Aug. 9.

HWF works with Ka`u's Imi Pono No Ka `Aina to
float microplastic debris from sand at Kamilo Point.
Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND BEGINS ITS MARINE DEBRIS Keiki Education & Outreach program on Hawai`i Island this fall. MDKEO brings two marine science mentors into 20 different elementary schools to introduce topics like ocean circulation, marine ecology and human impacts like marine debris. Mentors work with Hawai`i Island teachers to coordinate relevant student activities that meet the math and science benchmarks and Common Core standards for the state of Hawai`i Department of Education in grades from kindergarten to five. These in-class lectures conclude with student presentations of potential solutions to reduce marine debris here in Hawai`i and elsewhere throughout the Pacific Basin. The program culminates with a family Beach Cleanup Day at local marine debris hubs including Ka`u’s Kamilo Point.

The program began with financial support from an HWF T-shirt fundraiser and will now be sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program.
For more information or to sign up a classroom, contact Catherine at spina.HWF@gmail.com. For more information about volunteering for the next Ka`u Coast cleanup event, contact Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629. Find additional resources and details about HWF’s ongoing conservation projects at wildhawaii.org.

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GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE DAVID IGE COMES TO KA`U today for a talk story session at the Pahala home of Marion Villanueva at 4 p.m. The address is 96-1174 Holei Street, on the corner of Pikake Street. Ige, Finance chair of the state Senate, is challenging sitting governor Neil Abercrombie for the Democratic Party nomination in the Aug. 9 primary election.

THE FORMER WORLD WAR II DETENTION SITE at Kilauea Military Camp is tomorrow’s topic of tours and screenings of the documentary, The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i.
One-hour tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Showings of the documentary are at 1 p.m. at KMC’s Lava Lounge and 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
The tours and film screenings are free. No registration is required. For tours, participants meet at KMC’s check-in area at near the flagpole. Park entrance fees apply.

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

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Gubernatorial candidate Sen. David Ige meet with Ka`u residents in Pahala yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

SEN. DAVID IGE WANTS TO BRING A NEW STYLE of leadership to the governor’s office, he told Ka`u voters at a coffee hour in Pahala yesterday held at the home of Marion Villanueva. Hoping to win the Democratic primary election to unseat Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Aug. 9, Ige said his leadership is based on being open and honest, listening to all views and “doing the right thing the right way.”
Pahala resident Bobby Gomes asked Ige about “constant threats” of benefits for kupuna being taken away by the state. “The state pushes us around,” he said. Ige, chair of the state Senate Ways & Means Committee, said he would not let the governor balance the budget on the backs of kupuna and retirees. He said he and the state Legislature fought Gov. Neil Abercrombie “tooth and nail” when the governor proposed taxing pensions.
Ige also said that, under his leadership, the Legislature focused on making sure trust funds for state pensions and health insurance are in good financial shape.

Sen. David Ige Photo by Ron Johnson

Regarding a new law requiring some board and commission members to provide financial disclosure, Ige said it is in the public’s interest.
In his opinion, recent resignations of members following approval of the law “demonstrate why we need financial disclosure.” In some cases, he said, boards and commissions have become about special interests rather than public service. The financial disclosure, which is the same as required of other public servants, will allow communities to “keep and eye on them.” He said he is confident that many qualified citizens will be willing to “serve and disclose.”
“Public education is the great equalizer,” Ige said. It is “the gateway and creator of opportunities.” He criticized the Department and Board of Education for their “one size fits all” approach and said "those closest to the children are the most qualified to decide what’s best for them.”
Equity and access are Ige’s concerns regarding the question of whether taxpayer dollars should go to private preschools. While he is not in favor of it, “My personal view is it’s the community’s decision,” he said. He pointed out that private preschools are usually not in communities that need them and that every child should have an equal opportunity for early education. “Are the private preschools willing to operate as public schools?” he asked.
Growing food and energy crops is another priority for Ige. He said the state needs to commit 200,000 acres to farming, with food being the primary focus. “Ag can be a thriving industry,” he said. He supports small family farms and organic farming.
Ige also expressed interest in trying to help with the issue of land security for Ka`u Coffee farmers, who could possibly lose the land where their award-winning coffee is grown. Many of the farmers’ leases on land provided after sugar production ceased about 18 years ago have expired, and the land is currently up for sale. He said he will talk to some of the farmers in the near future.
Regarding biofuel production, Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton told Ige, “One of our biggest concerns is the cost of energy.” She told Ige that a biofuel project here would have resulted in higher electric rates. Ige said, “I couldn’t get that project,” but that he recently met a farmer who is producing biofuel that he says is cheaper.
Protecting the environment is another priority, said Ige. Pahala resident Peter Volpe said, “The legislators ought to appreciate what we have here in Hawai`i” in regard to invasive species. Ige responded that the lack of invasive species control is about “a lack of leadership” from the governor. He said the Legislature has supported funding for more inspectors at points of entry and other programs for the last four years and is frustrated that implementation has taken so long.
He discussed little fire ants and said a protocol is in place to treat colonies once they are identified.
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Dan Brinkman

DAN BRINKMAN IS INTERIM REPLACEMENT AS CEO of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i Region, reports Pacific Business News. He replaces Howard Ainsley, whose resignation is effective Aug. 9.

Brinkman said he is interested in becoming the permanent CEO. “But I also feel strongly that the organization should look and see who is out there and who best fits,” he told reporter Matt Tuohy.
Brinkman joined Hilo Medical Center in 2007 as the chief nurse executive and became regional chief operating officer in early 2014. He came from Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center, where he was an assistant administrator of interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
He has an associate’s degree in nursing from Pikes Peak Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Augusta State College in Georgia and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Colorado.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE IS BEGINNING ITS construction phase on Hawai`i Island, following last Friday’s approval of a sublease by Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources. Contingent on that decision, TMT’s International Observatory Board of Directors recently approved the initial phase of construction, with activities near the summit of Mauna Kea scheduled to start later this year.
Initial construction activities will include grading the site in preparation for future building work, enabling a site dedication ceremony in October. A statement from the TMT organization said it is committed to work within a plan for responsible development on Mauna Kea created by the Office of Mauna Kea Management.
“TMT has worked for many years to design an unprecedented telescope, but also to work with the community to incorporate respect for Mauna Kea in our stewardship,” said Gary Sanders, Project Manager for TMT. “It is an honor and a privilege to now begin building our next-generation observatory in so special a place.”
TMT will now make its first annual contribution to The Hawai`i Island New Knowledge (THINK) Fund, a program that promotes science, technology, engineering, and math education across grades K-12, secondary and post-secondary education. Over the life of the TMT lease on Mauna Kea, TMT will give $1 million per year to the THINK Fund.

Thirty Meter Telescope is beginning its construction phase.
Photo from tmt.org

In the construction sector, TMT will create about 300 full-time construction jobs. TMT has committed to the hiring of union workers for these positions. Looking further ahead, during operations, TMT will have a staff of about 120-140, which will be drawn as much as possible from Hawai`i Island’s available labor pool. A workforce pipeline program in the meantime will also educate and train island residents for jobs with TMT, as well as other observatories and high-tech industries.
“The start of construction of TMT is great news for Hawai`i Island residents,” said Sandra Dawson, TMT’s Manager of Hawai`i Community Affairs. “We are proud to be a good citizen of the community as we all work toward building a revolutionary astronomical instrument.”

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THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 1 IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT comments regarding newly proposed Agricultural Worker Protection Standard rules.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently issued proposed changes to the WPS to increase protections from pesticide exposure for the nation’s agricultural workers and their families. See epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html.
The Western Integrated Pest Management Center recognizes the importance of stakeholder input on this issue and the need to convey the opinions of growers, pest managers and other stakeholders in the West to federal decision-makers.
To facilitate this input, the Center developed a survey for stakeholders to respond to the major proposed changes. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

To access the survey, see surveymonkey.com/s/K2ZG3ZD.

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U.S. Army Signal Corps Formation at Kilauea Military camp in the 1940's.
Photo from NPS

THE FORMER WORLD WAR II DETENTION SITE at Kilauea Military Camp is today’s topic of a tour and screenings of the documentary, The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i.
Showings of the documentary are at 1 p.m. at KMC’s Lava Lounge and 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. A one-hour tour begins at 2:30 p.m.
The tours and film screenings are free. No registration is required. For tours, participants meet at KMC’s check-in area at near the flagpole. Park entrance fees apply.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT HAS SET DATES for August. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails on Fridays, Aug 1, 15 and 29 and Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

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A tour at Kilauea Military Camp yesterday highlighted its history as an internment camp where Hawai`i Island Japanese Americans were detained during the first five months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Photos by Ron Johnson

SIGNAGE AT SITES USED FOR INTERNMENT of Japanese Americans at Kilauea Military Camp during World War II is being developed, according to Laura Schuster, Chief of Cultural Resources Division for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The signs will commemorate KMC’s history as a temporary internment camp of Japanese Issei, first generation immigrants, and Nissei, second generation. Schuster announced the effort during a tour of the facilities yesterday.

Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura, with red backpack, shows historic photos outside
KMC's Recreation Hall which served as barracks for detainees during WWII.

HVNP archaeologist Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura and archive technician Geoffrey Mowrer led tours of KMC’s facilities where more than 100 Hawai`i Island residents were detained during the first five months following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first detainees arrived at KMC on Dec. 7, 1941, the day of the attack. Beginning on Feb. 20, 1942, they began to be transferred to other internment camps on O`ahu and the mainland. More continued to arrive, and the last left KMC on May 7, 1942.

The current Recreation Center housed the internees in a room 100 feet long by 50 feet wide. Internees came from a Custodial Detention List, created by the FBI prior to the outbreak of war with Japan, of citizens, enemy aliens and foreign nationals who were considered dangerous. The list focused on businessmen, consular agents, Japanese language school teachers and principals, Buddhist and Shinto priests and those who had Japanese military service or who were deemed to have extreme nationalistic sentiments and were therefore considered a danger to American security. According to written accounts of detainee Yoshio Hoshida that Moniz-Nakamura shared, the common thing among he and seven other men picked up at the same time was their participation in an organization that promoted judo and other Japanese self-defense arts.

While at KMC, detainees were confined to their barracks and were marched to the adjacent mess hall, now Crater Rim Café, for meals. Guards on foot surrounded them. Also, a bell tower that stood in front of the mess hall was converted to a guard tower, on top of which a machine-gun position was erected. The men were allowed outside one hour per day, when the would play basketball and throw balls to each other, and the older men would sit on benches in the sun. Their averages ages were from 50 to 60 years old.

Filmmaker Ryan Kawamoto, HVNP Cultural Resources chief Laura
Schuster and Carole Hayashino, of Japanese Cultural Center of
Hawai`i, joined the Kilauea Military Camp tour yesterday.

During their detention at KMC, some of the Japanese Americans got to visit family members once. On Feb. 15 and 16 of 1942, families traveled to KMC for three-hour visits. The first day, families were allowed into the barracks. On the second day, however, because of an infraction that happened the day before, families had to view their loved ones through wire mesh across the porch.

Filmmaker Ryan Kawamoto and Carole Hayashino, president and director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i, presented screenings of The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i before and after the tours. Hayashino said the center is working to find ways to memorialize WWII internment sites throughout Hawai`i. When the film was made, 13 sites were known. There are now 17 known sites, with three on Hawai`i Island.

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES ARE PROPOSING programs to provide customers more options for saving on their electric bills while supporting adoption of more clean energy, reducing the use of more expensive fossil-fueled generation and relieving stress on the electric grid. The programs are outlined in the utilities’ Integrated Demand Response Portfolio Plan filed with the Public Utilities Commission yesterday.
The plan lays out new and enhanced “demand response” programs for residential, commercial, industrial and water pumping customers. Under the programs, customers receive financial incentives for shifting energy use to certain times of the day or voluntarily allowing the output of certain appliances or equipment to be adjusted if necessary to help maintain reliable service for island grids.
Traditionally, when demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day, utilities have focused on meeting that demand by adjusting the supply of power. This becomes more challenging as variable renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, continue to increase. The possibility of power outages increases when these resources suddenly stop producing power. Demand response programs allow utilities to adjust demand to help maintain the balance between customer use (demand) and generation (supply).
Also, according to HECO, demand response programs can be a more cost-effective option than using energy storage or oil-fired generation to balance demand and supply.

In addition, by offering lower or higher prices during certain times of the day, some demand response programs encourage customers to shift energy use to specific times, such as when solar and wind systems are producing the most power. This can maximize use of wind and solar power that might otherwise be wasted.
“Demand response programs are a win-win for our customers and the environment,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric vice president for corporate planning and business development. “With demand response, customers get financial rewards that lower their monthly bills. We reduce the use of more expensive generators to meet electricity needs. And together we can unlock the potential for more low-cost renewable energy.”
To help enroll customers, Hawaiian Electric Companies plan to work with independent companies that also have experience implementing demand response. This includes coordinating with Hawai`i Energy, the PUC-appointed public benefits fund administrator that manages energy efficiency programs, including rebates for solar water heating and energy efficient appliances.
Subject to review and approval by the PUC, existing programs will be revised and new ones developed and rolled out in 2015.
The new demand response portfolio complements the use of large-scale energy storage as another way to support clean energy while maintaining reliable service. HECO recently issued a request for proposals for large-scale energy storage and is currently reviewing bids.

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Map from DLNR/DFW

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES is seeking new projects for the Hawai`i Forest Legacy Program to protect important working forest lands from the threat of conversion to non-forest uses. The U.S. Forest Service-funded Forest Legacy Program, administered through DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, welcomes applications for conservation acquisition assistance.
Hawai`i Forest Legacy Program works with private landowners, conservation nonprofit groups, the counties and other state agencies to promote sustainable, healthy forests.
DFW is also currently working on projects that will protect an additional 5,000 acres of important forested watershed lands through the establishment of conservation easements.
A conservation easement allow a landowner to retain ownership of the restricted title to their property while providing permanent protection from development or unsustainable uses, providing landowners with an alternative to selling their land to development companies. While entering into a conservation easement is voluntary, restrictions are binding to all future owners in perpetuity.
Hawai`i Forest Legacy Program has identified forest lands throughout the state as important and in need of permanent protection, complementing the state’s broader watershed initiative, The Rain Follows the Forest. See dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/forest-legacy.
The Hawai`i program accepts both fee title and conservation easement acquisitions. Fee title acquisitions are voluntary and can provide landowners with the knowledge that their property will be managed and owned in perpetuity by the state.
The deadline for the next round of applications is Wednesday, Aug. 20. Applications can be found at the website above and should be submitted to Irene Sprecher by email at Irene.M.Sprecher@Hawaii.gov. Landowners and nonprofits entities who are interested in participating in the Forest Legacy Program are encouraged to contact Sprecher at 808-587-4167 or by email to discuss their property and interest in the program.

Manu Josiah and Leilehua Yuen present Sunset Hula Friday. Photo from VAC

EARLY WALK-IN VOTING CONTINUES AT PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 7.

SUNSET HULA BEGINS AT 6 P.M. ON FRIDAY at the kahua hula (platform) near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This month’s event features Manu Josiah and Leilehua Yuen, who are known for their blending of storytelling, science, chant and hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. Some of their students join them for an evening of traditional chant and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply.

ZENTANGLE: THE BASICS TAKES PLACE Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. This pre-requisite for subsequent Zentangle classes provides a foundation in the philosophy, ceremony and benefits of tangling. $40 VAC members/$45 nonmembers. Call 967-8222 to register.

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

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Berta Miranda clutches her Bible, fearing her coffee farm was obliterated during the 2012 fires around Pahala. Fortunately
she was spared. Photo by William Neal

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR FIRE PREVENTION projects in Ka`u, according to Elizabeth Pickett, Executive Director of Hawai`i Wildlife Management Organization. At a presentation about wildland fires given at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School this week, Pickett said residents and groups can come up with ideas and apply for funding with a match in volunteer time. One idea she mentioned was chipping of waste to reduce vegetation. An idea brought up at the meeting was using fire resistant plants to beautify and protect the east entrance to Pahala, where a fire in 2012 jumped mauka over Hwy 11 and marched up Kamani Street to threaten Ka`u Hospital.

Firefighters spray retardant to
protect entrance to Pahala town.
Photo by Julia Neal

Percentage-wise compared to every other state, at least as much, and perhaps more, land burns in Hawai`i every year. Between 2002 and 2011, Hawai`i experienced 900 wildland fire ignitions per year, and 17,000 acres burned per year. Also, the number of large fires is increasing along with their intensity. While in such places as California, the natural maturation and renewal of the wildlands can be through range fires, Hawai`i's native plants are not built to reproduce after fires.
One quarter of state land in Hawai`i is now covered in nonnative grasses that are prone to fire, Pickett said. These grasses grow during rainy seasons, then dry out during dry periods and create fuel for wildfires. They also crowd out seedlings of native plants that are less fire-prone. Fire prone grasses can even become a problem in areas fenced off from ungulates to protect native species.

Pickett and her colleague Pablo Beimler focused on the organization’s Ready, Set, Go Wildland Fire Action Guide, with information about saving lives and property through advanced planning.

The 2012 fires around Pahala threatened the hospital and homes, burning
macadamia orchards, some coffee lands and pasture. Photo by Julia Neal

Preparing property for fire threat includes landscaping and limiting access points where fire can enter homes. Creating defensible space around homes involves removing dead and dying vegetation within 100 feet of homes and managing vegetation where fire could jump from grass to shrubs to trees.

Windows are the most vulnerable entry points, Beimler said, because they break from heat of fires. He suggested remove shrubbery from under windows or cutting it low and maintaining it well. Screening lattice below houses will help prevent the embers from blowing through the pukas.
Securing any point that is vulnerable to embers is also important, he said. Gutter guards and vents covers with openings one-quarter inch or less prevent embers from entering. Enclosing eaves also prevents embers from landing in rafters, where they can easily ignite lumber.
During a wildland fire, being aware of the situation and changing conditions is crucial. The HWMO personnel emphasized that smoke, wind and fire conditions can change rapidly and residents need to have and evacuation plan. “Find out where you should go, and leave early,” they said.
HWMO is planning a Ka`u Fire Preparedness meeting in November when experts will update a list of community concerns, priorities and project ideas.
Established in 2002, HVMO is the only nonprofit organization in Hawai`i that focuses specifically on wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation projects. It was started by fire chiefs, fire captains, land owners, land managers and conservationists. See more about it and the Ready, Set, Go program at hawaiiwildfire.org. To comment on or like this story, go tofacebook.com/kaucalendar.

Range fire swept to the shore from macadamia orchards below Pahala in 2012. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

WALK IN VOTING CONTINUES IN KA`U TODAY at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m until noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Primary Election will take place at local polling places: Miloli‘i Halau, Ocean View Community Center, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria and Cooper Center in Volcano. Polls are open on election days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Maile David campaigned yesterday in Pahala with her supporters.
Photo by Julia Neal

Registered Ka‘ū voters cast ballots for the following offices in the primary election: U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives District Two, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state Senate District Three, state House of Representatives Districts Three and Five, Office of Hawaiian Affairs At-Large Trustees and Hawai‘i County Council District Six. Sample ballots are available at hawaii.gov/elections.
On the ballot for Hawai‘i County Council District Six are Richard Abbett, of Ocean View; Maile Medeiros David, of Captain Cook; and Jim Wilson, of Volcano.

On the ballot for state Senate District Three are incumbent Josh Green, of Kailua-Kona, and Michael Last, of Nā‘ālehu.
State House of Representatives District Three candidates are Bill Dickson, of Mountain View; Fred Fogel, of Volcano; and incumbent Richard Onishi, of Hilo.

Richard Abbett runs in the primary for council and Dave Bateman, along with
Jon Lalanne and Randy Ruis, takes on the winner of the House Democratic
primary contest between Bucky Leslie and Richard Creagan. Photo by Julia Neal

Incumbent state Rep. Richard Creagan, of Nā‘ālehu, faces a challenge in the primary by fellow Democrat Gene “Bucky” Leslie, of Holualoa, in state House District Five. The winner goes on to the general election to face Republican Dave Bateman, of Holualoa, Libertarian Jon Lalanne and nonpartisan Randy Ruis, both of Ocean View.
Creagan said that during the League of Women Voters forum, he talked about his goals for the next legislative session, should he be elected. They include working on health care, integrating affordable health care with prepaid health care and getting a new hospital for Kona. He said one issue is the possible privatization of the Ka‘ū, Hilo and Kona Hospitals. Creagan said he and others support privatization but only if the company is Hawai‘i-based and unionized. He said that the private, mainland company that proposed taking over the system of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp. clinics and hospitals statewide is non-union and its “anti-union rhetoric can be found on its website.”
Creagan said another concern is that an outside hospital corporation could close Ka‘ū Hospital. “The safety net hospitals such as Ka‘ū and Kohala have to be preserved. One of the fears of bringing in the outside organizations is that they might want to shut them down.”
Creagan said that a more agreeable merger would be with a hospital like Queens Medical System, based on O‘ahu. Queens is already unionized and would not have a problem preserving the union jobs at Ka‘ū, Hilo and Kona, he said.
During the forum, Creagan, a physician, brought up the medical marijuana issue, saying he supports the expansion of indications for medical marijuana. He said later that he sees it as important especially in the case of veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. “Marijuana can be very helpful. It is approved for PTSD in five or six other states,” he told The Ka‘ū Calendar newspaper. Creagan is on the House task force to study setting up dispensaries for medical marijuana.

Incumbent Richard Creagan is on the ballot for the state House for West Ka`u,
incumbent Richard Onishi for East Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

A topic with consensus of apparently all the candidates is labeling of GMO foods. Creagan said that among the candidates, there are some differences, such as whether the federal government should take the lead on the issue – with federal proposals initiated by Ka‘ū’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Creagan said that in addition to federal measures, Hawai‘i should lead and establish a state requirement. “Hawai‘i should lead, not follow, but in the future the federal government should do it, too.”
Creagan said after the forum that one important issue not discussed was public funding for elections. He said that he supports public funding, but it is hard to pass at the Legislature because it does not favor incumbents. He said he will continue to push for it. “Our experience on the Big Island showed the power of public funding, brought more candidates out, allowed them to really compete with the big money interests. That is why Brittany Smart was able to win against candidates supported by big money. Brittany (Smart), Maile (Medeiros David) and Brenda (Ford) were able to get over $30,000 in funding.” Their campaigns for County Council brought out local issues and built awareness in the public, with Maile Medeiros David well recognized as she competes for County Council this year following two races with public funding. There is no public funding for any political positions in Hawai‘i this year, he noted.
Leslie said he wants to have a fresh approach to campaigning. He emphasized how his ‘ohana approach influences his way of getting things done.
Leslie said he wants to listen to constituents’ thoughts, concerns and ideas, “finding productive ways of working together as we strive and sometimes struggle to accommodate the change in our history.”
Leslie mentioned his experience as president of the Hawai‘i Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and said he and the club have written and sent bills and resolutions to the Legislature that have passed. He said his top priority in the Legislature would be “working with other people” and referred to the Legislature as an “elected ‘ohana.” He said, “Working together, we’ll get much more done than we can (individually). Together we can; together as one.”

Bucky Leslie, a Democrat, is running in the primary against Richard
Creagan for the west Ka`u House seat. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Regarding education, Leslie said educational opportunities for everyone – keiki and kūpuna – are important. He said, “The system is not working with us” and suggested reinstating programs “issued many years ago. Revise them and bring them back to the table.” He also said, “We need people who leave for education to come back.”
On the topic of health, Leslie said he thinks Kona Hospital is adequate but that more doctors and nurses are needed.
Leslie said he wants to “bring balance to the Legislature.” He characterized balance of working with legislators as “knowing how we can get things done.” He said the Legislature has “cut this balance off, that balance off” regarding bills that get modified to the point that they are no longer recognizable.
When asked how he would make Hawai‘i a more attractive state to do business in, Leslie answered, “How do they balance?” He again stressed his ‘ohana approach to how to work on the issue.
Regarding labeling of GMOs, Leslie said, “We should stand up and say ‘let’s go for it – let’s label this.’” Pointing to the audience, he said, “It’s all about you; it’s not about us.”
When asked about legalized gambling in Hawai‘i, Leslie said he had previously written a resolution for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs supporting gambling, but that he now doesn’t support it and wants more education about it.
In closing, Leslie stressed his desire to “continue to work with our people here and bring home a plate of wonderful things.” To comment on or like this story, go tofacebook.com/kaucalendar.

SUNSET HULA TOMORROW AT 6 P.M. graces the kahua hula (platform) near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This month’s event features Manu Josiah and Leilehua Yuen, who are known for their blending of storytelling, science, chant and hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. Some of their students join them for an evening of traditional chant and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply.

ZENTANGLE: THE BASICS are taught Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. This pre-requisite for subsequent Zentangle classes provides a foundation in the philosophy, ceremony and benefits of tangling. $40 VAC members/$45 nonmembers. Call 967-8222 to register.

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

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Kawika Yahiro, CEO of Uhane Pohaku No Moku O Hawai`i, gave a presentation about working with Ka`u youth during last night's
meeting at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. Photo by Julia Neal

YOUTH EDUCATION ORGANIZATION representatives met with Ka`u residents last night at the Old Pahala Clubhouse, introducing programs it hopes to establish locally. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, Inc. chief executive officer Kawika Yahiro said that founders Kawehi and Debbie Ryder accomplished such work elsewhere in Hawai`i by taking at-risk youth from 13 to 21 years of age into the outdoors to work in taro patches, fishponds and other cultural and natural environments. He gave a presentation of their work on Lana`i, showing restoration of lo`i and feedback from students.
Yahiro said the organization helps youth avoid risky behavior. He called it a community- and family-centered approach for project- and place-based learning. Uhane Pohaku offers cultural and spiritual appreciation along with experiential and self-discovery activities.

Restoration, conservation and preservation efforts bring students into their culture, where they can feel safe and build self-confidence, he explained. The students learn respect and caring for kupuna. They also learn how to keep waterways and the ocean clean.

A Pahala youth named Kyle works with Kawika Yahiro at the presentation
last night. Photo by Julia Neal

He and the Ryders talked about high-risk kids and more secure young people working together and bonding positively with the right adults leading the way.
One student wrote, “It took me away from the city life and got me very into my culture … people so friendly … so generous.” Two gang members and leaders immersed in outdoor education never went back to their gangs and are now working, Yahiro said.

Program organizers said the land “gives the opportunity to heal” and referred to the common practice within indigenous cultures: “One great task of all teenagers coming of age is to tell a story … their meaning in life, why they make a difference.”
The word "sustainability" was used a lot, and Yahiro talked about a young person who learned to farm and whom he asked, with his business hat on, “Where are you going to sell your product?” The young farmer said he was going to use his skills to feed his immediate family and his larger family, Yahiro said, leading Yahiro to think about sustainability in a different way.
He talked about the importance of rites of passage for all ages. “Celebrate birth; celebrate adulthood; celebrated marriage; celebrate death,” he said.
The organizers of the educational program said they hope to someday align with the schools here.
From the state Office of Youth Services, Edralyn Caberto said, to the surprise of many in attendance, that Ka`u has more youth in the criminal justice system per capita than in any other place in Hawai`i. She said that land- and ocean-based programs are healing. She said that working with kalo (taro) can be magic. “We want to create a place where people can be healthy,” she said and referred to Ryders’ programs that she witnessed on Lana`i.
Kawehi Ryder said he is starting to prepare for planting dry land taro in Wood Valley and for possible fishpond and lo`i restoration projects along the Ka`u Coast, approaching government agencies, private nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian groups and private landowners.

The organizers also talked about the term kino`ole, which most attending recognized as a street in Hilo. Yahiro said it means patience, which will be needed to immerse the program into the Ka`u community with good timing and meeting many members of the community, he noted.
The Ryders recently moved from Lana`i to Pahala, and Debbie Ryder is a kumu hula here. Contact them at 808-315-7033.

Spiral pattern indicates vog being wrapped into Hurricane Flossie.
Image from UH-Manoa

VOG CAN CONTRIBUTE TO FORMATION of thunderstorms and lightning, according to a study by atmospheric scientists at University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. UH-Manoa graduate assistant Andre Pattantyus and Atmospheric Science Professor Dr. Steven Businger found that microscopic gasses and particles from Kilauea exerted an influence on Tropical Storm Flossie in July of last year.
Pattantyus and Businger researched data from satellites that monitored lightning, rainfall, cloud cover, temperature and winds during Flossie. In addition, they maintained their vog model that provides guidance on the location of the vog plume and concentrations of sulfur dioxide and sulfate aerosol for Hawaiian Island communities.
They found that prior to Flossie’s passage over Hawai`i Island, there was no lightning in the storm. One hour later, vigorous lightning occurred as Flossie approached the island. “As volcanic emissions were wrapped into this moist environment, sulfate aerosols promoted the formation of a greater number of smaller than normal cloud droplets, which favored charge separation in the upper cloud region and the occurrence of lightning,” Businger said.
“This is the first interaction between an active, vigorously degassing volcano and a tropical cyclone captured by a vog model run over the Hawaiian Islands – providing a unique opportunity to analyze the influence of robust volcanic emissions entrained into a tropical storm system,” Businger said.
He also said the observations of Flossie’s changing dynamics as it encountered Kilauea’s vog has implications for the impact of polluted air on hurricanes as they approach the mainland coast.

“The Hawaiian Islands provide a unique environment to study this interaction in relative isolation from other influences,” according to Businger. He plans to model the interaction of the vog plume and Hurricane Flossie with a more complex model that integrates chemistry into the predictions to better understand the processes at work in this unique confluence.

Kamehameha Hawai`i campus covers 300 acres in Kea`au.
Photo from Kamehameha Schools

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS HAWAI`I K-12 PROGRAM applications for the 2015-16 school year are now available online at ksbe.edu/admissions. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2014.

The primary admission points are kindergarten and grades six and nine.
For kindergarteners, eligible applicants are born between Aug. 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010. As part of the transition from the previous age requirement, this year KS will also accept kindergarten applications from boys born in July 2009.
Applications for grades 10, 11 and 12 for are accepted, but spaces are limited and based on availability.
For more information, call 982-0100.

THE U.S. CONGRESS HAS APPROVED BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION taking a strong step toward overhauling the Veterans Administration. The bill incorporates the framework proposed by Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, requiring the VA to allow eligible veterans to visit doctors in their communities to receive care so they don’t have to wait months to see a doctor. It authorizes funding to hire more doctors and care providers and also gives the new VA secretary tools and flexibility to hold employees accountable and hire those who can lead the VA through the reforms.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a veteran of two tours of duty in the Middle East.
Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard said, “I won’t stop fighting until we uphold the commitment our nation made to our veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice.”

Sen. Brian Schatz said, “If there’s one area where Democrats and Republicans should be able to come together to find common ground, it’s making sure veterans have the health care they need.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “We’ve reached a deal that will help Hawai`i veterans access the care they need, reform the way we hold VA officials accountable and work to recruit more doctors and health care professionals to care for our veterans – but our work doesn’t stop here. … There are many issues within the VA that need to be addressed. I’m proud that we were able to work together with our colleagues in the House and look forward to continuing to improve VA care and services – our veterans deserve nothing less.”

ZENTANGLE: THE BASICS are taught tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. This pre-requisite for subsequent Zentangle classes provides a foundation in the philosophy, ceremony and benefits of tangling. $40 VAC members/$45 nonmembers.

Call 967-8222 to register.

`Ohi`a Lehua is the topic at a program Sunday. NPS Photo by Dave Boyle

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its free `Ohi`a Lehua program Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Participants bring lunch and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower.

For more information, call 985-6011.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS a candidate forum Monday at 6 p.m. County Council candidates Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson participate. This is their final forum before the Aug. 9 primary election.
Call 939-7033 for more information.

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

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All three District Six candidates for County Council campaigned in Na`alehu's Fourth of July parade and forums in Volcano, Pahala and South Kona, wrapping up before the Aug. 9 primary with a forum at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.

HUI MALAMA OLA NA `OIWI, WITH AN OFFICE IN NA`ALEHU, is one of six Native Hawaiian health care centers across the state to benefit from an award of $12,339,016 in U.S. Department of Health & Human Services grant funding.

Funding for Hui Malama Ola Na `Oiwi is coming from U.S. Department
of Health & Human Services. Photo by Julia Neal

The grants support continued operation of health care centers, enabling them to pay for rent, salaries and various overhead expenses, as well as assist in providing medications for qualified patients.
“Native Hawaiian health care centers are a crucial thread in the fabric of our island communities. This funding will go to Papa Ola Lokahi and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems on each island, which provide vital services for Hawai`i’s indigenous population,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “I will continue to advocate for this and other programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.”
The funding is being distributed through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sen. David Ige have unveiled their proposed plans for the state for the next four years.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie held a confirmation ceremony at Pahala Plantation House
after his election in 2010. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE’S PLAN IS TITLED Charting Tomorrow: A Plan for a Brighter Future in Hawai`i.

The plan describes the foundation laid in Abercrombie’s first four years and his vision for the state’s economy and fiscal management, education, the environment, health and human services.
The plan calls for investing in infrastructure and transportation to create jobs and improve the economy; providing preschool for all children; providing accessible and affordable higher education; providing more care, services and financial relief for kupuna; creating a more financially resilient and fiscally responsible government; reducing greenhouse gases by increasing clean energy; and protecting the environment while still supporting the needs of a growing population through clean energy, local food production and responsible development.
“It is a priority of our Administration to steward our environment and natural resources through partnerships to protect and restore our core watershed areas and reefs; support healthy fisheries, freshwater security and biodiversity; and ensure effective waste management,” the document states. “Hawai`i is also planning for the impacts of climate change by making sure that our critical infrastructure, natural resources, and food system are resilient.”
Regarding invasive species, the plan states, “Hawai`i is facing a biological crisis due to invasive species. We are committed to protecting Hawai`i’s economy, agriculture, environment, health and way of life from the devastating impacts of invasive species by strengthening biosecurity at our borders and between our islands, supporting on-the-ground control efforts in each county and watershed, and effectively working across departments for effective response.”
The full plan is available at neilabercrombie.com/charting-tomorrow-plan-for-hawaii.

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Sen. David Ige, who made a campaign stop in Pahala on Monday, has released
his plan for Hawai`i, if he becomes governor. Photo by Julia Neal

IN HIS PLAN TITLED ENGINEERING HAWAI`I’S FUTURE, state Sen. David Ige lays out his agenda on issues including tourism, technology, environment, energy, agriculture, homelessness and open government.

One of the senator’s top priorities would be growing the state’s economy, and tourism is a cornerstone of that initiative. His plan calls for creating another international entry point at Kona International Airport to relieve federal Customs Service congestion at Honolulu International Airport.
Ige’s plan also calls for working closely with Hawai`i’s congressional delegation to improve the visa issuance process in China and customs and pre-clearance for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea.
As governor, he plans to implement state-of-the-art technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness at state agencies. He wants technology to be used to its full advantage, such as encouraging online tax filing.
Preserving Hawai`i’s natural environment through responsible economic growth and planning is another key component in Ige’s plan. He would direct the Pacific-Asia Institute for Resilience and Sustainability to help mitigate risks from natural and man-made hazards and develop solutions for sustainable economic growth and adaptive plans for climate change.
To reduce Hawai`i’s $6 billion a year dependence on imported oil, the senator would aggressively tackle goals set by the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative.
To increase local food production, Ige would identify and preserve up to 200,000 acres of prime agricultural land.
Ige would support counties’ efforts to address homelessness. He also fully supports the Housing First initiative, which provides transitional and permanent emergency housing, referral services for mental illness, addiction and job training and other social services.
Ige’s plan discusses open government, calling for active citizen participation, transparency and accountability. He would hold weekly press conferences and ensure that appointees to state boards and commissions are committed to conducting government affairs in an open manner.
See davidige.org/action-plan.

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Hurricane Iselle is expect to weaken as it approaches Hawai`i next week.
Map from National Hurricane Center.

HURRICANE ISELLE IS HEADING WEST-NORTHWEST after forming in the Eastern Pacific. National Weather Service reported it is now a Category Two storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour. NWS expects it to strengthen more over the next couple of days, but then weaken as it encounters cooler sea surface temperatures and drier, more stable conditions.
To track the storm, see weather.gov.

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EVAN ENRIQUES, OF PAHALA, IS PARTICIPATING in the 2014 NORCECA Men’s U21 Continental Championship as a member of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team. In the team’s victory over Mexico on Thursday, Enriques led the U.S. in digs with 11. Scores were 25-18, 25-21, 17-25, 25-11. The team also won its quarterfinal match against El Salvador yesterday and moves on to play Canada in the semifinals. Scores were unavailable at publication time.

Teams in the championship, taking place in Colorado Springs, CO, are members of the North America, Central America and Caribbean volleyball federation.

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its free `Ohi`a Lehua program tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Participants bring lunch and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower.
For more information, call 985-6011.

WALK-IN VOTING CONTINUES NEXT WEEK, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Primary Election Day is a week from today, Saturday, Aug. 9. Any candidate for Countil Council receiving at least 50 percent plus one vote becomes the winner in the non-partisan election. If no one dominates, there will be a runoff in November between the top two candidates.

Ocean View Community Center hosts a County Council candidate
forum Monday at 6 p.m.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS a candidate forum Monday at 6 p.m. County Council candidates Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson participate in this final forum before the primary election next Saturday, Aug. 9.
Call 939-7033 for more information.

PARTICIPANTS IN FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Forest Restoration Project on Friday, Aug. 8 should register by Monday evening. The project takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, where volunteers remove invasive plants in a kipuka of native `ohi`a forest with a mix of other native trees and understory.

Register at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402.

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

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Ocean View Community Center hosts a County Council District Six candidate forum tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. Attending the final forum before the Aug. 9 primary election will be Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson.

PAHALA IS HOSTING ONE OF ONLY FOUR EARLY WALK-IN voting polling places on the island tomorrow through Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registered voters throughout the county can cast ballots at any of the locations, with the ones outside Ka`u open longer hours. Here are the addresses and hours for early walk-in voting:

Aupuni Center Conference Room

From left, County Council District Six candidates Jim Wilson, Maile Medeiros David
and Richard Abbett participated in a candidate forum at Pahala Community Center,
one of four sites offering early walk-in voting tomorrow through Thursday.
Photo from Bob Ernst

101 Pauahi Street
Hilo, HI 96720
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pahala Community Center
96-1149 Kamani Street
Pahala, HI 96777
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Waimea Community Center
65-1260 Kawaihae Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

West Hawai`i Civic Center Community Room (Building G)
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Regular voting will be this Saturday on Primary Election Day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School & Pahala Elementary School Cafeteria, Na`alehu School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.
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Bill Kaneko

CAMPAIGNS FOR HAWAI`I’S LEADING DEMOCRATIC gubernatorial candidates have opposing views of polls recently released that show Sen. David Ige with a comfortable lead over incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The statewide voter survey by Hawai`i News Now and Honolulu Star-Advertiser shows Ige with a 54 percent to 36 percent lead over Abercrombie.
“We don’t believe it for a second,” Abercrombie’s campaign manager Bill Kaneko said. “We’ve been polling, too, and our results have us tied. That means the entire election boils down to a race to drive voter turnout in the final days of the campaign.
“We must finish strong and ensure our friends, family, and supporters show up to vote. We’re continuing to build momentum with each passing day, and victory is in reach. Thousands of people like you across the islands are joining the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and President Barack Obama in support of Neil Abercrombie.”
Ige said the poll “confirms that with your hard work our campaign message is being heard. … This is a great boost for all of us, and I urge you to keep talking to your family and friends over the next six days and remind them to vote.
“As I have said as each new poll has come out this election season, ‘The only poll that counts is on election day.’
“Working together, we continue to move forward for Hawai`i. I am honored by the outpouring and generosity of my supporters’ time, and I ask you to stay strong this final week to ensure our efforts equate to victory on Saturday, Aug. 9.”
For more on the campaigns, see neilabercrombie.com and davidige.org.

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ISELLE IS NOW A CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE with maximum sustained winds near 115 miles per hour and higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected the rest of today, reports the National Hurricane Center, and gradual weakening is forecast to begin by Monday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.
Iselle, now about 1,675 miles from Hilo, is moving toward the west near 10 miles per hour, and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A decrease in forward speed is expected Monday and Monday night.
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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in county government meetings this week via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
Committee meetings take place Tuesday, with Governmental Relations & Economic Development at 8:30 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 10 a.m.; and Finance Committee, 10:30 a.m. The committees meet at council chambers in Hilo.
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LEHUA COURT PROFESSIONAL AND RETAIL PLAZA in Ocean View comes before Hawai`i County Council Wednesday. The project received favorable recommendations from the Windward Planning Commission and Hawai`i County Planning Committee. The property is on the mauka side of Hwy 11 and connects with Lehua Lane and Keaka Parkway.
The applicant, William C. Foulk, is seeking to change the site’s zoning from Agricultural to Village Commercial. The 4.143-acre site would be developed with 54,000 square feet of commercial space and another 12,500 square feet of open, landscaped area for periodic craft fairs, thespian events and public gatherings.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST earthquake hazard areas in the country, according to the latest issue of Volcano Watch. U.S. Geological Survey made the claim in a story published in newspapers across the country on July 18 to announce the release of its National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project’s updated seismic hazards map of the conterminous 48 states.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory assisted in a FEMA-sponsored project to measure geophysical properties that influence strong shaking, such as that recorded in 2006 during the Kiholo Bay and Mahukona events (magnitudes 6.7 and 6.0, respectively). Two subsequent USGS-supported research projects developed equations for predicting strong ground shaking in Hawai`i from future damaging earthquakes here.
“The uses of these research results extend beyond probabilistic seismic-hazards mapping,” the article states. “A ground-motion prediction equation from one of these studies in 2010 has been incorporated into the USGS ShakeMap utility. ShakeMaps have proven themselves useful in both post-event assessments and earthquake-scenario planning.
“As one of the USGS’s volcano observatories, HVO dedicates its seismic-monitoring efforts to the abundant microseismicity accompanying active volcanic processes culminating in eruptions. Because it maintains the largest USGS seismic-monitoring network in Hawai`i, HVO is also responsible for cataloging all significant earthquakes in the state.
“The USGS performance assessment after the 2006 Kiholo Bay and Mahukona earthquakes led to significant upgrades to both HVO’s infrastructure for seismic data analysis and its field network of instruments. Since initial installation and implementation, these continue to offer improved capabilities.”
Plans for updating the hazards maps for Alaska and Hawai`i are underway.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS a County Council District Six candidate forum tomorrow at 6 p.m. Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson participate in this final forum before the primary election Saturday, Aug. 9.
Call 939-7033 for more information.

Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is the site of Friends
of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's next Volunteer Forest
Restoration Project. Photo from FHVNP

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Forest Restoration Project on Friday, Aug. 8. Volunteers remove invasive plants in a kipuka of native `ohi`a forest with a mix of other native trees and understory. The project takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit.
Register at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday. AWalk into the Past programs take place every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

EARTH MATTERS FARMS HOLDS A COMMUNITY POTLUCK two weeks from today on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gail and Greg Smith provide green salad and chili made from local grass fed beef. They request that everyone bring a side dish or a dessert of some type appropriate for a local foodie event. “We will be having local food products for sale; bring your shopping bag!” said Gail Smith.
Guest speakers include Vince Mina, President of the Hawai`i Farm Union, Greg Smith and Ken Love, well known food activist.

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June Domondon welcomes walk-in voters each day through Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

LITTLE MORE THAN 40 VOTERS HAD WALKED in to Pahala Community Center by Monday morning. However, poll workers are anticipating a bit of a rush ahead of Iselle, the category four hurricane that could reach Hawai`i by Thursday as a hurricane or tropical storm. The early electronic voting option, open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday, is being monitored by a worker representing the voting machine company along with poll workers June Domondon and Marlene Freitas. Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 9 with polls at Cooper Center in Volcano, Pahala High & Elementary School Cafeteria, Na`alehu School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Electronic voting, only, is available at the walk-in voting station at Pahala Community
Center through Thursday, Photo by Julia Neal

MONEY SPENT IN THIS ELECTION for the County Council member is dwarfed by spending during the last three elections, when some candidates shelled out more than ten times what has been spent so far this year.
Spending was highest in 2008 when winner Guy Enriques spent $81,705.12. To secure the seat in his 2010 reelection bid, he spent $48,592.15 but was defeated by Brittany Smart, who spent $14,096.81.
In 2012, three candidates qualified for $41,000 each in public financing. The amount provided was based on the total spent by candidates in prior elections, and Ka`u is where the most money poured into coffers when Guy Enriques was running for Council, once successfully against Bob Jacobson and the second time drawing a loss to Brittany Smart.
In the 2012 election, Brenda Ford spent $66,894.01, Maile Medeiros David reported $48,277.01, Bradley Westervelt, $43,423.77 and Lee McIntosh, $2,967.16. McIntosh did not accept public funding.
Public funding in the amount tied to what Enriques spent in 2008 ended this year, leaving candidates to raise their own money.
So far this election, according to campaign spending reports, Maile Medeiros David has spent the most with $8,580.50, followed by Jim Wilson with $3,102.13 and Richard Abbett with $1,515.97.

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Tonight is Ka`u's last chance to see the County Council District Six candidates at a forum. Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson meet at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID is leading her competitors when it comes to campaign donations. Medeiros David took in $6,920.49 with $375 being donations of $100 or less. That is more than three times the donations to Richard Abbett, who reported receiving $2,021.47 with $550 coming from donations of $100 or less. Donations to Jim Wilson amounted to $1,375 with $250 from donations of $100 or less.
The three candidates participate this evening in their final forum before the Saturday, Aug. 9 primary election. The forum begins at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

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Former Gov. John Waihe`e supports Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Photo from Neil Abercrombie Campaign

FORMER GOV. JOHN D. WAIHE`E IS GOING TO BAT for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. He said he and the governor have been friends and colleagues for decades. “I’ve always known him to be an advocate for Hawai`i’s people and a tenacious campaigner,” he said. “That’s why I am confident he’ll win this election. He’s a rare leader with passion, integrity and a vision for providing a brighter future for Hawai`i.
Waihe`e pointed out past elections where the winner was trailing in polls, as Abercrombie currently is in the race against Sen. David Ige. “In 1986, I first ran for governor against then-Congressman Cec Heftel,” Waihe`e said. “With two weeks left in the election, I was 18 points behind. Thanks to hard work and getting out the vote, I won.
“In 1998, Ben Cayetano trailed then-Maui Mayor Linda Lingle in nearly every poll during his re-election bid. Ultimately, Ben went on to win by 5,000 votes.
“Every campaign, every election eventually comes down to getting out the vote. With less than a week remaining in this election, polls no longer matter. Only votes count.
“Please vote for Neil and urge 10 others to do the same on Aug. 9 or earlier by walk-in voting,” Waihe`e said.

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STATE AND LOCAL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS in Hawai`i will receive $8,902,185 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grants will provide funding for various activities throughout the state for disaster management and preparedness, port security and terrorism prevention planning, organization, training, exercise and equipment.  
“As one of the most remote places in the world, Hawai`i faces unique security challenges and vulnerabilities,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “In what is expected to be a very active hurricane season this year, we must remain vigilant and be ready for all hazards. These FEMA grants will ensure programs in Hawai`i have the resources to strengthen our resilience to natural disasters and improve security at our ports, in our communities and throughout the state.”  
FEMA program funding includes $3,733,000 for the state homeland security, $3,546,080 for emergency management, $1 million for Urban Areas Security Initiative and $623,105 for Port Security.

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Kumu Leina`ala Brown Dombrigues

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN this week’s county government meetings via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. Council committees meet tomorrow morning, and County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

KUMU LEINA`ALA BROWN-DOMBRIGUES has announced hula and cultural classes beginning this week.
The Dance of Life: Olapa Kahiko Oli starts Thursday, Aug. 7 and continues each Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cultural Classes are held once per week on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, see peacewarriorprincessleinaala-kapoeaohiwa.org, call 808-333-7914, or email kumuleinaala@yahoo.com.

WAHI KUPUNA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN KA`U is wrapping up their fifth year this summer and residents to a community ho`ike on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
For more information, email kuyeoka@hawaii.edu.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

Medals are ready for winners of Volcano
Rain Forest Runs.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS ARE LESS THAN two weeks away, and registration is still available. Entry fees are $85 for the Half Marathon, $50 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. All runs start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.
Packet pick-up and late registration is Friday, Aug. 15 at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooper Center offers a $15 Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Participants in 10K and 5K can register race morning at Cooper Center until 7:30 a.m. T-shirts are not guaranteed for late registrations. There is no race day registration for the Half Marathon.
Keiki ages 1 – 7 can register for the free 100- or 200-yard dashes on race morning until 9:30 a.m. The Keiki runs, sponsored by Kilauea Lodge, begin at 10 a.m. All entrants receive a ribbon and other goodies after coming through the finish line.
Volcano Rotary Club serves an $8 BBQ Grill Lunch on race day from 9 a.m. Other activities include face painting, balloon animals with the Hiccup Circus to delight the children and craft and other booths for everyone’s enjoyment.
“Parking is limited within Volcano Village so come early and carpool, please,” said Race Director Sharron Faff. There are parking lots located at Volcano Store, Thai Thai Restaurant and Volcano Garden Arts. All parking lots are located on Old Volcano Road and within walking distance of Cooper Center.
“Everyone please use caution throughout the village during the race morning to insure the safety of all participants, volunteers and spectators,” Faff said. “A big mahalo goes out to everyone involved in this fifth annual community event.”
All participants are responsible for knowing their race route. For more information, maps, FAQs, registration and volunteering, see volcanorainforestruns.com, or call 967-8240.

Iselle, a Category Four Hurricane, with 140 mile an hour winds,
rolls across the Pacific toward Hawai`i. Image from NOAA

HURRICANE ISELLE reached Category Four strength this morning, with 140 mph winds and higher gusts. Iselle is headed toward Hawai`i, though forecasters expect her to lose some strength and downgrade to a tropical storm by the time she reaches the islands. The 11 a.m. National Weather Service forecast says "Iselle has an impressive signature on visible satellite imagery....Iselle should only gradually weaken in the short term while it moves over marginal sea surface temperatures and in a relatively light-shear environment." While predicting a weakening over cooler waters, the forecasters say that the ocean will warm up again "just to the east of Hawai`i, which would allow Iselle to maintain some inteensity." A mid-level anticyclone is expected to develop and strengthen between California and Hawai`i in a day or two and could force Iselle to turn west-northwestward and accelerate her speed toward the islands starting late Tuesday. The forecast continues to bring the center of Iselle across the main Hawaiian Islands between 72 and 120 hours from 11 a.m. this morning - the earliest arrival being Thursday afternoon, when she might clip the north shore of Hawai`i Island. While not in the direct, predicted path, Ka`u is in the cone of possible landfall destinations for Iselle.

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A grant will help fund Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's efforts to protect honu`ea, or hawksbill turtles, like this hatchling making its way to the Pacific Ocean. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX CANDIDATES expressed support for many of the needs of Ocean View at the candidate forum last night. Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson took to the stage at Ocean View Community Center to share their views on issues ranging from water, mass transit, coastal access and education to waste management, medical facilities and availability of goods and services.
All candidates said a second well is necessary in Ocean View. Maile Medeiros David suggested seeking federal funding for the project. Richard Abbett said, “We’re in the process of getting water,” and said Brenda Ford has been working on the issue in tandem with drilling a well in Kona. He also suggested that “catchment is the way of the future.” He said both methods of obtaining water are important, and that people need to begin to see water as a limited resource.
Regarding bus service, Jim Wilson said, “The county has a duty to provide mass transit.” Abbett said both sides of the district are underserved. “We wanted to be left alone; we didn’t want to be left out,” was how he described residents of Ka`u who moved here in spite of the lack of services available. David said, “We have a need for more buses and different schedules.” She pointed out that the bulk of the working class has to travel different areas for jobs.

Hawai`i County Council candidates Richard Abbett, at left, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson took to the stage of Ocean View Community Center yesterday for their final forum before the primary election this Saturday, Aug. 9. Photo by Ron Johnson

While education is a state issue, the County Council candidates agreed that Ocean View needs a school and early education facility. Abbett said Ka`u Learning Academy, which plans to open next year at Discovery Harbour, intends to be in Ocean View after two years. David suggested that county nonprofit grant funding could be used to help establish a charter school in Ocean View. “There are methods within the jurisdiction of County Council,” she said. She also said County Council can “entertain a resolution to encourage the state to follow through” with planning of a school. Wilson said he, if elected, would put pressure on the Department of Education and that the County Council can encourage DOE to open a charter school.
Regarding medical facilities and availability of other goods and services, David said the County Council’s role is approving development requests for small zone changes when necessary. She also said the Ka`u Community Development Plan “is the best document to support developments and determine where they will be.” Wilson suggested making the permit process easier and establishing a temporary tax break for new businesses. Abbett questioned the value of speeding up the permitting process, saying it hasn’t helped in the case of Lehua Court, an Ocean View development currently being considered by the County Council. He agreed that temporary tax breaks may help businesses get established in Ocean View.
David and Wilson agreed that transfer stations for waste disposal and recycling need to be open more often. Abbett offered a different approach. “The waste stream is a commodity,” he said. He suggested that transfer stations should be places where discarded materials can be reused and that jobs could be created to maintain such facilities.

Regarding beach access, Abbett said he would see what the community really wants. He suggested that, “as long as people don’t go, the beach is clean.” David said, “Public access is near and dear to my heart.” She brought up a lawsuit she worked on which mandated government agencies to determine the impact any development would have on public access. She also emphasized the need to balance rights of private property owners. Wilson said, “Everything that can be done should be done.”
See more on the candidate forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

Iselle is on track to reach the state Thursday evening. Map from NWS

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HURRICANE ISELLE CONTINUES MARCHING TOWARD HAWAI`I ... TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED …, said a local statement from the National Weather Service in Honolulu late this morning. “The latest forecast is for sustained winds of 40 miles per hour or higher for portions of the area from early Thursday evening to early Friday morning, depending on the exact track of Iselle. There is the possibility of moderate wind damage.
“Heavy rains, strong winds and high surf expected,” the statement says. A tropical storm watch is on for the Big Island, and a flash flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands.
At 11 a.m., the center of Hurricane Iselle was about 985 miles east of Hilo, moving west-northweast at nine miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds were near 110 miles per hour, making Iselle a Category Three hurricane.

Iselle is expected to affect the Big Island beginning Thursday, bringing heavy rains, high surf and tropical storm force winds.  The bulletin stated, “Now is the time to prepare. Do not wait until it is too late. Stay calm and keep informed. ... Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Heed the advice of local officials, and comply with any orders that are issued. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten.”

Loose objects such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other items should be secured or stored indoors. “Have supplies on hand and be ready for power outages,” the statement warned.

Graph shows predicted intensity of Iselle's winds.

An update from the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center said that the satellite appearance of Iselle degraded this morning, with the eye becoming increasingly ragged. An Air Force Reconnaissance Hurricane Hunter plane was assigned to fly into the eye of the storm to “provide ground truth.”
The statement also said, “The intensity forecast remains problematic. Iselle has reached peak intensity and will be on a weakening trend as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. The big question is the rate of weakening that occurs.”
Behind Iselle, on a similar path, is tropical storm Julio, which this afternoon showed increasing organization and convective banding. The forecast is for continued strengthening in the next 36 to 48 hours, with gradual weakening thereafter.

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KA`U KEIKI FLOCKED TO KA`U CAMPUSES for the first day of school today. The largest campus, at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, has enrolled approximately 550 students from Pre-K through 12th grade under the leadership of Principal Sharon Beck and Vice Principal Wilma Roddy. The staff is comprised of approximately 60 teachers and counselors with a support staff of approximately 30 who work from cafeteria to maintenance to educational assistants and security.

The grade with the fewest students is Pre-K with 18 enrolled so far. At the high school level, ninth grade has 63, tenth has 77, 11th has 68 and senior enrollment is at 52, as of this morning.

Honu`ea #92 heads back to the sea after laying eggs.
Photo from NP

Na`alehu School has an enrollment of approximately 410 students, from pre-k through sixth grade, under the leadership of Principal Darlene Javar and Vice Principal Karen Pare. There are 24 teachers and 56 other supportive employees at the school.
Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences opened on Aug. 1 with an enrollment of 189 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, under the leadership of its principal, Dr. Ardith Renteria, and Vice Principal Christopher King Gates. Total faculty at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences has reached 20, including teachers and supportive staff.

A $19,200 GRANT WILL ASSIST Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s efforts to protect the federally endangered honu`ea, or hawksbill turtle. Funds will support park volunteers who monitor nesting beaches, rescue distressed females, eggs and hatchlings, improve habitat and provide information to beachgoers along the southern coast of Hawai`i Island.

Loss of nesting habitat caused by beach erosion and invasive plants threatens the future of honu`ea in the area. Student biologists and individuals from the community will assist as volunteers remove invasive woody plants such as koa haole that are encroaching onto beaches, as well as relocate nests to prevent damage to fragile eggs from high surf and overcrowding. While monitoring turtle activity, volunteers assist stranded females and hatchlings and provide on-site information of park recovery efforts to beachgoers.
“The honu`ea is a much beloved turtle in Hawai`i, and it would be tragic to see this animal disappear from our shores,” said Dr. Rhonda Loh, Chief of Natural Resources Management for the park. “We’re very excited to work with the National Park Foundation to restore nesting habitat. In addition to helping to protect the turtle, we’ll also be providing valuable training and experience to students interested in pursuing careers in conservation biology.”
The grant is one of 23 national parks selected to receive a 2014 Impact Grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.

EARLY, ELECTRONIC VOTING CONTINUES at Pahala Community Center through Thursday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN LEARN MUSHROOM CULTIVATION Saturday. Zach Mermel teaches basics of fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Fees are $65 for VAC members and $75 nonmembers. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 968-8222.

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

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