The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Central Pacific Hurricane Center's latest forecast shows Hurricane Iselle tracking directly toward Ka`u and arriving late tomorrow.

HURRICANE ISELLE IS HEADED DIRECTLY FOR KA`U, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s latest forecast. A hurricane warning is in effect for Ka`u and the rest of Hawai`i Island. The storm was 625 miles away from Hilo at 11 a.m. With maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour, the storm is gaining rather than losing strength as earlier forecast. Heavy surf, high winds and five to eight inches of rain are forecast, with a flash flood watch in effect from 4 a.m. tomorrow to 6 a.m. Saturday. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. The National Weather Service reminds residents that it does not have to be raining heavily where they are for flash flooding to occur.

The central Pacific is busy, with three hurricanes being tracked.

Thunderstorms with lightning could also be in store in areas where vog is present, UH-Manoa Atmospheric Science Professor Dr. Steven Businger told Hawai`i News Now this morning. Businger found that prior to tropical storm Flossie’s passage over Hawai`i Island last year, 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 in his published report.

Also, Mayor Billy Kenoi urged residents not to count on the Volcano Defense, a theory that Hawai`i Island’s high volcanoes help protect it from hurricanes. “Stay focused, stay prepared, stay with family and friends, stay off the streets as much as possible,” he said on Hawai`i News Now. “Accurate information, preparedness, the community working together, that's what will get us through the challenges that we have to face.”

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KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, a designated emergency shelter, closes at 2 p.m. today in advance of storms Iselle and Julio. All afterschool activities for students and staff are cancelled, as well as any scheduled public meetings.
All public schools in Ka`u will be closed tomorrow.
School closures throughout the state are being made according to the storms’ paths and in preparation of designated emergency shelter sites.

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IN ANTICIPATION OF HURRICANE ISELLE, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park officials are closing all backcountry areas and some roads as of 6 p.m. today. Closures will remain in effect until the storm has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer.
Kilauea Visitor Center will remain open during its normal hours, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will also remain open.

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Patty Barry, standing, asked County Council candidates
about tax incentives for new businesses.
Photo by Ron Johnson

KA`U RESIDENTS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY to ask County Council District Six candidates questions at Monday’s forum hosted by Ocean View Community Center.
Patti Barry asked what residents can do to support tax incentives to attract new businesses to Ocean View. Jim Wilson said, “You as individuals can put pressure on elected officials.” He gave Henderson, NV as an example of a city that “was built on tax incentives.” Richard Abbett and Maile Medeiros David both expressed support for such a program.
Lee McIntosh asked, “Do you support restricting or banning fireworks?” Wilson said, “Fireworks are important, but because of fires and injuries, yes, I would support banning them.” David said setting off fireworks is a cultural practice that kids look forward to. “I have to consider that every Fourth of July, fireworks are part of Hawai`i,” she said. She said a proposed ban would require public hearings to get input from residents. Abbett said that although he can’t stand fireworks, “If you don’t have the ability to celebrate your freedom using the symbol of your freedom, you’re not very free.”

Dave Bateman, who is running for state House in Ocean View’s of Representative district, asked about the candidates’ views on agriculture in Ka`u. David said it’s very important and that “we have so much potential.” She said she would support creation of an ag park in Ka`u to give people opportunities to become farmers. She also said students should receive ag training at school. Abbett said Ka`u is the last large-scale place for ag in Hawai`i and that his vision of small-scale ag here would require a commitment over “decades and generations.”
Loren Heck mentioned that there are 50 acres of county land in Ocean View that could be an ag park. The candidates all were open to investigating the opportunity. “We have the labor, the next generation,” Abbett said. He said his goal is to have “a place where we can raise our children and not have them leave.”
See more on the forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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THE CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY, which recently held a meeting in Pahala on pesticide and GMO threats to communities worldwide, has offered to help the county fight lawsuits that aim to stop regulation of GMOs on this island.
Earthjustice, the legal arm of the Sierra Club, Big Island organic small farmers Marilyn Howe, Rachel Laderman and Nancy Redfeather, along with Center For Food Safety, filed a motion in federal District Court in Honolulu on Friday. The plaintiffs seek to intervene in the lawsuit that seeks to overturn the law passed by the County Council banning open-air use and testing of genetically engineered crops except for those already in production on local farms.
The ten plaintiffs seeking to lift the ban on GMOs include farmer Richard Ha, cattle rancher Jason Moniz and flower growers Gordon Inouye and Eric Tanouye. Organizations named as plaintiffs are Hawai`i Papaya Industry, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Big Island Banana Growers Association, Hawai`i Cattleman’s Council, Hawai`i Floriculture & Nursery Association and Hawai`i Industry Industry Association, with its President Ross Sibacao.
A hearing in federal court is set for Oct. 23.
Earthjustice on its website earthjustice.org/about/offices/mid-pacific, says that “Hawai`i is a hotspot for experiments in genetic engineering — but the Mid-Pacific regional office has led the way in bringing a cold dose of reality to genetic engineering and its impact on our food supply, health and environment. We’re pushing for better regulation of genetically engineered crops and also using the law, public advocacy and community organizing to draw attention to the links between GE foods and the increased use of dangerous pesticides.”
“Ordinance 13-121 protects me and farmers like me,” said Redfeather, whose background includes being the director of the Hawai`i School Garden Network. “In Hawai`i, we believe that our seeds, crops and foods should remain free of contamination from genetically engineered plants,” she wrote.

“Hawai`i County, like every county, has the right to protect its farmers and native environments from genetically engineered crops,” said the Center for Food Safety’s senior attorney George Kimbrell. “Having GE-free zones is critical for the sustainable future of U.S. agriculture and to protect Hawai`i’s unique ecosystems.”
Those wanting to lift the ban contend that the GMO ban is against state and federal law and unjustly harms farmers who choose to grow GMO crops. They also state that it damages the industry of biotechnology, which came up with GMO papayas to save that industry when it was fought with devastating disease. Their lawsuit states that the county ban is unsupported by “findings or evidence that GE (genetically engineered) crops are in any way harmful, or in any way endanger the local environment.”
The opposition to lifting the restrictions argues for local rights to institute such bans and contends that cross-pollinators by GMO plants could harm non-GMO farms and plants in the wild, and expose them to pesticides.
A statement from Earthjustice says that the lawsuit to lift the ban is “driven largely by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the world’s largest trade association for the biotech industry representing companies like Monsanto.” The statement says that the organization wants to overturn “the county’s 2013 ordinance to open the island up for the expansion of genetically engineered crop production. These herbicide resistant crops result in intensive pesticide use, which threatens public health, contaminates water and harms wildlife and neighboring crops. Most GE crops also threaten transgenic contamination of non-GE crops, which has already caused several billion dollars in damage to growers.”

Paul Achitoff, managing attorney for Earthjustice in Hawai`i, said, “Hawai`i is one of the most biologically diverse, as well as spectacularly beautiful, places in the world, but the chemical companies have been turning the islands into experimental laboratories, unleashing a fountain of pesticides and genetically engineered material into the air, land and waters. We stand with the people of Hawai`i Island who are trying to protect their island from being transformed into another toxic waste dump.”

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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. Sample ballots are available at hawaii.gov/elections. The primary takes place Saturday.

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Genevieve, at left, Iselle and Julio are moving from east to west across the central Pacific and impact Hawai`i's weather. Image from NOAA

ISELLE WAS 230 MILES EAST OF SOUTH POINT at 11 a.m. and is on track to hit Hilo this afternoon. With the storm maintaining maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, the National Weather Service hurricane warning for the Hawai`i Island remains in effect. The onset of hazardous hurricane conditions can be expected to affect the east or windward portions of Hawai`i Island beginning early this afternoon and continue across the island to the west. The hurricane conditions will include high surf and surge along all coastal areas, heavy rains and possible thundershowers that may present with flood conditions and sustained storm-force winds and higher gusts.
Hawai`i County reported Punalu`u as one area of concern for initial high surf impact. Residents in all coastal areas and areas prone to surf and surge impact are advised to take precautions. All residents are encouraged to remain off the roadways and to anticipate possible power outages and interruptions in telephone and other communication systems. Everyone is advised to complete all necessary preparations by noon today.

Hurricane Iselle's arrival on Hawai`i Island is imminent.

All Hawai`i Island public schools are closed today and tomorrow. University of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Community College facilities are also closed.
In addition, all beach parks, including Punalu`u and Whittington, are closed and will remain closed until conditions improve and it is safe to reopen.
All county and state government offices are closed for general business operations effective noon today and remain closed through tomorrow. Emergency operations will be maintained, and all non-essential employees will be instructed to remain home.
Originally scheduled to be available later in the afternoon today, absentee walk-in voting at Pahala Community Center ends at 1 p.m.
Boys & Girls Clubs in Pahala and Na`alehu are closed today and tomorrow.
All county solid waste transfer stations, including Wai`ohinu, closed at noon.
All Hele-On buses are scheduled to operate as normal today and tomorrow. However, due to heavy rains and potential road closures, bus routes may be canceled with little or no notice. The county suggests that residents prepare for alternative transportation during this hurricane event. Delays are expected.
Senior Nutrition Programs and Elderly Recreation Program activities are canceled today and tomorrow. Van service provided by Coordinated Services for the Elderly has been suspended for Thursday and Friday.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off roadways and travel as little as possible to avoid wind and flooding hazards.

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Ka`u High's band room is now open as an evacuation center.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE BAND ROOM at Ka`u High opened as a Civil Defense shelter this morning for the approaching Hurricane Iselle. According to Phina Wroblewski, head custodian of Ka`u High, who was preparing the room this morning, the physical education building (not the old or new gym) and the science building, both made of concrete, will also be opened if needed. Visitors at SeaMountain at Punalu`u said they were notified that they would be evacuated. Some of them were also helping to set up the shelter.

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TO KEEP VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES SAFE as Hurricane Iselle approaches, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park officials have closed all backcountry areas and certain roads. Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum close at 1 p.m. today.
Closures remain in effect until Hurricane Iselle has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer and any damage is assessed. Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp will remain open for registered guests.
“Although we aren’t closing Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in its entirety, we strongly encourage visitors to consider changing their plans if they were planning to visit Thursday or Friday,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
Visitors can check the park website, nps.gov/havo, for the latest information on openings or call 985-6000.

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Residents in Ka`u reported feeling this morning's 4.5 magnitude earthquake in the
northern part of the Big Island.

HURRICANES AREN’T THE ONLY NATURAL DISASTERS currently hitting Hawai`i Island. A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the northwest section this morning and was felt in Ka`u. The quake was the state’s strongest since a magnitude 4.9 tremor struck the southeastern part of the island on Aug. 11, 2013.

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of two tropical cyclones in Hawai`i.
The proclamation, which includes the entire state, activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the Legislature for disaster relief. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels, along with the suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.
“We want to make sure we are doing everything possible to protect the public,” Abercrombie said. “This proclamation improves the state’s ability to respond quickly to any potential impacts from both storms.”
The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation begins today and continues through Aug. 15.
Recommended preparedness actions can be found on the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency website at scd.hawaii.gov.
Mayor Billy Kenoi has also declared a state of emergency in Hawai`i County.

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Leroy Cain engages keiki at his Bee Happy Farm.
Photo from Denise Garcia

THIS SUMMER, PRESCHOOL-AGE AND KIDS getting ready to enter kindergarten were introduced to the concept of going to school by attending a Play & Learn program funded by the Department of Education, KKP-P3 Project. Children ages three to five and their families gathered in Na`alehu and Ocean View for the one-week program last month. The program included hands-on fine motor activities such as counting, colors, patterns and shapes as well as a unit study on bugs with program facilitators.
The children of Na`alehu Play & Learn journeyed to Leroy Cain’s Bee Happy bee farm in Green Sands, where they saw bees in full action working in their hives. “Everyone even tasted honey right out of the honeycomb, with excitement on their little faces as they were holding bees,” Garcia said. “Thank you to the parents for making this program a success! It’s important for parents to be involved; it shows through their children,” she added. Chopot advised families to “read every day to your child; have conversations with them, and really listen.”

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“WHAT CAN YOU DO IN A TIME OF CYNICISM to make the political system work in an intelligent way?” asked an Ocean View resident during Monday’s County Council District Six candidate forum. Maile David answered, “I can only speak from my record, serving the people. The people you elect are the means of changing that.” Jim Wilson said, “We need more common sense. We also need to get more people to run for office who run for the right reason.” Richard Abbett said campaign financing needs reformed. “Money corrupts our system,” he said. “Our experience should be enough without having to sell our souls.”

Other residents also brought of issues important in Ocean View.
Don Nitsche pointed out that while “Ocean View is a do-it-yourself town, it’s about time we get more help from the county.”
Patti Barry brought up the possibility of paving Road to the Sea to improve beach access.

Rep. Richard Creagan at County Council
District Six forum. Photo by Ron Johnson

Another resident suggested the value of the county building a facility where residents could sell arts, crafts and other items. She said the area where the Ocean View swap meet is held lacks highway frontage and proper restrooms. “We need something concrete,” she said, adding that such a development would be a viable economic engine for the community. All three candidates agreed that such a project would be worthwhile.
Bill Stockton, one of the owners of the proposed Lehua Court development, said, “We may be able to provide restrooms sooner than the county can. We plan to build things for the community.” He also said he expects the development to include a bank, pharmacy and urgent care facility.
Richard Creagan, a candidate for state House in Ocean View’s District Five, told the audience that Ka`u Learning Academy’s goal, while initially opening the charter school in Discovery Harbour, is to locate in Ocean View. He also said that Gov. Neil Abercrombie promised Ocean View a second well and a school, and if he and the governor are reelected, he would hold the governor to his promise.
When Creagan asked if the candidates would support making Pohue Bay a county park, they all said they would.

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PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local polling places are Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School cafeteria, Na`alehu School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Hale.

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Satellite image of tropical storm Iselle moving west of the Big Island after making landfall on the shore near Pahala
Image from NOAA

HURRICANE ISELLE MADE LANDFALL as a tropical storm at 2:30 a.m. this morning near Kamehame, the Hawksbill turtle preserve, on the shore near Pahala. As the Weather Channel and other international media outlets reported the event, they described the area as a sparsely populated region with a village of 1,300 people.
Th leading edge of Iselle arrived to Pahala with a dry wind, colorful clouds at sunset and the appearance of Ka`u being spared, while nearby Volcano and Puna took the pounding with early electrical outages, blocked roads, downed trees and damaged homes. With electricity going out in Pahala late last night and communications lost, most residents didn’t realize they were experiencing the eye of the storm at 2:30 a.m. when circular bands of clouds traveled across the night sky. The eye was followed by lightning and thunder and the beginning of heavy rain that flooded Hwy 11 at Kawa and Wood Valley Road making them impassable this morning. A bridge above the Ka`u Coffee Mill on the way to Wood Valley was blocked due to buckled pavement. Further inland, numerous trees fell on power lines, making travel to Wood Valley nearly impossible by vehicle.

Buckled pavement on a Wood Valley Road bridge, undercut
by the flooding. Photo by Rob Blosser

Several visitors took shelter at the Ka`u High School band room after the SeaMountain at Punalu staff told guests they would be evacuated. However, guests were able to return this morning to the condominiums as they did not lose power. David & Lannnie Colombo managed the Red Cross shelter in Pahala.They housed 50 people overnight including 30 from the local Micronesian community, a family of four from Canada, a couple on their honeymoon and another on their anniversary. Pahala Plantation Cottages guests were offered rooms in the Pahala Plantation manager’s house which was boarded up before the storm.
Schools, medical clinics, community centers, banks and credit unions and beach parks remain closed today as county and state road crew clean up all the remnants of trees and debris and as Hawaiian Electric Light Co. attempts to restore electricity. Some, if not all Wood Valley residents, cut off from Pahala, reported deafening thunder and lightning. The Wood Valley community is without running water and at least one tree fell on a resident’s car.

Families shelter at a`u High. Photo by Ron Johnson

Stands of Eucalyptus trees fell around Wood Valley Temple, providing new views toward Kapapala Ranch.Where Wood Valley Road turns left toward the temple, the crossing remained blocked this afternoon by a tangle of utility lines, poles and fallen trees, a daunting mess to clear and perhaps evidence of a long wait for electricity to be restored in Wood Valley. However, county road crews helped improve a ranch road so residents could reach homes with 4WD vehicles.

Wood Valley Rd. blocked by trees. Photo by Royden Okinishi

Up stream, the apparent torrent of water dropped by Iselle cut new paths through the land.
On some farms, young coffee trees were uprooted. Guinea grass in pastures was flattened by high winds that also sheared off tops of windbreaks like Norfolk pines.Around the damage - photogenic rushing streams and waterfalls tumbling from the steep walls of Wood Valkey.
Hawai`i county civil defense reported that HELCO crews are working as fast as they can to restore power to Ka'u and ther areas of Hawai`i island. Crews flew in from Honolulu to help.
Hwy 11 reopened Friday evening after flood waters receded at low lying Kawa between Punalu'u and Honu'apo. The detour used for most of the day was the old sugar cane haul road between Na'alehu and Pahala along the mountainside. One Pahala resident, Bobby Tucker, who was returning home, described it as somewhat daunting with gorges,waterfalls and new waterways cut by Iselle, but also incredibly beautiful. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Julio's predicted path. Photo by weather.com

HURRICANE JULIO is predicted to track north of the Hawaiian Islands. Roughly 900 miles behind Iselle, Julio has been downgraded from a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, to a Category 2 as it enters cooler waters. Although it may benefit from the moisture left behind Iselle, Julio is expected to weaken in terms of wind speed as it continues its journey north of the islands. Despite the predicted path of Julio completely missing the Big Island, some Ka`u residents insist on keeping their houses boarded up, just in case.
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PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local polling places are Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School cafeteria, Na`alehu School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Hale.

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

Satellite image at 2:49 a.m. Friday shows arrival of Iselle onto the Ka`u Coast. Image from Weather Underground

FOLLOWING ISELLE IS POWERFUL HURRICANE JULIO, packing winds of 100 miles per hour. Julio was 400 miles east-northeast of Hilo at 2 p.m. and continuing to move toward the west-northwest. It is projected to pass to the north of the state. There are currently no weather watches or warnings in effect related to Julio.

Whitney Coffman said that about 200 of his coffee trees and 100 macadamia trees
went down, along with this two-story drying shed. Photo by Julia Neal

WOOD VALLEY ROADS and stream crossings were being quickly repaired yesterday and today by county road crews with large machines and tools for cutting and moving aside fallen trees and other debris. Wood Valley residents who were cleaning up farms and homesites today praised the county and said they hope that restoration of electrical power will also come quickly. A major deterrent is a snarl of fallen eucalyptus and utility poles and wires at the junction of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch road. Government road crews must wait for Hawai`i Electric Light Co. to make a plan and work on extracting the electric lines from the mess. The company says it is bringing in workers from off-island to help with restoring numerous power outages in Iselle's hardest hit areas.

All power was restored last night in Pahala and by this morning in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and in Volcano Village. Power was out in the Discovery Harbour area just for several hours during the storm.
There was no disruption in county water delivery in Ka`u. However, Wood Valley remained without water today. The community takes care of its own water system, and volunteers were working on broken lines and retrieving parts to restore the system.

In agriculture, coffee farmers and macadamia growers lost some trees. Whitney Coffman, of Wood Valley, said about 200 coffee trees and 100 macadamia trees went down on his farms. Other coffee and mac nut trees could be seen on their sides driving up Wood Valley Road.

A video from Troy Gacayan's Facebook page shows rushing water
filling the flood control channel that passes Na`alehu Park.

PASTOR TROY GACAYAN POSTED SEVERAL VIDEOS on Facebook of effects of Iselle. In one he said, “I was in my backyard checking up on the weather, and I heard like a freight train and explosions like the literal hurricane was coming, then I realized it was the ocean. I lived here in Na`alehu 10 years and never heard the slamming of waves that loud before. When I went to Puhina Pali I was blown away. Huge swells rolling in. Can’t really tell on the video but old timers there at the cliff said they never seen waves that huge at Puhina before.”

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KA`U HIGH SCHOOL REPORTS LOW VOTER TURNOUT so far this primary election day. Polls are open until 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School cafeteria, Na`alehu School cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.

Will District Six voters decide who their next County Council member will be today? Candidates, from left, are Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson. Polls are open until 6 p.m.

KA`U MAY HAVE A NEW COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER when results of today's primary are tallied. Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, Maile Medeiros David, of Captain Cook, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano, are looking to replace outgoing member Brenda Ford, who has reached her term limit. To win outright, one candidate must receive 50 percent plus one vote. If no one wins, the two highest vote-getters face off in the general election.

Low voter turnout was experienced by poll workers in Pahala early this morning,
following Hurricane Iselle making landfall nearby on Friday morning as
a tropical storm. Photo by Julia Neal

West Ka`u residents in state Senate District Three can vote for incumbent Sen. Josh Green on the Democratic ticket or Michael Last on the Libertarian ballot.
Democratic incumbent state Rep. Richard Onishi has no challengers in the primary for District Three. He goes up against Republican Bill Dickson and Libertarian Fred Fogel in the general election.
Democratic options in West Ka`u’s state House of Representatives District Five are incumbent Rep. Richard Creagan and Gene “Bucky” Leslie. The winner will face Republican Dave Bateman, Libertarian Jon LaLanne and nonpartisan Randy Ruis in the general election.
Other hotly contested races include the Democratic nomination for governor between Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige. Van Tanabe is a third Democratic option on the ballot.
For the Republican nomination, voters choose among Duke Aiona, Charles “Trump” Collins and Stuart Todd Gregory.
Mufi Hannemann is running as the only Independent candidate, and Jeff Davis, the only Libertarian.

Lee Jenison at Wood Valley Ranch shows a new gouge in the bank of the stream
just beside the main house. Photo by Julia Neal

Nonpartisan choices are Misty Davis, Khis Dejean Caldwell, Richard Morse and Joseph Spatola.
The Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor will be either state Sen. Clayton Hee, Sam Puletasi, Miles Shiratori, incumbent Shan Tsutsui or Mary Zanakis.
On the Republican ballot for Lieutenant Governor are Elwin Ahu and Warner Kimo Sutton.
Les Chang is the only Independent candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and Cynthia Marlin the sole Libertarian.
In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz faces challenges from Brian Evans and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
The Republican primary for U.S. Senate has four candidates to choose from: Cam Cavasso, Harry Friel, Jr., Eddie Pirkowski and John Roco. The nonpartisan choice is between Joy Allison and Arturo Pacheco Reyes.
Michael Kokoski is the only Libertarian candidate.
Republicans choose between Marissa Capelouto and Kawika Crowley to face Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Libertarian Joe Kent for U.S. Representative District Two in the general election.

Iselle toppled a large koa tree across from Kilauea Visitor
Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from Cindy Orlando

Sixteen candidates are vying for three at-large seats at Office of Hawaiian Affairs: Lei Ahu Isa, Rowena Akana, Keli`i Akina, Lahilahi Desoto-McCollough, Jeremy Kama Hopkins, Leona Mapuana Kalima, T. Keikialoha Kekipi, Keali`i Makekau, Harvey McInerny, Landen Paikai, Alona Quartero, Lorraine Shin-Penn, Mililani Trask, John Waihe`e, Hina Wong-Kalu and Wes Kaiwi Nui Yoon.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN TODAY, with some closures in effect as park officials assess damage and remove fallen trees and other debris from roadways and trails following Tropical Storm Iselle.  
The following closures are in effect:

The Kahuku Unit will remain closed through the weekend, and today’s Palm Trail hike is canceled.  
Chain of Craters Road from Devastation Trail parking lot to the coast;
All backcountry areas, including Mauna Loa and cabins  ;
Mauna Loa Road (known locally as Mauna Loa Strip Road);
  All coastal areas and trails, including, `Apua Point, Keauhou, Halape and Ka`aha;
Kulanaokuaiki campsite;
Napau campsite;
Namakanipaio campgrounds and its A-frame cabins.

Government road crews earned praise from Wood Valley residents today for their
hard work removing trees blocking access to homes and farms. Photo by Julia Neal

  Power has been restored, and phones are working. Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum will open and be staffed from until 5 p.m. today.   “Visitors should prepare for limited services and some front-country trail closures as we mobilize back into operation and continue to assess damage,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.  
Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp are open.

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HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. IS ADVISING CUSTOMERS who are currently out of power to prepare for extended outages, which could last through the weekend and in some cases much longer. For those who remain without power for an extended time, food safety may become a concern.

Discard any perishable food that has been above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish and leftovers before cooking or eating it.
Always discard any items in the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
Foods can stay frozen in the freezer for one to three days: one day for a half-full freezer, three days for a fully stocked freezer.
Food that has been thawed completely and has not been held at or below 41 degrees should be cooked and eaten immediately. If food still has ice crystals, it’s safe to refreeze.

Water in this Wood Valley gulch was much higher when Iselle passed through Ka`u,
as evidenced by flattened areas upstream. Photo by Royden Okinishi

As a general rule, “when it doubt, throw it out.”

If power is out for an extended period of time, consider using dry ice if available. Remember to use gloves or tongs when handling dry ice. Dry ice can be placed directly on top of your foods, since dry ice cools things under it.
These tips have been adapted from Hawai`i Department of Health’s Food Safety – During and After a Power Outage brochure and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Foodsafety.gov website. For specifics on when to save or throw out certain types of food, see HELCO’s Handbook for Emergency Preparedness at hawaiielectriclight.com under the Safety and Emergency tab.
Customers who wish to submit damage claims can access a claim form on our website www.hawaiielectriclight.com under the Residential Services section.

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KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center to begin planning for the Oct. 11 event.
For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

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

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Maile Medeiros David and her supporters shared mahalo messages with the public after her win as Ka`u's new County Council member. Following a visit to Volcano Village, she stopped in Pahala on her way through her district. Photo by Julia Neal

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID WILL BE the new County Council member for Ka`u. Her District Six, the geographically largest council district on the island, will also include Volcano Village, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, Miloli`i, Ho`okena, Honaunau, Ke`ei, Napo`opo`o, Captain Cook, a portion of Kealakekua, Keopuka Heights, the neighborhood of Kona Community Hospital and Keopuka Kai.

Ka`u's County Council member-elect Maile Medeiros David shared her win with
supporters in Pahala this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

She wins because she took 66.89 percent of the vote in yesterday’s nonpartisan primary election, much more than the 50 percent plus one vote required to stave off a runoff in the general election on Nov. 4.

Turnout for absentee, early walk-in and primary election day voting was dismal, according to poll workers Only 2,394 voted for the new councilwoman. Runner-up Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, took in 665 votes, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano, received 520 votes.
Medeiros David, currently a deputy county clerk and formerly a County Council staff member and paralegal, said that becoming a council member is a natural progression in her community service.
The daughter of coffee farmers in a large Hawaiian-Portuguese family, Medeiros has been a champion of preserving precious cultural sites by going to court to prevent and mitigate development. Her successes include conservation of a native Hawaiian cultural site in the face of a proposed multi-story condominium project on the shore along Ali`i Drive in Kona. She also prevented additional dredging of the shore at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort for visitor swimming areas.
In Ka`u, David will be involved with the county administration and council in the future planning for management of Kawa and Honu`apo, which were purchased by the county to protect them from development.
She told The Ka`u Calendar that she also hopes to work with Ka`u Coffee farmers to protect their land security on the former C. Brewer property now that most if not all of their leases have expired. The land is now owned by Lehman Bros., which has it up for sale after foreclosing on a developer that planned to turn it into coffee estates and received preliminary approvals to subdivide it. Ka`u Coffee farmers have developed their famous coffee, mostly at the Lehman land at Moa`ula and Pear Tree, over nearly two decades following closure of the sugar plantation.

Medeiros David stood with supporters along Ka`u streets this morning and waved to passersby. She told residents who stopped by to congratulate her that she wants to visit with people to understand more about Ka`u’s issues and challenges. She learned about the needs of Wood Valley residents with electricity and water challenges after the Iselle storm hit.
Second place finisher Richard Abbett said he met David in Na`alehu today and congratulated her. He said he wished her well and said "go get `em girl." He said she looked 'as happy as a girl waking up on Christmas." He said he also congratulated her volunteers. Abbett said he will spend a little time to see what other opportunities there are "to provide some leadership and be of service to the community. I have become required from my first career and view public service as my current career," he said. "I thank everybody from the bottom of my heart, especially the new voters getting involved. I think the community pulled together during the storm and so will the Democratic Party and community leaders," he said.

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Hawai`i County Council member-elect Maile Medeiros David joined the other two
candidates, Jim Wilson, at left, and Richard Abbett at several forums in Ka`u.
Photo by Bob Ernst

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID, WHO WILL BECOME KA`U’S new council member, won more than 50 percent of the vote in Pahala, Na`alehu and Miloli`i, but not in Volcano or Ocean View.
The County Council nonpartisan primary results from Volcano to Miloli`i are:

At Cooper Center in Volcano, Davis won 39.9 percent with 148 votes. Wilson took 26.1 percent with 99 votes, and Abbett took 23 percent with 87 votes.
At Ka`u High, David received 81 percent with 85 votes. Abbett took 10.5 percent with 11 votes and Wilson 1.7 percent with two votes.
At Na`alehu School, David received 56.7 percent with 123 votes. Abbett received 20.3 percent with 44 votes and Wilson 10.1 percent with 22 votes.
At Ocean View Community Center, David took 48.9 percent with 149 votes. Abbett gathered 31.1 percent with 95 votes and Wilson 10.8 percent with 33 votes.

At Miloli`i Halau, David won 64.3 percent with 54 votes. Abbett took 20.2 percent with 17 votes and Wilson took 3.6 percent with three votes.

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U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a candidate for U.S. Senate, campaigned
in Pahala last month. Photo by Ron Johnson

NA`ALEHU AND OCEAN VIEW WERE TWO of the last precincts in the state to report voting totals last night. This led commentators statewide to note that remote Ka`u, along with other distant polling places in west Kaua`i, including Ni`ihau, would help determine the U.S. Senate seat battle outcome between Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
However, key and still yet undetermined in the Schatz-Hanabusa match-up are two precincts in Puna that have not yet held the vote due to inaccessible polling places in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle.
Statewide, the tally so far shows Schatz leading with 113,800 votes over Hanabusa’s 112,165, a tiny edge reflected in the tiny voting population of Ka`u. From Volcano to Miloli`i, Schatz took in 192 more votes than Hanabusa with the following precinct totals:
At Cooper Center in Volcano, Schatz took 62 percent with 212 votes. Hanabusa received 33 percent with 114 votes.
At Ka`u High School, Hanabusa garnered 54.6 percent with 53 votes. Schatz took in 41.2 percent with 40 votes.
At Na`alehu School, Schatz earned 48.7 percent with 88 votes, while Hanabusa brought in 46.1 percent, with 83 votes.
At Ocean View Community Center, Schatz took 60 percent with 147 votes, while Hanabusa took 34.3 percent with 83 votes.
At Miloloi`i Halau, Schatz took 54.8 percent with 40 votes. Hanabusa took 38.4 percent with 28 votes.
The remaining votes are expected to be gathered in Puna by absentee voting during the next three weeks.

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Democratic gubernatorial primary winner David Ige made a campaign stop
in Pahala last month. Photo by Julia Neal

IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR GOVERNOR, though losing statewide, Neil Abercrombie received more votes than David Ige from Volcano through Miloli`i. Abercrombie took Volcano, Ocean View and Miloli`i but lost in Pahala and Na`alehu.

The governor’s race Democratic Primary results Volcano to Miloli`i are:
At Cooper Center in Volcano, Abercrombie took 49.9 percent with 170 votes, while Ige took 46 percent with 157 votes.
At Ka`u High, Ige took 56.7 percent with 55 votes, while Abercrombie took 41.2 percent with 40 votes.
At Na`alehu School, Ige took 55 percent with 99 votes, while Abercrombie received 41.7 percent with 75 votes.
At Ocean View Community Center, Abercrombie garnered 56.6 percent with 137 votes, while Ige received 40.1 percent with 97 votes.
At Miloli`i Halau, Abercrombie took in 58.7 percent with 43 votes, and Ige received 41.7 percent with 30 votes.

After winning the primary, Ige said it was a humbling beginning for his campaign. Pointing to his wife and children, he said, “This started in our living room.” He said his father instilled in him “that leadership is walking the talk and what you do is more important than what you say.

“Together, we have made history,” Ige said. “People told me I was crazy for giving up my seat in the state Senate. They reminded me that no incumbent governor had ever lost a primary election.

“That changed tonight. With our campaign’s primary election victory, we have proven that the people – not special interests – are in charge of Hawai`i’s future.

Rep. Richard Creagan is the Demcratic
nominee for state House District Five.
Photo by Ron Johnson

“We have more work to do, of course. Tonight was just the beginning. We must set our sights on the general election on Nov. 4.
“Mahalo for your support and the trust you have placed in me. Together, let’s move Hawai`i forward.”

After conceding the election to Ige, Abercrombie said to his supports, “You are so great. I am full of so much gratitude. Onipa`a, steadfast, forward.

“Today, I begin the final chapter of a 40-year career of service to the people of Hawai`i. I couldn’t possibly be more appreciative of the faith and support you’ve given me.

“I have no regrets simply because every waking breath has been for you, Hawai`i. I have given all that I could, every day that I could.
“To my campaign team and my administration, I wish to say ‘mahalo.’ To David Ige, our Democratic nominee for governor, I say ‘imua.’ I am behind your candidacy with every ounce of energy I possess.
“I remain forever grateful for the opportunity to have served all of you. I look forward to working to elect a new Democratic governor, David Ige.”

KA`U HAS TWO MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, with incumbent Richard Onishi, of Hilo, running unopposed in the Democratic Primary and incumbent Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, beating Gene “Bucky” Leslie, of Holualoa.
House of Representatives District Five results for Na`alehu through Miloli`i are:
At Na`alehu, Creagan received 66.7 percent, with 120 votes. Leslie received 24.4 percent, with 44 votes.
At Ocean View, Creagan took 55.4 percent with 134 votes, while Leslie received 30.2 percent with 73 votes.
At Miloli`i, Creagan took 56.2 percent with 41 votes, while Leslie received 35.6 percent with 26 votes.

Marion Villanueva, who recently held a coffee hour for Sen. David Ige, celebrated Ka`u's
Puerto Rican heritage at last year's Ka`u Plantation Days. A planning meeting for this
year's event takes place tomorrow. Photo by Julia Neal

SEN. JOSH GREEN RAN UNOPPOSED in state Sen. District Three Democratic primary.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO Ka`u Scenic Byways Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center to begin planning for the Oct. 11 event. For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS hold their 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center a week from today on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited to attend. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share and come and enjoy a day of fun, live music and good food.
Individual classes also hold their reunions next weekend. For more information, see future Ka`u News Briefs or contact Lovey Grantz at 982-8242 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

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

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John Replogle, in white cap, leads Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students on a field trip at Punalu`u. The students discuss their research Thursday at Pahala Plantation House. Photos from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

Ka`u farmers and ranchers are urged to report storm
damage to USDA FSA. Photo by Julia Neal

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY REQUESTS that Ka`u farmers and ranchers contact their local FSA office early this week to provide a quick summary of impacts from Tropical Storm Iselle. County and state Emergency Boards use the information to assess the general nature of impacts and determine if there are appropriate levels of damages to warrant requesting a Secretarial Disaster Designation. Contact information is available at fsa.usda.gov/internet/FSA_file/hi_cof_staff.pdf.
Farm Service Agency will be providing additional information in the coming days and weeks. Programs may be available to qualifying producers.
Emergency Conservation Program assists with repairing damage to land and possibly fencing.
Tree Assistance Program can assist qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers with replanting and rehabilitating orchards.
Farm Service Agency provides low-interest loans to qualifying producers that may help with recovery, and those with existing FSA loans should visit early with their loan officer if they anticipate having problems making payments.
Those with crop isurance covered under Risk Management Agency should contact their insurance agent directly.
Andrea Kawabata, of University of Hawai`i Agricultural Extension Service, is also available to answer questions or provide referrals. Email andreak@hawaii.edu.

MOST OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is now open, including popular trails like Kilauea Iki. Some closures remain in effect as park staff removes fallen trees and other debris from roadways and trails following Tropical Storm Iselle.
Closures are Mauna Loa Road, Mauna Loa summit, Kipukapuaulu, Namakanipaio campgrounds and its A-frame cabins and `Ainahou.
All coastal trails and coastal backcountry campsites are open. Napau and Kulanaokuaiki campsites and Pepeiao Cabin are also open.
Power has been restored, and most phones are working throughout the park. Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum have returned to normal operating hours.
“We remind visitors to be mindful of work crews and to be prepared for some closures,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Ka`u residents can donate goods for Iselle victims today at Pahala Quilting
& Creative Sewing Center. Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA QUILTING & CREATIVE SEWING CENTER is joining efforts to provide relief for Tropical Storm Iselle victims. Shop owner Donna Masania said Ka`u residents can drop off any unneeded bottled water and canned goods at the shop today. Goods will be available for residents of Wood Valley, where paved road access is cut off, electricity is out and the main water supply line is broken.

Masania will also see that donations get to organizers of Operation H2OLA, who are distributing goods to residents in Puna.
The shop is at the corner of Maile and Huapala Streets.

Torrential rains from Iselle further damaged already rough roads
in the Ha`ao Springs area above Wai`ohinu.
Photo from Geneveve Fyvie

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CREWS CONTINUE TO WORK on restoring power as quickly as possible to customers who lost electricity as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle, including those in Wood Valley, where toppled trees knocked power lines onto Wood Valley Road makai of Kapapala Ranch road and at other locations further into the valley. Yesterday morning, about 8,100 customers (approximately 10 percent of total Hawai`i Island customers) remained without power.
HELCO reported that crews have made significant progress repairing main transmission lines that serve as the backbone of the island’s electric grid, making the overall system more stable. Now crews can focus their attention on restoring power to individual neighborhoods.
Of the 35 transmission lines on the island, HELCO lost more than half during the storm. Both the north and south transmission lines were lost as well as the transmission lines serving Puna Geothermal Venture.
Customers who have not yet reported their outage should call 969-6666 to report it.
Customers who are still without power at this time should expect an extended outage into next week and, in some cases, much longer, HELCO said.
The utility continues to prioritize work that will restore service to the largest number of customers while keeping the grid stable. It said this approach helps ensure that power will stay on once restored.
HELCO urges customers to remember downed power lines should be considered dangerous. Do not approach a downed line or attempt to move it. If you see someone injured by a downed line, call 9-1-1 for assistance.

Customers are asked to check that stoves and other appliances are turned off or unplugged to avoid safety hazards or damage to their appliances as power is restored.

Removal of debris from the junction of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads
await an all clear from HELCO since power lines are down. Photo by Ron Johnson

Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric are sending crews, vehicles and other equipment to help with restoration. In addition, contracted construction and tree-trimming companies are also participating. Collectively, this will nearly triple the number of crews in the field conducting damage assessment and working to restore power to customers.
All workers participating with the restoration process wear badges identifying them as employees of Hawai`i Electric Light, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric or an approved utility contractor. Customers should feel free to ask for proper identification if approached by someone who says they are from Hawai`i Electric Light or any other organization. Utility company vehicles are clearly marked. Approved contractors have signs for their vehicles indicating they are working on behalf of the company.
HELCO’s business offices reopened today. Some services, such as new service requests, may be delayed as work crews focus on the restoration effort.
“We understand the frustration of our customers who are still without power and sincerely apologize to them,” said HELCO President Jay Ignacio. “We understand that customers want estimated restoration times so they can plan. Unfortunately, the extent of damage is worse than anything we’ve ever seen here. … Again, we apologize and ask for their continued patience.”

Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students map historical sites along the Ka`u Coast.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE HO`IKE for Wahi Kupuna Internship Program this Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House, which hosted college interns this summer. The public presentation at the old Plantation Managers House at the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets will give the community the opportunity to learn about the research students have been conducting in Ka`u.
The Wahi Kupuna Internship Program was developed in 2010 in partnership with Kamehameha Schools. It’s run by Kumupa`a Cultural Resource Consultants, LLC and Huliauapa`a, a nonprofit organization. The primary goal of the internship program is to increase the number of Hawaiians and kama`aina in the cultural resource management field through cultural mentoring, professional development, education and applied field experiences. The program provides college-level interns with an opportunity to obtain the necessary training, support and resources to properly research, document and perpetuate the rich culture, history, traditions and resources of Hawai`i.
The 2014 cohort, He Lua `Ole Mauna Loa, has been learning about the wahi pana of Ka`u for the past five weeks. Interns started off their journey conducting historical research at a number of repositories, including the University of Hawai`i-Hilo Library, Lyman Museum, the State Historic Preservation Division and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park archives.

After gathering historical documents on Ka`u, the group was fortunate enough to huaka`i to wahi pana in Ka`u with local kama`aina Nohea Ka`awa, John Replogle, Shalan Crysdale and Keoni Fox. Through visits on the `aina with the kama`aina, the students witnessed the connection and aloha residents of Ka`u have for their `aina.

Plein Air Painting is the topic tomorrow in Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park. Photo from VAC

During the last few weeks of the program, students conducted an archaeological reconnaissance survey of the entire coastline of Puanlu`u ahupua`a, where they identified and documented cultural sites on the landscape. They learned how to use GPS, take field photographs and do tape and compass mapping to thoroughly record historical sites.
Students will complete final research papers, which will combine all the information they gathered on Ka`u in order to receive three credits at UH-Hilo and Hawai`i Community College during the fall semester.
“Mahalo to the Ka`u community, our program funders and collaborators who supported us this summer,” said group leader Aoloa Santos.

MARGARET STANTON LEADS A PLEIN AIR PAINTING group in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The group meets at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village at 9:30 a.m. to carpool to one of two locations on Crater Rim Drive depending on weather: Kilauea Overlook just before Jaggar Museum or Pu`u Pua`i just past Thurston Lava Tube.

Stanton discusses painting from core connections and personal associations while encouraging artists to heighten and accentuate their own unique vision with bold colors, lines and shapes. She offers tips on how to get started, how to get the most color in landscape paintings, how to stay painterly, how to put on finishing touches and more.
The session is free to VAC members and $20 for nonmembers. Park entrance fees apply.

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Photographer Anne Celeste said Wood Valley fields looked like rice paddies during the height of inundation by Tropical Storm Iselle.

WATER AND ICE ARE ON THEIR WAY to Wood Valley Temple for residents in the valley who are still without water and electricity, according to Hawai`i County Civil Defense representative T. Ilihia Gionson. He also said Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has crews on the way to clear the tangle of trees and electric lines near the intersection of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads.
Wood Valley residents ask for kokua in keeping access available to their homes. The temporary road cut through pasture is becoming muddy, rutted and impassable, even to some residents with 4WD vehicles.

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A fence post impaled this tree as it fell during the storm.
Photo by Anne Celeste

WOOD VALLEY AND OTHER RURAL KA`U WATER CO-OPS may qualify for Emergency Community Water Assistance grants to repair damage to their water system caused by Tropical Storm Iselle. Funding ranges from $150,00 to $500,000. According to Rural Development Community Programs Director Robin Pulkkinen, the grants do not replace Federal Emergency Management Agency Funds, and FEMA funds must be applies first.
To be eligible, areas to be served may not be located in cities or towns with a population in excess of 10,000 nor may they have a median household income of more than 100 percent of a state’s non-metropolitan median household income of $59,353.
Material submitted with the application should include the Preliminary Engineering Report, Environmental Review, population and median household income of the area to be served, description of project and the nature of the emergency that caused the problems being addressed by the project. The documentation must clearly show that the applicant has had a significant decline in quantity and quality of potable water or an acute shortage of potable water, or that such a decline or shortage is imminent and that the proposed project will eliminate or alleviate the problem. A disaster designation is not required.
Expenses can be reimbursed up to six months if repairs have to take place before funding can be received. “We would recommend that any system that may benefit from this program apply now so RD can process and approve the applications,” Pulkkinen said.
Applications are accepted at any time through Rural Development State and Area Offices. Contact Samantha Shimizu at Samantha.shimizu@hi.usda.gov or 808-933-8307 or Pulkkinen at robin.pulkkinen@hi.usda.gov or 808-933-8317.

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Pa`u riders return to Ka`u Plantation Days this October. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS COMMITTEE MET LAST NIGHT, and new volunteers stepped forward to support the Sweet Memories day at Pahala Plantation Manager’s House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Ty Chun is the entertainment chair. Debbie Ryder and her halau along with Demetrius Oliveira and friends will be among the entertainers. Marion Villanueva is organizing the Chinese display. Hawaiian arts and crafts will be presented by Larry and Dutchie Ka`upu. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i will host the Hawaiian food booth. Filipino food will be through Ada Demayo. Pahala and Na`alehu Hongwanji will sell sushi.

Informational booths will be manned by the state Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, World War II 442nd veterans, Pahala senior citizens and Holomua Ka`u. All eight islands will be represented in a pa`u parade, with riders on horseback traveling down several Pahala streets before the event at Pahala Plantation Manager’s House. Chair of the event is Darlyne Vierra, who said that floats and walking groups are also invited. Ann Fontes, of Friends of the Library, said they will walk and conduct a book sale. The Boys & Girls Club will join the parade. Aikea International Karate League, under the direction of Dr. Cliff and Susan Field, will give a demonstration. Representatives of ethnic groups that make up the community are invited to join in with ethnic dance, music and cultural displays. She said she also looks forward to organizing a coffee cafe representing Ka`u’s many coffee brands.
The next meeting is Monday, Sept. 8 at Pahala Plantation House. Those wanting to donate and participate can call Vierra at 640-8740.

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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Kilauea and other volcanoes
closely while experiencing intermittent disruptions in eruption updates.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

INTERMITTENT DISRUPTIONS IN ERUPTION UPDATES, webcam imagery, earthquake data and other information normally available on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website could continue for the next few days. HVO staff worked through the weekend to repair damage to the observatory’s power system that occurred during Tropical Storm Iselle, but complete restoration of the system is not expected until at least Wednesday.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua, volcanoes on the Island of Hawai`i continue to be closely monitored. “Fortunately, Iselle caused no or little damage to our field instruments, so HVO’s monitoring network is functioning normally,” he said, “but power issues within the observatory are impairing our ability to process the data and update our website.”
As of Monday morning, Kilauea continued to erupt at its summit and near Pu`u `O`o on the volcano’s East Rift Zone. The level of the summit lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater was relatively steady at 115 to 130 feet below the vent rim. The active East Rift Zone lava flow, which had reached 4.3 miles east-northeast of Pu`u `O`o as of Aug. 6, the day before Iselle struck, continued to advance into forest. HVO geologists plan to map the progress of the lava flow during a scheduled overflight today.
Should scientists observe any significant change in volcanic or seismic activity, HVO will immediately notify Hawai`i County Civil Defense and other emergency managers and will keep the public informed through media releases.
“For now, we appreciate your patience when visiting the HVO website. We are working as quickly as possible to fully restore our power system so that the website operates smoothly and without interruption,” Kauahikaua said.
Updates for Hawai`i’s active volcanoes and earthquake data for the state of Hawai`i are available at hvo.wr.usgs.gov, 967-8862 or askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Ka`u farmers and ranchers can make an appointment with
USDA FSA to review damage. Photo by Anne Celeste

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY REQUESTS that Ka`u farmers and ranchers make an appointment before visiting the office regarding storm impacts. Hawai`i County Executive Director Lester Ueda’s phone number is 933-8341. Email address is lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov.
Along Wood Valley Road, Olson Trust land manager John Cross said that at least 1,200 macadamia trees went down, along with hundreds of coffee trees.

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ALL ARE INVITED TO KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share and come and enjoy a day of fun, live music and good food.
The purpose of the reunion is to bring alumni and residents back to Ka`u to reconnect with their roots, meeting classmates, and getting reacquainted with other Ka`u alumni, neighbors, and friends. The potluck invitation is open to current residents and school administration and staff.
The potluck luncheon is held annually on the Sunday of the Statehood holiday weekend. The set day on Sunday allows individual classes to make their own plans for their own reunions during the weekend to coincide with the all alumni Sunday potluck.
In recent years, Class of 1973 meets at Pahala Community Center on Saturday evening. Audielyn Cabudol is this year’s reunion chairman. Among members assisting is Darlyne Vierra, who is in charge of Ka`u Plantation Days. She will be displaying pictures of former Ka`u days at the Sunday potluck.
Class of 1961 meets for the second year in a row at a vacation rental in Pahala. Members plan to take a tour of Ka`u on Saturday and meet in the evening and join the rest of the alumni for the Sunday potluck.
Members of Class of 1959, who organize Las Vegas reunions, usually meet at Pahala Plantation Cottages’ Market House, the former Ka`u Meat Market, on Saturday and after the potluck on Sunday. The recent Las Vegas reunion held in June drew 200 attendees.
Back to the Fifties music trio led by Ernest Kalani, Hands of Time led by Calvin Ponce and Terrie Louis and Philip Barro, a key performer at earlier reunions, are other local entertainers expected to perform at the potluck.
Mahealani Halau, comprised of a group of senior women and a single male, Robert Gomes, a retired Ka`u police officer, has been a regular part of the program since the reunion started in 2002. The late Edna Aguil is founder of the halau. They will be performing a few hula numbers.

Volcano Rain Forest Runs through Volcano Village take place Saturday.

Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a produced a video of the 2013 potluck reunion and captured the senior halau’s performance. Musicians and singers Lei Kaapana Aken, sister of slack key artist Ledward Ka`apana and Ernest Kalani were also featured in the video.
The video was shown on local television (Channel 54), Na Leo Hawai`i, and the DVD is on file at the public libraries in Pahala and Na`alehu, where it can be borrowed and viewed.
For more information, contact Lovey Grantz at 982-8242 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are coming up this Saturday. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. Keiki runs begin at 10 a.m. Registration is available at volcanorainforestruns.com.

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

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Javier, a coffee farm worker in Wood Valley, hauls ice to his worksite where water and power have been cut off since Tropical Storm Iselle hit the valley last Thursday night and Friday morning. Photo by Julia Neal

WATER AND ICE CAME TO WOOD VALLEY yesterday in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, with county workers distributing the water to individuals and leaving cases of bottled water at gates of farms and homesteads. Bags of ice provided by the county were available at sundown at Wood Valley Temple following the opening of the intersection of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads.
At the urging of the county, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. sent a crew yesterday to determine that the wire in the tangle of trees and utility polls at the Wood Valley intersection had been live, on the ground, since the storm. They turned off the power and posted a sign on pole number 123 on the Pahala side of the gulch stating “Danger, Do Not Operate this Switch.” After the power was turned off, road crews quickly cleared tree trunks and other debris, making all of the access roads in Wood Valley passable.

Switch at the stream crossing leading to the Wood Valley
and Kapapala Ranch intersection cut off power that was
live in a wire from downed utility poles. The main road
is now open, with downed trees and wires removed.
Photo by Julia Neal

The ice and water came in handy for the community that is still without water and power. A coffee farm worker named Javier said he thanks the county for bringing him ice, which was also picked up for the Mizuno and Reha farms and others. The truck continued to Puna to distribute more ice, where the number of people without power is much greater.
Cyrus Sumida, who takes care of water for the county, joined Wood Valley Water Cooperative volunteers, after hours, to assess their ongoing repairs to mend breaks and clear mud and other debris from the lines, as individuals worked on pipes on their own properties. The Wood Valley spring water could be back in service within the next few days, water cooperative members said. Electricity could take longer, with lines and poles down along valley roads.
Reed Flickinger and Sissy Pittulo, executive assistants to Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Deputy Planning Director Bobby Command came to Wood Valley to meet victims of the storm and to help assess damage. Annie Bailey, with the Office of Housing & Community Development, also came to Wood Valley, as did a group from the National Guard.

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PERSONS WHO SUFFERED DAMAGE TO STRUCTURES in the Conservation District from Tropical Storm Iselle are encouraged to contact Office Of Conservation and Coastal Lands at 808-587-0377.
OCCL is responsible for overseeing approximately two million acres of private and public lands that lie within the state Land Use Conservation District. In addition to privately and publicly zoned Conservation District lands, OCCL is responsible for overseeing beach and marine lands out to the seaward extent of the state’s jurisdiction.

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“IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALLOWANCES BE MADE to address the concerns and rights of eligible voters to be allowed to participate in our elections process,” wrote Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who also represents Puna. Ruderman questions state Office of Elections plans to open precincts in Puna Friday to residents who were unable to vote on Election Day because Tropical Storm Iselle forced closure of the precincts. “Why was a decision so hastily made … for the two affected areas, when so many residents along Red Road, in Pohoiki and other areas of Puna are still trapped by fallen trees?” Ruderman asked.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

“We still have the time and resources necessary to make amends and avoid the inevitable lawsuits that will be forthcoming should the decision to hold the voting on Friday stand,” Ruderman said. “It is incumbent on officials to take the necessary actions to guarantee that all are afforded their Constitutional rights under law to that participation.”
Ruderman also said, “These are my constituents, whom I know to be astute, active and vocal when it comes to the political process. They are now being effectively disenfranchised by the unwillingness of election officials to take them into account. This is one more example of the unfairness of someone in Honolulu making a decision that unnecessarily punishes the people on a neighbor island without knowing, or seemingly caring, what the real conditions are on the ground.”

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U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES HAVE DIFFERING VIEWS of the Office of Elections’ decision to open polling places in Puna Friday. The plan was made after Tropical Storm Iselle forced two polling places to close on Election Day last Saturday.
Currently, Sen. Brian Schatz is leading Rep. Colleen Hanabusa by 1,635 votes in the Senate Democratic primary.
Tom Callis, of West Hawai`i Today, reported that Hanabusa sent a letter to Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago requesting that the election be further delayed for the two precincts. “I ask that you not rush for the sake of convenience,” she wrote. “The Hawai`i statue allows for a period of twenty-one days in which to conduct this postponed election. Please use this time to put the needs of the Puna residents ahead of the election.”
According to Callis, a Schatz spokesperson said, “The independent nonpartisan experts at the Office of Elections and the County Clerk from Hawai`i Island are in a far better position to evaluate how to proceed with this election than anyone else.”

Both candidates have visited Puna to view damage and speak with storm victims.

The public can learn about research conducted in Punalu`u ahupua`a this
summer at a ho`ike tomorrow at Pahala Plantation House.
Photo from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

Data from the state Office of Elections shows that, at polling places that remained open in Puna on Election Day, Pahoa Community Center had a 12 percent turnout; Pahoa High and Intermediate School, 12.3 percent; Kea`au High School, 11.5 percent; Mountain View Elementary School, 14.3 percent turnout; and Cooper Center in Volcano, 20.9 percent.

Islandwide, voter turnout on Election Day was 14.2 percent. The statewide figure was 18 percent.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE HO`IKE for Wahi Kupuna Internship Program tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House, The presentation gives the community an opportunity to learn about research that students have been conducting in Ka`u this summer, when they conducted an archaeological reconnaissance survey of the entire coastline of Punalu`u ahupua`a.

VOLUNTEERS MEET AT KILAUEA VISITOR CENTER in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Late registration and packet pick-up for Saturday's Volcano
Rain Forest Runs take place Friday.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its new Pu`u o Lokuana program Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone features the formation, various uses of the hill over time and a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. Call 985-6011 for more information.

COOPER CENTER IN VOLCANO VILLAGE HOSTS a Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants in Volcano Rain Forest Runs and others can carbo-load for Saturday’s events. Cost for the buffet is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Late registration and packet pickup is available Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No race day registration for Half Marathon.

VOLCANO GARDEN ARTS IN VOLCANO VILLAGE hosts a backyard compost workshop Saturday, Aug. 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Help keep Hawai`i green by composting home and yard green waste, said Recycle Hawai`i Executive Director Paul Buklarewicz. “Learn the easy way to reap benefits of improved soil in Recycle Hawai`i’s ongoing compost workshops.”
The session is open to beginners with no composting experience as well as those wanting to learn more. Fee is $10 per adult, with no charge for children.
A voucher for a free Earth Machine backyard composter is given for each household completing the workshop. Earth Machines are ready for pick-up by voucher holders at Kea`au and Waimea Recycling and Reuse Centers on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Master composter/recycler Ann Hassler teaches the workshop and covers basic composting techniques plus composting with worms. Worm bins and worms are available for purchase at the workshop.

To register, call 985-8979.

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

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Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students present results of their studies this summer at Pali Kulani and other Ka`u sites today at 4 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Photo from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

HAWAI`I NEWS NOW REPORTED THIS MORNING that 1,000 coffee trees have been destroyed in Ka`u and 2,000 macadamia nut trees were damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Iselle.

Damage amounts to $100 million, Howard Dicus said during his business report.
Dicus noted the years it takes for coffee trees to produce and additional years it takes for macadamia trees to produce after replanting.

Ka`u farmers suffering damage from Iselle may be eligible for low-interest loans.
Photo by Anne Celeste

Most farmers are attempting to stand coffee and macadamia back up in the fields, hoping to get a head start on recovery.
Local estimates from farmers involve many thousands of macadamia and coffee trees in Ka`u.
See hawaiinewsnow.com.

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FARMERS SUFFERING DAMAGE FROM ISELLE may be eligible for low-interest loans from the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture Agricultural Loan Division.
An agricultural loan officer will be available at the two Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers on Hawai`i Island, which will be opened jointly by Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency (formerly State Civil Defense) and Hawai`i County. The DARCs will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow at Pahoa Community Center, 15-2910 Puna Road, and Saturday and Sunday at Mountain View Gym, 18-1345A Volcano Road.
Hawai`i Board of Agriculture has the authority to approve the parameters for the emergency loan program. Farmers needing loans of $25,000 or less may apply for micro-loans for swifter processing and faster approvals.
If possible, farmers should bring photos of damage with them to the DARCs. Those who are unable to make it to the DARCs may call the Hilo office at 933-9975.
For more information on agricultural loans, call the Agricultural Loan Division at 808-973-9460.

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Tropical Storm Karina is strengthening in the eastern Pacific, while more
disturbances are active in the central Pacific. Image from CPHC

WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE PACIFIC continue to favor development of tropical storms. An area of low pressure about 1,100 miles east-southeast of Hawai`i Island has a 60 percent chance of become a tropical storm, according to the Center Pacific Hurricane Center. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for gradual development of this system during the next two days as it moves slowly north or northwest.
Tropical Storm Karina developed in the eastern Pacific, as did Genevieve, Iselle and Julio. Karina continues to strengthen and is expected to become a hurricane by tomorrow. It is 550 miles off the coast of Baja, Mexico and moving west at 10 miles per hour.

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Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

WHO BECOMES THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE for U.S. Senate will be decided tomorrow, following Hawai`i Third Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura’s rejection of a motion filed by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to delay the vote. The candidate filed a lawsuit claiming that holding the election in Puna tomorrow would deny voters in two precincts their constitution rights to vote. Tomorrow’s election is to give voters at two polling places that were closed on Election Day because of Tropical Storm an opportunity to vote. Hanabusa wanted Chief Election Officer Scott Nago to postpone the election “to a reasonable date where voters can exercise their right to vote.”
Hanabusa currently trails Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,635 votes.

“Due to the storm, voters in the affected precincts are still without power and water, and many roads are inaccessible or blocked with debris,” Hanabusa's motion stated. “There is still limited electricity and phone service in these areas, and it is unlikely that full power will be restored or that roads will be unblocked prior to or on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. This will make it impossible to ensure the voters will receive adequate notice of the election, or that those that receive notice can physically access the precinct, depriving these voters of the right to vote.”
West Hawai`i Today reported Hanabusa saying, “I’ve spent the last four days traveling in Puna talking with people, listening to their stories of destruction and damage and seeing first hand the magnitude of the devastation they have suffered. It is completely unrealistic to think people struggling to find basic necessities or get out of their homes will have the ability to go to the polls this week.”

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Hawai`i News Now confirmed all major roads in and out of neighborhoods to the main highways have been cleared. “This has been a complete team effort, and we all got to remember that as challenging as Iselle was, it wasn’t as difficult as it could’ve been,” Kenoi said. “Every incident gives us an opportunity for lessons learned. Given this incident and our response, certainly we can learn from this – strengthen our preparedness recovery system and the next time be even more well prepared – because at the end of the day, you can fix stuff, you can put stuff back together, but you cannot fix a loss of life.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Ka`u High had the lowest Election Day voter turnout of the five local precincts.
Photo by Julia Neal

MOST OF THE FIVE LOCAL POLLING PLACES had more voters than the rest of Hawai`i Island on Election Day last Saturday. The islandwide turnout was 14.2 percent. At Cooper Center in Volcano, 379 out of 1,815 registered voters, or 20.9 percent, went to the polls. Na`alehu School saw 217 voters, or 15.8 percent of those registered. Ocean View Community Center’s turnout was 16.2 percent, with 305 of 1,888 registered voters. Miloli`i Halau precinct had 548 registered voters, and 84, or 15.3 percent, voted on Election Day.
Ka`u High was the only local precinct with a turnout lower than the islandwide figure. Out of 844 registered voters, 105, or 12.4 percent, went to the polls.
Most local precincts also reported more absentee votes than Election Day votes. Absentee voters in Cooper Center precinct totaled 415. In Ka` High precinct, 209 residents voted absentee – almost double Election Day turnout; in Na`alehu School precinct, 272; and in Miloli, 94.
Ocean View Community Center precinct reported 244 absentee ballots received, lower than turnout on Election Day.
Cooper Center precinct’s overall turnout, which included absentee and Election Day ballots, was 43.7 percent, higher than islandwide at 37.6 percent and statewide at 41.4 percent. For Ka`u High’s precinct, the percentage was 37.2; for Na`alehu School, 35.5 percent; for Ocean View Community Center, 29.1 percent; and for Miloli`i Halau, 32.5 percent.

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Students conducting research in the vast fields of Ka`u.
Photo from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS THE HO`IKE for Wahi Kupuna Internship Program today from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The presentation gives the community an opportunity to learn about research that students have been conducting in Ka`u this summer, when they conducted an archaeological reconnaissance survey of the entire coastline of Punalu`u ahupua`a.

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

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its new Pu`u o Lokuana program tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Participants climb to the top of the grassy cinder cone on a free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike and learn about the hill’s formation and various uses of it over time. The summit affords a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. Call 985-6011 for more information.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND PARTICIPANTS in Volcano Rain Forest Runs can carbo-load for Saturday’s events at Cooper Center’s Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost for the buffet is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS take place Saturday. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. Keiki runs begin at 10 a.m. Registration is available at volcanorainforestruns.com.

See map at right for race routes and road closures.
Late registration and packet pickup is available tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No race day registration for Half Marathon.

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL CHURCH HOSTS a Ho`olaule`a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lu`au for God in Jesus’ name includes free Hawaiian food while supplies last, different worship teams, hula, door prizes, games and prizes for children, keiki ID and a prayer booth. Call 345-5899 for more information.

BLACK & WHITE NIGHT IS SATURDAY at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants dress up in their best black and white attire. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8365.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Wahi Kupuna Internship Program participants visited a waterfall and swimming hole high up in the
mountains of Ka`iholena during their research this summer in Ka`u.
Photos from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

SHARING THEIR RESEARCH WITH KA`U is their ongoing intention, said Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students at their ho`ike yesterday at Pahala Plantation House. “We want to share the mo`olelo, whether in books or from people, and disseminate this knowledge far and wide,” said cohort leader Aoloa Santos.

The cohort of four college students and their mentors stayed at Pahala Plantation Cottages during their three weeks in the field mapping sites and gathering information at Punalu`u, Hilea, Ka`alu`alu and Wai`ohinu.

Preliminary research took place before the students
arrived in Ka`u.

“We all fell in love with this place and connected,” Santos said. “We were lucky to have people to welcome us with open arms and share with us.”
A student from Waipio Valley said she chose to study Wai`ohinu because of her connections to water. She told about various stories of how the ahupa`a got its name, which she translated as Shiny Water. She expressed her gratitude to those she interviewed, saying, “They all shared their mana`o.”

One student gave a history of land uses at Ka`alu`alu Bay, from a fishing village that extended inland with a natural harbor, marine resources and fresh water resources, to a stop for steamships traveling to and from Hilo, to a cattle ranch. She said the area’s history “could disappear into the a`a, but some is in the minds of the people” and government records. “I am trying to bring it together. In the doing is the learning.”
Another student focused on Hilea ahupua`a. His research from Kawa to Ka`iholena included heiau on and near Makanau. He said Ka`u was known as the “land of rebels” because of residents characterized as only taking so much from abusive leaders. “You should be psyched; this is your `aina,” he said. “Everyone outside should know how great Ka`u is.”
An O`ahu student who discussed Punalu`u said coming to Ka`u was “far beyond what I imagined. In walking the cobblestones (of Ala Kahakai Trail), I felt like a little kid because I know that my ancestors built it, and I am a product of them, and that makes me proud.” She said her visit reinforced her desire to “protect, preserve and perpetuate” Hawaiian history and culture.
The cohort created a artistic symbol of their work in Ka`u using a wiliwili tree in Ka`alu`alu as inspiration. Roots below the tree represent the foundation of Ka`u’s people who “will continue living here in harmony, in good and rough times.” The roots intertwine with spirals that represent connection with waters. Two of the spirals in opposite directions represent currents that come together at South Point, and an arc above the tree represents the overarching presence of Mauna Loa.

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GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS EXTENDED an emergency proclamation signed prior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Iselle. Originally set to expire today, it now is in effect until Oct. 17.
The proclamation reads in part, “It has become necessary to supplement my Proclamation of Aug. 6, 2014, relating to high winds, heavy rains, high surf, storm surge and flooding as a result of Hurricane Iselle which impacted the State of Hawai`i beginning Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, and caused extensive damage in the county of Hawai`i … in order to provide additional assistance.”

Extension of an emergency proclamation makes access to state and federal
resources easier for Wood Valley and other Ka`u residents.
Photo by Anne Celeste

The proclamation, which includes the entire state, activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the Legislature for disaster relief. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels, along with suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.

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KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD PLANS TO VISIT Hawai`i Island today. She sent a letter to W. Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, requesting immediate assistance to support Hawai`i Island communities devastated by Hurricane Iselle. According to her office, Gabbard has been monitoring the situation closely since last week and has been in regular contact with authorities at FEMA, Hawai`i Civil Defense, local military officials and Hawai`i County leaders, urging their quick response to the needs of affected Hawai`i Island communities.  
She will join FEMA’s assessment task force today as it conducts damage assessments.
“Hawai`i County continues to extend its resources, but much more needs to be done,” Gabbard wrote in her letter to Fugate. “I ask you to be rapid in your response to our natural disaster in Hawai`i. We need your help to reduce suffering and restore basic necessities to citizens across this devastated area.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Sen. Mazie Hirono

Her office said that since the storm hit, Gabbard’s Hawai`i Island constituent liaison has been on the ground, meeting with residents affected by the devastation, offering resources to them and relaying regular status updates to her.

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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE said the senator had no immediate plans to visit Hawai`i Island following Tropical Storm Iselle. “In preparation of hurricanes Iselle and Julio, Sen. Hirono and her office remained in regular communication with the state and counties that led the planning effort as the storms tracked toward Hawai`i,” a spokesman for her Honolulu office said Tuesday morning. “In the aftermath, Sen. Hirono continues to work with the state and Mayors Kenoi and Arakawa (of Maui) as we move into recovery for hardest hit areas.
“While there are no immediate plans for Sen. Hirono to travel to Hawai`i Island, she remains in close coordination with the state and Hawai`i County in the recovery efforts, particularly as it relates to federal assistance.”

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COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND PARTICIPANTS in Volcano Rain Forest Runs can carbo-load for tomorrow’s events at Cooper Center’s Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost for the buffet is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Pahala Aikido instructor and Iki Artist Alan Moores and his son, Kyle Pitcher,
ran last year's 5K together. Moores sells his Iki Art at Ka`u Farmers Market
in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS take place tomorrow. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. Keiki runs begin at 10 a.m. See volcanorainforestruns.com.
See map below for race routes and road closures.
Late registration and packet pickup is available today until 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No race day registration for Half Marathon.

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL CHURCH HOSTS a Ho`olaule`a tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lu`au for God in Jesus’ name includes free Hawaiian food while supplies last, worship teams, hula, door prizes, games and prizes for children, keiki ID and a prayer booth. Call 345-5899 for more information.

BLACK & WHITE NIGHT IS TOMORROW at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants dress up in their best black and white attire. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8365.

KAHUKU: BORN FROM A HOTSPOT is a new program at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation. Call 985-6011 for more information.

EARTH MATTERS FARMS HOLD A COMMUNITY POTLUCK Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads. Guests speakers discuss Big Island agriculture. Call 939-7510 for more information.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN EARLY REGISTRATION FEES are still available through Tuesday, Aug. 19. Half Marathon is $50; 10K, $40; 5K, $30.
The Sept. 20 event at Ka`u Coffee Mill also has a special rate of $10 for each race for high school team members.
Registration for all races and the free Kendama tournament is available at race360.com/21357.

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 Volcanoes National Park rangers report that Mauna Loa Cabin and other areas in the Mauna Loa backcountry sustained little or no damage as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle. NPS Photo by Talmadge Magno

THE IDEA THAT MAUNA LOA AND MAUNA KEA deflect tropical storms and hurricanes did not hold water during Iselle, according to meteorologists.

Meterologists say Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea do not deflect tropical storms
and hurricanes. Graph from peaklist.org

“We didn’t see any significant deflecting effect,” National Weather Service science and operations officer Robert Ballard told Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today. “Iselle slowed down, but it passed right over the island. When it slowed down, it made it even worse; it kept the center over the water longer, and it kept the rain and strong winds over the island longer.”
Mike Cantin, a former warning coordination meteorologist with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, told Yager that friction of the lower part of Iselle circulating on land kept its base in place while the top continued to move west.
“The lower part of the storm was trying to push against a wall,” Cantin said. “It oozed out to the south, and the top went over the mountains. That weakened it dramatically. Cyclones like to be vertically stacked.”
The mountains wrung moisture out of the system, Lt. Col. Jon Talbot, chief weather officer with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, told Yager. “You got peaks more than 13,000 feet and an island 60 miles wide. That has a profound effect on wind circulation,” he said. “Iselle was a jumbled mess when it got out the other side, and it never got its act together.”
While the Kona side of Hawai`i Island escaped effects of the Iselle, “if that storm came in from the southwest, it would have been an entirely different story,” Talbot said.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Sen. Brian Schatz campaigned in Puna yesterday, where voting occurred for
polling places that were shuttered during Tropical Storm Iselle
on Election Day. Photo from twitter

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, WHO LAST NIGHT BECAME the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat by a slim margin over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, was the overwhelming winner at local precincts. Of the 1,899 votes cast at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau, Schatz received 1,073 votes, or 56.5 percent. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa got 826 votes, or 43.5 percent.
At Cooper Center, Schatz received 430 votes, and Hanabusa got 259. Ka`u High was Hanabusa’s most winning precinct, with 183 votes compared to 105 for Schatz. Na`alehu School precinct also went to Hanabusa, 202 to 190. Ocean View Community Center precinct went to Schatz, 247 to 136. Miloli`i’s turnout for Schatz was more than double for Hanabusa, 101 to 46.
For the five local precincts, the 13 percent difference is much larger than islandwide and statewide counts. Overall, Hawai`i Island residents cast 1.5 percent more votes for Schatz, and statewide, the spread was even closer at 0.7 percent.

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Kipukapuaulu Trail has reopened after being closed by Tropical Storm Iselle.
Map from NPS

THE POPULAR FORESTED TRAIL AT KIPUKAPUAULU (known locally as Bird Park), Namakanipaio campground, and Mauna Loa summit and backcountry within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are now open. The areas were closed for over a week due to Tropical Storm Iselle.

Mauna Loa Road is open to hikers and pedestrians, but is currently closed to vehicles. Visitors who want to access Mauna Loa trail, the summit and Pu`u`ula`ula (Red Hill) or Mauna Loa cabins must obtain a backcountry permit at the Visitor Emergency Operations Center. A gate code for Mauna Loa Road will be provided with the permit. Call 985-6178 for information.
“We’re delighted to report that most of the places visitors typically visit within the national park are now open,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Our park crews mobilized quickly, safely and efficiently to reopen as much of the park as possible following Iselle.”
All coastal trails and coastal backcountry campsites are open within the park. Napau and Kulanaokuaiki campsites and Pepeiao Cabin are also open. Power has been restored, and most phones are working throughout the park. Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum have returned to normal operating hours.
Iselle snapped trail signs off posts in some areas and damaged park resources, including a historic home at `Ainahou and a greenhouse used to propagate endangered plants. Potential damage to fencing in remote areas and the coastal nesting sites of the endangered hawksbill turtle are still being assessed.

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HA`AHEO KAKOU `O KA`U IS KA`U HIGH TROJANS’ manao nui (unifying theme), Athletic Director Kalei Namohala told The Ka`u Calendar. Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School services a vast area that includes Ocean View, Kahuku, South Point, Discovery Harbour, Mark Twain, Wai`ohinu, Na`alehu, Honu`apo, Kawa, Punalu`u, Moa`ula Pahala and Kapapala. The purpose of the theme is “to unify ourselves as one unit,” Namohala said.

“You may hear the teachers, coaches and players yelling out ‘Ha`aheo Kakou’ and in response teams, students and community would say ‘`O Ka`u.’ The meaning behind the saying is ‘We are proud to be of/from Ka`u!’ We hope this unifying theme will increase the students’, teachers’, families’ and communities’ pride in Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, in addition to having a sense of self, being from Ka`u,” Namohala said.

Namohala also reported news of this year’s Trojan teams.
Eight-man football’s first game of the season is Friday, Aug. 22 at Kealakehe rather than Saturday, Aug 23 as reported in the August issue of The Ka`u Calendar.
Jessica Carroll has been named head cheerleading coach for this year. This is a building year for the program. “We hope to have our cheerleaders at our home football and basketball games this year,” Namohala said.
Darryl Shibuya has been named head coach for Boys Varsity Basketball. Shibuya was head JV Boys Basketball coach last year. “He knows the athletic system at KHPES,” Namohala said. “We look forward to a great season with our new and returning players.”
David Brooks has been named head coach for girls soccer. He is a teacher at KHPES. “He has vast knowledge and experience in soccer, and we hope for a successful season,” Namohala said.
Trojans are accepting application for Boys Baseball. Anyone interested can pick up an application at the school office from Aug. 18 to Sept. 18. For more information, contact Namohala at 313-4100.

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A NEW PROGRAM AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. During Kahuku: Born From A Hotspot, participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation. Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ invite everyone to their 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy a day of fun, live music and good food.
For more information, contact Lovey Grantz at 982-8242 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

EARTH MATTERS FARMS HOLD A COMMUNITY POTLUCK tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads. Guest speakers discuss Big Island agriculture. Call 939-7510 for more information.

KA`U HIGH CLASS OF 1979 REUNION is coming up on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Contact Margo Lu Takata or Holli Wade on facebook for info.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Runners cross the finish line at yesterday's fifth annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Photo from Facebook

THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS “were fabulous,” said organizer Sharron Faff. “It misted all day, and runners loved it – it’s a Rain Forest Run.”

When the weather is clear, Volcano Rain Forest
Runners enjoy majestic views.
Photo from Facebook

The Half Marathon saw 250 registrants, and 231 crossed the finish line. Triple Crown winners numbered 63. They received medals for completing Half Marathons earlier this year in Hilo and Kona and today’s race in Volcano.

Billy Barnett, of Volcano, won the Half Marathon with a time of 1:18:41. Kathleen O’Neil, of Honolulu, won the women’s division at 1:25:09.
Jodie Schulten, of Na`alehu, placed 16th overall and first in her Half Marathon age division.
Other local runners who completed the Half Marathon were Ocean View resident Christine Woods, Na`alehu residents Deen Tsukamoto and Eldrige Naboa, Pahala resident Denny Megan and Volcano residents Shawn Mishler, Megan Selvig, David Hoover, Rebecca Carvalho and Sheila Bruening.
Hilo residents won the 10K. Stephen Hunter’s time was :38:57, and Carmen Garson-Shumway’s was :44:43.

Volcano residents Stewart Miyashiro and Genevieve McGough placed first in their 10K age divisions.
Louie Ondo, of Kea`au, was first in the 5K with a time of :17:51. Women’s division winner was Eri MacDonald, of Kailua, at :19:34.
Julia Williams, of Volcano, and former Ka`u resident Madalyn McWhite-Lamson placed first in their 5K age divisions.

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NINE `ALALA CHICKS HATCHED THIS BREEDING SEASON, reported San Diego Zoo Global’s Keauhou Bird Center in Volcano. The season began in April and concluded this month.
`Alala, Hawaiian crows, are extinct in the wild. The last in their forest natural habitat were recorded in 2002, where habitat destruction, introduced predators and avian disease threatened them.
The entire remaining population is managed in captivity through a collaborative effort by the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. Some of the chicks are fed and cared for by animal care staff, which the chicks never see to ensure they do not imprint on humans.
“`Alala are very intelligent birds and are susceptible to imprinting,” said Bryce Masuda, program manager for San Diego Zoo Global. “We use puppets to hand-rear and feed the birds when they are young to keep them from imprinting onto us, so they will behave naturally as adults.”

`Alala have not been seen in the wild since 2002. Photo from The Kohala Center

HEBCP has been working with the species in managed care since 1993, bringing the population from a low of only 20 individuals to 114 today.
Planning and preparation efforts are currently underway to restore `alala back into its vital niche within the forest ecosystem on the Big Island of Hawai`i. It is hoped that the first reintroduction activities will begin in the near future.
Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program is a field program of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research in partnership with the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
See sandiegozoo.org.

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“THE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH IS ONE of the most exciting events that Ocean View Baptist Church puts on,” said Pastor Mike Landry. The church handed out over 400 bags of school supplies and that many slippers to children of Ka`u on Saturday, July 26 at Ocean View Community Center, where members meets for services every Sunday at 1 p.m.

Ka`u keiki enjoyed bounce houses, shave ice and other treats before picking up
school supplies at Ocean View Baptist Church's Back to School Bash.
Photo from Connie Landry

“We also had shave ice, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and two bounce houses to give a carnival atmosphere,’ Landry said. “It was a great send-off to a new school year.”
Over 50 volunteers from the church worked hard to make the event happen. “This is a large undertaking for our church,” Landry said. “We would also like to say mahalo for the businesses and individuals that came on board to help us with prizes, monetary support and school supplies to make this a success for our community.
“Of course, the children and families who attend are great with their patience, enjoyment and gratitude. As a church, it is an honor to serve our community and represent the love of God.
“Mahalo, Ka`u,” Landry said.

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IT’S TIME AGAIN FOR KA`U FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS to register for GEMS – Girls Exploring Math & Science – workshops.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, West Hawai`i’s fifth-grade girls are invited to the 2014 GEMS program at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou. Registration forms will be distributed to public and private schools on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and the deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 26.

Steering committee member Madalyn McWhite-Lamson urges Ka`u
fifth-grade girls to register for GEMS. Photo by Julia Neal

This event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research. The annual day of discovery features hand-on workshops and exhibits led by local women volunteers who work in math and science careers and who show the girls how they use math, science and technology in their daily work. The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster the confidence of girls in these fields, as well as provide positive role models, and may also stimulate a girl’s interest in a new career goal. Last year, over 300 girls from West Hawai`i attended the program, and as many as 30 girls from Ka`u have attended in previous years.
Each girl receives a GEMS T-shirt and a healthy breakfast and views many exhibits prior to the workshops. Some of the workshops this year include marine science, coral reef conservation, Zumba, cosmetics and kitchen chemistry, veterinary science, archaeology, GPS satellites, how rainbows solve mysteries, robotics, chemistry, Roll with the Sharkbots, chiropractic care, How to Make Your Money Grow, creative computer programming and more. Exhibits are varied and include space rocks, Working for the Ocean, Stand Tall with a Chiropractor, origami, energy conservation, robots, technology and tidepools, hospital careers and also Zumba dance during lunchtime.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all fifth-grade girls residing in the West Hawai`i School complex and who are in public or private schools or who are home-schooled are welcome. The fee is $20 per girl, and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away for financial reason. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted.
GEMS steering committee member Madalyn McWhite-Lamson encourages girls to register early to get their first choice of workshops. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl or to request a registration packet, contact Laurel Gregory at 969-8833 or lgregory@hawaii.edu.

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KA`U RESIDENTS WITH DAMAGE CAUSED by Tropical Storm Iselle can visit a Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center at Mountain View Gym today until 8 p.m. The center is a joint effort by Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency (formerly State Civil Defense) and Hawai`i County.

If possible, residents should bring photos of damage with them to the DARCs. Those who are unable to make it to the DARCs may call the Hilo office at 933-9975.

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Haunani's Aloha Expressions perform Wednesday. Photo from NPS

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ invite everyone to their 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center today until 3 p.m.

EARTH MATTERS FARMS HOLD A COMMUNITY POTLUCK today until 3 p.m. at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads. Guest speakers discuss Big Island agriculture. Call 939-7510 for more information.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS PRESENT a hula performance Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This halau, comprised of an all-Hawaiian volunteer group of kupuna (elders), shares the aloha spirit with malihini (visitors) on cruise ships and at Hilo International Airport. They also entertain patients at many of Hilo’s senior kokua (caring) organizations and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS A HEALTHY SOILS WORKSHOP Friday, Aug. 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees learn how to optimize inputs, protect against drought and increase production. The event features vendor booths, food and door prizes. Seating is limited. Sign up with Jennifer at 933-8350.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Students of the late Edna Aguil's halau performed at the Ka`u High potluck reunion yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

WATER AND POWER ARE RESTORED TO WOOD VALLEY, according to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s executive assistant Reed Flickinger.

HELCO crews drove from Kona yesterday to work on power lines that were down for more than eight days after Tropical Storm Iselle came ashore along the Ka`u Coast on Aug. 8.

Power and running water have been restored to Wood Valley, according
to county officials. Photo by Anne Celeste

Road crews had cleared the roads of debris prior to HELCO’s arrival yesterday, including debris at the intersection of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads, where live electricity transmission lines were tangled in trees as they fell across the road.

At the urging of the county, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. sent a crew on Tuesday, Aug. 13 to determine that the wire was live. They turned off the power and posted a sign on pole number 123 on the Pahala side of the gulch stating “Danger, Do Not Operate this Switch.” After the power was turned off, road crews quickly cleared tree trunks and other debris, making all of the access roads in Wood Valley passable.

Flickinger had previously visited Wood Valley to meet victims of the storm and to help assess damage, along with executive assistant Sissy Pittulo, Deputy Planning Director Bobby Command, Annie Bailey, with the Office of Housing & Community Development, and a group from the National Guard.

Flickinger said if any residents are still without water or power, they should contact him at 323-4702.

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Sentry became a sea creature sporting a Hawaiian flower before one of its
deployments off the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Carlie Wiener/SOI

DURING NEARLY TWO WEEKS ONBOARD THE RESEARCH VESSEL Falkor in June and July, scientists studying Loihi Seamount off the Ka`u Coast gathered enough data to keep them busy for six months. Brian Glazer, an oceanographer at University of Hawai`i-Manoa, led the expedition, along with colleagues from University of Minnesota, IFREMER Centre de Brest and Woods Hole Oceanographic. They mapped the seamount’s base using Woods Hole Oceanographic’s Sentry autonomous underwater vehicle and collected water samples to better understand the processes impacting delivery and dispersion of hydrothermal fluids from Loihi to the Pacific Ocean.

The researched had seven AUV Sentry deployments to the two deep regions of Loihi Seamount: FeMo Deep and Shinkai Deep. This provided a closer look at these lesser-known regions of the ocean’s floor.

Sentry shared information from its sensor data like temperature and how much oxygen is in the water as well as visuals including high-resolution maps and 49,130 photos. This information will help scientists better understand the area and hone in on hydrothermal plumes for future research.

The crew also deployed a conductivity, tempature and depth rosette for 18 different hydrocasts. This instrument can also go down to the deepest parts of this underwater volcano and collect water samples at different depths to get a better idea of the water chemistry related to hydrothermal plumes. Some areas explored were Pele’s Pit, Pit of Death and Loihi Summit.

Seventeen scientists worked around the clock to gather as much information as they could during their time onboard Falkor. “We are excited to see what comes of all of this data and to be part of the science that is helping researchers know more about this mysterious underwater volcano,” said Carlie Wiener, of Schmidt Ocean Institute. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Vince Mina and his daughter Kahaulani came from their family farm on Maui
to support the Ka`u chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United at Earth
Matters farm yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED and Earth Matters farm at Kama`oa and South Point Roads held a food, music and farm tour event yesterday to support small, family farms.

Hawai`i Farmers Union United president Vince Mina traveled from his family farm on Maui to support the recently organized Ka`u chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. He said he is also on island to help with the organization of a Kohala chapter and a Hilo chapter.
Mina said that it is important for people to know who is producing food locally and called farmers to the microphone. Growing food “is the kind of behavior that is a primal expression of what we do each day, eating wholesome food that is nutrient rich.

Sally Yamaguchi, of the Class of 1943, was the oldest
to attend the reunion. Photo by Julia Neal

Mina talked about Hawai`i Farmers Union United’s efforts at the state Legislature. He noted that state budget to support agriculture is 0.4 percent, far less than many programs not as dear as food security. Mina talked about agriculture supporting soil health. He said, “It is important to help educate our legislators as to importance of what regenerative agriculture means to becoming food-secure. Regenerative agriculture builds resiliency to the land being farmed on a consistent basis. Land responds in a way that supports healthy plants and healthy people.”

He said state legislators look to national farming organizations to help guide them in developing policy around local agriculture.
He talked about Hawai`i Farmers Union United preferring to support small farms. He said the organization is not retreading and used the term “agvance.”  We are the ones in the trenches, the small holder farmers. We want to clear the way for them.”

Mina reported that Hawai`i Farmers Union United recently received a   $150,000 grant from the 112-year old national Farmers Union United to help the Hawai`i organization reach charter status.
He said the organization is open to matching funds and additional memberships. He explained that “you don’t have to be a farmer – anyone who eats food – consumers, gardeners, farmers, ranchers are members, those who value local agriculture.”
He said membership numbers are important at the Legislature. “Having a voice in the Legislature is having a seat at a table so we are not part of the menu. The more members, the bigger the voice,” Mina said.

Augusto Ballo displays his Pahala-Ka`u reunion T-shirt with Dolores Natividad. More are available
at Pahala Plantation Cottages' office. Photo by Julia Neal

The annual meeting for Hawai`i Farmers Union United will be on O`ahu on Nov. 7, 8 and 9, and state administrative and legislative leaders will be invited to tour farms and attend sessions. For more on the Ka`u chapter, call Malian Lahey at 808-280-2851.

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HUNDREDS OF KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL graduates and their friends celebrated the school yesterday at their annual reunion at Pahala Community Center. The potluck event featured entertainment by Hands of Time, Ernest Kalani and the Back to the Fifties group and hula from students of the late Edna Aguil.
Graduates also hold an annual event in Las Vegas. The next one is June 19 – 22, 2015. Contact Priscilla Obado at 808-225-9173 or pobadomtview@gmail.com.

Ka`u High Class of 1959 graduates also held parties at the old Sasaki Store, now called the Market House, with cooks Robert Ahia and Lovey Grantz. Fish came from Vince Damazo, and Dane Galiza provided floral decorations.

Keiki runners got a glimpse of what Volcano Rain Forest Runs are like.
Photos from Sharron Faff

Reunion T-shirts are still available at Pahala Plantation Cottages’ office in the Olson Building at Pikake and Maile Streets for $15 each.

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CLOSE TO 600 RUNNERS AND WALKERS ENJOYED Volcano Rain Forest Runs Saturday, challenging themselves to a Half Marathon, 10K or 5K race. Keiki between ages one and seven also had their own special 100- and 200-yard dashes, which were sponsored by Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village.
According to organizer Sharron Faff, participants had nothing but great things to report, from how well the course was set up to the many volunteers who came out to help with the event. Participants came from all over the United States and Canada.

The successful weekend full of events was presented by Kona Marathon Events and sponsored by Volcano Art Center, Cooper Center, County of Hawai`i, Nutrex/BioAstin, Volcano Rotary Club, GU, Ultima and local businesses.

“A big Mahalo goes out to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped in making this event be such a successful community day,” Faff said.
Next year’s race will be on Saturday, Aug. 22. Keep up to date with all the news about the 2015 event on Facebook and at volcanorainforestruns.com.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva started all
the races on Saturday.

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KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow and every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. A Walk into the Past program participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center and walk to Whitney Vault near Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, where they view instruments used by Jaggar.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS PRESENT a hula performance Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The halau greets visitors at Port of Hilo and Hilo International Airport. They also entertain patients at many of Hilo’s senior kokua organizations and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival.Free; park entrance fees apply.

PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS A HEALTHY SOILS WORKSHOP Friday, Aug. 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees learn how to optimize inputs, protect against drought and increase production. The event features vendor booths, food and door prizes. Seating is limited. Sign up with Jennifer at 933-8350.

KA`U HIGH CLASS OF 1979 REUNION is coming up on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Contact Margo Lu Takata or Holli Wade on facebook for info.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Tropical Storm Iselle knocked down macadamia nut trees in Wood Valley. Photo by Gloria Camba

THE MAJOR STORM DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURE in Ka`u was to Pear Tree coffee farmers and Wood Valley coffee and macadamia nut growers, said Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba.

Coffee trees laden with this year's crop suffered lost branches and lost Ka`u
Coffee beans. Photo by Gloria Camba

She said Pear Tree farms were damaged by flooding, which undermined at least 10 coffee trees on her farm alone. Iselle stripped leaves from trees and blew thousands of pounds of unripened coffee beans onto the ground, making the upcoming picking season less prosperous that expected.

Iselle broke branches and knocked over young trees at Pear Tree and in Wood Valley. About 20 new coffee farms on Edmund C. Olson Trust property in Wood Valley suffered damage. About half of the farms are operated by farmers who also grow coffee at Pear Tree or Moa`ula. Moa`ula had the least damage, Camba said.

Trees weakened by storm damage can lead to more disease, said Camba, noting that farms are already suffering from the coffee berry borer and twig borer.
Lisa Dacalio, who farms with her husband Jimmy along Hwy 11 near Pahala and at Cloud Rest, said he is propping young coffee trees back up in the fields.

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IN LIGHT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE ISELLE, Ka`u farmers may consider signing up for 2015 NAP crop insurance through Farm Service Agency. The deadline to sign up is Sept. 1. There is a fee waiver for those farmers/ranchers that can certify Socially Disadvantaged, which now includes gender, limited resource or beginning farmer.
FSA also has a Tree Assistance Program that helps with cost to rehabilitate or replace trees that produce a commercially grown crop or are grown as a nursery commodity.
FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program helps with technical assistance and cost share reimbursement to make conservation changes on land damaged by a natural disaster.
The agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program assists producers of cattle, poultry, swine, sheep, emus, goats, llamas, etc.
For more information about FSA’s programs, including what to do in advance of the next disaster, see fsa.usda.gov/hi. For a more comprehensive look at USDA disaster assistance, see usda.gov/disaster.

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KA`U FARMERS & RANCHERS ARE INVITED to a tropical storm recovery rally today in Kea`au. Agencies on hand with information about resources for farmers and ranchers include University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Kiva Zip micro-loan Program, Farm Credit Services of Hawai`i, County of Hawai`i Research and Development: Enterprise Zone and Force Majure, Hawai`i state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Conservation Service.
The event takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at W.H. Shipman Office, 16-523 Kea`au-Pahoa Road at the intersection with Hwy 11.

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Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard reviews storm damage with Armed Services
personnel. Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS RELEASED details on the next steps that must be taken to quickly and effectively bring federal aid to residents on Hawai`i Island whose homes and properties were damaged by Hurricane Iselle.
Gabbard spent Friday with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials and employees of Hawai`i County’s Office of Housing visiting people’s homes and meeting with residents as FEMA assessed the cost of damages and gathered information for a detailed report that will be submitted to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The governor will then be able to request federal aid from President Obama through a disaster declaration.
“I’m urging FEMA, Hawai`i County, the governor and President Obama to expedite the process of declaring Iselle’s devastation a natural disaster so that the people of Puna can receive immediate help,” said Gabbard, whose congressional district includes all of Hawai`i Island. “I’ve met with residents who have lost everything, and though they’ve shown strength, resiliency and compassion for their neighbors, many families in Puna are looking for federal assistance to start putting their lives back together after this overwhelming storm.”

Brenda Ford

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KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD is proposing a change to council procedures that currently allow the council to end discussion on issues without all members being heard.

Ford’s Resolution 485 would allow each council member to speak at least once on the motion that is under consideration before any council member may “call for the question,” which, if approved by a two-thirds vote of the Council, ends debate.
Ford told West Hawai`i Today reporter Nancy Cook Lauer that council meetings have lost transparency because some council members have increasingly been using the parliamentary maneuver to stifle debate. “We live in a democracy,” Ford told Cook Lauer. “In a democracy, everyone gets the chance to at least state their position.”
Ford said ending debate before all council members have an opportunity to speak does them a disservice.
“It’s gotten worse and worse and worse,” Ford said. “I’ve never seen this kind of abuse in three previous terms on the council.”
Ford said ending debate prematurely is a disservice to the public, as well. “It’s denying the right of the public in this county to hear from their particular council representative,” she told Cook Lauer. “It’s un-American.”
The council meets at 10 a.m. tomorrow at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. The Planning Committee meets at 9 a.m., and Finance Committee, 9:15 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park monitors petrel by air
next week. Photo from Jim Denny

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNOUNCED upcoming flight plans for August and September 2014:

Tuesday, Aug. 26 between 8 a.m. and noon to transport fence materials and equipment for a fencing project in upper Kahuku;
Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 26 and 28 between 8 a.m. and noon for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kilauea to Mauna Loa;
Tuesday, Aug. 26 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between elevation of 3,000 and 7,000 feet; and 
Monday, Sept. 22 between 8 a.m. and noon to fly camp supplies and drinking water from the end of Chain of Craters Road to `Apua Point, Keauhou and Halape campsites for monitoring of hawksbill turtle nesting season.

Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. A statement from the park said officials regret any noise impact to residents and park visitors.
Management of the park requires use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and to maintain backcountry facilities.

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KA`U HIGH’S EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL GAME against Kealakehe Junior Varsity this Friday has been cancelled. “Students have not passed their grade checks and having students with insufficient number of days in full pads are our main reasons we have to forfeit our game this week,” said Athletic Director Kalei Namohala.

Namohala said she appreciated the opportunity to play the team and hopes to be able to schedule a game in the future.

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Ka`u farmers and ranchers can still sign up for a Healthy Soils Workshop.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS PRESENT a hula performance tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

ATTENDEES LEARN HOW TO OPTIMIZE INPUTS, protect against drought and increase production during a Healthy Soils workshop at Pahala Community Center Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event features vendor booths, food and door prizes. Seating is limited. Sign up with Jennifer at 933-8350.

KA`U HIGH CLASS OF 1979 REUNION takes place Friday at 6 p.m. at Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Contact Margo Lu Takata or Holli Wade on facebook for information.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN EARLY REGISTRATION FEES are still available. Today is the last day to sign up for the Half Marathon for $50, the 10K for $40 and the 5K for $30. Fees increase by $5 tomorrow.
The Saturday, Sept. 20 event at Ka`u Coffee Mill also has a special rate of $10 for each race for high school team members.
Registration for all races and the free Kendama tournament is available at race360.com/21357.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Macadamia nut trees in Wood Valley were knocked down by Iselle, with winds whipping down the valley's slopes. Trees with
shadow are standing; those without are on the ground. Insurance adjusters are evaluating ag damage in Ka`u. Photo by John Cross

STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN plans to fly to O`ahu to attend a state Elections Commission hearing this Friday. “I have very serious complaints about how the recent primary election was handled,” he said, referring to storm damage that prevented voters from reaching the polls. Ruderman represents east Ka`u and Puna.

Sen. Russell Ruderman said he has very serious complaints about how
the recent primary election was handled. Photo by Julia Neal

Ruderman said this morning that while it is not his place to tell the Elections Commission how to solve the problem that occurred after destruction by Tropical Storm Iselle isolated people from voting, he will point out some of the problems to the commission. “One was the fact that the election was held on Saturday, Aug. 9, when many people were physically blocked in their homes and couldn’t make it to the polls. Ruderman said that the state Elections Division decided to open the polls after a fly-over determined that major roads were open but did not take into account the voters that could be blocked in from reaching the polls from their neighborhoods.

Ruderman said he tried to call Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago to no avail. Ruderman contended that the turnout was at least 40 percent lower due to people being unable to reach the polls. There was no accommodation made for them to vote later, he said.
The secondary problem involves polling stations that were closed on Election Day. Official notices were posted and given out saying that ballots would be mailed. However, “two days later they changed their minds and decided to hold the election three days later. … So many people didn’t receive the word to go vote, and some waited for the ballot to come in the mail.” Ruderman asked, “Why after making a decision to mail out ballots, change to a three-day-notice, walk-in election when it was hard to get the word out?”
Ruderman said that if Nago would have returned his call before Primary Election Day, Ruderman could have “corrected Nago’s misinformation about the conditions.” Ruderman, who was not running as he has two more years before campaigning for reelection, said, “I was not running for office. I was fighting for the right of the voters and wanted to tell him.”
In contrast, said Ruderman, “County Clerk Stewart Maeda is always responsive.”

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Rep. Richard Creagan at Ocean View Community
Center's County Council District Six candidate
forum. Photo by Ron Johnson

WEST KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN is studying health and educational issues in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the National Conference of State Legislatures. He said this morning that about a third of Hawai`i state House of Representative members and a quarter of Hawai`i state senators are attending. “It is a place to meet other legislators and find out how they do things and how they are addressing certain issues.”
Creagan said that legislators from Washington and Colorado have talked to him about their marijuana issues, since Hawai`i could be considering expanding and decriminalizing marijuana use. Creagan said he was surprised to learn that Hawai`i is on the short list of some websites predicting where marijuana could be legalized. Creagan said he does not see legalization here as imminent. He said that some people are against legalization, but then when money becomes involved, people start to change their minds.”
Creagan said he does not support legalization of marijuana at this time. “There could be some unintended consequences, and there is a downside to legalizing marijuana. On the other hand, some people think ‘the train is coming down the track; might as well get on board.’ However, I think it would be premature to legalize marijuana before we thoroughly look at decriminalizing marijuana and also at medical marijuana issues.”
Creagan said he recommends watching the experiments where marijuana sales have been legalized “in Washington and Colorado, which have very different legalizing systems, and see how they play out.” Creagan said that in Washington, the liquor board is responsible for licensing marijuana distribution. In Colorado, the system is more wide open, with more liberal licensing of marijuana outlets, Creagan said.
Regarding health care, Creagan said the National Conference of State Legislatures has included presentations from the two largest medical systems in Minnesota, including Mayo Clinic.
He said he visited Mayo Clinic and sees its health care services to about half the geography of Minnesota as a model to study. Creagan said he has heard positive results from Hawai`i people seeking help from Mayo.
Regarding public schools, Creagan said, “We need to reinvent our education system. Otherwise, we are going to lose a generation of people.” He said the conference has included discussions about federal initiatives having been “so rigid that they have been less rather than more effective. We need to look at education to free up the creativity of children. Don’t make them fit into a rigid mold,” Creagan said.
The weeklong session ends this Friday.

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One of Rep. Colleen Hanabusa's campaign stops was Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

“THOUGH I WILL NOT BE CHALLENGING THE RESULTS of this election, I remain very concerned about the public’s confidence and trust in our election process,” said Rep. Colleen Hanabusa regarding her loss to Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,769 votes in the race for the seat vacated by the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. “I ask former colleagues and friends in the Hawai`i state Legislature to explore what is necessary to ensure the people that their vote truly counts.
“I heard from many who feel strongly that they were disenfranchised from the voting process this election, and I stand ready to support any collaborative effort to have those voices heard.”
Schatz responded, “I want to congratulate Congresswoman Hanabusa on waging a spirited and tough battle. Now it is time for us to unite as we move forward to the general election.
“I thank the voters for placing their trust and confidence in me. I will never lose sight of the fact that I am only able to do my work representing the people of Hawai`i because of the voters’ support.”
Schatz faces Republican Cam Cavasso, Libertarian Michael Kokoski and nonpartisan Joy Allison in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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INSURANCE AGENTS ARE DESCENDING ON KA`U to measure damage caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, especially to macadamia nut orchards and Ka`u Coffee fields.

Ka`u farmers and ranchers can obtain crop insurance and funds to repair damage through Farm Service Agency. The deadline to sign up for 2015 NAP crop insurance is Monday, Sept. 1.

For information about FSA’s programs, including what to do in advance of the next disaster, see fsa.usda.gov/hi. For a more comprehensive look at USDA disaster assistance, see usda.gov/disaster.

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HVO's website is being updated regularly, and the observatory's
monitoring capacity is back to normal after repairs to
its electrical system. Photo from HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY IS ONCE AGAIN fully operational following power issues created by Tropical Storm Iselle. The storm caused only minor damage to HVO’s field instruments, but electrical problems within the observatory impaired processing of data and updating of the website.
The National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, CO monitored earthquakes during HVO’s power problems, and scientists at Alaska Volcano Observatory scanned satellite imagery for data on Hawai`i’s volcanoes.
Updates for Hawai`i’s active volcanoes and earthquake data for the state of Hawai`i are available at hvo.wr.usgs.gov, 967-8862 or askHVO@usgs.gov.

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RANDY LEE SHARES THE ART OF LEI MAKING Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the porch at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU PARK IN OCEAN VIEW hosts a Music Appreciation Concert Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call Teresa at 929-9113.

Three kumu hula present their halau this Saturday. From left are
Ab Valencia, Pohaikealoha Souza and Patrick Kapuawehi Choy.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

ATTENDEES LEARN HOW TO OPTIMIZE INPUTS, protect against drought and increase production during a Healthy Soils workshop at Pahala Community Center Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event features vendor booths, food and door prizes. Seating is limited. Sign up with Jennifer at 933-8350.

KA`U HIGH CLASS OF 1979 REUNION takes place Friday at 6 p.m. at Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Contact Margo Lu Takata or Holli Wade on facebook for information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HULA KAHIKO SERIES continues on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with performances by three halau: Kumu hula Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuak`ieki`eika`iu, (Kilauea, Hawai`i); Kumu hula Pohaikealoha Souza with Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua (Kaka`ako, O`ahu); and Kumu hula Patrick Kapuawehi Choy with Halau Hula Kalehua`apapaneoka`au (Palolo, O`ahu).
These three kumu hula `uniki’d (graduated) together in 1991. Each established their own halau after their `uniki. They continue the hula traditions of their teacher Mae Kamamalu Klein, of Kane`ohe, O`ahu, and enjoy coming together to share the mana`o, aloha and traditions of hula.
Cultural specialist Loke Kamanu and `ohana set up shop on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery from 9:30 a.m. with 1:30 p.m. for Na Mea Hula, All Things Hula. Kamanu shares a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family-friendly.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u paniolo return to Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds Saturday to raise funds for Ka`u High Trojans' eight-man football team.
Photo by Julia Neal

WHILE MUCH OF THE FOCUS IN THE AFTERMATH of Tropical Storm Iselle has been on damage caused by hundreds of falling albizia trees that blocked roads and damaged homes and power lines, many of the downed trees in Wood Valley were elderly eucalyptus trees and silver oaks, along with the albizia.
It also doesn’t take a storm for eucalyptus to come down. Days before Iselle, near the intersection of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads, a eucalyptus fell across the bed of Mona Chow’s truck as she was driving toward Pahala, throwing her into the steering wheel and totaling the vehicle.

Eucalyptus trees covered stretches of Wood Valley's roads following
Tropical Storm Iselle. Photo by Anne Celeste

During Iselle, a large silver oak fell onto Clint Strong’s farm shed and nearly took out his farm machinery and vehicle, said Wood Valley residents.
According to an Associated Press story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz met with state Sen. Russell Ruderman, county Director of Civil Defense Darryl Oliveira and other local officials Tuesday regarding formation of a hazard mitigation plan for albizia trees on Hawai`i Island.
They agreed that all levels of government share responsibility for dealing with hazards the trees pose. The story states that the officials say the next step is to create a budget and figure out how to split the costs.
Schatz said that because albizia wreaked havoc on power infrastructure and damaged private property, officials must work together to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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RICHARD ABBETT, RUNNER-UP to Maile Medeiros David in the August election to represent Ka`u on Hawai`i County Council, said this morning that he is more determined than ever to work on public issues on the island.
Abbett said that one of his major concerns is industrialization of the Hawaiian Islands. “It is starting to happen and can be seen on every island. Efforts are being put forward that are ignoring the current residents’ economic and quality of life issue all in the name of progress,” he said.
On Kaua`i, the County Council is considering enacting an excise tax, in addition to the state general excise tax, that would “continue a regressive tax structure that could force people out of their homes and off the island,” said Abbett.
On the Big Island, county government “continues to ignore the concerns of the people over the planned waste-to-energy project to handle the island’s garbage. Rather than creating economic opportunity by using the waste stream for new businesses such as recycling discarded wood and other materials, the plan would reduce the amount of recycling and upcycling,” he contended. “So much garbage would be needed to feed the incinerator to make electricity, it would incentivize more burning and less recycling and undermine our zero-waste policy.”

Hawai`i County Council District Six runner-up Richard Abbett, at left,
wants to work on the island's public issues. Photo by Julia Neal

Abbett said that the waste-to-energy contract, as proposed, could increase the tax burden to citizens for decades. He said the county won’t have enough waste to feed the generator and would have to truck in recyclables and reusables or pay the incinerator company for not having enough garbage. “In Honolulu, the contractual obligations to feed their waste-to-energy incinerator cannot be met,” he contended.
Abbett said there is a huge increase in infrastructure investments on all the islands. This relies on local tax revenue, and increased taxes lead to local people becoming more impoverished and less able to keep their homes here.
He also pointed to housing costs. On O`ahu, for example, $400,000 and $500,000 condos and townhomes are marketed as affordable for local people, when, in fact their income cannot support these expensive homes, he said. This will lead to more out-of-state people moving here and displacing the local residents, he predicted.
He said one approach to reduce the local tax burden is to increase the counties’ share of the transient accommodations (hotel) tax to mitigate the impact and support services necessary for the visitor industries. Last legislative session, he said, some of the transient accommodations tax revenue was diverted to O`ahu to pay for the Turtle Bay preservation project. While in support of protecting that coastal area on O`ahu, Abbett said more money still needed to come to the Neighbor Island counties. This prompted Neighbor Island counties to consider levying an additional excise tax on all the citizenry, which would hurt the local people, he said.
Abbett said he also worries about the citizens of Ka`u and other County Council districts having their voices heard. He said he testified yesterday in support of Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s resolution to ensure that each County Council district’s representative is allowed to speak before close of debate on any issue before the council. He said that the tactic of stopping debate has been used in the waste-to-energy incinerator discussion, with debate cut off before council members were allowed to present their constituents’ concerns.
Abbett recommended that counties refrain from committing to expensive capital improvement projects that are not sustainable through current revenues. Even with increases in property taxes as the values of homes and lands increase, there will not be enough money to fund many of these CIPs, he predicted. “This threatens all of our other policy initiatives to maintain the quality of life for our current residents,” he said. “This is particularly harmful to the Native Hawaiian population.
“These economic policies are where the rubber hits the road. We can’t support our social policy initiatives with such unsustainable capital investment expenditures and continuation of a regressive tax structure.”
Abbett said he is networking with other people who have been running for office to continue the public discussion and build a movement around these issues.
To contact him, call 333-6241.
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Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe discusses results
with Board of Education's Human Resources Committee. Photo from DOE

AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE STATE’S more than 11,000 teachers are effective and highly effective educators, according to Educator Effectiveness System results from school year 2013-14 released by the state Department of Education. The 2013-14 school year was the first year of statewide implementation, with no negative consequences for tenured teachers.
EES results indicate that a vast majority of teachers are performing at the highest levels:

16.0 percent of teachers are rated highly effective, meaning they demonstrate excellence in teacher practice and positive student outcomes;
81.7 percent of teachers are rated effective, which means they demonstrate effective teacher practice and positive student outcomes;
2.1 percent of teachers were rated marginal, meaning improvements are needed to demonstrate effective teacher practice and positive student outcomes; and
0.2 percent of teachers were rated unsatisfactory, which means teachers do not show evidence of effective teacher practice, positive student outcomes.

EES gives equal weight to two major categories – Student Growth and Learning Measures, and Teacher Practice Measures. Educators are evaluated on several areas, including classroom observations, student survey, core professionalism, student learning objectives and the Hawai`i Growth Model. A working portfolio is used to evaluate non-classroom teachers.
“Overall, the results reflect more or less what we what we expected: most teachers are effective, with very few teachers rated as marginal, and even fewer rated as unsatisfactory,” Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe said. “More importantly, EES is designed to help teachers and their administrators have high-quality conversations throughout the year about how to improve teaching and learning.”
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There's still time to sign up for tomorrow's Healthy Soils workshop.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL SIGN UP for the Healthy Soils workshop at Pahala Community Center tomorrow from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to sign up, call Jennifer at 933-8350.

KA`U HIGH CLASS OF 1979 HOLDS ITS REUNION tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Contact Margo Lu Takata or Holli Wade on facebook for information.

ON SATURDAY FROM 9:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M., a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park focuses on the area’s human history. Call 985-6011 for more information.

TROJAN FOOTBALL FUNDRAISING RODEO takes place Saturday at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Ka`u paniolo raise funds for the team’s travels to Moloka`i and Maui this season.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HULA KAHIKO SERIES continues on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with performances by Kumu hula Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuak`ieki`eika`iu, Kumu hula Pohaikealoha Souza with Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua and Kumu hula Patrick Kapuawehi Choy with Halau Hula Kalehua`apapaneoka`au.
Cultural specialist Loke Kamanu and `ohana offer Na Mea Hula, All Things Hula, on the lanai of Volcano Art Gallery from 9:30 a.m. with 1:30 p.m. for.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Bob Herkes, accompanied by his wife Jo-Anna, often carried his stuffed nene, the state bird, in parades through Volcano and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

BOB HERKES, 83, a champion for Ka`u, died yesterday after a brief illness at his home in Volcano. Herkes successfully advocated for providing potable water for Ocean View, development of Ka`u irrigation water systems using former sugar plantation sources, the regional gym and shelter now being built in Pahala and scientific analysis of disaster risks in this district of earthquakes, slides, tsunamis, fires, floods and vog. He championed HMSA’s mobile medical van for Ka`u’s remote communities and the state task force that brought great attention to preservation of the Ka`u Coast. He went after Bank of America, declaring that people were unfairly being foreclosed on by its mortgage division. He helped make Hawai`i’s foreclosure laws some of the strictest in the country, favoring homeowners over bankers.

Rep. Bob Herkes, center, at the Ka`u Gym & Shelter groundbreaking
Oct. 3, 2012, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Billy Kenoi and
other dignitaries. Herkes advocated for Ka`u to have its own regional
disaster shelter. An activities room off the gym will help serve that
function when the complex is completed. Photo by Julia Neal

In his early years, Herkes worked for InterIsland Resorts, which owned the Kona Surf, Kaua`i Surf and other hotels and resort destinations in the state.

He first entered politics in 1984 when he served on the Big Island’s County Council. He was Ka`u’s longtime member in the state House of Representatives from 1992 through 2012 and previously served as an appointee to a state Senate seat from 1988 until 1992.
Herkes most recently served on the Board of Directors at Hawai`i Tourism Authority after the state Senate unanimously approved his nomination in April. He was also a board member of Volcano Art Center and a favorite legislator for Ocean View Community Association and Ocean View Community Development Corp. Over the years, he also served as a leader in numerous organizations, including Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawai`i Hotel Association and the Masons. He emceed the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament yearly, including the event at Kona Pier this July.
Herkes advocated for small businesses with his history including operating and partnering in restaurants and local enterprise.
Born on Jan. 24, 1931, Herkes is survived by his wife Jo-Anna and three children, Bobby, Doug and Kenny. Services are to be announced.

A LAWSUIT FILED YESTERDAY BY THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION of Hawai`i Foundation and Pahoa residents asks the state Supreme Court to allow any registered voter affected by Tropical Storm Iselle to cast a vote that will be included in the August 2014 primary results.

The lawsuit also asks the Court to find that the Legislature failed in its constitutional obligation to protect the fundamental right to vote by delegating all decisions relating to natural disasters to the Office of Elections.

The lawsuit concerns the fundamental right to vote and what the ACLU referred to as the disenfranchisement of hundreds and potentially thousands of affected voters.

The lawsuit does not challenge the results of any particular race or endorse any campaign.
On Aug. 6, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation, in advance of two anticipated storms projected to impact Hawai`i: Hurricanes Iselle and Julio. The proclamation – valid Aug. 6-15 – included a statement that “the danger of disaster is of such magnitude to warrant preemptive and protective action in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people.”
Facing massive damage from Iselle on Aug. 8 and thousands of Hawai`i County residents dealing with historic flooding, power outages, property damage and road closures, the Chief Elections Officer, Scott Nago, determined that the primary would go on as scheduled on Aug. 9.
Nago changed the rules of the election at least two more times over the course of three days. “This series of decisions led to the denial of the right to vote for many Hawai`i County residents. Indeed, Precinct 04-03 had among its lowest voter turnout ever,” according to the ACLU.
Senior Staff Attorney Daniel Gluck said, “Although the votes in question may not change the outcome of any of the various races, the ACLU filed this suit because the right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. Every vote counts equally – this is about an individual exercising a fundamental right and not about the results of any single race. The government has a duty to respond to conditions on the ground to make sure people can vote. Here, the government failed to do that, and changes are needed now to preserve the integrity of future elections.”

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED A REQUEST for a Presidential Disaster Declaration asking for federal assistance to help pay for damage caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, which impacted Hawai`i from Aug. 7 to 9.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie with state Emergency Management Administrator
Doug Mayne. Photo from State of Hawai`i

The request seeks Individual Assistance for Hawai`i County. Individual Assistance would make additional funding, loans and services available to affected residents.
For updates on Iselle recovery efforts, see Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency’s website at scd.hawaii.gov.

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY HAS BEEN INFORMED of scams targeting Hawai`i Island customers in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle.
Customers reported receiving telephone calls from someone claiming to be a Hawai`i Electric Light claims representative. The customers were asked to provide their Social Security numbers.
Hawai`i Electric Light wants to remind customers that the utility will not contact customers to request personal information or direct customers to submit payments via options other than those listed on the back of the billing statement.
For customers’ safety and protection, HELCO advises:

Never provide personal, confidential or financial information to an unidentified individual;
Ask questions, or ask for proper identification; Request the individual’s name, company name, and phone number;
Be cautious when responding to a caller from an unidentified phone number -- phone scammers want to remain anonymous;
Be aware that today’s technology can be used to mask the caller’s phone number, and caller ID could indicate the call is originating from Hawai`i Electric Light, even though it is not;
Report any suspicious activity to local police.

To obtain a claim form, visit one of HELCO's customer service locations in Hilo, Waimea or Kona or www.hawaiielectriclight.com.

Dates are set for Ka`u to choose art for the cover of
The Directory 2015. For this year's Directory,
see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S DIRECTORY 2015: Beauty of Ka`u Art Show & Contest at CU Hawai`i’s Na`alehu Branch is set for Monday, Sept. Sept. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 4.
The public may vote Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Adult categories are Graphic, Wood, Craft, Photo, Sculpture and Quilting.
Keiki categories (no larger than 8.5 inches x 11 inches) are Graphic and Photo. Keiki division includes all entries from grades one through six.
Artists may register on Friday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Artists may enter up to three pieces, with no more than one in any single category.
Registration fee is $5 per piece for adults and $1 for keiki. All proceeds go to help defray costs of the show, and any surplus is used for the scholarship program.
Public favorite wins the cover of The Directory 2015, $50 and an article inside The Directory.
All first-place winning art will be featured in The Directory with the artist. Keiki entries are not eligible for The Directory cover. Keiki grand-prize winner will receive $10.
First-, second- and third-place ribbons will be awarded in each category, and both the public winner and the judges’ choice will receive a Best in Show grand rosette.
For more information, call Dallas Decker at 516-662-8789.

TOMORROW FROM 9:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M., a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park focuses on the area’s human history. Call 985-6011 for more information.

TROJAN FOOTBALL FUNDRAISING RODEO takes place tomorrow at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Ka`u paniolo raise funds for the team’s travels to Moloka`i and Maui this season.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HULA KAHIKO SERIES continues tomorrow at the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. with performances by halau under the direction of Kumu hula Ab Valencia, Kumu hula Pohaikealoha Souza and Kumu hula Patrick Kapuawehi Choy.
Cultural specialist Loke Kamanu and `ohana offer Na Mea Hula, All Things Hula, on the lanai of the gallery from 9:30 a.m. with 1:30 p.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

IN SPORTS TOMORROW AT 10 A.M., Ka`u High Girls Volleyball team travels to Parker, and Boys & Girls Cross-Country meets Kamehameha-Hawai`i in Kea`au.

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

The late Bob Herkes, wearing maile lei, was a champion of the Ocean View well and spigot site and attended the July 2012 blessing along with other elected officials and Ocean View residents. Photo by Charles Tobias

PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND OTHERS ARE ACKNOWLEDGING ACCOMPLISHMENTS of the late Bob Herkes during his years of service to his constituents on Hawai`i Island and sending condolences to his family.

Bob Herkes also spoke at the blessing of Ka`u Coffee
Mill. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

“A former state representative, state senator, Hawai`i County Council member and local businessman, Bob had a solid record of getting things done for the people of Hawai`i,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “His long career in public service brought about countless benefits for Hawai`i Island, including his integral role in incorporating the appropriation for the first FEMA-certified shelter in Ka`u, providing a drinking water system for Ocean View and establishing a mobile medical van to bring basic medical services to rural areas.
“His fierce dedication to the people of the Big Island and our entire state will be remembered. Our thoughts and aloha are with his wife, Jo-Anna; sons, Bob, Ken and Doug; and the rest of the Herkes `ohana.”
State House speaker Joseph Souki said, “Hawai`i has lost a dedicated and passionate public servant who championed protecting consumer rights during his 18 years in the state House of Representatives. Bob worked tirelessly to pass legislation that strengthened the rights of residents in mortgage foreclosures. He was an early and strong advocate of natural disaster preparedness and was one of the first to call attention to the health effects of vog. He was a good legislator, highly respected by his colleagues, and a great friend. I will miss him.”
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was a colleague of Herkes in the state House of Representatives. “My thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife Jo-Anna and their `ohana as they mourn his passing and celebrate his life and accomplishments,” Gabbard said. “I had the great privilege of serving alongside Bob in the Hawai`i State House from 2002 to 2004 and witnessed how he took great pride in being a public servant. Bob Herkes will be missed, but we will never forget his service and dedication to our community.”

Volcano Art Center released a statement saying Herkes “was a great supporter of VAC and (wearing his legislator hat) worked hard for us in securing the legislative appropriation for $586,000 that helped us build the Administration Building at Niaulani.”

Herkes was born in Iloilo City, Philippines and raised in Hilo.
The governor intends to order flags to half-staff on the day of services yet to be announced by the family.

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Map of state open data scores from Center for Data Innovation.

HAWAI`I IS RANKED AMONG THE TOP STATES for progress in open data in a new report published this week by the Center for Data Innovation, the leading think tank studying the intersection of data, technology and public policy.

“This national recognition shows that collaborative and determined efforts on the part of this administration and the Legislature, together with our private sector partners and the public, have made great strides since launching our state’s business and information transformation in 2011,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “We have developed a strong open government program that is rapidly improving transparency and accountability of state government.”
Hawai`i was one of six states to receive a perfect score in the Center for Data Innovation’s report, which evaluated states based on the contents of their open data policies and open data portals. Points are awarded for the presence of an open data policy, quality of open data policy, presence of an open data portal and quality of an open data portal.
“Open data that does not compromise security or privacy is becoming more readily available to the public through data.hawaii.gov, recognizing that it belongs to the people of Hawai`i,” said the governor’s Chief Advisor on Technology and Cybersecurity, Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, who launched Hawai`i’s Open Data Portal as Hawai`i’s first chief information officer. “This award demonstrates that Hawai`i can set a new national standard of excellence for open government.
The report is available at datainnovation.org/2014/08/state-open-data-policies-and-portals.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is calling for demilitarization of U.S. police forces.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD IS CALLING for demilitarizing of police across the nation.   “The increasing use of military equipment, weapons and tactics against our own citizens is unacceptable and must stop,” said Gabbard, a veteran of two tours of duty in the Middle East and a captain in Hawai`i Army National Guard. “The military-style response of the Ferguson, Missouri police is but the latest of numerous such incidents across America.

“ This militarization of local police includes heavy equipment like armored personnel carriers and automatic weapons, as well as the now common practice of using heavily armed SWAT teams for even the most common law enforcement purposes. In 2005, the most recent year for which data has been collected, there were around 50,000 SWAT raids. The number has certainly increased since then.  
“It is alarming to see small towns of America encroached upon with assault weapons, militarized vehicles, tear gas and other military gear intended for use against enemy combatants, not against our own citizens,” Gabbard said. “Our local police forces are meant to be serving and protecting the people in our local communities – not treating them as the enemy. Historically, Americans have joined law enforcement because of their desire to serve and protect their communities – not play soldiers. However, this could change with the increased militarization of our police.  

“The increased militarization of police action around the country is all the more troublesome when coupled with recent revelations exposing the National Security Agency’s use of massive, invasive surveillance programs on innocent Americans. I will work to pass legislation to stop the use of military force against our citizens.”

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Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees Monday to celebrate
National Park Service's 98th birthday. Exploring the Summit is one of
several programs visitors can enjoy. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 98TH BIRTHDAY is Monday. To celebrate, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees.
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was also established 98 years ago, on Aug. 1, 1916. Called Hawai`i National Park then, the park also comprised Haleakala National Park on Maui. In 1961, Haleakala became its own national park – and Hawai`i Volcanoes has since grown to more than 333,000 acres, roughly the size of O‘ahu.
Today, with more than 150 miles of hiking trails and 520 square miles that stretch from sea level to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa, there are endless opportunities to enjoy Hawai`i’s natural and native splendor in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
“We invite everyone to come and help us celebrate another milestone as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2016,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We can all be proud of our legacy in being the first country in the world to protect and set aside so many special places so that they can be enjoyed by all.”
A schedule of free ranger-led programs and guided hikes is posted daily outside Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum by 9:30 a.m. Visitors can enjoy programs including Explore the Summit – a one-hour walk from the Kilauea Visitor Center to the edge of Kilauea caldera, and Life on the Edge, a 20-minute talk about the current eruption from Halema`uma`u Crater given daily at Jaggar Museum overlook.
Visitors can enjoy more free-entry days in 2014: Saturday, Sept. 27 is National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States; and Tuesday, Nov. 11 honors Veterans Day.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK invite members to the annual meeting to be held two weeks from today on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Pahala Plantation House. This event is the annual celebration of the organization as members come together in fellowship and reaffirm their partnership with the National Park Service at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The membership will vote on a new slate of board directors, including those seeking re-election and present board members. They will also say a fond aloha to outgoing board president Patrick W. Naughton.

Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon, catered by Pahala Plantation House. The menu will feature fresh foods from Ka`u.
The program will feature speakers from the Youth Ranger Internship Program, who were part of the summer’s successful youth-work program in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
After lunch, members can enjoy historical stories of Pahala and its past as a sugar plantation town.
RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 3 by phone at 985-7373 or email at admin@fhvnp.org or fhvnp@icloud.com.

HAWAI`I ISLAND MOBILE SLAUGHTER UNIT Task Group holds a meeting for local meat producers to learn more about the proposed mobile slaughter unit, how it’s part of an integrated meat-packing solution for Hawai`i island’s small producers and how it can benefit ranchers.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8 at Aupuni Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Jackie at 327-3680 or jacqueline.muller@hisbdc.org.

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

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Paniolo action at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds yesterday raised funds for Ka`u High's eight-man football team.
Photo by Kupono Palakiko Leffew

KA`U SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT presented a soil health workshop Friday to a diverse group of Ka`u farmers, urging them to adopt soil health management systems that protect natural resources, protect against drought and increase production. Called Unlock the Secrets of the Soil, the session included presentations on keeping soils alive, showing films of earthworms dragging leaves underground to produce organic matter, images of farming under the canopy of a forest and clearing albizia trees for pasture, with planning that protects natural waterways and prevents soil erosion. One of the slogans presented was “Keep it Happy, Keep it Covered. Soil should be covered all the time, preferably with living plants.”

Ka`u residents learned about healthy soils at a workshop Friday.

One of the overarching messages was that each area to be farmed can benefit from careful planning and that Soil & Water Conservation District can help. Presenters talked about programs that can reimburse farmers for much of the cost of cover crops. A program to “renew the best, motivate the rest,” helps to reimburse those who succeed with good farm practices.
Programs that provide funding require farmers to either own or have long enough leases on land to guarantee time to produce their farm products, and landowners have to sign off on such funding.
Many services provided by numerous state and federal agencies were described. These include grading and irrigation planning, soil analysis and financial advice.
Brenda Iokepa-Moses, chair of Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation District, presented speakers: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service soil scientist Amy Koch, NCRS Hilo Field Office conservationist Kori Hisashima, NCRS county resource conservationist Carolyn Wong, Ka`u Ocean Vista Coffee Estate farmer John Ah San, Universy of Hawai`i assistant extension agent Andrea Kawabata; Kuahiwi rancher Michelle Galimba and soil conservationist and engineer for SWCD Amelia Drury.

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Richard Ha

“THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WE CAN LEARN from the hurricane we just went through,” said state Board of Agriculture member Richard Ha on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com.
“People saw what needed to be done on the ground, and they just did it. Trees needed to be cut, so they cut them. Neighbors needed food and ice, so people got them food and ice. People saw the situations that were problems, and they took care of them.
Ha said the Center for Food Safety and EarthJustice, the legal arm of the Sierra Club, are “fighting against farmers” by helping defendants in the lawsuit that plaintiffs brought against the county regarding its ban of genetically modified crops.
“We have been dragged into a battle, and all we want to do is get back to providing food for people. We’re farmers. We want to grow things and feed people. We don’t want to be involved in lawsuits and philosophical battles. …
‘We farmers are asking for clarity on this anti-GMO bill. We’re saying tell us what the rules are so we can go back to farming. But those two are fighting against us, so we can’t do that.
Ha compares people’s actions after the storm to what farmers want to do now. “It’s as if after the hurricane they said, ‘Yeah, we see all the albizia trees are down, but we want you to focus on something that’s happening in the Midwest, or in India. ...’

“Or it’s like they were saying, ‘Yeah, we see all the trees down, but you can’t use chainsaws because they’re dangerous. You’ve got to use axes because they’re natural.’
“We’re saying, ‘Look, we’ve got to use chainsaws. We’ve got to help people.’

“It’s really that simple. We farmers are spending too much time on all that other stuff, and we really just want to get back to farming.
“When the Association of Counties asked me to talk about climate change and how the farmer looks at it, I quoted Neil DeGrasse Tyson. He talks about climate change being the guy and his dog walking down the beach. The man walking straight down the beach is the climate, and the dog running back and forth is the weather.
“The climate is the policy kind of stuff, and hopefully the climate people make the right decisions.
“We farmers deal with the weather. If there’s a storm, or an insect, we deal with it. We’ve got to concentrate on growing food. Otherwise, we end up trying to make policy, and we’re not scientists. We’re farmers.
“We just want to get back to farming.”

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Ka`u High Trojans sold pink T-shirts at the rodeo to raise funds. Photo by Kupono Palakiko Leffew

KA`U TROJAN AND RODEO FANS filled Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds yesterday to raise money for eight-man high school football. Pink T-shirts promoted Ka`u High School football, which will take the team off-island this season, flying to Maui and Moloka`i. The team and its coach, Kainoa Ke, ran a food booth, and the team sold shirts.

Here are the winners in the rodeo competition:

Dummy Roping, four years old and under - Blayne DeMattos; five to eight years of age - Austin Costa Lorenzo;
Goat Undecorating, four and under - Blayne DeMattos; five to eight - Clancy Aku;
Po`o Wai U - Bronson Branco;
Double Mugging - Bronson Branco and Kalai Nobriga;
Team 90’s - Danny Joseph and Mike Smith;
Calf Roping - Kalai Nobriga;
Youth Barrels - Kale Onaka;
Wahine Breakaway - Nahe Nobriga;
Kane Wahine Dally - Danny and Daphne Joseph;
Open Dally - Brian DeMattos and Mike Smith;
Kane Wahine Ribbon - Nahe and Kalai Nobriga; and
Wahine Mugging - Nahe Nobriga and Macey Loando.

Pink Trojan Rodeo shirts raise money for football.
Photo by Julia Neal

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KA`U FOOD PANTRY, INC. distributes food to the needy of Ka`u this coming Tuesday and the last Tuesday of each month at Ocean View Community Center from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Its mission is to provide each family with three days of food. Most of the food comes from Food Basket of Hawai`i, Inc. in Kona. Ka`u Food Basket pays them a small handling fee for the food they provide.

“We have had as much as 4,000 pounds of food to distribute, and even then we sometimes run out before everyone can be helped,” said board member Dallas Decker. “We operate with a small corp of volunteers – nobody is paid to serve.
“But we do need to pay for food. We need about $600 per month to cover the cost of acquiring and transporting food, paying rent, buying bags and boxes and other supplies.” That’s not very much considering that the Food Basket gives three or four days of food to as many as 350 people.
President Judy Samuel oversees the operation of shopping, transporting, organizing and distributing food each month with her group of very dedicated volunteers. Other board members are Karen Pucci, Ric Stark, Allison Gusman, Allan Humble, Lynne Kreinberg and the Rev. Dallas Decker. Samuel may be reached at 808-979-6502.

Ka`u Food Pantry distributes food on the last Tuesday of each month
at Ocean View Community Center.

Contributions to the nonprofit are tax deductible and may be sent to PO Box 7105, Ocean View, HI 96737. All contributions are greatly appreciated and promptly acknowledged.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WAIVES ENTRY FEES tomorrow to celebrate National Park Service’s 98th birthday.

A schedule of free ranger-led programs and guided hikes will be posted outside Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum by 9:30 a.m. Visitors can enjoy programs including Explore the Summit – a one-hour walk from the Kilauea Visitor Center to the edge of Kilauea caldera, and Life on the Edge, a 20-minute talk about the current eruption from Halema`uma`u Crater given daily at Jaggar Museum overlook.

See nps.gov/havo for more information.

TEANA KAHOOHANOHANO DEMONSTRATES HOW `OHE (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used during an `ohe kapala demonstration on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
‘Ohe kapala, or bamboo stamps, were used to present many unique designs for traditional Hawaiian kapa. Today, these designs are being used as patterns on all types of fabric.

Teana Kahoohanohano demonstrates `ohe kapala Wednesday.
Photo from NPS

There will be samples and a hands-on opportunity to learn about this distinctive art form. The program is part of the park’s ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops. 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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Cowboys and Trojans hand in hand to support Ka`u High football last Saturday at the rodeo. The team plays its
first game of the season at home this Saturday. Photo by Kupono Palakiko Leffew.

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS who were hurt by the Aug. 8 Tropical Storm Iselle are considering whether to apply for low-interest loans to help them recover. Sept. 1 is one of the upcoming deadlines to ask for federal assistance, said Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering loans. Most of the damage was to coffee trees heavy with the next harvest. The cherries would have been ready to pick within about a month, but many of them fell on the ground when the branches broke and are unusable. Others on branches that were broken and hanging on the trees had to be cut for the health of the tree.

A torrent of water ran through Wood Valley fields during Iselle.
Photo by Anne Celeste

Several farmers experienced trees uprooted by flooding, she said. Most of the damage on the oldest Ka`u Coffee farms was in Pear Tree, she said.
New coffee farm damage was off Wood Valley Road, where Iselle whipped down the slopes mauka to makai. Many farmers found coffee trees lying down after the storm and rushed the next day to stand them up, hoping they will survive.
farmer Trini Marques said the Calumpit family’s farm suffered with more than 1,000 young coffee-bearing trees tipped over. She said the Calumpit family is methodically righting the trees on Olson Trust land across from Wood Valley Buddhist cemetery.
Marques said that on Olson property about 800 of her family’s coffee trees were knocked over and that her family has been standing them back up. Some of them were ready for harvest and had to be stood up right away to allow the cherries to finish ripening, she said. She said her family is still working on standing up all the trees.

For more information for assistance, contact county Farm Service Agency Executive Director Lester Ueda at 933-8341 or lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov.

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As part of its promotion of macadamia nuts as a healthy snack,
Royal Hawaiian Orchards says its nuts are non-GMO-verified.
Image from royalhawaiianorchards.com

ROYAL HAWAIIAN ORCHARDS suffered little loss during Iselle. President and CEO of the company Scott Wallace said that Royal Hawaiian inspected all of it trees in Ka`u. However, the company declined to issue a statement regarding any damages as they would not significantly impact annual projections. Much of its orchard land is outside of hard-hit Wood Valley.
Royal Hawaian is featured in the August edition of Hawai`i Business Magazine as potentially one of the top 250 profitable companies in the state for 2014. The story by Gina Gelber says:
“Royal Hawaiian Orchards, one of the world’s largest growers and processors of macadamia nuts, is positioning itself for a reversal of fortune, despite losses of $2.91 million in 2013. Overall, the company had income of $13.8 million last year, slipping into the Top 250 at 235, 16 slots down from last year. Diverse factors contributed to this rough patch, including inadequate rain, which hurt its annual harvest. RHO hopes to make a big comeback in 2014, with a branding strategy that positions macadamias as a health food. The company has enlisted athletes for its branding efforts and plans to triple its distribution network to 10,000 retailers.”
In an Aug. 15 press release, Royal Hawaiian reported that during the first six months of this year, “the Partnership retained a significantly larger portion of its macadamia nuts for manufacture into its branded products or for sale in bulk kernel form following the expiration of certain macadamia nut purchase contracts with Mauna Loa.
“Additionally, on June 30, 2014, the Partnership terminated its lease on its Mauna Kea orchard and sold its trees to the landlord (Olson Trust) for consideration of $1.5 million, triggering a non-cash loss of $1.8 million on the transaction. The increase in net revenues for the period was attributable primarily to an increase in branded product sales over the same period in 2013.”

See royalhawaiianorchards.com.

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LEHUA COURT PROFESSIONAL AND RETAIL PLAZA in Ocean View received approval from Hawai`i County Council last week. The project got favorable recommendations from the Windward Planning Commission and the county Planning Committee before being sent to the full council.

The property is on the mauka side of Hwy 11 and connects with Lehua Lane and Keaka Parkway.

The applicant, William C. Foulk, sought 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.
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KA`U TROJANS EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM plays its first game of the season this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at home. Opponents are the Kohala Cowboys. The first game will be followed by a trip to Maui for a Friday night game at Seabury Hall on Sept. 5. The Trojans will host Pahoa Daggars on Friday, Sept. 12. Trojans host Kamehameha Warriors on Friday, Sept. 26 followed by a trip to Pahoa on Saturday Oct. 4, for a game against the Daggers at 2 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Trojans travel to Kohala to play the Cowboys at 2 p.m. The team is raising money to help pay for its travels.

Ka`u will not travel to play Moloka`i this year since Kohala, Kamehameha and Pahoa have all fielded eight-man football teams on this island. The Seaberry Hall game on Maui will take place as it was already scheduled.

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Before: Raking cover-crop seed into soil between rows
of coffee trees. Photos from USDA/NRCS

MANAGING FOR SOIL HEALTH IS ONE of the easiest and most effective ways for farmers to increase crop productivity and profitability while improving the environment, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. That was one of the messages of the Healthy Soils workshop presented last Friday in Pahala.
Results of soil management are often realized immediately and last well into the future.
Four basic principles are key to improving soil health:

Keep soil covered as much as possible;
Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil;
Disturb soil as little as possible; and
Diversify as much as possible using crop rotation and cover crops.

These core practices form the basis of a Soil Health Management System that can help reduce input costs, protect against drought and increase production.

Using unharvested crops to keep the soil covered throughout the year provides conservation benefits to the soil. Cover crops increase organic matter, prevent erosion, conserve moisture, increase nutrient cycling, provide nitrogen for plant use, suppress weeds, reduce soil compaction and decrease use of pesticides.

Reduced-till and no-till methods of planting disturb the soil as little as possible. These methods improve water efficiency, increase organic matter, reduce erosion, reduce energy use, decrease soil compaction and improve crop production.

After: Buckwheat blooming as a cover crop
between rows of coffee trees.

Crop rotation involves growing diverse crops in a planned sequence in order to increase organic matter and biodiversity in the soil. It increases nutrients, helps manage pests, reduces erosion, increases soil moisture, increases microbial health and improves plant production.

For more information, see nrcs.usda.gov.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WAIVES ENTRY FEES today to celebrate National Park Service’s 98th birthday.

TEANA KAHOOHANOHANO DEMONSTRATES HOW `OHE (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

LABOR DAY IS A WEEK FROM TODAY. Ka`u residents can celebrate by participating in Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot, a new program at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation.
Call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo 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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