The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Volcano School of Arts & Sciences students present their own goodies along with professional chefs at yesterday's Grape Harvest Festival at Volcano Winery to raise funds for the school's STEAM programs. Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO WINERY RAISED MONEY for Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences yesterday with its Grape Harvest Festival. Volcano Winery served its wines and teas. Ka`u Coffee growers, chefs and makers of locally sourced foods also made their presentation to the public with generous tastings.

Cafe `Ohi`a brings its offerings to the fundraiser for Volcano School
of Arts & Sciences. Photo by Julia Neal

The $40 tickets sold out, and attendees were entertained by Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids, including Volcano School student and singer Jade Tredinnick.
Volcano Winery partner Marie Bothof said the festival “was wonderful all the way around, and everyone said they would come back next year.” Those who attended were able to tour the vineyard, tea garden, fig orchard, greenhouse and vat room, led by partner Del Bothof and general manager and head winemaker Alex Wood.
Money raised will support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) programs at the school. To donate, call Kim at 985-7055.

KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN has concerns about proposed wastewater system rules that could raise the price of homes and commercial entities that currently use cesspools in Ka`u. The state Department of Health regulations are aimed at further protecting drinking water sources and the environment.

Chefs came from as far as Hilo, with VooDoo's presenting Cajun
and Creole cuisine at Volcano Winery's Grape Harvest Festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Everything has a risk benefit and a cost benefit ratio, and I think the costs of requiring septic systems as opposed to cesspools on the Big Island far outweigh the risks to both individuals and the environment,” Creagan said. “In my view, as a physician and a former epidemiological investigator for the state health department, the system on the Big Island is not broken, and the proposed rule changes by the Health Department are based on poorly substantiated claims and science that does not apply for the most part to the unique geology of the Big Island.

“We have a housing shortage. These rules would unnecessarily increase the cost of housing and put another roadblock to the expansion of badly needed additional homes.
“These rule changes are being rushed through by a lame-duck administration, and I think that these proposed changes should be deferred until we have a new administration and the Legislature is back in session to enable a more measured and informed look at the situation.” Creagan said that if the proposed rule changes are adopted, he will fight for statutory exemptions for the Big Island.

Olson Trust manager for Ka`u,
Randy Stevens, brought Ka`u
Coffee Mill brew to Volcano
Winery. Photo by Julia Neal

Lorie Obra of Rusty's Coffee contributed
to the fundraising festival. Photo by Julia Neal

According to DOH, other states, including Iowa, New Jersey and Massachusetts, require cesspools to be upgraded to septic systems whenever property ownership changes. “Requiring cesspool upgrades when property is sold makes sense because the cost of the upgrade can be shared between the buyer and seller at a time when sellers, with proceeds from the sale, are better able to afford upgrading costs and buyers, who are usually borrowing already for their purchase, may obtain additional financing for eliminating a cesspool,” DOH said in its Rationale for the Proposed Revisions.
To read the proposal and send comments by email, see health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice. Written comments can be sent to Wastewater Branch, Environmental Management Division, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd, Room 309, Honolulu, HI 96814-4920.

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She Holds a Torch for Johnnie by Suzanne Dix Kaliko
Image from the artist

SUZANNE DIX KALIKO, WHO LIVES in Ocean View with her husband Ronald, has been selected to display her artwork at the Third Annual Alumni Art & Design Fair at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, Sept. 20.

A graduate of Pratt in 1974, Kaliko will exhibit her “Social Commentary” oil and acrylic paintings. Her collection depicts a humorous and refreshing analysis of the human condition from a feminine perspective.
An artist all her life, Kaliko started on a chalkboard drawing houses, birds and clouds at the age of two. Raised in a rural community in western New York, she was self-taught until 18 when she was admitted to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Her 1974 graduating class was the last classically trained painting/drawing curriculum before computers.   “We were taught the hard way,” Kaliko said. “Photography was barely accepted at that time as a fine art, and there was zero tolerance for photographic imagery, including the use of photographs for drawn or painted works. I was trained when it was considered ‘cheating.’”

Kaliko said old-school techniques have served her well over the years. “The test of conveying a scene by drawing from life develops all an artist’s skills. Nature (plein aire technique) forces the artist to work fast and absorb all the nuances of color and light before they change – in about 20 minutes. Since every painting takes more that 20 minutes to complete, the artist is challenged to render the painting from memory once the initial impression is made.   It is easy to be inspired. Everyone has his or her ‘Aha!’ moment where a saying or an image impresses itself on the psyche. The toughest aspect of making art is taking that inspiration and acting on it. One must get out there and make the painting, dance the dance, play the instrument. That’s when the joy comes – during the act of creation.”

Alex Aden

Over the forty years Kaliko has spent in the art field, she has created hundreds of paintings and taught thousands of students. Her community involvement supports an interest in connecting others with their own creativity. Her poetry reflects her impressions of culture and social interactions.
For more information, contact Kaliko at 929-7113 or suzanne@dixstudios.com. See www.509studios.biz.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE HAVE FOUND ALEX ADEN, the 19-year-old Ka`u man who was reported missing Saturday.

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Hawai`i Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald

HAWAI`I CHIEF JUSTICE MARK E. RECKTENWALD is seeking public comment on judicial nominees for the current vacancy in the District Court of the Third Circuit (County of Hawai`i). The names submitted for this vacancy by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are: Jeffery N. Burleson,  Wendy M. DeWeese,  Margaret K. Masunaga,  Michael H. Schlueter,  Cynthia T. Tai and Kimberly B.M. Taniyama.

Because the Chief Justice has the discretion to assign judges to the district or district family court calendar, comments about the qualifications and character of any of the nominees with regard to either calendar assignment may be sent, in writing, to
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald,  Supreme Court of Hawai`i,  417 South King Street,  Honolulu, HI 96813  or by fax to 808-539-4703  or email to chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov
Comments must be postmarked, emailed, faxed or hand delivered no later than Friday, Sept. 26. All comments will be kept confidential.
The individual selected by the Chief Justice is subject to Senate confirmation.

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Backroads of Puna may become lifelines if lava covers Hwy
130 near Pahoa. Photo from Big Island Video News

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ARE CONTINUING in Puna to create alternate access routes in the event lava covers Hwy 130 in the Pahoa area. Clearing and grading are taking place on Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road, which would allow residents to connect with Hwy 130 north of the flow.
The county is also today opening an operations center at Pahoa Community Center. Fire, police, Civil Defense and other personnel will be available there for the duration of the emergency period.

See bigislandvideonews.com.

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KAI HO`OPI`I, WINNER OF ALOHA FESTIVAL’S Hawaiian falsetto signing contest, shares music of his `ohana Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by this Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided.
Call 985-6019.

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

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists measure the flow rate of lava in the tube that is transporting lava
to the flow front near Pahoa. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION will hold community input meetings to update four Hawai`i County Community Wildfire Protection Plans. One-hour meetings will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.; Na`alehu School, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.; and Ocean View Community Center, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
Community input is critical to the CWPP process in determining priority wildfire concerns, needs and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires, according to Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO Director. The CWPP update meetings will identify and prioritize projects to reduce the threat of wildfire in these communities. All full-time and part-time residents in these areas are encouraged to attend.

HWMO will have an information booth at `Ohana Day & Ka`u Coffee Trail Run
at Ka`u Coffee Mill this Saturday.

CWPPs have become a prerequisite in order to receive federal funding for wildfire protection projects. The CWPP updates help communities identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuels reduction treatments, and support communities to take action. The plan assesses values at risk such as safety, natural resource protection, recreation, scenic values and economic issues. CWPPs are collaborative efforts with input from community members, firefighting agencies and any other organizations that are interested in taking part. These plans are becoming increasingly important in Hawai`i. They bring wildfire hazard information and planning/action opportunities to all who are affected, making it possible to address wildfire more effectively. As drought episodes increase and land uses continue to change, working at all levels to mitigate wildfire has become essential.

Ka`u Coffee farmers know the dangers of wildfires after experiencing them
is 2012. Photo by William Neal

Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darren Rosario said, “The number one defense against the effects of a wildfire to your community is prevention. The Hawai`i Fire Department stands ready to respond to the needs of our community. This includes responding through prevention and collaborative efforts to reduce the threat of wildfires to your community. We are a proud team member with HWMO, and your community, in providing you with information and assistance in the sustainability of your community through fire prevention efforts.”
“CWPPs are meant to tie into existing or planned projects,” said Pickett. “Many communities are developing disaster plans or long-range community plans, and the CWPP is meant to complement those plans. It will be a useful tool for community members to help make their communities and natural areas fire-safe. Wildfires tie into many natural resource, municipal, and community issues, so this is an important opportunity for communities to learn, have their voices heard and get involved.”

HWMO will also have an information booth at Saturday’s `Ohana Day and Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGISTS are tracking the rate of lava flowing through the lava tube on the June 27th lava flow in Puna by conducting very low frequency surveys.
According to HVO, the measurement consists of two steps. First, a transect of VLF measurements across the roof of the tube is used to measure the cross-sectional area of lava flowing through the tube. Second, a radar gun is used to measure the speed that lava is flowing at that location. An open skylight that provides a view of flowing lava inside the tube is required for this speed measurement.

Lava continues to crawl toward Pahoa. Map from USGS/HVO

By multiplying the cross-sectional area with the velocity, the volume rate of lava flowing through the tube can be estimated. Yesterday’s measurement showed a flow rate of 5.8 cubic meters, or roughly 1,500 gallons, per second. Tracking the lava supply rate like this can be helpful for anticipating fluctuations in activity at the flow front, scientists said.
According to HVO, the flow narrowness and rapid development of a robust tube system within subsurface cracks make the current lava flow unique among the hundreds of flows that Puʻu `O`o has erupted. “Our best estimates suggest that the tube is transporting about 300,000 – 400,000 cubic meters per day (55,000 – 73,000 gallons per minute) of lava to the flow. This is approximately the long-term average eruption rate for Pu`u `O`o over its 31-plus year eruptive history,” according to the current issue of HVO’s Volcano Watch.
As of this morning, the flow crossed into an uninhabited portion of Ka`ohe Homesteads Subdivision, is continuing northeast and is 2.1 miles from Apa`a Road, which connects with Pahala Village Road northwest of the center of town.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE MORE THAN $1 MILLION in federal funding for programs aimed to incentivize and further generate economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, announced U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

DBEDT's Georja Skinner

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will receive a $400,000 investment to support a technical assistance program for entrepreneurs in Hawai`i. The program focuses on launching new businesses and products for export in the film, creative media, new media, music and fashion design industries.  
University of Hawai`i will receive $510,000 to help renovate the Shidler School of Business. The facility will serve as an accelerator to commercialize and license research ideas at the main campus at Manoa.  
The state Office of Planning will receive $180,000 to fund a major revision and update of the Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS process is designed to bring together public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
“Investing in programs that spur innovation and boost startup businesses is one of the best ways to create jobs,” Schatz said. “These investments will give UH and state agencies the resources to develop business and research programs that will create jobs and grow our local economy.”
“These grants will help provide Hawai`i entrepreneurs with assistance that allows them to take their ideas and turn them into new businesses,” said Hirono. “Innovation is a key ingredient for a thriving economy. While Hawai`i businesses face unique challenges, they also face unique opportunities, and this support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will help our businesses grow, create jobs, and increase production of local consumer goods.”

“These federal economic development grants will provide more than $1 million to local programs supporting our most innovative entrepreneurs,” said Gabbard. “We have so much homegrown talent right here in Hawai`i; we need to make sure we are

Kai Ho`opi`i Photo from NPS

empowering people who will strengthen our local economy and create jobs through innovation. In my conversations with local start-up leaders, I have been so impressed by their drive to make Hawai`i a ‘Start-Up Paradise.’ Their work, combined with support like this, creates great opportunity for Hawai`i’s bright economic future.”
“These funds will help expand the global reach and export of Hawai`i's creative entrepreneurs in the broadband, film, television, new media, music and design clusters,” said Georja Skinner, Administrator of DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division.  

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KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by this Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided.

Call 985-6019.

THURSDAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN & `OHANA DAY is this Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a 5K walk/run, 10K and Half Marathon, along with entertainment, games, legal assistance, silent auction and more.
See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos.
To sign up for food, arts & crafts, retail and information booths, contact Gay Polido at 808-638-1831 or gay.polido@yahoo.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford is asking for a council resolution to encourage the state legislature to
require more complete coffee sourcing labeling.

COFFEE BLENDERS yesterday called for defeat of Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s efforts to require coffee origin labeling for coffee claiming to be from Ka`u, Kona and other Hawaiian regions. The blenders testified at the County Council’s agriculture committee meeting. According to Ford, the blenders opposed “full disclosure” of the percentage of foreign coffees in their blends. She said she encourages the community and its farmers to watch television coverage of the ag committee meeting on Channel 55 on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and 30th at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to witness the testimony and discussion.
Ford’s resolution before the County Council is directed to the Hawai`i State Legislature “to adopt provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i-grown coffees.” It refers to the Hawai`i County Council’s 2006 resolution encouraging labeling of coffee sources and the state legislature’s resolution adopted in 2007, which zeroed in on Kona coffee and stated: “Existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud; existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee degrades the “Kona coffee” name; and the Confusion as to the difference between Kona coffee and Kona coffee blends caused Consumer Reports magazine to rate Kona coffee as “second rate.”
Ford said the issue also applies to Ka`u Coffee and her proposed council resolution notes that the Hawai`i County Democratic Party Convention adopted a truth-in-labeling resolution this year.
Ford’s resolution states that the “Hawai`i State Legislature has not protected the regional coffees grown in the State of Hawai`i, the only state in the United States capable of growing coffee for commercial purposes.”
It states that “it is essential that the Hawai`I State Legislature act immediately to stop the consumer fraud, deception and confusion that continues due to existing labeling requirements for Hawai`i-grown coffees of any region or district.”

The proposed resolution before the council says, “Immediate legislative action is necessary to protect the reputation of Hawai`i-grown coffees as premier, specialty coffees and from further degradation and asks that the legislature schedule committee hearings, give floor consideration, and adopt into law provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i grown coffees.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Statewide Farmers Union United President Vince Mina and his daughter Kahaulani at
Earth Matters farm in Ka Lae. Mina will beat the Sept. 27 Ka`u Farmers Union meeting
in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED PRESIDENT Vince Mina will address the Ka`u chapter’s next meeting, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “Bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table - drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
“Our meetings are always All About the Food! Bring a dish made from local produce for our pot luck dinner.”
Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the National Farmer's Union Fly-In event.
The new Ka`u chapter also encourages local farmers to register to vote to give agriculture more clout in state and national government. Voter registration forms will be available at the meeting. Registration for the November general election is allowed through Oct. 6. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

RE-GROWING COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS is the theme of the Oct. 3 conference to bring together education, health, and agricultural stakeholders from across the islands to raise awareness and facilitate discussions about increasing the supply, distribution, and procurement of locally grown food for Hawai‘i’s schools. Two scholarships were made available for travel to the event on O`ahu.

“Farm to school is a local, national, and international movement that is simultaneously making positive and significant strides in the areas of agriculture, education, and health,” said Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui coordinator Lydi Morgan Bernal. “This conference will promote the knowledge and best practices needed to develop and sustain a statewide farm to school program to re-grow Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy, future farmers, and healthy schools and communities.”
Keynote speaker Kacie O’Brien, farm to school regional lead for the Western Region of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, will provide federal-level guidance and support for strengthening Hawai‘i’s farm to school efforts. Panelists include Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture chair Scott Enright, state procurement administrator Sarah Allen and Hawai‘i Department of Education school food services branch director Glenna Owens. Hale Kealoha ‘Ai Pono will offer attendees a model school lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Presented by the Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui and The Kohala Center, Hawai‘i Farm to School Conference will be held at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama Campus in Honolulu from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Registration is $50 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. More information and registration are available online at hif2sc.eventbrite.com or by calling The Kohala Center at 887-6411. Conference sponsors include Kamehameha Schools, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Slow Food of Hawai‘i, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, and USDA Farm to School Program.
According to a statement from the sponsors, "The local farm to school movement seeks to effect meaningful food systems change in Hawai‘i by connecting island agricultural producers and distributors with public, charter, and independent schools across the state, and by increasing youth and community awareness, interest, and involvement in local agriculture. With well over 100,000 school meals served daily in Hawai‘i and a growing interest in fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs for schools, the potential is great for a significant expansion of Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy. Additionally, studies have shown that farm to school programs increase student knowledge about and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to improvements in health and social behaviors, and can boost academic achievement."
Farm to school site visits will also be offered statewide throughout October in conjunction with National Farm to School Month.

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Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News recorded the lava flow yesterday
with Baron Sekiya cameraman. Photo from Big Island Video News

THE LAVA FLOW has picked up speed, is about 1.7 miles upslope from Apa`a Road, and has been moving about 890 feet a day in Puna, according to the update this morning from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The leading edge of the flow is 9.9 miles from its source at Pu`u O`o Crater where it began on June 27. The front is moving through unoccupied thick forest in Kaohe Homesteads. According to USGS, as of this morning the lava had advanced 350 yards since yesterday. Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy over the Kaohe area. USGS predicts that the lava may cut off Hwy 130 and march through or near Pahoa town. The county is improving an alternate unpaved road for residents in the area, using Railroad Avenue and Beach Road.
Should the lava flow over these alternate routes, some Puna residents may have to rely on the possible reconstruction of a road that was earlier covered by lava, connecting Kalapana and the surrounding area from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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VIDEO OF THE LAVA FLOW from Pu`u O`o to the leading edge in Kaohe Homesteads was taken and edited yesterday by Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News with Paradise Helicopters pilot Calvin Dorn leading the way. See www.bigislandvideonews.com and www.hawaii247.com for the coverage. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SEPT. 30 IS THE DEADLINE to donate through Foodland to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund which leads beach cleanups and pond restorations along the Ka`u Coast. The donations opportunity is the Give Aloha Campaign through which Foodland allows contributors to double the impact of their gifts. Foodland matches each donation it receives to specific charities up to $300,000 total. Last year, it raised over $2 million for over 650 island non-profit organizations. Support Hawai`i Wildlife Funds Maui and Hawai'i Island projects by using the separate codes 78764 for this island and 77187 for Maui.

Meagan Lamson of Hawai`I Wildlife Fund reminds prospective donors that donations of up to $249 will be added to receipt at checkout; each donation guarantees that a percentage of Foodland's $300,000 matching gift will go to Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The more support HWF receives from the community to more matching funds it will receive from Foodland; and HWF will not be informed who donated so please let the organization know if acknowledgement for gift is desired. She also asks to “Please share this with all your friends!”
Give Aloha is Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. It was created in 1999 to honor Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Each year during the month of September, customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawaii non-profit organization. The nearest Foodland to Ka`u is in Kea`au. Sack n Save Foods in Hilo and Kona are also raising money for the non-profits.

Along the route of the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

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KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN has drawn more than 150 entries for its races this Saturday, beginning at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road. While online registration has stopped, registration will be taken beginning at 6:30 a.m. on site.

Racers who have not received their packets in the mail, can pick them up beginning at 6:30 and until 7:15 a.m. on race day. The half marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day, which also includes games for kids, vendors, food, art and entertainment, as well as legal assistance. Runs are designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Races start at 7:30 a.m. and include running through orchards, coffee fields and the rainforest into the mountainous terrain above the coffee mill with views of the ocean and volcano.
According to sponsoring organization O Ka`u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi, all income from the race will stay in Ka`u and benefit the Ka`u community.
See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM travels to Waiakea High School in Hilo this evening with jayvee game starting at 6 p.m. and varsity to follow. The Trojans will host Honoka`a Daggers in the Ka`u High gym this Friday, also at 6 p.m. Ka`u Trojans next eight-man football game is at Kamehameha Schools on Friday, Sept. 26.

KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TOMORROW IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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

Punalu`u Bake Shop is expanding, building a new cookie kitchen and purchasing additional property in Na`alehu.
Photo by Ron Johnson

PUNALU`U BAKE SHOP IS EXPANDING, building a new cookie kitchen at its Punalu`u Sweet Bread Visitor Center in Na`alehu. Punalu`u Bake Shop employs 32 people and General Manager Connie Koi said, “It is our hope to continue to grow the business and to offer more jobs to the people of Ka`u in the near future.”
Koi said that during the past few years, the Bake Shop has expanded its Sweetbread distribution of select bread items to the Neighbor Islands. “It was a slow start at first; however, the products have caught on and have taken off to new heights.” She said that Punalu`u Bake Shop has outgrown its current facility. “It’s definitely a nice problem to have. However, to keep up with demand, it was an obvious choice to create more space.”
In addition to the famous Hawaiian Sweetbread, the Bake Shop is known for Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies. “We are fortunate enough to supply Hawaiian Airlines with their individually wrapped macadamia nut shortbread cookie as an inflight dessert item,” Koi said. The shortbread cookies have gained much exposure through Hawaiian Airlines and distribution has been extended to select grocery stores on the Big Island. With the added space of the cookie kitchen, Punalu`u Bake Shop is looking to expanding its cookie line as well as introducing new confectionary products for the retail shop in Naalehu, Koi explained.
Punalu`u Bake Shop owners have also purchased additional land mauka of the facility. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Brenda Ford

COFFEE BLENDING LABELING, proposed by Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford, will be on the agenda again for the council Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability committee. The truth-in-labeling bill drew mixed comments at Tuesday's meeting. According to a report this morning in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Roger Kaiwi, who manages Royal Kona Coffee, said "This resolution is not recommended, not needed." Royal Kona's parent company, Hawai`i Coffee Co. has purchased Ka`u Coffee to blend with foreign coffees and sells it under Alan Wong's name. The companies also blend Kona Coffee.
According to the story, farmer Clare Wilson said, "It is consumer fraud to continue this 10 percent packaging." The story quoted Ford saying, "I'm not trying to stop blending. I never have tried to stop it. I want the label to say 90 percent Columbia coffee and 10 percent Kona....You put it on the front label, all the blenders know exactly what will happen. People won't buy that coffee. I don't care if you blend, but you'd better be honest about it." She said she would propose amending her resolution. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Julie Rutherford is Pahala's
new postmaster.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA HAS A NEW POSTMASTER. She is Julie Rutherford who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 21 years. She talked about Pahala yesterday, saying, “I like the small town feel. It’s like where I grew up,” in Blues Creek, North Carolina. Rutherford is the mother of one middle school and one high school student. She has worked at the Kona and Kamuela Post Offices as well as mainland large and small post offices and distribution facilities from North Carolina to Florida, Oklahoma to Texas. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HUMPBACK WHALES ARE RETURNING and should be spotted in Ka`u waters soon. The first sighting was Monday, considered early, when a humpback was seen north in west Kaua`i waters. The Hawaiian Islands Marine Sanctuary is reminding Ka`u ocean goers of the regulations that protect this endangered species. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
“It’s important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals, and this year whale season seems to be starting early” said Malia Chow, Superintendent of the sanctuary.
Humpback whale season in Hawai‘i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. More than 10,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.   Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, obstructions, divers and other vessels.

Humpback whales are on their way to winter in Hawai`i where they will give birth and
stay through winter. Photo from NOAA

The whales attract wildlife enthusiasts, but they also pose safety hazards to ocean users when the 45-ton marine mammals surface, breach or slap their massive tails or flippers. Vessel-whale collisions can also result in death or injury to boaters and whales. Whale calves are vulnerable to vessel strikes because they are difficult to see as they rest just under the surface. Young whales also must surface more frequently.   Ed Lyman, marine mammal response manager for the sanctuary, said ocean users such as those that reported the whale sightings are a “great resource” in helping monitor humpback whales in the sanctuary. “By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts,” Lyman said.  

Those who come across an injured or entangled marine mammal, are urged to maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. 

The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Enthusiasts can join the sanctuary on Facebook. Also see Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov. State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A HEARING INVOLVING HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. and various solar organizations will be held by the state Senate and House of Representatives tomorrow. The purpose is for an update on the current status of solar interconnection and future plans for distributed generation. Last September, HECO notified its customers of a policy change that would require permission from the company to proceed with the installation of photovoltaic systems. Since the policy change, many solar customers have been facing delays in getting their PV systems connected to the grid.

Studying the issue will be the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, Sen. Mike Gabbard, Chair; Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, Sen. Roz Baker, Chair; House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Rep. Chris Lee, Chair; House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Chair. Presentations will be made by Hawaiian Electric Co.; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Hawaii PV Coalition and The Alliance for Solar Choice. The hearing will be in the Hawaii State Capitol, Conference Room 325 on Friday at 1 p.m. Ka`u residents can submit comments. The hearing will be televised live on `Olelo Channel 49.

IN TROJAN VOLLEYBALL, Ka`u lost against Waiakea High School in HIlo with varsity scores of 16-25, 8-25 and 6-25.. Trojans host the Honoka`a Daggers at home tomorrow, with jayvee play beginning at 6 p.m. The next eight-man football game will be at Kamehameha on Friday, Sept. 26. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Coffee Trail Run travels through the

forest and farms.

Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

TODAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

MANY RUNNERS WILL COME TO KA`U tomorrow night to get ready for the first Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, which begins at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by
community service organization `O Ka`u Kakou, the half-marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day with entertainment, food, educational and vendor booths. See okaukakou.org for updates and photos of the course.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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

From left, Kahu Paul Neves led the blessing for beginning of renovations at Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Willie K's plans to return Hilo to its Hawaiian music glory days at the hotel received support from Mayor Billy Kenoi and Ed "Z" Bushor, managing partner for the new Naniloa. Photo by Julia Neal

“HELPING HILO WILL HELP KA`U,” said Ed Olson yesterday after the blessing of the start of renovations at Naniloa Hotel. Olson, who founded Ka`u Coffee Mill Visitor Center and has macadamia and coffee orchards in Ka`u, is a major investor in the Naniloa Hotel on Hilo Bay. He was joined yesterday by former Big Island Visitors Bureau Executive Director George Applegate, who said he is making it his mission to help the east-side visitor industry from Ka`u into Hilo and up the Hamakua Coast. Applegate pointed to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as a major visitor attraction and said more good accommodations, like a renovated Naniloa, will only encourage people to spend more time on this side of the island, including more time in Ka`u.

Ed "Z" Bushor, at left, Willie K celebrated the beginning of renovations
at Naniloa Hotel with Sammie Stanbro of Ed Olson, of Olson Trust.
Photo by Julia Neal

Mayor Billy Kenoi said he welcomes the project for economic development and to enrich the entertainment industry.
Kahu Paul Neves led the blessing and said he looked forward to the many jobs that a new Naniloa will create. He urged all involved with the project to treat each other with respect. Neves also took a moment to pray for people of Puna, where a lava flow is approaching the Pahoa community and said the entertainment center at the new Naniloa will be for them, too.
At Neves’ side was famed Hawaiian musician Willie K, who said it will be his mission to return Hilo to its entertainment glory days. He said he got his start in the Crown Room at the Naniloa. Everyone played there. He said he wants to help make Hilo the world’s capitol for Hawaiian music. He recalled that his own father played at the Crown Room and said Hilo was a beacon for entertainment.
“I am here to bring that back. I said I will help you to bring it back. Bring this town back to what it was. This is my place; this is my world. This is where I stand,” declared Willie K. “Hilo, I am here for you.” He talked about the days when everyone had so much aloha for visitors, with live music welcoming at the harbors and airports. “The core of the visitor industry was entertainment, not just shows and fire knives,” said Willie K.
Managing partner for the new Naniloa, Ed “Z” Bushor, of Tower Development, Inc., said, “Every piece of real estate needs a heart.” He described the “one heart on this property, Hawaiian music.
“We need Willie K to represent Hawaiian music and bring it back,” Bushor said. He lamented that many hotels in Waikiki “get rid of music and bring in retail shops.”

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Lava may reach Pahoa Village Road within two weeks. Arrows show
projected path. Map from USGS/HVO

“LIFE IN PUNA WILL CHANGE DRAMATICALLY if lava buries Hwy 130,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman told Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Ruderman owns the natural food chain Island Naturals with a store in Pahoa, where USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists expect lava to reach in around two weeks.

“Some people will not be able to make the very long and inconvenient commute, which is going to cause some people not to be able to go to town and back,” Ruderman said. “Some people will have to relocate for the sake of their jobs and their kids. We’re not going to have a free flow of trucks and gasoline, and we'll have to improvise some basics. Some people will commute by fishing boat.
“Everyone talks about sustainability,” Ruderman said. “This is going to force real sustainability. It’ll force people to do gardening and farming and feed each other and have micro-communities that don’t depend on traveling to town every day. It’s going to force a situation that everyone’s been imagining for a long time, like more solar-powered homes and co-ops and community-based businesses.”
Ruderman expects tourists wanting to see lava will inundate Puna and the emergency roads being built for residents to get to and from work and school.
According to Nakaso, Ruderman is preparing for the possibility that the entire town may be evacuated. “The hard part is the slow, agonizing dread of having weeks to worry and not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s kind of unique, in many ways, as a natural disaster.”

See staradvertiser.com.

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Hawai`i County is expanding its little fire ant treatment at county parks.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION has received grant funds from the state Department of Agriculture and the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council to expand its little fire ant treatment program at various county parks.
To ensure the public’s safety and maximize treatment effectiveness, county parks or designated areas in the parks will be temporarily closed for a few hours on days spraying is scheduled. Every effort will be made to reopen the affected parks or areas as quickly as possible.
Signs will be posted at each park to notify the public. In a statement, the Department of Parks and Recreation thanked park patrons for their patience and cooperation while efforts are made to eliminate little fire ants from Hawai`i County parks.
For more information, contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.

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HCEOC has an office in Na`alehu. Photo from Hawai`i County

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL is receiving a capital improvement grant of $170,000 from the state for three vehicles for its transportation program and equipment to help maintain its fleet at lower costs by being able to perform some maintenance work in-house.

HCEOC is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1965 under provisions of the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Its purpose is to prevent, alleviate, and eliminate poverty in Hawai`i County by mobilizing and channeling private and public resources into anti-poverty actions, to stimulate new and effective approaches to the solution of problems, to strengthen communication, mutual understanding, planning, coordination and implementation of anti-poverty programs in the community, and to educate children and youth to become responsible, contributing adults in society.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the grant as part of a release of more than $1.52 million for various capital improvement and operating grants to Hawai`i-based nonprofit organizations whose missions benefit island communities.
“Nonprofits play an integral role in addressing the needs of our communities,” Abercrombie said. “These funds will provide important services and facilities to those in need to create a better Hawai`i for all of us.”

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS CALLED for greater U.S. military aid and weapons for Kurdish Peshmerga forces who are fighting against ISIS in Iraq. The congresswoman is an original cosponsor of H. Res. 718, a bipartisan resolution to call on the Department of Defense to expedite all necessary military equipment, weapons and ammunition to the Kurdish Peshmerga to defeat ISIS.
“We have the ability to support the Kurdish Peshmerga forces as they bravely fight off the surge of ISIS fighters in the region,” said Gabbard, a captain in the Army National Guard who served two tours of duty in the Middle East. “The Kurds have the will and the motivation to destroy our common enemy in these Islamic extremists. We need to do everything we can to empower these courageous fighters who are serving on the front lines right now. H. Res. 718 expresses support for our allies and calls on the Defense Department to provide heavy weapons and other substantial, meaningful assistance to the Kurds, so they can take the fight to our enemy, and defeat them. They can’t fend off this threat with small arms; they need the full backing and aid of the United States so they can get the job done.”
In Washington. Gabbard met with Falah Mustafa Bakir, Minister of Foreign Relations for the Kurdistan Regional Government, to get an update on the situation their forces are facing. He reiterated the serious need for heavy weapons and military aid and KRG’s strong commitment to working to defeat Islamic extremists.

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`OHANA DAY & KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN is tomorrow at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at 7:30 a.m.

Packet pickup is available at 6:30 a.m.

Family activities, entertainment, silent and live auctions, free giveaways, information and vendor booths are on site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See okaukakou.org for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S KAHUKU UNIT offers two programs this weekend. Palm Trail Hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
During Hi`iaka & Pele on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the two Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent.
Call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo for more information.

LISA LOUISE ADAMS TEACHES THE AGE-OLD technique of paper making tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. $25 supply fee. $60 VAC members; $70 nonmembers.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

GET THE DRIFT & BAG IT IS THE GOAL of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund’s Ka`u Coast Cleanup on Sunday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Ka`u Coast locations for this annual cleanup as part of an international effort.
Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Refreshments await runners as they are greeted by Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva, at right, at the finish line of Ka`u Coffee Trail Run. Photo by Julia Neal

BILLY BARNETT, OF VOLCANO, WON THE FIRST annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run Half Marathon this morning as runners from Germany to Japan competed. Barnett described the course as one of the toughest Half Marathons he’s ever raced. He also won the recent Volcano Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon. Barnett said he will be back next year.

Half Marathon winner Billy Barnett with race
director Raylene Moses. Photo by Julia Neal

Runners of all ages competed in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, followed by Portuguese horseshoe and Kendama tournaments.
The races and `Ohana Day are sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, which promises to use money raised to benefit the Ka`u community. Activities continue until 3 p.m.
Entertainment includes hula halau led by Debbie Ryder and Sammi Fo, Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids and Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko.
Numerous community organizations sponsor educational displays on the coffee drying floor along with vendors selling arts and crafts.
County of Hawai`i and Ed Olson Trust are two of the sponsors. Olson said he is proud of the partnership between the community and Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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“REFORM AND RESTRUCTURING OF OUR STATE’S health care safety net … will be critical to prevent any loss of jobs or reduction of services, said Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green. “A partnership with a local entity will likely be necessary in 2015 to maintain the safety net.”
The Senate Health Committee chair and emergency room doctor’s comments to Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Kriesten Consillio follow Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s request to the state Legislature for emergency funds to continue operations.
Consillio said HHSC has lobbied the state for several years to allow a partnership with a private entity. Earlier this year, the Legislature rejected a proposal to allow HHSC to partner with a local nonprofit provider such as Hawai`i Pacific Health, the Queen’s Health Systems or Kaiser Permanente Hawai`i.
The Legislature appropriated $102 million to HHSC, $48 million less than requested for 2015. The organization has called for layoffs and other cost-cutting measures, but it still expects a $30 million deficit next year.

See staradvertiser.com.

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Ka`u Rural Health Community Association offers health screenings.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I’S MAIN WEB PORTAL AT HAWAII.GOV has been named Best Government Website as part of the Web Marketing Association’s 2014 WebAwards (webaward.org). The annual competition is recognized as the premier industry-based website award program in the world.

More than 1,500 entries from 40 countries were judged in 96 industry categories on design, ease of use, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation and use of technology.
“This award proves our amazing transformation into the digital age that we started for Hawai`i three years ago is ahead of schedule,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “We are so proud of the entire team that has represented us in this achievement for the state.”
The newly designed Hawaii.gov was developed via a collaborative effort with Hawai`i Information Consortium, LLC, Hawai`i’s state Internet Portal Manager and the Office of Information Management Technology (OIMT).

Ka`u Coffee grower Berta Miranda is one of several vendors at Ka`u Coffee Mill
for `Ohana Day until 3 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

Hawaii.gov was re-launched in 2013 as a comprehensive update to the state’s main web portal. It was released in conjunction with upgrades to webpages across all state departments and agencies, enhanced mobile, touch and speech capability, increased consistency and improved accessibility. The update was part of OIMT’s award-winning Business & Information Technology/Information Resource Management (IT/IRM) Transformation Plan unveiled in 2012.
Another highly visible change from the plan includes the launch of data.hawaii.gov, the state’s new data portal for access to state government information, in turn leading to increased transparency, driving civic innovation, and engaging participants in a more collaborative form of government.
The state’s progress in the use of technology across state government was recognized earlier this month with a B+ grade in the Center for Digital Government’s biennial Digital States Survey. This grade is the best-ever score for Hawai`i and a major improvement from a B- in 2012.

Tutu & Me presents information about its early education programs available
in Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

In addition, Hawai`i was recently one of six states (Hawai`i, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma and Utah) to receive a perfect score in this year’s State Open Data Policies and Portals report by the Center for Data Innovation. Hawai`i also earned a 2013 Federal 100 award from Federal Computer Week magazine (the only state government in the nation to receive such an award that year) and the 2014 Government Innovator of the Year award from the Government Technology Research Alliance.

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KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD, an Iraq War veteran, is cosponsoring legislation that would temporarily suspend the Visa Waiver Program for countries with citizens known to be fighting for Islamic extremist groups like ISIL. Hundreds of passport holders from European countries and the U.S have already traveled to fight with extremist groups in Iraq and Syria. 

Alan Moores displays his art on the coffee drying platform at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Julia Neal

“My first priority, at all times, is to ensure the safety of the American people,” Gabbard said. “If there is a weakness in our national security, we have a responsibility to fix it. This legislation will close a loophole in our visa process to prevent possible terrorists from entering the U.S. freely. As things presently stand, Islamic extremists holding certain European passports can simply get on a plane and fly to the U.S. without a visa. By temporarily suspending the Visa Waiver Program, all visitors from these countries will be vetted and have to go through a visa application process before they are allowed to step on U.S. soil. If we do nothing to close this loophole and allow a terrorist to carry out an attack on our homeland, the impacts will be devastating. Action is needed now.”   
The legislation would suspend the VWP for any country that has identified passport holders fighting with Islamic extremist organizations. Restoration of a country’s VWP participation would be determined by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence. Restored participation would be based on the ability of the suspended country and the U.S. to identify, track and negate the risk of terrorists from entering the U.S.  

Francis and Trini Marques offer coffee samples at `Ohana Day.
Photo by Julia Neal

The VWP currently allows eligible citizens of 38 countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.

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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS VOTED in favor of a stopgap spending bill to fund the government through Dec. 11, which includes authorization for the Obama Administration to train and equip moderate Syrians to fight against ISIL.
“The President, Secretary Hagel, and Chairman Dempsey have made a strong case regarding the threat ISIL presents to the Middle East, Europe, and our nation,” Hirono said. “I share many Americans’ concerns about ISIL’s growing strength. This is a ruthless, well-funded and organized group that is attracting recruits from all corners of the world, including the United States. Defeating ISIL will require a unified effort and resources from a multi-national coalition.
“Currently, the President is relying on existing authorities to strike ISIL, but a prolonged military campaign will require specific congressional authority. The President has assured us that U.S. forces will not have a combat mission and I will hold him to that assurance.

Duke Aiona supporters waved signs to motorists traveling through Pahala
on their way to `Ohana Day and Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo by Julia Neal

“While I will support the authorization to train and equip moderate Syrians to fight ISIL, it must be done with adequate safeguards to ensure that we do not create a scenario where this training and equipment are turned against us or our allies in the future. There are no easy answers to the complexities confronting the U.S. and our allies. The evolving situation in Syria and Iraq requires the people of the region to respond clearly and decisively against ISIL.”
The bill, which passed 78-22, now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

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HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOLDS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP tomorrow. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Ka`u Coast locations for this annual cleanup as part of an international effort.
Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE TWO HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
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.

Add caption

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Keoki Kahumoku, at left, and his students entertained Ka`u Coffee Trail Run & `Ohana Day participants at Ka`u Coffee Mill yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY is getting help from the federal government with a more than $2 million grant. Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced the U.S. Economic Development Administration will invest $2,178,250 to support the design and construction of an agricultural business accelerator for small farmers and agricultural markets in Kamuela.

Keoki Kahumoku performed and was emcee at
`Ohana Day. Photo by Julia Neal

The project is expected to save 39 current jobs, create 28 new jobs and generate greater food self-reliance and sustainability.  
“Earlier this month, I visited Kamuela and met with farmers who were passionate about increasing local food production, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the overall sustainability of Hawai`i Island,” Gabbard said. “This important investment will boost the efforts of local farmers and businesses by providing assistance with self-sustaining value-added food and fiber production. Supporting the agricultural business accelerator is a smart move and a ‘win-win’ across the board for our local economy, the jobs market, farmers, consumers and sustainability efforts across the state.”  
The investment funding will be managed through The Kohala Center, an independent, community-based center for research, conservation, and education that works to turn research and traditional knowledge into action so that communities in Hawai`i and around the world can thrive ecologically, economically, culturally and socially. The organization’s main areas of interest are energy self-reliance, food self-reliance and ecosystem health.
The Kohala Center’s President and CEO told Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, “We are very pleased to be able to further support and invest in Hawai`i Island’s vibrant farming and food-producing community through this project.”
Yager said design for the project will probably begin in January and take two years to complete.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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MORE ROOFTOP SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC systems may receive approval from Hawaiian Electric Co. and its subsidiaries, including Hawai`i Electric Light Co. on the Big Island. The utilities have put PV systems that export electricity to the utilities grids on hold, claiming that exporting more electricity to the grids could compromise safety and service.
At a state Senate and House hearing Friday about the current status of solar interconnection and future plans for distributed generation, HECO senior vice president of customer service Jim Alberts said, “There is a whole series of solutions we have proposed to implement. We just have to keep using that logical stepwise approach to implement customers over time. There isn’t a silver bullet that just says everyone can interconnect.”

`Ohana Day featured Halau Hula O Leionalani under the direction of Kumu
Debbie Ryder. Photo by Julia Neal

According to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Rep. Cynthia Thielen asked why HECO doesn’t approve solar systems that don’t connect to the grid but provide power to houses where they are located.
“Why not move ahead with that, which would put people back to work? It lets the 4,500 people and more have some hope to move ahead,” Thielen said.
Alberts said the utility could approve such nonexport PV systems in a matter of weeks.
Thielen said she wanted to see data from HECO in the next three to four weeks that small-scale PV applications are being approved.
“Why don’t we move ahead with fast-tracking the interconnections of the photovoltaic systems that don’t export and provide the ability to shift the exports on peak times? That, I understand, is technology that is available at this time,” Thielen said.
Reporter Kathryn Mykleseth said Sen. Donna Mercado Kim questioned the utilities’ planning for solar. “You were talking about just a six percent (per year) increase when we have grown far greater than that, as you’ve shown. That is my problem. Nobody anticipated this growth,” Kim said. “You supported tax credits. You supported us giving loans. You supported all of these programs to encourage people, encourage the industry.
“I’m concerned about the people who went out and took out loans based on what they were paying for their electric bill,” Kim said.
See staradvertiser.com.

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Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva greeted
Ka`u Coffee Trail Run participants.
Photo by Julia Neal

PARTICIPANTS IN KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN YESTERDAY got to enjoy entertainment after crossing the finish line. Keoki Kahumoku emceed the event, announcing his `ukulele kids, hula halau led by Debbie Ryder and Sammi Fo, and Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko.

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS reported that the flow front has advanced toward Pahoa only a minor amount over the past day. They said the drop in advance rate over the past two days may be due to a reduction in lava supply related to ongoing summit deflation. They also warn that as the summit resumes inflation, the flow advance rate could rise again in the coming days.

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KA`U YOGIS CAN PARTICIPATE as National Yoga Month Goes Global. Yoga Month invites all yoga studios, teachers and students to unite on Tuesday, Sept. 30 for a worldwide yoga practice and be a part of the third annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission.
At 7 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, yoga students of all experience levels are encouraged to practice yoga as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. A gentle one-hour yoga practice will be followed by savasana beginning at 8 p.m., and a 15-minute meditation for universal peace and well-being at 8:15 p.m. “By participating during your own local time, a wave of yoga will take place around the globe,” said yoga teacher Stephanie Pepper.
September is the official National Yoga Month, a national observance designated by the federal Department of Health & Human Services, designed to build awareness of yoga’s health benefits and provide people with actionable guidance and tools to enhance their own well-being. This grassroots awareness campaign inspires both youths and adults to take responsibility for their well-being by focusing on prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.
To get a free yoga card, see yogamonth.org. To get more details on the event at Na`alehu Hongwanji, click on Free Events, scroll to the bottom and click search for events near you.

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Taiko drumming reverberated through
Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS HAVE UNTIL FRIDAY 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 are available at public and private schools.
The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster the confidence of girls in these fields that use math and science, as well as provide positive role models, and may also stimulate a girl’s interest in a new career goal.
The fee is $20 per girl, and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away for financial reasons. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted.
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.

A KA`U PLANTATION DAYS MEETING takes place tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK Tuesday at 7 p.m. is Hawai`i’s Big Earthquakes. Paul Okubo, a seismologist with USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on where and why they occur and what to do when they happen.
The free program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations of $2 support After Dark programs. 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.

Runners head for the trail at the first Ka`u Coffee Trail Run Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN organizers have released the first official results from Saturday’s Half Marathon. Winner Billy Barnett, of Volcano, conquered the tough and hilly course in one hour, 45 minutes and 13.1 seconds to take the men’s title. Caitlyn Tateishi, of Pahoa, won the women’s Half Marathon in two hours, 21 minutes and 30.73 seconds.

Runners of all ages joined the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run events with a 5K, 10K and
Half Marathon Saturday on the edge of Wood Valley.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

Second in the men’s race was international competitor in long distance trail runs Kenichi Yamamoto, of Yamanashi Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, Japan. His time was one hour, 52 minutes and 33.77 seconds. Second in the women’s race was Stephanie Fleegle, of Greensboro, Maryland. Her time was two hours, 22 minutes and 47.63 seconds.

Third is the men’s race was Mike Sullivan, of Hilo. His time was one hour, 53 minutes and 19.36 seconds. Third in the women’s race was Vicki Daniel, of Honolulu. Her time was two hours, 23 minutes and 21.31 seconds. The inagural event was sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, County of Hawai`i and many others. It was held on the grounds of Ka`u Coffee Mill and surrounding orchards, farms and rainforest. Race director was Raylene Moses.

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CY TAMURA AND ANTHONY EMMSLEY, both from Na`alehu, won the first Portuguese Horseshoe contest as part of `Ohana Day, in connection with the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run events on Saturday. Kai Enriques, of Pahala, and Emmette Enriques, of Punalu`u, took second. Pono Palakiko, of Ocean View, and Isaiah Naboa, of Na`alehu, took third.

Portuguese Horseshoes are played by tossing large metal washers used in machinery across an open space aiming for a hole on the top of a wooden box. More points are scored by landing the washer in the hole and fewer by landing on the box. The game was invented in Hawai`i.

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Andre Carvalho, Kameron Moses and Jensen Navarro-Villa, from left in front,
receive congratulations from Nui Wong and Minako Yamazaki.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

ANDRE CARVALHO, KAMERON MOSES AND JENSEN NAVARRO-VILLA were winners at the Kendama tournament held Saturday during `O Ka`u Kakou’s `Ohana Day & Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Nui Wong, with the company Sweets Kendamas, came to Ka`u Coffee Mill to lead a group of ten local enthusiasts to show off Kendama skills. It was a last man standing event as the skills became more and more difficult and participants were eliminated. Sweets Kendamas sponsored special kendamas to Minako Yamazaki, from Tokyo and Pahala, who presented large Kendama trophies and certificates from Ms. Tsutsumi, Executive Director of Japan Kendama Association.

See http://kendama.or.jp and www.sweetsKendamas.com.

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TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE HAS OVERTAKEN Hawaiian Electric Co.’s assumption that customers will stay connected to the grid, according to Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis.
“It can be cost effective to leave the grid, Curtis said on his blog at ililanimedia.blogspot.com. “The trend is for this ability to leave to become increasingly cost effective.”

Curtis’ statements followed Friday’s briefing at the state Legislature when members of several committees sought to get an update on the impacts of Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Sept. 2013 policy changes on solar interconnection, to learn more about the utility’s future plans for distributed generation and to hear alternative perspectives.

During the briefing, Representative Chris Lee asked, “What is the benefit of a privately owned utility?

“Would Hawai`i’s ratepayers in this context be better served by a public utility that only looks out for the public interest and cleaner energy and lower prices rather that a utility also trying to take a significant profit off of those captive ratepayers?”

According to Curtis, Jim Alberts, HECO’s Senior Vice President of Customer Service, responded, “From our perspective at Hawaiian Electric, we are very community focused, we are out in the community, and we want our community to be successful.”

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Duke Aiona

David Ige

DAVID IGE IS LEADING IN THE RACE FOR GOVERNOR, according to the latest Civil Beat poll. On Hawai`i Island, the Democrat leads Republican Duke Aiona by nine percent, 44 percent to 35 percent. Statewide, Ige has a four percent lead, 43 percent to 39 percent.

The poll also shows little support for the other candidates. Independent Mufi Hannemann garnered 11 percent on Hawai`i Island and eight percent statewide. Libertarian Jeff Davis got one percent on this island and two percent statewide. Nine percent of those surveyed on the Big island were undecided, and statewide eight percent were undecided.
Reporter Chad Blair said Matt Fitch, executive director of Merriman River Group, concluded that the race is now between two parties and that it favors Ige. “Among people who voted in the Democratic primary, Ige does as well among Abercrombie voters as he does with those who voted for him. … Abercrombie voters are loyal Democrats that are not going to vote for Aiona.”

Another factor cited by Fitch was the significant number of Republicans who crossed over and voted Democratic in the primary.
See civilbeat.com.

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Triangle on map shows where lava headed toward Pahoa has come to a stop.
Map from Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency

RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAIN ON THE UPPER SLOPES in Ka`u closed Hwy 11 at Kawa last night due to flooding. Hawai`i Police Department reported the closure just after 9 p.m.

Thunderstorms began in east Ka`u around 3 p.m., dropping two inches of rain per hour in Wood Valley that continued into the evening, according to the National Weather Service.

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THE FRONT OF THE JUNE 27TH LAVA FLOW HEADING toward Pahoa has slowed to a stop, but the flow remains active farther upslope within Kaohe Homesteads and is moving northeast, reported Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists. Surface breakouts are also present closer to Pu`u `O`o, roughly midway along the length of the June 27th flow. While none of the breakouts have been very vigorous, together they compose a significant portion of the total flow volume which was previously making its way to the flow front. Some of these breakouts are also producing smoke plumes as they creep into the adjacent forest.

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Ka`u residents Joe Iacuzzo and Kathryn Tydlacka with
Dreadnaughtus fossils.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY CO-FOUNDERS Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe Iacuzzo recently visited the laboratory of Dr. Ken Lacovara at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Lacovara discovered the remains of Dreadnaughtus, the world’s largest dinosaur, in the Patagonia region of Argentina over a period of several years. This giant was 130 feet long and weighed as much as 60 tons.
Lacovara shared a number of his discoveries with Iacuzzo and Tydlacka and provided them with a back-room tour of the Academy of Science in Philadelphia, the oldest natural history museum in the U.S. Iacuzzo worked with Lacovara when Iacuzzo was a director of the Jurassic Park Institute at Universal Pictures, an educational outreach program used by over 20 million children and educators.
Iacuzzo is also the official Hawai`i representative for National Fossil Day, a series of events sponsored by the National Park Service. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, he will give a talk about the history of fossil collecting in the United States, beginning with Thomas Jefferson’s collection, at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s After Dark in the Park.

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KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS hosted Honoka`a Friday. Junior Varsity won 25 – 11, 25 – 16, with several hits by Tristan Davis and good defense by Poai Emmsley.
With Honoka`a ahead two sets to one, varsity forced the match into a fifth set, with final scores of 25 – 16, 19 – 25, 23 – 25, 25 – 18, 11 – 15. Sky Kanakaole-Esperon contributed in serving and spikes. Denisha Navarro had good hits, and Kerrilynn Domondon excelled in defense.
The teams host Kamehameha Wednesday at 6 p.m.
This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

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A KA`U PLANTATION DAYS MEETING takes place today at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

Residential damage from a magnitude-6.1 earthquake in 1989 was mainly in Puna,
including this house in Kalapana. Photo from USGS

PAUL OKUBO, A SEISMOLOGIST WITH USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on where and why they occur and what to do when they happen, tomorrow at 7 p.m. at After Dark in the Park.
The free program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations of $2 support After Dark programs. Park entrance fees apply.

KEIKO MERCADO 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. Samples and hands-on opportunities will be available. 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 kacalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u High Trojans eight-man football team hosts Kamehameha Friday for Senior Night. Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD WILL REOPEN as an emergency route for Puna residents. The National Park Service announced that it will work with the state and county to construct the route to assist residents of lower Puna, whose access to the rest of the island would be cut off if lava covers Hwy 130.

“For the past several weeks, we have been putting all of our efforts into getting approval for an alternate route that can be used during this devastating emergency,” said Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Chain of Craters Road will be rebuilt for access by Puna residents threatened with
closure of Hwy 130 by a lava flow. Map from NPS

Scientists at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimated on Sept. 19 that based on the flow’s location and rate of advancement at that time, lava from Kilauea Volcano’s Pu`u `O`o vent could reach Hwy 130 in 21 days, but noted as of Sept. 22, the lava flow advance rate has slowed.
The route, mostly within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, would provide emergency access for the community and would not be open for visitor use. Nearly eight miles of the coastal section of Chain of Craters Road is buried beneath rough, hardened lava, and 5.4 miles is within the national park.
The open section of Chain of Craters Road spans 19 miles from the summit of Kilauea to sea level within the park. Opened in 1965, the road has been blocked by lava for 37 of its 49-year existence.
To protect park resources, the emergency route will follow the old lava-covered road alignment as much as practicable.
Questions remain about how to get road-building equipment to the site. The steepness of the grade at Holei Pali inside the park may limit access by trucks carrying heavy equipment. The Kalapana side, which is outside of the park, is presumably more accessible.
“The NPS is deeply concerned about this potential disaster to our community, our friends, families, employees and volunteers,” Orlando said. “We have been working diligently with our partners to find an acceptable solution in accordance with federal law.”

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A SUPPLEMENTAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION is in effect to include repair, restorations, rebuilding or reestablishment of Chain of Craters Road for use as an alternate emergency route should the June 27th lava flow cross Hwy 130 near Pahoa and isolate communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawai`i County. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the proclamation yesterday.

Satellite image shows status of lava through threatening Pahoa.
Image from USGS/HVO

“Even though the lava flow appears to have slowed to a halt for the time being, the state and Hawai`i County are prepared and moving forward together with contingency plans in the event the lava does progress farther,” Abercrombie said.
The proclamation, supplemental to the emergency proclamation signed on Sept. 5, also extends the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1, 2014.  The original proclamation suspended certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Hwy 130. It also activated the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at state and federal levels.

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ALTHOUGH THE FRONT OF THE JUNE 27TH lava flow has stalled over the past few days, the flow remains active with surface breakouts immediately behind the front, reported scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. These breakouts have expanded the margin of the flow several hundred yards toward the north. Breakouts are also active closer to Pu`u `O`o, and lava has been filling another ground crack over the past few days.

Jeff Davis

James "Duke" Aiona

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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HAWAI`I’S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES gave listeners a glimpse of their priorities in their opening remarks at last night’s debate on Hawai`i Public Radio.

Democratic candidate David Ige, first to speak, said, “I truly understand the challenge of living and working and raising a family here in Hawai`i. We must create better jobs so that our young people have a future and can choose to live and work in Hawai`i. It all begins with public education. It’s about empowering schools so that our children can have the best opportunities that they deserve.”
Republican James “Duke” Aiona said the rallying cry he hears from voters is, “It’s time to take Hawai`i in a new direction. I hear from our residents that they’re tired of having the highest cost of living. … I hear from business people that they’re tired of being stifled. … I hear from our students and teachers that they’re frustrated with the way public education is being administered and governed. David Ige, my opponent, has been a part of this system for thirty years.”

Mufi Hannemann

David Ige

Independent Mufi Hannemann said, “This is all about trying to break through the partisan gridlock that has gripped this country and this state for far too long. … This is all about putting the people first; this is all about putting Hawai`i first. Let party politics and party platforms take secondary precedence, because it’s all about the people. Issues that have continued through the years remain unresolved, and that’s because we haven’t been able to harness the best of both sides. We need business and labor together; a collaborative leadership style that’s been conspicuously missing throughout the state of Hawai`i.
Libertarian Jeff Davis discussed his reason for running for governor. “I think a lot of it has to do with what my esteemed colleagues have mentioned, that it’s more of the same. … The status quo that we have been up against here for decade after decade, even the folks engaged in it would have to agree that that’s got to change, and I would have to say that I am your best chance for change.

A Puna man lost his life in the waters off Punalu`u Black Sand Beach Sunday.
Photo by Lee Neal

To hear the entire hour-long debate moderated by HPR political reporter Wayne Yoshioka, go to hpr2.org/post/gubernatorial-debate-sept-22-2014-full-audio.

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A 53-YEAR-OLD PUNA MAN DIED SUNDAY in waters off Punalu`u Black Sand Beach.
Ka`u patrol officers responded to a 12:08 p.m. call Sunday reporting a possible drowning. When they arrived, they learned that Reginald Awaa, of Mountain View, had been diving with family when he became distressed. He was pulled from the water, and Fire Department took him to Ka`u Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:35 p.m.
The case has been classified as a coroner’s inquest. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

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TWO INCHES OF RAIN PER HOUR for several hours on Sunday afternoon caused the closure of Hwy 11 at Kawa. The downpour also filled gulches mauka of the highway and caused rushing water to create a river along stretches of Ka`alaiki Road, which connects Na`alehu and Pahala above the highway.

Ka`ala`iki Road became a river during Sunday's downpours.
Video by Ipolani Reyes

PAUL OKUBO, A SEISMOLOGIST WITH USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on where and why they occur and what to do when they happen, today at 7 p.m. at After Dark in the Park.
The free program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations of $2 support After Dark programs. Park entrance fees apply.

KEIKO MERCADO DEMONSTRATES HOW `OHE (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Samples and hands-on opportunities will be available. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THE LOCAL AREA TEAM FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD hosts guest speaker Alex Nsengimana, from Rwanda, at Ocean View Evangelical Community Church Friday at 11:30 a.m. “We will inform local people about how they can participate in helping needy children in other countries with the gift of a simple shoebox filled with gifts, hygiene items, and school supplies,” said OCC area coordinator Cindy Eilerman.

Nsengimana’s main purpose will be to help generate more shoeboxes to further the mission to help children around the world.
A luncheon will follow, along with distribution of materials and OCC logo shoeboxes.
To register or reserve shoeboxes, call Eilerman at 301-707-2328.
More information about Nsengimana can be found at samaritanspurse.org/Alex.

SENIOR NIGHT IS FRIDAY AT KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S eight-man football home game against Kamehameha. The team is on the road the next two weekends, traveling to Pahoa Saturday, Oct. 4 and Kohala Saturday, Oct 11.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Summer Fun kept Ocean View keiki busy with excursions and activities. Photos from Teresa Anderson

GRASSROOTS INSTITUTE OF HAWAI`I is calling for tax reform following a study by the financial site Wallet Hub concluding that Hawai`i has the second most unfair tax system in the country. According to the study, Hawai`i trails only Washington in the gap between what citizens consider a fair tax structure and the reality of the state system. In addition, the Aloha State ranked third among states where the middle class (defined as the 40-60 percent income quintile) is overtaxed and was little better about overtaxing the poor. Hawai`i ranked fourth in states that overtax the lowest 20 percent of income earners. 

Wallet Hub ranked Hawai`i's tax system as second least fair in the nation.
Wallet Hub map from Grassoots Institute of Hawai`i

The survey found that the majority of Americans, regardless of political outlook, believe that higher income households should be taxed at a higher rate than lower earners. Those states that most conform to this model were rated more fair, while those where the tax burden was heavier on middle and lower income householders were rated as unfair. The Wallet Hub survey also noted that Hawai`i is especially dependent on sales and excise taxes – the state ranked seventh in its reliance on revenues from this source.
“This survey is only confirming what too many of us realize every day,” said Keli`i Akina, President of the Grassroot Institute of Hawai`i. “Hawai`i’s tax system is badly in need of reform that stimulates the economy and reduces the burden on middle class and working households. This isn’t a question of partisanship or politics – the system is faulty no matter what your perspective. If Hawai`i’s policy makers want to help our working families in a substantial and effective way, they should seek out reforms that provide real, measurable tax relief.”

Sen. Brian Schatz

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, A MEMBER of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, commended President Barack Obama and leaders from around the world on new commitments to combating climate change. President Barack Obama yesterday addressed the United Nations Climate Summit and announced a new executive order that will require federal agencies to consider climate change in the design of all international development programs and investments.   
“With more than 120 world leaders committing to fighting climate change today, and hundreds of thousands marching for action over the weekend, our calls to act on the global threat of climate change cannot be ignored,” Schatz said, “Today’s commitments from President Obama and leaders from around the world are an important step forward, but more needs to be done. America has a chance to lead the fight against climate change. If we act now, cut carbon pollution and move to a clean energy economy, we can create opportunities for a better world for our families, our children, and future generations.”  
Earlier this year, Schatz led 31 of his Senate colleagues in a rare all-night session of the Senate to urge action on climate change.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

IN AN EFFORT TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE oversight and accountability of the nation’s intelligence community, Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has joined Sen. Ron Wyden, of Oregon, in spearheading a bipartisan, bicameral effort to strengthen the government’s privacy protection board. The legislation gives the oversight board greater ability to carry out its function of balancing the government’s national security and counterterrorism activities with the need to protect the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans.

The Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency Act, or SPOT Act, expands the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board’s authority to play a watchdog role over surveillance conducted for purposes beyond counterterrorism. It also allows the PCLOB to issue subpoenas without having to wait for the Justice Department to issue them, and makes the board members full-time positions.  
“The American people should not be forced to choose between safety and security, or freedom, privacy and civil liberties. Recent revelations of actions within the intelligence community show that these basic principles upon which our country was founded have been violated in the name of security. We have a responsibility to the people we serve to make sure that this is not allowed to occur, which is what this legislation seeks to do.
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is an independent body that was expanded in 2007 as part of Congress’ measures to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The commission called for an executive branch board that would ensure that government efforts to protect American security also protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties. More recently, a number of outside experts, including the President’s own surveillance Review Group, have recommended that the Board’s mandate and authorities be expanded and clarified.

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Kahuku Summer Fun participants enjoyed arts and crafts projects and journaling.
Photos from Teresa Anderson

OCEAN VIEW STUDENTS, NOW BACK IN SCHOOL, kept busy during Kahuku Summer Fun. Participants enjoyed excursions to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Kahalu`u Beach and Kona Aquatics Center. During the first trip to Punalu`u, representatives from Three Mountain Alliance, state Division of Forestry & Wildlife and Hawai`i wildlife Fund lead a mauka to makai talk story and mini beach cleanup. Then it was swim time.
Many visitors gave presentations on important subjects. A Ka`u public health nurse taught proper hand washing and the importance of nutritious foods and proper food portions. A healthy snack of oranges and grapes provided by Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center followed.
Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai`i taught about dangers of smoking.
A representative from University of Hawai`i at Hilo discussed STEAM curricula, which includes science, technology, engineering, art and math. Students learned about marine biology, how data is collected, importance of coral reefs and dangers of overfishing.
Recycle Hawai`i taught about the importance of recycling and how to do backyard composting to feed gardens and plants.
Kahuku ahupua`a and Hawaiian culture were topics of visiting kupuna.
Hawai`i Electric Light Co. sent someone to teach about clean energy, including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal. Participants made boats driven by solar power.
More fun came with soap making, other arts and crafts and journaling. Home Depot donated race car and herb pot craft kits along with aprons, pins and certificates.

Kahuku Park is looking for coaches for T-ball and Coach Pitch. Call Teresa at 929-9113.

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IN SPORTS, KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS travels to Kamehameha today at 6 p.m. On Friday, they travel to Kohala.
The Trojans’ eight-man football team hosts Kamehameha Friday at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR KA`U fifth-grade girls to register for GEMS – Girls Exploring Math & Science – workshops set for Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou. Registration forms are available at public and private schools.

Drop-off for Ka`u Chamber of Commerce
entries is Friday and Saturday.

For more information, to sponsor a girl or to request a registration packet, contact Laurel Gregory at 969-8833 or lgregory@hawaii.edu.

PACIFIC ISLANDS ARTS & CRAFTS SALE & yART Sale is Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The fundraiser includes arts, ceramics, new and slightly used tools, household goods and collectables.

OKTOBERFEST AT KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Friday at 4 p.m. features German food, beer and music. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

For more information, call 967-8356 or 967-8365.

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY IS SATURDAY. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees to celebrate.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS an exploration of a pristine, species-rich old-growth rain forest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meeting point is Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Call 967-8222 to sign up.

ARTISTS ENTERING KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S Art Show can register Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at CU Hawai`i Na`alehu Branch. Next week, Ka`u residents vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015.
For more information, call Dallas at 516-662-8789.

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

Botanist Tim Tunison leads an exploration called Fern-Lovers' Paradise Saturday. Photo from Volcano Art Center

BOOSTING RESOURCES FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES in Hawai`i is the subject of a bill supported by Sen. Mazie Hirono. Last week, Hirono co-sponsored the Digital Coast Act, which will authorize the next phase in coastal mapping at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal mapping provides current data and training to enable coastal communities to make critical planning decisions and better protect and sustain natural resources.

Light blue lines along the Ka`u Coast show changes that would occur with
a sea-level rise of five feet. Map from NOAA

“Protecting Hawai`i’s coastal areas is critical to our environment and economy,” said Hirono. “The Digital Coast Act will allow NOAA to continue to build on its successful Digital Coast initiative, which focuses on providing the public and private sectors access to a range of important coastal data. Expanding the Digital Coast initiative will allow scientists and community members to access data to plan for long-term coastal resilience including managing water resources, tracking changes along the coastline and combating the threat of global warming.”
Digital Coast has been used in Hawai`i and the Pacific region to perform a wide range of projects – assessing land-based threats to coral reef habitats, assessing vulnerability differences in tsunami evaluation zones, compiling natural resource data for development of watershed strategies and capturing traditional knowledge to inform restoration planning. Digital Coast products are also being used by private sector firms in Hawai`i for their land use planning analysis and documents or reports.
“The Digital Coast provides a user-friendly website that communities can access to find reliable data and other tools to help increase their resilience and be ready for the challenges they face in the future,” said Kim Hum, Marine Program Director for the Nature Conservancy’s Hawai`i Program. “But it’s not just about the data. The project also provides training to help translate all of that data into usable information for decision making.”

Chris Eldridge

For more information, see coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast.
The late Rep. Bob Herkes supported this kind of mapping for Ka`u and beyond. Services for Herkes are Saturday at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Celebration of Life begins at 11 a.m. Aloha attire is requested.

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`AINA KOA PONA PARTNER Chris Eldridge has sold his American Mattress franchise for the state of Hawai`i and founded a private equity investment firm called Koa Capital Partners, LLC. His partner is Dustin Sellers, formerly president of sales and marketing for Pro Service Hawai`i.
A Pacific Business News story this week said that Eldrige is a “partner in a local biofuel project.” It reports that “Eldridge was the president of America’s Mattress Hawai`i and left in April; he also serves as a partner with biofuels company `Aina Koa Pono.” The story says that the two partners “have known each other since their days at Punahou School, and it was serendipitous that they had both left their companies around the same time.”
The story says that Koa Capital “is looking to invest in companies with a focus on Hawai`i and profits between $500,000 and $5 million, and will invest primarily in majority, control positions.”
AKP sought approval to sell biofuel to Hawaiian Electric Light Co. from a microwave refinery it would have built on the edge of Wood Valley. It was turned down twice by the Public Utilities Commission and opposed by Mayor Billy Kenoi, who said he was concerned it would raise the price of electricity. AKP’s website is www.ainakoapono.com.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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Lava flow front headed toward Pahoa has stalled, and a new flow front behind
it is moving to the north. Map from USGS/HVO

THE PATH OF LAVA SLOWLY MOVING TOWARD Hwy 130 is shown on a new USGS map. It clearly illustrates roads, homes and buildings at risk. To prepare for Pahoa and lower Puna possibly being cut off from the rest of the island, state, county and federal officials are preparing to repair and open the old Chain of Craters Road from Kalapana into Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park that was covered by lava some 37 years ago. Other emergency routes are prepared along Railroad and Government Beach roads, but they too could be cut off by lava traveling downhill toward the coast.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists this morning report that surface lava, remains active several hundred yards upslope from the stalled flow front, with a breakout advancing through forest along the north edge of the previously active portion of the flow. Because the flow did not advance over the past few days, HVO is not offering a projection of its future movement at this time.

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SEPT. 30 IS THE DEADLINE to donate through Foodland to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund which leads beach cleanups and pond restorations along the Ka`u Coast. The donations opportunity is the Give Aloha Campaign through which Foodland allows contributors to double the impact of their gifts. Foodland matches each donation it receives to specific charities up to $300,000 total.
Support Hawai`i Wildlife Fund by using code 78764.

Ka`u Trojans eight-man football team takes to the home
field tomorrow, hosting Kamehameha.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

The nearest Foodland to Ka`u is in Kea`au. Sack n Save Foods in Hilo and Kona are also raising money for the nonprofit.

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`O KA`U KAKOU IS STILL COMPILING RESULTS from the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run events. “Our race committee used an ‘old’ time recorder. I am terrible sorry for the delay,” the website states. Results will be posted at okaukakou.org when they are available.

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IN SPORTS TOMORROW, the Trojans’ eight-man football team hosts Kamehameha tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., and girls volleyball teams travel to Kohala following their losses at Kamehameha yesterday. Scores 20-25 and 15-25 for junior varsity and 13-25, 10-25, 25-20 and 9-25 for varsity.

GERMAN FOOD, BEER AND MUSIC ARE ON TAP during Oktoberfest at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow at 4 p.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
For more information, call 967-8356 or 967-8365.

Drop-off for entries is tomorrow and Saturday

ARTISTS ENTERING KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S Art Show can register tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at CU Hawai`i Na`alehu Branch. Next week, Ka`u residents vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015.

For more information, call Dallas at 516-662-8789.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day Saturday.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS AN EXPLORATION of a pristine, species-rich, old-growth rain forest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pu`u Maka`ala, a section of the Natural Area Reserve System just outside of Volcano Village, is also known as a fern-lover’s paradise to Tunison. The three-mile, moderate hike includes light field lessons in native plant identification and native rain forest ecology. On the first part of the trail, the plethora of ferns is nurtured by a 2,000-year-old, deep ash soil and sheltered by a canopy of majestic old-growth `ohi`a trees.

Tunison also leads participants on short, inviting side trips to habitats such as a rare Kilauea sedgeland bog. Not only is it a fern lover’s paradise, it is also one that boasts a minimal amount of invasive species intrusion and an abundance of native fauna.
Tuition is $50, and pre-registration is required. Call 967-8222 to sign up.

THE PACIFIC CRAFTS & CERAMIC SALE and yART Sale take place tomorrow from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Volcano Art Center's Pacific Crafts & Ceramic Sale and yART sale takes
place tomorrow and Saturday. Photo from VAC

The event features pottery and handcrafted items from the estate of Kathy Montvel-Cohen. Montvel-Cohen was a professor of Fine Arts at the University of Guam from 1975-90. Primarily a ceramic artist, she and her husband Monty, who was a painter and anthropologist, traveled extensively throughout the Pacific islands, seeking out carvings, baskets, textiles and other fine crafts from New Guinea, Yap, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia and other areas. The family generously donated this collection, as well as many ceramic pieces made or collected by Montvel-Co, to VAC for sale.
Many items have been donated for the companion yART Sale, as well.

STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED PRESIDENT Vince Mina will address the Ka`u chapter’s meeting Saturday at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table. Drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the National Farmer’s Union Fly-In event.

Rep. Richard Creagan will also answer questions from attendees.

For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Portable classroom at Kea`au High, part of the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa state Department of Education complex area, would be used for students at Keonepoko Elementary, should lava cut off access to their school near Pahoa. Image from DOE

“WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO KEEP A SENSE of normalcy in our schools, and we stand ready to adjust our operations as needed," said Mary Correa, state Department of Education complex area superintendent for Ka`u, Kea`au and Pahoa.
DOE continues to work on contingency plans for public schools, students and staff in preparation for lava to eventually cross Pahoa’s Hwy 130. The lava flow stalled Sunday on its approach toward Pahoa. However, volcanic activity is ongoing.

DOE is placing module classrooms in Kea`au High School parking lot in anticipation
of the possible loss of Keonepoko Elementary to lava, which has slowed but
is still active. Photo from DOE

Given the information from the subject-area experts, the DOE is committed to doing what is necessary to allow public school teachers and students to continue teaching and learning. This includes preparing for the potential loss of Keonepoko Elementary on Kahakai Blvd. The DOE is building an alternate site for elementary students in the Kea`au High lower parking lot that could hold a number of classrooms. The site would accommodate at least 17 classrooms and up to 500 students and staff. The initial estimated cost to the DOE is $9 million.
“We believe that setting up an alternate site is necessary in order to ensure that our teachers and students have everything ready should we lose a school,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We continue to tackle a number of scenarios, and we appreciate the flexibility of our staff, the cooperation of our families, and the collaboration with Hawai`i County agencies in our preparation efforts."
Based on the expectation that access to Keonepoko Elementary, Pahoa High & Intermediate, and Pahoa Elementary will be compromised, plans are being made for students who reside north of the flow to be rerouted to the Kea`au complex when the flow crosses Hwy 130. Students who reside south of the flow will remain in their home schools if those facilities are not negatively impacted.
“When the lava crosses the highway, we want to make sure everything is in place in order to provide continued school services,” said Correa.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Pahoa complex currently has an estimated 1,800 students and roughly 300 employees.
Plans have been shared with parents at all three schools via letters and school meetings. Besides student planning, DOE is also initiating plans that would guide affected employees on necessary changes. Earlier this month, the DOE asked parents and staff who may have changed their residence to immediately update their contact information with school administrators.
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ENSURING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT recognizes the unique hardships facing Hawai`i’s rural areas in providing quality healthcare options is the subject of U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s new bipartisan legislation. H.R. 5592 would allow Hawai`i and Alaska to decide which areas of the state should be considered rural and, in turn, eligible for federal grants and programs dedicated to improve the healthcare services in rural areas. Alaska’s Republican Congressman Don Young is an original co-sponsor of the bill.
The bill would allow Hawai`i and Alaska to make their own state-designated Frontier Areas. Currently, the federal government determines the areas based on a statistical model that does not take into account the unique geographical challenges facing Hawai`i and Alaska.
“Hawai`i should be able to determine its own Frontier Areas because the current federal process doesn’t know or serve our communities, therefore negatively impacting the ability of our rural areas to qualify for certain federal assistance,” said Gabbard, who met with concerned rural community health leaders last month. “The problem with the federal standard is that it relies on population numbers and physical distances from urban areas without fully recognizing how long it can take to drive” to them. “The federal government cannot rely solely on numbers to understand the reality our island residents face.”
In addition to allowing Hawai`i and Alaska to use state-approved definitions for rural areas, H.R. 5592 would also create another frontier category for other areas facing geographic remoteness that is not adequately reflected by simple distance and population figures.

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Pres. Obama has expanded the Pacific Remote Islands Marine
National Monument. Map from wikipedia

“THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS DEDICATED to protecting our environment for our future generations,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said regarding President Barack Obama’s proclamation expanding protections for the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, creating the largest marine reserve in the world. The monument is a group of unorganized, mostly unincorporated United States Pacific Island territories managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the United States Department of the Interior. These remote refuges are “the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction,” according to Wikipedia. They protect many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere. The area covers 490,000 square miles.
“I commend the president’s recognitions of traditional fishing opportunities and expanded protections of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument,” Abercrombie said.

“This action strikes a good balance between protecting our ocean resources, along with traditional and recreational fishing, since they are such an important part of Hawai`i’s unique history and culture.
“As a kama`aina himself, the president shares our sincere respect and affinity for our precious ocean. This welcomed act will provide a gift to our keiki, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and thriving ocean ecosystem.”

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VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS ARE PLANNING a Ka`u Legal Clinic, and those in need of legal services can sign up now for free legal advice to low-income Ka`u residents. This will be an opportunity to get information on the following types of cases:

Family Law – Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Paternity, Guardianships and Adoptions;
District Court – Landlord-Tenant, Small Claims;
Bankruptcy – Collections, Chapter Seven;
Probate/Estate Planning – Wills and/or Trusts, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives; and
Native Hawaiian Rights – Water Rights, Trusts, Access Rights and Hawaiian Homelands.

Ka`u Legal Clinic is being planned for Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ka`u Rural Health Community Association’s Resource and Distance Learning Center, 96-3126 Puahala Street in Pahala.
Interested residents must pre-qualify and pre-register to participate in this special service. Call 313-8210 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Oct. 17.
Registration forms are available at krhcai.com, okaukakou.org and vish.org.

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IN TROJAN BOWLING, Lanni Ah Yee is holding an average score that ranks her in the top 20 varsity girls on the island, while Kathryn Padaray ranks in the top 30. In Trojan boys bowling, Cameron Enriques ranks in the top 15 islandwide, Travis Taylor, J-R Albos and Jamal Buyan rank in the top 25, and Trevor Taylor, Jacob Flores, Titan Ault and Kaweni Ibarra rank in the top 30.

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Ka`u High Trojans host Kamehameha this evening.
Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography

Drop-off is today and tomorrow for next
weeks Directory cover art show.

ARTISTS CAN REGISTER TODAY from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Ka`u Chamber of Commerce’s Art Show at CU Hawai`i Na`alehu Branch. Next week, Ka`u residents vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015.
For more information, call Dallas at 516-662-8789.

KA`U HIGH TROJANS EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM plays its final home game of the season today at 6:30 p.m., hosting Kamehameha-Hawai`i.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day tomorrow.

Bob Herkes

SERVICES FOR THE LATE Rep. Bob Herkes are tomorrow at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Celebration of Life begins at 11 a.m. Aloha attire is requested.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS AN EXPLORATION of a pristine, species-rich, old-growth rain forest tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants visit Pu`u Maka`ala, a section of the Natural Area Reserve System just outside of Volcano Village, and habitats such as a rare Kilauea sedgeland bog that boasts a minimal amount of invasive species intrusion and an abundance of native fauna.
Tuition is $50, and pre-registration is required. Call 967-8222 to sign up.

THE PACIFIC CRAFTS & CERAMIC SALE and yART Sale take place today from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Statewide President Vince Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Farmer’s Union Fly-In event.
Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table. Drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
Rep. Richard Creagan will also answer questions from attendees.
For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

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

With the game tied and one minute remaining, Ka`u High Trojan eight-man football team member Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and victory over Kamehamaha-Hawai`i Junior Varsity. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Bob Herkes

AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE LATE FORMER state legislator Robert “Bob” Herkes, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that flags of the United States and state of Hawai`i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai`i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset today, the day of his memorial service. He died Aug. 21 at the age of 83.
Herkes served on the Hawai`i County Council from 1984 to 1987, when he was appointed by Gov. John Waihe`e to fill a Hawai`i Island state Senate seat vacated by Richard Henderson. He then went on to serve in the state House from 1992 to 2000 and 2002 to 2012.

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A NEW BATTERY TO STORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy, and Hawai`i, with solar and wind, “is an attractive market,” according to a science report from BBC News.
Jonathan Webb reported that U.S. engineers have invented a new liquid battery that uses lead instead of more expensive metals for its negative electrode.

A new battery to store intermittent energy like that create by South Point windmills
could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy.
Photo by Peter Anderson

Along with a layer of lead, the battery contains layers of salt and lithium. Movement between the top land and bottom layers of materials causes generation and consumption of electricity, senior researcher Prof Donald Sadoway, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the BBC.
The battery also doesn’t require as much heat to operate. Earlier designs had to be kept at 700 degrees Celcius, while this one operates at 450C.
According to Webb, Sadoway’s company Ambri plans to have demonstration units running in Hawai`i and Massachusetts within a year. “They’ve got sun, they’ve got wind, but both of those are intermittent,” Sadoway said. “We’d like to get some field data from a place like that.”

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Trojans cheer after a touchdown at Trojans' senior night football game yesterday.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KA`U HAD AN EPIC WIN AGAINST Kamehameha junior varsity in the season’s final home game last night. As pioneers of the eight-man football league on the Big Island, Ka`u High’s Trojans shined brightly last night against Kamehameha’s JV team.
Despite an impressive standoff by Ka`u’s defensive line, Kamehameha made the first touchdown of the game but did not succeed in their first effort at a two-point conversion.
Ka`u’s offense struck back with a touchdown by Kupono Palikiko Leffew and a successful two-point conversion by Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, leaving the score after the first quarter at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 6.
The second quarter found Kamehameha’s offense bringing in another touchdown, two-point conversion and a safety to leave the game at halftime at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 16.
The second half of the game revealed a refreshed and determined Trojan team. Quarterback Jordan DeRamos threw a perfect pass to Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee for a touchdown, and Cy Tamura brought in the two-point conversion to tie the score. Tamura and Emmsley Ah Yee then switched up for Tamura to bring in the third touchdown for the Trojans, and Emmsley Ah Yee brought in the two-point conversion to leave the third quarter score at 24-16.

Kamehameha-Hawai`i Warriors Junior Varsity put up a good fight but ultimately fell
to Ka`u Trojans. Photo by Nalani Parlin

The intensity of the game continued in the fourth quarter as the Warriors brought in another touchdown and two-point conversion for a score of 24-24 with one minute left in the game. Ka`u had possession of the ball, and Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and a two-point conversion to seal the win for Ka`u at 32-24.
The win for Ka`u was a sweet final home game for the seniors, who were honored last night. Seniors honored were Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, Makana Gravela, Carlos Uribe-Bounes, Cy Tamura, Kainalu Ke, Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel, Chisum Silva, Kupono Palakiko-Leffew, Rigan Kaapana, Randall Kahele, Jr., Lanni Ah Yee and Kaweni Ibarra.

This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

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THE TOP THREE MALE AND FEMALE participants in Ka`u Coffee Trail Run 10K and 5K events have been announced.
John Oubra won the 10K with a time of 22 minutes and 2.38 seconds. Heather Lopez was the first woman to finish at 29 minutes and 39.3 seconds.

Second place in the men’s division went to Ferdinand Babas, of Hilo, with a time of 31 minutes and 28.75 seconds. Meggie Olson, also of Hilo, took second in the women’s division, posting a time of 33 minutes and 33.29 seconds.
In men’s division third place was Alex Wood, finishing at 34 minutes and six seconds. Rebecca Cole took third in the women’s division at 33 minutes and 58.87 seconds.
Derek McIntyre crossed the 5K finish line first, posting a time of 11 minutes and 5.83 seconds. Cloe Gan was the first woman to finish, at 14 minutes and 31.47 seconds.
Two Pahala residents took second and third places in the men’s division – Kameron Moses had a time of 12 minutes and 35.22 seconds, and Patrick Pasion, 12 minutes and 46.56 seconds.
Kashe Dykema, of Hilo, was third in the women’s 5K at 15 minutes and 40.6 seconds, while Veronica Deguzman, of California, came in at 16 minutes and 6.44. seconds.

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Breakouts are sluggish near the front of the lava flow in Puna and more vigorous
halfway upslope toward Pu`u O`o vent, which is feeding the flow.
Photo from USGS/HVO

“WHY DID THE JUNE 27TH LAVA FLOW slow as it approached Pahoa?” is a question posed in the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO scientists noted that the lava flow began to slow considerably as the summit of Kilauea began to deflate on Thursday, Sept. 18. “Such deflations have caused decreases in eruptive output at Pu`u `O`o in the past, and that could be the case with the current flow as well,” the issue states.
“Another possibility for the stalled flow front is that the tube system feeding the June 27th lava flow could be approaching its limits in terms of efficiently insulating the lava moving through it. Based on HVO observations during our Sept. 24 overflight, the lava tube system seems fairly robust from the vent at Pu`u `O`o to just before the point where lava first flowed into a crack. The exact condition of the lava tube within the crack is unknown because we can't see into it, but it seems to also be robust.
“However, the nature of the tube system from the point at which the lava flow exits the ground crack system near Ka`ohe Homesteads and heads northeast toward Pahoa is not yet clear.
“Although lava has traveled beneath this section of the flow to the flow front since early September, a lava tube system is not yet evident.
“The June 27th lava flow is now longer than any other flow formed during the ongoing eruption of Pu`u `O`o. While the evidence favors a decrease in eruptive output as the cause of the current slow-down, careful study is still needed. If and how a lava tube develops within the distal portion of the June 27th lava flow is important to understanding just how far it, and other pahoehoe flows like it, is capable of advancing.”

Although the flow front has slowed, the June 27th lava flow remains active. This morning, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported “some increase in activity along the edges” of the flow front, although it has not advanced. A small breakout upslope had advanced 75 yards since yesterday. HVO reported that more vigorous surface breakouts were documented about halfway between the flow front and Pu`u `O`o.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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THE PACIFIC CRAFTS & CERAMIC SALE and yART Sale continues today until 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m.
For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Forest Work Day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus is seeking volunteers for tomorrow's
Forest Work Day. Photo from VAC

The event is an opportunity for families, organizations, groups and individuals to connect with nature and each other while helping to perpetuate a rare natural, historical, cultural and inspirational resource. Efforts will focus on the removal of invasive iris, ivy and ginger species that threaten to encroach on the 7.4-acre former Forest Reserve. Niaulani Rain Forest is a rare, old-growth `ohi`a and koa tree forest with a successful restoration story. However, because weeds grow faster than native plants, this near pristine state requires continual upkeep.
Forest Work Days are scheduled the final Sunday of every month at Niaulani. No reservations, experience, or tools are required. Volunteers should bring gloves and rain gear in case of wet weather.
VAC’s Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. For further information, contact call 967-8222 or email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins Monday at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People's Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory201.swf.

Ka`u's late former state Rep. Bob Herkes, at center wearing red and white lei, participated in groundbreaking for Ka`u Shelter & Gym in Oct. 2012. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

NAMING THE NEW KA`U COMMUNITY SHELTER after the late Rep. Bob Herkes was proposed by Mayor Billy Kenoi yesterday at services for Herkes in Hilo. Kenoi called Herkes “a fighter for Ka`u,” referring to his accomplishments in bringing mobile health care to remote communities, funding for the new emergency shelter and gym next to Ka`u High School and helping to bring potable water to Ocean View. Hotelier Peter Fithian lauded Herke’s work in the tourism industry, where he managed the Naniloa Hotel in its heyday, among other properties. Proclamations from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Lt. Gov. Tsutsui were presented.

Rep. Bob Herkes led the campaign for a disaster shelter in Ka`u for nearly a decade.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie released funds for it to the County of Hawai`i.

Uncle Bobby Gomes, of Pahala, praised Herke’s work for Ka`u, particularly for the emergency shelter that is nearing completion. Phoebe Gomes and others joined him in performing Momi O Pakipika and Ku`uipo `Ikahe`u Pue One.
State of Hawai`i and U.S. flags flew half-mast for the day throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
After the ceremonies, Jack Herkes, brother of Bob Herkes, noted their grandfather’s efforts in researching and helping to construct the water system for the sugar industry in Ka`u.

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KA`U FARMERS UNION elected officers last night. Malian Lahey, of Wood Valley, who had been acting president, is president. Vice President is state House of Representatives member for west Ka`u, Richard Creagan. Secretary is Marla Hunter, and Treasurer is Richard Abbett.
The group was joined by statewide President Vince Mina from Maui, who encouraged the members to continue to promote and operate small family farms that grow food for people who live here.

Malian Lahey

He said that he and his family make a living on an urban farm in downtown Wailuku with 2,000 square feet of greens. He said his family farm in not only producing every week, but that farming has meant a lot to his children growing up.
Mina encouraged more local production of food. “We are importing 90 percent of our food, and we are out there telling people (visitors) to come to paradise but, by the way, can you bring your food with you?”
Mina talked about the need to understand the microclimates and ahupua`a in Hawai`i to know how to grow food in the many environments of the Hawaiian Islands. He noted that the quest for everyone to have a good view from homes and other buildings has led to many wind abatements being gone, and some of the microclimates “have dried out.”
He talked about “slowed down” farming to “provide food for people who live here.”
As President of the state Hawai`i Farmers Union United, Mina recently visited Congress and the Union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He said that during the union’s meetings, he proposed a motion to support regenerative agriculture to rebuild soils around the country. He said the motion was approved and a national committee formed, which he chairs. “We are farmers, not miners,” he noted, pointing to responsibility for building rather than depleting and killing soils. “There are dead soils and living soils, and we (farmers) are all in between." He suggested heading in the direction of rebuilding living soils to “ramp up the vitality of the land.”
Lahey talked about an agricultural park for Ka`u and said that the one in Kohala is becoming successful. Creagan also talked about an ag park, possibly on state lands.

Vince Mina

Creagan talked about the upcoming legislative session and said that farmers need more voice. He said that the Farm Bureau “sucks all the oxygen out of the room unless there’s another voice.” He and others in the discussion talked about having a diverse representation of farmers and a positive message.

The advertising currently on television calling proposed pesticide and GMO regulation anti-farming was called into question. David Case, an attorney and Kona Coffee farmer, noted that Japanese and most European markets do not accept GMO foods and that exports of Hawai`i foods could collapse in those markets if GMO crops cross-pollinated with non-GMO crops. He said current GMO legislation on the Big Island attempts to keep GMOs where they are – GMO papayas where they are currently grown and GMO corn in Hamakua. The purpose of the bill is solely to control cross pollination of GMO with non-GMO crops, he explained. "That is why HFUU supported the bill - and was the only statewide agriculture organization to do so," he later said.

There was discussion on GMO corn having a bacterium found in nature and genetically engineered into the plant. Mina said that in nature the presence of the BT pulsates, but in the GMO plant the bacterium “is on 24 hours,” leading to death of monarch butterflies and honeybees.
He noted that 590 people showed up for the first public hearing on regulating GMOs and pesticides in Hawai`i County and that the bill passed and was signed by the mayor, though it is being challenged in court.
Mina and others noted that the Farmers Union has members who use and members who don’t use GMO crops. However, he said, “I don’t know anyone who likes to walk around in a moon suit to spray” poisons.
Several talked about the intersection of health care and growing food. “They are intertwined and synergistic,” said Creagan. “If you don’t eat, you are not healthy. The right kind of food is medicine, particularly with such diseases as obesity and diabetes,” he said.
Mina said his attitude toward farming is wrapped up in the way he lives. “I want to be okay. I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to be right. I want to be okay,” and growing food helps him toward that goal, he said.
The next Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting is Friday, Oct. 17 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

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Ocean View Community Center offers teleconferencing for Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet Tuesday at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
Proposed changes to property tax exemptions are on the Finance Committee’s agenda at 9 a.m. Bill 292 would require a person applying for an exemption from the real property tax rate on a principal home to file a Hawai`i State Income Tax Return as a full-year resident for each fiscal year that the exemption is sought.
Bill 293 would eliminate the one-half year application of a home exemption.
Bill 294 would increases from $40,000 to $60,000 the property value subject to total exemption from real property taxes and would increase by the same amounts the exemption that can be applied to properties valued in excess of $60,000.
Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee continues its discussion regarding labeling of coffee 11 a.m. The agenda states that public testimony on the item is concluded.
At 1:30 p.m., the committee considers a resolution by Ka`u’s council member Brenda Ford urging the Board of Water Supply to authorize the acquisition of land required for development of a second Ocean View Well, a reservoir, support facilities and water main to connect with the existing well in its five-year plan. It also authorizes the Department of Water Supply to engineer and construct the well and all accessory facilities.
Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee meets at 3 p.m. to discuss Primary Election problems and County Clerk Stewart Maeda’s plan to prevent disruption of the 2014 General Election in the event of a disaster.

Trojan boys Titan Ault, at left and Travis Taylor represented Ka`u High at BIIF
bowling finals at Kona Bowl yesterday, along with Coach Hi`ilani Lapera.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

“I requested that the County Clerk provide the Council Committee members with a written emergency plan for the current lava flow and future storms. All of our Primary and General Elections occur during hurricane season, and emergency preparedness for disasters is critical,” said Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford. “It is my hope that the County Office of Elections will be able to provide public information in sufficient time for any changes made to the General Election Day processes due to the lava flow, any storms, or other potential disasters.”

Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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IN TROJAN BOWLING, Lanni Ah Yee is holding an average score that ranks her in the top 20 varsity girls on the island, while Kathryn Padaray ranks in the top 30. In Trojan boys bowling, Cameron Enriques ranks in the top 15 islandwide, while Travis Taylor, J-R Albos and Jamal Buyan rank in the top 25, and Trevor Taylor, Jacob Flores, Titan Ault and Kaweni Ibarra rank in the top 30.

Ault and Taylor participated in BIIF finals yesterday.

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AGE-GROUP RESULTS FOR KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN Half Marathon have been announced. Placing in men’s and women’s divisions were:

20 – 29: first place Kenneth Stover 2:05:00.62 and Marie Bourcier 3:04:26.33, second place Curtis Neck 2:05:57.93 and Kyra Bronson 3:09:19, third place Dean Baldwin 2:14:18.95 and Callie Webster 3:27:11.51
30 – 39: first place Mikio Mayazoe 2:13:53.38 and Lindy Washburn 2:23:51.28, second place Loren Williams 2:14:02.83 and Sarah Weiss 2:25:44.25, third place Patrick Leatherman 2:21:59.51 and Rachel Mason 2:35:32.81;
40 – 49: first place Alan Ryan 1:59:59.10 and Kendra Ignacio 2:35:01.70, second place Alan Reynolds 2:09:56.78 and Renee Rintala 2:38:25.55, third place Shawn Mishler 2:22:21.11 and Tucker Anglese 2:40:46.67;
50 – 59: first place Adam Busek 2:15:28.02 and Lynne Brauher 3:30:55.68, second place Deen Tsukamoto 2:29:31.96 and Carla Cheek 3:650:32.86;
60 – 69: Hermann Dittrich 2:35:02.15 and Maggie Murphy 3:46:43.76.

See okaukakou.org for more results and photos.

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VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins tomorrow at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Reopening Chain of Craters Road, which has been closed for years by lava flows, will increase Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's traffic management, maintenance and operating costs, according to Superintendent Cindy Orlando. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is preparing for a huge increase in traffic once Chain of Craters Road opens for Puna residents in the event that lava covers Hwy 130 near Pahoa and cuts off access to the rest of the island.

A sign nearly buried by lava covering Chain of Craters Road warns
drivers that the road is closed. Photo from NPS

“Our law enforcement presence is going to have to go way up because we don’t want illegal fishing along the coast,” Superintendent Cindy Orlando told Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “We’re going to have to patrol it regularly so we don’t have illegal activities down there. We’re also going to require a lot more traffic management, and that 19 miles (of Chain of Craters Road) is also going to have increased maintenance and operating costs.”
Orlando hopes to get more rangers and specially trained law enforcement rangers from other national parks in Hawai`i or from the mainland.
“And we still have to take care of the 5,000 visitors we get every day,” she said.
Nakaso reported that, according to Orlando, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Environmental Planning is requiring the portion of the road on federal land to be one lane of unpaved road to protect Hawaiian archaeological sites and endangered species, including the nene.

“There will be impacts,” Orlando told Nakaso. “I hope people remember that this is a national park and we need to ensure the impacts are lessened as much as possible. With one lane, we do not expect any significant impacts.”

While the flow has been stalled for several days, it is showing signs of activity, with breakouts upslope from the flow front having advanced to the north about 100 yards, Civil Defense reported this morning.

Breakouts upslope of the Puna flow front are more active. Photo from
Hawai`i County Civil Defense

See honolulustaradvertiser.com.

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OTHER OPTIONS HAWAI`I COUNTY OFFICIALS are considering are building a bridge over the lava flow expected to cross Hwy 130 and taking out part of the road to allow lava to flow across the area rather than be impeded by man-made berms.
Regarding the bridge, county spokesman Kevin Dayton told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter Tom Callis, “We’re asking if something could be constructed. We don’t know” if that’s possible.
According to Callis, removing a stretch of the road could help keep the lava’s path narrower over the route and allow it to cool sooner if the flow stops. County officials say that could make it easier for crews to re-establish the highway.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I ISLAND RANCHERS MAKE MORE MONEY by shipping cattle to the mainland, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. Prices for beef cattle in drought-stricken areas of the mainland are currently $2.25 per pound, compared to $1.50 to $1.65 per pound in Hawai`i.
Although consumers increasing want local, organic and healthy meats, 60 to 70 percent of local beef is shipped out of state. Glen Fukumoto, an extension agent with the University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, told reporter Brett Yager that current infrastructure can’t support much increased production in the short term. Fukumoto also said more pressure comes from high water costs and development pressures.
Yager reported that less than nine percent of beef consumed in the state is local. If ranchers kept all their beef cattle here, it would meet less than 40 percent of demand, Fukumoto said.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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A small wasp could help control Mediterranean fruit flies in Ka`u Coffee
and fruit orchards. Photo from speciesfile.org

THE STATE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL is accepting public comment through Oct. 23 on the University of Hawai`i’s application to the state Department of Agriculture and Board of Agriculture for a permit to release wasps as a biological control of Mediterranean fruit flies. Fopius ceratitivorus combats Mediterranean fruit fly found in coffee and other crops throughout Hawai`i by laying its eggs in the pests’ larvae.
The target pest, Ceratitis capitata, is one of the most important agricultural pests in the world, infesting hundreds of species of fruits and vegetables, according to the application. In Hawai`i, it is a direct pest and a quarantine pest of crops including citrus, eggplant, guava, loquat, mango, melon, papaya, passion fruit, peach, pepper, persimmon, plum, star fruit, tomato and zucchini. Current control practices for medfly rely on a combination of pesticide-treated bait sprays and field sanitation, use of sterile insects, release of mass-reared parasitoids and semio-chemical-based male annihilation. “The sustainability of the latter three techniques, once the federal government stops the influx of implementation funding, is questionable. The use of GF-120 as a bait spray is safer than the previous alternative (malathion); but has nevertheless been shown to be toxic to a wide array of beneficial and non-target insects,” the application states.
“Numerous entomologists have emphasized the importance and potential economic benefit of introducing new parasitoids of tephritid fruit flies into Hawai`i and other infested regions. Biological control is increasingly viewed as a practical, safe and economically effective means of fruit fly control, and its importance continues to grow as pesticide use becomes more restricted. Imported parasitoids can incrementally increase fly mortality, reduce infestations and contribute to a systems approach to quarantine security for fruit and vegetable industry exports.”
See oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov.

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Ka`u residents still have time to register
to vote in the General Election.

ONE MORE WEEK REMAINS TO REGISTER to vote. During the two weeks prior to the Nov. 4 General Election, absentee walk-in voting will be available at Pahala Community Center.

Voters have five proposed state constitutional amendments and one proposed amendment to the County Charter to vote on this General Election. One state constitutional amendment relating to disclosure of judicial nominees asks, “Shall the Judicial Selection Commission, when presenting a list of nominees to the governor or the chief justice to fill a vacancy in the office of the chief justice, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts or district courts, be required, at the same time, to disclose that list to the public?”
Another relating to agricultural enterprises asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land, rather than only important agricultural lands?”
The state Legislature proposed that the mandatory retirement age for all state court justices and judges be increased from seventy to eighty years of age. Voters will decide next month.
Relating to early childhood education, another proposed amendment asks, “Shall the appropriation of public funds be permitted for the support or benefit of private early childhood education programs that shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or ancestry, as provided by law?”
The fifth proposed amendment asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water sources?”
Term of appointment for the County Clerk is the subject of a proposed Hawai`i County Charter amendment that would create a four-year term for the position, with the County Council having the authority to remove the County Clerk from office by a two-thirds vote of its membership.
Voter registration forms are available at local post offices and libraries and online at hawaiicounty.gov/elections-voter-registration.

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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ART SHOW began today at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

KA`U YOGIS CAN BE A PART OF THE THIRD annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice as National Yoga Month Goes Global. Yoga studios, teachers and students unite on tomorrow, Sept. 30 for a worldwide yoga practice.
At 7 p.m. local time at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission, yoga students of all levels are encouraged to practice yoga as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. A gentle one-hour yoga practice will be followed by savasana at 8 p.m. and a 15-minute meditation for universal peace and well-being at 8:15 p.m. “By participating during your own local time, a wave of yoga will take place around the globe,” said yoga teacher Stephanie Pepper.
September is National Yoga Month, a national observance designed to build awareness of yoga’s health benefits and provide people with actionable guidance and tools to enhance their own well-being.
Pepper is offering a free yoga class to new students through October. She teaches each Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. For more information, call 937-7940.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Quilting is a new category in Ka`u Chamber of Commerce's current Art Show, where Ka`u residents can vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015. Quilt by Ric Stark; Photo from Donna Masaniai

LAVA-PRONE AREAS IN KA`U MAY BENEFIT from experiments and precautions Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is conducting and implementing in Puna to keep power on in case lava continues moving through the district toward the ocean.

Dark red shows areas of active lava flows as of yesterday. Map from USGS/HVO

One concept involves fortifying bases of power poles to keep them from burning and falling if lava reaches them. According to a story in West Hawai`i Today, HELCO is using cinder-filled dry well pipes six feet tall and nine feet in diameter to encase bases of poles, creating a buffer between insulation-wrapped poles and the pipes. The outsides of the pipes also have mounds of cinder surrounding them. HELCO spokeswoman Rhea Lee told reporter Colin M. Stewart that lava, when it hits objects, tends to act much like water and flows around them rather than continue to move forward. “This is experimental,” Lee said. “We don’t know if it will work. But we hope it will.”
HELCO is also considering increasing the distance between utility poles. Taller, reinforced poles can increase the average distance between poles from 250 feet to up to 1,800 feet, Lee told Stewart. This would theoretically lower the number of poles in harm’s way.
Placing large-capacity generators in areas that could be cut off by lava is another option HELCO is pursuing.

This morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported that lobes of lava are creeping northeast around the north side of the existing flow. Also, a lower volume of lava than two weeks ago during a period of more rapid flow-front advancement is moving through the tube from Puʻu ʻŌʻō.
See westhawaiitoday.com and hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Rep. Richard Creagan

SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED FOR CLINICS on the Big Island? Should it be legalized altogether, including recreational use? Should it be legal to farm marijuana in Hawai`i? Studying in the potential health and social benefits and risks of marijuana is a matter that Rep. Richard Creagan promises to take up at the next state Legislature should he be elected and keep his seat representing West Ka`u and up the coast to Kona.
During the September Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting held in Na`alehu, Creagan, who is also a physician, said he would propose enabling legislation in the 2014 state House of Representatives calling for local decision making on these subjects. He contended that decisions on regulating marijuana should be as local as possible. Some communities in Hawai`i might want to farm marijuana. Some might want marijuana clinics. Some may see marijuana as too risky.
Hawai`i Farmers Union United president Vince Mina said there is more effort being put into the farming of marijuana strains to maximize their characteristics for medical use, such as for pain, rather than maximizing THC contents that get people high.
Dave Bateman, the Republican who is running against Creagan, a Democrat, in the General Election on Nov. 4, states on his campaign website bateman2014.com that he opposes decriminalization and legalization of marijuana. “Where are the studies that assess impacts on children if they are allowed access by parents and on their academic and social growth? What is the impact on job performance with the adults? What are the social/economic impacts of more adults using marijuana? What are the social impacts arising from more drivers driving while impaired? These questions need to be asked and answered,” writes Bateman on his website.

Dave Bateman

Bateman contends that “scientific research on this issue and my years of experience defending many of these kinds of cases while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, as a JAG (military attorney) back in the 1970s, have convinced me that marijuana is a dangerous gateway drug that will lead to more serious drug use such as meth, amphetamines, cocaine, crack and other dangerous level II drugs. Hawai`i already has a known serious drug abuse problem with meth. Knowing that marijuana is a gateway to these kinds of higher level abuses, and more addictive (Schedule 1) drugs, why would we want marijuana to be used recreationally? It is guaranteed that this will lead to other more serious drug addictions. And we don’t want more impaired drivers on the road maiming or killing other drivers and pedestrians,” Bateman writes.
During the HFUU meeting, Creagan also noted legalization downsides and said that each island should decide on its regulation of marijuana. Several people brought up the fact that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Creagan said that many states are drecriminalizing and legalizing use of marijuana in various forms, sending a message to the federal government not to prosecute where it is legalized by states.

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A HIGHER EDUCATION SOURCE FOR MANY KA`U STUDENTS, Hawai`i Community College is one of seven statewide that will benefit from nearly $10 million in grant funding as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. This is the fourth and final installment of the $2 billion initiative aimed at creating and supporting new job training partnerships between community colleges, local businesses and state workforce training systems.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

“By the time this year’s freshman are ready to graduate high school in 2018, estimates show that two-thirds of the jobs in Hawai`i will require education or training beyond a high school diploma,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “Hawai`i’s community colleges provide an important option to prepare Hawai`i students for higher-skilled jobs in fields like information technology, cybersecurity and health care. The U.S. Department of Labor’s investment in the U.H. Community College Consortium’s efforts is moving Hawai`i toward a more secure and sustainable economic future.”
Over the last four years, the U.S. Department of Labor has invested more than $52 million in Hawai`i. In 2010, as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, then-Congresswoman Hirono fought for the inclusion of this four-year, $2 billion funding for community college job training in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law. Hawai`i community colleges have won significant funding in each of the four rounds of competition.

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HPR President and General Manager Michael Titterton
Photo from HPR

HAWAI`I PUBLIC RADIO, WHICH IS BROADCASTING its statewide programming through KAHU-FM radio in Pahala, goes on the air with its fall pledge drive Celebration 2014 tomorrow at 6:19 a.m. For the first time in many years, the station’s pledge goal of $1,032,000 remains the same as the last fund drive. Early giving to Celebration 2014 totaling more than $100,000 has already reduced the remaining amount to be raised.

Over 11,000 individual members and more than a hundred corporate underwriters currently support the station. Michael Titterton, HPR’s President and General Manager, said, “Our pledge goals are always carefully calculated to raise just what the station needs to stay in business for the next six months, not a dollar more, not a dollar less. Each drive, the target amount has risen slightly; but this fall, we are thrilled to be going into the fundraiser with a goal that is unchanged from this past spring. This is due to the growing number of our members who are choosing to make automatic payments on a regular monthly basis. That kind of sustained support gives us not only precious predictable income, but takes some of the pressure off the semi-annual pledge drives.”

Highlights of the pledge drive include the premium offer of ten frequent flyer miles on Hawaiian Airlines for every dollar donated to HPR. Also, in the Radio Flyers Program, donors can choose to re-gift the miles to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children’s Family Fund, to assist Neighbor Island families seeking treatment at Kapi‘olani with their travel needs.

Through Oct.10, membership pledges are accepted toll-free at 888-970-8800 or 877-941-3689. Online donations may be made at hawaiipublicradio.org.

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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ART SHOW continues at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

KA`U YOGIS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE THIRD annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice as National Yoga Month Goes Global today at 7 p.m. local time at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. Yoga students of all levels are encouraged to practice as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. For more information, call 937-7940.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Na Kupuna O Ka`u, under the direction of Kumu Lori Lei Shirakawa, participated in the Kupuna Hula Festival last month.
Photos from Na Kupuna O Ka`u

THREE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES debated issues on KITV yesterday. Republican Duke Aiona, Independent Mufi Hannemann and Democrat David Ige gave views on issues including the economy, education, prisons, aging, the environment, the state hospital system, the state budget, energy, GMOs and invasive species.

To an opening question asking what the candidates thought is the major problem facing Hawai`i and what they would do about it, Aiona replied, “I would focus immediately upon jobs, the economy and cost of living. I think those are some of the biggest problems we have in the state right now. ... Cost of living is something like an elephant in the room. How do you treat an elephant? Well, you take it one bite at a time. … Regarding jobs and economy, we’re going to have to play to what I call our naturally competitive industries. That’s things like renewable energy, dual technology, marine and ocean science and things of that nature. So we have to grow those industries. Tourism will always be there for us, and I think we can expand our economy, get livable wages in regards to our jobs, and of course that we can touch on the cost of living and taxes, etc., by eliminating more taxes.”

From left, Kananiokalani Neizman, Beth Waller, Bob Smith, Sue Smith, Kasa
Neizmen and Charlyn Nakamoto with Kumu Hula Lori Lei Shirakawa.

Hannemann said, “I think it’s clear that the situation calls for change. The Lingle/Aiona administration had eight years to implement many of the changes that we see continue to persist today. They couldn’t get many of those things done because they couldn’t figure out a strategy of how to get their bills, their initiatives through an entrenched Democratic majority. A record number of bills that they submitted that were vetoed by the governor were overturned by the Legislature – over 100 over an eight-year period, including a record 38 in one year. I don’t believe that the current candidate for governor who is running on the Republican party is going to be able to effectuate much change. I believe it’ll be same old, same old results that occured with the entrenched Democratic majority in the Legislature.
Ige said, “I really believe that the biggest challenge before the people of Hawai`i really is about our public schools. It is about making investments in the public schools - empowering schools and getting those closest to the children - to give them the authority and the resources to make a difference. I know growing up that it really is the relationship between the teacher and the child that is most important in improving education. Education is the foundation of our economy. It’s the foundation of our society. It really is about making a difference for those school children in our public schools.”
See the debate at kitv.com.

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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Director Ted Sakai has been selected by the Association of State Correctional Administrators as Outstanding Director of Corrections for 2014.
“This national recognition reminds us how fortunate we are in Hawai`i to have leaders like Ted,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “Since his appointment two years ago, Ted has implemented positive change to our Public Safety Department, achieved clear progress in bringing our inmates housed on the Mainland back home and moved transformative Justice Reinvestment Initiatives forward that will have lasting benefits beyond this administration.”

Their rendition of Henehene Kou Aka brought third place to Na Kupuna O Ka`u
in the Kane Group division.

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HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION has announced two Fiscal Year 2015 grants totaling $3 million for Hawai`i organizations that support homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. The United States Veterans Initiative and Catholic Charities Hawai`i each will receive $1.5 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. 

“No veteran should ever go without care or without a place to sleep at night,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “These funds from the VA will make sure veterans who have fallen on hard times have access to job training and temporary financial assistance for rent and utility expenses to help them get back on their feet. Our veterans and their families have made great sacrifices for our nation, and we must continue to make sure every veteran has a safe place to call home.”
“Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Finding and keeping a job, supporting a family and living a secure life without a place to call home is a major challenge for too many of our Hawai`i veterans. We must do better for our veterans in need. The grants will support ongoing efforts to provide much-needed services to at-risk veterans and their families.” 
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly on behalf of their fellow Americans, and it is a tragedy that some end up living on the streets or in poverty,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “The SSVF grant program connects community-based homelessness organizations with the VA to confront homelessness while addressing the distressing challenges that can face our veterans. This $3 million in grant funding will give our veterans and their families the support and resources they need in order to secure permanent housing and provide a stable environment for their families.”
 In August, U.S.VETS and Catholic Charities Hawai`i also received FY2014 grants of $1,017,000 and $1,101,224, respectively, for the same purpose.  
For more information, see va.gov/homeless.

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Kananiokalani Neizmen danced to Aliamanu Hula
for first place in the Tutu Kane division.

NA KUPUNA O KA`U, UNDER THE DIRECTION of Kumu Lori Lei Shirakawa, showed their talent at the 2014 Kupuna Hula Festival held Sept. 11.
First Place in the Tutu Kane division went to Kananiokalani Neizmen, dancing to Aliamanu Hula.
Kananiokalani Neizmen, Bob Smith, Kasa Neizmen won third place in the Kane Group competition, perfoming to Henehene Kou Aka.
Ka`u participants in mixed Mixed Group were Kananiokalani Neizmen, Beth Waller, Bob Smith, Sue Smith, Kasa Neizmen and Charlyn Nakamoto. Their song choice was Kaneohe.

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THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION will be visible in the skies over Ka`u this month, according to astronomer Lew Cook, who contributes a monthly article to The Ka`u Calendar. “There is a pass where this satellite goes through Aquila in the early evening the night of Oct. 3 after sunset,” Cook said. “If you want to see it, go outside and look up. Remember the summer triangle? The southern star of those three first-magnitude stars is Altair. At 7:05 p.m., the ISS will pass Altair on a southwest to northeast pass. At 5:03:30 p.m. (that’s three and a half minutes past 5 p.m.) it went through the tail of Scorpius on its track through Aquila heading toward the northeast. It will wink out of sight before it sets as it passes Cassiopeia. It appears as a bright moving star against the background of stars we know.
“There is another pass easily visible from Ka`u on Oct. 28 at almost the same time of day. It will appear over Mauna Loa (northeast), traveling southwest at 7:08 p.m. At 7:09:30 p.m. it should pass quite close to Vega heading through the center of the summer triangle before vanishing about midway between Altair and Fomalhaut at 7:10:40 p.m. Please note these times can vary a bit depending upon orbital adjustments of the ISS. Sit outside on the evening of a pass with your eyes scanning the sky, and I’m sure you’ll see it. It can be much brighter than Vega. There’s another pass the following night about half an hour after sunset with the satellite appearing in the north above Polaris just before 6:18 p.m., reaching its highest altitude (36 degrees) at 6:19 p.m. in Andromeda. It sets in the southeast at 6:22 p.m.

The International Space Station, seen from the departing Space Shuttle Atlantis, will
be visible from Ka`u this month. It is 239 feet long, 356 feet wide and 66 feet high.
NASA photo from Lew Cook

“ISS may be moving along and quickly fade from view. What happened? They just saw a sunset on the ISS. They see about 15 sunsets and sunrises each day. It frequently is over Ka`u during the orbital passes, but is seen only occasionally, provided the conditions are right. These conditions are that it is above us shortly after sunset or before sunrise, the sky is clear and dark enough to see the station, but the sun is still shining on the station.
“Remember, the orbit is fixed in space; the earth turns beneath it. As we travel around the sun, the orbit remains fixed while our view changes. This means that while we could see the ISS in August, we may not see it in November when the station passes overhead in daylight or the sun is not shining on the station.”
Lists of visible passes are available at spotthestation.nasa.gov. Click on Sightings, then follow prompts to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Email notices of ISS passes are also available.

VOTING FOR PEOPLE’S CHOICE at Ka`u Chamber Of Commerce’s Art Show continues at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

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 celebrates Hawaiian Archaeology Week with ranger-guided hikes to Pu`u Loa petroglyphs. NPS photo by Jay Robinson

TRUTH-IN-LABELING OF COFFEE BLENDS has gotten unanimous approval by Hawai`i County Council’s Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee. Ka`u’s council member Brenda Ford introduced the resolution asking the state Legislature to pass a law requiring that labels on packages of Hawai`i coffee blended with foreign coffee include prominent identification stating the country or region of origin of the non-Hawai`i portion, along with percentages.

Ka`u's county council member Brenda Ford
more detailed labels on coffee blend packages.

The resolution also calls for requiring a minimum of 51 percent Hawai`i-grown coffee in any coffee package labeled as a blend.

According to a story in West Hawai`i Today, Ford said tourists wouldn’t be likely to pay a premium for coffee blends that are 10 percent Hawaiian coffee and 90 percent from somewhere else. At that point, they would be more likely to turn to purchase a blend with at least 51 percent Hawai`i-grown coffee, she said.

“Other states, other countries protect their farmers by saying if you’re going to blend, then you’ve got to disclose,” Ford said. “But not in Hawai`i. Every other agricultural crop in Hawai`i is protected in that manner, except for Hawai`i-grown coffee.”

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS ISSUED an executive order that turns over 3.68 miles of the state-owned portion of Chain of Craters Road near Kalapana to Hawai`i County.
The executive order states that the land is “hereby turned over to the County of Hawai`i, in fee simple, for use as a county highway, and the County of Hawai`i shall hereafter be responsible for its repair and maintenance as a county highway.”
On Sept. 15, Gov. Abercrombie signed a supplemental emergency proclamation to include the repair, restorations, rebuilding, or reestablishment of Chain of Craters Road, for use as an alternate emergency route should the June 27th lava flow cross Hwy 130 near Pahoa and isolate communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawai`i County. That proclamation, a supplement to the original emergency proclamation signed on Sept. 5, also extended the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1, 2014.
The original proclamation suspended certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Hwy 130. It also activated the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.
Big Island Video News reported Mayor Billy Kenoi saying the county is “very appreciative” of the state’s action, which will help avoid delays in creating emergency access from Puna into Ka`u. The county plans to ask for federal funds to reimburse the estimated $12 and $14 million construction cost.
It could take anywhere from 45 to 60 days to finish Chain Of Craters at the current pace of the project. However, Kenoi said, if necessary, they could speed up the work.
See bigislandvideonews.com.

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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD WANTS THE 5.4-MILE section of Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rebuilt as two lanes, rather than as one, which the National Park Service is calling for. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser story reported Gabbard saying, “I am working with Mayor Billy Kenoi, as well as Sen. Brian Schatz, to open up access for the 8,200 plus residents of lower Puna, especially after seeing what the residents of Puna have gone through with the hurricanes and tropical storms we recently had and this new situation with the lava flowing.”
Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando told reporter Dan Nakaso, “We have emergency approval for this activity for one lane unpaved, and we have our own national policy act regulations that we have to follow, and that’s what our parameters are. The National Park’s position is that one lane meets the emergency needs.”

While currently moving slowly, lava continues to threaten to cover Hwy 130 in Puna.
Photo from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

According to Nakaso, Gabbard said she has not seen evidence from federal officials that two lanes of Chain of Craters Road will cause more potential damage than one lane. “I haven’t seen something that they’ve presented in terms of a documented study to back up that claim,” Gabbard said. “I do understand that’s their position.
“We always have to be as sensitive as we can to our sacred sites and endangered species. But we have got to recognize the starkness and immediate need that this entire community of over 8,200 residents will face if there is no access whatsoever.”
See staradvertiser.com.

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SLOW-MOVING SURFACE BREAKOUTS HAVE REACHED the stalled lava flow front in Puna and extended the leading edge of the flow about 30 yards, USGS scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. The flow front today was 1.4 miles upslope from Apa`a Street and 2.1 miles from Pahoa Village Road.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Ka`u's state Sen. Russell Ruderman, at left, plays guitar with the band El Leo.
Photo from Big Island Video News

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosted a Pele Party at his Island Naturals grocery store in Pahoa. Ruderman played guitar with the band El Leo, which performed last year at Ka`u Plantation Days. Big Island Video News reported Ruderman saying the store will remain open as long as it’s safe and that delivery companies will continue to supply the store via emergency access roads in the event lava covers Hwy 130.
See bigislandvideonews.com.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK commemorates Hawaiian Archaeology Week Oct. 3 – 12. On ranger-guided hikes to Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs, participants visit the largest ki`i pohaku (petroglyph) field in Hawai`i and ponder the meaning behind the tens of thousands of carvings that Hawaiians etched into lava there. The hike is 0.7 miles one way and takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
Meet the park ranger at 2 p.m. at the Pu`u Loa Petroglyph parking area on Chain of Craters Road, a 45-minute drive from the park entrance, on Oct. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 17 and 18.
The hikes are free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM had another win in three straight sets at Kea`au Tuesday. Scores were 25-13, 25-18 and 25-14. Junior varsity also won with scores of 19-25, 25-22 and 15-13.
The teams host Makua Lani Saturday at 10 a.m.
Also on Saturday, the Trojan eight-man football team travels to Pahoa for a game at 2 p.m., and the cross country team has a 3 p.m. meet in Kea`au.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE for People’s Choice at Ka`u Chamber Of Commerce’s Art Show at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. People’s Choice will be on the cover of The Directory 2015. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winners in all categories will be announced at a reception Saturday morning.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT CONTINUES Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HANDMADE BOOKS WITH COPTIC BINDING is the topic Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Lisa Louise Adams teaches how to make books styled after fourth-century copts. Call 967-8222 to register.

SWEET MEMORIES IS THE THEME of Ka`u Plantation Days coming up a week from Saturday on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We gather together to celebrate times of the past, to honor what we had and what we have,” says a statement from Ka`u Multicultural Society. A pa`u parade begins the festivities with horses and riders, can trucks, classic vehicles, students, musical, cultural and agricultural groups. Following the parade, enjoy the history and ethnic displays, music and Ka`u Coffee, as well as ethnic food and dances, including Japanese, Filipino and Hawaiian offerings. Historic displas from plantation days will be presented by families and heritage groups. Emcee is Clyde Silva.

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 High Trojans eight-man football team is on the road the next two Saturdays for the final games of the regular season.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS EXTENDED the deadline for comments regarding proposed new rules calling for septic tanks to be installed when residences with cesspools are sold. Comments are due by Friday, Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Public meetings are also scheduled. One will be in Kona on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center. Another will be in Hilo on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. at Aupuni Center.

According to DOH, “cesspools are substandard systems. They don’t treat wastewater, they merely dispose of it. Cesspools concentrate the wastewater in one location, often deep within the ground and in direct contact with groundwater, causing groundwater contamination. This groundwater flows into drinking water wells, streams and the ocean, harming public health and the environment, including beaches and coral reefs.”

At a forum yesterday, State House District Five candidates
discussed a proposal to replace cesspools with septic tanks.
Diagram from state Department of Health

To send comments by email and read the proposal, see health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice. Written comments can also be mailed to Wastewater Branch, Environmental Management Division, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd, Room 309, Honolulu, HI 96814-4920.

CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT FIVE discussed the proposed wastewater rule change at a forum yesterday in Kona. According to a story in West Hawai`i Today, they agreed it would be a huge burden for residents to have to convert existing cesspools to septic systems.
“I’d hate to see this burden put on the people,” Libertarian Jon Lalanne, of Ocean View, said. “I’d hate to pay for it myself.”
Reporter Bret Yager said Lalanne shared his experiences in Malibu, Calif., when during winter months the sewage treatment plant would break down and pollute the ocean where he surfed. “I’m still here,” he said.
Republican Dave Bateman, of Holualoa, said the proposal is “a ridiculous move on the part of the DOH.
“I went through the petition and supporting materials and found none. We have very good basalts here and rifts in the earth that will purify (waste). I don’t know of anyone being treated in the ER for coliform. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Rep. Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, said the cesspool issue needs to be studied at the state Legislature. “We need to really examine the science,” Creagan said. “I don’t think the geology of the island mandates septic in the upper elevations. Along the shoreline, of course.”
Creagan said that if the rules are adopted, he would support tax credits for composting toilets.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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A CONSORTIUM OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN community groups leading the process of building a Native Hawaiian government is considering postponing the election of officers until June. The original plan was to hold elections between May and September, and the most recent plan was to have the elections in January.
According to an Associated Press story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, the groups want more time to educate voters.
“They thought it was too soon and too impractical,” said Derek Kauanoe, governance manager at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. “I think they’re more interested in the quality of the nation building process” than the speed.
They are drafting a new timeline they hope to present to the OHA board on Thursday, Oct. 16.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Poultry and livestock consume 70 to 90 percent of all genetically
engineered crops, according to a UC-Davis study.
Thinkstock photo from UC-Davis

THE PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH OF FOOD-PRODUCING animals consuming genetically engineered feed, first introduced 18 years ago, has been comparable to that of animals consuming non-GE feed, according to a new scientific review from the University of California at Davis. The review study also found that scientific studies have detected no differences in the nutritional makeup of meat, milk or other food products derived from animals that ate genetically engineered feed.

The review, led by UC-Davis animal scientist Alison Van Eenennaam, examined nearly 30 years of livestock-feeding studies that represent more than 100 billion animals.
Entitled Prevalence and Impacts of Genetically Engineered Feedstuffs on Livestock Populations, the review article is now available online in open-access form through the American Society of Animal Science: https://asas.org/docs/default-source/jas-files/jas8124_final.pdf?sfvrsn.
Genetically engineered crops were first introduced in 1996. Today, 19 genetically engineered plant species are approved for use in the United States, including the major crops used extensively in animal feed: alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, soybeans and sugar beets.
Food-producing animals such as cows, pigs, goats, chickens and other poultry species now consume 70 to 90 percent of all genetically engineered crops, according to the UC Davis review. In the United States alone, nine billion food-producing animals are produced annually, with 95 percent of them consuming feed that contains genetically engineered ingredients.
“Studies have continually shown that the milk, meat and eggs derived from animals that have consumed GE feed are indistinguishable from the products derived from animals fed a non-GE diet,” Van Eenennaam said. “Therefore, proposed labeling of animal products from livestock and poultry that have eaten GE feed would require supply-chain segregation and traceability, as the products themselves would not differ in any way that could be detected.”
See news.ucdavis.edu.

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HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL has finalized its lineup of events and workshops to take place in Pahala on the grounds of the Old Plantation Manager’s House three weeks from today, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25. All entertainment is open to the public with no fees. Friday and Saturday night will feature emcee Skylark and chanter Na`auao Vivas.
The Ho`okupu Hula Cultural Festival is in its fifth year. The first four were held on Lana`i. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who founded the festival, said that her own Kumu Hula, Uncle George Na`ope, encouraged the creation of festivals, including the Merrie Monarch and other festivals in Hawai`i, Canada, Washington, Japan, Germany and California. “Every place he placed his footprint and visited throughout his life, he planted a seed. It grew wherever he traveled,” said Ryder. “He also planted a seed in me to carry on his legacy to perpetuate the hula and its history, which is what I am trying to do.” Ryder and her husband Kawehi recently moved from Lana`i to Pahala and brought the festival with them. “It is painful to realize that Uncle George will no longer be with me in support of this legacy of the hula; therefore my heart reaches out in Thanksgiving and Aloha as I attempt to carry the torch that he lit in me so long ago.”
The first Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival will begin on Friday, Oct. 24 with `Ohana Night and an Opening Pule at 4 p.m., followed by Ho`okupu by Kumu Hula Haumana and others wishing to participate. At 4:30 p.m., Ernest Kalani takes the stage, followed by Keoki Kahumoku at 5 p.m. A Kukui Ceremony honoring ancestors will be held at 5:45 p.m., followed by music from the South Side Serenaders at 6 p.m. Cyril Pahinui performs at 6:30 p.m., with music by Makanau at 7 p.m. At 8:15 p.m. will be music by Steven Sioloa, Wailau Ryder and Ricky Masaoka.
On the grounds will be cultural practitioners, cultural demonstrations, artisans, crafts, food booths, informational booths and more.
On Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Old Pahala Clubhouse will be workshops, beginning with hula with Kumu Hula Debbie Leionalani Ryder at 8 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. will be lei-making. At 11 a.m. lauhaula weaving, at 12:30 p.m. an `ukulele workshop and at 1:30 p.m. a slack key workshop.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

On Saturday evening at 4 p.m. will be an opening pule performed by dancers who attend the hula workshop and an introduction of Kumu Hula. At 4:30 p.m. will be Hands of Time. At 5 p.m. will be Halau Hula O Kawaimaluhia with Kumu Hula Keoni Jennings. At 5:45 p.m. will be Hula Halau Kahoku Kauhiahionalani with Kumu Hula Sammy Fo. At 6 p.m. will be the Gomes `Ohana. At 6:30 p.m. a Kukui Ceremony; at 6:45 p.m. Keaiwa, featuring Demetrius Oliveira and Halau Hula O Leonalani, with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and Haumana from Japan, Okinawa, O`ahu and Pahala. At 7:30 p.m. will be Ka `Imia Na`auao Kahiko from Ka`u School of the Arts and Kumu Hula Marsha Bolosan. At 8 p.m. is Victor Chock & Friends, with the evening ending at 9 p.m. with Hawai`i Aloha.
For more, see www.hookupukau.com.

JUDGING IS TAKING PLACE TODAY at Ka`u Chamber Of Commerce’s Art Show at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. Winners in all categories, including People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, will be announced at a reception tomorrow morning.

KA`U HIGH SPORTS TEAMS HAVE A BUSY DAY tomorrow. Girls volleyball teams host Makua Lani at 10 a.m. The Trojan eight-man football team travels to Pahoa for a game at 2 p.m., and the cross country team has a 3 p.m. meet in Kea`au.

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

LISA LOUISE ADAMS TEACHES HOW TO MAKE books styled after fourth-century copts tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 967-8222 to register.

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

Ka`u resident Joe Iacuzzo, here with a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, presents a talk about America's fossil history at Pahala Public & School Library on Oct. 15. Photo from Joe Iacuzzo

“ALL PARTIES REMAIN COMMITTED to exploring a workable solution to this problem,” Sen. Brian Schatz said regarding rebuilding Chain of Craters Road so Puna residents can get to Ka`u and other parts of the island if Hwy 130 gets covered by lava. West Hawai`i Today reported that Schatz plans to visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Friday and meet with park and county officials. While park Superintendent Cindy Orlando maintains that a one-lane road meets the requirements for an emergency evacuation route, county officials want the road to have two lanes.

As lava creeps toward Hwy 130, Hawai`i's elected officials in Washington
are working to have Chain of Craters Road be rebuilt with two lanes.
Map from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

According to the story, Schatz said he is working closely with Mayor Billy Kenoi, the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on the issue.
Sen. Mazie Hirono’s office said she is speaking with the federal Highway Administration and National Park Service about the issue.
Park officials refer to road as an emergency evacuation route, but Hawai`i County Department of Emergency Management Director Darryl Oliveira said that “evacuation implies it’s a one-way direction and we are telling people to leave. I think what the community members shared is people would like to stay if it poses no imminent harm and safety concerns. And, for too many of them, they don’t have a choice; they just can’t pick up and leave.”
As of this morning, lava from a breakout above the flow front had reached the front and was was 1.9 miles from Pahoa Village Road.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Brenda Ford

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE has voted in favor of proposed changes to property tax exemptions. Bill 292 would require a person applying for an exemption from the real property tax rate on a principal home to file a Hawai`i State Income Tax Return as a full-year resident for each fiscal year that the exemption is sought.

Bill 294 would increase from $40,000 to $60,000 the property value subject to total exemption from real property taxes and would increase by the same amounts the exemption that can be applied to properties valued in excess of $60,000.
Ka`u’s council member Brenda Ford had questions about Bill 294 prior to the Finance Committee meeting, as reported in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “While the intent is probably OK, this is going to lower the revenue coming into the county,” Ford said. “If it was net neutral, it might be different. It’s not.” Ford first voted kanalua on the measure, then changed her vote to yes.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I’S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES offered views on genetically modified organisms and pesticides during a debate on KITV Tuesday evening. Civil Beat reporter Chad Blair asked: “If elected governor, would you support restrictions on GMOs? Where do you stand on pesticide use? And how do you feel about labeling?”

Duke Aiona

Republican Duke Aiona said, “It is a very emotional and divisive issue right now in regards to the counties. I believe that labeling — people knowing what’s in the food, what’s in the ground — is very important. In regards to pesticides, I believe if it is an issue in regards to monitoring and regulation, then obviously our Department of Health has to do a better job than what it’s doing right now. But I’m not sure that it’s really is the exact, the real problem, in regards to this whole genre of issues that are before the counties right now. I think it’s really a matter of not being as well educated as everyone should be. I think with the latest commercials that we see right now and the Maui initiative is educating people both ways. I’ve heard it both ways. And so, it’s something that obviously everyone has to be a part of in the discussion, and when the ultimate decision is finally made, it’s whether or not it’s going to help us — it’s going to be beneficial to us in regards to our health and well-being — and of course, the economic toll that it’s going to take on the farmers, on the vendors and everyone else.”

Mufi Hannemann

Independent Mufi Hannemann said, “I’ve long maintained that the Department of Agriculture is the Rodney Dangerfield of state departments. Cuts to that department that were condoned by Sen. Ige and the Lingle-Aiona administration would not happen under a Hannemann administration. So let’s look at the three questions that were asked. Based on the science, I’m OK with GMO continuing to be part of what we have here in Hawai`i because I really believe we would see a dramatic drop in agricultural crops. However, pesticide drift is something that we need to do a better job of, and we need to empower the Department of Agriculture, working with the counties, to ensure that the pesticides that we use and the drift is curtailed to a great degree. Thirdly, I also believe that when it comes to labeling, it should be a national policy. I’m OK with labeling, but I think it should be done across the board, and it should be a mandate from Washington, D.C., as opposed to local or state municipalities doing that.”

David Ige

Democrat David Ige said, “Yes, I do believe that as governor I would assure that we protect the health and safety of our communities. That would be Job One. We need to regulate pesticide use. We need to know what is being applied, where it’s being applied and ensure that it’s being applied safely. That is a core function of state government, and I would ensure that that happens. In terms of labeling, I do believe that labeling is a federal issue. I strongly encourage the federal government and the FDA to set standards so our people know what’s in the food they’re buying. And then thirdly, in terms of the GMOs, I really do believe and support all farmers. We have so much agriculture land that is not in production. We need to support them, whatever their method, whatever they’re planting.”

See civilbeat.com.

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THE FINAL KA`U PLANTATION DAYS planning meeting is Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Residents continue planning for the event a week from today on Saturday, Oct 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN NA`ALEHU AND PAHALA offer free programs for the public three weeks in a row this month.

Ka`u Learning Academy co-founder Joe Iacuzzo, the official Hawai`i representative for the National Park Service’s National Fossil Day, will present a talk titled Thomas Jefferson to Johnson Space Center: America’s Fossil History at Pahala Public & School Library on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 3:30 p.m.

In 2008, Iacuzzo was the project manager for a team of scientists who worked at NASA to study the most complete dinosaur fossil ever discovered. The incredible advances in science that allowed for the NASA research were set in motion by a host of early American scientists, including Jefferson, who was an avid fossil collector who was trying to understand the prehistoric past of the new United States. “The evolution of how we understand prehistoric life and the technologies available to researchers would make Jefferson's head spin!” Iacuzzo said.

Anna Peach presents the Pumpkin Primer
in Pahala on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Photo from squashandawe.com

Iacuzzo worked for six years on Jurassic Park at Universal Pictures and co-produced an award-winning dinosaur documentary film for Discovery Channel. He has been involved with numerous dinosaur discoveries and is the most widely read dinosaur science writer in the world. This event is sponsored by the National Park Services.
The Pumpkin Primer shows how to use heirloom squash to outsmart melon fly and pickle worm in Hawai`i. Kamuela farmer Anna Peach of Squash and Awe farm presents a talk about her sustainable farming methods. A seventh-generation farmer, Peach decided to look to history for a solution to Hawai`i’s commercial crop failure. She shares information about no-till farming, interplanting with native plants, seed saving and making natural fertilizers from restaurant scrap.
See her farm at squashandawe.com.
Programs are in Na`alehu Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. and in Pahala Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m.
There will be another special program for the Hawai`i State Public Library System’s statewide fall Children & Teens Program at the end of October. Pahala Library will host internationally renowned storyteller Diane Ferlatte, a native from New Orleans, on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. The program title is Haunted Bayou-Ghostly Tales: Spirits Have Souls, Too.”

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

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