The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

People's Choice at Ka`u Chamber of Commerce's Art Show went to Suzanne D. Kaliko's Green Sand Beach, which will grace the cover of The Directory 2015. Photo of Kaliko's painting by Peter Anderson

THE DIRECTORY COVER WINNER for the 2015 Ka`u information, phone, email and website guide for Ka`u was announced by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce yesterday. The cover image, by popular vote, will be Green Sand Beach by Suzanne D. Kaliko. Peter Anderson took second in popular vote for the cover with his South Point Blowhole photograph.

Peter Anderson's South Point Blowhole won first
in Photography and second in People's Choice.

Best in Show as determined by the judges was Ric Stark with his quilt honoring Queen Lili`uokalani.
Winners at the annual art show held at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union are:

Photography: South Point Blowhole by Peter Anderson took first; Mo`o by Luke Kanahele took second; Punalu`u Honu by Gen Galletes took third.
Graphics: Ka`u Crevasse by Deedee Bodine took first; Tabletop by Wanda Aus took second; and Pele by Greg Rush took third.
Sculpture: Copper Honuaand Fish by Bob Knapp took first, and Kahiko Ka`u helmet by Aubrey Ahl took second.
Wood: Royal Palm Base by Bob Stock took first.
Quilt: He Kila Mo`i, by Ric Stark took first. Sunset by Patty Bowles took second.
Craft: Hokule`a enamel and copper by Bob Knapp took first; Ke Kala Kai bracelet by Luke Kanahele took second; and the Paua Ring by Seth Kanahele took third.

Keiki winner was Deon Beavins with Tiger. Second went to Victoria Kanahele with pencil drawing Wolf, and third was a He`e, an octopus, by Ryder Brown.
To sign up for The Directory 2015 and support the online production, printing and distribution of 7,500 copies, development of The Directory app for cell phones, the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund and the Ka`u Food Pantry, call Elijah Navarro at 928-6471. See the 2014 edition of The Directory at kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

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

Ric Stark won first place in the new Quilt division
with his He Kila Mo`i.
Photo by Peter Anderson

HAWAI`I ISLAND IS ONE OF FOUR THAT WILL be considered during a creative media/film studio facility study conducted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $100,000 in planning funds for the purposes of a market analysis and site recommendations for a facility, including a study to help determine the market needs, size, location and composition of the facility. The study will also consider Kaua`i, O`ahu and Maui.

“Hawai`i’s film industry plays an important role in the overall health of the state’s economy,” said Hawai`i Film Commissioner Donne Dawson. “These funds will help us determine exactly what the industry needs in terms of infrastructure and where the best possible place in the islands might be to develop that infrastructure. The process will go a long way in helping us take Hawai`i’s film and creative media industries to the next level and send a clear message that the state is serious about being one of the preeminent filming destinations in the world.”

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

WITHIN THE FIRST FEW SECONDS of Ka`u Trojans eight-man football game yesterday, Pahoa's Joaquin Ridgway had scored a touchdown after receiving the kick-off made by Carlos Uribe-Bounos. The celebration for Pahoa was short-lived as running back Kupono Palakiko-Leffew quickly scored the first touchdown for Ka`u. From this point on, the game was in Ka`u's favor. With an interception turned touchdown made by safety Kainalu Medeiros-Dancel and fumble recovery made by James Kuahiwinui, the first quarter had Pahoa's offense on edge. Ending the quarter with a touchdown by fullback Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel, the score was up with Pahoa having 8 and Ka`u having 36.
The second quarter found the same great plays by Ka`u. With touchdowns made by seniors of the team, Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee, Cy Tamura and Kupono Palakiko-Leffew, Ka`u held their ground. Interceptions by Kalamakoa Waiwaiole and Evan Manoha demonstrated the underclassmen rising up to the occasion. As half-time came around, Pahoa remained at 8 points, while Ka`u had made it's way to 58 points.
Mercy rule changed the second half of the game, allowing a running clock. Ka`u also made some changes for this second half. In an act of sportsmanship, Ka`u benched their first-string lineup and played their second string for the rest of the game. The second string is made up mostly of underclassmen who will be playing again next year, so it was great exposure for them. While second string was in play, two touchdowns for Pahoa were made by Lava Benn and Kawika Andrian. With a final score of Ka`u 58 and Pahoa 22, it was a great game.

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

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

Lava southwest of Pahoa continues its slow crawl toward town.
Map from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

“CURRENT FLOW ACTIVITY DOES NOT POSE an immediate threat to area communities, and no evacuation is needed at this time,” reported Hawai`i County Emergency Management Agency regarding lava on track to reach Pahoa in the coming weeks.

“An aerial survey performed this morning showed that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 100 yards since yesterday. The narrow flow front is moving along the tree line, and the burning activity with that is producing a significant amount of smoke. There is no brush fire threat at this time, and the burning is limited to the edges of the flow only.”
See hawaiicounty.gov.

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

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in upcoming Kahuku free events and hikes at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
During the one-hour `Ohi`a Lehua program Saturday, Oct. 11 at 9:30 a.m., participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk.

Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Sunday, Oct. 12 and Saturday Oct. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

First place in Craft category went to Bob Knapp,
with Hokule`a. Photo by Julia Neal

People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pu`u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Visitors learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. This one-hur hike is offered Sunday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m.
During Hi`iaka & Pele, participants discover two Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi`iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy, 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi‘iaka and Pele program is offered Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For all programs, enter the park’s Kahuku unit on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

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

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY reminds Ka`u residents about an upcoming earthquake awareness and preparedness event, the Great Hawai`i ShakeOut, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 16.
“The goal of this event is to encourage residents throughout the state to learn about and practice Drop! Cover! Hold on! — actions that have been proven to prevent or reduce personal injury during an earthquake,” according to the latest issue of Volcano Watch.

Deon Beavins won in the Keiki category with Tiger.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Residents can learn about Drop! Cover! Hold on! through the Great Hawai`i ShakeOut website at shakeout.org/hawaii, which includes helpful resources, such as Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions in Hawai`i. These recommendations describe how to protect yourself during an earthquake, no matter where you are — on the road, in a store or at the beach.
“The Great Hawai`i ShakeOut website also provides information on other steps you can and should take to prepare for Hawai`i’s next big earthquake, such as organizing an emergency kit, developing a family evacuation plan and securing household objects that might fall.
“Unlike hurricanes and lava flows, which arrive with forewarnings, a large earthquake could strike Hawai`i at any time with no warning. In fact, the probability of a magnitude-6.5 or higher earthquake occurring in the Hawaiian Islands in the next 10 years is 50 percent. So, it's not a matter of a large, destructive earthquake will happen in Hawai`i, but rather when it will take place.
“Since 1868, more than 30 magnitude-6.0 or greater earthquakes have impacted residents across the state.”
To learn more, see a slide show entitled Earthquakes in Hawai`i: What You Need to Know posted on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website, hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Master lei maker and Ka`u resident Kilohana Domingo demonstrates the intricate art of feather work Wednesday. Photo from NPS

FORMER HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Peter Hoffmann is one of four nominations to the University of Hawai`i Board of Regents. Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees were selected from a list provided by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council and are subject to state Senate approval.

Peter Hoffmann

Hoffmann was on the Hawai`i County Council from 2004 to 2012, representing the Kohala District and serving as council chair for two of those years. From 1993 to 1996, he was director of mission support for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a 55-nation diplomacy organization headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Prior to that, Hoffmann served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps. Retiring in the rank of Colonel, assignments included 25 months in Vietnam, two years in Chiangmai, Thailand and four years in Hawai`i, where he finished his duty with the 25th Infantry Division. He also served three years in Munich, Germany with an Army Intelligence Group; two years on the U.S. Army staff in the Pentagon; commander of an intelligence battalion at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey; commander of a recruiting battalion in Boston, Massachusetts; commander of the POW/MIA team in Bangkok, Thailand; and three years as a military attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Hoffmann graduated from St. Peter’s College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and received a master’s degree in history from New York University. He and his wife Joan recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
“With backgrounds in law, health, the military and environmental sustainability, these appointees bring a diverse spectrum of leadership to the University of Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said. “They each have a proven record of success in their respective fields of expertise and will help guide the university to a new level of excellence.”

VA Secretary Bob McDonald

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD has invited Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald to visit Hawai`i to “see first-hand the unique health care challenges still facing Hawai`’s veterans.”   Gabbard and McDonald spoke at length shortly after his confirmation as the new VA Secretary.
“When Secretary McDonald and I spoke, I wanted to ensure he understood the unique challenges our Hawai`i veterans face every single day just to access care,” Gabbard said. “Whether it is the geographic challenges to drive or fly to a VA health provider, or the longest-in-the-nation wait times for first-time primary care appointments, Hawai`i veterans continue to face challenges accessing the care they’re entitled to from the VA. Having held a listening tour across our islands in June to hear from veterans directly, I was able to relay their many immediate concerns to the secretary. I wrote him today to reiterate those questions and concerns, and to personally invite him to visit our Islands to see first-hand the unique health care challenges still facing Hawai‘i’s veterans.”   
In response to the VA health crisis, Gabbard this summer introduced ACT Now for Veterans (H.R. 5131), bipartisan legislation to immediately allow eligible veterans to access non-VA healthcare with the assurance the VA will cover the bill. The final bipartisan VA reform bill signed into law by the President in August included the foundation of her bill.   
The first bill she introduced after being elected, the Helping Heroes Fly Act, aimed to improve airport security for severely wounded veterans. It passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law by President Obama in August 2013.
In her letter to McDonald, Gabbard wrote, “I look forward to hosting you in Hawai`i so you can hear directly from our amazing veteran community, and to continue working together on our shared mission of serving and honoring our veterans.”

Ka`u residents can apply for The Kohala Center's Beginning Farmer-Rancher
Development Program. Photo from The Kohala Center

THE KOHALA CENTER’S BEGINNING FARMER-RANCHER Development Program is accepting applications for its next training class, which begins on Oct. 17. The 30-session course consists of classroom instruction, hands-on training at a demonstration farm and business planning assistance. Sessions are held in Honoka`a on Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Although no previous farming experience is required, preference is given to U.S. veterans and to applicants who have taken steps to become agricultural producers but would benefit from a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum. The course takes a comprehensive approach to agricultural production, covering topics such as soil management, irrigation, composting, cover cropping and pest management, as well as the business side of farming: marketing, accounting, budgeting and record-keeping. Students who successfully complete the course and create viable farm and business plans will be able to work with program staff to obtain leasable farmland, should they not already have land on which to farm or ranch.
More information and application materials are available at http://kohalacenter.org/farmertraining/application or by calling The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.

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

MASTER LEI MAKER AND KA`U RESIDENT Kilohana Domingo presents the intricate art of feather work during a lei hulu demonstration Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN POSE QUESTIONS to Hawai`i’s gubernatorial candidates when they debate the issues tomorrow at 7 p.m. on KHON Channel Two. Email questions to debate@khon2.com.

Shoebox excavations are part of International Archaeology Day celebrations.
Photo from NPS

KA`U FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE International Archaeology Day with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park archaeologists and cultural practitioners who will share Hawaiian culture through its cultural treasures. Fun, hands-on, keiki-friendly activities include shoebox excavations (dig in and excavate your own archeological site with a friend), a stone tool-making demonstration with master stone-tool artist Tom Pico, pono petroglyph rubbings (without damaging real-life petroglyphs) and Lapita pottery impressions, where keiki can trace the Polynesian migration through pottery shards the ancients left behind and create their own ceramic tile to take home.

In addition, the short film Pacific Clues: Footprints in Lava, hosted by park archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura, reveals the story of ancient footprints in the Ka`u Desert and will be shown in Kilauea Visitor Center throughout the day.
At the end of the day, attendees can visit the future home of the park’s new cultural museum at the 1932 Administration Building. At this final station, keiki can take the pledge and earn their Junior Archaeology Ranger patch. Each junior ranger will receive the new Archaeology in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park children’s booklet.
The events are on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1932 Administration Building and lawn, also known as the `Ohi`a Wing, between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.

Tom Peek holds a writing workshop Saturday.

RANGER-GUIDED HIKES TO PU`U LOA PETROGLYPHS take place this week and next. 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 here. The hike is 0.7 miles one-way and takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Dates are Oct. 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 17 and 18 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

WRITING FAMILY HISTORY AND PERSONAL MEMOIR with Tom Peek will be held Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Participants learn simple but powerful techniques to help overcome barriers that cause writer’s block, self-censorship and a lack of depth in their writing. Peek offers fun and provocative exercises to propel memoirs and family or community history projects, including some that use photographs and nostalgic objects to evoke memories.
Peek has taught his writing workshops since 1991. His work includes an award-winning novel, newspaper stories and commentaries, university publications, magazine articles, national park exhibits and video productions.
No previous writing experience is needed, and the workshop is open to all levels. Fee is $90 for members and $100 for non-members.

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

Ethnic dance is part of this Saturday's Ka`u Plantation Days celebration of Sweet Memories. Photo by Julia Neal

NA`ALEHU PARK WILL CLOSE THURSDAY morning for little fire ant eradication treatments. Weather permitting, the park will be closed in the early morning hours. Signs will be posted informing park patrons of the closure times.

Little fire ants are considered one of the worst invasive species in the world.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

Little fire ants are not aggressive and sting only when disturbed, but the sting produces large, painful, raised red welts, followed by more pain and intense itching. Little fire ants sting humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Multiple stings in the eye can cause damage and blindness.
In a statement, the Department of Parks & Recreation thanked park users and the general public for their patience and understanding while it works to control this invasive species.
For more information, contact Public Information Officer Jason Armstrong at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.

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

The possibility of having a Superferry in Hawai`i was the topic at a public conference
yesterday. Photo from wikipedia

IDEAS REGARDING AN INTERISLAND FERRY system were floated at the Superferry’s original terminal in Honolulu yesterday.

Nathan Eagle reported in Civil Beat that one idea brought up at the public conference is to have a foreign carrier that would offer gambling during trips among the islands. Capt. Ed Enos, a state harbor pilot, said allowing gambling would attract initial investors, appeal to travelers and be an “easy cash source,” Eagle reported.
The Superferry ended operations more than five and a half years ago after the state Supreme Court supported environmental groups who appealed to the court to require an environmental review.
According to Eagle, other concerns with the Superferry were the spread of invasive species, the possible influx of drugs and homeless people, risks of harm to whales and marine life and the potential degradation of the Neighbor Islands’ rural lifestyle.
To counteract nausea, which passengers experienced especially in rough seas during winter months, Enos suggested using longer, single-hulled ships rather than double-hulled ones like those used before. The trade-off would be that they are slower.
See civilbeat.com.

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

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has projected the path of lava as it
moves toward Pahoa. Photo from HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS reported advancement of the lava flow heading toward Pahoa. The map shown here uses a satellite image provided by Digital Globe as a base to show the area around the front of the June 27th lava flow. The area of the flow on Oct. 3 at 9:20 a.m. is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on Oct. 6 at 12:15 p.m. is shown in red. The flow front advanced about 390 yards since Oct. 3, 2014. This puts the flow front about 1.1 miles directly upslope from Apa`a Street. The distance is 1.2 miles when measured along the path of steepest-descent.
The blue line and arrowhead show the projected path of the flow over the next 10 days, to Oct. 16, based on the steepest-descent path and the average advance rate of 130 yards per day achieved since Oct. 3. This projection is subject to change, HVO said, because the amount of lava erupted from the June 27th vent and the advance rate of the resulting lava flow have been variable. The flow could speed up or slow down; the flow front could stall again, and a new active flow front could start again farther upslope; or the flow could stop altogether.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

Airspace is now restricted in the lava-flow area near Pahoa.
Map from FAA

THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION is now restricting air space in the Puna lava flow area. “No pilots may operate aircraft in the areas covered,” the Notice to Airmen states. “Only relief aircraft operations under direction of state Civil Defense are authorized in the airspace,” which extends from ground level to an elevation of 4,000 feet.

Prior to the restrictions, aircraft were allowed above 500 feet. The new rules are in response to tour groups that were getting too close to each other and to the flow. “This is not new,” Hawai`i County Civil Defense Directory Darryl Oliveira told Hawai`i News Now. “It’s the same type of regulations and procedures that were implemented with Kalapana as well.”
See hawaiinewsnow.com.

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

WHILE HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reported this morning that current lava flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to Pahoa-area communities and no evacuation is needed at this time, it said that the state Department of Health “advises residents dependent on medical services, treatment or supplies and who live in communities that may be cut off by the advancing lava flow to relocate outside the affected area to ensure continued access to necessary medical support. If the lava flow crosses Highway 130, medical services and supplies will be severely limited, and emergency medical service response time may be significantly delayed.”

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

HAWAI`I HEALTH CONNECTOR HAS A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Jeffrey M. Kissel, a chief executive with a proven track record of leading successful organizations, replaces Interim Executive Director Tom Matsuda as head of the state’s health insurance marketplace. Kissel will be responsible for directing the organization’s efforts to bring high-quality, affordable health care coverage to Hawai`i residents.

Jeffrey M. Kissel

“I believe that everyone deserves to have health insurance coverage, and the Hawai`i Health Connector is a highly viable resource for reasonably priced, high quality health care,” Kissel said. “I’m at a place in my career where I can really give back to the community and do something that will make a difference in people’s lives. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running to prepare for open enrollment, which starts November 15.”
Most recently, Kissel was president and CEO of Hawai`i GAS, where he grew what started as a small business into a diversified, thriving organization in five years. He also previously served in senior roles and led strategy at URS, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, among other companies.
“The Board believes that Jeff is the ideal person to lead the Connector forward for the longterm,” Board Chair Clifford Alakai said. “His prior experience leading prominent and successful companies, as well as his drive and enthusiasm, will serve the Connector well to secure affordable health coverage for the residents of Hawai`i.
“We are also extremely grateful to Tom Matsuda for his service shepherding the Connector through a very difficult time. He helped educate state policymakers and the community on the value of the Connector, and, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his service.”
Active in community and professional organizations, Kissel sits on the board of directors of Pacific Rim Bank and is a member of the National Petroleum Council. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, where he was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.

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

AN ENTIRE TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE, from start to finish, will be visible from Ka`u tonight if the sky is clear, reported Lew Cook, who writes a monthly astronomy column for The Ka`u Calendar. Mid-eclipse time is 12:55 a.m. tomorrow morning. “It will be interesting to see what color the moon is then!” Cook said. “You’ll be able to notice there is a nibble taken out of the moon cookie an hour and a half earlier,” at 11:25 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS ARE SOUGHT FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT through December. Participants protect the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species.

Paul and Jane Field lead Stewardship at the Summit. Photo from NPS

Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The dates from October through December are: Oct. 8, 18, 24 and 31; Nov. 7, 15, 21 and 29; and Dec. 3, 12, 19 and 27.
Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, daypack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply.
Volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours restoring more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park this past year. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kilauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.

MASTER LEI MAKER AND KA`U RESIDENT Kilohana Domingo presents the intricate art of feather work during a lei hulu demonstration tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to a free governor candidate forum Thursday at Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo on Thursday at 6 p.m. Duke Aiona, Mufi Hannemann and Sen. David Ige will participate. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The forum will also be live-streamed at hawaii247.com.
The candidates also debate this evening at 7 p.m. on KHON Channel Two. Email questions to debate@khon2.com.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS CELEBRATES Sweet Memories Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.

For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

A WEEK FROM TODAY, AFTER DARK IN THE PARK presents The Settlement of the Pacific and Hawaiian Origins: A Perspective from Archaeology as part of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s celebration of Hawaiian Archaeology Week.
When Captain James Cook and other European explorers entered the Pacific in the 18th century, they were astounded to find that virtually every single island was already populated by indigenous island cultures. Where had the ancestors of these island people come from, and how did they manage to discover and settle even the most remote islands, including Hawai`i? Over the past century, archaeologists have sought the answers to these questions. Dr. Patrick V. Kirch, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, reviews the history and presents current evidence for the history of human settlement throughout the Pacific.
The one-hour program begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

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 Plantation Days continues its tradition of opening with a parade featuring pa`u riders this Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

COFFEE BERRY BORERS HAVE AN ENEMY that enters cavities they make in coffee cherries and devours CBB eggs and larvae. Researchers at U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center videotaped the activity of square-necked grain beetles using a microscope.

Square-necked grain beetle feeds on coffee berry borer eggs and larvae.

“We’re trying to learn everything we can about it,” entomologist Peter Follett told Bret Yager, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “Whether it will actually have an impact on CBB will require a lot more study. It’s a stored grain pest, so it’s easy to rear in large numbers in cracked corn,” increasing their potential as a biocontrol for CBB.

Cathartus quadricollis is established in Hawai`i and has been found to assist in the control of Tropical Nut Borer on macadamia nut. TNB is a very close relative to CBB and is found in the same genus. They look very much alike. However, CBB is found on coffee, and TNB is found on macadamia nut.

According to the story, the grain beetle is widely distributed.
“We certainly need something to keep the numbers down on CBB,” said Kealakekua coffee grower Bob Nelson. “There’s no silver bullet that’s going to eliminate it. We’d like a number of tools to combat it.”
People are going to ask, ‘what else is it going to do?’” he said. “But it’s already here. That means it’s going to do what it’s going to do anyway.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

THREE HAWAIIAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES presented reasons why residents should vote for them in their opening statements during a debate on KHON yesterday.

Republican Duke Aiona said, “You have two options. You can choose leadership that is part of a system that has throttled businesses, who have created an educational system structure that has produced a poor and under-performing educational system, and who has increased the cost of living yearly. Or you can choose a governor who is committed to, as I stated earlier, creating a business-friendly environment by just getting out of the way of businesses so that they can create jobs that will be affordable, that will present a livable wage for everyone, jobs that will bring other industries in here, an environment that will do that. You will also have a governor that is committed to restructuring the educational system so that we can produce students who are ready for the 21st century knowledge-based economy.”

Independent Mufi Hannemann said, “You are actually trying to hire someone to be the chief executive of the state, and in doing so, please keep in mind that the most recent experience with a Democratic governor and a Democratic Legislature led to a change where Sen. Ige is now the nominee. The most recent experience with a Republican governor and a Democratic Legislature led to partisan gridlock. So in life, when something is not working, try something different. Try something new. Take someone who has executive experience in running the 13th largest city in America, place in his hands the ability to work with both sides as I’ve done throughout my career, work with business and labor, and ultimately do the will of the people. We’re in a status quo. We’re standing still. We’re going backwards. We need to imua and go forward. Les Chang and I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 4.”
Democratic Sen. David Ige said, “As we’ve traveled around the state, I have heard the call. People want a change in leadership. People want a change in leadership style. They want a new leader that can bring our communities together, find common ground and move us forward. This election really is about the future of Hawai`i. It’s about the future that we define together. About the kind of Hawai`i that we want to leave to our children and our children’s children. I am the only candidate here with 35 years of private sector experience. I’m the only candidate here with 29 years of legislative experience. I’m the only candidate here who has balanced the budget, rejected tax increases and made tough decisions to cut the budget. I humbly ask for your vote for Shan Tsutsui and I to lead this state into the next future.”
See khon2.com.
Ka`u residents can see the candidates in person during a forum tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Sangha Hall in Hilo. The forum will also be live-streamed at hawaii247.com.

The Puna lava flow has advanced about 85 yards since yesterday.
Map from Hawai`i County Civil Defense

THIS MORNING'S ASSESSMENT BY COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE of lava moving toward Pahoa showed that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 85 yards since yesterday. The narrow flow front is moving along a tree line, and the burning activity is producing a significant amount of smoke. Smoke conditions in the area were light to moderate with a light trade wind out of the northeast.

See hawaiicounty.com.

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

At right, opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope address dignitaries gathered for
yesterday's aborted groundbreaking and blessing. Photo from Big Island Video News

OPPONENTS OF THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE interrupted yesterday’s planned groundbreaking and blessing. Protesters blocked the access road, keeping dignitaries, including Mayor Billy Kenoi and many from foreign countries, away from the site. They also made their way to the site and succeeded in stopping the ceremony.
One protester asked attendees to “please listen. … This mountain is sacred to us. She protects us. … A lot of us are mixed cultures; we’re not just Hawaiian.”
See video of the events at bigislandvideonews.com.

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

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS IS WELCOMING MORE representatives of ranches, farms and dairies to participate in the annual pa`u parade on horseback, foot, car, truck or float. Frank Lorenzo, Jr., Jesse Lorenzo, Jenny Castenada, John Kalahiki, Dietrich and Tiara Souza, Kiana Kuluwaimaka and La`a Ke, Kirsha Derasin and Lorie Lee Lorenzo are each representing an island on horseback. Horses and riders will be wearing lei.

Rodeo Queen Caliya Silva Kamei will be a pa`u
rider in the parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Leaders in ranches, dairy and sugar will be honored. The Derasins will represent rancher Gabriel Hanoa. Jesse Lorenzo will represent sugar man Stanley Lorenzo, Sr. Frank Lorenzo will represent sugar man Thomas Kailiawa. Keanu Kuluwaimaka will represent sugar man Melvin Kuluwaimaka. Tiana and Dietrich Souza will represent dairyman Ernest Souza, of S&S Dairy.
Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will ride along with Ka`u Roping and Riding Association Rodeo Queen Caliya Silva Kamei.
Ethnic foods and dances will be presented, including Japanese and Filipino offerings. Historic displays from plantation days will be presented by families and heritage groups. Emcee is Clyde Silva.
Participants include Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, Friends of Kahuku Park, Boys and Girls Club, Pahala Filipino Association, Aikane Plantation Coffee, Na`alehu Hongwanji, Pahala Karate Dojo, Wong Yuen Chinese family, Kauaha`ao Church, Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Ka`u Libraries, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Halau Hula O Leionalani, Keoki Kahumoku and the Center for Hawaiian Music Education, `O Ka`u Kakou and several nutrition and health organizations.
Free cell phones will be available for people with low incomes.
The event, sponsored by Ka`u Multicultural Society and chaired by Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka, is this Saturday along the streets of Pahala and on the grounds of the old sugar company manager’s manor – Pahala Plantation House – beginning at 9 a.m.

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

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER an active shooter presentation during an afternoon meeting in Na`alehu on Oct.21. The presentation will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
It is designed to help individuals increase their survivability should they encounter an active shooter or other type of active violent incident.
Police will provide information on previous incidents of mass violence, recent events, best practices for those caught in such situations, law enforcement’s response and how to work together as a community toward prevention. They will also provide additional resources for participants so they can continue their education on this topic, followed by a question-and answer segment.

Petrel monitoring is the purpose of an upcoming
national park flight plan. Photo from Jim Denny

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNOUNCES the following upcoming flight plans for October and November:

Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 9, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. for ungulate surveys in Kahuku between 3,000-ft. and 7,000-ft. elevation; 
Thursday, Oct.16, between 8 a.m. and noon, from the summit of Kilauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft. elevation for petrel monitoring; 
Thursday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Oct. 17 for fountain grass monitoring and control from Ka`aha to the Great Crack along the Southwest Rift Zone of Kilauea; 
Monday, Nov. 3 and Wednesday, Nov. 5 to transport camp supplies from Hilina Pali Road to Kamo`oali`i for fountain grass monitoring and control; 
Tuesday, Nov. 4, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000-ft and 7,000-ft. elevation ;
Monday, Nov. 10, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for mullein surveys on Mauna Loa ;
Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. from the summit of Kilauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft. elevation for petrel monitoring.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

College students who participated in this summer's Wahi Kupuna Internship Program present posters on their research at the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology Conference Sunday. Photos from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

STUDENTS FROM MILOLI`I HIPUU VIRTUAL ACADEMY of Kua o ka La Public Charter School will host the season premiere of PBS Hawai`i’s student news program Hiko No at 7:30 p.m. today.

Miloli`i Hipuu Virtual Academy returns to Hiki No to host the season premier.
Image from PBS

Miloli`i was the site of a training session in March. Teachers and students learned video production and storytelling techniques from Hiki No staff.
This episode is the first in the 2014-2015 school year. It encores on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. Hiko No episodes can also be viewed at www.pbshawaii.org/hikino.

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED in He Lua `Ole Mauna Loa 2014 cohort of Wahi Kupuna Internship Program in Ka`u this past summer present posters of their research Sunday during the 27th annual Society for Hawaiian Archaeology Conference at University of Hilo. The students also presented their research at a ho`ike at Pahala Plantation House in August.

Polani Kahakalau said she chose to study Wai`ohinu because of her connections to water. She told about various stories of how the ahupa`a got its name, which she translated as Shiny Water. She expressed her gratitude to those she interviewed, saying, “They all shared their mana`o.” Her goals were “to gather information through historical research, various mo`olelo, archaeological surveys and ethnographic interviews in order to compile a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this very precious resources in an area that is not usually associated with the wealth of water,” the conference program stated.

Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students explored Ka`u mauka to makai.

Hattie Gerrish gave a history of land uses at Ka`alu`alu Bay, from a fishing village that extended inland with a natural harbor, marine resources and fresh water resources, to a stop for steamships traveling to and from Hilo, to a cattle ranch. She said the area’s history “could disappear into the a`a, but some is in the minds of the people” and government records. “I am trying to bring it together. In the doing is the learning.” In the conference program, Gerrish said, “The story of Ka`alu`alu … lies scattered throughout the historical and archaeological records, oral history and the recollections of families with connections to the site.”
Lyle Auld focused on Hilea ahupua`a. His research from Kawa to Ka`iholena included heiau on and near Makanau. He said Ka`u was known as the “land of rebels” because of residents characterized as only taking so much from abusive leaders. “Visiting these cultural sites with our hosts, and being at these wahi pana to see them with my own eyes was priceless,” Auld said in the program. “These experiences have given me more understanding and respect about our Hawaiian ancestors and have strengthened my piko to this `aina of Ka`u.

Lesley Kehau Puou, of O`ahu, discussed Punalu`u and said coming to Ka`u was “far beyond what I imagined. In walking the cobblestones (of Ala Kahakai Trail), I felt like a little kid because I know that my ancestors built it, and I am a product of them, and that makes me proud.” She said her visit reinforced her desire to “protect, preserve and perpetuate” Hawaiian history and culture. “This shoreline functioned as a thriving community, which provided its people with rich food sources to sustain them physically and religious structures to sustain them spiritually,” she said in the program.
More information and registration for the conference, which begins tomorrow, is available at hawaiianarchaeology.org.

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

Lava is projected to take the path of steepest descent, shown by a dotted blue line,
through Pahoa. Map from USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS report that lava flow activity heading toward Pahoa “remains relatively slow and steady. Lava continues to move through the tube from Pu`u `O`o, delivering lava to the flow front. An HVO overflight on Wednesday observed scattered breakouts along the edges and surface of the flow, mostly within one mile of the front. The front was .9 miles from Apa`a St. and 1.6 miles) from Pahoa Village Road, measured in a straight line.

“Based on this morning’s Civil Defense overflight, the leading edge of the flow had advanced 65 yards to the northeast since yesterday.”

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

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD AND SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ will attend a community update meeting in Pahoa today with Mayor Billy Kenoi and representatives from Hawa`i County Civil Defense, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Departments of Transportation, Health and Public Works. The weekly meetings keep community members engaged with state, local and federal partners who work toward solutions for people’s safety and security during times of emergency.

Gabbard has been working with Schatz to persuade federal officials to rebuild lava-covered portions of Chain of Craters Road as a two-lane route out of Hawai`i Island’s lower Puna District in anticipation of the Kilauea lava flow cutting off access to major roadways this month.
Tomorrow, Gabbard will meet with Hawai`i County Civil Defense officials to discuss the status of the Chain of Craters Road project, receive a fly-over helicopter tour of the lava flow’s progress and projected path toward Pahoa Town and, to ensure the public’s safety, take a look at all possible routes out of the district – Hwy 130, Railroad Avenue, Old Government Road and Chain of Craters Road.

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

KA`U MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY HAS ANNOUNCED the entertainment lineup for Ka`u Plantation Days this Saturday.
Hannah’s Makana `Ohana kupuna group, under the direction of Hannah Uribes, performs at 10 a.m. They meet on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. at St. Jude’s Church and Friday evenings at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
International Karate League, Pahala Dojo, under the direction of Sensei Clifford Field and wife Susan Field, take the stage at 10:30 a.m. The IKL is officially registered in Japan and operates as a nonprofit. Sensei Field has been teaching since 2000. He and Susan started in karate in 1986. Their school is headquartered on O`ahu and has over 25 dojos throughout the islands and numerous states on the mainland. The Big Island has 10 dojos. Pahala Dojo meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at the community center and has year-round open enrollment for ages 5 and up.
Kupuna `O Pahala, who studied under the late and great Edna Aguil, perform at 11 a.m. They continue to dance to perpetuate Aunty Edna’s life and legacy.
Keoki Kahumoku and gang are scheduled at 11:15 a.m.
At 11:45 a.m. South Side Serenaders Elijah Navarro, Terrie Louis and Ti Chun are featured. The friends from Pahala started out in Terrie’s backyard and enjoy harmonizing. They call their style “Nahenahe” and enjoy singing in falsetto to bring back the nostalgia of Old Hawaiian Music. For booking inquiries, contact Navarro at e38navarro@gmail.com.
Halau Hula O Leionalani, under the direction of Kumu hula Debbie Ryder, dances at 12:30 p.m.
Wrapping up the day’s entertainment at 1:15 p.m. is Keaiwa with Demetrius Oliveira and Eugene Beck.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO JOIN Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes Park for a Sunday Walk in the Park on Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of FHVNP to share in the park’s trails.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explore the summit area Sunday.
Photo from NPS

Led by wildlife biologist Dr. Thane Pratt, this month’s 3.5-mile round-trip walk explores the summit area of the park. Participants hike through rain forest rich with native plant and bird life, watch volcanism in action at Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff, plus smell the volcanic gases and see the multi-colored mineral deposits at Sulphur Banks.
Along the way are great views of Mauna Loa, Pele’s home at Halema`uma`u Crater and Kilauea Caldera, one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
Starting and ending at the Kilauea Visitor Center, the walk follows Crater Rim Trail to Byron Ledge Trail, Halema`uma`u Trail, `Iliahi Trail and Sulphur Banks Trail.
The experience is rated easy to moderate, with a total of 3.5 miles of hiking and descents/ascents of 400 feet. Be prepared for the base 4,000-foot elevation as well as for variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly, and/or rainy.
The walk is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit organization in order to attend. Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families, and come with a variety of benefits.
To register, call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.
For more information, see www.fhvnp.org. 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/Direectory2015.swf.

If Ka`u High Trojans beat the Kohala Cowboys tomorrow during the final regular-season game, they will be BIIF eight-man football team champions. They opened the season with a home-game win playing Cowboys Aug. 30.
Photo by Cheyenne Dacalio, Ka`u High Journalism Intern

WHILE HAWAI`I NEWSNOW REPORTED this morning that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said the National Park Service has agreed to have the Kalapana-to-Ka`u route, Chain of Craters Road, rebuilt as a two-lane road, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane told The Ka`u Calendar, “A lot has to happen for the 28-foot road to happen; right now we have approval for an 18-foot road,” which would accommodate only one lane.
According to Hawai`i News Now, Gabbard said officials told her this morning that “due to new information related to design, construction and anticipated use, they were re-evaluating the road layout and dimensions. Gabbard reports they said they understood the purpose of the road had changed from short-term evacuation to longer-term recurring use and access for a fewer numbers of vehicles than previously anticipated.

Officials continue to work out details on reopening Chain of Craters Road.
Photo from NPS

“Gabbard says as a result, NPS agreed to complete a new environmental analysis to reestablish the Chain of Craters Road to its original alignment width of 22 feet with a gravel surface. According to Gabbard, park officials feel their revised proposal and purpose will still qualify under the Emergency Action criteria that cleared the way for the road to re-open.
Officials say the updated design will be consistent with the width of the existing park roadway segment, and will accommodate two-way traffic along its entire length.”
Ferracane said park Superintendent Cindy Orlando is meeting with Sen. Brian Schatz this morning and Sen. Mazie Hirono this afternoon to discuss the project. During a community meeting with Puna residents yesterday, Schatz and Gabbard said a two-lane road is necessary.
See hawaiinewsnow.com.

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

FOUR NATIVE HAWAIIAN SCHOLARS HAVE BEEN selected as 2014-2015 Mellon-Hawai`i Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows to pursue original research and advance their academic careers. Mellon fellows gather at Pahala Plantation House annually to share their research.
The Mellon-Hawai`i Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, now in its seventh year, recognizes and supports the work of Native Hawaiian academics early in their careers and others who are committed to the advancement of knowledge about the Hawaiian natural and cultural environment, Hawaiian history, politics and society.
The program provides a stipend and mentoring to enable doctoral fellows to complete their dissertations before accepting their first academic posts and postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to publish original research early in their academic careers.
Doctoral Fellow Noelani Puniwai, Ph.D. candidate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Management program at University of Hawai`i at Manoa, evaluates how and why different ocean user groups socially construct and delineate marine space just as coastal areas are ecologically delineated through definitions of functional space.
Doctoral Fellow Liza Keanuenueokalani Williams, Ph.D. candidate in the American Studies Department at New York University, focuses on ways that tourism, the military and the prison industrial complex shape cultural politics for Kanaka Maoli both historically and in the contemporary moment.

Matthew Hamabata Photo from
The Kohala Center

Postdoctoral Fellow Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Environmental Research, Stanford University, examines combining traditional and modern knowledge of land management to evaluate corporate and policy decisions from a social utility, rather than an economic, basis.
Postdoctoral Fellow Rebecca Ilima Luning, Ph.D., Cultural and Educational Specialist in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa and the Project Coordinator of the Mohala Na Pua Program at the Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence, researches Hawaiian ethnotheory of learning through analyzing Hawaiian cultural practitioners’ and classroom educators’ teaching philosophies, cultural goals, values, and purposes of learning in a modern Hawaiian context.
“Over the years we have been impressed by the thoughtfulness and relevance of the topics that the Mellon-Hawai`i Fellows have chosen to engage in their advanced studies and academic publishing,” said Dr. Matthew M. Hamabata, president and chief executive office of The Kohala Center. “The seventh cohort is certainly no exception. In covering issues such as contemporary Hawaiian pedagogy, land and natural resource management and the commodification of Native Hawaiian culture, land and people, this year’s fellows are addressing some of the most critical topics in Hawai`i today. They, and the fellows before them, are Hawai`i’s emerging intellectual leaders who will help chart a course for our islands’ future.”
Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 Mellon-Hawai`i Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Application materials and more information about the program are available online at www.MellonHawaii.org or by calling The Kohala Center at 887-6411.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 27, 2015.
See www.kohalacenter.org.

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

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE OVER $3.5 million in grant awards for the UH Sea Grant College Program and for Asia-Pacific research and scholarships. The UH Sea Grant College Program has received more than $1.6 million in federal support from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for research and programming to understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs and oceans, groundwater and other impacts on the Hawaiian Islands. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded nearly $1.9 million for UH research on activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region and to support language study and travel grants.

“Investments in the University of Hawai`i’s research and programming are integral to giving students more opportunities, gaining valuable insights into the challenges facing our communities and fostering better engagement in the broader world,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “It is important that we maintain healthy coral reefs and water sources and gain as much insight as possible into the effects of climate change. With the U.S. government’s ongoing rebalance to the Pacific, it is important that American students, diplomats and policy makers have a working understanding of Asia-Pacific countries and cultures. The awards announced today will help the University of Hawai`i conduct research and provide programming to achieve these important goals.”

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

IF KA`U HIGH WINS THEIR EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL GAME in Kohala tomorrow, Trojans will win the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship, Athletic Director Kalei Namohala said. At their previous game against Kohala this season on Aug. 30, the Trojans won 34-12.

The Trojans’ record so far this year is five wins and one loss. Other winning scores were 58-22 against Pahoa Oct. 4, 32-24 against Kamehameha Sept. 26, 62-0 against Pahoa Sept. 12 and 34-12 against Kohala Aug. 30.
The Trojans’ only loss was 40-61 at Seabury Hall on Maui Sept. 5.
Tomorrow’s game in Kohala begins at 2 p.m.

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

IN OTHER KA`U HIGH SPORTS, girls varsity volleyball won their match playing Laupahoehoe Wednesday. Scores were 25-5, 25-11 and 25-10. They play Pahoa for the final game of their regular season at home today at 6 p.m. BIIF Division II championship first round is Tuesday.
Boys and girls cross-country runners go to Kamehameha for the final meet of the regular season tomorrow at 10 a.m. The state tournament is Friday, Oct. 31.

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

Ipu art by Susan Jennings, winner of The Directory 2014
Art Show, will be on display during Ka`u
Plantation Days. Photo by Ron Johnson

TOMORROW IS KA`U PLANTATION DAYS. Festivities begin with a Pa`u Parade featuring lei-wearing horses and riders, cane trucks, classic vehicles, students and musical, cultural and agricultural groups starting at 9 a.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. The parade turns left on Pikake, right on Huapala, right on Maile, left on Old Mill Road and right on the old cane road to head back to the clubhouse.

Pahala Plantation House grounds feature ethnic history, displays, music, dance and food, with entertainment until 3 p.m.

KUMU HULA PELEHONUAMEA AND KEKOA HARMAN with Halau I ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana present Na Mea Hula on the gallery porch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

KA`U LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION DEADLINE is a week from today on Friday, Oct 17. Ka`u Rural Health Association in Pāhala hosts the free clinic for low-income residents Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 313-8210 to qualify and reserve a spot.

ALSO NEXT FRIDAY, KA`U CHAPTER of Hawai`i Farmers Union United hosts guest speaker Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., who will discuss how to bring produce to market. Datta runs a farm in South Kona that distributes produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model. He grows kale, watermelon, radishes, Swiss chard, fennel, asparagus, spearmint, opal basil, edible flowers and more. He also distributes produce from other farmers to 70 hotels and restaurants statewide.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory.swf.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva and Fourth of July Rodeo Queen Caliya Silva Kamei ride in the pa`u parade at Ka`u Plantation Days.
Photo by Julia Neal

CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD WILL BE REBUILT WITH TWO LANES. After weeks of collaboration between county, state and federal officials, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Mayor Billy Kenoi announced that the National Parks Service intends to reestablish the Kalapana-Ka`u route to its original alignment width of 22 feet with a gravel surface, which will be consistent with the width of the existing park roadway segment and will accommodate two-way traffic along its entire length. This announcement comes at a critical time, as the tip of the lava flow is less than a mile from Pahoa.

Horses and riders are bedecked with colorful lei. Photo by Julia Neal

Schatz and Gabbard have been working with Kenoi to persuade federal officials to rebuild lava-covered portions of the road as a two-lane route out of Hawai`i Island’s lower Puna District in anticipation of the Kilauea lava flow cutting off access to major roadways this month.

Schatz visited Chain of Craters Road to meet with NPS Superintendent Cindy Orlando and saw first-hand the bulldozer work being done to clear the access road. Gabbard went on a helicopter with Hawai`i County officials and got a close look at the Kilauea lava vent, the path toward Pahoa that the lava has flowed, all access roads in and out of Puna, to include the active bulldoze clearing ongoing on the county’s portion of Chain of Craters Road.

“This is a win for Puna residents who need access to the rest of the Big Island, and it was a great team effort,” Schatz said. “I want to thank Mayor Kenoi, Rep. Gabbard and all of the federal, state and county agencies for completing a difficult negotiation. Our work isn’t done, but this is an important first step.

Pa`u riders honored ancestors. Photo by Julia Neal

“The people of Puna have faced great uncertainty and difficulty over the last several weeks, first with back to back hurricanes and tropical storms, followed by Kilauea’s lava flow. Ensuring that Chain of Craters Road is rebuilt as soon as possible and that two-way access is available to the people of Puna now and in the future is absolutely critical,” said Gabbard. “Mayor Kenoi’s strong leadership, collaboration with Sen. Schatz and quick action by the community and local leaders proved essential to bringing about this outcome, to enable Puna residents to make their own plans accordingly.”
“We are all very grateful to Sen. Schatz, Rep. Gabbard and the entire Hawai`i delegation for their efforts on behalf of Lower Puna,” Kenoi said. “The two-lane, reconstructed Chain of Craters Road will be a lifeline for thousands of our residents, and is essential for the safety and well-being of our working families and our entire community.”
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported this morning that the leading edge of the flow has advanced 65 yards per day to the northeast over the past two days. Active breakouts were observed at the flow front and continue along the tube system upslope from the leading edge of the flow.

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

KA`U RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO QUICKLY GAIN specialized education and increase their employability are invited to attend informational events hosted by Hawai`i Community College. Hawai`i CC cafeteria at 200 West Kawili Street in Hilo is the site of one event on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Another takes place at West Hawai`i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg A in Kona on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Keiki, horses and handlers march in Ka`u Plantation Days pa`u parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

The events will highlight Hawai`i CC’s new online, accelerated certificate programs designed to increase students’ skills while accommodating their schedules and locations. The classes are conducted using an online format or a mix of online classes with hands-on fieldwork.
The new certificate programs being offered include business certificates in Business Foundations, Business Essentials, Retail Foundations, Entrepreneurship and Virtual Office Assistant.
Sustainable construction certificates are being offered in Sustainable Construction Technologies as well as Sustainable Lot Design, Preparation & Development.
Students will also receive support services that include tutoring, academic counseling, internships and job development and transcript evaluation/Prior Learning Assessment, which allows adults to earn credit for work knowledge and experience.

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

FRED FOGEL, LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE for state House District Three, gave his views on issues and answered questions posed by Civil Beat.
The first question was, “Why are you running for the Hawai`i Legislature?”

Pa`u riders honor Ka`u history. Photo by Julia Neal

“Incumbent politicians need challengers,” Fogel answered. “Voters need a choice at the polls — someone without political career ambition. Someone who is willing to make the necessary, systemic governmental changes to better serve the people. Government is like a pyramid with the small federal oversight at the top, larger state government below, county governments beneath that, and the people as the broad foundation. Today that pyramid is upside down, with an overreaching federal government at the top and correspondingly less power until you reach the people at the tip. We must right this pyramid before it collapses. To continue the analogy, the trees of freedom planted by our forefathers are losing their leaves. The fruit from these trees must be replanted in the still fertile ground before the trees whither and die. Hopefully through careful attention and nurturing over the decades to come, the fruit from these trees will once again feed the hopes and dreams of all who desire to improve their lives.”

Fogel answered questions regarding the state’s unfunded liabilities, homelessness, genetically modified food and pesticides, Hawai`i’s cost of living, energy, public records, the public school system, the economy and environmental resources.

Pa`u riders represent various Hawaiian islands. Photo by Julia Neal

Fogel said his “primary goal in representing the people is to implement fundamental changes to they way government operates — the result being government that serves the people better at the lower cost of the taxpayer. In simple terms the people will get more bang for their buck. This can be done by creating an environment where the people have more freedom to pursue their dreams and enjoy the benefits of their efforts. The resulting growth in the economy and business environment will support generations to come through better job opportunities. This can only be achieved with a coalition of like-minded politicians working together. It will not be easy, given the pressures of special interests (internal and external) and procedural rules allowing committee chairs to table proposals without hearing, gut bills to change original intent or insert items that do not pertain to the purpose of the bill. However, persistence will prevail. Eventually lawmakers will come around to doing the right thing.”
See civilbeat.com.

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

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS CELEBRATED Sweet Memories in Pahala today, with a pa`u parade on Maile and Pikake Streets and entertainment, ethnic food, dance and history displays at Pahala Plantation House.

PATTY JOHNSON PRESENTS MEDICINE FOR THE MIND tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The free Buddhist healing meditation for beginners through advanced takes place the second Sunday of each month.
For more information, call 985-7470.

A decorated cane truck leads the Ka`u Plantation Days parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

A WEEK FROM TODAY, FAMILIES ARE INVITED to celebrate International Archaeology Day with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park archaeologists and cultural practitioners who will share Hawaiian culture through its cultural treasures. Fun, hands-on, keiki-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. include shoebox excavations (dig in and excavate your own archaeological site with a friend); a stone tool-making demonstration with master stone-tool artist Tom Pico; pono petroglyph rubbings (without damaging real-life petroglyphs) and Lapita pottery impressions, where keiki can trace the Polynesian migration through pottery shards the ancients left behind and create their own ceramic tile to take home. In addition, the short film Pacific Clues: Footprints in Lava, hosted by park archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura, reveals the story of ancient footprints in the Ka`u Desert and will be shown in Kilauea Visitor Center throughout the day.
At the end of the day, visit the future home of the park’s new cultural museum at the 1932 Administration Building. At this final station, keiki can take the pledge and earn their Junior Archaeology Ranger patch. Each junior ranger will receive the new Archeology in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park children’s booklet.
The 1932 Administration Building, also known as the `Ohi`a Wing, is between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.

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 are BIIF inaugural eight-man football champions following their win in Kohala yesterday. Photo from Facebook

KA`U HIGH TROJANS ARE INAUGURAL CHAMPIONS in Big Island Interscholastic Federation eight-man football after their win in Kohala yesterday. With a final score of 62-36, the team finished the season with six wins and one pre-season loss.

Kupuna who studied under the late Edna Aguil continue their hula tradition
at Ka`u Plantation Days yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

Trojans dominated every quarter yesterday. Three touchdowns and two extra points brought the first-quarter score to 20-14. Cy Tamura scored two of the touchdowns with runs of three and 43 yards.
Kupono Palakiko-Leffew took the ball one yard into the end zone for the first touchdown of the second quarter. Two minutes later, Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee carried the ball into the end zone for another six points, followed by a two-point conversion by Tamura. With a minute left in the first half, Palakiko-Leffew ran 18 yards for a touchdown, and Tamura scored another two points. Halftime score was 42-22.
In the third quarter, Tamura made a 43-yard touchdown pass to Emmsley-Ah Yee. Kainalu Ke made an interception and returned 27 yards for another touchdown. Two extra points by Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel brought the third-quarter score to 56-22.

A drummer joins Keoki Kahumoku & the `Ukulele Kids. Photo by Julia Neal

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Jordan DeRamos ran the ball 13 yards for the final Trojan touchdown of the game and the season.
Before their game, the champs attended Ka`u girls varsity volleyball team’s final match of the regular season at Parker, where the Trojans won in three straight sets. Scores were 25-7, 25-11 and 25-16.

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

A RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED by Hawai`i County Council Wednesday urges the Board of Water Supply to authorize acquisition of land required for development of Ocean View Well Number Two, a reservoir, support facilities and water main to connect with Ocean View Well Number One in its five-year plan. It also authorizes the Department of Water Supply to engineer and construct a second well and all accessory facilities.

Kupuna of Hannah's Makana `Ohana perform at Ka`u Plantation Days.
Photo by Julia Neal

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

Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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

REP. RICHARD ONISHI, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE for state House District Three, gave his views on issues and answered questions posed by Civil Beat.
The first question was, “Why are you running for the Hawai`i Legislature?”
“I am running for re-election to a second term to represent the House of Representatives Third District because I believe that there is still more that I can do to fulfill the vision for our Third District communities that I pledged to support in my initial campaign in 2012,” Onishi replied. “That vision was for our communities to be safe, healthy, economically viable and sustainable. I feel that I have worked hard to accomplish this vision through my record of legislation introduced, issues supported, and the securing of funds for projects within the Third District. However, there are still more issues to address and projects that require funding. I believe that I can make it happen as the Third District’s state representative.”

Organizer Darlyne Vierra, at right, with supporters.
Photo by Julia Neal

Onishi answered questions regarding the state’s unfunded liabilities, homelessness, genetically modified food and pesticides, Hawai`i’s cost of living, energy, public records, the public school system, the economy, environmental resources and health care.
Regarding health care, Onishi said Hawai`i Health System Corporation, the state’s medical services safety net in rural communities, faces financial and administrative issues at the corporate level and in all five regions. “State support for the system is critical to the continuation of medical care, but the question of what level of care the system is required to provide has not been fully established and has to be determined by all of the stakeholders of the system.
“The lack of primary care family physicians is at a critical point in Hawai`i as well as across the U.S. The development of the Hilo Medical Center’s Rural Primary Care Physician Training Program is very crucial throughout the state, especially in our rural communities. This program must have continued state support to solidify and establish itself. Once the program is established, it will then be able to receive federal physician training funds.
See civilbeat.com.

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

INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN LOW-INCOME neighborhoods in Hawai`i experience higher barriers to the adoption of healthier behaviors, according to research by Dr. Vanessa Buchthal, of University of Hawai`i-Manoa’s Office of Public Health.
Also, patterns of change in obesity-related behaviors suggest that disparities may be increasing between low-income and moderate/high-income Hawai`i residents.

Members of Pahala Dojo share their karate skills. Photo by Julia Neal

“In 2001, the percentage of Hawai`i residents consuming the recommended two fruits and three vegetables per day was 12.8 percent among middle/upper income Hawai`i residents, 12.2 percent among low-income Hawai`i residents and 10.9 percent among those in poverty,” Buchthal reported in the October issue of Hawai`i Journal of Medicine & Public Health. “By 2009, consumption of the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables increased modestly among moderate/upper-income individuals (15.3 percent) while remaining nearly flat among low-income individuals (12.7 percent). Those living in poverty (13.7 percent) surpassed the low-income group, but still lagged several percentage points behind moderate/high income Hawai`i residents.

Kumu hula Debbie Ryder dances in from of spectators and members of her halau.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Similar results can be seen for physical activity. In 2001 there was no appreciable difference in the percentage meeting physical activity recommendations among moderate/upper income (52.9 percent) and low-income (51.6 percent) Hawai`i residents. Those in poverty (45.2 percent) had the lowest percentage of individuals meeting physical activity recommendations. Between 2001-2009, the moderate/upper income group showed steady improvement over time (55.1 percent), while the percentage meeting recommendations among the low-income group (51.5 percent) remained unchanged. Those in poverty (49.7 percent) caught up to the low-income group, but lagged substantially behind the middle/ upper-income group.

Ka`u Plantation Days emcee Clyde Silva Photo by Julia Neal

“We cannot assume that campaigns, programs, and policy/environmental interventions aimed at improving obesity outcomes in the general population are benefitting low-income households, unless these interventions include components that address the specific needs and barriers within low-income communities. The additional barriers and needs of low-income households should not be relegated to a subset of ‘low-income’ projects, but rather need to be integrated into the planning of physical activity and nutrition campaigns overall. The first element, however, is awareness – recognition of poverty as not just a demographic variable, but as a driving force in health disparities, and awareness of the potential for an emerging gap in physical activity and nutrition outcomes between lower-income Hawai`i residents and the rest of our state. We cannot progress, either as a state or as a nation, towards reaching the Healthy People 2020 goals if our obesity-prevention efforts are not reaching those most at-risk for lifestyle-related chronic disease, disability and death,” Buchthal concluded
See hjmph.org.

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

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS in Pahala yesterday featured a lineup of entertainment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While the sun was shining all day, performers and spectators were protected by the shade of massive banyan trees at Pahala Plantation House.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO TUESDAY'S MEETING of the Ka`u Community Development Plan Steering Committee at 8:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Committee members will discuss the first comprehensive draft of the CDP, which was developed by the CDP Planning Team, including consultants and county planners. It has not yet been reviewed by the Ka`u CDP Steering Committee or other community stakeholders. It is presented as an initial working draft for discussion and improvement.
When the Steering Committee thinks the CDP is ready for full community review, then the broader community and stakeholders will have a thorough opportunity for review and recommendations. Only after the Steering Committee is satisfied that the CDP truly reflects community preferences will it recommend that the CDP be adopted by the County Council.
The meeting will include presentations, questions from members and short activities to assess members' understanding of the draft. Planner Ron Whitmore anticipates that this meeting will recess in the late afternoon and continue on Oct. 28, Nov. 15 and Dec. 13.
Working draft CDP materials will be available at the conclusion of the Oct. 14 portion of the meeting. They will also be available at kaucdp.info, community centers and libraries by Wednesday.
For more information, contact Whitmore at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

THE SETTLEMENT OF THE PACIFIC AND HAWAIIAN ORIGINS: A Perspective from Archaeology is the title of Tuesday’s After Dark in the Park program. When Captain James Cook and other European explorers entered the Pacific in the 18th century, they were astounded to find that virtually every single island was already populated by indigenous island cultures. Where had the ancestors of these island people come from, and how did they manage to discover and settle even the most remote islands, including Hawai`i? Over the past century, archaeologists have sought the answers to these questions. Dr. Patrick V. Kirch, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, reviews the history and presents current evidence for the history of human settlement throughout the Pacific.

South Side Serenaders, from left, are Ti Chun, Elijah Navarro and Terrie Louis.
Photo by Julia Neal

The free program takes place Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK commemorates Hawaiian Archaeology Week with 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, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16, 17 and 18.
The hikes are free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

John Cross shares plantation memorabilia in the Pahala Plantation House dining room during Ka`u Plantation Days. Photo by Julia Neal

A MAGNITUDE-4.0 EARTHQUAKE STRUCK seven miles north of Na`alehu at 6:43 p.m. yesterday. According to Wes Thelen, HVO’s Seismic Network Manager, this earthquake was at a depth of 3.4 miles. A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes/.

Yesterday's 4.0-magnitude earthquake was between Na`alehu
and Pahala. Map from USGS/HVO

The earthquake was felt on the south part of the island. The USGS “Did you feel it?” website at earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi received around 20 felt reports, mostly from the Na`alehu area, within an hour of the earthquake. Only weak shaking (Intensity III) has been reported around the epicenter. At these shaking intensities, damage to buildings or structures is not expected.
No aftershocks had been recorded as of 9:30 p.m. last night.
Over the past 50 years, the area north of Na`alehu has experienced eight earthquakes, including yesterday’s event, with magnitudes greater than 4.0 and at depths of zero to 6.2 miles.
The earthquake caused no detectable changes in Kilauea Volcano’s ongoing eruption or on Mauna Loa and other active volcanoes on the island.
This event is a reminder for Hawai`i residents to be prepared for earthquakes. The second annual Great Hawai`i Shakeout, scheduled for 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, is an opportunity for people throughout the state to practice “Drop! Cover! Hold On!” — actions that are proven to reduce injury in an earthquake. For details, see shakeout.org/hawaii.
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i and eruption updates, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

The Puna lava flow is now almost one-half mile from Pahoa's transfer station.
Photo from USGS/HVO

LAVA IS JUST OVER ONE-HALF MILE from the Pahoa transfer station as of this morning. Hawai`i County Civil Defense reports that the flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 75 yards since yesterday, moving northeast.

All burning activity is limited to vegetation that is in direct contact with the flow, and there is no brush fire threat at this time. Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy this morning in the Ka`ohe Homesteads area due to a light northeast wind.
The public is reminded that the flow is not visible and cannot be accessed from any public areas. Access to Ka`ohe Homesteads subdivision remains restricted to area residents only.

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

CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT THREE gave their views on labeling of genetically engineered food and pesticide regulation when they answered questions posed by Civil Beat. Are these public safety issues, or are the dangers exaggerated?

Walter Wong Yuen, Jr. shares history, culture and traditions of Chinese in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

“I believe that these issues are for the federal government to decide upon based on reliably verified scientific research on the affects on human health and the environment,” said incumbent Democratic Rep. Richard Onishi. “The federal government has the systems and resources in place to evaluate the volumes of information, require the cooperation and participation of the private and public sectors and to mandate regulations and rules that apply to all government agencies and states. Neither the state nor the counties have these systems in place or the resources necessary to fully evaluate the scientific research in this area to make the determination on these issues. The state of Hawai`i is one of the smaller state economies in relation to the consumption of food and the use of pesticides, and it would be difficult to mandate the private sector to comply with regulations and rules that would only apply in Hawai`i. Stricter regulations may cause these private companies to decide to just not do business in Hawai`i instead of having to meet more rigorous and potentially more costly regulations which would be specifically mandated only in Hawai`i. Also, these decisions need to be evaluated on what the effects would be on our farmers, on our ability to produce food in Hawai`i, on the cost of food and on our ability to become more food sustainable.”

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u had Hawaiian games and crafts.
Photo by Julia Neal

Libertarian candidate Fred Fogel said, “An easy and effective start would be labeling all produce to give people an informed choice at the point of purchase. Growers know if their produce is GMO. However, requiring the manufacturers of processed foods to label GMO foods should happen at the federal level. (Unfortunately, given today’s political climate and the relatively long time it took years ago to standardize the present food info labels, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.) If the state requires such labeling, we might find ourselves with a reduced selection of processed foods. Of course ‘every cloud has a silver lining,’ and the unavailability of processed foods might steer people toward more ‘real food,’ in turn supporting local agriculture. Eventually, all food products should be labeled for GMO, thereby giving the consumer a complete choice at the point of purchase.
“As far as the ‘public safety issue,’ present laws regarding GMO and the use of pesticides are adequate. However, I believe the counties should have more say than the state or the federal government on all issues, not just pesticides and GMO. The present philosophy of federal law ‘trumping’ state law and state law trumping county law is exactly opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. If the people (and associated government) in a specific county want to regulate, ban or legalize something, they should be able to trump higher-level governments. Of course this philosophy would apply to everything and include things like education, health care, transportation, alternative energy, gambling, prostitution and cannabis. If people have ‘home rules’ in the areas of pesticides and GMO, they should have home rule for everything.”
See civilbeat.com.

Ka`u High School sold T-shirts to raise funds. Photo by Julia Neal

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

CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER is monitoring a tropical depression located 930 miles east-southeast of South Point. The system is expected to become a tropical storm. If it does, it will have the Hawaiian name Ana.
Information is available at prh.noaa.gov/cphc.

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

THE ARC OF KONA HAS JOBS AVAILABLE to support individuals with disabilities and is hiring in Ocean View, Na`alehu, and Pahala. Contact Yvonne at 323-2626.

BOOTHS AT KA`U PLANTATION DAYS celebration on Sunday at Pahala Plantation House offered everything from history to health, from food and drinks to fun and games and from crafts to fundraisers.

Ka`u CDP Steering Committee meets tomorrow to discuss the document's
first comprehensive draft.

THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE DRAFT of the Ka`u Community Development Plan will be presented to the CDP Steering Committee tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited to the meeting, which will include presentations, questions from members and short activities to assess committee members’ understanding of the draft.

Working draft CDP materials will be available at the conclusion of the meeting. They will also be available at kaucdp.info, community centers and libraries by Wednesday.
For more information, contact Whitmore at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

AT TOMORROW’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program, Dr. Patrick V. Kirch, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at University of California, Berkeley, reviews the history and presents current evidence for the history of human settlement throughout the Pacific.
The free program takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply.

Francine Weller displays her crochet work. Photo by Julia Neal

AUDITIONS FOR GIAN CARLO MENOTTI’S classic tale Amahl and the Night Visitors take place next week on Monday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 22. The auditions will be held at Kilauea Militiary Camp’s Kilauea Theater at 6:30 p.m. Performances are scheduled for Dec. 26, 27 and 28 and Jan. 2, 3 and 4. The show is directed by Suzi Bond, with Christopher Tomich as musical director and Pam James as choreographer. Armando Mendoza will conduct the orchestra. The show was the debut production of Hallmark Hall of Fame in Dec. 1951.
Parts available for the show are Amahl, a crippled boy of about 12, his mother, the Three Kings Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, a page and a chorus of shepherds and dancers.
Amahl, a shepherd, tries to tell his mother about an enormous star with a long tail. His mother grows angrier when Amahl tells her that a knock at the door is three kings come to visit them. The kings enter and tell them that they have come to find a king. Amahl’s mother tries to steal some of the kings’ gold to use to help her child. She is caught, and when the kings offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, she returns it. Amahl offers his staff as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.
For more information about the auditions, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.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.

A Ka`u resident captured this image of October snow and skies following yesterday's stormy weather during a trip to Kona.
Photo by Richard Taylor

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS PARADE on Saturday featured pa`u riders and their horses representing Hawai`i’s islands and honoring ancestors.

Alison and Tyler Helbush represented Ni`ihau and honored Gilbert Searle, Alison Helbush’s great grand uncle and Tyler Helbush’s grand uncle.

Keana Kuluwaimaka and La`akea Ke represent Kaua`i
in Ka`u Plantation Days parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Keana Kuluwaimaka and La`akea Ke represented Kaua`i and honored Melvin Kuluwaimaka, Kuluwaimaka’s grand uncle who worked on the plantation under Mr. Hamada in Na`alehu.
Katie Helbush and Solomon Singer represented O`ahu and honored Eddie Searle, Helbush’s great, great grandfather.
Raylyne Walker and Frank Lorenzo, Jr. represented Moloka`i and honored Joseph Martinez Gouveia, Walker’s ancestor who was a mechanic in Na`alehu.
Teani Souza and her riding partner represented Lana`i.
Lorilee Lorenzo and her cousin John Kalahiki represented Kaho`olawe and honored Thomas Kailiawa, Sr., their great grandfather who was a welder for the plantation.
Kercia Hanoa-Derisan’s and her riding partner represented Maui and honored Kainoa Hanoa, Hanoa-Derisan’s great grandfather who was a cowboy.
Jenny Castenada and Jesse Lorenzo represented Hawai`i and honored Stanley Lorenzo, Sr., Lorenzo’s grandfather who was raised as a paniolo, drove a sugar truck for the plantation and retired from county Parks & Recreation Department.

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

Tropical Storm Ana is expected to be a hurricane when it
reaches Hawai`i. Map from CPHS

TROPICAL STORM ANA IS STRENGTHENING and expected to become a hurricane tomorrow. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the storm will still have hurricane-strength winds when it gets to Hawai`i Island on Saturday. At 11 a.m. today, the center the storm was moving toward the west-northwest at a speed of near eight miles per hour, and this general motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center.
See www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc.

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

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY REPORTED that the flow front moving toward Pahoa has advanced downslope about 240 yards since Oct. 10, with an average advance rate of approximately 80 yards per day since Oct. 6.

Alison and Tyler Helbush represent Ni`ihau. Photo by Julia Neal

Active breakouts were scattered along the leading 1.3 miles of the flow, midway along the length of the flow where lava first entered the crack system and along the flow between these two main areas of activity. This morning’s Civil Defense overflight observed that the flow has advanced 45 yards toward the northeast since yesterday. Vegetation in direct contact with the flow is burning. The next HVO over flight is scheduled for tomorrow.

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

CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT THREE gave their views on Hawai`i’s public school system when they answered questions posed by Civil Beat.

“Hawai`i’s public school system has always been a work in progress; we are constantly striving for a better education system, and I believe that our public school system is always working towards accomplishing this goal,” said incumbent Democratic Rep. Richard Onishi. “My entire family (parents, brothers and sister, wife, children, nephews and niece) are products of our public school system, and I am proud of that. I support the Department of Education’s focus on STEM education, the computerization of the classrooms, and providing a computer to every student for use with their education. I believe that there must be a system to fairly assess the effectiveness of all employees, both in the public and private sector. It should provide a process for the recognition of successful performance and to identify areas where improvement is needed. This assessment system should also include help to identify areas of training and assistance that are needed and resources should be available to help the individual. All organizations can be run more effectively. It takes better communications and collaboration between all stakeholders in our education system including administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, volunteers, businesses, school and community organizations, higher education organizations, and our government, to accomplish better effectiveness.”

Libertarian candidate Fred Fogel said, “Despite our investment in education, the performance of students in Hawai`i`’s public schools remain near the bottom nationally. Some things we could do to improve the effectiveness of Hawai`i’s schools are:

Maile David, incoming County Council member for Ka`u (center), with Ka`u
Plantation Days and Ka`u Multicultural Society organizer Darlyne Vierra (right),
Winslow Vierra, of paniolo fame, andLiz Kuluwaimaka, co-event and Multi-
cultural Society organizer along with one of Viera's 15 grandchildren. They
presented a photographic history of ranch and dairy life during last weekend's
Ka`u Plantation Days at Pahala Plantation House, the old manager's house
for the sugar plantation. Photo by Julia Neal

Pay the good teachers more. Help underperforming ones find a different profession.
Implement a ‘360-degree’ teacher evaluation system that embraces feedback from their bosses, cohorts, parents and students.
Implement a common student evaluation system and publish the results.
Establish different educational pipelines for college, trades and special needs. Provide more trade training.
Issue school vouchers and allow parents to send kids to schools outside their district if space available. Hawai`i spends a little over $10,000 on each student. This money should go to the student, no matter what school they choose — public, private or charter.
Empower principals to spend their voucher money any way they see fit. Let the principals establish priorities depending on their specific needs.
Dissolve the state school board (Hawai`i is the only state with a state-wide school board) and create county boards compromised of principals (public and private).”

See civilbeat.com.

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

Raylyne Walker and Frank Lorenzo represent Moloka`i. Photo by Julia Neal

HALAU HULA KALEHUAKI`EKI`EIKA`IU MA KILAUEA, under the direction of kumu hula Ab Kawainohoikala`i Valencia, presents a free hula performance tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Park entrance fees apply.

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE WILL PRACTICE how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday during Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. Ka`u residents can join them by registering for the 2014 Great Hawai`i ShakeOut. Participants practice how to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes wherever they live, work, or travel.
Shakeout.org/hawaii suggests that between now and Thursday, residents consider what may happen when an earthquake shakes your area. Plan what you will do now to prepare, so that when it happens you will be able to protect yourself and then recover quickly.

Audio and video “Drill Broadcast” recordings that have been created to provide instructions during drills can be downloaded.
Talk to other people or organizations about what they have done, and encourage them to get more prepared. Display posters and flyers available on the website around communities, classrooms or office spaces.
On Thursday at 10:16 a.m., Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening. Stay down for at least 60 seconds. Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes.
While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?
Finally, practice what your community will do after the shaking stops.
For more information, see shakeout.org/hawaii.

KA`U LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION DEADLINE is Friday. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in Pahala hosts the free clinic for low-income residents Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call 313-8210 to qualify and reserve a spot.

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER an active shooter presentation during an afternoon meeting in Na`alehu a week from today, on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The presentation will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
It is designed to help individuals increase their survivability should they encounter an active shooter or other type of active violent incident.
Police will provide information on previous incidents of mass violence, recent events, best practices for those caught in such situations, law enforcement’s response and how to work together as a community toward prevention. They will also provide additional resources for participants so they can continue their education on this topic, followed by a question-and answer segment.

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 is seeking comment on proposed entry-fee increases, which fund maintenance projects like replacing the wooden boardwalk at Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs. Guided hikes along the trail are offered this week. NPS Photo by David Boyle

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee met yesterday to discuss the first comprehensive draft of the CDP.

The first comprehensive draft of the Ka`u Community Development Plan
is available online and at Ka`u community centers and libraries.

The draft CDP Executive Summary explains that CDPs are forums for community input establishing County policy at the regional level and coordinating the delivery of County services to the community. They generally do four things:

Establish county policy, particularly for land use and development. CDPs can direct settlement where the community wants it and protect cultural resources, public access and valuable areas like the coast, agricultural land and forests.
Direct County actions related to land and open space protection, water, roads, transit, emergency services and parks.
Guide the policy and actions of state and federal agencies, whose work impacts resource protections, public access and trails, settlement patterns and education.
Focus and guide community action in pursuit of community goals.

The draft is available at kaucdp.info, community centers and libraries. The Steering Committee continues its discussion of the draft CDP on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 8:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited, and public comment on agenda items is invited during established periods of the meeting.
For more information, contact Whitmore at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

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

Tropical Storm Ana continues to strengthen as it heads toward Ka`u.
Map from Central Pacific Hurricane Center

TROPICAL STORM ANA, 635 MILES east-southeast of South Point, is forecast to gradually intensify and become a hurricane later today or tonight. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

At 11 a.m., Ana’s center was moving toward the west near nine miles per hour, and this general motion is expected to continue today. Ana is expected to gradually turn toward the northwest tonight or early Thursday and maintain this motion through Friday.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 65 miles.
Large swells produced by Ana are expected to arrive over the eastern end of the main Hawaiian Islands starting late Thursday. These large swells will continue to spread across the island chain through the weekend. Surf produced by these swells may be potentially damaging along some shorelines starting on Friday.
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the track takes the center of Ana just south of the Big Island then northwest near Kaua`i and O`ahu. The forward motion slows late Friday and into Saturday as the steering currents weaken due to the passage of a low pressure system north of the hawaiian islands.
See www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc.

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

The solar industry on Hawai`i Island continues to grow. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I ISLAND CONTINUES TO EMBRACE solar. While O`ahu’s solar market is down by 50 percent due to limitations placed on connections by Hawaiian Electric Co., permits for solar on the Big Island increased 33 percent over the same time period last year, according to a story in Pacific Business News. Marco Mangelsdorf, president of ProVision Solar in Hilo, told reporter Duane Shimogawa that so far this year, 1,852 permits have been issued, compared to 1,391 at this time last year.

“On the Big Island, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has been dealing with PV penetration challenges for longer than their Hawaiian Electric compatriots on O`ahu,” Mangelsdorf said. “Could it be that they’ve got processes and procedures to deal with saturated circuits more dialed in since they’ve been dealing with relatively high PV numbers longer? There are far fewer circuits on the Big Island (136) compared to O`ahu (416). Does a smaller grid, as far as circuits go, make it more manageable?”
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS SEEKING public feedback on possible entrance fee increases starting in 2015. Entrance fees for recreational use have not increased since 1997.
“While we are committed to keeping the park affordable for everyone, we are also dedicated to providing the safest and most enjoyable experience for our visitors and community. Entrance fees are vital to support the numerous services and amenities that make the visitor experience possible,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

For instance, a project underway now to replace the wooden boardwalk at the Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs is paid for by entrance fees. Ongoing trail maintenance, cabin repairs, hike pamphlets, restrooms and picnic tables are all funded with fee money. The transformation of the 1932 Administration Building (`Ohi`a Wing) into a cultural museum that visitors will soon enjoy is also a fees-funded project.

Entry fees support ongoing maintenance along more than 150 miles of hiking trails
in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, including Devastation Trail.
NPS Photo by Dave Boyle

Eighty percent of all entrance fees stay within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Orlando said. The money also protects the Hawaiian ecosystem by funding fencing projects that prevent non-native pests like pigs and goats from devouring rare native plants. Since 2006, fee revenues have funded $24,072,928 in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park projects.
Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years old or holders of the Tri-Park, America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military passes. These passes may be obtained at the park or at nps.gov.
Under the proposed schedule, entrance fees would rise incrementally each year between 2015 and 2017. Fees for vehicles entering the park would increase 50 percent in 2015 (from $10 in 2014 to $15), and in 2016, fees would be $20 per vehicle. In 2017, entrance fees would rise to $25 per vehicle and remain at $25 through 2021.
The costs for the annual Tri-Park Pass would stay the same until 2017, when it would increase from $25 to $50. The annual Tri-Park Pass allows unlimited entry Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park and Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park for one year. Haleakala National Park is proposing the same fee increase schedule.
Under the proposed fee schedule, entrance fees would also increase for commercial tour companies. Currently, road-based tour vans carrying one to six passengers pay a $25 base fee and $5 per person to enter the park. The per-person entrance rates will increase to $8 in 2015, $10 in 2016 and $12 in 2017, through 2021. The base fee will not change. Non-road-based tour companies, i.e. hiking tour companies that are on trails more than they are touring the park by vehicle, don’t pay a base rate, but their per-person fees would increase under the proposed schedule.
In addition, the park will soon charge $10 per permit for all overnight backcountry and front-country camping, with a maximum of three consecutive nights at one spot. Currently, camping is free, except at Namakanipaio Campground, which is managed by Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC. The new camping permit fees are similar to other public camping fees statewide.
The public is invited to submit comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/havo or in writing addressed to Superintendent, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, PO Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718. The deadline is Dec. 15. Comment cards will also be provided at the Kilauea Visitor Center seven days a week from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE GREAT HAWAI`I SHAKEOUT IS TOMORROW, when Ka`u residents join others throughout the state and millions worldwide to practice earthquake drills. At 10:16 a.m., participants Drop, Cover, and Hold On – Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening. Shakeout.org/hawaii suggests staying down for at least 60 seconds and practicing now to immediately know how be protected during earthquakes.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK commemorates Hawaiian Archaeology Week with free, ranger-guided hikes to Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. 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,
Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION DEADLINE is Friday. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in Pahala hosts the free clinic for low-income residents Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call 313-8210 to qualify and reserve a spot.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED hosts guest speaker Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., who will discuss how to bring produce to market. Datta runs a farm in South Kona that distributes produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model. He grows kale, watermelon, radishes, Swiss chard, fennel, asparagus, spearmint, opal basil, edible flowers and more. He also distributes produce from other farmers to 70 hotels and restaurants statewide.
The Friday meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

TROPICAL STORM ANA is likely to miss or graze the Big Island, according to the 11 a.m. report from the National Weather Service. The west side of the island remains in the cone of uncertainty. Ana is not expected to become a hurricane, according to most models. A NOAA Gulfstream IV is sampling the environment today around Ana. Data from the flight should help improve subsequent model guidance, according to the Weather Service.The center of Ana reached latitude 14.3 north, longitude 150.9 west at 11 a.m with winds of 60 mph. Maximum winds in 36 hours could be 75 mph around the hurricane's core. Ana is moving toward the west at 8 mph. According to the Weather Service, Ana is expected to turn toward the west-northwest today, then turn toward the northwest tonight a with little change in forward motion. A ridge this weekend is expected to influence Ana to take a more westerly path. On the forecast track, the center of Ana will pass to the southwest of the Big Island Friday night and Saturday.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles, 95 km from the center.
Large swells produced by Ana are possible over the eastern end of the main Hawaiian island chain starting late tonight and Friday morning. These large swells will continue to spread up the island chain through the weekend. Surf produced by these swells could potentially be damaging along exposed shorelines beginning late Friday and Saturday, and persisting through the weekend in some areas.
Heavy rainfall associated with Ana may reach the Big Island Friday afternoon. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, the National Weather Service warns. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Area residents sheltered in the Ka`u High band room during Iselle in August.
It will be the shelter, if needed, for Ana. Photo by Ron Johnson

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be closed Friday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Ana's possible arrival.
No backcountry permits will be issued after 6 p.m. today. The park’s Kahuku Unit will close the entire weekend, and International Archeology Day, previously scheduled for Saturday, is canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
According to a statement from the park, if it is safe, the park and visitor centers will reopen at noon on Saturday, October 18.
“Our first priority is to keep our visitors, staff, and volunteers safe,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We will reassess Saturday, and will reopen by noon as long as it is safe,” she said. Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp will remain open to registered guests.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ANNUAL MEETING has been postponed to Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. The meeting had been set for this Saturday, but changed due to the uncertainty of the possible arrival of Tropical Storm Ana. The general membership meeting will be held at the Niaulani Campus on Old Volcano Hwy.

ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS will be closed on Friday on the Big Island, in anticipation of any change in direction of Tropical Storm Ana. All interscholastic competition and the Pop Warner playoffs that were scheduled for Pahala have been cancelled. The Ka`u High School disaster shelter is still under construction and the band room has been named as the shelter should the storm come here. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ANA arriving as a tropical storm or hurricane, Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday signed an emergency proclamation, which allows the state to draw upon funds for protective measures. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels, along with the suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.
The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation continues through Oct. 24.
Recommended preparedness actions may be found on the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency website at scd.hawaii.gov. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

As some people move away from Pahoa, fearing the lava flow would cut them off
from the rest of the island, the state warns against displacing tenants and raising rents
to accommodate new renters coming out of Puna. Photo by Julia Neal

TERMINATING LEASES IN ORDER TO RAISE RENTS during the housing shortage caused by people moving out of Puna in anticipation of the approaching lava flow from Kilauea volcano is illegal. Office of Consumer Protection advises Hawai`i Island residents that the state’s emergency proclamation for Hawai`i Island remains in effect, including a ban on terminating residential rentals. This includes all rental housing in Ka`u where some Puna people have taken up temporary residence.
OCP has received reports from both landlords and tenants that landlords may be canceling month-to-month rentals in order to rent their units at a higher rate to new tenants who are fleeing areas in the path of the oncoming lava in search of alternate housing.
The emergency proclamation was issued on Sept. 5 and was extended to Dec. 1 under the supplemental proclamation issued on Sept. 22. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
OCP reminds Hawai`i Island residential landlords that they may not terminate an existing rental agreement as long as the emergency proclamation remains in effect. The ban applies unless the tenant commits a material breach of a rental agreement or lease, or if the unit is unfit for occupancy as defined in Act 111, Session Laws of Hawai`i 2014.

Pahoa displays a mix of people, some seeking to move their businesses and
homes out of Puna and others excited to welcome the future. Photo by Julia Neal

“Big Island residents should take note of these and other important protections that remain in effect during the governor’s emergency proclamation. We are reminding landlords to comply with these laws,” said OCP’s Executive Director Bruce B. Kim. “Violations could result in serious penalties and fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation.”
The ban does not extend a fixed-term lease that expires during the ban except when periodic tenancy for a residential dwelling unit may be terminated upon 45-days written notice if the dwelling unit is sold to a bona fide purchaser for value or the landlord or immediate family member will occupy the residential dwelling unit.
No rent increases on residential dwelling units are allowed during the emergency proclamation unless the increases were already included in a written instrument that was signed by the tenant prior to the date of the emergency proclamation. However, a landlord may pass on additional operating expenses incurred by the landlord because of the emergency or disaster provided the landlord can document those expenses.
For more information, call the Hawai`i Residential Landlord-Tenant Hotline at 974-4000, ext. 62634#.

The approaching lava flow has led some residents to seek housing outside of Puna
and some landlords are illegally attempting to maximize their income by evicting
tenants in favor of the Puna refugees. Photo from Big Island Video News

Those who believe they are victims of a violation, you may obtain information about filing a complaint with OCP by calling the OCP office in Hilo at 933-0910, by calling the Consumer Resource Center in Honolulu at 587-4272 or toll-free from the Big Island at 947-4000, ext. 74272#, or by going to the OCP website at http://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/consumer-complaint. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I CIVIL DEFENSE released a statement this morning saying that the lava flow front appears to have stalled and has not advanced since yesterday. The flow front remains approximately 0.6 miles from the Apa’a Street area near the Pahoa Transfer Station. All burning activity is limited to the vegetation that is in direct contact with the flow and there is no brush fire threat at this time. Smoke conditions were light to moderate this morning with light winds out of the northeast. See regular updates on the lava flow at www.bigislandvideonews.com.
Current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and no evacuation is needed at this time. Area residents will be given adequate notice to safely evacuate should that be necessary.
The public is reminded that the flow is not visible and cannot be accessed from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will remain restricted to area residents only. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION DEADLINE is tomorrow. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in Pahala hosts the free clinic for low-income residents Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call 313-8210 to qualify and reserve a spot.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED tomorrow hosts guest speaker Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., who will discuss how to bring produce to market. Datta runs a farm in South Kona that distributes produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model. He grows kale, watermelon, radishes, Swiss chard, fennel, asparagus, spearmint, opal basil, edible flowers and more. He also distributes produce from other farmers to 70 hotels and restaurants statewide.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

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

Ka`u High is shut down with the disaster shelter under construction.
Photo by Julia Neal

PREPARE FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST is the policy of public officials preparing for the arrival of Ana into Hawaiian waters. She reached category one hurricane strength at 75 mph this morning. While Ana is tracking farther west and south than earlier expected, flooding, wind damage and storm surge remain a moderate risk for Ka`u. The eye of Ana is expected to pass more than 140 miles makai of South Point overnight as she tracks offshore parallel to the Hawaiian Islands and heads toward French Frigage Shoals and National Wildlife Refuge in the northern islands.

At 11 a.m., the National Weather Service reported that Ana was located about 230 south of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 14 mph. She is expected to turn to the northwest this afternoon and tomorrow and pass south of O`ahu Saturday night. County Civil Defense recommended today that residents of shoreline areas like Punalu`u, move to higher ground.
A U.S. reconnaisance aricraft will be sampling Ana this afternoon, while a NOAA Gulfstream IV continues to probe the surrounding environment. The Weather Service warned that only "a slight shift to the right in the forecast track could mean siginificant differences potential impacts the main Hawaiian Islands," through 8 a.m. Sunday when she is forecast to be south of Kaua`i.

Television coverage with interviews of Ka'u residents preparing for the storm noted that the new Ka`u emergency shelter is still under construction, the shutdown of public, charter and Kamehameha Schools, cancellation of sporting events and closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and local beach parks and public libraries. The cautious preparation led to numerous cancellations of reservations and the departure of visitors from Ka'u accommodations.

Pahala Public & School Library remained taped up today.
Photo by Julia Neal

Mileka Lincoln, of Hawai'i News Now, began filming from Punalu'u Beach Park yesterday and Kalae this morning. She interviewed campers, including some who live at Punalu'u, saying they plan to get out of the way as beach parks are closed by the county. At Kalae, Lincoln reported from the cliffs at dawn, stationed above calm seas at the fishing hoist and ladder, reporting that waves could rise to ten, then possibly 40 feet.
However, With the prospect of calmer seas around the islands, airlines, cruise lines and cargo ships began restoring their schedules. Young Brothers planned to send the barge from Honolulu to Hilo this evening and the Coast Guard considered keeping Hilo and Kawaehae ports open.
All weather prediction models used by the National Weather Service, some of which earlier took Ana over the Big Island, keep her offshore. None of the tropical winds are expected to reach this island, according to forecast from Pacific Hurricane Center. However, heavy rains and flooding could pop up unexpectedly, officials said. Recommended preparedness actions may be found on the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency website at scd.hawaii.gov. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tane Datta and family run an 8.5 acre farm that will be
featured at this evening's Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting.
Photo from University of Hawai`i

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED was planning to hold its meeting at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. but the county has closed the facility.
President of the organization Malian Lahey reported cancellation of the meeting today after 3 p.m. and said it will be rescheduled.
Guest speaker at the meeting to be announced is Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., who will discuss how to bring produce to market. Datta runs a farm in South Kona that distributes produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model. He grows kale, watermelon, radishes, Swiss chard, fennel, asparagus, spearmint, opal basil, edible flowers and more. He also distributes produce from other farmers to 70 hotels and restaurants statewide.

The 8.5 acre farm features an acre in coffee, three acres in intensive production and the rest in orchards. The family started farming more than 25 years ago in Hawai`i, with produce over the years also including choi, eggplant, micromix, avocado, citrus, lettuce, poha, medicinal plants, passion vine, squash and cinnamon.

The farm is certified organic and is featured on the University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website.

The public is invited to all Ka`u Farmers Union meetings. Farmers and backyard growers are invited to bring food to share. To join the Farmers Union, call at 503-575-9098.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ANNUAL MEETING has been postponed from tomorrow to Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. The meeting had been set for this Saturday, but changed due to the uncertainty of the possible arrival of tropical storm winds from Ana. The general membership meeting will be held at the Niaulani Campus on Old Volcano Hwy.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is expected to reopen at noon tomorrow unless there is damage from tropical storm winds from Ana, which is expected to track parallel to the islands overnight near the Big Island and farther up the chain tomorrow.

INPUT FROM CITIZENS regarding proposed increases in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees is coming in. One Ka`u resident who lives here in the winter and Alaska in the summer opposes the increases in fees. Francis Mitchell writes: "I am a Golden Passport holder so the proposed fee increases will not directly affect me.

"Nevertheless, I think the planned increases are contrary to the purpose and spirit of our National Parks. American National Parks are gems that belong to all the people and insofar as possible they should be accessible to all the people, especially lower income families whose vacations and day-off activity choices are necessarily constricted by costs.

Fees could go up for visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Nalani Parlin

The trend toward more direct user charges for access to publicly owned lands should be reversed. Likewise, privatizing services on public lands should be severely restricted. Congress should honor the public nature of our National Parks by adequately funding them to maintain affordability for all Americans.

In keeping with the Parks' mission to offer all citizens the opportunity to experience these very special American places, I would like to see the National Park Service cap entry fees or reduce them. Cut back on some physical improvements. Urge visitors to press their Congressional representatives to appropriate the moneys required for those improvements and then let the public know that maintenance and improvements depend on those appropriations, rather than having funding of operations dependent on ever-increasing user fees.

The announced levels of fee increases will no doubt cause many people to skip Park visits in the future and will deter others from making repeat visits. Fifteen dollars – Twenty Five dollars, these are private venue rates, not public facility rates.

A reasonable entry fee is justifiable. Something similar to the Golden Passport should be offered to all visitors – a one time payment covering multiple visits to any National Park over an extended period of several years or for a lifetime.

"Even better, and more affordable to those with limited incomes, would be a cumulative payment lifetime permit. For example, a person pays a modest fee each time they enter any Park; their card is run through a bar code reader each entry-payment; the bar code readers communicate with a central National Park system database; when they have paid the visitor fees ten times, the card is “marked” by the bar code reader as a permanent pass – without any future payments required. This would also be a way to encourage people and their family members to become National Park regulars.

National Park Service is not a business and should not be. It should not be run like a business. It should be run as a service to the taxpayers, funded by our taxes," Mitchell concludes.

For the information on the park's proposal for the fee increase, see the Wednesday, Oct. 15 edition of the Ka`u News Briefs.

Input for the proposed fee increase is being taken by the park through Dec. 15. The public is invited to submit comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/havo or in writing addressed to Superintendent, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718. The deadline is Dec. 15. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

New county bridge in Wood Valley handled the raging stream and flood waters coming down Wood Valley Road. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U ESCAPED THE WIND BUT NOT THE WATER. Heavy rains from Hurricane Ana flooded Wood Valley Road this morning, stranding residents and carving new paths through farms, coffee plantations and macadamia orchards. Monster waterfalls tumbled out of the mountains above Punalu`u, Kawa and Honu`apo as Ana passed southwest of the island.

Residents ride their boogie boards along Wood Valley Road. Photo by Julia Neal

When Hilea bridge flooded on Hwy 11 between Honu`apo and Punalu`u around 4 a.m., Jay Casuga, on his way to work at Malama Market in Ocean View from his home in Pahala, was stranded for two hours between Hilea Bridge and Kawa along with a police officer and a Hele-On bus and driver.
Unable to reach work, Casuga, an assistant meat department manager, his fiancée Elise Peralta, who is meat department manager at Malama, her little brother Rylan Peralta and co-worker Kimo Tyson fetched their boogie boards and rode the flood waters along Wood Valley Road.
Up Wood Valley Road, the new county bridge built after Tropical Storm Iselle damaged the old one handled the rushing stream and a deluge of flood water from Wood Valley Road.
The Kawa Flats area was still closed mid-morning to traffic on Hwy 11, and Wood Valley Road was closed at the flooded gulch near Kapapala intersection. Punalu`u and Honu`apo Beach Parks remained closed.
Coffee farmers, some of them picking as much cherry as they could before the arrival of Ana, said they were happy to be spared from the kind of wind that ripped beans off the branches during Tropical Storm Iselle in August. Gloria Camba, president of the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, said ripe cherries need to picked quickly and that she hopes the rain will let up so farmers and pickers can get back to their orchards.

A flash flood warning has been extended to 3 p.m. today. National Weather Service reminds residents to avoid flood-prone areas.

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

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REOPENED parts of Crater Rim Drive along Kilauea Caldera today at noon, including Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum.
Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Overlook and all of Chain of Craters Road remain closed due to flooding. Mauna Loa Road above Kipukapuaulu (Bird Park) is closed, but Kipukapuaulu is open. Namakanipaio Campground is open. Park rangers on Sunday will reopen closed areas incrementally as hurricane impact is assessed.
The Kahuku Unit remains closed this weekend, and International Archaeology Day, originally scheduled for today, will be rescheduled at a later date.
Volcano Art Center, Volcano House, Kilauea Military Camp and the post office are open.
The park reports no significant damage from Hurricane Ana, but heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning pelted the area Friday and early Saturday morning. More heavy rain is forecast through today, and the flash flood warning is in effect for the park. Motorists are urged to drive with caution.

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

Flood waters traveled through coffee farms, cutting new paths along Wood Valley
Road. The flood isolated Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN, M.D., Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, has scheduled an informational briefing at the State Capitol for Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Hawai`i’s preparedness for outbreaks of infectious disease, including the Ebola virus.

“Ebola kills more than half the people it infects,” Green said, “so this is a matter of life and death, not only for the person who is infected but for everyone who comes into close contact with them.”
Green announced he will convene representatives from the state Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, the Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to brief the Senate Committee on Health on current procedures, facilities and plans to identify and control cases of Ebola infection should it reach Hawai`i.
“We have to make sure that Hawai`i is ready if someone infected with Ebola steps off a plane here,” Green said. “That means having effective screening measures in place at our airports and being prepared with facilities and procedures that can safely transport, quarantine and care for Ebola patients until they recover.”
Green stressed the need for special safety procedures: “It is essential that we have emergency protocols ready and in place that will protect the nurses, orderlies and other health workers who would be in close contact with potential Ebola patients. This disease is spread by contact with body fluids from an infected individual, and it can only be effectively contained if the right equipment and procedures are used with extreme care.”
“State government, hospital administrators and the entire health care system must communicate, work together and be prepared so we are ready to safely handle patients infected with Ebola or other dangerous contagious diseases,” Green said. “It is extremely unlikely that someone infected with Ebola will reach Hawai`i, given our distance from West Africa and our geographical isolation, but we must be prepared as if it is certain that we will have to screen, identify, quarantine and care for Ebola patients who could arrive here. Ebola is too deadly and dangerous to ignore.”

Monster waterfalls appeared in the mountains
makai of Makanau. Photo by Julia Neal

Green is an Emergency Room doctor with 15 years of hospital experience on Big Island.
For more information, contact Green at 808-937-0991 or sengreen@capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HAS UNANIMOUSLY passed a resolution seeking state Legislature’s approval of coffee-labeling requirements.
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.
The resolution also calls for requiring a minimum of 51 percent Hawai`i-grown coffee in any coffee package labeled as a blend.
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reported Ford saying, “Other states, other countries protect their farmers by saying if you’re going to blend, then you’ve got to disclose. But not in Hawai`i. Every other agricultural crop in Hawai`i is protected in that manner, except for Hawai`i-grown coffee.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

SANJEEV “SONNY” BHAGOWALIA, HAWAI`I’S Chief Advisor on Technology and Cybersecurity, has been named as deputy assistant secretary and chief information officer for the U.S. Department of Treasury, beginning Oct, 20.
“Over the past three years, Sonny has helped Hawai`i leapfrog from the back of the pack in technology and cybersecurity to the front of the line, and we are now one of best in the country,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “Under Sonny’s leadership, our government transformation program has garnered an unprecedented 25 national awards, including last week’s announcement of his 2014 Enterprise Architecture Hall of Fame Award for Individual Leadership in EA Practice, Promotion and Professionalization.
“We have the right plans and have completed many projects, thanks to his invaluable leadership and the cooperation of the extended technology and cybersecurity `ohana. Because of him, we are now on the right track, charting and navigating the course to success for the future of Hawai`i and its citizens.”

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

Hwy 11 at Punalu`u was closed this morning due to flooding at Hilea Bridge and Kawa.
A Hele-On bus, police officer and a Pahala man going to work in Ocean View were
stranded between Hilea Bridge and Kawa for two hours, beginning around 4 a.m.
Photo by Julia Neal

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY has denied an appeal submitted in response to President Barack Obama’s decision not to declare a major disaster following Tropical Storm Iselle. Declaration of a major disaster would have made funds available for emergency low-interest loans to help owners rebuild and repair homes and property.

“After a thorough review of all the information contained in the initial request and your appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact to individuals and households from this event is not of the severity and magnitude as to be beyond the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies,” wrote FEMA representative Elizabeth A. Zimmerman in denying the application.

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

BIIF GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT schedule has Ka`u High playing at Pahoa at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The winner will play Konawaena Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Onizuka Gym in Kealakekua. The finals take place Saturday at 4 p.m. at Kealakekua.

THE PUMPKIN PRIMER COMES TO KA`U public libraries. The program 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 Public Library Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. and in Pahala Public & School Library Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Ka`u resident Joe Iacuzzo, here with a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, presents a talk
at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from Joe Iacuzzo

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 After Dark in the Park Tuesday.
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 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.
Iacuzzo worked for six years on Jurassic Park at Universal Pictures and co-produced an award-winning dinosaur documentary film for Discovery Channel.
This event is sponsored by the National Park Services.
The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support park programs.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Makai of Ka`alaiki Road, rain from Hurricane Ana created spectacular sites as streams fell over cliffs between Pahala and Na`alehu. John Cross, of Olson Trust, said the left fall is from an unnamed stream or drainage, while the one on the right is Hilea.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U SKIES ARE IMPROVING, WITH GLIMPSES OF SUNSHINE as Hurricane Ana continues on its northwest route south of the rest of the state. The tropical storm gained strength and became a category-one hurricane as it approached Hawai`i Island south of South Point Friday. While spared of strong winds due to the center of the storm being about 115 miles from South Point, Ka`u got pounded with rain for hours. The constant downpours flooded Hwy 11 in the Kawa area, filled streams – some to overflowing – and created waterfalls in the mountains above Hwy 11 and in Wood Valley.

Water in Ninole River cascaded below Aikane
Plantation. Photo by Julia Neal

Wood Valley residents were cut off when water covered the road at the Kapapala Ranch intersection. A tree branch on Center Road fell across electric lines, taking out power to some homes in the valley.
Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm on Ka`alaiki Road reported 5.5 inches of rain. “Thank God for no wind,” said owner Merle Becker. “Trees are heavy with cherries and a little bent over from all the rain, but we got through it.”
On Friday night a rain gauge at Kapapala Ranch showed rain falling at two to three inches per hour as bands or precipitation from the storm reached the slopes of Mauna Loa, with heaviest amounts from Volcano to Pahala and Wood Valley. National Weather Service reported that Kapapala recorded 7.5 inches in a 24-hour period.
Ka`u News Briefs will be posting photos of the waterfalls and asking residents if they know the traditional Hawaiian names of them.

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

MOST OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK opened today following Hurricane Ana, except for Mauna Loa Road, which remains closed due to downed trees.
Popular park features like Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Overlook and the 19-mile stretch of Chain of Craters Road are now open, including both visitor centers and Kipukapuaulu (Bird Park). Namakanipaio Campground is also open.
Volcano Art Center, Volcano House, Kilauea Military Camp, and the post office are open.
Park rangers observed no significant damage from Hurricane Ana, but heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning impacted the park and Hawai‘i Island Friday and Saturday, causing hazardous conditions. More rain is forecast for East Hawai`i through Sunday, and a flash flood advisory is in effect as of Sunday morning. Motorists are urged to drive with caution.
The Kahuku Unit remains closed this weekend and will be assessed on Monday.

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

While the lava flow front in Puna, shown within yellow lines at left, is not advancing
toward Pahoa, a thermal image at right shows it still active. Photo from USGS/HVO

SCIENTISTS AT HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY report that glow from the June 27th lava flow in Puna was visible overnight via webcam, indicating that the flow remains active near its front and mid-way along its length, although it has not adanced.

A Civil Defense overflight yesterday morning found no significant flow advancement, and the distal tip of the flow was still about 0.8 miles from Apa`a Street and Cemetery Road near Pahoa, as measured along the steepest-descent line that the flow has been following.

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

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is calling for the immediate suspension of visas for citizens of Ebola-stricken West African nations as well as flights from those countries into the US.

“Recent mistakes have revealed that the U.S. public health system is clearly not fully prepared to combat Ebola and prevent its spread in the United States,” Gabbard said. “We cannot stand idly by while this heart-breaking epidemic rages in West Africa, already claiming thousands of lives. There are immediate steps we must take to ensure the safety of the American people and ensure we can maintain our support for West African nations that are overwhelmed by this crisis. First, we need to immediately suspend commercial flights from the West African nations into the United States, as well as suspend visas for their passport holders, until we can ensure that our health facilities are adequately prepared. This temporary suspension will give our healthcare leaders the time and space to adequately prepare our health system to handle Ebola cases and help us to stay focused on the prevention efforts in West Africa.” 
Gabbard also voiced concerns about the Centers for Disease Control’s handling of the few cases that have already struck in the U.S., saying, “The CDC and some healthcare providers have already mishandled several Ebola cases. We cannot afford more mistakes. We should be taking every precaution to protect our people, beginning with our healthcare workers. 
 “Just look at the domino effect that just one sick person from West Africa has had. We’re still scrambling to deal with that episode. Just imagine the chaos that will occur if even more such sick individuals enter the country. 
“Ultimately, we need to be able to focus on our efforts to contain the spread of Ebola in West Africa. I strongly support the steps we’ve already taken to provide assistance overseas, but if we are increasingly distracted by Ebola cases in the U.S., we cannot fully focus on the heart of where this epidemic has struck. The impact and spread of Ebola thus far is absolutely devastating; we need to take every proactive measure we have available to stop this virus in its tracks. 
“Claims that we need to keep commercial flights open for healthcare workers and supplies to be ferried into these countries are absurd. During this period, essential personnel and equipment can be transported in and out of these countries via charter flights,” Gabbard added.

Anna Peach presents programs on sustainable farming
in Ka`u this week. Photo from Anna Peach

KAMUELA FARMER ANNA PEACH of Squash and Awe farm presents talks about her sustainable farming methods at Ka`u public libraries this week. A seventh-generation farmer, Peach 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 at Na`alehu Public Library Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. and Pahala Public & School Library Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY CO-FOUNDER Joe Iacuzzo, the official Hawai`i representative for the National Park Service’s National Fossil Day, presents a talk titled Thomas Jefferson to Johnson Space Center: America’s Fossil History at After Dark in the Park Tuesday.
The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support park programs.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets at Na`alehu Community Center Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Guest speaker at the meeting is Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., who will discuss how to bring produce to market. Datta runs a farm in South Kona that distributes produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model. The 8.5-acre farm features an acre in coffee, three acres in intensive production and the rest in orchards. The farm is certified organic and is featured on the University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website.
The public is invited to all Ka`u Farmers Union United meetings. Farmers and backyard growers are invited to bring food to share.
To join the Farmers Union, call 503-575-9098.

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL takes place in Pahala on the grounds of the Old Plantation Mangers House this Friday and Saturday. All entertainment is open to the public with no fees. Friday and Saturday night will feature emcee Skylark and chanter Na`auao Vivas.
The festival begins on Friday 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. Music by Makanau begins at 7 p.m., followed by Steven Sioloa, Wailau Ryder and Ricky Masaoka at 8:15 p.m.
See more on the festival in more of this week’s Ka`u News Briefs.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IS PLANNING its annual fundraising bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Members invite individuals and groups to be vendors. The flea market is open to any club, school, athletic organizations or individuals who would like to raise money for the upcoming holidays.
The charge for a 10-foot x10-foot booth space is $10. Vendors are asked to bring their own tent, table, chairs and, if they need power, their own generator.
For more information and to reserve a booth, call Walter Wong Yuen in the evenings at 928-8039.
At the bazaar there will be live entertainment throughout the day. The Church will be selling laulau, kulolo, baked goods, laulau plate lunches, hotdogs and more.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Sunlight at dawn yesterday creates a backdrop of Hurricane Ana's clouds as birds fly in the skies near South Point.
Photo by Richard Taylor

HAWAI`I GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES shared their views with Big Island residents during a forum in Hilo earlier this month. Duke Aiona, Mufi Hannemann and Sen. David Ige told attendees why they are running for the state’s highest elected office.

Duke Aiona Photos from
Big Island Video News

Republic Duke Aiona said, “The reason I’m running is I want to take you in a new direction. I don’t want you to have the same system. … It’s really about going in a new direction in regards to businesses, taxes and fees and everything else we face in this island state of ours.
“But the real reason is I believe my calling is for my grandchildren and my children. I’m at that stage in life right now where I believe I have that one last season of life, and just this past couple of years my wife and I were blessed with a granddaughter Riley and a grandson. … For those of you who are brand-new grandparents, you understand my feeling and my emotion toward my grandchildren. In looking at them, and also looking at my children, you know it was upon me, upon a challenge from my wife. This is what I really wanted to do, which was to walk away from all this. Really, I had really thought about this and prayed about this, and if I would be able to look myself in the mirror and say I did everything I could to make things better for my grandchildren and my children.
“And obviously the calling was simple. So, I’m here to give you an option taking you in a new direction so that you don’t have to just change out the players and have the same system in place.”

Mufi Hannemann

Independent candidate Hannemann said, “I want you to think of yourself as an employer. You’re looking to hire the next leader for the state of Hawai`i, and when you do that, you look at their experience; you look at their qualifications; you look at their previous track record.
“This is a job for someone who has executive experience. This is a big job – 52,000 employees, billions of dollars in an operating budget. You have to be clear that that person can hit the ground running from day one.

“It’s also a job that requires a governor to go to Washington, D.C. We’ve lost our perennial powerhouse back there in Sen. Daniel Inouye, and so now more than ever, with a very young delegation, that governor has to go there and ask for federal assistance. I have a proven track record of doing work in Washington, D.C., having worked with our delegation to save Pearl Harbor Shipyard from closing.

“It also has to be a governor that has an international breadth of experience in dealing in the Pacific Asian region. I was … talking to students at University of Hawai`i-Hilo. I told them our future is in the Pacific Asia Region and what better way than to have a governor who has traveled extensively in that part of the world, has relationships and can build upon those relationships to build a better place.”

Sen. David Ige

Sen. David Ige said, “I have had the privilege of working with your representatives in the State Capitol for 29 years, three decades, and there have been so many projects that I am proud of to be associated with the Big Island. I still remember the first time I met with Larry Kimura and he just expressed his concern that we would be losing native speakers, that we are down to the last 50 native speakers, and when we lose the language, we lose the culture. I am so proud to have been a part of that groundbreaking up at UH-Hilo to open the Hawaiian College, committed to perpetuation of the Hawaiian language, because I understand that the language is the culture, and our host culture is so important to the state of Hawai`i. …
“I am running for governor because this election really is about the future of Hawai`i. It’s about the future that you and I want to leave to our children and our children’s children. There are so many issues. As I traveled across the state, and I’ve listened and heard the concern from many of you that government has become disconnected with the people; that it is no longer serving. I’m running for governor because I believe and I’ve heard that you want a change in leadership style. You want a leader that can bring our communities together rather than divide them; a leader who can find common ground and, most importantly, find solutions that move our communities forward.”
See more at bigislandvideonews.com.

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

Hurricane Ana churned the waters at South Point Saturday. Photo by Peter Anderson

WALK-IN VOTING FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION begins tomorrow at Pahala Community Center and continues weekdays through Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Name These Waterfalls. Here are two of several waterfalls
that appeared on the slopes above Wood Valley during
Hurricane Ana. Photo by Julia Neal

MANY KA`U RESIDENTS HAVE COMMENTED ON FACEBOOK that they have never seen so much water fall from the mountain slopes as they saw Saturday during Hurricane Iselle, when Ka`u got drenched with upwards of 7.5 inches of rain. The Ka`u Calendar continues to seek native Hawaiian names for waterfalls along Hwy 11 and in Wood Valley.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DOWNED POWER LINES ALONG HWY 11 resulted in a loss of electricity this morning in Pahala, Punalu`u and Wood Valley, according to Hawai`i Electric Light Co. The outage occurred at 4:44 a.m., and power was restored at 8:15 a.m. A HELCO representative did not know what brought the lines down.

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

RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES ARE VERY HIGHLY favored by Hawai`i residents, according to a report by the University of Hawai`i. A representative survey of 1,214 Hawai`i residents conducted to assess public attitudes about different technologies for generating electricity showed that 97 percent of the public support increased development of at least some forms of RE in the state.
“This support for RE was motivated by concerns for environmental protection, sustainability, and energy independence and by frustration with local energy prices,” the report states. Solar and wind power were the most widely accepted forms of RE (with 92 percent and 86 percent favorable opinion, respectively), followed by hydroelectric (76 percent) and geothermal power (75 percent). Municipal waste (58 percent) and biomass combustion (53 percent) were less widely endorsed but were still acceptable to the majority of residents. Only a small segment of the public endorsed conventional sources of energy generation — nuclear (22 percent), oil (13 percent) and coal (12 percent). There were modest differences in attitudes as a function of age, gender, and education, but no differences across counties.
See http://uhfamily.hawaii.edu.

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

KAMUELA FARMER ANNA PEACH presents The Pumpkin Primer, a program about her sustainable farming methods, at Ka`u public libraries this week. Programs are at Na`alehu Public Library tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. and Pahala Public & School Library Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
See squashandawe.com.

TOMORROW’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program features Ka`u Learning Academy co-founder Joe Iacuzzo with a talk entitled Thomas Jefferson to Johnson Space Center: America’s Fossil History.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support park programs.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets at Na`alehu Community Center Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Guest speaker Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., discusses how to bring produce to market.
The public is invited to all Ka`u Farmers Union United meetings. Farmers and backyard growers are invited to bring food to share.
To join the Farmers Union, call 503-575-9098.

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL takes place in Pahala on the grounds of the Old Plantation Managers House this Friday and Saturday. All entertainment is open to the public with no fees. Friday and Saturday night will feature emcee Skylark and chanter Na`auao Vivas.
On Saturday evening at 4 p.m. will be an opening pule performed by dancers who attend the morning hula workshop, along with 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.
See more on the festival in this week’s Ka`u News Briefs and in this month’s issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S ANNUAL MEETING, which was postponed due to Hurricane Ana, has been rescheduled for this Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
There will be live entertainment while ballots are being counted, with current board member, vocalist Desiree Cruz, joined by Loren Wilken on keyboard for a set of Jazz music.
For more information, call 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Guitarist Wailau Ryder, of Washington State, will be coming to Ka`u to participate in Ho`okupu Ka`u Cultural Festival. He is seen here performing with Hula Halau O Leionalani member Jamie Kailiawa at April's Specialty Coffee Association of America convention in Seattle. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is one of five Big Island schools and one of 55 statewide that have received Excellence in Wellness Awards. The state Departments of Health recognized the schools for achieving scores of 90 percent or more on the second annual Safety & Wellness Survey for the 2012-2013 school year. The Pahala campus' score was 90.9 percent.

Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School has received an Excellence in Wellness Award.

Wellness Guidelines are a set of standards for foods and beverages provided to students that include goals for school-based wellness committees, health and physical education and other practices that support student health. All 255 Hawai`i public non-charter schools have been required to meet the Wellness Guidelines since 2011. SAWS is administered annually to school principals.
“Healthy and physically active students are more likely to be academically motivated, alert and successful,” said Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen. “Schools that follow the Wellness Guidelines provide a healthy foundation for their students to thrive in school and life.”
“The importance of health and nutrition standards in our schools cannot be overstated,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Our Wellness Guidelines help students stay healthy and ready to learn.”
SAWS data for 2013-14 school year is currently being collected. The Wellness Guidelines, SAWS and public reporting of SAWS data fulfills requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
The report is available at http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE%20Forms/Health%20and%20Nutrition/SAWS2012-13.pdf.

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

The third Mars simulation has begun on Mauna Loa. Photo from HI-SEAS

MAUNA LOA IS MARS AGAIN, as Hawai`i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation's six crew members began their eight-month simulated stay on Mars last Wednesday. This is the third and longest mission on Mauna Loa in a quarry at an elevation of 8,000 feet.
The HI-SEAS Three mission, funded by NASA, will study team cohesion, with researchers gathering data on cognitive, social and emotional factors that may impact team performance.
Mission commander is Martha Lenio. Additional crew members are Allen Mirkadyrov, Jocelyn Dunn, Zak Wilson and University of Hawai`i-Hilo graduates Neil Scheibelhut and Sophie Milam.
See hi-seas.org.

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

AFTER FINDING MINIMAL DAMAGE TO FACILITIES, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is reopening all state parks, state small boat harbors and managed forest areas on all islands today. These state lands were closed on Friday for public safety due to anticipated heavy rains, flooding, high surf and surge related to Hurricane Ana.

Issuance of all state forest camping and state park camping permits has been restored via the Wiki permit online reservations website at https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html.

A collapse of Halema`uma`u's wall has widen the crater. Photo from USGS/HVO

Any persons holding valid permits for state camping areas over the weekend should contact DLNR for refunds. 
The department reminds all swimmers and surfers to avoid murky waters due to potential for shark bite.

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

HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER IS NOW LARGER, following a collapse of rock from the wall that occurred Sunday around 1:15 a.m. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that rocks impacting the lava lake triggered an explosion of spatter that fell around Halema`uma`u Overlook, which is within an area closed to the public due to such hazards.

The scar left by this collapse is visible as the light-colored area marked in the photo.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reports that lava has once again begun to advance toward Pahoa. The flow front has advanced approximately 30 yards since yesterday and remains approximately 0.6 miles from the Apa`a Street area near Pahoa Transfer Station. A very narrow finger along the east edge of the front has advanced approximately 125 yards and currently remains behind or in back of the flow front and is moving in a northeast direction.

Margaret Masunaga

HAWAI`I STATE SENATE WILL CONVENE tomorrow at 11 a.m. to open a special session to consider judicial appointments of Margaret K. Masunaga to Hawai`i Island’s District Court of the Third Circuit as well as Jeffrey P. Crabtree and Christine E. Kuriyama to O`ahu’s Circuit Court of the First Circuit.

Following the official opening of the special session, the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee will hold decision making on the confirmation and consideration of the appointees at 11:30 a.m. in Room 016 of the Hawai`i State Capitol. Lawmakers today heard from the appointees and those who supported or opposed their appointments.
On Thursday at 11 a.m., the full Senate will reconvene to vote on the recommendations made by the Judiciary and Labor Committee. Information related to the special session, including testimony and committee reports, can be found online at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession.aspx?year=2014a.

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

HAWAI`I GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES discussed the status of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. during a forum in Hilo earlier this month. HHSC, which runs the state-owned hospital system, is currently under-funded by the Legislature and has sought emergency appropriations.

Ka`u Hospital is an HHSC facility. Photo by Julia Neal

Independent candidate Mufi Hannemann said he wants to create public-private partnerships. “The model exists, and it exists very well,” he said. He gave an example of the partnership between North Hawai`i Hospital and Queen’s Medical Center.
Hannemann also said he would be able to work with hospital workers’ unions, some of whose members he said think hospital administrators wages are too high. “We have to look into that,” he said. “We need a governor who can sit at the table, work with the unions.”
Republican Duke Aiona agreed with Hannemann that HHSC’s situation is a top priority. He said he would “convene a meeting that would result in a solution.” The meeting would include administrators, unions, employees and legislators.
“Whether it’s a public-private partnership with a local company or a privatization of the system, or whatever it takes so that we can finally put this to rest, that’s what will be done,” Aiona said.
State Sen. David Ige also focused on union contracts, saying, “I know that a challenge in the hospital system is that under the state process, civil service, one contract applies to all employees, whether they work in a hospital, which is a 24/7 operation, or they work in a standard office.

“I know that hospitals need a different kind of contract and employees that work in hospitals need to have contracts that are suited to 24/7 operations. I am running for governor because I understand that the governor has to be actively involved in talking with partners, in negotiating with the unions.”
See bigislandvideonews.com.

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

Joshua Kalima Photo from NPS

WALK-IN VOTING FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION begins today at Pahala Community Center and continues weekdays through Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

JOSHUA KALIMA SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE and love of creating lei tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAMUELA FARMER ANNA PEACH presents The Pumpkin Primer, a program about sustainable farming methods, today at 2:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Pahala Public & School Library.

See squashandawe.com.

TODAY’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program features Ka`u Learning Academy co-founder Joe Iacuzzo with a talk entitled Thomas Jefferson to Johnson Space Center: America’s Fossil History.
The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support park programs.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO TOMORROW’S meeting of Ka`u Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Guest speaker Tane Datta, of Adaptations, Inc., discusses how to bring produce to market.
Farmers and backyard growers are invited to bring food to share.
To join the Farmers Union, call 503-575-9098.

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL takes place in Pahala on the grounds of the Old Plantation Manager’s House this Friday and Saturday. All entertainment is open to the public with no fees.
Wailau Ryder, who entertained coffee enthusiasts at Specialty Coffee Association of America’s April convention in Seattle, will be flying in from Washington State for the event.
For more, see www.hookupukau.com.
See more on the festival in this week’s Ka`u News Briefs and in this month’s issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Hula halau from Lana`i come to Ka`u for Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival Friday and Saturday. Photo by Malian Lahey

WORK BEGINS FRIDAY ON THE KA`U SIDE of Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to connect the district with Kalapana in Puna. The emergency route is being built to assist residents of lower Puna, whose access to the rest of the island would be cut off if lava from Kilauea Volcano’s June 27 flow reaches the ocean.

Hawai`i County crews, overseen by the National Park Service and Federal Highways Administration, will grade the 5.4 miles through the park to the Kalapana boundary.

County workers are rebuilding Chain of Craters Road.
NPS Photo by David Boyle

The half-mile section of paved road that pedestrians use to access the lava that covered it in 2003 will be closed as of Friday. The popular “Road Closed” sign enrobed in lava will be removed to become part of park history. Other closures include the historic flows and coastal area alongside the construction.
Holei Sea Arch, the turnaround, bathrooms and concession stand near the turnaround will remain open.
Motorists can expect traffic delays early tomorrow and Friday mornings as large bulldozers and heavy equipment are transported from the summit of Kilauea down the 19-mile stretch of Chain of Craters Road to the turnaround.
“We intend to reopen the closed area as soon as it is safe to do so and the bulldozers move closer to Kalapana,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “But now is the time to take those last photos of the iconic ‘Road Closed’ sign before it is removed on Friday,” she said.
Last week, bulldozers from the Kalapana side graded the 2.2-mile portion of Hwy 130 covered in lava to where it meets the park boundary and becomes Chain of Craters Road. Opened in 1965, Chain of Craters Road has been covered and blocked by lava for 37 years of its 49-year existence.

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

A CIVIL DEFENSE OVERFLIGHT THIS MORNING found that the breakout on the June 27 lava flow in Puna that has been advancing about 90 yards per day along the southeast edge of the flow since early last week has overtaken the former leading edge of the flow. The former flow tip also advanced about 25 yards.
According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, geologists will conduct investigations of the leading edges of the flow on foot today.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

According to Hawai`i DOE, its budget has been flat while the Consumer
Price Index and collectively bargained salaries have increased.
Graph from DOE

SUPERINTENDENT KATHRYN MATAYOSHI HAS PRESENTED the Hawai`i State Department of Education’s 2015-17 Fiscal Biennium budget request, which focuses on investments in strategic reforms and basic school operations. More than 94 percent of the proposed budget request goes directly to fund school-level operations.

The proposed budget aims to provide the most benefit to students by preserving school funds for core instruction and enhancing technology. At a presentation before the Hawai`i State Board of Education’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee, Matayoshi reiterated that state funding for education has remained stagnant for the last seven years.
Since starting reform efforts four years ago, the DOE is in the midst of executing its strategic plan to transform public education system to ensure graduates are prepared for success in college or careers.
Matayoshi said, “Despite the flat budget, we have managed to increase school-level Weighted Student Formula funding, and our schools have performed extremely well over the last few years.”

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund collected 500 pounds of derelict
fishing net from the Ka`u Coast last month.
Photo from HWF

Each request falls into one of two major categories: Basic Operations or Strategic Investments. Basic Operations expenditures include health and safety, compliance, facilities, staffing and employee benefits. Strategic Investments enhance the capacity of the public school system to improve student success, staff success and ensure successful systems of support.
“This annual budget reflects input from the schools and complex area personnel from the field on the needs and priorities of the Department of Education, and we fully support the schools and the effort to improve student achievement consistent with our strategic plan,” said BOE Finance Committee Chair Brian De Lima.

See hawaiipublicschools.org.

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

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SENDS MAHALOS to the 43 people who helped remove over 1,858 pounds of marine debris from along the coastline at Ka`u’s Kamilo Point during last month’s cleanup event.

This debris consisted of approximately 1,750 pounds of miscellaneous debris collected in 83 large bags, plus 100 pounds of derelict fishing nets. In addition, three participants picked up another 580 pounds of debris (180 pounds in 10 bags, plus 400 pounds of nets) of extra debris the following week. Of the 32,204 items removed and tallied by volunteers, over 91 percent were plastic, and the remainder were cloth/fabric, glass, rubber or glass/metal.

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

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION will hold community input meetings next week to update Hawai`i County Community Wildfire Protection Plans for Volcano and Ka`u.
“Community input is critical to the CWPP process to determine priority wildfire concerns, needs and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires,” said HWMO representative Ilene Grossman. “Your input is vital to the plan being well rounded and informed.”

Fuel reduction workdays are part of some communities' Wildfire Protection Plans.
Photo from HWMO

Meetings will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Na`alehu School. Another meeting takes place Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

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

HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER HAS ENDORSED SEN. DAVID IGE in the race for governor. The endorsement mentions Ige’s action plan, Engineering Hawai`i’s Future and highlights his approach to balancing the state budget, supporting business growth through targeted tax credits and improving education by getting resources directly to each school’s leaders.
The paper’s editorial board also described Ige as “a conciliator, one who has deep working relationships with lawmakers who can bring plans to fruition,” a reference to Ige’s 29-year history at the state Legislature.

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

WALK-IN VOTING IN ADVANCE OF THE NOV. 4 General Election is available at Pahala Community Center weekdays through Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

TODAYS’S MEETING OF THE KA`U CHAPTER of Hawai`i Farmers Union United has been rescheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

For more information, call 503-575-9098.

LANA`I COMES TO KA`U TO PARTICIPATE in Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival in Pahala. As a cultural exchange, practitioners will be coming from Lana`i to share their talents with Ka`u and Hawai`i Island.
Kumu hula Debbie Ryder created the festival when she lived on Lana`i, and Pahala members of her Hula Halau O Leionalani traveled to Lana`i to participate. Ryder recently moved to Pahala and brought the festival with her.
The festival takes place on the grounds of the Plantation Manager’s House in the afternoons and evenings this Friday and Saturday.
All entertainment is open to the public with no fees.

Diane Ferlatte

Workshops, some with minimal fees, are scheduled Saturday morning.
For more, see www.hookupukau.com.
See more on the festival in this week’s Ka`u News Briefs and in this month’s issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

DIANE FERLATTE, AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED and award-winning storyteller, will share ghostly tales, just in time for Halloween, at Pahala Public & School Library a week from today on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. In Haunted Bayou: Ghostly Tales, Spirits Have Souls, Too, Ferlatte uses expression, gesture and intense emotion to create multiple characters for each story. Through stories, songs, American Sign Language and humor, she brings her tales to life.
Ferlatte is a native of New Orleans and has visited almost every state in the U.S., including Hawai`i and Alaska, to perform at libraries, major festivals, theaters, conferences and schools. Nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008, Ferlatte said she especially loves performing in public libraries, as she believes that they are one of the places where the tradition of storytelling is to be nurtured and lessons of the stories most need to be heard.
This 45-minute program is suitable for ages 5 and older. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
For more information, call 928-2015.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Lava has increased its advance rate toward Pahoa, with Civil Defense reporting this morning that it is 0.3 miles from Apa`a Street, on which the transfer station is located. Photo from USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

LACK OF A WASTE TRANSFER STATION IN OCEAN VIEW is the subject of a story in West Hawai`i Today. According to reporter Bret Yager, residents are dumping trash along the access road at the future site of a transfer station.
The story says that although residents are able to dispose of their trash for free on Saturdays when the county sets up temporary containers, it can take a half hour to get through the line. On other days, residents must travel to Wai`ohinu or South Kona.

Illegal dumping continues to be an issue in Ocean View. This photo was posted on
Ka`u News Briefs in March, 2011. Photo from Ocean View Recycling Point &
Convenience Center EIS

Ocean View Community Association President Fortune Otter told Yager, “The garbage down there has gotten incredibly bad. It’s not just refrigerators and tires and generators. It’s also bags of diapers, which means that people are definitely just not waiting for Saturday.”
Hawai`i County Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd told Yager, “We will clean it up if there is an issue.” She added that the county is dealing with issues including damage from Tropical Storm Iselle and the lava flow threatening Pahoa, its transfer station and highway access to lower Puna.
She said the county is considering expanding the temporary services.
Yager reported that Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford said she was disgusted by the trash and displeased the transfer station hasn’t been built.
“I’m so frustrated about this project and many other public safety projects that have not been completed in Ka`u and Kona,” she said.
Ford acknowledged that county departments are currently in crisis mode but said that doesn’t explain years of inactivity on a project that has been on the county’s capital improvement projects list since 2007.

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

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists investigated the leading edges of the Puna
lava flow on foot yesterday. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGISTS conducted investigations of the leading edges of the Puna lava flow on foot yesterday. The flow was moving downslope in a small gully, which increased the flow’s advance rate from about 87 yards per day during the previous week to as much as 330 yards per day at times during the past two days.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reported today that, while flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, the flow is now 0.3 miles from Apa`a Street, and Apa`a Street and Cemetery Road will be closed between Pahoa Transfer Station and Kaohe Homesteads Road. Civil Defense and public safety personnel will begin conducting round-the-clock observations of the flow.

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

LOW-INTEREST FEDERAL DISASTER LOANS are available to Ka`u residents and business owners affected by Tropical Storm Iselle. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following the Oct. 16 denial of the state’s appeal for a major disaster declaration. The loans are available to farmers, ranchers, business owners and homeowners.

SBA loans are available to Ka`u farmers, ranchers, businesses and residents who
suffered damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. Photo by Gloria Camba

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing Hawai`i with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for residents and businesses affected by the disaster,” said administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Interest rates can be as low as 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and four percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.

David Alexander McFadden

For more information about SBA’s disaster assistance programs, see www.sba.gov/disaster.
The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Dec. 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 22, 2015.

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

DAVID ALEXANDER MCFADDEN, of Na`alehu, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly growing marijuana with intent to distribute and made his initial court appearance yesterday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 2 p.m. today in Kona District Court.

Documents filed by police indicate that officers found 85 marijuana plants, 52.66 pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Freitas maintained McFadden’s bail at $19,000, and he remained in custody Wednesday evening at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

MUFI HANNEMANN, INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE for governor, mentioned Ka`u Coffee in his response to a question during a recent candidate forum in Hilo.

Moderator Sherry Bracken asked the candidates, “What steps would your administration take to increase profitable farming in Hawai`i?”

Hannemann said, “Farmers often have difficulty with long-term leases. Farmers have difficulty getting loans from the banks. We have to go back with an understanding and appreciation of agriculture. If we want food security, if we want to make sure that we grow more of our products here and be able to put out in the world products from Hawai`i that are grown here … whether it’s Kona Coffee, now Ka`u Coffee, all those things is what I want to do.

Hannemann also said his years with C. Brewer on Hawai`i Island gave him a deep appreciation for diversified ag. “Let’s begin with changing the status of the Department of Agriculture,” he said. “Currently they get only 0.7 percent of the budget of state government. How can they afford to go out and do what they need to do?”

Sen. David Ige, Democratic candidate for governor, met with Ka`u residents
at Marion Villanueva's Pahala home in July. Photo by Julia Neal

Hannemann concluded, “I want to bring back the agriculture industry and make them understand there’s someone in the executive office that understands the importance of agriculture.”

Democratic Sen. David Ige said that before meeting with farmers across the state during his campaign, he thought agriculture was dead in Hawai`i. “I am more bullish about agriculture now than I ever have been because of my many interactions with farmers across the state.

“We need to help and support all farmers, big and small. We need to turn the Department of Agriculture upside down so they understand that it’s also about supporting the small farmers.”
“We need to make investments in the University of Hawai`i so we can have the extension agents that can be the conduit to the farmers across the state to teach them about new technologies and ways to be more profitable. We need to start with the farmers and ask them, ‘What would it take to double your production?’”

Republican Duke Aiona replied, “Agriculture is a big part, I believe, in regards to what we call our naturally competitive industries. We know that we can have diversified agriculture in this state across the board.

Kumu hula Debbie Ryder is director of Ho`okupu Hula
No Ka`u Cultural Festival taking place tomorrow
and Saturday. Photo by Julia Nea

“I’m a proponent, and I’m a supporter of all forms of agriculture.
“I’m prepared to do what it takes. I know that the Legislature has tried to incentivize farmers to get into agribusiness by making some modifications and amendments, increasing the funding for agricultural loans.
“I know we need to do much more so that we can help our agriculture industry thrive.”
Aiona said he wants to meet with farmers and communities to identify their needs regarding agriculture.

See bigislandvideonews.com.

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

WALK-IN VOTING IN ADVANCE OF THE NOV. 4 General Election is available at Pahala Community Center weekdays through Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL takes place on the grounds of the Plantation Manager’s House in the afternoons and evenings tomorrow and Saturday.
On Saturday 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. Some workshops have minimal fees.
All entertainment is open to the public with no fees.
For more, see www.hookupukau.com.
See more on the festival in this week’s Ka`u News Briefs and in this month’s issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Halau Hula O Leionalani greeted the sunrise at Punalu`u this morning with a ceremony to open Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival, with music, hula and cultural presentations from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S LAW PROHIBITING genetically modified organisms is pre-empted by state law, argued a lawyer who convinced a U.S. judge to invalidate a Kaua`i law requiring disclosure of use of GMO crops and pesticides.

According to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Margery Bronster said at a hearing yesterday, “We believe that the same ruling should follow here.” Bronster represents Hawai`i Floriculture and Nursery Association, Hawai`i Papaya Industry Association, Big Island Banana Growers Association, Hawai`i Cattlemen's Council, Pacific Floral Exchange, Biotechnology Industry Organization and various farmers.

Cultural Exchange between Lana`i, Japan and the Big Island kicked off last night
with dance and music in Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal

Bronster argued that the Hawai`i County ordinance is more onerous than the Kaua`i one and adds to the challenges farmers face on the Big Island including blight and viruses, pests, hurricanes and vandals.
Bronster also said the ordinance is in conflict with the state constitution that promotes diversified agriculture, including small farmers, flower growers, cattle and big seed companies.
County Deputy Corporation Counsel Katherine Garson argued that the intention of the ordinance is to “promote non-GMO agriculture, plants and crops” and that the Big Island wanted to “promote itself as an eco-friendly place.”
Earthjustice attorney Paul Achitoff, who represents the Center for Food Safety and some organic farmers, said supporters of the law do so to keep the Big Island from becoming like other counties.
Achitoff argued that counties shouldn't have to rely on the state to regulate agriculture. He compared the situation to albizia trees that caused power outages when Tropical Storm Iselle hit the Big Island.
“If the court is going to say only the state can regulate vegetation that may cause a problem, what happens to the county’s ability to say, ‘We have to get rid of these albizia trees before they fall on any power lines,’” he said.
See staradvertiser.com.

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

Triangle shows front of flow as it is expected to follow route marked by blue line toward Pahoa Transfer Station. Map from Hawai`i County Civil Defense

A NARROW CHANNEL IS ALLOWING LAVA to advance more quickly toward Apa`a Street on the outskirts of Pahoa. Civil Defense has closed Apa`a Street in anticipation of lava reaching the area today. At 7:45 a.m., lava was 250 yards from the area and had advanced approximately 300 yards since Civil Defense’s previous report. It is also currently about one mile from Pahoa Village Road.

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

Kathryn Matayoshi

PRAISING HER “SUPERIOR ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS,” the Hawai`i State Board of Education has given Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi a 2014 overall rating of “Exceeds Expectations.”

“The overall performance grade is ‘Exceeds Expectations,’ which is one step below the prior year, said BOE Chairman Don Horner. “The grade change reflects the increased bar of expectations and goals. Ms. Matayoshi continues to perform well by increasing departmental transparency, accountability and executing our joint strategic plan initiatives. We have made exceptional progress under her leadership. However, much work remains to be done, and effective communication with all stakeholders will be critical as we continue to move forward together.”

In her 2013 evaluation Matayoshi was rated as “Exceptional.” The overall rating is based on the evaluation of the Superintendent’s overall management abilities and attainment of performance objectives and program accomplishments.
The Board noted the forward movement of the department despite hiring and funding challenges and highlighted Matayoshi’s efforts in building stronger partnerships in areas that are critical to student success.
“This has been a very challenging year for the Department, and I appreciate that the Board recognizes the progress in our strategic reforms,” Matayoshi told the Board. “We set very high goals, and we still have work to do in reaching our targets. The results show that our teachers and students are performing well and that we are making transformative change for the future of public education in Hawai`i with the help of community partners.”
Matayoshi was named Superintendent in September 2010. In June 2014, the BOE re-appointed Matayoshi to serve another three years. The BOE/DOE Joint Strategic Plan focuses on three main goals: Student Success, Staff Success and Successful Systems of Support. The BOE monitors the DOE’s progress through its aligned committees – Student Achievement, Human Resources, Finance and Infrastructure – to increase both accountability and efficiency.

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

Participants in Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival gathered last night to prepare for performances. The festival takes place at Pahala Plantation House today and tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Workshops take place tomorrow. See hookupukau.com.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I STATE SENATE HAS CONFIRMED Margaret Masunaga’s appointment to a six-year District Court term. Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald chose Masunaga from a list of six nominees.

Masunaga is deputy corporation counsel for Hawai`i County. While she had support from Mayor Billy Kenoi, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusas, Hawai`i State Bar Association said she was not qualified due to a lack of civil and criminal law experience, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Anna Peach Photo by Ron Johnson

“There is little reservation, if any, that Margaret Masunaga is qualified and will do a good job as the District Court judge of the Third Circuit,” said state Sen. Clayton Hee, chair of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee.

See staradvertiser.com.

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

ANNA PEACH, OWNER OF THE COMMERCIAL Squash & Awe Farm on the dry side of Kamuela, gave presentations about her farming methods in Ka`u this week. Peach turned a quarter-acre plot of land into a commercial operation in 16 months. She uses all-organic methods to grow squash inter-planted with many other vegetables and native Hawaiian plants to attract a variety of pollinators from honeybees and bumble bees to butterflies, including Monarchs and the native Kamehamehas.
Peach has learned to compost, build soil, raise worms, fix cars, make fish emulsion and even battle some of the world’s most destructive tropical ag pests, all while using sustainable methods. Using the local library, a few purchased books and some Internet research, along with simply working hard, she was able to learn these things. “So, if you feel like farming is beyond you, think again,” Peach said. “We can do whatever we set out to. The important thing is to try out your dreams.”
According to Peach, “A farmer is only as good as their soil.” The soil where she farms is lower in quality than she needs, so she uses raised composting beds to build soil and grow her produce. “Although it is much more labor intensive than traditional till farming, the reward is a much more bountiful crop in a very small space. Another very important benefit is that you are building topsoil for yourself and the generations that will follow. A healthy plant fights off disease and pests, so a good feeding of nutrients gets you started strong.”
See more at squashandawe.com.

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

Sign along Hwy 11 directs motorists into Pahala, where walk-in voting takes place weekdays through Friday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

Cultural exchange continues in Pahala today and
tomorrow, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

WALK-IN VOTING IN ADVANCE OF THE NOV. 4 General Election is available at Pahala Community Center weekdays through next Friday, Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U CULTURAL FESTIVAL takes place on the grounds of the Plantation Manager’s House in the afternoons and evenings today and tomorrow.

The festival begins with `Ohana Night and an Opening Pule at 4 p.m. today, 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. Music by Makanau begins at 7 p.m., followed by Steven Sioloa, Wailau Ryder and Ricky Masaoka at 8:15 p.m.
All entertainment is open to the public with no fees.
For more, see www.hookupukau.com.
See more on the festival in this week’s Ka`u News Briefs and in this month’s issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME PARTY is a week from today on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Cover charge is $3 with costume or $5 without.
Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. for additional information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Latest Images