The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Ka`u residents who support local businesses could win $1,000 at a drawing at Ka`u Coffee Festival on Saturday, May 2.

A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT at Discovery Harbour was a hot topic at Sunday’s Ka`u Community Development Plan speak-out held at the community center there. The development includes a lodge, condominiums, possible time-share units and retail areas.

The Discovery Harbour display attracted many residents who offered views
on a proposed residential, resort and commercial development there.
Photo by Ron Johnson

Comments from community members were both pro and con. One resident said the development would provide an option for the one million people who visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park annually.
Concerns about the development included waste management, more theft and increased traffic. “Residential lots are fine; not commercial resorts or big development,” a resident said.
“I think it’s selfish for people to discourage development,” someone wrote.
“Growth can bring beauty,” another resident said.
Another suggested that developers should generate a community benefits packet with commitments to community.
Another said the development would create more jobs “to keep the younger generation here.”
One resident listed “three reasons to reject upzoning: changes nature of Discovery Harbour fundamentally; logistics and infrastructure; and roads will be dangerous as more tourists come through.”
Planner Ron Whitmore has scheduled a focused discussion on the proposed development Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
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Prizes for Saturdays's Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest winners have
been announced. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST PRIZES have been announced. First-place adult division winner receives $300, and first-place student receives $200. In each division, second place wins $150, and third place takes $75.

Miss Holly K, of Native-FM radio, will be DJ at the event, with entertainment by Keoki Kahumoku and friends.
Ka`u cooks with pupu, entrée and dessert recipes can still enter the contest through Friday at 4 p.m. The contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, celebrating award-winning Ka`u Coffee. All proceeds raised by the event, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, stay in Ka`u to benefit the Ka`u community.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, runners will have a second annual opportunity to run through a trail and view Ka`u’s prized coffee and view the Ka`u Coast.

Registration is now open for the second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography

The course is fun challenging for all ages, offering runners the choice to register for either a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. The 5K is a family friendly run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut grove, coffee fields and a huge eucalyptus tree forest. The Half Marathon follows the 5K and 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traversing onto a four-wheel-drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures, former sugarcane fields and winding down through newly planted coffee fields.
Awards go to top three men and women overall (overall winners do not win top age group awards) and top three men and women in age groups from 19 and under to 70 and over.
All runs, starting at 7:30 a.m., begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Race packets are available by mail or pickup on Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart in Hilo or on race day between 6:30 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Register at race360.com/21357.
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THE STATE SENATE HAS PASSED 135 House bills that address areas of domestic violence, beach protection, education, public safety, energy and a number of other measures aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of the residents of Hawai`i.
A total of 197 bills have passed third reading by the Senate and will be returning to the House.

Sen. Kalani English

A majority of the bills will go into conference committees where the House and Senate conferees will convene to settle differences between the House and Senate drafts and negotiate final amended versions.

Among the most substantial bills passed by the Senate are HB321 that would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers, HB290 that appropriates funding for construction of Kona Judiciary Complex and HB365 which appropriates money for body cameras for police officers.
HB124 would require the office of elections to implement elections by mail in a county with a population of less than 100,000 beginning with the 2016 primary election; and in each county with a population of less than 500,000, beginning with the 2018 primary election. Beginning in 2020, it would require all federal, state and county primary, special primary, general, special general and special elections to be conducted by mail.
HB1042 appropriates funds for grants-in-aid to the counties for identifying and mapping important agricultural lands, preparing the final submission package to the land use commission, and assistance with exploring county incentives for important agricultural lands.
HB1489 authorizes issuance of special license plates for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.
HB1112 would require the state auditor to conduct a financial and management audit of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation every five years. It would also authorize HHSC to negotiate master collective bargaining agreements for its employees. It also authorizes a regional system of HHSC, in collaboration with a private entity, to transition any one or more of its facilities to management and operation by a new nonprofit management entity.
HB1354 authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to several state agencies for the purposes of improving and increasing existing public and affordable housing stock in the state.

“The Senate was prudent in passing out responsible House bills,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “These are reasonable proposals, and we’re looking forward to conference to work out the details.”
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Chris J. Kanazawa

THE FIRST DEADLINE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 funding from Rural Energy for America Program grants through the 2014 Farm Bill is April 30.

Small businesses and farmers who are considering energy-saving upgrades can save even more though this federal program that helps them make the initial investment in improvements.  
Rural Development State Director Chris J. Kanazawa announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture will award up to $280 million through the program. “Developing renewable energy resources for Hawai`i’s farmers, ranchers and business owners strengthens their capacity to be competitive in today’s environment,” Kanazawa said. “The more we reduce dependency on fossil fuel and replace it with renewable energy resources, we become more reliant on self-generated energy, act as good stewards of our islands and support President Obama’s clean energy initiative.”  
The grants pay for up to 25 percent of total cost of the project or guarantee a loan of up to 75 percent of total cost for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The USDA accepts and reviews loan and grant applications year-round. Renewable energy projects may include wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.  
Energy efficiency improvements eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.
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THE BUY LOCAL IT MATTERS cross-promotion sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture will present a $1,000 check to a lucky person at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2. The campaign aims to encourage residents to support Hawai`i businesses. It particularly focuses on agriculture, encouraging conscious decisions to purchase locally grown farm products. The campaign was created by University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation and Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.

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South Side Serenaders Ti Chun, Terrie Louis and Elijah Navarro
perform at Friday's Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House.

SENIOR BINGO COMES TO PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER Friday. Hosted by `O Ka`u Kakou, the event features great gifts and food from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

PA`INA AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.
Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.

ORCHID HOBBYISTS AND THOSE with budding orchid addictions will want to join speakers from Hilo Orchid Society for Volcano Art Center’s Orchid Workshop, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Larry Kuekes will discuss which orchids grow best at different elevations. Ben Oliveros will be giving hands on demonstrations for dividing and mounting, and Shelby Smith, a self-confirmed orchid addict, will be on hand to answer questions.
Cost is $25 or $20 for VAC members.

For more information or to register, 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/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u High boys volleyball team celebrated Senior Night with a win over Wai`akea. Photos from Taylor Sport Photography

PRIOR TO PRESENTING HIS BUDGET to Hawai`i County Council this morning, Mayor Billy Kenoi apologized for using a county-issued credit card for personal charges. “To the Hawai`i County Council I begin by apologizing to all of you for the mistakes I made,” Kenoi said. “To the council, to the administrators, to the hard-working employees of the county, to the good people who call Hawai`i Island home, to the people who are deeply disappointed, I am truly sorry.”

Mayor Billy Kenoi speaks before
Hawai`i County Council.

Public testifiers and council members addressed the matter, as well. Ka`u resident and for former council candidate Richard Abbett spoke in support of budget. He noted the 4.3 percent increase over last year’s budget, but no increase in property taxes to cover the increase, although property values have increased in values.

Richard Abbott testified from Ocean
View Community Center.

Regarding Kenoi’s pCard use, Abbett spoke about what he called keeping the public’s trust and managing the public’s trust. “Once it’s lost, it’s very difficult to get it back,” Abbett said. “Hopefully, we can all learn from this and move on.
Puna council member Greggor Ilagan said he needed to address “the elephant in the room” and said that while it is not the Council’s responsibility to deal with the matter, it his duty to “get the facts.”
North Kona council member Karen Eoff thanked Kenoi for coming to the meeting, saying it showed his commitment to county programs included in his budget.

County Council meets with various departments today through Friday regarding the budget. Meetings are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.

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THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES passed nearly 150 Senate measures dealing with education, housing and homelessness, health, seniors, agriculture, invasive species and the environment, public safety and improving the quality of life for Hawai`i residents.
Among the most significant bills passed were SB1028 that attempts to harmonize requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act with those of Hawai`i’s Prepaid Health Care, SB1291 that establishes a regulated system of medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers and SB287 that mandates and establishes a timetable for voting by mail for all Hawai`i elections.
The majority of the bills, along with the nearly 140 House bills passed by the Senate, will go into conference committees where House and Senate conferees negotiate differences in the measures and determine which will be presented for final consideration.

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THE STATE SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE, chaired by Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, approved Gov. David Ige’s nomination of Simon Russell to the Board of Agriculture. Russell is vice president of Hawai`i Farmers Union United, which has a chapter in Ka`u.

The state Senate Agriculture Committee questions Board of Ag nominee
Simon Russell. Photo from Sen. Russell Ruderman's facebook page

Wood Valley organic vegetable farmer, coffee farmer and coffee broker Malian Lahey testified in support of the nomination. “Simon Russell is an outstanding advocate for the farmers in my region as well as in the state of Hawai`i,” Lahey said. “Simon is a true public servant, has demonstrated on numerous occasions his greatness of vision partnered with a warmhearted passion to serve the interests of agriculture and support our entire state with the benefits of nutritious, local food. Not only that, he has taken the time to listen to the concerns and interests of conventional farmers as well as organic farmers, farmers of different age groups and cultural groups. He has dedicated the time and the attention to learn about all types of farmers because of his commitment to truly serve agriculture beyond the limitations of any identity group. As my 84.6-acre farm is developed and becomes more productive, the support I will require from the Department of Agriculture will grow as well. There is no one I would rather work with than Simon Russell.”

Volcano resident Eva Lee, of Tea Hawai`i & Co., testified, “We assert that Simon will bring to the Board of Agriculture a practical-systems way of thinking in addressing challenges we as agriculturists face in making a living at farming while setting out to grow our food, fiber and fuel here locally.
“Simon’s tireless focus on the big picture of creating and advocating for whole systems of agricultural infrastructure in building a production-based economy that is in relationship to the existing service based economy will be a great asset to this board. His forward thinking can-do attitude in working together collaboratively with state tea industry and numerous other specialty crops will advance Hawai`i agriculture that is sustainable and significant contributors to local economy. Simon’s experience and knowledge as a family farmer utilizing sustainable biological systems will bring a refreshing perspective to the conversation and strategy of ecological sustainability in our moving forward as a agricultural community.
“It will be through his supporting the best and highest interest of the agricultural and general community at large that Simon, we feel, will be an excellent candidate for this most important position.”

Russell’s nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

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Hawai`i Wildlife Fund staff and volunteers continue cleanup efforts along
the Ka`u Coast. Photo from HWF

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND, SPONSOR of many Ka`u Coast and local anchialine pond cleanups, sends Earth Week an Earth Day greetings.

At the most recent Ka`u Coast Cleanup on March 28 at Kamilo Point, 27 volunteers removed almost 1,300 pounds of debris, including 947 bagsful and 250 pounds of derelict fishing nets. Interesting finds included tires from Mexico and Japan, a soccer ball with Japan Football Association logo, a cooking pot full of sea urchins and whiskey bottles from Japan.

Upcoming HWF events include estuary restoration workday Wednesday, April 29 along the shores of Ka`ala`iki fishpond from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Manuka Area Natural Reserve cleanup Saturday, May 9.
Email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SAID EARTH DAY is “an important day in Hawai`i, when we recommit to protecting our `aina, our earth.
“For centuries, native Hawaiians understood the importance of living in unison with our natural environment. And though Hawai`i has made much progress toward adopting a more sustainable way of life, both our state and our nation have so much more work. That includes addressing one of the greatest threats to our island state: global climate change.
“Despite the fact that an overwhelming 97 percent of scientists agree on the realities of human-induced climate change, Republicans in Congress continue to deny its existence. It’s time for us to act on this issue.

“Instead of acknowledging the realities of climate change, Republicans in Congress choose instead to give tax breaks to our largest polluters and to roll back existing regulations that protect our air, our land, and our health.
“Earth Day is an international holiday and is observed in 192 countries. It’s a great day to give back to our earth – and a great day to take action to protect it.
“Our earth can’t afford for us to wait any longer. It is time for Republicans to recognize the real and present danger of climate change today.
“Republicans must stop blocking our attempts to protect our environment, protect our country and protect our `ohana and future generations.
See demandclimatechangeaction.com/#hirono.
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Ka`u High boys volleyball team won against Wai`akea yesterday and travel
to HPA Saturday for the final match of the regular season.

KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS won their home matches against Wai`akea yesterday. Junior varsity scores were 25-20 and 25-22.

Varsity went to a fifth-set tie-breaker, 25-8, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25 and 15-12.
Cameron Enriques made 29 kills, with nine in the fifth set, and Brian Gascon made 12 kills, three of them in the fifth set.

The final game of the regular season is on Saturday at HPA. JV starts at 10 a.m., and varsity follows.

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PA`INA AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.
Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public plus live entertainment. For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKE, another event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, takes place a week from today on Wednesday, April 29 at 9 a.m. Hikers meet at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

For more information and reservations, see kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

A new report shows an increasing number of visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ranger Dean Gallagher gives a Life on the Edge talk to visitors along the Jaggar Museum observation deck in the park. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

A NEW NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPORT shows that 1,693,005 visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2014 spent $136,838,700 in communities near the park. That spending supported 1,672 jobs on island and had a cumulative benefit to the local community of $170,878,000.

The park’s 2014 visitation is up 6.9 percent from 2013 (1,583,209 visitors) and reflects a steady and rising trend of visitation to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park since 2009. The park, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, shares two of Earth’s most active volcanoes, the Hawaiian culture and its native biodiversity with local residents and visitors.
“It’s heartening to again report an increase in both visitation to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the significant economic impact park visitors have by spending money and creating jobs in our local community,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s clearly a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.
To download the report, see nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm.
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hopes to expand protection of reefs to more than
those designated here. Map from U.S. DOI

HAWAI`I’S COASTAL REEFS WILL RECEIVE protection by collaborative partnerships. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will focus efforts with partners in Hawai`i, as well as three mainland locations, to conserve and restore important lands and waters and make them more resilient to a changing climate. Building on existing collaborations, these partnerships will help build resilience in regions vulnerable to climate change and related challenges. They will also showcase benefits of landscape-scale management approaches.

In addition to improving reef resilience, projects will focus on addressing shoreline erosion, removing invasive species, restoring streams, wetlands and fishponds and preventing wildfire impacts.
“Climate change is impacting every corner of the nation – from the Everglades to the Arctic – which has ramifications for our natural and cultural heritage, public health and economic activity,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. “Through increased collaboration, we can pool resources and bring the best available science to bear as we take a landscape-level approach to make these treasured lands and waters more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
On Earth Day, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “Protecting our environment is not just a policy discussion; it is a way life, embedded in the fabric of our culture and society. To preserve and protect the `aina, we must continue to conserve our precious, limited natural resources and promote sustainable practices. I commend the President as well as the EPA, NOAA and Department of Interior on their move to protect and restore the precious coastal reefs in West Hawai`i, West Maui, and He`eia (on O`ahu). These projects will build on work already being done by our community in these and other areas. I look forward to working toward expanding these initiatives to include other affected reefs across the state.”
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Loretta Lynch

THE U.S. SENATE TODAY CONFIRMED Loretta Lynch as attorney general. President Barack Obama nominated her on Nov. 8, 2014 to succeed Eric Holder. On Feb. 26, the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Senate confirmed her appointment in a 12-8 vote, with all Democrats of the committee in favor and three Republicans also in favor. Lynch is the first African-American woman to serve in this position.

“Loretta Lynch is a strong leader with a long and distinguished record of public service,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “Her wealth of experience as a prosecutor will serve her well as she steps into her new role as our nation’s top law enforcement officer charged with countering terrorist threats, going after criminals and protecting our civil rights and liberties. But we can’t ignore the fact that Loretta Lynch’s historic confirmation as the first woman of color to lead the Department of Justice was dragged on for over five months – longer than the last seven Attorney General nominees. These political games have to stop. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to continue building on the bipartisan stands we have taken this week, passing our human trafficking bill, as well as finally voting on Ms. Lynch’s nomination. I hope we continue to come together to focus on creating jobs and strengthening the economy for middle class families.”

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists update the status of lava flowing from Pu`u `O`o in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“Lava erupting from Pu`u `O`o since mid-March 2015 has spread slowly and irregularly across three areas located within about seven kilometers (four miles) from the vent on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone,” the article states. “These active lava flows are not presently posing an immediate threat to any community in the Puna District of the Island of Hawai`i.
“The currently active flows are reminiscent of the slow-moving Kahauale`a flows that were active in 2013-2014, before the new vent opened on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o on June 27, 2014 and sent flows toward Pahoa. The Kahauale`a flows spread gradually north and northeast from Pu`u `O`o in fits and starts, intermittently advancing a short distance before stopping as the supply of lava changed.

“The current activity is a welcome relief from the long, tube-fed June 27th lava flow that spread 22 km (14 mi) eastward from Pu`u `O`o and repeatedly threatened the Pahoa area. That flow entered Pahoa in late October 2014, nearly cutting the Pahoa Village Road, before becoming inactive in mid-November.

Current activity at Pu`u `O`o is a continuation of a breakout that starved the supply
of lava going to the flow front near Pahoa. Photo from USGS/HVO

“Days later, a new breakout upslope developed into a second flow lobe that reached to within 500 meters (550 yards) of the Pahoa Marketplace just before Christmas. This lobe stopped advancing, but continued to spread laterally just upslope from the Marketplace over the next few months. Because these breakouts, and others farther upslope, were widely dispersed, no single flow lobe became focused, which limited the advance of the flow front.
“Lava was further diverted from the June 27th flow front on Feb. 21, when a series of flows broke out of the lava tube near its source on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o. This breakout was followed by another large breakout on March 9 near Pu`u Kahauale`a – an old, nearly buried cone about two km (1.2 mi) northeast of Pu`u `O`o. Together, these two breakouts captured the entire supply of lava from the tube, effectively starving the June 27th flow front, and, by March 13, surface flows near the Pahoa Marketplace were no longer active.
“Even as the flows near Pahoa were dying out, lava slowly reoccupied the tube below Pu`u Kahauale`a. This culminated in a third area of breakouts about six km (four mi) northeast of Pu`u `O`o. Lava has not reoccupied the tube below this breakout.
“All three of these breakouts remained active this past week. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is currently monitoring the breakouts with bi-weekly overflights, after which maps and photos of the activity are posted on the HVO website (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/). HVO scientists are also using other methods to track the status of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption, including Webcam images, satellite imagery, sulfur dioxide gas emission measurements and continuous recording of earthquake and ground deformation by instruments on the volcano.
“The lava flows of the past eight months have demonstrated the complex factors that affect the ways in which lava moves across the ground. The intertwining conditions that enabled lava to advance right to Pahoa’s doorstep were remarkable. For example, older lava flows and large ground cracks along the East Rift Zone kept the June 27th flow narrow, facilitating its advance and promoting development of a robust lava tube system.
“The constant uncertainties in estimating if the June 27th lava flow would continue moving downslope, what path it would take, how fast it would advance, and whether lava would cover Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa Marketplace, Highway 130, and other vital infrastructure, has made this a somewhat harrowing experience. With lava flow advance rates varying from a few meters (yards) to more than 500 m (550 yards) per day, flow forecasts were imperfect at best.
“Fortunately, the June 27th flow stopped before completing what seemed to be a certain path to significant destruction in Pahoa.
“The Puna District can breathe more freely for the moment, but the activity over the past eight months has demonstrated that the area is not immune to Kilauea’s lava flows. While the currently active flows do not represent an immediate hazard to communities, they could eventually. We must all remember that unpredictable changes at Pu`u `O`o can quickly change the hazard prognosis.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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Jr. Volcano Choy, who teaches music in Pahala, performs at tomorrow's Pa`ina
at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

PA`INA AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.

Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471. For a complete Ka`u Coffee Festival schedule see kaucoffeefest.com

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST is looking for more entries from students. First-place student wins $200, second $150, and third $75. Entry forms are available at Ka`u High School office and at kaucoffeefest.com. Deadline to enter is 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
The adult division first-place wins $300, second $150, and third $75.
Emcee is Miss Holly K of Native-FM radio. Keoki Kahumoku and friends entertain. The contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public.

For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Lava in Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea has reached its highest level since the crater opened in 2008.
Photo from USGS/HVO

THE SURFACE OF HALEMA`UMA`U’S LAVA LAKE came into view yesterday afternoon, when observed from the Jaggar Museum overlook, and remains in view this morning. The lake is the highest it has been since forming in 2008. According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the high level triggered a small collapse from the overhanging west wall and rim of the Overlook crater at about 5:20 a.m. this morning, triggering a small explosive event that threw spatter out onto the Halema`uma`u crater floor.

Alison Yahna, who operates Artemis Smiles Honeybee Sanctuary in Ka`u, is
treasurer of Ha`ao Springs & Mountain House Ag Water Cooperative.
Photo from artemissmiles.com

HVO also reports increased seismicity continuing beneath Kilauea’s summit and upper East Rift Zone. Seismologists recorded a 3.0-magnitude earthquake near the summit at 9:38 p.m. yesterday.

See daily updates at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE Ag Water Co-op could have memoranda of understanding and agreement completed by May or June, Pres. Jeremy Buhr announced at the organization’s meeting yesterday. The agreements would allow beginning of construction of pipes to bring overflow water from the Ha`ao Springs area to near Wai`ohinu Park for agricultural use.
Originally, plans called for more pipes going to Green Sands subdivision, but a new idea being considered is for a tank and fill station near the park, which would allow more area residents to join the co-op and have access to the non-potable water. The possibility of having a water delivery truck to fill members’ tanks is another option on the table.
The co-op also elected officers yesterday. Jeremy Buhr is president; Mel Davis, vice president; Bill Savage, secretary; and Alison Yahna, treasurer.
The next meeting is Thursday, July 16 at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park.
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UH is considering early decommissioning of Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.
Photo from wikipedia

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I IS CONSIDERING expedited decommissioning of some telescopes on Mauna Kea in response to protests over construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to a Hawai`i Tribune-Herald story by Tom Callis and Chris D’Angelo. Construction at the site is currently on hold.

“There’s been some internal discussion of essentially putting a more definite timetable on what’s in the current decommission plan,” Bob McLaren, associate director of UH’s Institute for Astronomy, told the reporters.
Caltech Submillimeter Observatory is scheduled for decommissioning between next year and 2018. United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, Very Long Baseline Array and another submillimeter telescope are currently to be decommissioned by 2033, McLaren said.
Jodi Leong, speaking for Gov. David Ige, said, “Progress is being made, but it will take time to come to a comprehensive solution to this matter.”
UH Board of Regents reconvene last week’s meeting about management of Mauna Kea Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. “This meeting is fulfilling a promise made by the board at the end of last Thursday’s meeting to give everyone who wants to testify before the board the opportunity to do so,” UH spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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SCIENCE CAMPS OF AMERICA RETURNS to Hawai`i Island for its third summer, offering local teens entering grades eight through 12 the opportunity to take an active approach to learning about science in the outdoors. Camp founder Michael Richards said he started the camp in 2013 so teens could “do” science rather than just reading about it in a classroom.

Science campers explore the Ka`u Coast this summer.
Photo from Science Camps of America

Pahala Plantation Cottages is home base for campers. Richards is a board member of the Ka`u Learning Academy in Na`alehu, which is set to open this fall. He worked with founder Kathryn Tydlacka and other board members to get the academy approved by the state’s Charter School Commission. It was the only applicant authorized to become a public charter school last year.
“The Big Island is such an amazing place geographically, climatically and culturally that I knew I wanted to create a camp that encompasses what makes this place so unique,” Richards said. “Ka`u is such a beautiful and remote place where the people and their needs often get overlooked. Helping to get Ka`u Learning Academy approved by the Charter School Commission was something all of us involved put a lot of energy and effort into because we believe in its importance.”
Campers will get the chance to explore the environmental diversity that the Big Island has to offer from beaches and rainforests to snow-covered mountains. Some of the destinations include Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Lani Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Mauna Kea Visitor Center, USGS Mauna Loa Climate Observatory, Punalu`u Black Sand Beach and many more.
The first camp session, Land and Sea, is held June 29 to July 8 and focuses on volcanology, geology and oceanography. Campers will explore Hawai`i’s unique flora and fauna and learn how events in the natural world affect every living creature, including humans.
The second session, Air and Space, is from July 9 to 18 and focuses on astronomy, climatology and alternative energy. Campers will gain a better understanding of climate change and the creation and use of alternative energy to help curb global warming.
To extend this experience to more local teens, Science Camps of America, a Hawai`i-based nonprofit corporation, offers a limited amount of financial aid and also welcomes contributions from the public to the Science Camps of America Scholarship Fund.
To help out or to learn more about and register for Science Camps of America, see ScienceCampsAmerica.com.
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Andrea Kawabata discusses the most current techniques for managing coffee berry borers Thursday in Kona. Photos from UH-CTAHR

UH-CTAHR AND USDA’s Areawide Mitigation and Management for Coffee Berry Borer Control program hosts an informational workshop for new coffee farmers about CBB, proper CBB management and a subsidy program that can help offset CBB control costs. CTAHR’s Coffee and Orchard Crops Extension Agent, Andrea Kawabata, provides growers with the most current techniques to managing CBB with a presentation on Thursday, April 30 from  3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at  Kona Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room , 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua.

  Call Gina at 322-4892 to RSVP or by email at ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, April 28.
A farm walk to actively look for and identify CBB on cherry follows the workshop. Suzanne Shriner, of the Synergistic Hawai`i Agriculture Council, explains the SHAC subsidy program that helps offset the cost of products used to spray and kill CBB.   
This workshop is geared toward new coffee farmers, but those wanting a refresher and to join the SHAC subsidy program are welcome to attend. New subsidy program participants are required to attend a SHAC subsidy workshop, such as this one, with Shriner.
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Bolo, who performs during today's Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House, is nominated
for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, with winners announced Saturday, May 23.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to enter Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Categories are pupu, entrée and dessert in adult and student divisions with prizes as high as $300.

The contest begins at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public.
For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

NO HOKU HANOHANO 2015 AWARD NOMINEE Bolo performs at this evening’s Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival also features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.

Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471. For a complete Ka`u Coffee Festival schedule see kaucoffeefest.com.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER PELE AND HI`IAKA and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This easy 1.7-mile walk is on the main road in Kahuku.

Volcano Art Center presents a hula performance tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

KUMU HA`AMAULIOLA AIONA and Kumu Kawelo Kong Kee with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalani`opu`u present a hula performance tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Na Mea Hula: All Things Hula with Loke Kamanu and `ohana takes place on the gallery’s porch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A WEEK FROM TODAY is Coffee & Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation Coffee farm on Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. Sign up at aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

KA`U STAR GAZING IS ALSO NEXT Friday, May 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., when participants observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. The old plantation water hike above Ka`u Coffee mill into the rainforest had one slot available for next Wednesday and two for Thursday, as of this morning. These events are part of ten days of Ka`u Coffee Festival events.
Reserve at kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

The level of the lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea continues to rise. Today, the level was as high as 46 feet below the Overlook crater rim. This photograph from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was taken in an area closed to the public, but the lava level was high enough today that the lava lake surface could be seen from Jaggar Museum Overlook, which is open to the public. USGS Photo

THE SUMMIT OF KILAUEA VOLCANO continues to inflate, and the summit lava lake continues to rise, reaching to within 40 feet of the Overlook crater rim. Crater wall collapses triggered two explosions overnight. Also, seismicity beneath the summit and the upper East and Southwest Rift Zones is elevated, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported this morning.

Two collapses from the Overlook crater walls at around 2 a.m. this morning both triggered explosions that threw gobs of spatter — some about one foot across — up onto the rim of Halema`uma`u at the webcam site and dusted the Jaggar Museum area with sand-sized ash.

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State senators celebrated lei-bedecked Suzanne Case's confirmation as
head of Hawai`i's Department of Land & Natural Resources.
Photo from Sen. Russell Ruderman's Facebook page

SUZANNE CASE IN THE NEW HEAD of Hawai`i’s Department of Land & Natural Resources. The Senate confirmed Gov. David Ige’s nomination yesterday.

A 28-year veteran of The Nature Conservancy, Case served as its Executive Director in Hawai`i since 2001. She oversaw a program of 76 staff, 16 preserves totaling 53,000 acres and an annual operating budget of $11 million, working in native forest, coastal and marine conservation, directly and through partnerships, on six main Hawaiian Islands.
In Ka`u, Case oversaw acquisition of the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch addition to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and TNC’s purchase of some of the most pristine native forests in Hawai`i. Purchasing Kamehame, the hawkbill turtle nesting site below Pahala, is another one of Case’s accomplishments. She also located TNC’s Hawai`i Island offices in Ka`u.
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Charled David Keeling received a Medal of Science presented
by Pres. George Bush. Photo from wikipedia

RESEARCH AT MAUNA LOA OBSERVATORY is receiving recognition as landmark science. On April 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Chemical Society will host a public ceremony and open house at the atmospheric research facility located at 11,000 feet above sea level. The event will commemorate Earth’s pre-eminent modern atmospheric carbon dioxide record. As part of this celebration, the CO2 data set itself will become officially recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory describe MLO’s research in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“Continuous CO2 monitoring began on Mauna Loa in 1958, when Charles David Keeling installed state-of-the-art instrumentation high on the remote north flank of the volcano and began carefully measuring the amount of CO2 in the air. This new data became crucial to an ongoing discussion about whether the CO2 released by industrial processes, such as power generation, was building up in Earth’s atmosphere.
“Once established, the record showed convincingly that CO2 buildup was indeed taking place. In fact, the technique worked so well that during summer months it easily detected the seasonal uptake of CO2 by increased vegetation. During winter months, when foliage in the northern hemisphere is scarcer, CO2 levels measured at the Mauna Loa location climbed. This seasonal trend superimposed on the long-term increasing background atmospheric CO2 record has since been demonstrated at a parallel measurement location in Barrow, Alaska. …

Keeling Curve record atmospheric CO2 measured at Mauna Loa Observatory.
Graph from wikipedia

“The data set that Charles David Keeling established nearly 50 years ago at MLO, which eventually became known as the ‘Keeling Curve,’ is truly worthy of the recognition it will receive next week. Besides documenting the steady upward trend of CO2 concentration in Earth’s atmosphere, this precise and modern CO2 record has been used to reconstruct temperature and CO2 concentration records as far back as 500,000 years ago. To accomplish this, scientists combined the current record, global temperature data and studies of CO2 and deuterium isotope concentrations found in the air trapped in ice cores.
“Keeling’s modern record, along with the ice core studies, show conclusively that CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are higher than they’ve been in at least half a million years. They also show that the sharpest and most significant CO2 increase coincided with Earth’s industrialization and that this increase is mimicked by average global temperatures.
“The news isn’t all bad, though. As climate scientists work to understand implications of the MLO CO2 record, other data sets at the observatory, inspired partly by Keeling’s work, are documenting progress toward lowering human-generated greenhouse gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons. As HVO continues to study what goes on beneath the surface of Hawaiian volcanoes, we applaud the Mauna Loa Observatory’s efforts to better understand the workings of Earth’s atmosphere.”

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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Ope`ape`a, Hawaiian hoary bat, is the official state land mammal.

THE HOARY BAT, HAWAI`I’S ONLY NATIVE land mammal, is the state’s official land mammal following Gov. David Ige signing Senate Bill 1183.

An adult Hawaiian hoary has an approximate twelve to fifteen inch wingspan, weighs approximately as much as a mouse, and flies at a speed of up to sixty miles per hour while pursuing mosquitoes, insects and other night-land aerial prey. A single Hawaiian hoary bat can consume forty per cent of its body weight in a single night.
On Oct. 13, 1970, the bat, ope`ape`a, was listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the state of Hawaii's endangered species list. Population estimates for the ope`ape`a have ranged from hundreds to a few thousand. The magnitude of any current population decline is unknown; however, observation and specimen records suggest that the ope`ape`a is now absent from historically occupied ranges.
“The Legislature finds that preserving the ope`ape`a, which is found only in Hawai`i, is important to Hawai`i’s heritage and culture,” the bill states.
The Nature Conservancy of Hawai`i submitted testimony supporting the bill as a means to increase awareness of the state’s forests: “This often misunderstood creature inhabits Hawai`i’s forests and roosts primarily in trees. The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of our forests, the less taste we shall have for their destruction. Already, the state of Hawai`i has lost more than half of its original forest. The loss of forest habitat throughout the bat’s range continues to play a role in its endangerment.
“The Hawaiian hoary bat is truly a wonder. It can fly. It can echolocate. It has the ability to enter torpor (a limited hibernation) to cope with periods of food (i.e., insect) shortages or inclement weather. Its ancestors arrived from continental America crossing more the 2,500 miles of the Pacific Ocean, in an amazing feat, which D. H. Johnson (the former curator of mammals for the Smithsonian Institution) identified as ‘probably the most remarkable mammalian flight of all time.’”

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Bolo and Friends performed last night at Pahala Plantation House. The Na Hoku
Hanohano nominee sang Kaiholena, about the mountain in Ka`u, a song written
by Bolo, Daniel Ho and a group of Ka`u Coffee Festival music
workshop attendees. Photo by Julia Neal

MISS KA`U COFFEE CONTENDERS whose pageant is tomorrow evening made a guest appearance at Pahala Plantation House and thanked the community for raising $7,100 in scholarship funding for their higher education. Representatives from donors Olson Trust, Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, Bio-Eco Hawai`i, CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee, Ka`u Specialty Coffee, Rep. Richard Creagan, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative members and the public enjoyed music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Bolo, Keioki Kahumoku and South Side Serenaders.

See www.kaucoffeefest for more on the ten days of Ka`u Coffee Festival activities through May 2.

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST BEGINS at 2 p.m. today. Categories are pupu, entrée and dessert in adult and student divisions with prizes as high as $300.
Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public.
For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates take a break last night at Pahala Plantation House
at the kick-off party for ten days of Ka`u Coffee Festival events, including
Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest this afternoon at Ka`u Coffee Mill and
the pageant tomorrow evening at Pahala Community Center.
See kaucoffeefest.com for more. Photo by Jesse Tunison

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, when four candidates vie for the honor of representing the Ka`u Coffee industry at various events during the next 12 months. Tickets are $10.

Call Pageant Chair Gloria Camba at 928- 8558.

A SECOND KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKE has been scheduled for next Thursday after Wednesday’s almost filled up. The hike begins at 9 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Reservations are required. See kaucoffemill.com or call 928-0550.

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY AT AIKANE PLANTATION is Friday at 10 a.m. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. Sign up at aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

KA`U STAR GAZING IS ALSO on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., when participants observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation.
Reserve at kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A is a week from today on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

The lava lake at Halema`uma`u continues to thrill spectators watching from Jaggar Museum Overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Dave Berry

KILAUEA’S SUMMIT CONTINUED TO INFLATE over the past day. This trend has been mirrored by the summit lava lake, which rose about 26 feet since yesterday morning and came within about 13 feet of spilling over the crater rim onto the floor of Halema`uma`u overnight, reported Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The lava level was about 20 feet below the crater rim at 7 a.m. this morning, having fallen slightly with an increase in spattering. Seismic activity beneath Kilauea’s summit and upper East and Southwest Rift Zones remains elevated.

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Masako Sakata won first in Adult Pupu
category. Photos by Jesse Tunison

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST, one of several events during the ten-day Ka`u Coffee Festival, was held at Ka`u Coffee Mill yesterday. Miss Holly K, of Native-FM, was DJ.

Masako Sakata took first place in the Adult Pupu category with Ka`u Coffee Beans. Melia Taganas came in second place with Tortilla & Coffee Dip, and Peggy Kilkenny, third place with Ka`u Coffee South of the Border Enchilada Sauce.
Adult Entrée first-, second- and third-place winners were Peggy Kilkenny with “Pig Pickin” in Paradise; Melia Taganas, Teri-Coffee; and Austin Kilkenny, Ka`u Coffee Rubbed Short Rib Spicy Noodle Trifle.
In the Adult Dessert category, Cathy Haber won first place with her Ka`u Coffee Macnut Tart. Tianna Hauanio came in second with Ka`u French Macaroons. Sunerene Quevedo’s Ka`u Coffee Panna Cotta and Melia Taganas’ Kahlua Coffee Cheese Cake tied for third.
Student winners were Melia Okimoto with her OMG! It’s Mocha-Tastic in the Dessert category and Lorilee Lorenzo with Ka`u Coffee Pulehu Steak in the Pupu category.
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Peggy Kilkenny receives one of her two prizes
from Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPLAUDED Gov. Ige, members of the Legislature and partners statewide for passing and signing Act 19 (HB 940), which restricts use of electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes, in all locations where smoking is illegal.

Act 19 upholds protections created by Hawai`i’s Smoke-Free Workplace and Public Places Law enacted in 2006. The signing of this legislation makes Hawai`i the fourth U.S. state to have passed such a bill, after North Dakota, New Jersey and Utah.

According to DOH, use of e-cigarettes in existing smoke-free locations has had the potential to expose non-smokers and vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, to aerosolized nicotine and other toxic substances, which could be dangerous to one’s health. Studies have found that there is enormous variability among e-cigarette devices in terms of their design, operation, contents and emissions of carcinogens, other toxicants and nicotine.
“These products currently are not regulated, and many of the hazardous components in cigarettes are also found in e-cigarette emissions,” said Director of Health Dr. Virginia Pressler. “Just as we found that smoking was dangerous after many years of unrestricted use, we could be unintentionally harming people as a result of not including e-cigarettes as part of our smoke-free laws.”
In a report issued this month on workplace tobacco policies, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health warns about the secondhand exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes. Nicotine is addictive and toxic, and harmful even at low doses. It is an acute irritant and capable of causing headache and nausea. For pregnant women, nicotine can transfer to and harm the developing fetus.
For more information about tobacco prevention and control in Hawai`i, see http://health.hawaii.gov/tobacco/.
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Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva and Miss Holly K present the prize
for first place in Adult Dessert category to Cathy Haber.

AT THE INVITATION OF THE PRESIDENT and First Lady of the United States, Gov. and Mrs. Ige will represent Hawai`i at a White House State Dinner honoring the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

President Obama and Prime Minister Abe will recognize the strong global partnership that the United States and Japan have developed during the 70 years since the end of World War II and underscore the common values and principles that have made the bilateral relationship so enduring.
As the closest U.S. state to Japan, Hawai`i shares a rich history with Japan. “It is an honor for us to be invited to represent our state and reinforce Hawai`i’s strong cultural and economic ties with our Japanese neighbors,” Ige said.
President and Mrs. Obama have hosted very few State Dinners during the President’s two terms. This event will be the eighth of the Obama Presidency.
Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui will be Acting Governor during Ige’s absence tomorrow through Wednesday.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY’S PUBLIC ACCESS, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is accepting suggestions from the public through June 30 on which properties it should include in its next report.
The commission considers properties with the following characteristics: public outdoor recreation and education, including public access to beaches and mountains; preservation of historic and culturally important areas and sites; protection of natural resources, including buffer zones; preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands; and protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply.
Suggestion forms are available at http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1 or from the county Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Suite 1101.

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Lorilee Lorenzo won first place in the Student Pupu category
with Ka`u Coffee Pulehu Steak.

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS CO-INTRODUCED the Inspiring New STEM Professionals by Investing in Renovation of Education Spaces Act of 2015. The INSPIRES Act would provide school districts, community colleges and other education institutions funding for modernizing, renovating, or repairing STEM and career and technical education facilities.

“Over the past decade, we have seen STEM job growth outpace all others, but because of a lack of resources, our schools have not kept up with the demand,” Schatz said. “The federal government can do more to help states provide better learning environments to help students achieve their full potential. The INSPIRES Act would give educators more resources to modernize their facilities and expand access to STEM education so that our students have greater opportunities to succeed.”
With the STEM job market expected to continue its rapid growth, the INSPIRES Act aims to improve the quality and availability of STEM and CTE instruction by providing grants to local educational agencies and community colleges for improvements to much-needed facilities. It would also require at least 25 percent of the funds available be directed to high-need LEAs or to community colleges that serve a significant number of rural students.
“Our nation’s schools and community colleges must provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st century. Sadly, too many of our educational facilities are inadequate for supporting effective STEM and technical learning opportunities,” said Rachel Gutter, Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council. “We applaud Sen. Schatz’s leadership to modernize school facilities so that we may best prepare our future leaders for their careers.”
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OMG! It's Mocha-Tastic was Melia Okimoto's first-prize winning entry
in the Student Dessert category.

FOLLOWING FRIDAY’S PA`INA at Pahala Plantation House and yesterdays Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest, Ka`u Coffee Festival events continue this week.

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is today at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, with four candidates vying for the honor of representing the Ka`u Coffee industry at various events during the next 12 months. Tickets are $10.
Call Pageant Chair Gloria Camba at 928- 8558.

A SECOND KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKE has been scheduled for next Thursday after Wednesday’s hike almost filled up. The hikes begin at 9 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Reservations are required. See kaucoffemill.com or call 928-0550.

DURING COFFEE & CATTLE DAY Friday at 10 a.m., participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture at Aikane Plantation. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. Sign up at aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

FOR KA`U STAR GAZING, also on Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens Ka`u’s dark skies. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation.

Reserve at kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

AT KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., festival-goers enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE is a week from today at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Free. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Maria Miranda, second from left, was crowned Miss Ka`u Coffee 2015 last night. First Princess is Joyce Ibasan, third from left. Second Princess is Vivien Santos, left, and Third Princess is Jennifer Tabios, right. Photo by Pamela Taylor

Maria Miranda talked about responsibility of
citizenship and won the Miss Ka`u Coffee
title last night. Photo by Jesse Tunison

MARIA MIRANDA, A COLLEGE STUDENT and daughter of Ka`u Coffee farmers Berta and Jose Miranda, won the title of Miss Ka`u Coffee last night at Pahala Community Center after winning the Talent, Evening Wear and Speech competitions. First Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Joyce Ibasan, who took the Miss Popularity and Photogenic competitions. Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Vivien Santos, who won Miss Congeniality, and Third Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Jennifer Tabios.

More than $7,200 in scholarships was donated by businesses, public officials and community organizations.
Miranda won the Talent trophy playing piano, accompanied by a show of photographs of Ka`u Coffee farms on stage. Ka`u Coffee farmers Annabelle and Franklin Orcino presented the trophy and $500 in scholarships with $250 from Ka`u Specialty Coffee and Malian Lahey, $150 from County Council member Maile David and $100 from Pahala Plantation Cottages and Julia Neal.
Miranda won the Evening Wear and Speech trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Maile and Efren Abellera. She earned $500 in scholarships, with $250 from state Sen. Josh Green and $250 from state Rep. Richard Onishi.
Vivien Santos won Miss Congeniality, with trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Maria and Roberto Miranda, with a $250 scholarship from Rep. Richard Creagan.
Joyce Ibasan won the Miss Photogenic trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Verna and Milton Dacalio and a $250 scholarship from Sen. Russell Ruderman. Ibasan also won the Miss Popularity trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Jackie and Leonardo Castaneda.
Third Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess Jennifer Tabios took home a trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Herme and Leo Norberte and $700 in scholarships, with $600 from Friends and Family of the late Bobby Tucker and $100 from an anonymous donor in honor of the late Leiani Camba-Penera and Zaileah.
Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess Vivien Santos received her crown from Pageant Director Nalani Parlin and Ka`u Coffee Festival organizer Chris Manfredi and a trophy from Lorie Obra. She received $900 in scholarships, with $500 from the Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee; $350 from Bio-Eco Hawai`i, Inc., presented by Francisco Lobos; and $50 from Damian Eatinger.
First Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess Joyce Ibasan received her crown from Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant Chair Gloria Camba and Roger Kaiwi, of Hawai`i Coffee Co., with a trophy from Ka`u Coffee farmer Rogelio Aquino. She received $1,500 in scholarships, with $1,000 from Hawai`i Coffee Co., presented by Roger Kaiwi and $500 from Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, LLC presented by Tyler Johansen.

Community organization and business representatives line up to give scholarships
to the winners.Left to right: Donna Masaniai, President of Ka`u Chamber of
Commerce; Lester Okazaki, manager of CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union
branches in Ka`u; Connie Koi, manager of Punalu`u Bake Shop; and
Edmund C. Olson, of Ka`u Coffee Mill and Olson Trust. Miss Ka`u
Coffee Maria Miranda receives a scepter from Miss Peaberry 2014
Madison Okimoto, a trophy from Trini and Francis Marques and a crown
from Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva. Photo by Jesse Tunison

Miss Ka`u Coffee Queen Maria Miranda received her crown from Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva and Edmund C. Olson, with a trophy presented by Ka`u Coffee farmers Trini and Francis Marques and a scepter presented by Miss Peaberry 2014 Madison Okimoto. Her $2,500 in scholarships: $1,000 presented by Sammy Stanbro and Olson Trust; $500 from CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, presented by Lester “Mako” Okazaki; $500 from Pacific Quest; $250 from Punalu`u Bake Shop, presented by Connie Koi; and $250 from Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, presented by Donna Masaniai.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY elected a new chairman at its annual convention Saturday. Hilo resident Phil Barnes’ agenda includes engaging more young people in the political process. According to Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Barnes also wants to bring videoconferencing of state meeting to neighbor islands.
Barnes has lived in Hawai`i since 1998. Prior to moving, he lead Alaska’s political action committee for the National Education Association.

Activity at Kilauea's summit lava lake, which continues to rise in Halema`uma`u,
is attracting crowds to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVO

Barnes replaces David Tarnas, who oversaw the process of replacing Ka`u’s state Rep. Denny Coffman when he resigned. In January 2014, the party sent three nominees to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who appointed Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to the position.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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KILAUEA’S LAVA LAKE LEVEL CONTINUES to rise as the summit slowly inflates. Inflation started on Tuesday, April 21. The lake rose to about seven feet below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater this morning. Also, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, seismic activity beneath Kilauea’s summit and upper East Rift Zone remains elevated.

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Ka`u's state Sen. Josh Green is Majority Floor Leader.
Photo from the senator's Facebook page

HAWAI`I STATE LAWMAKERS are holding conferences to finalize bills passed by the House and Senate prior to adjournment on Thursday, May 7.

Sen. Josh Green said, “As we head down the home stretch of the 2015 legislative session, I’ll be focused on reforming our community hospital system, providing insurance for people with autism, finalizing details for a medical marijuana dispensary program that will work for all of Hawai`i’s patients and several bills that enhance our society’s safety net.
“Thank you all for your commitment to Hawai`i and to people everywhere who need a little extra help to make it.”
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SPEAKER OF THE STATE HOUSE, Joe Souki, has asked to hear from farmers on all islands who are interested in growing hemp.
“We need all farmers who want to grow hemp to send an email to Souki now,” said Hemp Working Group Chair Denise Key, with Hawai`i Farmers Union United. “We must convince Speaker Souki that there is farmer support. It is up to our farmers to decide the fate of this bill, as it should be.”
“We are at a Do-or-Die moment for industrial hemp bill HB 508. The House of Representatives needs to know that there are farmers who are interested in collaborating with University of Hawai`i to expand the research they have started for seed development and/or using industrial hemp seed as animal feed.
According to Key, House Ag Committee Chair Clift Tsuji would like to remove the hemp language from HB 508. The bill calls for authorizing the growing of industrial hemp for certain purposes under specified conditions and appropriates funds for Department of Agriculture staff to implement the qualified feed developer grant program and assist in registration of industrial hemp growers and seed testing.

Chazlyn Fuerte Castaneda won a
Ken Wicks scholarship last year.

It also would establish within the livestock revitalization program a grant program for qualified producers of certain products and feed developers and appropriate funds for the feed developer grant program, reimbursements to qualified producers and feed developers for feed cost, assistance to feed developers in the planning and construction of feed mills and a survey of local feed ingredient sources.
The bill has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Testimony emails need to be received by tomorrow by 3:30 p.m. to be considered at the meeting.
Contact Souki at repsouki@capitol.hawaii.gov or 808-586-6100.
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APPLICATIONS FOR KA`U CHAMBER OF CHAMBER’S Ken Wicks scholarships are due this Friday, May 1.

High school seniors and adults seeking to re-enter the educational system are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to write an essay about how their educational experience will benefit Ka`u. Preference will be given to those who intend to remain in or return to Ka`u and live here.
Scholarship money can be used for all college and vocational training and will range from $250 to $1,000. Visit kauchamber.org to download the application form. Call Lee McIntosh at 929-9872 with any questions.
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Ka`u Coffee Festival offers two opportunities
to star gaze from Makanau this week.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

A SECOND KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKE has been scheduled for Thursday after Wednesday’s hike almost filled up. The hikes begin at 9 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Reservations are required. See kaucoffemill.com or call 928-0550.

DURING COFFEE & CATTLE DAY Friday at 10 a.m., participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture at Aikane Plantation. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. Sign up at aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

FOR KA`U STAR GAZING, also on Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens in Ka`u’s dark skies. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation.
Reserve at kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

AT KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., festival-goers enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE is on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Free. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2105.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

The rising lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea volcano draws thousands of additional visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo by Mark Wasser

FLYING A DRONE OVER KILAUEA VOLCANO netted a Pahoa man a night in Hilo cellblock Saturday. He was released on bail Sunday but faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines if convicted in federal court.

HVNP Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane

The crime for which 35-year-old Travis Ray Saunders is charged is deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle over a national park, a law in place for all national parks since August 2014 “for visitor and resource protection and visitor enjoyment,” Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane told Hawai`i News Now.
“The suspect refused to identify himself and fled – not far from the edge of the caldera, which is more than 500 feet,” Ferracane said. “The ranger deployed his taser to stop the fleeing suspect and then arrested the suspect for failure to comply with a lawful order and interfering with agency functions.”

According to Ferracane, an investigation is taking place. “Apparently the suspect was very unpredictable and very unruly, and the national park service ranger was really unclear what his next actions would be and needed to stop this individual,” she said.

See hawaiinewsnow.com.
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This thermal webcam image of Halema`uma`u Crater shows areas where rock
has broken off of the crater rim, at left. Image from USGS/HVO

THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL VISITORS are flocking to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to witness the enlarging lava lake steadily rise at the summit of Kilauea volcano. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the lake briefly rose to the rim of the crater this morning but did not overflow onto the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater.

To ease traffic once the Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Overlook parking lots fill up, rangers are currently redirecting vehicles during peak visitation hours to park at the Kilauea Military Camp ball field. From there, visitors can hike one mile to Jaggar Museum observation deck, the closest and best vantage point to view the lava lake.
“Visitors should come prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable park experience,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We encourage people to avoid peak hours and arrive after 10 p.m. and before 4 a.m. if possible, or they will likely wait in line for parking.”

The park remains open 24 hours a day.

NPS offers more tips for an optimal viewing experience:
Be prepared to hike one mile each way between Kilauea Military Camp ball field and Jaggar Museum observation deck on Crater Rim Trail. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, bring rain gear, water, binoculars, a flashlight and extra batteries.
Carpool if possible to reduce the number of vehicles in parking areas.
As a courtesy to other visitors, no “tailgating” in Jaggar Museum or Kilauea Overlook parking lots. Choose another picnic location so others have a chance to view the eruption.
To observe viewing and weather conditions, monitor the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcams. The KI camera provides a panoramic view of Halema`uma`u Crater from HVO.
High levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas and volcanic ash can be blown over Jaggar Museum by southerly winds. These gases are a danger to everyone, particularly to people with heart or respiratory problems, young children and pregnant women. Kilauea Visitor Center offers updates on air quality 24 hours a day, and visitors can monitor SO2 at hiso2index.info/.
In addition, the public is reminded that park entrance fees apply.
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Visualization of TMT on Mauna Kea shows Mauna Loa in the background.
Image from tmt.org

KA`U RANCHER MICHELLE GALIMBA contributed an article to Civil Beat about her and her daughter’s views on the Thirty Meter Telescope.

“My daughter and I disagree, cordially, on the Thirty Meter Telescope,” Galimba wrote. “She feels that it should not be built. I feel that the discoveries that it will make possible are worth the sacrifice of the footprint and the view-plane.
“My daughter is 13. We live on our family ranch in Ka`u on the slopes of Mauna Loa, but she goes to school at the Kamehameha campus in Kea`au. She looks up at Mauna Kea every day.
“My daughter comes out to help me feed the orphaned calf that I am caring for. She says: ‘Let’s call him Ku, because he was born in the time that we stood up for Mauna Kea.’
“My daughter’s opinion on this issue is extremely important to me. Her generation will face some of the most difficult challenges that any generation has faced — global climate change, resource depletion, the high point of our exponential population growth.
“The minds, hearts and spirits of her generation are among the most critical resources on the planet. If we allow that spirit to be crushed in this debate over TMT, we will lose something infinitely more precious than knowledge of the origins of the universe, the nature of dark matter, or the habitability of distant planets.
“The TMT, from what I understand, will be highly visible from the whole north side of the island. The presence of the telescopes unquestionably impacts the natural beauty of Mauna Kea and puts the stamp of humanity, and specifically of Western civilization and science, on the heights of the mountain.

Michelle Galimba

“The telescopes represent, arguably, the best aspects of Western civilization and science — a passion for knowledge that transcends the merely useful or profitable. The telescopes also, arguably, represent the worst in Western civilization and science — the arrogant disregard for native value systems in the name of ‘progress.’
“I visited Taos, New Mexico, a few years ago and was entranced by the beauty of Taos Mountain, which stands above Taos Pueblo much as Mauna Kea stands above Hawai`i Island. The people of Taos Pueblo fought for decades to get their mountain back from the federal government. The mountain itself is a powerful presence and the fact that it is pristine and inviolate is immeasurably important to the people of Taos, to the strength of their community and cultural integrity. Mauna Kea is like that.
“Yet it is also important that we have a regulatory process by which projects such as the TMT are considered, approved or rejected, and that we honor that process. Failing to honor our own process — unwinding the clock — sets a precedent that can cut both ways. If we can unwind one decision, then any and all decisions can be unwound at any time. This is dangerous territory to traverse.
“That does not mean there is no room for discussion at this point. The very opposite is true. How do we honor and encourage this widespread engagement with land use issues in our young people so that they will be empowered to steward our islands and our planet in the years to come? How do we ensure that our local people have a decent standard of living? What is our long-term vision for Mauna Kea? For all of Hawai`i Island? For our state?
“What kind of civilization, what kind of culture, what kind of lives do we want to have and how do we get there? Does the science, technology and tradition of human inquiry and invention that the TMT represents have a place in our future here on Hawai`i Island? Can we reconcile the best aspects in the native traditions with the best aspects of Western civilization?

“I asked my daughter: ‘Well, what would you think if there was a promise to remove all of the telescopes by 2050?’ She said: ‘I would feel better about it but some people would still not like the TMT to be built. Also, it would be better if it was sooner than 2050. I’ll be really old by then, even older than you are right now.’”

See civilbeat.com.

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Phil and Merle Becker host Coffee & Cattle Day Friday.
Photo from Aikane Plantation

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS continue through Sunday:

KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKES, Wednesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Participants explore flume systems of the sugarcane era and investigate development of hydroelectric power. kaucoffemill.com or 928-0550.

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY, Friday at 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

KA`U STAR GAZING, Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Festival-goers enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE, Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Free. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists working on the far side of Halema`uma`u captured the initial moments of the plume rising after a rockfall from the crater wall impacted the lava lake, triggering an explosion of spatter and smaller particles. Photo from USGS/HVO

AN EXPLOSION AND OVERFLOWS OF LAVA onto the floor of Halema`uma`u crater are occurring at the summit of Kilauea volcano. The lava lake level has been at or near the rim of the Overlook crater over the past day, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. At 9:40 p.m. last night, a very small, brief overflow occurred. A larger one occurred at 2 a.m. this morning, sending lava a short distance onto the floor of Halema`uma`u, and another overflow was occurring this morning.

Overlook vent's rim used to be visible in images from HVO's thermal webcam.
Lava continues to overflow the rim this morning. Photo from USGS/HVO

Yesterday at around 10:20 a.m., an explosion occurred when rock fell from the wall of Halema`uma`u. Spatter and small particles fell onto the Halema`uma`u visitor overlook, which has been closed to the public since the summit eruption began in 2008.

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THE DRONE FLIER arrested in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was tased by a ranger who said he feared the man might run off a cliff and fall 500 feet into the volcanic crater, according to a report from the Associated Press.

The man, Travis Ray Flanders, from Pahoa, was with his family and flying a three-inch-drone with a camera. According to AP, the ranger asked him to stop flying the drone three times and also asked for ID. The man took off, and the ranger said he feared the man would fall off the crater rim. According to park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane, the drone camera was given back to the man’s family after his arrest.
Released from jail the next day, Flanders faces federal charges of interfering with agency functions and operating an aircraft on undesignated land.

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Skylark

EMCEES SKYLARK AND DEBBIE RYDER open Ka`u Coffee Festival Saturday at 9 a.m., with entertainment running through the day until 5 p.m. `Eika `Iu takes the stage at 9:15 a.m. followed by Hands of Time at 10 a.m. and Hannah’s Makana `Ohana hula halau at 10:45 a.m. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court will appear Saturday morning, also, with Miranda playing piano.

Afternoon performances begin with Keaiwa and Demetrius Oliveira at 12:15 p.m., followed by Halau Hula O Leionalani at 1 p.m.; Bolo, 1:45 p.m; Keoki Kahumoku, 2:30 p.m.; Kulele, 3:15 p.m.; Moses Espaniola III, Makana, Bradley Llanes and South Side Serenaders, 3:45 p.m.
The Buy Local, It Matters drawing for a $1,000 check takes place at 4:15 p.m.
Kukubird and Friends close the ho`olaule`a with a performance at 4:45.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL RECEIVED airtime on KITV and Hawai`i News Now this morning, with organizer Chris Manfredi promoting star gazing, the plantation water system hike, the ho`olaule`a and Ka`u Coffee College. On KITV, he said people plan their vacations around the Ka`u Coffee Festival. He also showed off three Ka`u Coffee brands, Will & Grace Tabios’ The Rising Sun, Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee from Lorie Obra and Manfredi’s own Ka`u Local Products brand.
The interviewer called Ka`u Hawai`i at its most pristine.

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FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES are having a fundraiser at the ho`olaule`a Saturday. They are accepting donations of baked goods and looking for volunteers to man the booth. Drop off baked items that morning from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Members close to Na`alehu Library can also drop off baked items there during working hours on Friday, and Sara will drop them off at Pahala.
Volunteers are needed the day of the sale. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. Sales periods are 9 a.m. to 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., l p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Includes packing unsold items.)
Please package and label baked goods, indicating if nuts or fruits are included in the items for individuals who may have a food allergy.
For additional information, call Ann Fontes at 987-7448.

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THE BUY LOCAL, IT MATTERS cross-promotion sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture continues. A lucky winner receives a $1,000 check at the ho`olaule`a Saturday.

The campaign aims to encourage residents to support Hawai`i businesses. It particularly focuses on agriculture, encouraging conscious decisions to purchase locally grown farm products. The campaign was created by University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation and Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.
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HAWAI`I’S U.S. DELEGATION is participating in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s official visit to the United States during Japan’s Golden Week.
To highlight the important alliance spanning seven decades between the United States and Japan, Hirono attended last night’s State Dinner for Abe at the White House hosted by President Obama and the First Lady. This morning, Hirono served on the escort committee for Abe’s address to a joint meeting of Congress. Escort Committee members have the privilege of leading the Prime Minister into the House chamber.
“Japan is one of our closest allies, and at a time when we have so much instability elsewhere in the world, it is important to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific,” Hirono said. “In our ongoing focus on the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, we must continue to strengthen our relationship with Japan.

Japan-born Sen. Mazie Hirono with her mother. Photo from Sen. Hirono's office

“I was born in Japan and lived there until I was nearly eight years old. It is an honor to attend the State Dinner and serve on the escort committee for Prime Minister Abe’s address. Our countries have much to offer one another, and we must focus on continuing our enduring relationship and strengthening that relationship to meet our shared challenges.”
Hirono, the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, was born in Fukushima, Japan in 1947. She currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard welcomed Abe in what was a historic event, the first time a Prime Minister of Japan has spoken before a joint special session of Congress. During his speech, Abe paid tribute to U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in World War II and described how moved he was during his visit to the World War II Memorial. He also took time to express how much Sen. Daniel K. Inouye “symbolized honor and achievements of Japanese-Americans.”

“Hawai`i has long enjoyed a special and unique relationship with Japan,” Gabbard said. “Our two nations have many areas of common concern, like fighting terrorism and defending human rights around the world. I look forward to continuing this productive dialogue and working together towards those common goals.”

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Participants interested in joining Na`alehu's Fourth of July parade can sign
up by Monday, June 1. Photo by William Neal

`O KA`U KAKOU IS CALLING all interested participants to sign up by Monday, June 1 to be in this year’s annual Fourth of July parade in Na`alehu. Contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 to register floats or parade walkers.

Last summer, 59 different groups and individuals marched into town in the parade, including clubs, civic groups, churches, pa`u riders, motorcycles, cars and the kiddie train.
Following the parade, senior bingo will be held at the Na`alehu Community Center, and there will be a kids’ day in the park with inflatables and shave ice.
“The event draws the whole community to celebrate our nation’s history,” said OKK secretary Nadine Ebert. “We expect the parade to be bigger and better this year.”

This is the sixth year OKK has volunteered to organize the parade. OKK also held a senior bingo last month with 62 senior players. “A great time was had by all!” Ebert said.
In January, OKK celebrated another successful Keiki Fishing Tournament with 292 registered fishermen and over 700 lunches served. “We thank everyone for their support,” said Ebert.
OKK also takes care of the environment and additional community support with their continuous road and Punalu`u pond cleanups, numerous cemetery maintenance projects, help to Ka`u senior citizens, restoring Pahala Hongwanji and providing setup and breakdown help at the Ka`u Coffee Festival and security at the recent Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Pageant.
To become a member or support OKK’s community efforts, call Ebert at 938-5124, or email ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

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Scenic Aikane Plantation hosts Coffee & Cattle Day Friday.
Photo by Tom McAlexander

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS continue through Sunday:

KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM HIKE, tomorrow at 9 a.m., has three spaces left as of this morning. Participants explore flume systems of the sugarcane era and investigate development of hydroelectric power. kaucoffemill.com or 928-0550.

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY, Friday at 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252.

KA`U STAR GAZING, Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., has three places left. Participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Festival-goers enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE, Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Free. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, under the direction of Ab Valencia, is scheduled to perform at 9:15 a.m. during Saturday's Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER’S LAVA LAKE level began to drop after Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists record the start of deflationary tilt around 4 a.m. today. The lava lake level had been at or near the rim of the Overlook crater over the past day, with several brief episodes of lava overflowing a short distance onto the floor of the crater. Spattering had been common along the south margin of the lake over the past day. Yesterday at noon, the lava level was measured at two yards above the floor of Halema`uma`u. This morning, the lava level dropped slightly and is now several yards below yesterday’s measurement.

Following overflows of lava onto the floor of Halema`uma`u, lava has begun
to drop into the Overlook crater. Photo from USGS/HVO

HVO explained the current activity as “an increase in magma supply to the Kilauea Volcano magma reservoir or storage system, something that has occurred many times during the ongoing East Rift Zone eruption. Increased supply and shallow storage can explain the higher magma column in the Overlook crater, as well as the continuing inflation and elevated earthquake activity in the summit region. Higher volumes of magma moving throughout the summit and upper East Rift Zone pressurizes the reservoir and magma transport system and causes small earthquakes and inflationary tilt.”
Regarding what the future holds, HVO said, “As long as magma supply is elevated, we expect continued high lava lake levels accompanied by additional overflows. Lava from these overflows could cover more of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor, form a perched lake, or result in some combination of these two processes. Spattering or lava fountaining sources can migrate across the surface of the lava lake, as recently observed. We expect continued rockfalls, intermittent explosions and ash fall and continued high levels of gas release.
“The evolution of unrest in the upper East Rift Zone is less certain. It is possible that a surge of lava will reach Pu`u `O`o and lava flow output will increase, both on the flanks and within the crater of Pu`u `O`o. It is also possible that lava will form a new vent at the surface. If this happens, it will most likely occur along a portion of the East Rift Zone between Pauahi Crater and Pu`u `O`o. Other outbreaks in the summit area or along either rift zone on Kilauea cannot be ruled out. If a new outbreak or surge in lava to Pu`u `O`o occurs, we will expect a drop in the summit lava lake.”
During HVO’s close monitoring of Kilauea Volcano, scientists are especially watching for any sign of unrest that may precede a new outbreak of lava or a change in output at either Pu`u `O`o or the summit Overlook crater vent.

See daily updates at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Kakika Kastein

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY STILL HAS openings for students to begin classes July 29. The charter school’s enrollment is currently above 80 percent, and the final lottery takes place June 30.
Academy staff includes two recently hired teachers.
Kalika Kastein joined the Peace Corps in 2011 as a computer literacy educator and immediately fell in love with teaching, later becoming an arts electives teacher as well. When she wasn’t teaching primary or secondary school, she worked on computer lab, library and microscope acquisition projects for local schools. After her service, Kastein worked for a community relations department at a Girl Scout World Centre in India before becoming a part of educational nonprofit WorldTeach in early 2014. With WorldTeach, she worked as an Admissions Coordinator and later as a Field Director in Chuuk, Micronesia where she not only trained and managed a team of 27 volunteer teachers, but also acted as an administrative assistant, substitute teacher and occasional bus driver for a local public school. She is a current Teach for America corps member working on her master’s in education from Johns Hopkins. She will teach English Language Arts at KLA.

Kalena Roark

Kalena Roark is a recent graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she majored in elementary education and learning behavioral disabilities. Throughout her time at Eastern, Roark was extremely involved within her campus and her community. She served as vice president of several collegiate honor societies, and in her senior year was elected president of Kappa Delta Pi Teacher’s Honor Society, where she devoted her time to volunteering and improving the educational experience of others. Roark was recognized for her outstanding achievements, being awarded the Outstanding Four-Year Member Award from Student Alumni Ambassadors, also receiving awards for being the most involved and most dedicated ambassador. Her devotion to education is apparent through four consecutive years of placement on the Dean’s and President’s list, as well as honors she received upon graduating. At KLA, the current Teach for America corps member will teach Social Studies.

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HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE HAS PASSED a bill prohibiting powdered alcohol. SB 550 outlaws consumption, purchase, possession, selling, offering for sale, or otherwise distributing the substance that can be added to water to make alcoholic beverages.
Any person who violates the law is guilty of a misdemeanor.
The bill defines powdered alcohol as “a powdered or crystalline substance that contains any amount of alcohol for either direct use or reconstitution.”
Ka`u’s Sens. Josh Green and Russell Ruderman, who were managers during Senate Conference on the bill, voted in favor of the ban.
The bill now awaits Gov. David Ige’s signature.
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Ka`u High boys volleyball team begins BIIF play tomorrow.
Photo from Taylor's Sport Photography

FINISHING THEIR REGULAR SEASON with nine wins and four losses, Ka`u High boys volleyball team begins Big Island Interscholastic Federation play tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Hilo Civic Auditorium.

The teams traveled to Hawai`i Prep Saturday, April 25. Junior varsity won in two straight sets, 25-12 and 25-19. Varsity lost in three straight sets, 17-25, 16-25 and 10-25.
Both teams won their only home matches in April against Wai`akea Tuesday, April 21. Junior varsity scores were 25-20 and 25-22. Varsity went to a fifth-set tie-breaker, 25-8, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25 and 15-12.
Cameron Enriques made 29 kills, with nine in the fifth set, and Brian Gascon made 12 kills, three of them in the fifth set.
At Ehunui Wednesday, April 15, Ka`u won in three straight sets with scores of 25-9, 25-17 and 25-16.
Kamehameha School Hawai`i Warriors took Ka`u teammates prisoners on Monday, April 13. JV scores were 17-25 and 9-25. Varsity’s were 13-25, 19-25 and 25-27.
On Tuesday, April 7, Ka`u took the fourth set 25-22 for a 3-1 win over Pahoa’s Daggers. Final scores: 25-19, 23-25, 25-9 and 25-22.
The Trojans overpowered Christian Liberty Academy in three straight sets Tuesday, March 31, with scores of 25-14, 25-9 and 25-12.

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May Day is Lei Day at Volcano Art Center

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY, and Volcano Art Center celebrates tomorrow. With hundreds of fragrant blossoms and plant materials provided by the Volcano Art Center Gallery, Aunty Puna Suganuma and her `ohana share tips on sewing the perfect lei, the proper protocol of giving and receiving a lei and more.
Volcano-area musician Wes Awana teaches local favorites and popular hapa-haole tunes on the `ukulele.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENT details are at www.kaucoffeefest.com. They continue through Sunday:

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY is tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252. See kaucoffeefest.com.

DURING KA`U STAR GAZING tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550. See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center features a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers. See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center is a free educational series featuring coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550. See kaucoffeefest.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Hula sisters at dawn on Punalu`u Beach today prepare to travel to Hilo to perform at Merrie Monarch festivities this afternoon at Prince Kuhio Plaza and tomorrow at Ah Fook Chinen Civic Center. Halau Hula O Leionalani is comprised of dancers from Japan, Okinawa, O`ahu and Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. DAVID IGE DISCUSSED HAWAI`I ISLAND ISSUES during a Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. According to Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, Ige said he is working on a plan to double local food production, “which would in turn create a local economy of associated services and investments,” instead of sending billions of dollars out of state each year on goods made elsewhere.

Na`alehu residents protested TMT Wednesday
on Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park.
Photo by Ron Johnson

In response to questions about construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, Yager reported Ige saying, “You can rest assured that all previous agreements and decisions will be honored.”
Ige said he has “done a lot of listening to get a 360-degree view of the project,” and will continue to listen during the one-week timeout he called for following continued protests and arrests at TMT’s construction site. “It’s really about listening and finding a way for discovery and sacred sites to coexist on a very important asset,” Ige said.
Regarding his choice of Suzanne Case to head the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Ige said she has the qualities of leadership that will serve her well. “She’s smart; she’s collaborative; she’s a great listener,” he said.
According to Yager, Ige said he wants department chiefs who are “great leaders” and responsive to the public. “She believes the community is part of the solution,” Ige said.

See westhawaiitoday.com.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED his nominations to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Office of Information Management and Technology. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Linda Chu Takayama

Linda Chu Takayama has been tapped to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She is currently executive director of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. She also maintains a law practice specializing in regulator and governmental affairs, health, insurance and corporate business law. She has previously served as deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and was formerly the Hawai`i insurance commissioner. She also served on the governor’s Subcabinet Task Force on Healthcare Reform to update Hawai`i’s unique Prepaid Health Care Act and to assist President Clinton’s early efforts on health care reform. As chair of Hawai`i Foodbank for the past 20 years, Takayama has worked with DLIR’s Office of Community Services which administers programs providing services to the needy including the distribution of food.
“Linda has a deep understanding of many of the regulatory matters that are routinely handled by the department,” Ige said. “I am confident that she will support the well-being of our workers and promote good labor-management relations.”

Todd Nacapuy

Ige chose Todd Nacapuy to be the state’s chief information officer and lead its Office of Information Management and Technology. Nacapuy is currently senior technical account manager responsible for all Premier Commercial services for Microsoft in Hawai`i. Prior to this, he was a senior infrastructure specialist for EDS, where he was responsible for monitoring and optimizing all Web services within the Navy and Marine Corps network for the Pacific. While there, he was responsible for architecture and implementation of a 65,000-user network into the Navy and Marine Corps network.
“Todd has the right mix of technical and business skills to upgrade the state’s technology infrastructure,” Ige said. “Under his leadership the office will continue to identify modernization projects that are in process across the various state agencies. He will immediately focus on a few that have broad or significant impact. My commitment to an enhanced IT system is based in my strong desire to improve public access to government services that will ultimately result in improved public trust in state governance.”
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THE DRAFT 2015 STATEWIDE Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available for public review. The plan is updated every five years to assess Hawai`i’s outdoor recreation trends, needs and priorities. It also provides direction for the state’s recreational future and allows Hawai`i to remain eligible to receive funds for outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grants program administered by the National Park Service.

The draft 2015 statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available
for public review. Camping is popular at Kawa. Photo by Julia Neal

Using priorities for outdoor recreation identified in the comprehensive recreation plan, the National Park Service selects projects to receive conservation funding that best meet Hawai`i’s recreational needs and help resolve recreational conflicts.
A 14-page summary of the SCORP findings and strategic plan, as well as the full draft SCORP document with appendices, can viewed at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/.
Public comments are due by April 30 and can be submitted by email or in writing to ccullison@pbrhawaii.com or  PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc.  Attn: Catie Cullison, AICP 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650  Honolulu, HI 96813-3484.

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CU Hawai`i has a new website.

CU HAWAI`I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION has a new website. Ka`u residents can do their banking online at the website. It also describes types of saving and checking accounts, loans and electronic and other services available to members. The colorful Moola Moola newsletter, of interest to keiki, is also on the website.

A new mobile app is also available. Use requires enrollment in CU Hawai`i’s online banking program.
See cuhawaii.com.

KA`U JUNIOR RANGERS ARE ENCOURAGED to “Find Your Park” as National Park Week begins. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park encourages keiki to connect with their national park and World Heritage Site by becoming a Junior Ranger on Saturday, April 18 – Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites.
The fee-free weekend and programs kick off National Park Week, April 18-26. This year’s theme, Find Your Park, celebrates the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park also celebrates its centennial in 2016.

Junior rangers discover the rain forest in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

A Junior Ranger station with handbooks and park information will be set up at Kilauea Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaggar Museum observation deck. Keiki who complete an interactive junior ranger handbook will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate and be sworn in as a National Park Junior Ranger.
Saturday is also International Monuments and Sites Day, which marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and was the first World Heritage Site in Hawai`i. The state’s other World Heritage Site, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, was inscribed in 2010, and representatives from both sites will share information at the Junior Ranger station.
“Our Junior Ranger programs are a perfect way for families to discover their World Heritage Site and national park together,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “As the park approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016, our most important goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. Every keiki who becomes a junior ranger helps ensure the future of their national parks, which serve as the model for heritage sites worldwide.”
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KA`U’S DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is the topic at two speak-outs tomorrow. Residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP that interest them, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs, and keiki activities will be available so that parents are free to learn and talk story.

The events are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
Copies of the draft document are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.

A GUIDED 2.5-MILE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT hike tomorrow over rugged terrain at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit focuses on the area’s human history. People and Land of Kahuku takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dietrich Varez'
Pele & Hi`iaka

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch with book and print signings this weekend. Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caren Loebel-Fried and David Kawika Eyre are on hand for signings. On Sunday, Dietrich Varez signs his prints.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its Sunday Walk in the Park April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cheryl Gansecki leads this four-mile hike for exploring Kilauea Iki. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration required. Call 985-7373.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR Spice up Your Spring, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center. Tickets for the event on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are $20.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 929-8526.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/kaucalendar_April2015.pdf.

Visitors and local residents explored the old plantation water system during two days of hikes sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Mill as part of then days of activities during the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Repairs to the water systems between Kapapala Ranch and Wai`ohinu are in the planning by Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District. Photos by Jesse Tunison

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S draft general management plan, wilderness study and environmental impact statement is now available for public review.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park seeks public input
on a draft document.

General management plans are intended to be long-term documents that establish and articulate a management philosophy and framework for decision making and problem solving in national parks. In the 548-page document, three alternatives for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are presented. Each alternative offers a different approach to protecting and managing park resources, using facilities and providing a range of access and visitor experiences to meet the needs of local residents, off-island visitors and students of all ages. These alternatives were developed with the intent to include and celebrate Native Hawaiian values such as malama `aina (nourishing and taking care of the land) and kuleana (responsibility).
These alternatives are the result of five years of public scoping and comment, interdisciplinary research, field assessments, stakeholder discussions and Native Hawaiian consultation and are based upon the park’s purpose and significance, issues that need to be addressed, legal mandates and public comments provided on the preliminary alternatives.  
“We encourage everyone to give these alternatives serious consideration, take the time to comment and continue to stay involved to help your national park determine how this national and international treasure will be protected and managed over the next 20 years,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
To review the DGMP/WS/EIS and provide comments online, see http://parkplanning.nps.gov/havogmp.
The park will host a talk story session at Kilauea Visitor Center on June 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to answer questions and take comments. In addition, a formal wilderness hearing will be held during this meeting to receive comments specific to the wilderness study.
Comments can also be mailed to Superintendent, Attn: DGMP/WS/EIS, PO Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052. The public comment period will remain open through June 30.
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Hikers follow recently laid pipe next to the old flume
system on the Ka`u Mountain Water System Hikes.

THE 2015 KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEMS HIKE was extended an extra day this year to accommodate those interested in joining the hike after all 35 spots for Wednesday’s event were filled.

Participants met with guides at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wednesday and Thursday morning to be shuttled to the trailhead.
The guided hike over moderate terrain wanders through the Hawaiian rainforest of `ohi`a, uluhe, hapu`u and many other native plant species. Hikers were serenaded by endemic birds like `apapane, `amakihi and `i`iwi. The path follows that of historic flume systems from the sugarcane era that have recently been repaired and are now being reused for agricultural purposes in the Wood Valley area. Eventually these flumes will help generate enough electricity to power Ka`u Coffee Mill and other agricultural endeavors, such as mechanically hulling macadamia nuts. Those on the walk saw development of the hydroelectric power project.
Hikers were welcomed to take a further journey to the natural water source, a tunnel that contains a naturally forming pool of fresh water filtered by the native rainforest.
Participants were invited to sit and appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings, refreshments, pre-packed lunches and talk story about their journey. This official Ka`u Coffee Festival event was designed and offered by Ka`u Coffee Mill, a subsidiary of Edmund C. Olson Trust II.

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OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, which originally supported the Thirty Meter Telescope, yesterday rescinded its support following opposition by Native Hawaiians and their supporters and arrests of 31 of them.
According to a story by Richard Wiens in Civil Beat, Trustee Peter Apo said, “We are back to square one. We want to go back and review the documents.” Apo said the board’s decision was based on new information received since 2009, including several issues raised about the overall management of Mauna Kea.
“This was an opportunity I think for us to try to hit a reset button and begin to review and take another look at the public trust responsibility that the state has to Hawaiians and walk that trail again,” Apo told Wiens.

Kealoha Pisciotta, one of those arrested last month, was disappointed that OHA did not decide to oppose the project outright. “If they said they actually oppose it, I think it would have helped because we could have said ‘OHA is not in support of this.’ What are we saying now? What does it really mean?” she asked.

Henry Yang, chair of TMT Observatory Board, said, “We are naturally disappointed that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has changed its position on the Thirty Meter Telescope project. However, we are by no means discouraged. We must now redouble our commitment to respectfully continuing dialogue and engagement with OHA and all other stakeholders.”
See civilbeat.com.
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Lava that overflowed onto the floor of Halema`uma`u crater is visible at center,
with the vent at right. Photo from USGS/HVO

THE LAVA LAKE WITHIN HALEMA`UMA`U Crater remains at or just below the rim of the Overlook crater, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The lake did not overflow onto the floor of the crater over the past day. Yesterday afternoon, the lava level was one yard below the crater floor.

This morning, the lava level was slightly higher and very close to the rim of the Overlook crater.
According to HVO, recent overflows have accumulated and built the rim of the Overlook crater up a few yards above the crater floor.
See updates at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU FEDERATION and Project Vision Hawai`i are two organizations with a Ka`u presence approved by state House and Senate budget conferees to receive a portion of $28 million in Grants-in-Aid.

A bridge carried water and hikers across a gulch on the
Ka`u Mountain Water System route.

The funds go to organizations serving the public and working to improve the state of Hawai`i. Total appropriations amounted to nearly $20 million in capital improvement projects funding and $8 million in operating funds. The funding agreements were made as lawmakers agreed on House Bill 500, relating to the state budget.

HFBF, which requested $750,000, would receive $350,000 for its Food Safety Viability for Hawai`i’s Farmers program.
Project Vision Hawai`i, which brings its van to Ka`u for vision checks, would receive $155, 770, its requested amount, to expand its statewide keiki and adult health screening and vision correction services for poor and medically access-challenged residents.
Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, which applied for a $150,000 grant for its Hua Ola Puna & Pahala project, did not receive funding.
The agreement culminated nearly two weeks of discussions on a wide range of issues such as social services, mass transit, healthcare, education, the environment and support for statewide government services. HB500, CD1 now goes before the full House and Senate for a final vote.
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PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT FORMATION and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. The guided hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS continue through Sunday. Details are at www.kaucoffeefest.com.

John Cross talks story with participants one of two Ka`u Mountain Water System
Hikes, events leading up to tomorrow's Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.

DURING KA`U STAR GAZING today from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center features a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers.

Emcees Skylark and Debbie Ryder open the ho`olaule`a at 9 a.m. Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu performs at 9:15 a.m. followed by Hands of Time at 10 a.m. and Hannah’s Makana `Ohana hula halau at 10:45 a.m. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court will appear at 11:30 a.m., with Miranda playing piano and her court sharing their talents.
Afternoon performances begin with Keaiwa and Demetrius Oliveira at 12:15 p.m., followed by Halau Hula O Leionalani at 1 p.m.; Bolo at 1:45 p.m; South Side Serenaders at 2:30 p.m., Keoki Kahumoku at 3 p.m.; and Kulele at 3:45 p.m.

The Buy Local, It Matters drawing for a $1,000 check takes place at 4 p.m.

Moses, Makana & Bradley play at 4:15 p.m., and Kookoo Bird & Friends play at 4:45 p.m.

See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center is a free educational series featuring coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a is in full swing, with a day of entertainment and booths, including Ka`u Rural Health Community Association Director Luz Miguel, center, promoting healthful living and health education. Photo by Julia Neal

“LUKE’S LAW NOW A REALITY,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green announced on his Facebook page. Green’s Senate Bill 791 calls for insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism for children up to age 14.

Sen. Josh Green with Luke, the boy with autism who inspired
Luke's Law, requiring insurance coverage for the disease.
Photo from Sen. Green's Facebook page

The bill’s name refers to a Big Island boy with autism whose family’s struggles with affordable health care raised awareness of the issue in Hawai`i. “So many people made this happen, but we dedicate the moment to Luke and the thousands of other young boys and girls in Hawai`i who will now have covered treatment to improve their lives!” Green said.

According to Green, the autism rate is as high as one in 68 children, “and families across Hawai`i are struggling with the enormous costs of the treatment they need to give their kids the best chance to lead healthy, productive lives.”
Green fought to pass similar legislation during the 2014 legislative session and introduced SB 791 for the 2015 session on Jan. 23.
“Over 38 states have passed legislation to ensure that treatment for autism is covered by health insurance,” Green said, “because they know the huge financial costs of leaving autism left untreated, both to families and to the state.
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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S current artist-in-residence, feather artist Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, is holding an open house Monday through Friday through May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1932 Administration Building (also called the `Ohi`a Wing).
San Nicolas will also participate in the park’s upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, from the `Ohi`a Wing, located between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.

Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas displays
his feather creations. NPS Photo by Christa Sadler

San Nicolas was recently bestowed the title of Ke Kumu Hulu Nui (feather master of ancient Hawaiian featherwork) by revered Kumu Hula (hula master) Kaha`i Topolinski. Early on, San Nicolas knew his calling was to learn from the most noted Hawaiian experts of this heritage art. His featherwork replicates the work of ancient Hawaiian masters whose finely crafted regalia were worn by Hawaiian royalty and warriors. He has honed his featherwork through research, talking to kupuna (honored elders) and by listening intently to all who want to share their story, traditions and process. Through their dedication, San Nicolas helps perpetuate the art of feather lei making for generations to come. More of his work is also on exhibit at Volcano House.

The National Parks Arts Foundation, now in its second year of working with the National Park Service at Hawai`i Volcanoes, coordinates the park’s artist-in-residence program. The National Parks Arts Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 supported by donations from the public.
To help fund upcoming artist-in-residence programs in a number of parks, call 505-715-6492, email admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org, and see www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org.
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AFTER A HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE meeting that lasted over 18 hours, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016. The Committee passed the funding measure by a bipartisan vote of 60-2.

“With competing priorities, readiness needs and a variety of threats that are constantly evolving in different parts of the world, it’s important that we ensure our troops have the resources they need to do their job in keeping the American people safe,” Gabbard said.

Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba promotes her own
R&G Coffee at the ho`olaule`a today. Photo by Julia Neal

“Given the evolving threats we face in the Asia-Pacific region, I’m pleased that in addition to almost $500 million in investment for Hawai`i military infrastructure, two of my own amendments were included in the bill that help ensure Hawai`i will be protected against missile threats from North Korea. Additionally, Congressman John Kline and I worked together to include an amendment that will keep the pressure on the Pentagon to provide access to affordable healthcare for those military retirees who live outside the TRICARE Prime service area. The Department of Defense’s 2013 policy change disproportionately negatively impacted our neighbor island residents, which is a wrong that must be fixed.”
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Aaron Delos Santos spoke of his great teachers and the need for education,
calling for an end to discrimination and racism. Photo by Julia Neal

AARON DELOS SANTOS, AN EIGHTH-GRADER at Pahala Intermediate School, thanked four of his teachers and shared his thoughts on education, discrimination and racism in an essay he read at Gilligan’s Café yesterday.

“Ms. Tran, you not only impacted my life in education, but also showed me that I am somebody,” Delos Santos said. He thanked Tran for sharing philosophies of Rita Pierson and In Lak`ech.

“You are an incredibly inspiring individual,” Delos Santos said. “You have given me the example of what true strength is. … You are a person I can look to for words of wisdom and love and support.

“Finally, you showed me that through perseverance and hard work I can be who and what I want to be.”

Delos Santos said Mr. Bowers taught him to think outside the box and how to solve matrix and imaginary numbers, “subjects I thought I would never learn until high school.” He said Bowers was one of the greatest teachers he’s ever had.

Local Buzz from South Point Road features mac nuts, coffee and honey.
Photo by Julia Neal

Delos Santos thanked Mr. Findlay for “opening my eyes to just how smart I am and never letting me quit!” He said Findlay “provided me with so much positivity and knowledge” and helped him improve in mathematics. Findlay also shared with Delos Santos the term Meliora – Always striving to be ever better.
The 13-year-old said Ms. T taught him that education is like a building. “If we missed parts in our education, the foundation of our structure will be weak,” he said. He thanked her for “your patience for us and the time you took out of your own life to fill in the missing parts of our education.”

“I would like to thank all the educators, not just the ones here bout also around the word,” Delos Santos said. “You guys are the key to education.”
Delos Santos encouraged listeners to understand Martin Luther King’s dream: “He dreamt of a nation where different races could live in peace and tranquility.”

`O Ka`u Kakou provides security for the ho`olaule`a and raises money
for its community work through selling shave ice. Photo by Julia Neal

In closing, Delos Santos said, “Together we the people can achieve greatness and surpass the expectations of others! We can change this community to one that is greater than others. A place where there is no discrimination or racism. Together we can make Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream a reality.”

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U.S. SENS. BRIAN SCHATZ AND MAZIE HIRONO have joined other Senate Democrats in introducing the Raise the Wage Act, a bill to increase the minimum wage to $12 by 2020 to help more families make ends meet, expand economic opportunity and help build an economy that works for all families.
“If you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to support your family. But too many working families today can barely make ends meet because our federal minimum wage has not kept up with the cost of living,” Schatz said. “Raising the minimum wage would lift millions of families out of poverty and put them on the path to the middle class, helping build a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Brenda Iokepa-Moses, co-chair of the coffee festival, helps with the Ka`u
Coffee Mill booth. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A continues today until 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, featuring a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and Ka`u Coffee.

Emcees Skylark and Debbie Ryder opened the ho`olaule`a at 9 a.m. Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, Hands of Time, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana hula halau performed this morning. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court appeared at 11:30 a.m., with Miranda playing piano and her court sharing their talents.
Afternoon performances begin with Keaiwa and Demetrius Oliveira at 12:15 p.m., followed by Halau Hula O Leionalani at 1 p.m.; Bolo at 1:45 p.m; South Side Serenaders at 2:30 p.m., Keoki Kahumoku at 3 p.m.; and Kulele at 3:45 p.m.
The Buy Local, It Matters drawing for a $1,000 check takes place at 4 p.m.
Moses, Makana & Bradley play at 4:15 p.m., and Kookoo Bird & Friends play at 4:45 p.m.
See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE is tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The free educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, TOMORROW from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit, is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 985- 6011 or nps.gov/havo

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Halau Hula o Leionalani, under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, perform at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.
Photo by Julia Neal

TEN DAYS OF KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS concluded this morning with Ka`u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. Yesterday’s ho`olaule`a there featured a full day of entertainment, with performers coming from as far away as Japan.

Annabelle Orcino receives her $1,000 prize from Miss Ka`u
Coffee Maria Miranda and Chris Manfredi. Photo by Julia Neal

Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda was on hand to present Annabelle Orcino with a check for $1,000 that she won in the Buy Local It Matters drawing. The promotion encouraged residents to frequent local businesses.
Booths lined the park’s perimeter, offering plate lunches, poi, sandwiches, snacks, baked goods, beverages, health and farm information, and Ka`u Coffee tastings and sales.
Ka`u Coffee Experience participants sampled Ka`u Coffees prepared using a wide variety techniques served by expert baristas. Brew methods included Hario Pour-over, Clever, French Press, Chemex and Toddy Cold-brew plus a variety of prepared espresso beverages.
Buses left throughout the day for tours of Ka`u Coffee farms and Ka`u Coffee Mill, where participants learned how beans are processed and roasted while enjoying coffee tastings and demonstrations.
See kaucoffeefestival.com.
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HCEOC members and supporters at rededication of the center in Na`alehu.
Photo by Nancy Stafford

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY rededicated its center on the grounds of Na`alehu Park yesterday. OEO was a nationwide part of Pres. Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. The local program later became Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council.

According to HCEOC Housing & LIHEAP’s retired Program Manager Mary Miho Finley, the program grew out of a need for activities for children. “There was nothing for the kids or young people in those days,” Finley said.
Finley said recently retired HCEOC Executive Director George Yokoyama, who was in charge of youth programs at the time, challenged the kids. “What do you want?” he asked. “As they had been kicked out of meeting at the shopping center, in the park by police, got rained out in the tennis courts, etc., they asked for a place of their own,” Finley said. “The young people – over 150 from eight years old to high school, from Na`alehu to Ocean View – said they wanted a place of their own that they could not be kicked out of. Yokoyama said, ‘You will have to mobilize resources to make this happen.’

Ka`u Coffee Growers Co-op Pres. Gloria Camba joins Miss Ka`u Coffee Second
Princess Vivien Santos, Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and First Princess
Joyce Ibasan at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a. Photo by Julia Neal

“ADM Investment was beginning the development of Punalu`u Resort and in the process had to demolish an old gentlemen’s clubhouse. ADM said the youth could have the building if they would take it down. It just happened that Dante Carpenter, who later became councilman from Ka`u and still later the Mayor of Hawai`i County) was working for C. Brewer/Ka`u Sugar at the time and took an interest in the kids and their plight. He made arrangements for Ka`u Sugar to provide the land where the youth clubhouse got built that has been used by HCEOC as an office, teaching center and a center of services to serve the disadvantaged. Ka`u Sugar later donated the entire Na`alehu Park to the county. But at this time they were the owners and gave the youth permission to construct their clubhouse on a back portion of the property.)
“Others who helped were Job Corps, a young people’s training program that was stationed at Kilauea Military Camp. Their leader was Pilipo Kenoi. They who knew how to build and volunteered to help the Ka`u young people. In addition, KMC provided a driver and flat-bed truck to move the building materials being generated by the Punalu`u demolition. Ka`u Sugar also helped with building material transport. Two of the truck drivers were Adolpho Pascubilio and Joe Tassill.

Na Hoku Hanohano Award-nominated Bolo
entertained the crowd. Photo by Julia Neal

“This project became the happening thing during that summer, with young people coming from Keaukaha Rap Center and HCEOC youth groups in Laupahoehoe and even Honoka`a to help with the build.
“As the building took shape, the project was entered into a national an OEO/Community Action contest, and the Na`alehu Youth Clubhouse took fourth place and was awarded a $750 prize. HPM donated the building plans and prepared the building permits. Atherton and McInerny foundations and Hilo Kiwanis donated funds. Tommy Ishimaru donated construction of the cesspool. Na`alehu Community Club donated a kitchen sink and pool and ping-pong tables. Several Ka`u families (the Beck `ohana, Kailiawa and others) helped their young people with this project that took up most of a year. During this time, police reports confirm that crime went down.
Mayor Billy Kenoi, Contractor Micheal Tonini, former Youth Advisor Anna Cariaga, former Ka`u District Supervisor Mary Evangelista offered comments, emphasizing the importance of investing in our young people, as they are our future. Several other members of the youth gang also attended, and we had a good time listening to their recollections of the hard work, the challenges, the good times and the wonderful memories of this seminal event in their young lives.”
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THE BIG ISLAND AND OTHER neighbor island counties would be allowed to raise the four-percent state sales tax by a half a percent to fund local transportation projects, should the measure pass final votes at the state Legislature. Permission to raise the General Excise Tax would be allowed from 2018 though 2027. The idea passed a Senate and House conference committee, unanimously, Friday. The impetus for the tax hike came from proponents of O`ahu’s new rail system which is under construction and strapped for cash.

Will Tabios tries his luck at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union's
Wheel of Fortune. Photo by Julia Neal

An effort that would have required counties raising the GE tax to assume ownership of “roads in limbo” like the end of Kama`oa Road near South Point Road and the old cane haul road between Pahala and Na`alehu failed to make it through House and Senate negotiations.
The tax hike bill is expected to go through House and Senate floor votes this week and be sent to Gov. David Ige for his signature. Should it pass, the County Council would have to pass its own measure in order to raise the sales tax locally.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE WARNING the public about scams known as advance fee schemes.
In one recent case, a 62-year-old Kona woman received a check for more than $6,000 that appeared to be from a known legitimate bank. Along with the check was a letter claiming she had won money in a lottery and advising her to deposit the check into her bank account and then wire a fee to the sender. The woman was suspicious and took the check to her bank, where she learned that it was counterfeit.

The Inouye family from Japan joined Demetrius Oliveira on stage.
Photo by Julia Neal

Financial institutions have informed police that these types of scams are common. They can include claims of winnings, gifts, investments, loans or other proposed opportunities. The common factor is that the victim pays money to someone with an expectation of receiving something of greater value but doesn’t receive it.
If they receive a suspicious check, they should take it to their financial institution to verify its authenticity. Recipients of questionable checks should not send any fee money until the check clears the bank.
The public should be particularly leery of companies that have only a post office box number rather than a street address and don’t have a direct telephone line that is answered when called. If they are unfamiliar with a business, they should check with the State Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau to see if it is legitimate and reputable.
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Aikane Plantation's Phil Becker, seated, manned the ho`olaule`a's
information booth. Photo by Julia Neal

SUMMER FUN REGISTRATION BEGINS Monday for the program June 8 to July 17. Summer Fun consists of arts and crafts projects, indoor/outdoor games, sports, music, dance, nature exploration, swimming special events and excursions.

For more information, call Nona at 928-3102 at Pahala Community Center or Richard at 939-2510 at Na`alehu Community Center.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Agenda items include an update on Na`alehu Park kiosk, communications from the state Scenic Byway Committee and locations of proposed lava flow signs in the Kahuku area.
The public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

CINCO DE MAYO BUFFET TAKES PLACE Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawa`‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cost is $18 per adult and $9 per child $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply; Call 967-8371 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Rock falling from the wall of Halema`uma`u Crater into the Overlook Crater's lava lake caused an explosion yesterday afternoon.
Photo from USGS/HVO

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY CONTINUES at the summit of Kilauea Volcano.
A collapse of a portion of the wall of Halema`uma`u Crater impacted the lava lake yesterday afternoon at 1:20 p.m. and triggered an explosive event, which deposited fist-size clasts around the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists reported.
HVO seismologists reported that a magnitude-3.6 earthquake in the upper East Rift Zone occurred this morning at 4:42 a.m. and was widely felt in the Volcano Village area.
The lava lake level has been at, or near, the rim of the Overlook crater over the past day, but the lake did not overflow onto the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater during that period. Yesterday afternoon, the lava lake level was measured at roughly three yards above the original, pre-overflow floor of Halema`uma`u Crater. The recent overflows have accumulated and built the rim of the Overlook crater up several yards above the original floor. This morning, the lava level is close to the rim of the Overlook crater.
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David Waldman confirmed the increase sophistication
of coffee buyers.

KEEP THE QUALITY HIGH, coffee experts and statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau President and Ka`u Coffee Festival organizer Chris Manfredi urged coffee farmers yesterday. They were speaking at Ka`u Coffee College, the last event of ten days of festival experience.

David Waldman of Rojo’s Roastery in Princeton and Lambertville, N.J. talked about increased sophistication of coffee buyers in the high end market. “There is no fooling people anymore about quality of coffee. They will pay high prices for high quality.” He said that ten years ago people didn’t want the citrus flavors of lighter roasts, but now they want to experience these specific qualities. He said that people are using less milk with coffee, showing they want to taste it. He said customers will pay $5 for a pour-over, but the coffee has to be excellent. He urged farmers to allow buyers to visit with them, see the farms, the soil, the trees and to sit with them to cup coffee and be open to suggestions.
Andy Newbom, a coffee buyer from San Diego, talked about tough competition in pricing, with excellent coffee coming from countries where there is cheaper land and less expensive labor than in Hawai`i. He said this makes it all the more important for Ka`u to preserve the highest of standards and to share the farmers’ stories that connect with coffee drinkers and also to distinguish Ka`u from Kona coffee. He shared his saying, “Never give customers what they want. Only give them what you do best.” He said it is not resasonable to think that a coffee business can be sustained by riding on the fame of Hawai`i as a visitor destination. “You have had it easy,” he said.

Andrea Kawabata, of University of Hawai`i, encourages Ka`u farmers
to methodically manage the Coffee Berry Borer problem
to save Ka`u's excellent reputation. Photo by Julia Neal

Andrea Kawabata, from University of Hawai`i, also encouraged high quality. “Once you have tarnished your reputation, it is hard to get it back,” she said. She urged farmers to look toward long-term rather than short-term profit. She said that coffee berry borer treatments have to be planned carefully. “If CBB subsidies (funding) doesn’t come in, spray anyway,” she urged. Farmers were told to save the receipts for possible reimbursement.
Dr. Andrew Hetzel talked about many defects that can degrade coffee beans. He talked about sour beans, withered beans, immature, broken and chipped beans all being detriments to holding onto a reputation for specialty coffee. Defects can come from farming, harvesting, processing, transportation and storage methods. All of these have to be handled with the utmost care to keep coffee reputation and prices high, he said. He encouraged farmers to frequently cup their own coffee and those of other farmers and coffees from around the world and to learn to detect defects and how to prevent them.
Manfredi encouraged farmers to keep up with treatments for CBB. “Don’t wait. The bugs don’t know that the grant is coming.” He suggested strip-picking at the end of the season and to spray early. He also talked high prices. “For us to sell Ka`u, we need the quality.”
Farmers were urged to become involved with the Hawai`i Coffee Association’s annual convention this summer. See www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.

Andy Newborn talked about tough competition in coffee pricing. Hawai`i Farm Bureau
President Chris Manfredi, left, urged farmers to keep up the quality.
Photo by Julia Neal

A BILL THAT WOULD PHASE OUT the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replace it with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program is on Hawai`i County Council Finance Committee’s agenda tomorrow at 1 p.m.

According to Bill 317, the purpose of the agricultural use assessment program is to encourage continual and committed agricultural use of lands.
“In order to achieve this purpose, the Council finds it necessary to phase out the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replace that program with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program,” the bill reads. “This ordinance provides for a three-year transition period to provide ample opportunity to implement the transition to the short-term agricultural use dedication program and to provide ample opportunity for those seeking to participate in the short-term agricultural use dedication program to make any necessary adjustments in their farming operations. The requirements of this three-year short-term agricultural use dedicated program parallels those of the existing ten-year dedicated agricultural use program.

“This ordinance does not propose any changes to the existing ten-year agricultural use dedicated program. Thereafter, those parcels not in a three-year short-term dedicated agricultural use program or the ten-year dedicated agricultural use program shall be assessed at market value.”

Dr. Andrew Hetzel explained the importance of reducing defects of coffee going
to market, from husks in green beans to chipped, dried out and unripened beans.
He said coffee enthusiasts are becoming more sophisticated in their ability
to taste specialty coffee. Photo by Julia Neal

The bill defines commercial agricultural activity as “use of property to generate income, monetary gain or economic benefit in the form of money or money’s worth of a minimum $2,000 annual gross income per family operation.”
Ka`u residents can participate in this and other committee meetings tomorrow. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center, and the meetings are also streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
Public Works and Parks & Recreation meets at 9 a.m.; Public Safety & Mass Transit, 9:30 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10 a.m.; and Finance, 1 p.m.

The full council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Volcano Rain Forest Runs on Saturday, Aug. 22.

All runs start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road in the heart of Volcano Village and traverse the quaint village roads through the native rain forest and ranch lands with stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance.
The Half Marathon is the final race of the Triple Crown Hawai`i, along with the Big Island International Marathon and the Kona Marathon. Medals are awarded at the Volcano Rain Forest Runs.

Entry fees for runners who register by June 1 are $65 for the Half Marathon, $40 for the 10K and $25 for the 5K. Fees increase after June 1 and again after Aug. 1.
For more information and to register, see volcanorainforestruns.com.
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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Agenda items include an update on the Na`alehu Park kiosk, communications from the state Scenic Byway Committee and locations of proposed lava flow signs in the Kahuku area.
For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

CINCO DE MAYO BUFFET TAKES PLACE tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawa`‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cost is $18 per adult and $9 per child $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply; Call 967-8371 for more information.

The history of roads in Hawai`i's national parks is the topic tomorrow
at After Dark in the Park. Photo from NPS

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tomorrow is Lying Lightly on the Land: National Park Service Roads in Hawai`i. Historian Dawn Duensing has studied Hawai`i’s scenic roads since 1999, when she prepared a history of roads in Hawai`i National Park for the Historic American Engineering Record, a division of the National Park Service. This illustrated presentation highlights challenges, construction techniques and design principles involved in building Hawai`i’s national park roads, while explaining why these roads are important in contemporary Hawai`i. Building on her extensive NPS experience and research, Dawn’s new book, Hawai`i’s Scenic Roads: Paving the Way for Tourism in the Islands, examines the political, economic, social and environmental history of the islands’ most renowned scenic drives, including those at Hawai`i Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Traffic near Punalu`u was detoured onto Ninole Loop yesterday when a runaway brushfire reached and crossed Hwy 11.
Photos by Daryl Lee licensed to The Ka`u Calendar

A RUNAWAY BRUSHFIRE NEAR Punalu`u at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Ninole Loop closed the highway yesterday. According to Assistant Fire Chief Glen Honda, the fire burned 217 acres. The wind-fed blaze crossed Hwy 11 and spread up the hillside, coming as close as 200 yards from homes.

Scorched earth following yesterday's brushfire near Punalu`u. Photo by Daryl Lee

Fire personnel are still in the area to monitor against possible flare-ups.
During the fire, traffic was detoured onto Ninole Loop.
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KAHUKU COASTAL PROPERTY PRESERVATION comes before Hawai`i County Council tomorrow. Resolution 184-15 authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement with the state of Hawai`i, Board of Land and Natural Resources and Legacy Land Conservation Commission and to accept funds for acquisition of the parcel makai of Ocean View. According to the resolution, the purchase would expand monitoring, management and protection of the potential Hawksbill turtle nesting habitat.

On Sept. 16, 2011, the county applied for funding by grant in the amount of $621,245 from the state, Board of Land & Natural Resources and Legacy Land Conservation Commission for acquisition of the 3,127.95 acres at Tax Map Key parcel (3)9-2-01:75. The request was approved by LLCC on Dec. 14, 2011 and by BLNR on May 11, 2012.

Kahuku Coastal Property preservation is on Hawai`i County Council's
agenda tomorrow.

On Jan. 16, 2012, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources applied for funding by grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Recovery Land Acquisition program. That request for more than $1.2 million was approved Sept. 10, 2012.
An additional $761,641comes from the county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Committee, funded by two percent of collected property taxes.

Total funding is $2.6 million.

Tomorrow’s meeting at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo is streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.

Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

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

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva is featured
in a new Japanese guidebook.

MISS KA`U COFFEE 2014 AMERY SILVA is featured in a new Japanese tour book for the Big Island of Hawai`i. She introduces a section in the Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook entitled Volcano – South Point. Points of interest listed include Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village businesses, Pahala Plantation House, Aikane Coffee Plantation, Moa`ula Ka`u Cloud Rest Coffee stop, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Pahala Hongwanji, Wood Valley Temple, Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Honu`apo Green Sand Beach, Punalu`u Bake Shop and Ka Lae Coffee.

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TODAY’S OVERLOOK CRATER LAVA LAKE, which first formed in 2008 at the summit of Kilauea Volcano, has already outlasted all other Halema`uma`u lava lakes since 1924, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s latest issue of Volcano Watch. Scientists give a history of previous lava lakes in the article.
“Over the past week, lava has risen within the Halema`uma`u Overlook crater (active vent at the summit of Kilauea) and overflowed onto the floor of the larger Halema`uma`u Crater. As a result, visitation to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has skyrocketed. This is understandable because it’s the first time that a lake of lava within Halema`uma`u Crater has been visible from park visitor overlooks since 1974.
“The Overlook crater opened on March 19, 2008, but until this week, only the gas plume and nighttime glow from the vent had been visible. Over the years, the vent opening enlarged as parts of its rim spalled off and dropped dramatically into the lava lake. Today, the opening is about 160 meters (175 yards) wide and about 220 m (240 yds) long, and the lava lake within it slowly circulates – ascending in the north and descending in the south.
“This is the16th lava lake hosted in Halema`uma`u Crater since the explosions of May 1924, which doubled the crater’s width and increased its depth to about 410 m (450 yds).
“From 1924 to 1934, seven lava lakes occurred in Halema`uma`u, each lasting from two to 33 days. After 1934, Kilauea Volcano was completely inactive until June 27, 1952, when an active lava lake reoccupied Halema`uma`u for 136 days. Four more short-lived lava lakes popped up in the crater in 1954 and 1961. Accumulation of lava from these 11 lakes decreased the depth of Halema`uma`u Crater to 170 m (186 yds).

Firefighters head toward the blaze on Ninole Loop. Photo by Daryl Lee

“In early November 1967, another lava lake was created by an eruption that occurred in phases over a period of 251 days. By the time the eruption ended on July 13, 1968, Halema`uma`u Crater had been filled with another 100 m (110 yds) of lava.

“The 1967-1968 eruption produced perched lava lakes or ponds. These are bodies of circulating lava that build their own rims, much like an above-ground swimming pool. The 1967-1968 eruptive phases typically started with lava erupting from, and covering most of, the Halema`uma`u Crater floor before being confined within its perched boundaries. The rest of the eruptive phase would consist of stationary and migrating spattering sources, or low lava fountains, within the perched circulating lava lake.

“Not long after the 1967-1968 summit eruption ended, activity picked up in Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone, where, in 1969, the Mauna Ulu eruption began. Twenty-nine months later, Mauna Ulu activity waned, and Kilauea’s summit started to inflate rapidly. On August 14, 1971, a brief fissure eruption occurred in the east summit caldera. This was followed in September by a five-day eruption in the Southwest Rift Zone and within Halema`uma`u Crater, where lava fountains filled a broad ring along the outer edges of the crater before the summit activity ceased.

“But changes within Halema`uma`u Crater were not only due to lava filling. By the end of the September 1971 eruption, the central part of the floor, still covered with 1968 lava, had dropped 45 m (49 yds), leaving a 150-m- (165-yd-) wide bench of lava about halfway up the crater walls. The bench is now narrower, but can still be seen about halfway up the walls of Halema`uma`u Crater.

This example of a perched lava lake within Pu`u `O`o in May 2011 shows what could
happen with Kilauea's current summit lava lake. Lava overflowing the vent could
build a levee around the lake and increasing the rim's height. Photo from HVO

“In February 1972, eruptive activity resumed at Mauna Ulu in Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone and continued until late July 1974. This was followed by three brief eruptions at the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kilauea. The second of these eruptions included a fissure that crossed the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater on Sept. 19, 1974. But unlike the September 1971 eruption, the September 1974 eruption remained within Kilauea Caldera.
“The 1974 fissure erupted for less than half a day, but lava covered the Halema`uma`u Crater floor – except for the tops of three high spatter cones formed in the 1967-1968 eruption – before the lava level dropped about seven m (eight yds). The current floor of Halema`uma`u Crater is what remains of the September 1974 eruption… .
“Will (the volcano) continue to build a perched lava lake on the Halema`uma`u Crater floor? Or will the lava lake collapse back into the crater in response to another rift zone breakout? Whatever happens, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists will be closely watching and documenting the activity.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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AUDITIONS FOR KDEN’S PRODUCTION of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I are coming up. Auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

The show is directed by Suzi Bond, with musical direction by Kait Wilson and choreography by Carmen Richardson. Pedro Ka`awaloa conducts the orchestra, Jonathan Sudler is designing the set and costume construction is lead by Helie Rock.

The story is based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam, by Margaret Landon. English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The king is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a unique love story.
KDEN’s summer musical is a family affair with parts available for all ages. Principal parts are available for three women, two men and two boys. There are featured roles for two men and a singing-dancing ensemble consisting of royal dancers, wives, children, priests and amazons. Auditioneers should be prepared to sing with accompaniment and dance some. Dress comfortably to be able to move freely on stage. There will be some line readings for those interested in the lead roles.
For more information, contact KDEN at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.
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CINCO DE MAYO BUFFET TAKES PLACE today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawa`‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cost is $18 per adult and $9 per child $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply; Call 967-8371 for more information.

HISTORIAN DAWN DUENSING DISCUSSES National Park Service roads in Hawai`i during After Dark in the Park this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support After Dark programs. Park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2105.swf.

Lava still creeps into Puna from Pu`u 'O'o, with breakouts photographed yesterday northeast of Pu`u 'O`o.
Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

A STATE SENATE SHAKEUP is causing east Ka`u's Sen. Russell Ruderman to lose his chairmanship of the Agriculture committee and west Ka`u Sen. Josh Green his chairmanship of the Health committee, according to a report in this morning's Honolulu Star Advertiser. According to the story, Ruderman and Green did not take part in the initial organization of the coup that led to the ousting of Senate president Donna Mercado Kim, yesterday in a 19-6 vote. She is replaced by career legislator from Kaua`i, Ron Kouchi, who served 22 years on the County Council and was appointed to the state Senate in 2010 by then-governor Linda Lingle. After the change of the Senate leadership, Green released a statement: "I have been asked to serve as part of President Kouchi's leadership team." He said he will continue on the health committee as vice chair and will work under Kouchi as Senate floor leader.
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HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED is circulating a message this morning urging members to call the White House today at 888-793-4597 and to "urge President Obama to stand up for my right to know where my food comes from by protecting country of origin labels." The Farmers Union states that the White House tracks every call on each issue, so volume of calls matters. Strong truth in labeling proposals at the Hawai`i state legislature, including coffee and food origin labels, failed to pass during this year's session.
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will host more than 160 scientists and traditional cultural practitioners from Hawai‘i and around the country May 15 and 16 to lead students and the general public in a two-day race to count as many species of plants and animals as possible and better appreciate the dynamic culture of the park.
The natural events leading up to this month's BioBlitz are extremely active with lava intermittently spilling from a vent onto the floor of Halema`uma`u crater and Pu`u 'O`o continuing to pump out lava into Puna.
According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the lake in Halema`uma`u overflowed slightly several times yesterday and the lava has heightened the rim by 12 feet.

35th Annual Cultural Festival will coincide with BioBlitz
at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from National Geographic

According to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, visitors are crowding onto the terrace of Jaggar Museum and rangers are encouraging them to stay quiet in order to hear the crackling and explosions in the lava lake.
More than 850 students from local schools will visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, May 15, as part of this ultimate field trip provided by National Geographic, the National Park Service and event supporters. National Park Service and National Geographic leadership, Native FM radio's Jaz Kaiwiko‘o Yglesias and award-winning recording artist Keoki Kahumoku will help kick off the festivities a week from this Friday.
Themed I ka nānā no a ‘ike - By observing, one learns - Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz is part scientific endeavor, part outdoor classroom excursion and part celebration of biodiversity and culture. Online registration is now open to join scientist-led inventory teams. No experience is required, just a desire to explore, work side-by-side with a scientist, document findings and learn more about this diverse national park. Inventory teams are best for ages 8 and up; minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.

The dark lava of the overflow onto the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater can
be seen, the overflow area covering about 28 acres.
Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

In order to coincide with the BioBlitz, the park moved its 35th annual Cultural Festival from July to May this year and expanded it to include biodiversity. Embodying I ka nānā no a ‘ike principles, the Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art, family-friendly activities and entertainment, says a statement from the park.
Both BioBlitz and the Biodiversity & Cultural Festival are free and open to the public a week from this Friday and Saturday. BioBlitz “base camp” and the festival will be located at the Kahua Hula overlooking Halema‘uma‘u Crater near Kīlauea Visitor Center. Public parking will be available at Kīlauea Military Camp. Participants will receive free entrance to the park, free parking and free shuttle bus service to and from KMC. Online registration is required to guarantee a spot on an inventory team.
No registration is required for the festival. To learn more about BioBlitz and the festival, visit nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/havo.
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EARTHQUAKE RELIEF DONATIONS are sought by the Nepal Foundation, following the April 25 devastation in the Himalayas. The Nepal Foundation is based in Philadelphia and Na`alehu and headed by Mary Carroll who has hosted numerous Nepali academics, artists and journalists as part of a cultural exchange with Ka`u, in addition to carrying out many health and educational projects in Nepal.

The Nepal Foundation seeks funds to help restore homes damaged by the
earthquake. Photo from the Nepal Foundation

In Nepal, the foundation has worked with BasaKhali Secondary School, which educated 400 students a day on its campus before the quake. Yadav Rai, Nepal Foundation manager, taught sanitation and good health at the school, part of a community wide program funded by the Nepal Foundation. The school was severely damaged during the quake. So were many of what Carroll describes as “Lovely little houses that dot the landscape, all of them built by family members. Many had vegetable gardens grown with the help of Nepal Foundation Agriculture technician’s training.”
Another supporter of Nepal Foundation is Dr, Shirshak, a volunteer who walked six days into Basa, Nepal two years ago to operate a free medical camp. Since the quake, he has collected more than $50 from 30 friends to purchase food, supplies and water which he is distributing for disaster relief, but needs additional financial help.
Carroll pointed out that much was not destroyed by the earthquake: “Nepali resourcefulness and ability to get things done despite all obstacles; Nepali hospitality and kindness and gratitude for even the smallest things done for them; Nepalis who are trained with the help of a variety of non-profit organizations like the Nepal Foundation; resiliency of the Nepal people who never give up; and patience of Nepalis everywhere to accept what life gives.”

Marry Carroll at BasKhali Secondary School in 2014. The
earthquake took it down. Photo from Nepal Foundation

The Nepal Foundation brought sanitation
to Nepali villagers, including construction of
this latrine. Photo from the Nepal Foundation

Carroll said that the Nepal Foundation plans to: Help rebuild the BasaKhali Secondary School; create an interest free loan program to help Nepalis who want to rebuild their homes but have no funds; fund training programs that will continue Nepal Foundation’s work to empower the people so they can acquire the skills to do for themselves and reconstruct the devastation around them; support special medical relief led by Nepalis like Dr. Shirshak; help to rebuild 16 water systems for healthy drinking water and irrigation for nutritious gardens; and support worthy projects that are inadequately funded such as living expenses in Basa for trained relief workers and college student volunteers.
See www.thenepalfoundation.org. Contributions can be sent through Paypal. Checks can be made out to the Nepal Foundation and mailed to Mary C. Carroll, Chair, Nepal Foundation, P.O. Box 654, Na`alehu, HI 96772, Carroll is also an honorary counsel for Nepal.
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SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND LEHUA COURT PLAZA will offer a seminar entitled How to Start a Business in Hawai'i. It will take place Thursday, May 28, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the workshop from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Lehua Court partner Steve Sahines said that “Many times we have an idea for a business, but just don't know how to develop it.” He noted that Hazel Beck, of the Small Business Development Center, “knows all the ins and outs of how to develop a business plan, cash flow projections - all that is necessary and critical to obtain funding, secure a good lease, and to be sure your business will succeed!”

Lehua Court Plaza, a commercial center planned for Ocean View, will cosponsor the event, partially underwriting its cost. Instead of $20, participants will pay $10 each, “a very small price to pay for the valuable information and literature you will receive,” Sahines pointed out. “We at Lehua Court have been working closely with the SBDC in formulating our plans. We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity and get going on your business and that you will become some of the first ones in the Lehua Court Plaza.”
Anyone with questions may call Sahines at 808-443-9982 or Jackie Muller at SBDC 808-327-3680. To register ahead, visit www.hisbdc.org.

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A new study estimates healthcare costs of emissions from Kilauea Volcano. Photo by Peter Anderson

KILAUEA VOLCANO’S EMISSIONS from the summit eruption that began in 2008 have increased healthcare costs in the state by more than $6.2 million, according to a study by the Economic Research Organization at University of Hawai`i.
Researchers concluded that particulate matter formed by sulfur dioxide increases pulmonary-related hospitalization, especially among the very young.
“Air quality conditions in Hawai`i are typically ranked the highest in the nation except when the largest stationary source of SO2 pollution in the United States is erupting,” the report states. “We observe a strong statistical correlation between volcanic emissions and air quality in Hawai`i.”
See uhero.hawaii.edu/products/view/488.

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Keone Grace

KEONE GRACE IS THE NEW Institutional Food Services Manager at Ka`u Hospital. Grace comes has many years of food industry experience in both retail and health care settings. “We are enjoying his can-do attitude and eagerness to learn about the needs of our patients and staff,” hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris said.

Grace replaces Brad Hirata, who is now Food Services Manager at Kealakehe High School.
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TWO KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Focused Discussions will be held Saturday at Na`alehu Community Center. The topic at 9 a.m. is Agriculture, and at 1 p.m., Coastal Management.
The discussions are opportunities for community members to expand their understanding of the CDP and the rationale behind particular strategies. They are also opportunities to provide new information, suggest alternative CDP strategies and propose additional areas of analysis.
The discussions are designed to be friendly, fact-driven and learning-oriented. They are not formal meetings, opportunities to testify or debates. Planner Ron Whitmore said participants should come with an open mind and a sincere interest in finding the most effective CDP strategies to achieve the community’s objectives.
During the morning session about agriculture, planners anticipate covering sub-topics like ag zones and permitted uses, farm land preservation, infrastructure improvements to expand agriculture (e.g., water, energy, amendments), and barriers farmers face like land tenure, diversification and value chain development.
During the afternoon session about coastal management, sub-topics for discussion will likely include shoreline setbacks, public access and trails, South Point management, resort development and the future of Punalu`u.

County planners familiar with these issues will be on hand and equipped with background material and geographic information systems to support the discussion and do “on the fly” analysis.

Ka`u's coast and agriculture are topics at Ka`u CDP discussions Saturday.
Photo by Peter Anderson

The discussions will be facilitated and organized roughly as follows:

Brief overview;
Round robin among participants to suggest questions and sub-topics for discussion;
Short break to organize the discussion;
Brief summary of CDP strategies designed to achieve related community objectives;
Discussion by question and sub-topic.

Participants’ questions, comments and suggestions will be documented. As appropriate, the CDP Planning Team will use outputs of the discussion to do additional analysis, refine the CDP rationale and/or recommend CDP revisions.
A similar discussion about potential development in Discovery Harbour is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. Focused Discussions about other topics can also be scheduled.

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NEW YORK TIMES’ EDITORIAL BOARD recently published an article in support of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

“Sometime in the 2020s, when an international consortium completes the Thirty Meter Telescope, the most powerful telescope on the planet, astronomers will gaze from the 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea volcano, on the Big Island of Hawai`i, out to the edge of the observable universe.
“Or maybe they won’t. With a militant advocacy not often seen in the Aloha State, a small group of Native Hawaiians and their sympathizers have managed to stall the $1.4 billion project, which was to begin construction in April. They stood in front of trucks on the road to the summit and declared the telescope an abomination – to the Hawaiian people and their ancient religion, to the environment and to the mountain, revered in Hawaiian tradition as the piko, the navel, the island's sacred center.

“Several were arrested last month. On Thursday the trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a state agency charged with improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians, voted to rescind their 2009 vote of support for the telescope. Now they are officially noncommittal.

New York Times'Editorial Board supports the Thirty Meter Telescope.

“The political eruption has left the telescope operators – the California Institute of Technology; the University of California; and research institutions in Canada, China, India and Japan – stranded. When they agreed this month to halt construction, Gov. David Ige thanked them for being ‘respectful and sensitive’ to native beliefs and culture.
“It is not clear when the project will resume.
“The protesters don’t speak for all Hawai`i residents, or even all Native Hawaiians, many of whom embrace the telescope. But it is easy to understand why they may feel fed up. Mauna Kea is a site of wonderment even before night falls and the stars come out by the billions. It is a habitat for threatened insects and birds, and rich in precious archaeological sites. It also has been stressed for decades.
“The University of Hawai`i, which has managed the mountaintop since 1968 under a lease from the state, has at times been a sloppy steward. An embarrassing state audit in 1998 cited its failures to protect the summit's fragile ecology and cultural resources as it oversaw the development of a sprawling complex of more than a dozen observatories there. Over the decades it has collected little to no rent from its many scientific tenants. (The Thirty Meter Telescope is to be the rare exception, paying up to $1 million a year.)

“It’s hard to know if the anti-telescope furor has crested yet. The telescope builders have a strong claim to legitimacy, and they are being blamed for things they had nothing to do with – like the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, the loss of native lands, the state’s many social ills and degraded environment. This is an unfair burden for a group that has spent years cultivating local support, navigating the approval process and successfully – so far – fending off lawsuits. It insists its paperwork is in order. It also points to plans to donate about $2 million a year to local causes like business incubation; job training; and scholarships in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Mr. Ige, who has been far too withdrawn in this confrontation, needs to step up. If he thinks the telescope is an important asset that promises great benefits to Hawaii's residents and economy, not to mention to science and humanity at large, he should say so. If he thinks more needs to be done to protect the environment and native interests, he should say what that is and make it happen. His mild news releases urging more dialogue are not enough.

“Coexistence may never satisfy the core group of protesters who have been demanding the total erasure of technology from Mauna Kea's peak. What is tragic is the missed opportunity for shared understanding, given that many of these protesters are themselves descendants of some of history's greatest astronomers, Polynesian wayfinders who set out across the Pacific a millennium ago, guided by the stars and currents, to find Mauna Kea in the first place.”

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THE SIXTH ANNUAL MANUKA NARS CLEANUP is Saturday. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and Natural Area Reserves invite Ka`u residents to the hiking cleanup along the rocky South Kona shoreline.
For more information and to RSVP, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

ST JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View hosts its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta tomorrow. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is served from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with live music provided by the Last Fling Band. Dinner includes cerdo verde enchiladas (pork with green chili sauce), salad, frijoles refritos (refried beans), drinks and dessert. Tickets are available at the door for $8 each or two for $15, or can be pre-purchased from Thom White, Elaine Meier or Cordelia Burt. The event contact number is 939-7555. Proceeds help fund St. Jude’s community service programs such as free hot showers, free hot lunch and free wifi.
The church is at 92-8606 Paradise Circle in Ocean View (the southeast corner of Keaka Pkwy and Paradise Circle). “Bring a healthy appetite and your dancing shoes, and join in the fun all for a good cause,” said Madalyn McWhite Lamson.

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

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Agriculture and coastal management in Ka`u are topics at Ka`u CDP focused discussions tomorrow. Photo by Julia Neal

PROPOSED CHANGES TO AG TAX EXEMPTIONS went into the storage shed Tuesday when Hawai`i County Finance Committee postponed Bill 317. Kohala Council Member Margaret Wille introduced the bill after a task force spent about two years studying tax structures that allow various exemptions depending on how owners use ag land.

Council member Maile David

Wille said the purpose of the bill was to benefit those who produce by closing tax loopholes and changing “the lax status to actual ag production.” According to Wille, about 10,000 landowners receive ag tax exemptions but do not farm. Her bill called for three-year programs in which owners would have to prove that the land is being farmed, either by receiving income of or losing at least $2,000 per year.
Ka`u’s County Council member Maile David said she agreed that the county needs to tighten up exemptions for ag use but disagreed with Wille’s bill. “When you create a bill like this that has so many layers of procedures and so many things that require the farmer to do, I’m not sure we are actually helping the farmer or deterring him because of all the paperwork you have to do,” she said.
David questioned how to determine what bona fide ag is. Council members referred to gentlemen farmers, who, for example, have large parcels and “two sheep” and take ag exemptions. “The problem is separating a farmer that has the resources to go full-on farming and mom-and-pop operations,” David said.
She also quoted one of her farming constituents saying, “This will do more harm than good for the small ag community.”
Jeff Melrose, who published the county’s agricultural baseline study, asked the Council to look at implications and choices before making changes to the tax structure. “It’s important to apply tax structure to the goal of food sustainability,” he said. He suggested looking into creating a tax category for local food production.
Ka`u rancher Kyle Soares said he has spent tens of thousands of dollars on property taxes for 2,500 acres over 20 years. “If you think pasture is worth $420 an acre in property taxes, you’re kidding yourself,” he said. He said he has planned to stop his ranching operation in January 2016.
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NEW FEDERAL OVERSIGHT RULES FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS are proposed and available to view at doi.gov/ohr/notifications. The draft marks the first time that the U.S. government has attempted to set up rules for its responsibility in administration of the 200,000-acre land trust for Hawaiians established in 1921. There are 60 days to comment.

The Department of the Interior oversees the state’s involvement in Hawaiian Home Lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The proposed rules cover such situations as analyzing the benefit or loss to Hawaiians when the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands trades trust lands for other property. Included are requirements that federal laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act and federal land appraisal standards, be followed.

Congress established the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act to provide land to Hawaiians for farming, ranching and housing for the lease rate of $1 a year. Native Hawaiians have long complained of long waiting lists, with many dying without ever having access to land. In Ka`u, Hawaiian rancher Tommy Kaniho has lobbied for decades for water for ranch lands at Ka Lae to make the lands more useful for ranching, farming and living. In addition to the Ka Lae, South Point, area, Hawaiian Home Lands are located mauka of Punalu`u and within Discovery Harbour where DHHL purchased more than 40 houselots.
A statement from DOI says the agency “takes our responsibilities for the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust and its beneficiaries seriously” and calls the trust “vital to the health and strength of the Native Hawaiian community and especially to the beneficiaries who live on the lands or are on the waiting list for a homestead lease.”
Statewide, more than 26,000 Hawaiians are on the waiting lists.

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Stephen Schatz

STEPHEN SCHATZ IS HAWAI`I’S NEW deputy superintendent for the Department of Education.
Schatz brings 20 years of educational experience to the DOE leadership post. He most recently served as assistant superintendent for the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, overseeing assessment and accountability, data governance and analysis, and policy, innovation, planning and evaluation.
“I’m passionate about instruction and focused on supporting our leaders to provide equity of opportunity for all students within our system,” Schatz said. “I want to thank the Superintendent and the Board for their trust and look forward to working with our principals and teachers in achieving student success.”
Schatz joined the Hawai`i public school system at the beginning of the 2002-03 school year as a vice principal at Wai`alua High and Intermediate before becoming principal of Pohakea Elementary in Leeward Oahu in 2004.
Schatz was appointed complex area superintendent for the Honolulu District in February 2009.
He became assistant superintendent for strategic reform in July 2011.
Schatz has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in education administration from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, “Stephen not only brings his educational experience to the position but also his perspective as a parent of two public school children.”
Schatz fills the vacancy left by Ronn Nozoe, who moved to Washington, D.C., where he is now deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
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Mobile slaughter services are coming to Ka`u. Photo from Hawai`i Island Meat

SMALL-SCALE KA`U RANCHERS WHO RAISE livestock will soon have a new option for quality, humane and convenient slaughter services and can learn about this new offering at upcoming workshops in Hilo and Pahala.

A mobile slaughter unit capable of processing pigs, sheep, goats and cattle will open for business on the island in early 2016. Hawai`i Island Meat, a cooperative business created in response to the expressed needs of island ranchers for additional local slaughter facilities, will be facilitating two free informational workshops for producers interested in accessing the service.
The workshops will be held in Hilo from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at the Komohana Agricultural Research Station, 875 Komohana Street, and in Pahala from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, at Pahala Community Center.

Like their counterparts in the continental United States, many meat producers on Hawai`i Island face significant barriers to starting and maintaining their businesses. Despite its abundant ranch lands and ranching operations, the island currently imports 17 percent of its beef and more than 95 percent of its pork, lamb and goat products due to competition from imported meat products, high operational costs and insufficient access to U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected slaughterhouses.
HIM’s 36-foot trailer, made possible with funding from the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, will meet USDA sanitation standards and be capable of processing eight to 10 head of cattle, 15 pigs and 30 lamb or goats per day.
“Not only will the mobile slaughter unit help to revitalize family ranching operations on Hawai`i Island, it will increase the amount of healthy, locally grown protein available to our communities and can be part of the solution to reduce the island’s population of feral and invasive cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” said Melanie Bondera, cooperative business development specialist at The Kohala Center. “Locally produced meats are also in high demand by island residents, visitors and gourmet chefs, so the increased availability will contribute positively to farm-to-fork programs and our local economy.”
More information about the program is available on HIM’s website at HawaiiIslandMeat.com or via email at HawaiiIslandMeat@gmail.com.
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Mexican flag

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View hosts its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta today. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is served from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with live music Tickets are available at the door for $8 each or two for $15 or can be pre-purchased from Thom White, Elaine Meier or Cordelia Burt. Call 939-7555.

AGRICULTURE AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT in Ka`u are topics of focused discussions tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center. Ka`u Community Development Plan staff members speak with Ka`u residents about ag at 9 a.m. and coastal management at 1 p.m.

See kaucdp.info or call 961-8137 for more information.

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

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The U.S. Geological Survey registered a 4.5 magnitude earthquake this morning with aftershocks.
Image from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

A MAGNITUDE 4.5 EARTHQUAKE centered five miles north of Na`alehu rattled the island this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory registered the temblor at 2:18 a.m. at a depth of 6 miles. According to Wes Thelen, HVO's Seismic Network Manager, the depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of today’s earthquake suggest a source on the large fault plane between the old ocean floor and overlying volcanic crust, a common source for earthquakes in this area.
A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes/.
The earthquake was widely felt on the Island of Hawaiʻi. The USGS Did you feel it? Web site (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi/) received over 70 felt reports within an hour of the earthquake. Light shaking (Intensity IV) has been reported across the island. At these shaking intensities, damage to buildings or structures is not expected, HVO reported.
Three aftershocks (magnitudes 1.6, 1.5, 1.4) of the earthquake were recorded as of 3:30 a.m., HST. Additional aftershocks are possible and could be felt.
Over the past 30 years, the area north of Nāʻālehu has experienced six earthquakes, including today's event, with magnitudes greater than 4.0 and at depths of 5–13 km (3.1–8.1 mi). This area of Kaʻū is a seismically active region where a magnitude-6.2 earthquake occurred in 1919. Areas adjacent to this morning’s event experienced earthquakes of magnitudes 6.0, 7.1, and 7.9 in 1868.
According to HVO, the earthquake caused no detectable changes in Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing eruptions, on Mauna Loa, or at other active volcanoes on the Island of Hawaiʻi. A magnitude-3.1 earthquake that occurred in Kīlauea Caldera about one minute before the magnitude-4.5 earthquake was unrelated to the Nāʻālehu event.
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i and eruption updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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Tutu and Me staff members are required to spend cultural days to learn more
about the community, and recently visited Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

TUTU AND ME, the traveling preschool sponsored by Partners in Development Foundation, has opened enrollment for keiki ages birth through five for the 2015-2016 school year. This follows a successful 2014-2015 program plus volunteer work by staff members in the larger Ka`u community, said Betty Clark, Site Manger for the southern communities of the Hawai`i Island.
She pointed out that all staff members are required to volunteer in the community. Community contributions have included a beach clean-up, volunteering at Pahala and Na`alehu Elementary Schools, and helping 'O Ka`u Kakou with Senior Bingo.
Staff members are also required to spend time learning about culture. These kumu a'o days have been spent at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the Merrie Monarch Festival Craft Fair and a full day learning Hawaiian mele, lau hala weaving and games, sponsored by the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'u and taught by Zachary Bernardi and Allen Stafford.
The Tutu and Me staff recently led a keiki and family visit to the Kipuka Pua`ulu Bird Park and trail in the National Park.
To register for Tutu and Me, call Clark at 929-8571. Email her at eclark@pidfoundation.org and see www.pidfoundation.org.
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The interactive map shows the crop when one clicks on a farm, like this Ka`u Coffee
farm near Pahala. Map from Agricultural Baseline Project

THE STATEWIDE AGRICULTURAL BASELINE PROJECT has posted online a draft copy of the agricultural footprint of the islands and is asking for those in the know to comment on farms that may be missing from the interactive maps and to correct any inaccuracies.
Those interested are able to see types of crops on the areas mapped in Ka`u, from coffee to macadamia, truck crops, mango orchards and biomass tree farms. The map can be enlarged to see specific fields. Click on them and the crop type is revealed.
The draft will be onine until mide June and the final report and digital layer is expected to be completed by the end of October. Project director is Jeff Melrose.
Melrose is working with the University of Hawai`i-Hilo Spacial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab. Contact him at jmelrose@hawaii.edu.
The link to the ag footprint map is http://geodata.sdal.hilo.hawaii.edu/statewideagbaseline/map.html

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HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY has released an abridged edition of its new report, contending that pesticides are threatening the health of residents, particularly when used near schools, homes and hospitals. The organization calls for more oversight and public notice of pesticide use and states that pesticides may be damaging to food security, human health and health of the environment. The report is called Pesticides in Paradise: Hawai`'s Health & Environment at Risk. Hawai`i Center for Food Safety also takes up the GMO issue and contends that GMO agriculture uses more pesticides than other ag and therefore puts the public at higher risk.

Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association executive director Bennette Misalucha, issued a statement saying Center for Food Safety. "is advancing its true mission - using fear and pseudoscience to raise money and perpetuate misinformation."

Center for Food Safety, in its press release, states that Pesticides in Paradise"delivers a comprehensive review of published scientific and medical research examining the threats pesticides used in Hawai‘i pose to public health, especially the risk to pregnant women and young children. The report also considers the severe impacts of pesticides on Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and the challenges the growing seed industry pose to local food self-sufficiency."

Focusing on GMO, the statement says that "Alarmingly, the GE (Genetically Engineered) seed industry’s footprint on the Hawaiian Islands (24,700 acres) is 72 percent of the total area planted to food crops other than sugarcane or pineapple (34,400 acres). Since 1987 Hawai‘i has hosted more cumulative field trials (3,243) than any other state. In 2014 alone, 178 different GE field tests were conducted on over 1,381 sites in Hawai’i (vs. only 175 sites in California). Herbicide-resistance was the most frequently tested trait in GE crop field tests in Hawai‘i over the past five years. This means that plants genetically engineered in Hawai‘i, by and large, are engineered to resist greater and greater application of herbicides."
Ashley Lukens, PhD, Director of Hawai`i Center for Food Safety, said, “We frequently hear that genetic engineering has nothing to do with pesticides, and that pesticides do not have an impact on our environmental and public health, but this comprehensive review tells a very different story."
The report contends that "one agrochemical company applied 90 different pesticide formulations containing 63 different active ingredients on Kaua‘i from just 2007 to 2012, and sprayed on two-thirds, or 65 percent, of the days of the year. Some of the most dangerous restricted use pesticides on the market are being used year round, including atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and paraquat."

The full report is expected to be released in June. Download the abridged report and see more at www.centerforfoodsafety.org.

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AGRICULTURE AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT in Ka`u are topics of focused discussions today at Na`alehu Community Center. Ka`u Community Development Plan staff members speak with Ka`u residents about ag at 9 a.m. and coastal management at 1 p.m.
According to county planner Ron Whitmore, the purpose of these discussions is to explore specific topics of interest in-depth. "It is an opportunity for community members to expand their understanding of the CDP and the rationale behind particular strategies. It is also an opportunity to provide new information, suggest alternative CDP strategies, and propose additional areas of analysis." He stated that the discussions are "designed to be friendly, fact-driven, and learning-oriented. They are not formal meetings, opportunities to testify, or debates. Participants should come with an open mind and a sincere interest in finding the most effective CDP strategies to achieve the community’s objectives."

The future of Punalu`u, where people gather and hawksbill turtles nest,
is one of of the topics expected to be discussed at this afternoon's meeting on
coastal management at 1 p.m., Na`alehu Cmmunity Center.
Photo by Dave Berry

During the morning session about agriculture, the plan is to cover sub-topics like: ag zones and permitted uses, farm land preservation, infrastructure improvements to expand agriculture (eg, water, energy, amendments), and barriers farmers face like land tenure, diversification, and value chain development.
During the afternoon session about coastal management, sub-topics for discussion are expected to include: shoreline setbacks, public access & trails, South Point management, resort development, and the future of Punaluʻu.
County planners familiar with these issues will be on hand and equipped with background material and geographic information systems (GIS) to support the discussion and do “on the fly” analysis.
Participants’ questions, comments, and suggestions will be documented. The CDP Planning Team will use outputs of the discussion to do additional analysis, refine the CDP rationale, and/or recommend CDP revisions, Whitmore stated.
A similar discussion about potential development in Discovery Harbour is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m.. Focused discussions about other topics can also be scheduled. See kaucdp.info or call 961-8137 for more information.

THROUGH THE ARTIST'S' EYE is an invitational exhibition at Volcano Art Center Gallery through May 31, focusing on native plants, animals and minerals found in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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