The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Swearing in ceremonies for Mayor Harry Kim, County Council member Maile David, Prosecutor Mitch Roth
and others drew hula for the celebration. Photo by Ann Bosted

Mayor Harry Kim begins his third term, after sitting out for two.
Photo by Ann Bosted

KAʻŪ’S ELECTED COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES ARE SWORN IN. They began their new terms yesterday in Hilo, with hula, speeches and Judge Ronald Ibarra administering the oaths.
County Council member Maile David said after the ceremonies, “I am very, very happy and optimistic with the makeup of this new council. The feeling is that everyone is striving for the same thing, to help their communities and make this island better.” She described the council members as “diverse. With our backgrounds we will bring a lot of creativity and problem solving.” She applauded incoming Mayor Harry Kim who talked about the diversity of the population of Hawaiʻi Island. “He said that we should be an example for the world in demonstrating what aloha is, and how we treat others. The reason we have aloha is because our whole state is a cosmopolitan state and we have learned how to work together and live together.”
The mayor, beginning his third term after sitting out for two terms, talked about Mauna Kea, saying that he was saddened about the court case regarding the location of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain. Kim said those involved should have talked about their problems “with their hearts.” While the audience sat spellbound, he said he believed the mountain could be protected and be of service as a learning park. When interviewed after the ceremony, Kim stated that he would be in favor of the construction of the TMT, provided all Hawaiians can learn and benefit from it.

County Council member Maile David began her second

term yesterday, congratulated by Pāhala’s Phoebe and

Bobby Gomes and family. Photo by Ann Bosted

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth began his address by introducing a dog named Faith that has a position at the county prosecutor’s office. He described the many obstacles he had to overcome in order for Faith to be accepted there. Problems included working with those allergic to dogs, those afraid of dogs, and then getting around rules that prohibit dogs in courtrooms and other places that Faith needs to go to do her job.
Roth mentioned Cold Cases his department has reopened so that victims and families can have closure. He also said that he encourages his staff to treat both victims and defendants with respect, as though they are family.
Musical entertainment kept the ceremony light and interesting for hundreds of people who attended. The vibrant Hawaiʻi County Band played the prelude and a opening processional and concluded the ceremony with a recessional. Alexandra Roth led the audience in singing The Star-Spangled Banner. She also led Hawaiian anthem Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.
Hula dancers from Waiakea High School entertained the audience with two numbers accompanied by Hawaiian chanting and drumming. After the ceremony, a spread of food was offered to attendees for lunch, as the newly inaugurated Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney and County Council members wandered through the exuberant crowd, posing for photos, accepting mountains of leis, countless hugs and endless congratulations.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT for the entire Dakota Access Pipeline would be required and approval granted before further construction at Standing Rock, North Dakota, according to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. She praised the Department of the Army and its Army Corps of Engineers for denying an easement for the pipeline route, at least until more studies are completed. While visiting the Standing Rock camp over the weekend, Gabbard said that only an Environmental Assessment has been conducted, “which is not anywhere near as comprehensive as the EIS.” Gabbard credited the chair of the Sioux tribe for pressing the Army for the EIS.

Congressswoman Tulsi Gabbard visited Standing Rock and praised
the denial of the right of way for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard said the Sioux tribe, along with thousands of veterans and other supporters who traveled to Standing Rock, “are celebrating. They are joyful that their stance for water, as water protectors, has been successful.”
The Guardian carried a story yesterday with a headline stating “Standing Rock is a modern-day Indian war. This time Indians are Winning.” The subhead: “A historic growing movement for Indigenous rights is a key to protecting land and water and preventing climate chaos.” Reporter Martin Lukacs wrote that the Obama administration’s decision to refuse the Dakota Access Pipeline permission to complete its construction has shaken up an old story. ”Its old version was that Indigenous people have always been in the way of progress, their interests a nuisance or threat, their treaties a discardable artifact. The American heroes forged on these high plains of the west were never the Indians: they were the gold-diggers or gamblers, the cowboys or calvary.
“But over the past months, it became impossible to watch peaceful Indigenous people and supporters attacked by snarling dogs, maced, and shot with rubber bullets and water cannons in freezing conditions, and still see in them a threat. It was impossible to look upon these young Indigenous men and women, in jungle dresses or on horseback, and not observe the courage that America desperately needs. It was impossible to listen to the cry of their slogan and not hear a rallying vision for all of us: Water is Life.” The writer further describes the Standing Rock drama: “This is not high-minded romanticism. It is hard-bitten reality.” See The Guardian

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GOV. DAVID IGE RESPONDED TO QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVISIVENESS that emerged during and after the recent presidential campaign. Regarding what it means for Hawaiʻi, he released a statement yesterday, saying, “This is Hawai‘i’s opportunity to lead by example. We celebrate diversity better than any other state because we encourage people to be proud of who they are and where they came from and to share that with others. With our Native Hawaiian gift of aloha, this is our chance to show how a multi-cultural community can work.”

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN HAS ANNOUNCED AN OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY FORUM for Monday, Dec. 19 at Ocean View Community Center at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Miloliʻi to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and parts of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his office says that in his new chairmanship, Creagan “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.” The forum is designed for discussion on all issues related to Ocean View and Kaʻū in preparation for the 2017 Hawaiʻi Legislature which convenes in January.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS meet tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park is the topic tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -Noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER meeting, Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. Help prepare Ocean View for community emergencies. Volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Hannah Uribes, 929-9953

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, this Friday Dec. 9-11. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Dec. 10, 8-11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Dominic Yagong joined Pahala Preschool

in the 2011 parade. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY. The parade is in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Mounted on the after deck of the Japanese mother submarine, mini-sub HA-19 is boarded by its crew, Kazuo
Sakamaki and Kyoshi Inagi in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 7, 1941. See Story below.
Painting by Tom W. Freeman

PEARL HARBOR holds special meaning for thousands of Hawai‘i residents and other Americans, especially today, Dec. 7, the 75th anniversary of the attack by the Japanese. The memory is particularly dear to Gov. David Ige and first lady Dawn Amano-Ige, both of whose Japanese American fathers fought in WWII to defend the freedoms of U.S. citizens. At the time of the Pearl Harbor, 40 percent of the people living in Hawaiʻi were of Japanese descent, most of them brought here or descended from those who came here to work in the sugar industry. Many of these Japanese Americans signed up for the U.S. Military when the war began.

Gov. Ige and first lady Dawn Amano-Ige with

WWII veteran Walter Hughes in Hilo.

“We welcome this opportunity to honor the members of the ‘Greatest Generation,’” said the governor. “In the past 75 years, we have worked together to usher in the Pacific Era. With this commemoration, we can ‘honor the past and inspire the future to change the world for the better.’”

“As we know,” said Ige, “the attack on Pearl Harbor changed Hawaiʻi and the world forever. Like others, our fathers decided it was important to prove their loyalty to America through their service and defend our freedoms – even if it meant risking their lives.”
Gov. and Mrs. Ige have been joining government officials,  military personnel, celebrities, and grassroots citizens at events since Dec. 1, honoring those who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941 in the attack on Pearl Harbor and those who fought in the ensuing years of WWII. The events ranged from musical performances to ceremonies and other events honoring Pearl Harbor survivors and all veterans, active duty military and their families.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

The bow of a Japanese mini sub when it was
discovered in 2002.
Photo from University of Hawaiʻi

A LIVE DIVE to reach two sunken Japanese mini-submarines that were part of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was witnessed by the public this morning through live streaming on the Internet. A team from NOAA is using a remotely operated vehicle from NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to revisit the historic wreckage of the WWII mini-subs and document their condition. On the NOAA team are: James Delgado, director of maritime heritage; Brian Kennedy, expedition coordinator; Frank Cantelas, marine archaeologist and Hans Van Tiburg, marine archaeologist and historian.
On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, U.S. naval vessels and aircraft on patrol outside Pearl Harbor spotted a partially submerged submarine trying to enter the harbor, but alerts were not immediately sent. Ninety minutes before Pearl Harbor was bombed by air, the sub fired on the destroyer USS Ward which then fired back, sinking it. The event marks the first U.S. shots fired and the country’s entry into WWII in the Pacific.
The second submarine explored during this morning's dive disappeared Dec. 7, 1941 before the attack. It was discovered in shallow waters in 1951, raised by the U.S. Navy, and taken out to sea to be dumped in deeper water. In 1992, the University of Hawaiʻi’s Undersea Research Laboratory rediscovered it. It has been periodically visited by the university’s submersibles, the last time in 2013.
The attack on Pearl Harbor by the subs and hundreds of Japanese warplanes, which flew from aircraft carriers, sank or damaged eight U.S. battleships, three light cruisers, three destroyers and four additional naval vessels. More than 2,400 Americans were killed.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP - ONCE A DETAINMENT CENTER - THE TALK is the topic on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura discusses the experience of Japanese-Americans of the Issei (first generation) and Nisei (second generation) arrested and detained at KMC during World War II following the Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Free, park entrance fees apply.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP - ONCE A DETAINMENT CENTER - THE HIKE focuses on Japanese-American detainees at Kīlauea Military Camp. The Centennial Hike is at Kīlauea Military Camp, on Saturday, Dec 17, 10:30 a.m. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park staff lead a revealing walk through the KMC with a look at how KMC was used as a Japanese detainment camp during World War II. Free, park entrance fees apply.

RATE HIKES AND THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF HELCO come up at public hearings before the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission in Hilo on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Kona on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Ililani Media, which covers regulation of utilities in Hawaiʻi, has written a summary for those who might be interested in submitting testimony in person, electronically or by postal service;

“The PUC wants to know if Big Island residents are happy with the amount they are spending on their electric bills, and whether residents are willing to pay 6.5 percent more.

“The Public Utilities Commission and the State Consumer Advocate will be examining every aspect of the operations of the utility.

“Is HELCO efficient, or are they wasting ratepayer funds?
“Should HELCO work closer with Parker Ranch and/or Hawaiʻi Island Energy Cooperative? Are their costs justified, or is the utility trying to ram through bad ideas and making residents pay for those bad ideas?

Windmills have been providing wind power to HELCO for generations. Photo by Peter Anderson

“Should the utility receive a greater share of its revenue from performance incentives, and if so, what incentives are reasonable?
“Is the utility open to hearing what consumers want, or are they single-minded in their approach to ram unpopular projects through the regulatory process?
“Is HELCO heading in the right, or wrong direction?
Ililani Media points out that HELCO wrote last week: “Over the last seven years, the growth and spread of Albizia on these circuits has increased, hence requiring more resources to manage this issue.” Is HELCO doing a great job, a reasonable job, or a poor job?
“Should HELCO buy the Hamakua Energy Partners naphtha-burning power plant in Honokaʻa, or work to develop micro-grids?
“Should ratepayers fund efforts to increase geothermal, Liquefied Natural Gas, Pumped Hydro, and/or grid upgrades to allow greater amounts of rooftop solar?

Should ratepayers fund grid upgrades to allow more rooftop solar?
Photo by Julia Neal

“Is the HELCO medical plan (for its employees) reasonable?
“Yes, the Public Utilities Commission and the State Consumer Advocate will be examining every single cost that HELCO incurs.
“Is HELCO reasonable tightening their belt, or are they living high off the backs of ratepayers?” asks Ililani Media.
Encouraging the public to weigh in at the public hearings or in writing, Ililani Media states, “Those who think the utility is doing a great job, a reasonable job, or a poor job, have the opportunity to let the regulators know.
“With the exception of any entity that intervenes in the proceeding, this will be the last opportunity for the public to influence the outcome of this rate hike proposal.
“Those who submit written testimony, or who show up at the hearings, should be aware that the purpose of the hearings is to influence state regulators.
“The bulk of ratepayers are not engineers, accountants, or lawyers. All views need to be expressed to get a balanced picture of how residents view the utility request for a rate hike. What are HELCO strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities? Does HELCO need more ratepayer money to accomplish their plans?” asks Ililiani.
The addresses of the public hearings locations on this island are, Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria, 556 Waianuenue Avenue and Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at West Hawaii Civic Center, County Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy Kailua-Kona.

Hydroelectric is a possibility at the Keiaiwa Reservoir
above Wood Valley Road.
Photo by Julia Neal

The Commission will accept testimony in-person, or written testimony by snail mail, or by electronic mail. Written comments should reference Docket No. 2015-0170, and include the author's name and the entity or organization that the author represents. Postal mail can be sent to Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street #103, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Electroninc mail can be sent to: puc.comments@hawaii.gov. For more on utilities and public input see www.ililani.media.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KAPA MAKING, Today, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held this weekend at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is this Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kīlauea Theater, with workshops on Sunday, Dec. 11, form 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Koa Conference Room. (Sun). Leading the events with the idea “Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” will be New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University, Jeffrey Kripal, legendary ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. They will give talks about the nature of the supernatural. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request.

See www.jaylonproductions.com

INSPIRATION HIKE, Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

Santa and many other characters at Pāhala
Christmas Parade this Sunday.
Photo from Big Island Video News

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 11. The parade is in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory ar distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Naalehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says that in his new chairmanship, he “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.”

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea Volcano is helping to drive the draw of visitors to Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the most visited destination in the Islands.
See video of lava upwelling and moving at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
Image and video from USGS

TOURISM IN HAWAIʻI is continuing its five-year growth, according to figures recently released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. October 2016 proved to be one for the tourist record books – visitor spending in Hawaiʻi increased for fifth consecutive month and more visitors arrived in the state than in any other October on record.

In October 2016, visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi Island increased by 5.4 per cent year-over-year, with the most visited place in all of the state being in Kaʻū and Puna – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
A shorter length of stay on this island resulted in no growth in visitor days. However, visitor spending on Hawaiʻi Island rose by a significant 11.7 per cent to $152.5 million, driven by the increase in average daily spending of 11.2 per cent to $176 per person compared to October last year. However, spending per visitor per day is still the lowest in the state. On Oʻahu it is $206, on Maui $201, and on Kauaʻi it is $193 per day.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, a popular visitor destination. Photo by Julia Neal

Visitors to the islands spent a total of $1.2 billion in October 2016, a 6.8 per cent increase compared to last October and the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, according to preliminary statistics released by HTA.

Statewide, total visitor arrivals increased 4.3 percent to set a new record of 717,486 visitors for the month of October.

This means that Hawaiian Islands have had five years of steady, continual growth in tourism for the first time since the eighties, according to HTA.

A total of 20,673 visitors arrived by cruise ship, an increase of nearly 17 per cent, while 696,812 arrived by air, a more modest 4 percent increase for October 2016 over October 2015. In October, ten out-of-state cruise ships brought 20,673 visitors to Hawai‘i compared to the eight ships that came in October 2015 with 17,701 visitors. Total cruise visitors (arrivals by cruise ships and by air to board the Hawai‘i home-ported cruise ship) increased by 10.4 percent (compared to October 2015) and numbered 31,937.

The total number of seats available on flights to the islands during October 2016 was about equal to the number available in October 2015 – just 931,243, indicating that the planes to the state generally flew more full this year.

HTA statistics on visitor accommodations indicate that the vast majority of visitors to the state stay in hotels, condos or timeshares. However, there was a six per cent increase among those who stayed with friends or relatives, an eight per cent drop in staying at Bed & Breakfasts, and a small increase in those who rent houses. HTA does not have statistics for the number of people who stayed in private homes in October 2015, but lists over 10,000 visitors using them, statewide, in October 2016. This indicates that HTA is now tracking visitors who book accommodations through on-line vacation rental companies, like Airbnb and VRBO.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE 21st CENTURY CURES ACT, a comprehensive bill to accelerate medical research, passed the U.S. Senate yesterday. Sen. Mazie Hirono said she gave it her support. “This bill directs additional resources to Hawaiʻi researchers on the cutting edge of uncovering new cancer treatments and strengthens seniors’ access to essential durable medical equipment under Medicare’s new reimbursement system.”
Dr. Randall Holcombe, Director of University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Centers, said, “I am grateful for Senator Hirono’s support. This legislation will accelerate the pace of cancer research at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and provide direct benefit for the people of Hawaiʻi.”

University of Hawaiʻi’s School of Medicine and Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

George Greene, Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi President and CEO, said, “We are grateful that Congress included relief for Hawaiʻi residents living in rural areas in this important legislation.We also reiterate our thanks to Senator Hirono for her tireless work on this issue. This legislation will open the door to further actions that could address the access issues our providers have faced since cuts started almost four years ago. We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Hirono and our government officials in making sure that Hawaiʻi’s seniors have access to the medical equipment and supplies they need.”

The bill includes $4.8 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for research, including nearly $2 billion for Vice President Joe Biden’s moonshot initiative to accelerate finding cures for cancer. As one of only 69 National Cancer Center-designated centers in the nation, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center is eligible for funding to advance research on the genetic diversity of tumors and the mechanisms of cancer development. The 21st Century CURES Act also includes language Hirono fought for to help Hawaiʻi seniors access essential medical equipment. Because of changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, Hirono said, Hawaiʻi Medicare beneficiaries have been at a disadvantage in procuring medical equipment such as oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. The legislation passed yesterday eases these cuts, as well as calling for the long-term evaluation of the detrimental effects the rate changes have on rural communities like those in Hawaiʻi.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NASA’s Juno Spacecraft. Image from NASA

JUPITER, JUNO AND THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE are the focus on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. The stream of recent exoplanet discoveries – planets circling other stars will be discussed. Dr. John Rayner, Director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, will explain the extensive research and development that is underway in order to better understand how these planets are formed, as well as discovering the formation of planets within the Earth’s solar system.
Rayner will also discuss how the NASA IRTF provides supporting observations for NASA’s own Juno spacecraft, which is orbiting Jupiter with the goal of measuring the planet’s overall structure and composition and increasing understanding of how it was formed. Jupiter is by far the largest planet in the solar system, and knowledge of its properties is key to understanding the formation of the solar system and possibly other planetary systems.
Rayner will describe the Juno mission and the role of this spacecraft in this epic quest for knowledge.
Rayner obtained his education in the United Kingdom with a degree in Physics from Kings College, University of London, and a PhD in astronomical instrumentation from the University of Edinburgh. He has been building infrared instruments at IRTF for the past 27 years and is commissioning a high-resolution infrared spectrograph, optimized for observing star and planet-forming disks, planetary atmospheres and comets.

Dr. John Rayner

Hosted by Planetarium Technician Emily Peavy, ‘Imiloa’s monthly Mauna Kea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, with the audience able to view prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year. Mauna Kea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held starting tomorrow through Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

See www.jaylonproductions.com

Rudolph meets one of the Pāhala Christmas Parade's sponsors,
Ed Olson and Sami Stanbro. Photo by Julia Neal

The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY features lei, art, festivities at Volcano Art Center though Jan. 2. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL\.

See www.kaucalendar.com

U.S. Geological Service reminds the public that we live with volcanoes. See story below on Volcano Awareness month.
Photo from USGS

THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT passed the U.S. Senate yesterday. According to Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, Hawaiʻi priorities in the Fiscal Year 2017 were accomplished. The NDAA bill lays out resource levels and defense policy for the year. Hirono is on the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled different versions of the bill passed by the Senate and House earlier this year.

Sen. Mazie Hirono reports on U.S. Department of Defense bill.
Photo from Sen. Hirono

“Hawaiʻi’s vital role, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, continues to be reflected in our national security priorities for the coming year,” said Hirono. Nearly $300 million in military construction funding was secured, including $31 million for the Army National Guard Hilo Combined Support Maintenance Shop to support Pohakuloa Training Area.
The bill includes Talia’s Law, which improves child abuse reporting requirements. It honors five-year-old Talia Williams, who died after months of abuse by her father and stepmother.
In education, it supports the STARBASE program with $25 million to provide elementary students with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The students served under the program are historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
In health care, Hirono partnered with a Republican Senator, Dan Sullivan, to ensure that Department of Defense takes into consideration unique challenges of providing health care services in rural and remote locations when entering into medical support contracts with local providers.
In business, the bill includes a provision that Hirono supported that extends the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs for five years. Since both programs’ creation, Hawaiʻi businesses have received 593 awards totaling over $161 million, she said.
In honoring veterans, the bill includes a Hirono-supported provision requiring the Department of Defense to review service records of Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans from Korean and Vietnam wars to determine if the award of the Medal of Honor is appropriate.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

STOP ARMING TERRORIST ACT was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and a group of Republicans and Democrats. The legislation would prohibit the U.S. government from using American taxpayer dollars to provide funding, weapons, training, and intelligence support to groups like the Levant Front, Fursan al Ha and other allies of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, al-Qaeda and ISIS, or to countries who are providing direct or indirect support to those same groups. The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Peter Welch, Barbara Lee , Dana Rohrabacher and Thomas Massie, and is supported by Progressive Democrats of America and the U.S. Peace Council.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard testified yesterday for legislation to prohibit taxpayer
dollars from funding weapons and other support that could wind up in
hands of enemies. Image from C-SPAN

“Under U.S. law it is illegal for any American to provide money or assistance to al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups,” testified Gabbard, herself a veteran of Middle East war. “If you or I gave money, weapons or support to al-Qaeda or ISIS, we would be thrown in jail. Yet the U.S. government has been violating this law for years, quietly supporting allies and partners of al-Qaeda, ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham and other terrorist groups with money, weapons, and intelligence support, in their fight to overthrow the Syrian government.”
Gabbard contended that “the CIA has also been funneling weapons and money through Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and others who provide direct and indirect support to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. This support has allowed al-Qaeda and their fellow terrorist organizations to establish strongholds throughout Syria, including in Aleppo,” she said.
She pointed to, “A recent New York Times article, stating that it confirmed that ‘rebel groups’ supported by the U.S. ‘have entered into battlefield alliances with the affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria, formerly known as al Nusra.’”
Gabbard also pointed to Stephen Kinzer, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, who said, “The proposal to stop sending weapons to insurgents in Syria is based on the principle that pouring arms into a war zone only intensifies suffering and makes peace more difficult to achieve. Congress made a decision like this about the Nicaraguan contras during the 1980s. Aid to the contras was cut off by the Boland Amendment. The result was a peace process that finally brought an end to wars not only in Nicaragua, but also in El Salvador and Guatemala. This is the example we should be following. Cutting off arms shipments forces belligerents to negotiate. That is what we achieved in Nicaragua. It should be our goal in Syria as well.”
See her testimony at youtube.com .

Pāhala Karate Dojo brought home 14 medals from the Tournament of Champions. Photo from Pāhala Doj

PĀHALA KARATE DOJO BROUGHT HOME 14 MEDALS in the 12th annual Kona Tournament of Champions, recently held at the Kealakehe Gym. Most students in the Pāhala Dojo attended the tournament and either participated or helped with judging and refereeing.

Ethan Barrios, Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy, Alajshae Barrios,

Josiah Barrios, Maiki Cofer, Josiah Reddy,

Jake Francisco, Francisco Villa

The Pāhala Dojo is part of the International Karate League and is one of 28 dojos in the organization.

The tournament included dojos from the Big Island and Oʻahu, with over 100 participants. The founder of IKL, Walter Nishioka, was present at the tournament. IKL is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

Individual results for the Pāhala Dojo are:

Francisco Villa (black belt) placed 2nd in adult men’s open kata and 3rd in adult men’s kobudo (weapons) division.

Jake Francisco (junior black belt) placed 2nd in junior black belt division kata and 2nd in junior advanced kobudo (weapons) division.

Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy (Junior brown belt) placed 2nd in both advanced junior kumite (sparring) and kata and 3rd in advanced junior kobudo (weapons).

Maiki Cofer (brown belt) placed 3rd in Kata open brown belt and 2nd in women’s kobudo open brown and black belt division.

Josiah Barrios (blue belt) placed 3rd in open colored kubudo and 3rd in open blue belt division kata.

Ethan Biason (junior blue belt) placed 1st in junior blue belt kata division.

Alajshae Barrios (purple belt) placed 3rd in junior purple belt kata division

Josiah Reddy (white belt) placed 1st in junior white belt kata division

The Pāhala dojo trains every Tuesday and Friday at the Pāhala Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. There is a karate conditioning class for new students, a beginner’s class and advanced class. The class open year round to new students.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MAUNA LOA VOLCANO LAVA BLOCKED THE ROAD AROUND THE ISLAND four times in the last century. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists remind readers of the history of volcanic activity in this week’s Volcano Watch as they prepare for Volcano Awareness Month in January:

Volcano Awareness Month was established by mayoral proclamation in 2010. Each January since, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have offered various talks – 68 to date – at venues around the island to keep residents and visitors informed about Hawaiian volcanoes.
January was selected as the “official” Volcano Awareness Month mainly because Kīlauea’s ongoing East Rift Zone Pu‘u ‘Ō’ō eruption began on January 3, 1983. But with two of the world’s most active volcanoes – one erupting nearly non-stop for over three decades (Kīlauea) and the other stirring for over a year (Mauna Loa) – the need for volcano awareness on Hawaiʻi Island is not limited to only one month. It’s a year-round concern.
In addition to the 34th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano’s current East Rift Zone eruption, January 2017 marks the 110th anniversary of a notable Mauna Loa lava flow. The two-week-long eruption began at the summit of Mauna Loa on January 10, 1907, but soon migrated down the volcano’s Southwest Rift Zone. From there, lava advanced downslope and crossed the government road (predecessor of Highway 11) in two places. It was the first of four 20th century

In July 2016, lava erupted from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone
reached the ocean for the first time in almost three years, building the
Kamokuna lava delta, shown here in October 2016. Kīlauea’s ongoing
eruptions, the current status of Mauna Loa, and other topics
related to Hawaiian volcanoes will be addressed in a series of talks
offered by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory during
Volcano Awareness Month in January.
The schedule is posted at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

USGS photo

Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone eruptions that sent lava flows across the main circle-island road, blocking traffic and severing communication lines (the others were in 1919, 1926, and 1950).

These present and past Kīlauea and Mauna Loa eruptions are reminders of why it’s important to understand how Hawaiian volcanoes work and the hazards associated with them. With that in mind, HVO, in cooperation with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, will offer a series of volcano awareness talks in January 2017.
Details about these presentations, including dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions, are posted on HVO's website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov). Email askHVO@usgs.gov or call (808) 967-8844 for more information.
Volcano Awareness Month talks are open to the public and no reservations are required.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament starts tonight through the weekend at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kīlauea Theater, with workshops on Sunday, Dec. 11, form 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Koa Conference Room. (Sun). Leading the events with the idea “Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” will be New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University, Jeffrey Kripal, legendary ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. They will give talks about the nature of the supernatural. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request.

See www.jaylonproductions.com

INSPIRATION HIKE is Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.,Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

Pāhala Christmas Parade is Sunda at 1 p.m., winding throughout the town and
ending at Holy Rosary Church. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 11. The parade is in its 38th year and travels through the streets, winding up at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for refreshments. Organizer is Eddie Andrade.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says that in his new chairmanship, he “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.”

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL\.

See www.kaucalendar.com

Night serenade of Pāhala homes this week with caroling from Thy Word Ministry. Photo by Julia Neal

RELEASE THE REPORT ON RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S. ELECTIONS, Sen Mazie Hirono urged yesterday. The Hawaiʻi U.S. Senator stated: “Earlier this year, our country’s intelligence agencies made a unanimous and unprecedented announcement. The Russian government hacked, interfered, and meddled in our elections.”
Hirono noted that yesterday, President Barack Obama “announced an investigation into Russia’s interference. This is an important step, but the president has not committed to releasing the report's findings to the public. The American people deserve to know if external forces are tampering with our votes and undermining our democracy,” stated Hirono.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

DEADLINE TO VOTE FOR HŌKŪLEʻA in the National Geographic’s 2017 Adventurer of the Year contest is coming up next Friday, Dec. 16. The Polynesian voyaging canoe, which has stopped numerous times in Kaʻū, is on an international mission, encircling the planet and teaching the skills of Polynesians who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands from the South Pacific and made Hawaiʻi their home as its first human inhabitants.

Nainoa Thompson, of Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Vote for Hōkūleʻa to be National Geographic’s 2017
Adventurer of the Year. Photo by Teresa Tico

National Geographic writer Aaron Teasdale reported that, “Historians once insisted that Polynesia, the vast sweep of Pacific Ocean and a thousand widely scattered islands from Hawaiʻi to New Zealand, was settled by chance, with early Polynesians in rudimentary rafts blown randomly from island to island. In the mid-1970s, a small group of people in Hawaiʻi set out to prove them wrong. They re-created a classic Polynesian voyaging canoe and named it Hōkūle‘a, after an important star for navigation. Their dream was to sail across the sea to Tahiti and prove their ancestors were purposeful navigators of the Pacific.”
The Polynesian navigator Piailug guided Hōkūle‘a’s first crew in a 31-day, 2,400-mile open-ocean voyage to Tahiti. “To their surprise, a crowd of 17,000 euphoric Tahitians greeted them on shore. The seafaring culture of Polynesia was reborn,” Teasdale wrote.
Since then, the Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by Nainoa Thompson, with Hōkūle‘a and her sister canoe, have provided much education to the residents of the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
In 2013, Hōkūle‘a and its hui set sail on the round-the-world voyage. This voyage is now on National Geographic’s prestigious short list of outstanding adventures. Perhaps the voters of the world will judge the Hawaiians’ inspiring canoe trip by celestial navigation to have been the ultimate adventure?
To vote for 2017 Adventurer of the Year, go to National Geographic website: www.nationalgeograhic.com. Voting is allowed daily.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Jami Beck is up for Miss Photogenic
and the public can vote online this week.

ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN TO VOTE ONLINE FOR JAMI BECK for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi Pageant. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12. Beck will participate in the statewide pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Beck is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and attends the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Beck told The Kaʻū Calendar, “I am so appreciative of the support I have received from the community. Terry Shibuya mentors me through the pageant process and is instrumental in helping me securing sponsors. It is so heartwarming to receive support from the Kaʻū Coffee Farmers Cooperative, O Kaʻū Kakou, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Dorvin Leis Mechanical and many other individuals. Vote at Facebook.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TUTU & ME WILL HOST A KEIKI CHRISTMAS FUN DAY and Open House for all keiki birth to five years of age, along with their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Pāhala Community Center.

OCEAN VIEW'S OWN MICHAEL CRIPPS WILL BE THE CONDUCTOR at the Chamber Orchestra of Kona’s Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Sheraton ballroom in Keauhou. The Chamber Orchestra of Kona, also called the COOK, is comprised of about 37 musicians, and performs about four concerts per year, all of which draw a large and loyal following of music lovers.
For the COOK, Cripps as the conductor, is an answer to prayer after the newly appointed conductor had to recently withdraw due to ill health. For Cripps, however, this is the opportunity of a lifetime – the culmination of studying, learning and honing his skills as a musician since he was nine years old when he dreamed of one day being a conductor. Cripps was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of a professional jazz bass player, who took charge of the school band and also taught all the musical instruments to elementary school students. “He was passionate about getting kids started,” recalls Cripps. “He was really good at inspiring kids to play, and taught me in the fifth and sixth grades.”

Michael Cripps Photo by Peter Bosted

Cripps began learning the cello when he was nine – a large instrument for a young boy. But he was helped with private lessons from the cellist who played in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The lessons lasted through high school. While mastering cello, Cripps was able to learn to play a wide variety of other instruments – like both the violin and viola at age 11, then trombone at 12, and at age 13, tuba and euphonium, which resembles a tenor tuba. At 14 he learned the flute, which came in handy his first year of college at the University of Central Arkansas. There a musician had to withdraw suddenly from the marching band so Cripps was able to take her place playing the piccolo.
In 2005 Cripps took private lessons in learning to conduct an orchestra, which included practicing on the college orchestra. In 2006, he was included in an exchange of music students with China. Cripps spent a summer playing Chamber music and touring with a Chinese orchestra, and was once allowed to conduct the orchestra for one piece.
“Chinese musicians are very passionate about music and technically they are very good. This tour helped me set my sights higher and stoked my ambitions,” explained Cripps. In 2007 he returned to China with his cello for more touring. He was shown on Chinese TV making a speech about how music is the common language that binds us all together. He went on to say that music education is important as it opens doors to opportunities one could never have.
In 2008 he graduated college with a Bachelors degree in Music in Performance. Faced with the need for a job to fund a car and rent, Cripps worked at the Dillards flagship store in Little Rock, while continuing to play professionally around

Ocean View conductor Michael Kripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona on Dec. 20
Photo from Chamber Orchestra of Kona

the state until 2010, when Dillards promoted him to manager and relocated him to Dallas, Texas. Not enamored with big cities, Cripps and his partner grabbed a job offer and moved to the Big Island. Cripps is a Sales Manager at Macy’s in Kona.

Cripps joined COOK as a cello player, and that led to more offers to play with other orchestras around the island, including the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchid Isle Orchestra, and the Kona Choral Society.
On Sunday, April 10, the COOK performed a very popular concert at the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou, which called for a tenor solo in a piece named ’O Sole Mio by Capurro. The best candidate for this, was COOK’s conductor at the time, Bernaldo Evangelista. Cripps modestly mentioned his conducting experience and so it was decided that for that piece, Evangelista would sing and Cripps would conduct.
“I was extremely nervous as the time came for me to stand up and face the orchestra,” Cripps said. “But once the music started my nervousness drained away and I was able to focus and perform. It was the high point of my career – everything I had learned about the theory of music and playing all the instruments came to me and I could see clearly what to do and when to do it and why. I knew what the composer wanted and was able to communicate that to the orchestra and through it, to the audience. It was a very special moment.”
The piece had the audience on their feet, applauding performances by both Cripps and Evangelista.
This proved to be a turning point for COOK and Cripps. Whenever Evangelista’s health kept him from attending all the weekly rehearsals of the COOK, Cripps would take up the baton and rehearse the orchestra as the substitute conductor. Then, when Evangelista was forced to quit due to ill health, Cripps was the conductor of choice for both the musicians and the COOK management.
Cripps exudes enthusiasm for his new position and the orchestra. “COOK is a very special orchestra – anyone can join – and the people who do love being here. When we all play together, it’s like magic.”

Cripps is sure that being able to play so many instruments from such a young age has helped him become a better conductor.
“I know how long wind instruments musicians can hold a note before they run out of breath – which is not the same as the brass players. I talk a lot to the orchestra when I am conducting at rehearsals. I usually have them run through the entire piece, and then go back and work on parts that were not quite right. I spend a lot of time studying the music at home, and I learn which are the important lines that need to be brought out.
“COOK musicians have a large range of abilities – some are beginners, other professionals, and its my job to get them to work together. Make no mistake, it is a very good orchestra. These people are inspired and the want to play well together and they do. As a conductor, I have to find the middle ground between being too demanding and letting anything go.
“I still feel intimidated when I stand up in front of the orchestra,” Cripps confides. “Music is a huge field and I, as the conductor, am expected to know everything. I have to feel that people are confident in my guidance. I have to use my knowledge of music theory to break the music down to different forms and levels so that I can see what the composer was really thinking when he wrote the piece. I have to use the orchestra to interpret the composer for the audience. I owe it to the musicians who trust me, and the audience who support us, to get it exactly right.”
Kaʻū music lovers can see their Ocean View neighbor conduct the COOK’s program of classic Christmas music at the Sheraton hotel’s large ballroom, adjacent to the main hotel in Keahou.
The concert is on Tuesday, Dec. 20, starting at 7 p.m. Kids up to age 17 are free. Schools will be closed at this time, presenting an ideal opportunity for young people to experience orchestral music along with Christmas favorites. Older music lovers can enjoy the debut performance of a conductor who is undoubtedly
Adult tickets can be purchased at the door or on line at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com Preferred seating is the first three rows in the middle.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is today at Kīlauea Theater, and Sunday at Koa Conference Room.“Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” asks New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University, Jeffrey Kripal, ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request. See www.jaylonproductions.com.

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS TOMORROW, SUNDAY, DEC. 11 at 1 p.m. The annual parade is in its 38th year and travels through the streets, winding up at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for refreshments. Organizer is Eddie Andrade.

INSPIRATION HIKE is today, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament continues today through Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Public is invited to attend.. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed, as well as adults. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

Mr. and Mrs. Claus and helper Mary Jane Balio have been hosting the
Pahala Christmas Parade for nearly four decades.
It starts at 1 p.m. today. Photo by Julia Neal

PROTECTING MEDICARE from privatization and voucherization is a major focus for Sen. Mazie Hirono. She testified in Congress this past week that for many people in Hawaiʻi “Medicare is the difference between life and death, between living with dignity or in abject poverty. It is as dramatic as that. Before we passed Medicare 51 years ago, slightly more than half of seniors, our kūpuna in Hawaiʻi, had health insurance. Millions could barely afford routine medical care, let alone treatment for catastrophic illness” until Medicare was established, she said.

Hirono called Medicare “a part of the commitment we have made to care for and honor our kūpuna.”
However, there are efforts in Washington D.C., she said, to privatize and voucherize Medicare. She called the campaign “a clear and present danger to seniors” and promised to “do everything in my power to stop our new president and his allies in Congress from shredding this crucial safety net program.”

Hirono reported that over the past months U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan “has made it clear he intends to resurrect his plan to turn Medicare into a voucher program for private insurance. Under his system private insurers could deny or delay coverage because seniors would no longer have Medicare’s consumer protections. His plan caps the value of the vouchers to the point they will not keep up with the rising cost of health care,” Hirono contended.

The Congressional Budget Office, Hirono reported, calculated that the Ryan plan would increase out of pocket expenses to $6,000 a year for millions of seniors, many of them already on fixed income. She said voucherzing Medicare would hurt more than 217,000 seniors in Hawaiʻi.

Hirono said privatizing would lead many seniors to search the private market to find health insurance. “How do you think they will be able to accomplish that? Are the insurance companies going to step up to take care of some the most vulnerable members of our population even though it is not profitable to do so? I don't think so,” she said.

She pointed out that during his campaign for President, Donald Trump “said the right things about protecting Medicare, but choosing Tom Price to head the Department of Health and Human Services sends the opposite message.” She said that for years Price has been Ryan’s closest ally in his crusade to privatize and voucherize Medicare.

Hirono called saving Medicare “a daunting fight but I am not going to shy away from it. I am going to do whatever I can, whenever I can to protect Medicare for our seniors.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“STANDING UP FOR MIDDLE CLASS WORKERS” is how Sen. Mazie Hirono described her vote. She joined with 36 U.S. Senators who banned together “after Congressional Republicans moved to deny thousands of mine workers and widows the health care they earned,” she said. Senators who voted together Friday against a government funding bill that reduced health care for retired miners and families, included Brian Schatz, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Sherrod Brown and Harry Reid. The hui wanted the bill that funds the federal government to guarantee the miners’ health insurance for a longer commitment. The funding bill passed without it, but the Senators said they made their point, illuminating the dangers on the horizon for health care.

Sen. Mazie Hirono said she voted for health care protection

for retired coal miners to send a message to Donald

Trump and Congress. Photo from Readers Magazine

Hirono said that, “People in our country need to know who’s on their side. Workers in this country are getting screwed every single second, minute, and hour of the day. I’m taking a stand on this bill to stand with them. This fight is not just about coal miners. It’s about all working people. Today, it’s the coal miners. Tomorrow, it will be federal workers and other labor unions.
“I opposed this bill to send a message to Congressional Republicans and President-elect Trump. I will resist every attempt they make to weaken unions or to deny working people the benefits they’ve earned,” Hirono promised.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ WILL OPPOSE DONALD TRUMP’S NOMINEE FOR CHIEF OF EPA. Schatz posted on his facebook: “President-Elect Donald Trump nominated a climate change denier to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. This is offensive and I'm going to do everything I can to stop him from being confirmed,” said Schatz.
The nominee is Scott Pruitt, Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma. According to Forbes, Pruitt is suing the EPA over Pres. Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan and describes himself as a “leading advocate against the EPA’s activist agenda.” “Partnering with utilities, oil, gas, mining and other industrial companies, the Pruitt suits also fight federal rules aimed at protecting endangered species and improving air quality,” Forbes reports.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jami Beck

PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE IS TODAY, beginning at 1 p.m., starting at Pāhala Armory and winding through the hillside village to Kaʻū Hospital and ending at Holy Rosary Church where there will be refreshments. It is the 38th year for the parade organized by Eddie Andrade. Community groups, churches, politicians, sports teams, Kaʻū Coffee farmers and musicians often participate.

DEADLINE IS TOMORROW TO SUPPORT JAMI BECK for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi Pageant. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12. Beck will participate in the statewide pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Beck is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and attends the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Vote at Facebook.com.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says that in his new chairmanship, he “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.”

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TUTU & ME WILL HOST A KEIKI CHRISTMAS FUN DAY and Open House for all keiki birth to five years of age, along with their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Pāhala Community Center.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See www.kaucalendar.com

Classic trucks and cars joined the Pāhala Christmas Parade yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

PUBLIC INPUT ON THE HAWAIʻI FOREST ACTION PLAN update is being accepted through today. The plan, originally adopted in 2010, is managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. It covers thousands of acres of forest in Kaʻū and Volcano as well as other districts of the Hawaiian Islands. The updating of the plan is required by the U.S. government for federal funding provided to each state for forest management.

The Hawaiʻi Forest Action Plan is being revised and the public
can weigh in today. Kaʻū Forest Reserve, one of the state’s
largest, is included in the plan. Photo by Rob Shallenberger

The Hawaiʻi plan draft states: “Our life in these islands is directly tied to the health of our forests and the role that they play in recharging our groundwater, springs, and streams.”
The plan also explains the importance of Hawaiʻi being largely comprised of high islands, which “produce a precious commodity – water.” The plan explains that, “As the tradewinds approach a high tropical island, the air that has traveled thousands of miles over the open ocean rises and drops its cargo of rain. Trees on the forested peaks also capture fog from the misty clouds. This rainfall and fog drip are essential in sustaining life on the high islands,” supporting the windward rainforests and cloudforests and the drier leeward forests.
The draft covers all of Hawaiʻi’s forest land ownerships — state, private, and federal — and views forests as a whole rather than by programs. It enables the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to integrate the many programs in one planning document.

David Smith, State Forester and administrator for DOFAW, said, “This plan helps us to keep current on recent advances in forest conservation and watershed management, identify new threats that have emerged since 2010, and incorporate recent progress made with development of the forest products industry and planning on climate change.
“We hope this information will be used to influence our communities, our state and national governments, and other leaders to invest in Hawai‘i’s forests for the future,” Smith said.

The Executive Summary says that the makers of the plan “have renewed our commitment to the cultural values and land stewardship ethic that we have inherited from the native Hawaiians: the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next, a deep respect for the ʻaina (the land that sustains us), the aloha spirit that binds us as a community, and a commitment to doing our part as responsible stewards of the 21st century ahupuaʻa.”
It also refers to the state motto Ua Mau Ke Ea, O Ka ʻĀina I Ka Pono, which means “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” The plan says that the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife does “not simply hang this motto on the wall; in cooperation with our partners and volunteers we strive every day to do the right thing, to ensure that the land is cared for and preserved into perpetuity.”

The Hawaiʻi Forest Action Plan, with more than 300 pages, has detailed history of land use and management in Hawaiʻi.
It identifies nine priority areas: water quality and quantity; forest health, invasive species, insects and disease; wildfire; urban and community forestry; climate change and sea level rise; conservation of native biodiversity; hunting, nature-based recreation, and tourism; forest products and carbon sequestration; and US tropical island state and territorial issues.

Key goals in the plan seek to:
• Protect and manage forested watersheds for production of fresh water supply for public uses now and into the future;
• Maintain biological integrity of native ecosystems;

• Provide public recreational opportunities;

• Strengthen the economy by assisting in the production of high quality forest products in support of a sustainable forest industry.
View the Hawai`i Forest Action Plan draft at dlnr.hawaii.gov.
Comments may be submitted in writing to: Robert.D.Hauff@hawaii.gov or to Forest Action Plan, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Room 325, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Bid on these pigs through Dec. 20 at Kaʻū High School.

A SILENT AUCTION FOR PIGS grown at Kaʻū High School is taking place through Dec. 20. Staring bid is $120 per pig and each pig is 70 to 100 lbs in weight. The three highest bids give the bidders each a pig. Place bids at the office in Kaʻū High School, said teacher Michael Moe who is helping the students who raised the pigs at the campus. Raising the pigs along with hydroponic lettuce, macadamia and other foods are part of the rebounding of agriculture at Kaʻū High School.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jasmi Beck

VOTE TODAY TO SUPPORT JAMI BECK for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi Pageant. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12. Beck will participate in the statewide pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Beck is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and attends the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. She is supported by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative. Beck tied for talent and came in first in the swimsuit division in Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2016. Vote at Facebook.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE was a resounding success,

yesterday, said organizer for 38 years, Eddie Andrade. The parade rolled through the village between rains, with Kaʻū Coffee queens, marchers, riders, classic cars, fire engines, police cars, Trojan girl basketball players and many church and community organizations.

Tutu & Me marched and showed off its van. The non-profit with early childhood education programs in Kaʻū will host a Keiki Christmas Fund day and Open House for all keiki birth to five years of age, along with their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Pāhala Community Center.
See more parade photos in tomorrow’s Kaʻu News Briefs.

Tutu & Me will host a program for keiki birth to five years of age
and caregiver on Tuesday, Dec. 20. See more photos in tomorrow's
Ka`u News Briefs. Photo by Julia Neal

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community
groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

Pāhala Preschool participates each year in the
Pāhala Christmas Parade. See more photos in
tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

See www.kaucalendar.com

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

A view of one of the many littoral tension cracks that run parallel to the coast on the newly acquired county
lands makai of Ocean View. The water level rises with the tides, and the water is the least brackish at high tide.
Photo by Ann Bosted

KAUNAMANO COASTAL LANDS were on the agenda of the Legacy Land Commission of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources both yesterday and today in Honolulu. On Monday, a group supporting acquisition of the 1,368 acres by the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, made a presentation. Today, the Legacy Land Commission is expected to make a decision.

The land is known for its abundance of archaeological sites, remnants of a Hawaiian fishing community, and four miles of coast where the ancient Ala Kahakai Historic Trail carried people from one place to another.

Among those lending support at the meeting for the land preservation at Kaunāmano were Ala Kahakai Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki, Ala Kahakai archaeologist and Ala Kahakai Trail Association representative Keoni Fox, whose has Hawaiian family ties to the property. Also attending was County of Hawaiʻi land acquisition expert Alexandra Kelepolo and Trust for Public Land representative Laura Kaʻakua, along with Michelle Galimba, whose family ranch runs cattle at Kaunamano. Also making presentations were Keola Paik and Laʻakea Suganuma.

Rounded beach rocks were used as stepping stones
by early inhabitants. Photo by Ann Bosted

Another funding source being approached is the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands. The money comes from royalties from offshore oil and gas revenues to mitigate environmental impacts of those activities. Another possible source is the county “Two Percent Fund” that comes from taxes on real estate. See more in the Nov. 2 of the Kaʻū News Briefs at kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE COUNTY’S NEWLY ACQUIRED 3,200 ACRES with a mile of coast makai of the town of Ocean View was the site of a field trip Friday by land managers to evaluate its potential. The county’s Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo, led the group.

Keola Awong, manager of the Kahuku Unit, represented Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Accompanying Kelepolo from the County Finance Department were Hamana Ventura, a property manager, and Iwaloa Chilson. Representing Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail were Superintendent Aric Alakaki and Archaeologist Rick Gmirkin, along with Keoni Fox of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Matt Clark, an archaeologist, represented University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo Heritage Management Program.

Traveling in four-wheel-drive vehicles, the group caravanned down Road to the Sea. This rough road borders the state owned Manuka Natural Area Reserve. Once on County land, the group quickly realized that the first order of business was collecting trash. Some was marine debris washed ashore, and some was left by campers. Kelepolo and Fox broke out trash bags, which were quickly filled.

Clark carried an archaeological report dating from 1987, enabling him to lead the group from site to site, finding well-preserved signs of early habitation. This was apparent where entrances to low lava tubes were surrounded by rock walls to act as wind breaks and opihi shell middens were in abundance. They also found areas where hollows had been ground into the rock – either from tool making or food preparation. In a number of places trails they found trails built using smooth beach stones, carefully placed to act as stepping stones. In other sites the rounded beach stones had been used as quarrying tools and some petroglyphs were noticed.

The group was particularly fascinated with littoral tension cracks, which prompted speculation as to how these natural, water-filled, vertical cracks, which run parallel to the coast, were formed.

Yesterday, renowned volcanologist Jack Lockwood told The Kaʻū Calendar that littoral tension cracks are typically found on volcanic islands and form parallel to coastlines. He explained:

“These are found in Kaʻū up to 2,500' or so elevation, but are most common near coastlines where coastal erosion relieves gravitational stresses. The ones in that new County-protected land below Ocean View are particularly well-developed. They are wonderful, unpolluted water sources – as well as beautiful passageways to explore with mask and snorkel. I have observed that salinity varies with the tides. High tide is when the water is the least brackish.”

County Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo
and Keoni Fox of Ala Kahakai Trail Association
pick up marine trash and garbage.

Photo by Ann Bosted

Field trip participants had lots of comments to make on the County’s newest land preservation. Awong called it a “beautiful, rich, cultural resource. I could see a park here. A key component would be getting the community to steward the place and educate the public. The Hawksbill Turtles have established their spots, and as they came first, their needs should have priority. During the turtle season, the public would need to be educated about them.”

Kelepolo agreed saying that signs warning the public that this beach is used by endangered Hawksbill Turtles are essential.

“Many people don’t know that this is a turtle breeding area and drive their jeeps everywhere. We have to put up signs and access may have to be restricted during the breeding season. It’s a matter of educating the public,” she added.

Remains of the Ala Kahakai Trail are evident on the property. Once only a foot path, it has changed over time, as people traveled around the island by horse drawn carts and on horseback, jeep and other vehicles. The land was also used for cattle ranching.

Arakaki who now superintends the trail, commented: “I feel overwhelmed by all I have seen here. It is pristine. The evidence of the people who lived here is fresh and I hope we can save that and work with the community of people who have ancestral connections to this area. We also need the participation of the NGO’s – specialists in their field who can contribute to the project.”

His Ala Kahakai Trail colleague, Rick Gmirkin described the property as “spectacular” and “a celebration. If you don’t like lava you won’t dig this place, but I think the public should be thrilled with the acquisition.”

Two depressions worked into the lava rock, which could be grinding
areas for food or tools, in a bygone era. Photo by Ann Bosted

Ala Kahakai Trail is typically managed in sections by the local communities as projects. It is not one single trail, but rather a system of trails going around the west, south and east of the island, with other mauka-makai trails.

The county’s property manager, Ventura, described the property as a “time capsule.”

“There are so many untold stories and here we have the opportunity to research and find out our past. This property is a snapshot of another era when communities were able to sustain themselves and meet their own needs. I think the county did an incredible job in preserving all this.”

As an archaeologist, Clark summed up his overall impression as “amazing, beautiful and breathtaking. There is so much to see and discover. I was taken with how the people lived – how they made tools from the lava, and how they built shelters to protect themselves from the wind and sun. The terrain must have been quite different then. From reports we know that they were able to grow sweet potatoes.

“I would like to see it managed as Open Space. Fortunately, stewardship money is available for groups to take care of the land, so I would hope that descendants of those who lived there and local residents will develop a management plan and accept kuleana for the ʻaina. This could change the way conservation is done in Hawaiʻi. It is important to get local people involved so that they have a stake in what is going on there. You have only to look at the ATV tracks on the cinder cones to know that this land needs protection,” added Clark.

For more information about the County’s newest and biggest land acquisition, please see the Kaʻū Calendar Newsbriefs on Tuesday November 15, and this month’s edition of The Kaʻū Calendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Wheelchair accessible for exploring, picnicking and use of a barbecue
at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PATH has opened in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national Park at the Kīpukapuaulu day-use picnic area on Mauna Loa Road, and the area is open for visitor enjoyment. A new accessible barbecue grill was also installed.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP, ONCE A DETAINMENT CAMP is a presentation this evening at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 7 p.m. Archaeologist, Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamua, discusses detention of Japanese-Americans following the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Free, park entry fees apply.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT MAKING for adults is Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Kahuku County Park. Ages 18 and older. 929-9913.

Kaʻū Coffee court represents the industry in the annual
Christmast Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING for keiki, grades K-8, on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. 928-3012.

FAMILY READING NIGHT, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

KAʻŪ COFFEE BEAUTIES are making their rounds at Christmas events in Kaʻū. They were seen last weekend in the Pāhala Christmas Parade.

Miss Kaʻū Peaberry Chazlynn Pua-Queja.
Photo by Julia Neal

Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee Karlee Fukunaga-Camba.
Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

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

Nature’s lighting created a Hawaiian Christmas season halo over pine trees at
Discovery Harbour in Kaʻū yesterday evening.
Photo by Peter Anderson

WAIKAPUNA PRESERVATION came one step closer to reality yesterday when the Legacy Land Commission of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources ranked it number one in all the Hawaiian Islands for land acquisition funding. If Legacy Lands contributions, plus much additional funding, allows for the purchase, the 2,200 acres would be held by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association with a conservation easement provided to the county. The county, Trust for Public Land and many others are helping to conserve Waikapuna.
The effort is community driven in partnership, said Ala Kahakai National Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki, who made a presentation.

Waikapuna is one of three major properties in Kaʻū owned by Resource Land
Holdings. Waikapuna won a top ranking for funding for preservation
at the Legacy Land Commission meeting yesterday in Honolulu.

The community organizations that would manage the property have “interest in trail and adjacent cultural and natural landscapes protection, preservation and perpetuation of traditional uses and lifetyles.”
Many public, private and community organizations are involved, “dedicated to cultural perpetuation, environmental conservation, agricultural self reliance and the provision of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people of Kaʻū,” said Arakaki.
The Ala Kahakai National Trail runs through Waikapuna. The land is known for the remains of a Hawaiian fishing village and many other cultural sites and wildlife.
In addition to Legacy Land funding, money could also come, in part, from the “Two Percent” fund from county property tax revenues.
Waikapuna is owned by Resource Land Holdings, of Colorado, which also owns the slope above Honuʻapo and Kaʻū Coffee farmer lands at Pear Tree and Moaʻula.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN THE 2016 ELECTION? U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono – a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – released a statement yesterday, expressing her support for an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 nationawide election and raised six questions for the review process.
“The Intelligence Community’s assessment that Russia intended to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election is deeply disturbing,” said Hirono. “Last month I joined my colleagues on the Senate Intelligence Committee in writing a letter to urge President Obama to de-classify information about Russian interference. The American people deserve to know as much as possible about Russia’s attacks on our democratic institutions. This is something he can and should do quickly,” said Hirono.

Sen. Mazie Hirono suports inquiry into whether
Russia interfered with the U.S. Election.
Photo from Global Policy Solutions

“President Obama recently asked the Intelligence Community to provide an assessment before he leaves office. This is an important and positive step. I also support an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into this matter. This review should focus on answering, among others, the following core questions:
“To what extent were computer systems at U.S. national party committees compromised?
“To what extent was information stolen from those computer systems disclosed?
“Was information leaked from both political party organizations equally – and if not, why not?
“Did staff members of the presidential campaigns have any contact with Russian officials or Wikileaks during the campaign?
“To what degree are Russian president Vladimir Putin or other high-ranking officials personally involved in directing these Russian activities?
“How do we prevent Russia from interfering in future U.S. elections?”
Last month, Hirono sent a letter to Obama calling on him to declassify any and all intelligence pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 election.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

COFFEE BERRY BORER, MACADAMIA FELTED COCCID, RAPHID 'ŌHIA DEATH and other pests, which pose major threats to Kaʻū agriculture and native forests, are the target of funding announced yesterday by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She said Hawaiʻi will receive $3.1 million to fight invasive species like coffee berry borer, Rapid 'Ōhia Death, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, and fruit flies.

The money, allocated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in accordance with Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill, is part of 513 projects supported nationwide that aim to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment, as well as ensure the availability of a healthy supply of clean plant stock.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (center) met with Kaʻū Coffee farmers
John Ah San, Gloria Camba, Efren Abellera and
Kiki Matsui at Kaʻū Coffee Mill in August. Photo by Julia Neal

“In Hawaiʻi, invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit fly, and macadamia felted coccid have cost our farmers millions, and put hundreds of farms, thousands of local workers, and our agriculture industry at great risk,” said Gabbard. “We need to provide more support to our farmers who contribute so much to our community and our economy. This funding will provide Hawaiʻi with critical resources to combat these invasive pests.”
Ray Carruthers, Specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, said, “The University of Hawaiʻi is very pleased to hear that a new project has been funded through USDA-APHIS on the management of the coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico. The main thrust of this effect will be to coordinate control efforts with on-going Federal, State and local projects on CBB management, along with the additional development of new insect biological control technologies. We feel that developing, testing and the eventual use of insect parasitoids will be a key for long-term sustainable management of the CBB in both Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico.” Puerto Rican coffee farmers face many of the same pests as Kaʻū Coffee farmers.

Gabbard introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) Act (H.R.3893) and the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (H.R.6249) in the 114th Congress. In August, she conducted an agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island where she met with local agriculture professionals and researchers in Kaʻū and other districts to talk about about invasive species in Hawaiʻi.

The first high school sports team to use the new Kaʻū District Gym are
Wahine Trojans who play basketball. They marched last weekend
in the Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT MAKING for adults is today, Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Kahuku County Park. Ages 18 and older. 929-9913.

MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING for keiki, grades K-8, is today, Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. 928-3012.

FAMILY READING NIGHT is tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

Pahala Filipino Community Association participates each year
in the Pahala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for this Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

Waikapuna, with 2,200 acres, is the target of community fundraising to preserve the four miles of
coast and the uplands. It is located off Hwy 11 between Honuʻapo and Nāʻālehu and extends to the
coast south of Kamanaoa toward Ka Lae - South Point.
Photo form Department of Land & Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program

THE KEANU ʻOHANA OF KAʻŪ has released a statement to the Trust for Public Land, the state Legacy Land Conservation Commission and others in support of the preservation of 2,200 acres at Waikapuna. The family members, who have historic ties to this Kaʻū Coast property between Honuʻapo and Ka Lae - South Point, say they “strongly support the acquisition of Waikapuna and its surrounding lands by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and the Trust for Public Land in an effort to preserve and protect this natural and cultural treasure.”

Keoni Fox of the Keanu ʻOhana.
Photo by Ann Bosted

This week the Legacy Land Conservation Commission agreed to partial funding for purchase of the Waikapuna property. Legacy Land has contributed in the past to the purchase of 785 acres at Kawa, the recent county acquisition of 3,128 Kahuku Coast acres makai of Ocean View and three acres of Caves north of Ocean View.
According to the Keanu ʻOhana statement on Waikapuna, "As native descendants with genealogical ties to the ahupua’a of Kahilipali and its neighbors, we believe that the purchase of these lands will allow for perpetual protection of this wahi pana or storied place of our ancestors."
"Waikapuna was once a thriving coastal community and its freshwater springs and abundant marine resources supported families who would exchange fish with relatives who farmed kalo (taro) and other goods in the fertile mauka communities of Nāʻālehu and Waiʻohinu."
Family representative Keoni Fox stated that in an interview with Mary Kawena Pukui in 1960, his great-grandfather’s brother, Uncle Herbert Kuʻumi Kin In, described this unique relationship between extended ‘ohana in the Kaʻū uplands and lowlands: “Ina he nui kau ukana e lawe mai ana, aha ho’i no ʻoe me ka ukana. If you come down with a big bundle (from the mountains), you are going home with a big bundle (from the sea).”
Fox wrote that "My great-grandfather, Alfred Kalama Kahakua and his brother spoke fondly of Waikapuna and other wahi pana of Kaʻū. Both were interviewed many times and their words often express sadness about the loss of our culture, our language, our birds, plants and sacred places. It is for this reason that our family became deeply concerned after the closure of Kaʻū Agribusiness and the sale of its properties.

Waikapuna land encircled in red has received approval for partial funding from
Legacy Land Commission. More funds are sought to complete the purchase in
order to preserve the four miles of Ka`u Coast.

“For the last 20 years, many properties such as Waikapuna have been purchased by land speculators who propose new developments, threaten the rural nature and open view planes which are greatly cherished in Kaʻū. Our family actively supports initiatives to protect natural and cultural resources along the 80 miles of Kaʻū coastline from the impacts of development and urban sprawl.
“Throughout history, the people of Kaʻū have practiced a lifestyle of subsistence. For many generations, the Keanu ‘Ohana has fished and gathered at Waikapuna, sometimes walking for miles along mauka-makai trails and coastal trails of the ala kahakai. We continue these traditions today. As children, it was here where we learned how to pick limu and ‘opihi. We were taught to ask permission before we gather and to take only what was needed. These were important lessons in resource protection, sustainability and humility.
"When camping on Waikapuna’s sandy shores, we marvel at the many bright stars and constellations clearly visible at night from a coastline far from city lights. Together, we would wander through the village in awe of the expansive walled remains of where our ancestors lived, worked and played. For me, Waikapuna has always felt like home and it is this deep spiritual connection with my kupuna which I hope to perpetuate for the next generation.

Legacy Land Conservation projects on Hawaiʻi Island include four in the
southern districts with 785 acres at Kawa (6 and 9), the 3,128 acres of
Kahuku Coaastal lands recently acquired (31) and three acres of Caves (4).
Map from Legacy Land Conservation Program

“For the Keanu ‘Ohana, we believe that this acquisition will honor our kupuna, their history, their values and their legacy by protecting the entire cultural and natural landscape. There are few opportunities today where such large scale preservation of pristine lands is even possible. The purchase will help to safeguard our family’s many sacred sites including the iwi kupuna.”
The statement also considers the wildlife, saying the “effort will also allow for the protection of Waikapuna’s dryland forest and extensive native coastal plant habitat which includes seabird nesting areas along the sea cliffs. Furthermore, the scenic shores of Waikapuna are known as a place where fish and other marine life spawn and its protected tide pools serve as nature’s nursery.
"Waikapuna presents an opportunity for research and education on many levels. As native descendants, we hope to continue our traditional cultural and educational practices on the land and in its waters. Our family is committed to assisting the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and other community organizations with the stewardship of the property. We are very excited about this opportunity to protect Waikapuna,” the Keanu statement concludes.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PROPOSED RATE HIKES BY HELCO drew mostly opposition testimony last night at a Hilo hearing before the Public Utilities Commission. East Kaʻū state Senator Russell Ruderman said he was testifying as a private citizen, rather than representing his senatorial post. He called the Hawai‘i Electric Light Co. rate hike a “civil rights issue,” and a “humanitarian issue.” He testified that the rate hikes fall on the poorest of the citizenry to the benefit of “one of the wealthiest corporations.” The argument pointed to the ability of the more prosperous businesses and families having capital to buy solar panels and other energy cost saving technology to get away from electric company bills. The trend leaves a larger burden of paying for electric company expenses to the less wealthy HELCO consumers. See more in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE FILIPINO VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law yesterday by President Barack Obama. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the legislation into Congress.

“The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans’ courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed,” said Hirono. “This day is only possible thanks to the commitment of veterans, families, and advocates in Hawaiʻi and across the country. While this recognition is long overdue, the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice that these veterans made for our country.”

More than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American solders served
during WWII. About 18,000 are still living.

Said Gabbard, “History has been made as President Obama signs into law our bill to honor the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war. Though less than 18,000 of our Filipino WWII veterans are still alive today, this recognition is a testament to each and every one of our Filipino WWII veterans who earned and deserve their place amongst our greatest generation. To our Filipino veterans, their families, and all who worked so hard to make today a reality, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a statement applauding the legislation.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar

THE CONGRESSIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CAUCUS recently wrote to president-elect Donald Trump. Chair Judy Chu asks for a meeting to discuss “pertinent issues that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.” The letter states that, “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian Americans are now the fastest growing racial population in the country and account for over 19 million Americans. In addition, more immigrants now come from the Asia-Pacific region than from anywhere else in the world.”

She explains that the “caucus is currently composed of 50 Members of Congress, including Members of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, representatives from the U.S. territories, and Members who represent large AAPI constituencies. Together, CAPAC works to establish legislation and policies that address the needs of the AAPI community and works to advance the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans.

“CAPAC has been proud to work with prior Republican and Democratic Administrations on significant accomplishments that are vital to both our community and our country, and we look forward to sitting down with you before the end of this year to discuss these priorities. Thank you for your time and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

New roof going onto the old courthouse yesterday
in Na`alehu. Photo by Cindy Cutts

THE OLD COURTHOUSE BUILDING, IN Nāʻālehu, where the community can observe and participate in County Council meetings by video feed, is receiving new roofing. The state-owned building is used by the county and various other government agencies.

THE PIG SILENT AUCTION for pork grown at Kaʻū High School continues through Dec. 20. Staring bid is $120 per pig and each pig is 70 to 100 lbs. in weight. The three highest bids give the bidders each a pig. Place bids at the office in Kaʻū High School, said teacher Michael Moe who is helping the students who raised the pigs at the campus. Raising the pigs along with hydroponic lettuce, macadamia and other foods are part of the rebounding of agriculture at Kaʻū High School.

FAMILY READING NIGHT is tonight, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for this Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

LEARN ABOUT THE JAPANESE DETAINMENT CAMP at Kilauea Military Camp,
during a walk this Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Staff leads the way. Free. Park entrance fees apply. Meet at the flagpole.

KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 20 fron 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, sponsored by Tutu & Me.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW'S OWN MUSICAL CONDUCTOR Michael Cripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in a Christmas Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Sheraton ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchsed at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com and at the door.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has announced its Stewardship at the Summit schedule for January through March.
See story below. Photo from National Park Service

DID HELCO UNFAIRLY CHARGE CUSTOMERS FOR ELECTRICITY IT RECEIVED FOR FREE FROM ORMAT/PUNA GEOTHERMAL? Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David is asking the state Public Utilities Commission to look into allegations that Hawai‘i Electric Light Co. received free power and sold it to customers. Instead of testifying Wednesday in Kona at the PUC’s public hearing on the proposed HELCO rate increase, where most people opposed the hike, David sent a letter to PUC Chairman Randy Iwase. At the hearing Iwase publicly stated that he received her letter and that David opposed HELCO’S proposed rate increase. Yesterday, David shared her letter with The Kaʻū Calendar. In the letter she writes:

“With regard to HELCO’s application I respectfully request that no action or decision regarding the above application be taken until the PUC determines the following:

Randy Iwase (left) and the PUC heard testimony on HELCO’s rate hike and
received a letter from County Council member Maile David.
Photo from Big Island Video News

· Whether Ormat/Puna Geothermal provided HELCO with electricity free of charge in 2009, 2010 or 2011?

· Whether a docket or report for free electricity was filed with the PUC by HELCO?

· How much free energy did HELCO receive in 2009, 2010 or 2011?

· Was any free energy sold to the ratepayers of Hawai‘i County in 2009, 2010 or 2011?”

David explained in her letter the back story of a case brought by whistle blowers against companies that operate the geothermal power plant in Puna and sell power to HELCO. The case involved a §1603 grant. This grant allows the U.S. Treasury Department to finance developers of renewable energy projects by providing funds in lieu of Investment Tax Credits. The whistle blowers alleged that the Puna geothermal developers abused the program. The whistle blowers filed a complaint.
David writes: “The above inquiry is the result of my review of a 2014 United States District Court case entitled United States of

Maile David
Photo by Ann Bosted

America ex els. Tina Calilung & Jamie Kell v. Ormat Industries, Ltd., et al. and Puna Geothermal Venture II, L.P., et al. This was a complaint for damages and other relief under the False Claims Act. I understand that the case settled with Ormat paying the U.S. government $5.5 million (without an admission of guilt).”
David points to Paragraph 272 of the Complaint, which states: “Though Ormat could not sell energy yet, it wanted to obtain a §1603 grant for the 8 MW Expansion. Accordingly, though plant operation was ‘on hold’ and Power Purchase Agreement approval from PUC was still outstanding, Ormat began delivering energy produced by the 8 MW Expansion to HELCO for free. Ormat believed that if the plant was operating and producing energy it could claim December 2011 as the placed-in-service date for the expansion and thereby qualify the 8MW Expansion project for §1603 funds.”
David writes: “Although the lawsuit has settled, the question remains whether or not HELCO was provided free energy and more importantly, if it was, did the ratepayers of Hawai‘i county receive its fair share of this free energy?”
David concludes her letter with an appeal: “I request that this commission look further into this matter. For the reasons set forth above, and, the fact that cost of energy for Hawai‘i County ratepayers are already at a high premium.”
David told The Kaʻū Calendar that she needs answers, saying: “It is a valid question that I felt the PUC should address. If in fact HELCO did receive free electricity, then such benefit should rightfully be passed on or shared with ratepayers of Hawai‘i County – our citizens, local businesses, and state and county agencies.”
David added that the HELCO rate case public hearing seemed to her to be a good opportunity to raise this question, as HELCO wants the ratepayers of Hawai‘i Island to pay more for energy and she is opposed to their request.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS K-12 in Hawaiʻi to support emerging environmental projects from Hawaiʻi’s public, private, and charter schools. Called the Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge, the contest urges students to design, prototype, and implement innovative and creative sustainability ideas and projects. Sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and state Department of Education, the program is administered by the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance.

Individual students and teams can apply for mini-grans from the
Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge.
Photos from Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance.

The Alliance “encourages fresh projects or ideas that emphasize their environmental passions and motivation, interests in conservation education and desire to create sustainable, localized change,” says a statement announcing the competition. One student can work with a teacher advisor or a group of students can work with a teacher advisor and create an entry for consideration.
The sustainability project can be an effort to make a change in school or community to support Hawaiʻi’s goal of achieving a sustainable future, demonstrate environmental passions and and a desire for environmental education as well as motivation to make change.
Submit the HYSC Mini-Grant Application via the KHF Grant Portal by Jan. 29, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. No applications will be accepted after this date. See more at www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org .

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Volunteer uncovers a native plant that was
chocked by invasive ginger.
Photo from National Park Service

HELPING TO ENSURE THE FUTURE of the Hawaiian rainforest at the summit of Kīlauea volcano is an effort open for volunteers in the Stewardship at the Summit programs at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, January through March 2017. Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The dates are: Jan. 6, 14, 21 and 27; Feb. 3, 11, 18 and 20 (Presidents Day and fee-free); and March 3, 10, 18, 25 and 31.
Volunteers have dedicated more than 7,500 hours and restored more than 61 acres of native rainforest within the national park since 2012. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, Australian tree fern, strawberry guava, and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kīlauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded ‘ōhi‘a trees, ‘ama‘u and hāpu‘u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa‘iniu, kāwa‘u, and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: www.nps.gov/havo.
“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has entered its 100th year of stewarding this fragile ecosystem, and we need everyone’s help in making sure the Hawaiian rainforest remains intact beyond the next 100 years,” said volunteer and project leader, Paul Field. “We invite the community and visitors to join us. In addition to giving back to the land, you’ll learn to identify native and invasive plants, how to safely control invasive species, and how to avoid spreading other pest species, including Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death,” he said.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park provides numerous ways for visitors to connect with and appreciate Hawaiian culture, active volcanoes, and native plants and animals. It is a designated World Heritage Site (1987) and International Biosphere Reserve (1980).

Kaʻū will be one of the sites for GoFarm Hawai`i
classes for new farmers. Photo from The Kohala Center.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NEW AND ASPIRING FARMERS AND RANCHERS on Hawai‘i Island can choose from two comprehensive courses being launched by The Kohala Center in early 2017. Some classes will be held in Kaʻū. In addition to its Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program, which has graduated more than 120 students since 2013, The Center will host the state’s largest farmer training program, GoFarm Hawai‘i, for the first time on Hawai‘i Island. More information about both programs is available online at kohalacenter.org/farmertraining.
The seventh cohort of The Kohala Center’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program begins Saturday, Feb. 4 in Honokaʻa, with classes held every other Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes will meet primarily in Honokaʻa but will rotate between training sites in Hawi, Kailua-Kona, and Kaʻū to encourage participation from multiple regions of Hawai‘i Island.
The program provides 188 hours of coursework, on-farm demonstrations, workshops, field trips, and online resources covering topics such as soil fertility management, tropical crop production, livestock production, business planning and financing, and agricultural product marketing. Tuition is $250 for the full program and scholarship assistance is available. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for assistance in securing farm leases and capital to successfully produce, market, and distribute their crops. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development.
GoFarm Hawai‘i @ The Kohala Center will offer students classroom instruction, tours of local farms, and hands-on experience in small-scale farming at The Center’s demonstration farm in Honokaʻa. Sponsored in part by Ulupono Initiative, Kamehameha Schools, and the County of Hawai‘i, the program is divided into three phases starting with an “AgCurious” introductory session, followed by four

Hands on experience in small-scale farming is part of the
GoFarm Hawaiʻi educational program.
Photo from The Kohala Center

AgXposure site visits. AgXposure participants may then apply to AgSchool, an intensive, hands-on, four-month farmer training program. Applicants interested in GoFarm @ The Kohala Center are encouraged to attend the AgCurious session on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Hawai‘i Education and Research Center in Honoka‘a. AgCurious will provide an overview of the GoFarm program and the current state of farming in Hawai‘i. AgCurious and AgXposure sessions are available at no cost, while enrollment in the 13-session AgSchool program is $20 per session. Interested applicants may email Derrick Kiyabu at derrick@gofarmhawaii.org to register and for more information.
“Our farmer training programs were created with a specific goal in mind: to improve food security in Hawai‘i by training and empowering future generations of local food producers,” said Nicole Milne, director of food and agriculture initiatives at The Kohala Center. “Here in Hawai‘i we import roughly 85 percent of our food, the average age of our local farmers is increasing, and the number of farms in the islands and across the U.S. is declining. Encouraging island residents to consider careers in agriculture and give them the knowledge and support they need to succeed are critical elements in our strategy to reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on imports and move us toward greater food self-reliance.”
Although no previous farming experience is required, preference is given to applicants who have taken steps to become agricultural producers but would benefit from a comprehensive curriculum.
See more on The Kohala Center at www.kohalacenter.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū ʻOhana Band plays Christmas music tomorrow at
Ocean View Swap Meet at 9:30 a.m.

KAʻŪ OHANA BAND will play Christmas music at 9:30 a.m. at the Ocean View Swap meet tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17. The conductor is Steve Moon.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest is tomorrow, Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

LEARN ABOUT THE JAPANESE DETAINMENT CAMP at Kīlauea Military Camp, during a walk tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Staff leads the way. Free. Park entrance fees apply. Meet at the flagpole.

KMC when it was a detention camp for Japanese during
WWII. Take a walk to learn the history this Saturday.
Image from KMC

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 20 fron 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, sponsored by Tutu & Me.

OCEAN VIEW’S OWN MUSICAL CONDUCTOR Michael Cripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in a Christmas Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Sheraton ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchsed at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com and at the door.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has announced its Stewardship at the Summit schedule for January through March.

See story below. Photo from National Park Service

“With regard to HELCO’s application I respectfully request that no action or decision regarding the above application be taken until the PUC determines the following:

Randy Iwase (left) and the PUC heard testimony on HELCO’s rate hike and

received a letter from County Council member Maile David.

Photo from Big Island Video News

· Whether Ormat/Puna Geothermal provided HELCO with electricity free of charge in 2009, 2010 or 2011?

· Whether a docket or report for free electricity was filed with the PUC by HELCO?

· How much free energy did HELCO receive in 2009, 2010 or 2011?

· Was any free energy sold to the ratepayers of Hawai‘i County in 2009, 2010 or 2011?”

David writes: “The above inquiry is the result of my review of a 2014 United States District Court case entitled United States of

Maile David

Photo by Ann Bosted

David points to Paragraph 272 of the Complaint, which states: “Though Ormat could not sell energy yet, it wanted to obtain a §1603 grant for the 8 MW Expansion. Accordingly, though plant operation was ‘on hold’ and Power Purchase Agreement approval from PUC was still outstanding, Ormat began delivering energy produced by the 8 MW Expansion to HELCO for free. Ormat believed that if the plant was operating and producing energy it could claim December 2011 as the placed-in-service date for the expansion and thereby qualify the 8MW Expansion project for §1603 funds.”

David writes: “Although the lawsuit has settled, the question remains whether or not HELCO was provided free energy and more importantly, if it was, did the ratepayers of Hawai‘i county receive its fair share of this free energy?”

David concludes her letter with an appeal: “I request that this commission look further into this matter. For the reasons set forth above, and, the fact that cost of energy for Hawai‘i County ratepayers are already at a high premium.”

David told The Kaʻū Calendar that she needs answers, saying: “It is a valid question that I felt the PUC should address. If in fact HELCO did receive free electricity, then such benefit should rightfully be passed on or shared with ratepayers of Hawai‘i County – our citizens, local businesses, and state and county agencies.”

David added that the HELCO rate case public hearing seemed to her to be a good opportunity to raise this question, as HELCO wants the ratepayers of Hawai‘i Island to pay more for energy and she is opposed to their request.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Individual students and teams can apply for mini-grans from the

Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge.

Photos from Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance.

The sustainability project can be an effort to make a change in school or community to support Hawaiʻi’s goal of achieving a sustainable future, demonstrate environmental passions and and a desire for environmental education as well as motivation to make change.

Submit the HYSC Mini-Grant Application via the KHF Grant Portal by Jan. 29, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. No applications will be accepted after this date. See more at www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org .

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Volunteer uncovers a native plant that was

chocked by invasive ginger.

Photo from National Park Service

Volunteers have dedicated more than 7,500 hours and restored more than 61 acres of native rainforest within the national park since 2012. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, Australian tree fern, strawberry guava, and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kīlauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded ‘ōhi‘a trees, ‘ama‘u and hāpu‘u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa‘iniu, kāwa‘u, and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.

Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: www.nps.gov/havo.

“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has entered its 100th year of stewarding this fragile ecosystem, and we need everyone’s help in making sure the Hawaiian rainforest remains intact beyond the next 100 years,” said volunteer and project leader, Paul Field. “We invite the community and visitors to join us. In addition to giving back to the land, you’ll learn to identify native and invasive plants, how to safely control invasive species, and how to avoid spreading other pest species, including Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death,” he said.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park provides numerous ways for visitors to connect with and appreciate Hawaiian culture, active volcanoes, and native plants and animals. It is a designated World Heritage Site (1987) and International Biosphere Reserve (1980).

Kaʻū will be one of the sites for GoFarm Hawai`i

classes for new farmers. Photo from The Kohala Center.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NEW AND ASPIRING FARMERS AND RANCHERS on Hawai‘i Island can choose from two comprehensive courses being launched by The Kohala Center in early 2017. Some classes will be held in Kaʻū. In addition to its Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program, which has graduated more than 120 students since 2013, The Center will host the state’s largest farmer training program, GoFarm Hawai‘i, for the first time on Hawai‘i Island. More information about both programs is available online at kohalacenter.org/farmertraining.

The seventh cohort of The Kohala Center’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program begins Saturday, Feb. 4 in Honokaʻa, with classes held every other Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes will meet primarily in Honokaʻa but will rotate between training sites in Hawi, Kailua-Kona, and Kaʻū to encourage participation from multiple regions of Hawai‘i Island.

The program provides 188 hours of coursework, on-farm demonstrations, workshops, field trips, and online resources covering topics such as soil fertility management, tropical crop production, livestock production, business planning and financing, and agricultural product marketing. Tuition is $250 for the full program and scholarship assistance is available. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for assistance in securing farm leases and capital to successfully produce, market, and distribute their crops. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development.

GoFarm Hawai‘i @ The Kohala Center will offer students classroom instruction, tours of local farms, and hands-on experience in small-scale farming at The Center’s demonstration farm in Honokaʻa. Sponsored in part by Ulupono Initiative, Kamehameha Schools, and the County of Hawai‘i, the program is divided into three phases starting with an “AgCurious” introductory session, followed by four

Hands on experience in small-scale farming is part of the

GoFarm Hawaiʻi educational program.

Photo from The Kohala Center

“Our farmer training programs were created with a specific goal in mind: to improve food security in Hawai‘i by training and empowering future generations of local food producers,” said Nicole Milne, director of food and agriculture initiatives at The Kohala Center. “Here in Hawai‘i we import roughly 85 percent of our food, the average age of our local farmers is increasing, and the number of farms in the islands and across the U.S. is declining. Encouraging island residents to consider careers in agriculture and give them the knowledge and support they need to succeed are critical elements in our strategy to reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on imports and move us toward greater food self-reliance.”

Although no previous farming experience is required, preference is given to applicants who have taken steps to become agricultural producers but would benefit from a comprehensive curriculum.

See more on The Kohala Center at www.kohalacenter.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū ʻOhana Band plays Christmas music tomorrow at

Ocean View Swap Meet at 9:30 a.m.

KAʻŪ OHANA BAND will play Christmas music at 9:30 a.m. at the Ocean View Swap meet tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17. The conductor is Steve Moon.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest is tomorrow, Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

LEARN ABOUT THE JAPANESE DETAINMENT CAMP at Kīlauea Military Camp, during a walk tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Staff leads the way. Free. Park entrance fees apply. Meet at the flagpole.

KMC when it was a detention camp for Japanese during

WWII. Take a walk to learn the history this Saturday.

Image from KMC

KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 20 fron 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, sponsored by Tutu & Me.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist tracks the progress of Kīlauea’s “61g” flow on June 28, 2016,
as the ‘a‘ā lava advanced down the flank of the volcano. The 61g flow remains active today,
with lava streaming into the sea at the Kamokuna ocean entry and small lava breakouts near Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō.
See story below. USGS photo

NO TO HELCO RATE HIKES for electricity was the clear message from Hawaiʻi Island residents who testified before the Public Utilites Commission in Hilo and Kona hearings this week. Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. asks the PUC to approve rate increases, revised rate schedules and changes to its tariff, which represents a 6.5% increase in revenue equal to $19.3 million per year. HELCO also seeks approval to buy the naptha-burning power plant in Hamakua, which, if approved, will result in a 12.5% rate hike. The PUC is directed to determine whether the rate hike is “just and reasonable.” Opposition continues in 19 public comments e-mailed to the Commission in docket 2015-0170.

HELCO Pres. Jay Ignacio.
Photo by David Corrigan, Big Island Video News

During the hearings,

HELCO President Jay Ignacio told the audience about the increase in use of renewable energy sources and that the proposed rate hike is the first in six years. “We need to demonstrate that we are providing safe, reliable electric service and at the same time are making real progress in replacing fossil fuels with renewables. Your feed back is important to us.”

He listed his company’s financial needs, including technical solutions to integrate nearly 11,000 customer-owned rooftop systems into the grid. He also talked about the expense in cutting and clearing away downed and dangerous trees, like albizia, that take out power during storms.

Dean Nashina, state Consumer Advocate, explained that his department “will take and independent look at HELCO’s request for approval of this rate increase.”

Speaking in Hilo, Cory Harden, of the Hawaiʻi Island chapter of the Sierra Club, told the commissioners that she hoped HELCO’s future plans “will avoid unworkable hazardous approaches.” She contended that “Puna Geothermal sickened scores of people with a toxic release during tropical storm Iselle. Its air quality permit is two years out of date. Neighbors are pursuing three legal actions over health and safety. It’s a high risk for lava flows.” She listed another concern as “naptha going to power at Hamakua Energy Partners.” She stated that “a barge loaded with naptha came very close to exploding in Hilo Habor in 2004. It would have killed many people. The naptha now is carried down the Hamakua coast by trucks described by one official as potential bombs.”

Henry Curtis, of Life of the Land
Photo by David Corrigan, Big Island Video News

Another Harden worry is a proposal for an interisland cable to take geothermal energy to more populated islands. “It would be really difficult and expensive to build and it would burden outer islands with environmental impacts that benefit Oʻahu and its not clear how you would fix something that deep down in the sea.”

The proposed Ocean View solar farm is also on her list. She described it as “a scheme that would line the pockets of developers, but harm residents. I hope plans for the future are for environmentally friendly sources like solar, wind, waves, thermal energy conversion. I hope we look at new models like multiple decentralized sources, rooftop solar, microgrids, co-operatively or county owned electric company,” Harden testified.

Well known energy guru Henry Curtis from Oʻahu, representing the Life of the Land and the Puna Pono Alliance, told the commissioner that he opposes the proposals in the rate case. He said he will be filing a request for intervention into the rate case by Dec. 27. He said timing is tight since the electric company is expected to submit is latest renewable energy plan on Dec. 23, which could relate to the rate case. He also brought up the rate case dealing “heavily with geothermal and with albizia and those are important issues that we will address in writing.”

State Consurmer Advocate Dean Nashina
Photo by David Carrigan, Big Island Video News

State Sen. Russell Ruderman testified that Hawaiʻi Island has the highest rates, and is the poorest island. “My district is the poorest district in the state. Paying the electric bill is not a trivial matter and it disproportionately affects poor people. Therefore, it’s a civil rights issue to me. It’s a humanitarian issue. Its not strictly speaking a business economic issue. I don’t think we can further burden the poorest citizens to enrich one of the wealthiest in the state any more. HELCO is a remarkably profitable company already.”

Toby Hazel told the commission: “I am sure there are a lot of different technologies that could be utilized besides gassing us in our homes. I am a mile and a half from geothermal which, although it causes a problem in my health, I am not unconscious on the floor of my house, thank goodness.”

Deborah Ward told the commission: “I am a farmer, landowner, business owner and retiree after 30 years service. I oppose a regressive tax on the poorest people. I believe we have a state mandate to be fossil fuel free by 2045. HELCO needs to be working much, much harder towards this goal. HELCO needs to stop buying new trucks and thinking about ways to conserve like everybody else on the island. We do not address line loss and it would be better to have distributed power.”

Dave Kaiser gave his account of living with geothermal in his neighborhood. “I was one of the ones who was directly affected when they released, inadvertently, their hydrogen sulphide along with a stew of heavy metal gasses. I have been seeing a naturopath for getting all that crud out of my system for the last two years now.”

Corey Hardin, of the Sierra Club.
Photo by David Carrigan, Big Island Video News

Robert Petricci gave an account of his life with geothermal. “Puna has become a sacrificial community,” he said, pointing out, “We use between 2.5 and 6 megawatts in Puna, but the PGV power plant produces between 30 and 40 megawatts so that power goes around the island to other places, but we have to breathe the gasses and emissions from that power plant. There have been 17 declared civil defense emergencies at that power plant. Our community keeps a suitcase packed so the next time the power plant blows up, we can get in our cars and get out of there if there is not a hurricane blocking the roads. I want to know what the distribution costs are.

“We should be going independent solar and microgrids out in those communities as opposed to all these poles, brand new trucks, wires and things that are needed. The grid is a way for HELCO to maintain a monopoly and there is a conflict of interest with solar with the prices of solar coming down so fast. Technologies are advancing faster than most people can keep track of it. The batteries now are catching up with what solar panels are, and the costs are dropping.”

PUC Chair Randy Iwase and the state Consumer Advocate will continue with their review of HELCO’s request. In 2017, the PUC will hold the Contested Case trial-like hearing when the Consumer Advocate and any other party allowed to intervene can present arguments and testimony.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FIGHTING THE THREAT OF ZIKA VIRUS will receive $1.1 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control to the Hawaiʻi state Department of Health. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said the funds will bolster Hawaiʻi’s lab testing capacity as well as a variety of education, and vector control measures. She said, “Hawaiʻi needs to be vigilant against the continued threat posed by Zika, and this funding increases the Hawaii Department of Health’s capacity to prevent and respond to a potential Zika outbreak.”
Keith Kawaoka, sate Deputy Director of Environmental Health, said: “With the high volume of travel and warm weather we experience in Hawaiʻi year-round, growing our vector control detection and response capabilities is crucial to preventing potential mosquito-borne disease outbreaks statewide.”

The Aedes mosquitos live in Hawaiʻi and are capable of
carrying Zika though no locally transmitted cases
have been identified here.
Photo from state Department of Health

State epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said: “These funds will allow us to support and enhance key Zika-related department programs to safeguard our state’s public health in the long run. In addition to building a greater capacity for disease investigation and laboratory testing, we’ll also be better able to support the mothers and babies who have been impacted by the effects of Zika.”
The Centers for Disease Control will fund these programs: Zika Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Activities ($919,149) – supports vector control programs, strengthens laboratory capacity, and bolsters participation in the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry to monitor pregnant women with Zika and their infants; Public Health Preparedness and Response Activities ($58,603) – awarded to communities at high risk for Zika outbreaks, and can be used to rapidly respond to a Zika outbreak, and to strengthen coordination between government and non-government first responders; and Zika Birth Defects Surveillance Activities ($200,000) – establishes systems to rapidly detect microcephaly–a serious birth defect directly linked to Zika– and other adverse outcomes potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Zika is carried by Aedes mosquitos that also carry dengue fever and health officials urge everyone to get rid of standing water around homes and other buildings. There have been no locally transmitted cases of Zika in Hawaiʻi, though persons with Zika have come here. The virus has been locally transmitted in southern Florida and is expected to spread over time.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

EXPLAINING THE 61G FLOW is the focus of this week’s Volcano Watch, presented by the scientists of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The writers ask the question: “Have you ever wondered why Kīlauea Volcano’s current lava flow is called the ‘61g’ flow?” They explain:

“It all started on Jan. 3, 1983, with fissures erupting intermittently along the middle part of Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone. In June 1983, the eruption became localized at a single vent that was later named Puʻu ʻŌʻō. For the next three years, Puʻu ʻŌʻō erupted approximately once a month, usually for less than 24 hours at a time. These eruptive episodes were characterized by spectacular lava fountains up to 470 m (1,540 ft) high, followed by periods of inactivity.
“HVO scientists kept track of these early intermittent and episodic events by assigning numbers to them (1–47). They were initially called ‘phases,’ but later changed to ‘episodes.’

“It’s important to note that when this eruption began, no one had a clue it would still be going 33-plus years later. It’s difficult to label a series of events if, at the start, the number of events and the duration and style of activity are unknown. In July 1986, episode 48 began with fissures opening uprift and downrift of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, but no episodic lava fountains. Each fissure was given a letter to identify it – 48a, 48b, and 48c. Episode 48c eruptive activity persisted, becoming the Kupaianaha vent, which was active for six years and eventually sent lava flows through Kalapana.

“This change in eruptive style to nearly continuous effusion complicated the ‘episode’ numbering scheme. Nevertheless, since 1992, as the location of Kīlauea’s active vent has shifted up and down the East Rift Zone near Puʻu ʻŌʻō, episode numbers have been used to track the activity. But, new lava flows from different vents have not always resulted in a new episode number. For instance, during the decade-long episode 55 (1997–2007), new flows were given informal names based on calendar events corresponding to the day on which they began. Examples are the ‘Mother’s Day’ flow and the ‘MLK’ flow (Martin Luther King’s birthday).

“These informal names enabled USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists to differentiate multiple flows within the same episode. The Mother’s Day, MLK, and other flows were all grouped as episode 55 flows because they were all fed from vents on Puʻu ʻŌʻō’s south and west flanks. There was also no significant break between the flows, and many were simultaneously active.

The 61g Flow continues to enter the ocean near Kamokuna. USGS photo

“Kīlauea’s current episode – number 61 – began in August 2011 with the refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō (61a). That event was followed by the ‘Peace Day’ flow (61b) that began on September 21 (International Day of Peace). Other episode 61 flows from related vents on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō include flows named for land divisions or start dates – the ‘Kahaualeʻa’ flows (61c and 61d) and the ‘June 27th’ flow (61e), which threatened Pāhoa and other Puna communities in 2014-2015.
“Naming lava flows can be tricky given the challenge of determining when one episode ends and another begins. Also, it has become increasingly difficult to settle on an appropriate informal name for each new flow. So, in late May 2016, when related flows broke out yet again on the north and east flanks of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, HVO simply called the flows ‘61f,’ which was short-lived, and ‘61g,’ which persists today. This decision was due mainly to the lack of an obvious feature, land division, or noteworthy calendar event for which the flows could be informally named.

“To answer our opening question, Kīlauea’s current flow is called ‘61g’ because it is the 7th flow (g) in the sequence of events that compose the 61st episode of the ongoing East Rift Zone eruption. Recent breakouts on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō are from the 61g vent, so they are still known as 61g flows.
“A key point to remember is that none of the lava flow names – whether they are episode numbers/letters or based on calendar dates or land divisions – are official, or formal, names. They are just a way for HVO scientists to distinguish the flows they’ve monitored since 1983. While HVO’s informal naming system is not perfect, it has served its purpose over the years – helping us track the many vents and lava flows of Kīlauea Volcano’s ongoing East Rift Zone eruption.”

Downslope of Puʻu 'Ōʻō along the 61G Flow. USGS photo

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea continues to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone. This past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 9 and 31.5 m (30–103 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna. Recent breakouts from the 61g vent area on the flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō remained active, with a small surface flow slowly advancing to the east. The 61g lava flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, earthquakes occurred primarily at the upper Southwest Rift Zone at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). A magnitude-3.3 earthquake occurred in the upper Southwest Rift Zone at a depth of 2.4 km (1.5 mi) on Dec. 12. Deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone continued.
HVO website (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) offers past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more; call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
Volcano Watch (hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/) is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest is tomorrow, Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 20 fron 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center, sponsored by Tutu & Me.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Gabe and Jana Heschler's home in Ranchos, Ocean View, is a destination for touring Christmas lights enthusiasts.
Photo by Peter Bosted

ʻALALĀ FLEW INTO FOREST NEAR VOLCANO last week after almost 15 years of the species being extinct in the wild. The five critically endangered young Hawaiian crows now live in Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve. The release date was last Tuesday, Dec, 14. A film from San Diego Zoo, edited by Big Island Video News, documented the release. Bryce Masuda, Conservation Program Manager for San Diego Zoo Globals, described the ‘Alalā 's first minutes in the wild. “When they left their aviary, they were curious and immediately went out and started exploring their new home, foraging around in the forest, looking for different food items. Each of the ‘Alalā are wearing a small light-weight transmitter that will allow us to track it in the forest, so we can determine where they are going, how they behave and what they are feeding on.”

ʻAlalā have been released in the wild near Volcano, after being exinct
in the wild for almost 15 years. Photo from San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Global and many partners, including the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, worked on the conservation breeding that brought the ʻAlalā back from the brink of total extinction. Masuda said that, “Although the birds have now been released, we will continue to monitor them and provide appropriate supplemental food, to ensure they are supported as they encounter challenges.”
Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, project coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project, spoke about the birds’ new home. She told Big Island Video News that “Decades of intensive management by the Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnership have led to the preservation of some of the most intact native-dominated wet and mesic forest on windward Hawai‘i Island, known as Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve.”
ʻAlalā have existed only in captivity since 2002, hatched and raised under the care of Bird Conservation Centers at Volcano and on Maui, managed by San Diego Zoo Global. More than 100 are living at the two centers.
The release was preceded by great fanfare, including Volcano Art Center's juried Return of the ʻAlalā art show, as well as an ‘Alalā mask-making workshop and several presentations on the bird’s recovery. An ʻAlalā release party was held in November at Mokupaʻpapa Discovery Center in Hilo.
See more at www.bigislandvideonews.com and at www.sandiegozoo.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WORD ABOUT A LIFE SIZE MECHANICAL SANTA that waves, sings and laughs “ho, ho, ho” is quickly spreading around Ocean View’s Ranchos neighborhood. He is making a reputation for the two nearby houses, whose over-the-top Christmas light displays are attracting the curious to Maikai Blvd. between Jasmine and Macadamia.

The Hardin home on Maikai Blvd. in Ranchos, Ocean View, is decorated with hoops

and arches that the Hardins built, and a lighted Santa with reindeer that they rewired

with LED lights to save energy. Photo by Peter Bosted

Bright, colorful Christmas decorations light up front yards on both sides of the street. On the right, the street is lined with colorful lighted hoops, and larger hoops form arches leading to the house where lighted Santa and five reindeer cover the home’s front wall. Across the street, lighted candy canes lean against the front wall, along side the word “Noel” in lights. Behind Noel, lighted reindeer leap across the yard past lighted penguins, lighted Santas and more.

The home on the left belongs to Gabe and Jana Heschler, and their toddler George. Gabe is a retired marine studying for a master’s degree in education while teaching two days a week at Kaʻū High in Pāhala. Jana is a supervising nurse.

Gabe explains how his obsession with Christmas decorations began with his being raised by his grandparents who could not afford them, but would drive him around to look at homes that were well decorated.

“My first job was packing chickens, where I made $50 a week, enough to let me buy a few strings of lights to decorate our bushes. I spent money on lights each year until I had a good enough display that people would drive by to look at my lights. That Idea has stayed with me. When we bought this house, we closed just before Christmas of 2011. Our first purchase was a Christmas tree – before we bought a fridge. Here in Ranchos, people drive by to look at my lights. They honk or wave or stop and get out of their cars to look at our yard. I like that.”

Santa in his house outside the Heschler home in
Ranchos, Ocean View. The life-size Santa will sing
and “ho, ho, ho” as admirers walk or drive in

close proximity. Photo by Peter Bosted

The home on the right belongs to Mike and Jennifer Hardin who keep bees and have a successful honey business. Asked about their obsession with decorating, they explain that unlike Georgia where they came from, Hawaiʻi does not have a “real” winter, so they need to decorate to remind themselves that this is Christmas.

Both couples admit that a bit of friendly rivalry has driven them to their extravagant displays.

“We egg each other on,” explains Gabe. “When I put up a few reindeer, Mike and Jen added some huge snowflakes to keep up.”

However, as both couples bought homes within months of each other, they have become close friends, and seasonal decorating has become a strong bond. Ask them what they will do next and Jen replies: “We could build a bridge over the road between our properties!”

Gabe replies, “It would have to be higher than the water trucks,” and Mike adds, “We would need a crane and maybe a forklift . . . “

“Perhaps there will be more surprises in Ranchos next Christmas,” said a fan.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE CHRISTMAS KEIKI PARTY drew nearly 600 to Ocean View on Saturday at the Kahuku County Park. Booths, cooked food, gifts, prizes, Christmas decorations and a visit from Santa put party-goers in the holiday spirit.

St. Jude's Church brought a second Santa to the Ocean View keiki's party. Don Hatch

listened to Christmas wishes from Lio, aged 4, and his two-year-old sister Keala.

Photo by Ann Bosted

Ian Bailey, who reluctantly acknowledges that he was the organizer, modestly called the event “a big block party,” explaining that “anyone who worked events was here. We had churches and all sorts of organizations. It was a real community effort running on community spirit. I see the organizers as being part of a community I call ‘Kaʻū Strong’, meaning that we live in a hard place, so we need to be strong. This makes us all more capable. We were helped by an amazing response from businesses – we got a lot of donations from all sorts of people.”
According to Lee and Kathie Griffeth, the planning for the Christmas Keiki Party began two short months ago. Informally calling themselves the Ocean View One Crew, the group of local residents got organized. First they had to fix up the dilapidated Kahuku County Park, which needed painting and cleaning. Then they did some fund raising, which continued right up to the night before the party.
“People and businesses donated a lot,” recalls Bailey. “People donated Kaʻū beef, a Kaʻū pig, 400 apples, buckets of flowers and even services.” When shopping needed to be done, Ocean View One Crew members dug deep into their own pockets or came up with innovative ideas.

Volunteers Kailani Toriano and
Rowena Puakela get into the
Christmas spirit while they wait for keikis
to visit their booth
to create personalized
Christmas cards.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Lee and Kathie Griffeth donated gift certificates of labor – so each is now beholden for about 20 hours of yard work and house work.
Many volunteers organized themselves and opened booths to either feed or entertain the keiki. The booth handing out shave ice had the longest line, and booths helping kids make Christmas cards were also popular.
“Each keiki was given a bag,” explained Griffith, “so they could keep their handouts, gifts, prizes and treats safe. I can’t tell you how gratifying it was to see all these kids with bulging bags and smiles on their faces. It was a magical moment.”
Across the street, St. Jude’s Church also had booths and a Santa with elves, gifts, treats and a hand-made stockings for each child.

St. Jude's church volunteers made hundreds of custom stockings for

the keiki that came to the Ocean View Christmas party. Here two of

Santa's elves, Linda Law and Marvelle Rau, each hold two stockings.

Photo by Ann Bosted

A white vintage car, provided by the Hillbilly Car Club, brought Santa to the party in fine style. Once ensconced on his throne, surrounded by Christmas trees, lights, flowers and other decorations, Santa conducted personal interviews with each keiki. The keiki could then choose a wrapped gift from a huge selection. The selection was big enough that some kids were able to go through twice. They also gave away door prizes.
Many members volunteered to cook the donated food and set up a kitchen. They produced enough to feed nearly 600 keiki and adults.
By mid-afternoon, members of the Ocean View One Crew were cleaning up and breaking down the decorations and food table. An exhausted Kathie Griffith exclaimed “I’m so happy now.”
“All those smiling faces and laughing kids have put me in the Christmas spirit,” admitted Butch Light. “I wasn’t in the Christmas spirit before, but I am now.”
Ann Snow and her 16-year-old daughter, Annika joined the Griffeth family in camping out over night at the park to ensure that the elaborate party decorations and preparations were not tampered with. Annika also organized the keiki games.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Tutu & Me.

OCEAN VIEW’S OWN MUSICAL CONDUCTOR Michael Cripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in a Christmas Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Sheraton ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com and at the door.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

www.kaucalendar.com

Steve Moon directs the Ka`u `Ohana Band with Christmas music at Ocean View Swap Meet on Saturday See more photos
and story below. Photo by Ann Bosted

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DR. RICHARD CREAGAN will meet with the public tonight, Monday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Creagan was recently appointed Chairman of the House Agricultural Committee, so farming and ranching, as well a as food security may be among the topics raised by the audience and Creagan himself. He said he hopes constituents from District 5 will come with constructive ideas to improve the Ka’u community. Discussion of all issues is welcome. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.
The 2017 Hawai`i Legislature opens on Jan. 18. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

State Rep. Richard Creagan hosts a public meeting tonight in
advance of the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature which opens Jan. 18.
The gathering is at Ocean View Community Center at 6 p.m.

IMPORTANT AG LANDS LEGISLATION is proposed for the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature by all of the counties in state. The bill supported by the Hawai`i State Association of Counties asks for $500,000 to for more work to identify and map Improtant Agricultural Lands.

The bill points out that the Hawai`i State Constitution establishes the state's duty to "conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands." The state Constitution also provides protections for lands identified as Important Agricultural Lands. The state legislature in 2005 enacted Act 183 to help carry out that duty.

Act 183 directed each county to work with government and community stakeholders to, within 60 months of funding, identify and map potential Important Agriculrual Lands and recommend to the state Land Use Commission the designation of Important Agricultural Lands. Once designated, ag operations on these lands are eligible for state and county assistance and incentive programs, including grants and other funding assistance, tax incentives, favorable infrastructure and permit requirements, and farm and business education assistance.
The bill supported by the Hawai`i State Association of Counties for the upcoming Hawai`i Legislature, asks for $250,000 for 2017 and $250,000 for 2018, noting that "to date, most counties have not received State funds to assist with identification and mapping duties under Act 183." Each county would receive $62,500 per year to carry out the mapping and identification of important agriculural lands.
See more on Important Agricultural Lands incentives and mapping and other work accomplished at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/chair/new-agriculture-initiatives/important-ag-lands-ial/

Drone's eye view of macadamia trees in Wood Valley and the Ka`u Coffee Trail
Run, taken by Vernon Harvey, with permission of the race and property owner.
Photo by Vernon Harvey

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

DRONE REGULATION LEGISLATION is proposed for the 2017 Hawai`i State Legislature by all the counties in Hawai`i. The proposal states that the "legislature finds that unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Hawai`i and the rest of the United States. Hobbyists use them for recreational purposes, and businesses and government entities use them in a plethora of ways that benefit society and individual residents. The federal government is regulating the use of these devises and the airways see more usage all all stakeholders."
The Hawai`i bill proposes that no person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle while intoxicated or drugged. It also would prohibit flying drones above an altitude of 400 feet or outside the visual sight of the operator (no binoculars or night vision goggles nor magnifiers). It would prohibit operations within five miles of an airport or 500 feet of an emergency response vehicle or first responder during an emergency. No drones within 500 feet of any water intake facility or electrical generator, substation or control center; and no drones within 100 feet of electric transmission facilities and 25 feet of any electric distribution facility or overhead cable would be allowed. Prohibited sites, without written permission, would be any open air assembly, school, school yard, hospital, place of worship, prison or police station.
The legislation would also prohibit intentionally collecting, publishing or distributing personal information acquired through operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, as well as using the drone to intentionally cause harm to persons or property.

Drone photography shows Ocean View's temporary transfer station.
Photo by John Fretz

However, it would allow law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and other information pertaining to criminal conduct or other violations, provided there is a warrant.
Law enforcement and safety agencies would be allowed to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles, without a warrant, "when there is a reasonable belief that an emergency situation exists, whether or not the situation involves criminal activity, and the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle is necessary to prevent immediate danger or death or serious physical injury to any person."
The bill also would allow drones for public agencies to use for search and rescue, to respond to a hostage situation, to dispose of a suspected or actual explosive device, and conduct training exercieses. It would allow public agencies to conduct environmental and disaster response and damage assessment, and to monitor plant or animal populations, conduct atmospheric testing and monitoring, review traffic congestion, inspect public lands and survey ocean and coastline.
For more on the drone legislation see http://hicounties.com and look at the Hawai`i State Association of Counties' 2017 Legislative Package.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A 4.5 EARTHQUAKE shook the south side of the island yesterday at 6:30 a.m. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded an offshore magnitude -4.5 earthquake about 59 km (37 mi) south of Ka Lae (South Point) at a depth of 36.5 km (22.7 mi). A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes/.
The earthquake was felt on the Island of Hawaiʻi, with the the USGS "Did you feel it?" Web site (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dy fi/) receiving over 50 felt reports within an hour of the earthquake. Weak shaking, with maximum Intensity of III, has been reported across the island. At that intensity, damage to buildings or structures was not expected.

An oceanic plate likely bent near the seamount Lo`ihi to produce the
4.5 earthquake yesterday. Image from Mr. Ash's Science Website

The earthquake occurred about 70 km (43 mi) southwest of Lō‘ihi, the live volcanic seamount south of Honu`apo. However, yesterday's tremor was not caused by activity on that submarine volcano. The depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common source for earthquakes in this area. Aftershocks are possible and could be felt.
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.
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i and eruption updates, visit http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ocean View Swap Meet receives
musical Christmas cheer with Ben
Houghton, next band leader on
clarinet. Photo by Ann Bosted

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS WITH KA`U `OHANA BAND livened up the weekly Ocean View Swap Meet on Saturday. Ka’u Ohana Band huddled under a collection of umbrellas and played crowd-pleasing music.

Christmas music by the Ka`u `Ohana Band. Photo by Ann Bosted

This was a swansong for the band’s conductor, Steve Moon, who will hand over the baton to the band’s clarinet player, Ben Houghton.
Moon, a talented trumpet player, stepped up to the plate when the former conductor, Lisa Archuletta, had to leave the island unexpectedly.
Moon plays trumpet for the Chamber Orchestra of Kona (COOK), which will be playing a Christmas Concert on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel’s ballroom in Keauhou.
The Ka`u `Ohana Band is actively seeking community musicians who want to join. It meets every Friday evening at 4p.m. at the St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View, starting in January.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
KEIKI FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE will be held at Pāhala Community Center, tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Tutu & Me.

OCEAN VIEW’S OWN MUSICAL CONDUCTOR Michael Cripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in a Christmas Concert, tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Sheraton ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com and at the door.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

www.kaunewsbriefs.com

Kilauea Military Camp is dressed up for Christmas and welcomes the public to vote on the best decorated cottages. Photo from KMC

GOV. DAVID IGE'S TOP BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS are detailed in his executive biennium budget to the State Legislature, submitted yesterday. Highlights for the budget of over $14.2 billion for each year, include addressing education, homelessness and affordable housing, and Sustainable Hawai‘i initiatives, according to a statement from the governor.
The operating budget proposal includes $14.2 billion (all revenue sources) for Fiscal Year 2018, an increase of four percent and $14.3 billion (all revenue sources), an increase of 5 percent for Fiscal Year 2019.
The capital improvements proposal includes $2.3 billion for FY 18 and $781.8 million for FY 19. “This budget proposal aims to balance our state’s current needs with our investments for the future – providing basic needs for our residents such as affordable housing, quality public schools, primary healthcare and essential social services,” said the governor.

Gov. David Ige's new budget stresses education, reducing homelessness, more
affordable housing, better health and sustainability.

For education, Ige's proposal includes the highest instructional budget allocation ever -- $28 million each year to the Weighted Student Formula, $10 million annually for the new Innovation Grant Program and $9 million ($3M in FY 18 and $6M in FY 19) for Early College programs. The governor proposes $800 million for new schools and classrooms, as well as repair and maintenance of Department of Education campuses, University of Hawai`i campuses and libraries. This includes $61.7 million in FY 18 for heat abatement statewide and $373.6 million in FY 18 to address classroom capacity issues (including $264.7M for new schools).
“Our future begins with our investment in education which is tied to economic growth. It is a top priority. We continue to focus on the classrooms and schools. We continue our push for cooler classrooms. No one is more disappointed than I that we haven’t met our goals due to initial high costs,” Ige said.
For housing and homelessness, the governor proposes an investment of more than $123.4 million in new housing projects and $59 million for public housing improvements. For the homelessness effort, Ige asks for $20.9 million annually for rent subsidies, supportive and outreach services. The legislature appropriated $12 million for homelessness programs in the current fiscal year.
“We have made great strides in collaboration, where all parts of the system are working together toward the same objective of moving people from homelessness to permanent supportive housing,” Ige said.
Toward a sustainable Hawai`i, the budget proposal dedicates more than $30 million in operating funds to agricultural and natural resources and $31 million in CIP funds for sustainability initiatives, including $7.5 million for the Watershed Initiative.
“Our goal is to protect our forests, water and other natural resources while working to double our local food production and grow our economy,” Ige said. “We hope to work collaboratively with state lawmakers on our budget proposal as we shape the future of our state,”
said the governor.

VETTING U.S. SUPREME COURT NOMINEES nominated by Pres. Donald Trump will be one of Sen. Mazie K. Hirono's tasks as she returns to serve on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hirono said yesterday that the Judiciary Committee will be instrumental in defending civil rights, vetting Trump Administration's Supreme Court nominees, and standing up for immigrant communities and DREAmers – in the 115th Congress.

“The Senate Judiciary Committee will be on the front lines of fighting to protect Hawai`i from the incoming Trump administration’s proposals that erode civil rights and target immigrants,” said Hirono. “I look forward to continuing to advance Hawai`i priorities on committees that are vital to our national security, growing Hawai`i’s economy, and protecting the environment.” Hirono previously served on the Judiciary Committee in the 113th Congress, where she was a key author of the Senate’s 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Sen. Mazie Hirono says she will stand up for immigrant communities
and DREAmers in the 115th Congress, fight for the environment, and
vet Trump Administration's Supreme Court nominees.

Hirono will also continue to serve on the Senate on Armed Services Committe with chair John McCain and Ranking Member Jack Reed.. She said she will continue to advocate for Hawai`i’s interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, "setting strong parameters about the use of our military, and advocating for military families." As a member of the Armed Services Committee this year, Hirono successfully included several Hawaii-focused provisions in this year’s defense authorization.

Hirono will serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. She said she will fight against policies "that move our nation away from sustainable, clean energy sources, support research and development into the next generation of clean energy systems and sources, and ensure that Hawai`i’s entrepreneurs and workforce can take advantage of advances in clean energy." As a Committee member this year, Hirono held a field hearing on strengthening Hawai`i’s water security.

As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Hirono said she will continue to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and minorities, and make sure Hawaii businesses have a fair shot at federal opportunities. Hirono held a field hearing to examine how to boost women and minority participation in STEM careers.
As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Hirono said she will continue her work expanding access to earned benefits, improving care for all veterans, and ensuring a smooth transition from active duty for veterans and their families. As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Hirono passed legislation that equalizes paid leave for veterans who work for the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration, and improves access to health care and benefits for veterans.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Santa sets up for keiki at Kahuku County Park.
Photo by Ann Bosted

MANY HANDS HELPED WITH THE KAHUKU COUNTY PARK KEIKI CHRISTMAS celebration on Saturday, which featured food, Santa, gifts and music by Demetrius Oliviera and Gene Beck. Pastor Rod Ducosin, of Heavenly Hands Outreach, said that so many presents were donated - over 600 - that "some of them will become more blessings for more children this season."
O Ka`u Kakou offered up shave ice and covered liability insurance and served as the non-profit organization to receive donations, Ducosin said. The long lists of acknowledgements includes "Auntie Hazel Taetuna who worked for two weeks, helping with the event and a Kahuku Park `Ohana comprised of many volunteers who joined in along with many businesses."
Among those donating were: L&L Drive In, which gave gift certificates for food at L&L. The Spin Zone donated $100 in gift certificates from Walmart. Hawai`i Community Federal Credit Union gave a big donation and Pohue Gifts and Ocean View Auto Parts donated gifts. Dawn Marie, an Ocean View part-tine resident, sponsored 100 gifts. Toys for Tot sponsored a drop off box at Kahuku Market. Tutu & Me helped with the gifts.
Hillbilly Car Club of Ocean View donated over 60 gifts and delivered Santa - Robert Jones to meet with keiki.
Catholic Charities, Ocean View Baptist Church, Ocean View Evangelical Church and Hope Diamond Ministries at South Point assisted.
Ardie from Kona donated plates, forks, knives. ACE Hardware in Ocean View provided supplies and DJ's Pizza helped feed volunteers. Ka`u Business Center printed flyers. Dodo Mortuary made a donation as did Triple F Paper Supplies.
A group of people volunteered to cook, including Auntie Hazel, Auntie Shiela, Gerri, David, Lisa, Ziggee, Lisa and Rod. Kelsey and her children helped decorate and with the food. Art and Christine donated a pig. Auntie Kemalu Waltjen prepared the meat. Queen Liliuolani Chidrens Center donated 400 apples.
Steven Hemmerich and Frances Garcia was a big help with the food, said Ducosin. Alan and Nancy Stafford, Mat Prowse, Doug Castro, Alan Humble and Ian Baily were also strong supporters and volunteers.
Police officer Clayton Tayaman was another assistant helping with the well-attended event.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Mauna Loa Weather Station, operated by NOAA in Ka`u, captures this morning's
view of snow-topped Mauna Kea as the Winter Solstice approaches -
43 minutes past midnight, tonight. Photo from NOAA

WINTER SOLSTICE IS TONIGHT AT 43 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT. The first day of Winter for the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest night, shortest day and completion of the solar cycle for the year. It is the time when the North Pole is tilted the farthest away from the Sun. By Christmas the days will begin to be longer. When looking at the horizon from the south end of the island, sunrises will be earlier and sunsets later. The sun will arise farther to the north - toward Hilo and sunsets will be farther to the South and visible from more places on the coast of Ka`u.

Acadia in Maine has many similarities with Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park, as seen in new film tonight at 7 p.m.
Photo from NPS

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND MAINE'S ACADIA show similarities in the After Dark in the Park film presentation tonight to raise awareness of the other national parks. Acadia and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Parks are thousands of miles apart, but they have much in common. Both parks turned 100 this year, and both are on islands defined by their indigenous host cultures, fascinating geology, and intriguing biodiversity. Learn about Maine’s iconic national park in the new film, A Second Century of Stewardship: Science Behind the Scenery in Acadia National Park, by filmmaker David Shaw. Screening time is this evening at 7 p.m. and Kilauea Visitor Center. Park Fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW’S OWN MUSICAL CONDUCTOR Michael Cripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona in a Christmas Concert, tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Sheraton ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com and at the door.

NA` LEO MANU - KENNETH MAKUAKANE, TOMORROW at Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium, 6:30 - 8 p.m. The free event showcases the melodies of multiple award-winning artist Kenneth Makuakāne. His accolades include 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and six Big Island Music Awards. A prolific songwriter, Makuakane’s compositions have been recorded by artists such as the Brothers Cazimero, Nā Leo Pilimehana and many more. Park entrance fees apply.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

www.kaunewsbriefs.com

Grassman Macadamia Nut Farm on Lorenzo Road worked with Hawaiian Island Land Trust to put more than 200 acres
under a conservation easement to keep it in agriculture for generations. The Trust also honored Edmund C. Oslon
for his conservation efforts statewide. See stories below. Photo from Hawaiian Islands Land Trust

ALLOWING CAMPGROUNDS AND CESSPOOLS ON AG LAND, a U.H. teaching hospital for Kona, and dealing with crime, roads, cesspools, solar farms, and junk cars were discussed by about 30 residents who attended state Rep. Richard Creagan’s talk story at Ocean View Community Center on Monday night. The 2017 Hawai`i Legislature begins in January.

Creagan outlined his vision for a university hospital that would be linked to University of Hawai`i's John A. Burns Medical School of Medicine on O`ahu, and sited on 500 state acres near the airport in Kona, which are already tagged for higher education. Half a million dollars of state funds have been earmarked to pay for the feasibility study. “Kona Hospital can’t expand,” explained Creagan, “so we need a new site. The hospital would be used to train new doctors and we hope that once trained, they will stay in Hawai`i.”

Creagan is the new Chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Rep. Lynn DeCoite from Moloka`i will be Vice-Chair. Creagan addressed some potential changes to use of agricultural land:

Rep. Richard Creagan meets with Ka`u residents ahead of the Hawai`i Legislature, which convenes in January.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Concerning allowing cesspools on some ag land to save the cost of more expensive septic systems was a topic that drew discussion. Creagan explained that the state Department of Health (and the federal Environmental Protection Agency) has ruled no more cesspools, but he is considering submitting a bill in the legislature to allow cesspools on agricultural land provided they are a certain number of miles from the ocean or flowing water and at least a certain number of feet above sea level. He said that Vice-Chair Decoite and Mayor Harry Kim both support cesspools in appropriate locations. Creagan contended that cesspools are cheap and easy and they work and are safe. A septic system can cost over $15,000 00 and requires periodic pumping that can cost $500. Some owners shoot holes in the plastic tanks to avoid the need for pumping as there are no required inspections after installation.

Rep. Richard Creagan
Photo by Ann Bosted

A bill to require developers to obtain a county permit for any large solar farms in non-conforming subdivisions failed to “pass through” conference committee on the last hearing day of the 2016 legislative session. Creagan said that he would promote the bill next year, with support of other legislators. Although the bill would not stop the 6.75 megawatt project planned for three subdivisions in Ocean View, it would stop similar projects in the future.
Creagan raised the topic of private overnight campgrounds on agricultural land. Day camps are currently an authorized use on ag land. Campgrounds are usable year round in Hawai`i, given the mild climate, but federal State, and County campgrounds are often full. Residents raised the squatter problem that is growing in Ocean View, and Creagan explained that the campsites would not be a permanent solution for homelessness. When a resident asked if campsites would open a proverbial “can of worms,” Creagan replied, “the can of worms is open,” but acknowledged that perhaps Ocean View’s one-acre lots might be too small.
Asked how the state Department of Transportation plans to deal with flooding of Hwy 11 at Kawa Flats, between Na’alehu and Pahala, Creagan stated that the highway department has seemed to lack the will to address it. A raised highway was engineered and planned years ago, but the project stalled.

When Hwy 11 floods, the the old sugar cane haul road that goes through the mountains mauka of Hwy 11 is considered the alternate route with its many gulches that flood. It is often unusable and dangerous. However, improving the upper road and its small bridges might be less expensive than modifying the state highway. Creagan agreed that it was ironic that an $18 million storm shelter should be built in Pahala, but the road to reach it from most of Ka`u is unusable in a storm. The upper road could be improved not only for emergencies but to serve the farms and ranches there.
When residents raised the topic of schools and education, Creagan said he supports teaching agriculture in schools.
He also acknowledged that there are more private schools per population in Hawai’i than in any other state, and that state schools need more funding. One question asked is why is so much money spent on air-conditioning and so little on training and hiring teachers?
Mike DuBois raised the pressing problem of crime in Ocean View where several businesses and homes have been the victims of robbery and vandalism.

Mike Dubois has worked with many Ocean View residents to collect
and haul away junk cars, including Robin and David Baglow
who offered a staging area.

“We have a lot of repeat criminals,” explained DuBois, “I’d like a system that lets us residents know where they are living, like the system for sex offenders. We have a person who has committed six crimes and was caught committing the seventh. He is living in a shack under very poor conditions. He should be brought to justice, but the police are not effective in policing our area.”
The growing number of junk cars on private properties is an escalating problem in Ocean View, residents told Creagan. “They make a statement that anything goes in Ocean View,” said a resident. The cars leak hazardous materials, attract rodents, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and could kill children who play in them and may become trapped. Residents said that state laws need to be stricter. The county sets the limit at two cars per home, where the state allows 25 inoperable vehicles per home. One resident estimated that about 40 to 50 cars are abandoned along the sides of the roads in Ocean View. Dubois, who has led campaigns to haul away junk vehicles in the past, said that it costs about $350 per vehicle to transport and turn it in to the county in Kona or Hilo.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

EDMUND C. OLSON IS CONSERVER OF THE YEAR. Olson, who owns more than 8,000 acres in Ka`u, was recently recognized as by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust "for his generous contributions to land conservation through out the state." Describing Olson, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust stated, "A great leader and friend to land conservation in Hawai‘i, Mr. Olson’s generosity and foresight have made a tremendous impact on protecting our environment and revitalizing local agriculture. His passion for conservation and commitment to Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry is demonstrated through numerous conservation land acquisitions, conservation easements, and agricultural enterprises he has led over the past several years."

Ed Olson at a Pahala Christmas Parade. He was recently honored for

helping to conserve land throughout the state, including ag and

coastal lands in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

In agriculture, through Hawaiian Island Lands Trust, Olson donated. in 2010, a conservation easement for agriculture on more than 900 acres of his pasturelands, mauka of the old cane haul road between Na`alehu and Pahala, adjacent to the Ka`u Forest Reserve.
Olson founded the Ka`u Coffee Mill and planted coffee along Hwy 11 in Pahala to show off where the famous Ka`u Coffee is grown. He upgraded old sugar plantation water lines for irrigation in diversified farming for his own coffee and macadamia as well as diversified crops on land leased to local farmers. He is also working on a hydroelectric plant at Keaiwa, above Wood Valley Road, which will be used for electricity for ag enterprises. Olson is one of the largest macadamia tree growers and macadamia nut processors in the state.
In Ka`u, Olson helped with the conservation of the Ka`u Coast at Honu`apo, Kawa and lands between Kawa and Punalu`u by putting up money and holding the lands for sale on the real estate market until the community could raise funds to buy it and place it in the public trust.
He also established public trails to forestlands through his property for hunting, hiking and Hawaiian cultural activiteis. He has welcomed stewardship by Hawaiian families for religious sites at Makanau and for a hula heiau on his lands.
Olson works with multiple land preservation organizations, including Hawai`i Islands Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GRASSMAN MACADAMIA NUT FARM NEAR NA`ALEHU WILL BE PROTECTED for generations through a conservation easement recently purchased by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. The Trust bought a 211-acre conservation easement on the farm up Lorenzo Road, from the Janice M. Grassman Trust. The Grassman Macadamia Nut Farm consists of a mixed age macadamia orchard adjacent to the Ka‘ū Forest Reserve.

Blaine and Janet Grassman worked with Hawaiian

Islands Land Trust to preserve their Ka`u land for ag

conservation.Photo from Haaiian Islands Land Trust

“Through this purchase, these lands will be protected and will maintain its agricultural purpose for generations to come,” said Kawika Burgess, CEO of Hawai`i Islands Land Trust. The funds to purchase the easement were contributed by the Freeman Foundation of Honolulu in a strategic effort to conserve working agricultural lands in Hawai‘i. The purchase will add to the more than 17,500 acres that HILT protects throughout Hawai‘i.

Blaine Grassman expressed his gratitude to Hawaiian Island Land Trust and the Freeman Foundation for making the project possible. “I was raised on a farm and have been a farmer for my entire life - I love farming. By placing a conservation easement on our land I know this unique parcel will remain in agriculture forever,” said Grassman.

Burgess said that the land trust hopes to assist more agricultural operations in Hawai‘i by working with other foundations and donors who share similar goals to help farmers keep their lands productive while protecting the land’s conservation values.

STATE GRANTS-IN-AID may become available to qualified nonprofit and other organizations who apply in time for the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature, according to state Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Jill Tokuda and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke. In a statement, they said grants are "appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes recognized as priorities and seen as complimentary to state government functions, including health, educational, workforce development, and social services and cultural and historical activities."

To allow the Legislature time to review applications, deadline to submit grant applications is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20, 2017. In 2016, the Legislature awarded nearly $37 million in grants to organizations. Information on the GIA process is available on the Legislature’s website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov). For questions, contact Ways and Means Committee at 808-586-6800 or Finance Committee at 808-586-6200.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NA` LEO MANU - KENNETH MAKUAKANE, TONIGHT at Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium, 6:30 - 8 p.m. The free event showcases the melodies of multiple award-winning artist Kenneth Makuakāne. His accolades include 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and six Big Island Music Awards. A prolific songwriter, Makuakane’s compositions have been recorded by artists such as the Brothers Cazimero, Nā Leo Pilimehana and many more. Park entrance fees apply.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Olson Trust donated this Christmas tree from his Wood Valley farm to stand along the main road into Pahala near fishing boats,
trucks and residents going to work at dawn today. Photo by Julia Neal

KEOKI KAHUMOKU, well known in Ka`u for more than a decade teaching Hawaiian music to students from pre-school to high school at public and charter schools and clubs, hosting music camps and performing at many venues and festivals, was arrested at Hilo Hospital on Tuesday night and pleaded not-guilty yesterday to sexual assault.

Keoki Kahumoku

A warrant for his arrest was issued after a Kona grand jury charged him on Dec. 13 with sexual assault and kidnapping for an alleged incident in May of 2015 in Ka`u. Both Kahumoku and the alleged victim earlier received restraining orders against one another.
According to a report in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Kahumoku's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Patrick Monez, asked Hilo Circuit Court Judge Glenn Hara for supervised release or a bail reduction from $150,000 to $50,000, noting that Kahumoku is without a criminal record and that his home is with his wife and mother in Hilo.
Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Munoz asked the judge to keep the bail at $150,000, with the bail report noting that Kahumoku reported that he has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, is receiving medical treatment and has completed a drug treatment program. Hara said he believed that Kahumoku remains of risk to the public and maintained a bail amount of $150,000. A trial is set for April 11.
Kahumoku is known for his `ukulele building workshops for keiki in Ka`u. He also collaborated with many of the classic Hawaiian slack key players and composers and brought many of them to Ka`u to teach and give free concerts, from his father George Kahumuku, Jr. and uncle Moses Kahumoku, to the late Dennis Kamakahi, John Keawe, Sonny Lim, Ka`u-raised Ledward Ka`apana, Jeff Peterson, Daniel Ho, and many more. Five Hawaiian music albums on which he performed with the masters won Grammy Awards. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

George Szgetti, President & CEO of Hawaii Tourism Authority, with
Sen. Mazie HIrono and Mayor Harry Kim

THE NEW DIRECT FLIGHT BETWEEN JAPAN AND HAWAI`I ISLAND was met with great fanfare by Sen. Mazie Hirono, Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim yesterday.
The direct flights are expected to attract more people to Ka`u in their travels from Kona to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight is a new direct route from Haneda Aiport in Tokyo to Kona International Airport. It replaces the Japan Airline direct route that stopped flying years ago, leading to the international part of the Kona terminal with its federal oversight shutting down in 2010.
“Today’s flight is the culmination of years of effort to reestablish international flights outside of North America to Kona, which is important for the Hawai`i Island economy,” said Hirono. “The visitors we welcomed today will only be the first to experience our unique culture and everything that makes Hawai`i a special place.”
Hirono wrote to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Fox to urge him to approve Hawaiian Airlines’ application for the direct route. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines’ application on May 13, 2016.
Hirono also toured the new Federal Inspection Services facility at Kona International Airport, which will process international visitors who fly directly to and from Kona. After the FIS facility closed in 2010, Hirono worked with federal, state, and County officials, and community and business leaders to reestablish the facility.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Gov. David Ige and Sen. Mazie Hirono welcome the first direct
flight between Haeda and Kona on Hawaiian Airlines.

HAWAI`I IS HEALTHIEST STATE FOR FIFTH YEAR in a row, according to a rating this month by America's Health Rankings.
The state is in the top three for such healthy attributes such as people having health insurance and public health funding, clinical care, using seatbelts and eating vegetables. Hawai`i has a lower heart attack, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and mental distress rate than most other states. Income disparity is not as extreme as in most states.
Where Hawai`i ranks low, however - in the bottom ten - is in lack of water fluoridation, people not getting enough sleep, salmonella infections, chronic, excessing and binge drinking of alcohol. There is also a possible underreporting of diabetes and pre-diabetes, the report states.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A WARNING ABOUT DRUGS AND ADDICTION was issued yesterday by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. She stated that, "Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that heroin deaths now exceed gun homicides. The same data also found that opioids cause almost two-thirds of all drug-related overdoses in the U.S. Let that sink in. At the heart of this problem is the fact that prescription drug companies like Purdue Pharma are lying about how dangerously addictive these drugs are, just to increase their bottom line. They must be held accountable."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NA`ALEHU FRUIT STAND has gone on the market for $625,000. Once the recommendation of many Big Island guide books in English and Japanese , the former fresh food grocery, pizzeria, bakery and snack store featured plantation days memorabilia, and various pizza, health food and take out meals.

Na`alehu Fruit Stand in its hey day, as featured in the Momona
Japanese guide book. Historic photos from Momona

Na`alehu Fruit Stand featured fresh
island foods.

Current state of Na`alehu Fruit Stand
Photo from Diana Prentess

However, it shut down years ago and the building sits empty and deteriorated on 1.94 acres and is zoned RS-7.
The site also includes a structure that was formerly a real estate office, school library and windsurfing shop. Over a half acre is zoned Commercial on Highway 11. Almost one and a half acres is zoned Residential. There are 11 buildings of record and all are unoccupied.
The real estate listing says, “The value is in the zoning and its perfect location in the beautiful quaint town of Na`alehu with heavy traffic daily. Tour buses and visitors are passing through to see the volcano and also sample Ka`u’s delicious award winning coffee.”

Jars with specialties lined the shelves.
Photos from Momona

The listing realtor is Diana Prentess. She said that “Hopefully someone would be able to purchase it to turn it into a cultural center, coffee stop, or health food store.”
It was opened and operated by John Santangelo, a former County Council member.

FIREWORK PERMITS BECOME AVAILABLE THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, according to a statement from the Hawai`i Fire Department. The closest location is J. Hara Store in Kurtistown. Each permit is $25 an entitles the permittee to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Setting off firecrackers with permits is allowed only between the hours of 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

www.kaucalendar.com

Jules Tavernier painted a Full Moon over Kīlauea in 1887 and created a Panorama of Kīlauea, which was
employed to promote visitors coming to the volcano. See story below in Volcano Watch.

“RECOMMIT TO THE VALUES OF ALOHA – treating others with respect, care and love,” is the recommendation of U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in a holiday message to constituents. “Right now, our politics are undergoing a fundamental shift that requires all of us” to focus on aloha, she said.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard asks for re-commitment
to aloha.

Gabbard promises that when she returns to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 3, she will continue “the movement for change that we’ve created together. We will continue our efforts to end the counterproductive regime change war in Syria, rein in corruption on Wall Street, safeguard our environment from greedy corporations, and protect working families by stopping bad trade deal like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”
“As we head into 2017, we must focus on putting forward solutions and our plan to serve all Americans. That means pursuing a vision of this country where the ultra rich cannot game our political and economic systems for their own benefit, on the backs of struggling working families. It means ensuring that our government is one that protects and values our civil liberties, diversity, justice, and equality. It means fighting to pass the Stop Arming Terrorists Act that I introduced to end our government’s absurd policy of providing direct and indirect support to those allied with al Qaeda and ISIS, as they fight to overthrow the Syrian government, stated the Congresswoman.
“It means an agenda that says the mass incarceration policies that have afflicted our country for far too long are unacceptable and must be reformed. It means raising our voices to protect our most precious resource - water - essential to our ability to live and thrive. It means working to raise the minimum wage so working people don’t have to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent—and a movement that ensures the LGBT community has the same rights and freedoms as all Americans. Now is a time for us to lead a new generation of progressive politics into the future,” stated Gabbard. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AN ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTE WAS CAST FOR TULSI GABBARD FOR VICE PRESIDENT this week, but was disallowed by the Secretary of State of Minnesota, according to the publication Minnesota Lawyer this morning. The story says that "Muhammad Abdurrahman, the 'Faithless Elector,' wants to protest a Minnesota law that requires members of the Electoral College to follow the statewide vote," which went to Clinton. When the elector "disregarded a pledge he made to vote for the Hillary Clinton/Timothy Kaine ticket and cast his vote for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawai`i, for vice president," Minnesota Secretary of State "Steve Simon promptly nullified it and substituted a Clinton elector, the procedure required by the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act, Minn. Stat. sec. 208.40.," reports the publication. The elector said he plans to sue to have his vote reinstated.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

PROTECT FAMILY PLANNING is the aim of Sen. Mazie Hirono and 33 Senate Democrats who sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump today, urging him to oppose any efforts by Republicans to restrict federal funding from supporting Title X family planning centers. The letter says:

Sen. Mazie Hirono

“President-elect Trump, women across the country have reason to be deeply concerned about the impact your administration could have on their health, their access to care, and therefore their economic security,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to take clear position in favor of women’s health by supporting access to birth control and family planning services at Planned Parenthood and other Title X clinics nationwide.”

Hirono and 33 Senators wrote to President-elect
Donald Trump this month concerning women's
health care and his upcoming administration.
Photo from Planned Parenthood

The Senators call on President-elect Trump to implement the final Title X rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) on Dec. 14. This final rule reinforces existing protections in the Title X program to ensure no qualified health care provider, such as Planned Parenthood, is excluded from eligibility for federal funding. The final Title X rule strengthens protections for women and LGBT individuals to ensure they can continue to access safe and affordable health care, said a statement from Hirono.
The Title X family planning provider network is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. Four out of ten women who received care at health centers funded by Title X consider it to be their only source of health care, said Hirono.

The letter to Trump begins by saying, "We write to express our great concern regarding the protection of our nation’s family planning centers in the next Congress and under your Administration. The economic security of women and their families is directly tied to a woman’s access to reproductive health care, including birth control and counseling."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Tosanoides Obama was named after the U.S. President Barack Obama recently after he helped make the Northern Hawaiian
Islands into the largest marine preserve on Earth. Photo from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

TOSANOIDES OBAMA is the name of a newly identified fish living in Hawaiian waters. This week, scientists from Bishop Museum, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Association for Marine Exploration published a description of the coral reef fish they named after President Barack Obama. Tosanoides obama, was discovered during a June 2016 NOAA research expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The study is published in the open-access scientific journal ZooKeys.

Obama receives photo of his namesake fish from
marine biologist Sylvis Earle.
Photo from Papahānaumokuākea Monument

"We named this fish after President Obama to recognize his efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment, including the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea," said Richard Pyle, Bishop Museum scientist and lead author of the study.
"This expansion adds a layer of protection to one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth."
On Aug. 26, at the urging of Sen. Brian Schatz, Native Hawaiian leaders, conservationists, and many marine scientists, Obama expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. At 582,578 square miles, it is the largest permanent marine protected area on Earth. On Sept. 1, the president was given a picture of the fish that now bears his name during his trip to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge within the Monument. The photograph was presented to Obama by famed undersea explorer Sylvia Earle, and the exchange will be featured in the National Geographic film, Sea of Hope: America's Underwater Treasures, to be released Jan. 15.

The Obama fish loves coral and is endemic to Hawai`i.

Photo from Papahānaumokuākea Marine Monument

The small pink and yellow fish is a kind of basslet, a group that includes many colorful reef fishes popular in the marine aquarium fish trade. There are two other species in the genus Tosanoides, both from the tropical northwestern Pacific Ocean, including southern Japan. Males of the new species have a distinctive spot on the dorsal fin near the tail, which is blue around the edge and red with yellow stripes in the center.
The new fish is also unusual in that it is the only known species of coral reef fish endemic to the Monument (meaning that this species is not found anywhere else on Earth). All other reef fish species found within Papahānaumokuākea also occur either in the main Hawaiian Islands or Japan.
"Endemic species are unique contributions to global biodiversity," said NOAA scientist Randall Kosaki, chief scientist of the research cruise and co-author of the study. "With the onslaught of climate change, we are at risk of losing some of these undiscovered species before we even know they exist."

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest
marine reserve on Earth.

The new fish was first seen and collected on a dive to 300 feet at Kure Atoll, 1200 miles northwest of Honolulu. Kure Atoll is the northernmost emergent land of the Hawaiian Islands, and is the highest latitude coral atoll in the world. Deep coral reefs at depths of 150 to 500 feet, also known as mesophotic coral ecosystems, or the "coral reef twilight zone," are among the most poorly explored of all marine ecosystems. Deeper than divers using conventional scuba gear can safely venture, these reefs represent a new frontier for coral-reef research. Using advanced mixed-gas diving systems known as closed-circuit rebreathers, scientists like Pyle and co-authors Brian Greene and Randall Kosaki have been characterizing previously unexplored deep reefs throughout Hawai'i and the insular Pacific.
This is the second new species of fish named from Papahānaumokuākea this year. In August, Pyle and Kosaki published the description of a new species of butterflyfish Prognathodes basabei; based on specimens collected at Pearl and Hermes Atoll earlier this year. Elsewhere, Obama also has a trapdoor spider, a speckled freshwater darter (fish), and an extinct lizard named after him.
The study on the Obama fish was published on Dec. 21\in the peer-reviewed scientific journal ZooKeys, and is available online at http://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=11500. On the web: http://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/news/obama_fish.html To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Kīlauea Cyclorama at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, with a statue of Madame Pele, above the entrance, standing
on a lava flow and holding a flame. See https://chicagology.com/columbiaexpo/fair052/.

NINETEENTH CENTURY VIRTUAL REALTY BRINGS HAWAI`I VOLCANO TO LIFE, says this week's Volcano Watch, issued by scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The scientists point out: "The simulation of real and imaginary worlds for video games, movies, and other purposes has become big business in the 21st century. Virtual reality technology is improving rapidly, but the basic concept is not new.

Jules Tavernier

"In the late 19th century, several artists were perfecting the portrayal of the fiery hues and breathtaking spattering of Kīlauea’s lava lake. The most prominent of these painters was Jules Tavernier, who was trained in France and already well known in California before he moved to Hawaiʻi in 1884. Inspired by the active lava lake within Kīlauea Crater, Tavernier created several paintings of various sizes that have remained iconic views of the lava lake’s activity during that period.
In 1888, Tavernier went one step further and created what we would now call a virtual reality depiction of Kīlauea volcano— the Panorama of Kīlauea, an 11-foot tall canvas arranged in a circle with a 90-foot circumference
"The Daily Bulletin (a Honolulu newspaper) described the viewer’s experience: “On reaching the platform [at the center surrounded by the canvas] from which the visitor gazes, the scene becomes impressive. Standing in the very center of the crater, with Halemaumau … and the Volcano House in their proper positions they appear as realistic as can be. The longer the visitor gazes, the stronger becomes the impression, until he fancies that he is actually in Kilauea.”
"The Panorama of Kīlauea was exhibited in the Hawaiian Kingdom for a while before being shipped to the United States. It eventually ended up in Washington, D.C., for public exhibition. Unfortunately, neither this valuable canvas nor any photos of it have ever been found.
"A few years later, Lorrin A. Thurston, a rising political leader of American missionary descendants and expatriates in the Hawaiian Kingdom, was looking for ways to accelerate tourism and to encourage Americans to settle in Hawaiʻi. He proposed a Hawaiʻi exhibit at the Chicago World’s Fair to open in 1893.
"After the success of Tavernier’s Panorama of Kīlauea, Thurston thought that a larger cyclorama of Kīlauea “could be used advantageously to advertise Hawaii.” Thurston’s cyclorama was 50 feet high with a circumference of 400 feet—more than four times the size of Tavernier’s panorama.

Lorrin A. Thurston took a volcano
display to the Chicago World's
Fair in 1893

"The Chicago Times newspaper described the cyclorama viewer’s experience: “The observation platform … places the visitor in the same position that he would occupy if he stood on the brink of the [Halemaʻumaʻu] pit in the vast crater of the volcano [Kīlauea]. … The horizon will present the outlines of … [Mauna Loa’s] snow-capped summit, from which issue delicate clouds of smoke, telling of the slumbering fires beneath her crest. Further along the eye meets Mauna Kea, the volcano house, and the blue sea. In the middle distance is the ragged side walls of the first great breakdown, seamed and furrowed with cracks and jagged edges, where the rocks have been rent by many an earthquake. Beneath his foot will be the lakes of fire, liquid lava, foaming, dashing, leaping in the wildest confusion. The floor will be a facsimile of the floor of the crater in every detail, built up of lava, and the fire effects secured by the use of electricity in the most ingenious and complicated contrivances. The observer will stand on lava rock brought from Kilauea.”
"The Kīlauea cyclorama, accompanied by agricultural exhibits and a Hawaiian village, including musicians and hula dancers, was later exhibited at the San Francisco Midwinter Fair in 1894–1895, and at several more mainland expositions into the early 20th century.

" It is unknown how effective these exhibits were at attracting American visitors to Hawaiʻi, but Thurston’s cyclorama certainly provided an inexpensive way for thousands to experience

Kīlauea Volcano.

Visit the HVO website (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

www/kaucalendar.com

Christmas in the Country continues until Jan. 2 at Volcano Art Center Gallery, Photo from Volcano Art Center.

INTERVENTION IN HELCO'S RATE HIKE is the request filed Friday by Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance. The 80-page Joint Motion to Intervene in HELCO’s application for a 6.5 percent rate increase is before the Public Utilities Commission.
Life of the Land has been admitted into 41 PUC proceedings since 1971. It has also filed a motion to intervene on the side of the complainants in the PUC docket concerning the controversial Ocean View solar farms in Ka’u.
Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance focused their intervention on a variety of rate recovery issues, including climate change, safety, customer`s disconnecting from the grid, cutting out fat from the utility`s operating structure, the potential acquisition of a fossil fuel power plant, and changing from a cost-of-service rate model to a Performance Based Ratemaking using Performance Incentive Metrics.

“With the exception of the NextEra-HECO merger proceeding, rate cases are without rival, in terms of complexity and numeric intensity”, wrote Life of the Land's Vice President and energy guru, Henry Curtis.

Curtis wrote: “Today, we exist on a razor`s edge between the past and the future. Technological advances, and on-the-ground conditions, are rapidly evolving. What worked yesterday is significantly different today.
“The greatest changes are occurring on the grid-edge, or in the realm of what lies beyond the traditional utility-customer metered grid-interface. Hawai`i Rooftop solar, Net Energy Metering, Demand Response, the Internet of All Significant Things, voice-activated Bluetooth home electronic consumer appliances, smart home energy systems, residential energy storage systems including plug-and-play systems that can be installed in any room, and driverless electric vehicles are among the science-fiction things of yesteryear which are the realities of today."

“Fundamental questions arise. Is the utility seeking ratepayer funds to prop up and perpetuate a past which no longer exists, or is the utility creating a distributed platform which can serve as a building block for the future?
Curtis contends that the three main issues in a rate case are: What costs should be passed onto ratepayers? Which costs should not be passed on? What is the appropriate rate of return on equity for the utility?”
After costs, Curtis said, he is very concerned about safety while producing power on the Big Island – a huge issue for the Puna residents living near the geothermal plant. During the public hearing about the rate case, PUC commissioners were told that there have been 17 declared civil defense emergencies when toxic emissions from the power plant poisoned residents.

Curtis writes “The HELCO-Puna Geothermal Ventures (PGV) Power Purchase Contract clearly states that there are three different safety sub-issues: safety for the HELCO grid, safety at the PGV plant, and safety for HELCO customers. The contract binds PGV safety, with HELCO purchase, of geothermal energy.

“Currently HELCO customers face on-going toxic trespass due to intentional and unintentional emissions by the actions taken at the PGV plant. HELCO has failed to deal with this safety issue, states Curtis.
"The Commission has the kuleana to deal with safety issues. The Mission Statement of the Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission deals in part with safety.”
Curtis quotes from the PUC’s mission statement: “The Commission’s mission is to provide effective, proactive, and informed oversight of all regulated entities to ensure that they operate at a high level of performance so as to serve the public fairly, efficiently, safely, and reliably, while addressing the goals and future needs of the State in the most economically, operationally, and environmentally sound manner, and affording the opportunity for regulated entities to achieve and maintain commercial viability.”

Henry Curtis
Photo by Big Island Video News

Curtis explains: “Tropical Storm Iselle levelled Albizia trees, forcing residents to stay home. The Puna Geothermal Plant did not shut down; the plant was kept operational due to demands by HELCO. Unanticipated toxic emissions blanketed the neighborhood. Trapped residents suffered. Civil Defense told people to leave the area, but they were trapped by fallen trees blocking roads. Ratepayers should not pay utility costs incurred while being trapped in their homes.
“Customer exit or bypass is a hot button issue. The edge of the grid is becoming less firm. Demand Response and Rooftop Solar enable residents to provide power, as well as frequency and voltage regulation, to the grid. Should customers be allowed to leave the grid?
“Should the utility give incentives to the ten largest customers? According to HELCO, the 10 largest customers account for 16.4 percent of electric sales by the utility. Furthermore, the ten entities have “demonstrated the ability to self-generate as a number of them have either installed or plan to install PV, wind or hydroelectric systems.”
“Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance have a position that customer exit is not the boogeyman, and it may be the optimal solution of the future.
“The issue of whether the loss of a single customer harms all other customers has never been addressed. Conversely, does unlimited growth benefit everyone, since the utility will gain new customers? Or is it a one-sided equation, where if the utility gains one customer and losses another customer, it is a net loss for everyone, because gains don`t count, but losses do count?
“If the State goals are to increase the use of renewable energy and decrease greenhouse gases, while maintaining reasonable rates, how does grid connection matter?

Life of the Land and Puna Pono state that residents have been blanketed by toxic
emissions from the geothermal plant. Photo from Puna Pono

“Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance firmly believe that grid parity has been achieved on the Neighbor Islands. HELCO proposes to raise rates in the near term, and then add additional expenses with implementing the Smart Grid and for adding redundant layers of cybersecurity. On the other hand, battery prices will fall while their reliability will increase. Thus, there will be increasing cost justification for leaving the grid.
“Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance believe that those exiting the system should not be penalized. A true unbundled price comparison should be made between the different options for the future.
“The Hawai`i Legislature passed SB 120 SD1 in 2013. The governor signed the bill as Act 37. The bill encourages the Commission to replace the traditional cost-of-service rate model with one based on Performance Incentive Metrics. The use of the carrot-and-stick approach will be examined in this rate case. Life of the Land & Puna Pono Alliance supports the idea that PIMs should be addressed holistically as part of a broad incentives and penalties analysis. This is the approach suggested by Blue Planet Foundation and Hawai`i Solar Energy Association in the Commission`s decoupling proceeding.
“The Public Utilities Commission informed HELCO that it had to do a better job cutting costs. If the utility has cut fat from its system, it has done a poor job explaining it.This docket will examine ways of reducing utility costs. Unbundling rates is key, so everyone can understand what the cost of different services are, and so customers can pay only for those services that they want to get from the utility.
“HELCO asserted that greenhouse gas emissions can be discussed in future rate cases. Other utilities are not waiting for future rate cases. Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance believe that the issue of global warming, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions should be part of every utility docket. But ultimately, that is a policy decision to be made by the Commission.

Add caption

“The issue of climate change is not going away. It will be up to the States to take the necessary regulatory actions. The rise in ocean temperatures will result in a greater number of increasingly intense, tropical storms and hurricanes. As has been recently demonstrated, the Big Island is the most likely place to be hit.

“Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance support the idea that separate and independent companies should own generation and energy delivery systems. HELCO should not be allowed to purchase a fossil fuel plant in Honoka`a.”

Tuesday is the last day to file a Motion to Intervene or to Participate.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A NEW NON-PROFIT UTILITY FOR THE BIG ISLAND recently received approval from the Internal Revenue Service, which gave Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative its 501(c)(12) status. It joins more than 900 member-owned, community based utilities in the USA, which serve an estimated 42 million energy consumers.
Marco Mangelsdorf, HIEC director and spokesperson, stated. “Receiving this official approval is fantastic news. This sets the stage for HIEC to be an operating non-profit utility serving the Big Island. This is particularly important as both Hawai`i Electric Light Co and Hawaiian Electric Co. roll out new electric rate increases. Cost control and efficiency are core to a cooperative, not shareholder profits.”

The new status for a new player in the energy field comes after the PUC failed to approve the Next Era takeover of Hawaiian Electric Industries and its subsidiaries HECO, HELCO and Maui Electric Co. These subsidiaries are about to unveil their latest Power Supply Improvement Plans and rate increases are pending.
“The consideration of the cooperative ownership structure is timely, relevant and presents an opportunity to make critically important decisions about how Hawai`i Island will meet our state’s clean energy objectives in the most cost effective way possible” adds Mangelsdorf.
“We first sought to get a seat at the table in early 2015 as the docket on the HEI-NextEra was opened,” noted HIEC president Richard Ha. “Those of us who founded HIEC were convinced that the tumblers had fallen into place for us to do all that we could to try and replicate the success that Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative \has been achieving on the Garden Island. We got our seat and are excited about the future.”

Energy guru and commentator Henry Curtis wrote a blog item entitled “Should HELCO be Sold to a Non-Profit?” Curtis states that being recognized as a non-profit utility by the IRS will enable the new entity to pursue one of three courses.
A top-down approach would involve buying HELCO from its parent company Hawaiian Electric Company, through a deal with the shareholders of Hawaiian Electric Industries, and the approval of the Public Utilities Commission. HIEC would borrow a billion dollars and spent a year or two in regulatory arenas.
A bottom-up approach would involve establishing a micro-grid within HELCO`s geographic footprint, perhaps in conjunction with Parker Ranch, and gradually increasing its size, until it rivalled or displaced HELCO.
A third approach would involve threatening one of the above, forcing HELCO to lower its rates, and to become more responsive to its customers.

Richard Ha has been a longtime advocate of an alternative
to HELCO. Photo from Richard Ha

Curtis also explains how HEI may see the sale as a poor proposition: “Some have speculated that HEI would resist selling HELCO to HIEC. If such action resulted in lower rates, then MECO and HECO would be next. If the sale resulted in worse conditions for Big Island residents, then HEI would be blamed for agreeing to the sale. To overcome this resistance, the price tag to HEI shareholders would have to be substantial.”

Curtis asks what, if anything, would change when he writes “One issue that would have to be resolved is whether the transfer of assets would simply involve replacing the owners and restructuring taxes, or if the sale would actually change policies, such as the role of geothermal and the possible use of LNG.” Discussing the his

tory of such acquisitions, Curtis writes:
“There have been several successful and unsuccessful efforts to acquire electric utilities in Hawai`i beyond NextEra`s recent failure to acquire the Hawaiian Electric Companies.
The top-down successes included Hawaiian Electric Co. purchase of Maui Electric Co. in 1968 and Hawai`i Electric Light Company in 1970, Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative purchase of Citizens Utility Corp.'s Kaua`i Electric Division in 2002, and Larry Ellison`s purchase of Lana`i utilities.
“An alternative top-down approach was the creation of Hawaiian Electric Industries holding company by HECO in 1981-83. “Top down failures to date included the first proposal by KIUC to acquire Citizens Kauai Electric Division in 2000, the proposal by Ku`oko`a to acquire the HECO Companies and Puna Geothermal Ventures , and the failed proposal by Princeton Energy Group to create Ikehu Moloka`i.
“Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative is currently proposing to acquire HELCO, and Parker Ranch is currently proposing to develop a Waimea Microgrid.
“Bottom up efforts have included the establishment Camp Smith`s Inner and Outer Microgrid in Aiea, the creation of a small-scale microgrid at the VERGE Energy conference held in Honolulu last June, and Hickam Air Force Base`s proposed microgrid.
“There have been proposals for several other microgrids at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority on the Big Island, a Maui Community College microgrid, and the effort by Larry Ellison’s Lanai Resorts LLC to hire Byron Washom to develop a Lana`i microgrid.”
“Some utilities have considered acquiring other utilities. At one point HECO considered acquiring the Kaua`i utility before KIUC succeeded. The Gas Company considered acquiring the HECO Companies”, added Curtis.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Latest Images