The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Churches around Ka`u held services for Christmas last night and today, this one at Na`alehu Methodist.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U FOOD PANTRY holds its next distribution this Tuesday, Dec. 27 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-mauka. The new hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 9 a.m. Ka`u Food Pantry, Inc. is staffed entirely with volunteers and is a non-profit agency with the mission to feed the hungry of Ocean View. About 150 families are served by Ka`u Food Pantry. The program is designed to provide one to three days of nutritious food to help people who run short of money, benefits or food by the end of the month.
Donations of non-perishible food items and funding are welcomed. Ka`u Food Pantry is able to purchase food from the Hawai`i Food Basket for 18 cents a pound. One dollar can buy a half a case of food to help the community. Cash donations may be deductible under IRS Code 501. Write checks to St,. Jude's with Food Pantry on the memo line. One hundred percent of any donation goes to the Food Pantry. Send to St. Jude's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 6026, Ocean view, HI 96737.
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Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and husband Abraham Williams

AS FAMILIES JOINED TOGETHER FOR THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spent holidays in Hawai`i surfing with her husband, Abraham Williams, Gabbard pointed out today that many U.S. military people are shipping out to war zones.
Among them are 1,700 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team leaving for Iraq. One of their large packages this Christmas season is comprised of 232 pounds of gear. "We must not forget those who are currently deployed overseas, unable to spend time with their families and loved ones," wrote Gabbard.
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PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA and family are spending the holidays in Hawai`i. In their Christmas Message, Michelle Obama pointed to the "ideas that we are our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper. That we should treat others as we would want to be treated. And that we care for the sick, feed the hungry and welcome the stranger no matter where they come from, or how they practice their faith."
Barack Obama said these values "help guide not just my family's Christian faith, but that of Jewish Americans, and Muslim Americans; nonbelievers and Americans of all backgrounds. And no one better embodies that spirit of service than the men and women who wear our country''s uniform and their families."

Pres. Barack and Michelle Obama issue Christmas message,
while staying in Hawai`i for the holidays.
Photo from the White House

The President said that "the greatest gift that Michelle and I have received over the last eight years has been the honor of serving as your President and First Lady. Together, we fought our way back from the worst recession in 80 years, and got unemployment to a nine-year low. We secured health insurance for another twenty million Americans, and new protections for folks who already had insurance. We made America more respected around the world, took on the mantle of leadership in the fight to protect this planet for our kids, and much, much more.

Gov. David Ige whose former liaison Wil Okabe is now Mayor
Harry Kim's Managing Director for Hawai`i County. Okabe
was also head of the Hawai`i teachers union.
Photo from HSTA

''By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we first got here. And I’m hopeful we’ll build on the progress we’ve made in the years to come," said Obama in his last Christmas Message as President.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. THE NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HAWAI`I COUNTY is Wil Okabe, the former East Hawai`i liaison for Gov. David Ige and a former president of the Hawai'i State Teachers Association - the teachers' union.

Okabe is Mayor Harry Kim's first appointment to his administration, confirmed by the Hawai`i County Council last Wednesday. Okabe spoke to the council members, saying he wants closer cooperation between the legislative body and the administration.

Okabe said that when Kim called him, it took him awhile to see the importance of the County managing director's job. "Harry's mission is to make sure that trust, honesty and integrity is at the utmost importance to this administration," he said. Okabe said these three word are an important aspect of Kim's administration. "What people want in this community is that we are fair, and to ensure that the services provided by this county is something we can be proud of."

Okabe said he can also his bring his knowledge of working with the state as the HSTA union leader and as the governor's liaison to his new county position and promote a good state and county relationship.
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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD MEETING, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10:30 a..m. is at St. Jude's Church. 929-9910.

Kilauea Military Camp with its cottages decorated in lights and an
opportunity to choose the best. Photo from KMC

NEW YEARS DAY BRUNCH, Sunday, Jan. 1 from 7 a.m. to noon at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Roast pork, chicken picata, omelet station, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, patties, bacon, fresh fruit and beverags. Adults $16.95, children 6-11 for $9.50. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356.

www.kaucalendar.com

Visitors enjoy a guided hike to Pu‘ū o Lokuana cindercone. See story on next year's Kahuku hikes below.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

2017 PRESIDENT FOR OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION will be Ron Gall, currently serving as Vice President. Gall takes over as President Sandi Alexander retires.

Ron Gall, new President of Ocean View
Community Association.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Gall was born and raised in Oregon where he was educated and worked until he retired in 2003. He moved to the Big Island, living first in Miloli`i, then Captain Cook. He and his wife Karen moved to Ocean View five-and-half years ago. After a year on the board, he became Vice President in February 2015.

Asked what he considered to be the biggest challenge of the new job, Gall replied, “Meeting the expectations of the community and being consistent.”

Gall summed it up: “We, who volunteer to work for the community, are often asked by prospective members ‘What do I get for my dues’ to which I have to reply that paying dues is a commitment to the community. I feel like JFK – telling them to not ask what the community can do for them, but what they can do for the community.

“I believe the association should bring people together – not just Ocean View, but all of Ka`u. We need to build community spirit. We rely on volunteers to man the office every weekday morning, to provide the annual Thanksgiving dinner, and other meals like the pancake breakfast.

“Dues are necessary just to cover our overhead. Insurance at $7,000 a year is a big expense towards keeping the Community Center open. Renting out the building is our biggest source of income, followed by dues, donations and advertising in the newsletter. This is not a country club. We need community support.

“I would like to see the community adopt new programs, such as cleaning up the neighborhood. But we also need to take care of necessities – like maintaining the building that dates back to 1979. It needs a new roof, so we need more members to join and help.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer, donate or otherwise help Ocean View Community Association can call Gall at 939-7033.
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Friendraiser hosted games for keiki.
Photos from Na`alehu School

THE FIRST FRIENDRAISER AT NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL drew about 150 people recently. ʻOhana and students gathered for fun, games, prizes, and, most importantly, to make new friends and strengthen existing bonds.

Fun on the field at the Na`alehu Schoo
Friendraiser event.

School staff and helpers volunteered their time to run booths and man the event. The community also supported the sixth graders in holding a successful bake sale during the day. Future fundraisers are planned to support the upcoming sixth grade graduation and banquet.
Student council advisors and sixth grade teachers, Amberly Keohuloa and Nellie Davis, thanked Punalu’u Bake Shop, KTA, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee Truck, McDonalds, Hana Hou, Edmund C. Olson, Fitzner Custom Welding, Thomas King Custom Wood Work and Wong Yuen Store for their donations. They also thanked teachers, staff, and the planning committee for all of their hard work in making sure this day happened for all and principal Darlene Javar, "for letting it all happen," they said in a statement.

Nellie Davis and Amberly Keohuloa,
student council advisors and sixth
grade teachers at Na`alehu School.

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KA`U FOOD PANTRY holds its next distribution tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 27 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-mauka from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are welcomed, beginning at 9 a.m. Ka`u Food Pantry, Inc. is staffed by volunteers, the non-profit agency's mission to feed the hungry of Ocean View. About 150 families are served by Ka`u Food Pantry, providing one to three days of nutritious food to help people who run short of money, benefits or food by the end of each month.

Donations of non-perishible foods and funding are welcomed. Ka`u Food Pantry is able to purchase food from the Hawai`i Food Basket for 18 cents a pound. One dollar can buy a half a case of food to help the community. Cash donations may be deductible under IRS Code 501.

Write checks to St,. Jude's with Food Pantry on the memo line. One hundred percent of any donation goes to the Food Pantry. Send to St. Jude's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 6026, Ocean view, HI 96737.
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FREE GUIDED HIKES AT KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are scheduled for January through March, 2017. Visitors can also explore Kahuku on their own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. Entrance and all programs are free.

Visitors enjoy a guided hike to Pu‘ū o Lokuana cindercone.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone - Take a short, guided hike to an overlook located on the Upper Palm Trail. From the overlook, park rangers point out the prominent geologic features that define the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the eruptions that created these features and the cultural traditions associated with them. The Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone program is offered Jan. 7 and March 25; from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Pu‘u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy an expansive view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike is offered Jan. 8, Feb. 5 and March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Birth of Kahuku. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcano features and formations, and identify many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. This guided easy-to-moderate hike is offered Jan. 14 and March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Jan. 15, Feb. 19 and March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Jan. 21, Jan. 29, Feb. 26, and March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS Photo/Sami Steinkamp

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua - Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is offered Jan. 22, Feb. 12, and March 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Pele & Hi‘iaka. - Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pelehonuamea (Pele) and Hi‘iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi‘iaka and Pele program is offered Jan. 28 and Feb. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku - Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. This hike is offered Feb. 11 and March 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Keep up with Kahuku events and visit the calendar on the park website, https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm, and download the Kahuku Site Bulletin https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/2013_11_05-Kahuku-Site-Bulletin.pdf.

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`Alalā, are back in captivity after their recent reintroduction into the wild with two of the five surviving after
a short time in the forest near Volcano. Photo from National Park Service

TWO YOUNG ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN CROWS, the `Alalā, were moved back into an aviary at the State of Hawai‘i’s Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve last week, as conservationists work to overcome challenges faced by the birds during their reintroduction. A joint news release issued today from San Diego Zoo Global, the state Department of Land& Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service states: "A group of five birds were released into the protected reserve on Dec. 14. Although the birds had been observed doing well and eating from feeders placed in the area, three birds were found dead over the last week. The confirmed cause of the deaths is currently unknown but conservationists hope to gather information about what happened to the birds through necropsy examinations."

Condolences have come from around the world since three of five‘Alalā perished

after their recent release into the forest. The surviving two have been placed back

into an aviary. Photo from San Diego Zoo

John Vetter, a wildlife biologist with the DLNR's Division of Forestry & Wildlife, said, “Some level of mortality is to be expected when reintroducing a species back into the wild and we were prepared for that possibility. The initial days of release are always the most difficult stage of any release program, and the level of uncertainty is also highest with the first release cohort. We decided to recapture the remaining birds to ensure their safety while we await the results of the necropsies, so that we can learn, respond, and continue to strive for the long-term success of the ‘Alalā.”
Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve is an area that conservationists have worked to preserve, protecting native plants and species, and it represents the type of habitat where ‘Alalā originally lived before their numbers began to decline. The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers managed by San Diego Zoo Global's Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.
Bryce Masuda, conservation program manager of the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, remarked, “The loss of these three birds is difficult for the entire community, including the many people who have cared for these birds since their hatch and have worked steadfastly to prepare for their release. Condolences for this loss have come from around the world.”

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HMSA's Telehelath Kiosk will be available to
the public at the Resource Distance and
Learning Center. Photo from Ka`u Rural
Health Community Association

HMSA'S FIRST TELEHEALTH ONLINE KIOSK IN KA`U will be dedicated at the Ka`u Rural Health Community Association's Resource Distance and Learning Center on Friday, Jan. 13. The public is invited to the ceremony and also to video chat with a doctor at no cost. The dedication, ceremony and demonstration of online telehealth care begin at 11 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. The location is 96-3126 Puahala St., Pahala, near the Pahala Library.
Hawai`i Medical Service Association's certified and approved telehealth services are open not only for HMSA subscribers but also the general public, starting in January. HMSA officials say they are motivated to provide health care close to people's homes.
HMSA's description of its telehealth services states that consumers can talk to local credentialed physicians from HMSA's participating provider network, live on-demand. Sessions will be secure and private, using internet-based videoconferencing, secure chat, or telephone. Physicians can review claims and other health information the patient makes available, talk with patients, prescribe medications as physicians deem appropriate and consistent with standards of care, and recommend follow-up care. Session notes will be maintained electronically, and can be forwarded upon patient request to primary care physicians.

HMSA's telehealth program is overseen by an executive board and government health care regulators, much like visits to a doctor in an office, clinic or hospital.
On its website, HMSA states that telehealth helps achieve affordable visits without an appointment. "Online Care doctors can help with sudden or acute conditions like bronchitis, or ear and sinus infections." They can help with "chronic conditions like allergies, diabetes or hypertension; common conditions like headaches, colds, or the flu, and managing multiple medications, side effects or drug interactions." Online care can also help in "Getting you on track with your health and well-being goals," according to HMSA.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS provided by the State of Hawai`i to taxpayers totaled $112.1 million in in 2014, slightly down from the 2013, according to the tax credits report released by the state Department of Taxation earlier this month. 2014 is the last year for which there’s data available. The Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Credit offers taxpayers who install rooftop solar systems a tax credit for 35 percent of the cost and a 20 percent credit for wind-powered systems. For single-family homes, the amount of the credit was capped at $5,000 for solar energy systems and $1,500 for wind-powered systems. For commercial operators, the credit was capped at $500,000 for wind or solar systems.
The report said that close to 15,000 tax filers made claims totaling $112.1 million in 2014, which amounted to 35 percent of all tax credit dollars claimed for that year. This is lower than 2013 when the state gave out $118.3 million in renewable energy tax credits. In 2012, a still record-setting $164 million in credit dollars were claimed, at the height of the solar photovoltaic industry.

Pakini Nui wind farm. Photo by Ann Bosted

For the three-year period from 2012 to 2014, more than $394 million was claimed, by far the largest sum of any of the state’s tax credits. This tax credit provides an incentive for Hawaiian families to install rooftop solar systems, as they are able to claim refunds of 35 percent of the cost from the state of Hawai’i as well as 30 percent on federal taxes. According to HELCO, there are nearly 11,000 customer-owned rooftop solar systems on the Big Island.

The very popular Net Energy Metering program, whereby an owner of a solar system could earn a credits for electricity after the sun went down in return for surplus daytime power, ended in October 2015. Under the NEM program, most household electricity bills could be as low as $25 per month, depending on how the project was financed. The end of the NEM program also ended the “boom and bust” cycle which ran from 2011 to 2015, during which time local solar installation companies’ revenues were up.
State and Federal Energy credits are also a huge incentive for overseas companies to install utility-sized solar farms, such as the one planned for Ocean View by SPI Solar, an international corporation which is based in Shanghai. SPI Solar wants to build a 6.75 megawatt utility-scale solar installation in a rural town under the Feed In Tariff Program.

This project is now on hold following a Formal Complaint filed with the Public Utilities Commission by Ocean View residents. If the PUC allows the project to proceed, as HELCO argues is should, then SPI Solar will sell power to HELCO for 23.8c per kWh, which is roughly ten cents higher than four recently permitted solar farms, according to a story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser on Sept. 14.

Industrial solar farms incentivized by federal and state
tax credits. Photo by Ann Bosted

In a February 2013 study, the University of Hawai`i Economic Research Organization revealed that the state renewable energy tax credit could cost $1.4 billion in lost revenue based on 1,100 megawatts of installed systems. The Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Credit was 35.2 percent of the total tax credits claimed in tax year 2014. Some 14,902 claims were filed for the renewable energy systems credits. The majority of the credits were for solar systems with 14,144 solar claims filed. Roughly $55 million in tax credits went to individuals who installed solar systems. Corporations received $42 million in tax credits for solar systems. Claims totaling about $39,000 were filed by individuals for wind systems.
The solar industry has been struggling since the state ended the NEM solar incentive program in October 2015. Net energy metering paid residents the full retail rate for excess electricity sent into the grid.
The state PUC replaced NEM with two programs called “grid-supply” and “self-supply.” Grid-supply credits customers roughly 8 cents less than those who enrolled in NEM. Self-supply encourages the use of batteries as it prohibits customers from sending excess energy into the electric grid. The only program currently available is self-supply because the Big Island reached the limit the PUC placed on the amount of solar systems that could enroll in grid-supply earlier this year.

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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.

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www.kaucalendar.com

Keiki on the rocks and limu practice a catch and release at the annual O Ka`u Kakou Keiki Fishing Tournament coming up Jan. 21.
Photo by Peter Anderson

TELEHEALTH AT KA`U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION will be sponsored by HMSA. The first telehealth online kiosk in Ka`u will be dedicated at the Ka`u Rural Health Community Association's Resource Distance and Learning Center on Friday, Jan. 13. The public is invited to the ceremony and also to video chat with a doctor at no cost. The dedication, ceremony and
demonstration of online telehealth care begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. The location is 96-3126 Puahala St., Pahala, near the Pahala Library.

Ka`u Rural Health Community Association will
host the telehealth kiosk, sponsored by
HMSA. Photo from Ka`u Rural Health

Hawai`i Medical Service Association's certified and approved telehealth services are open not only for HMSA subscribers but also the general public, starting in January. HMSA officials say they are motivated to provide health care close to people's homes.
HMSA's description of its telehealth services states that consumers can talk to local credentialed physicians from HMSA's participating provider network, live on-demand. Sessions will be secure and private, using internet-based videoconferencing, secure chat, or telephone. Physicians can review claims and other health information the patient makes available, talk with patients, prescribe medications as physicians deem appropriate and consistent with standards of care, and recommend follow-up care. Session notes will be maintained electronically, and can be forwarded upon patient request to primary care physicians.
HMSA's telehealth program is overseen by an executive board and government health care regulators, much like visits to a doctor in an office, clinic or hospital.
On its website, HMSA states that telehealth helps achieve affordable visits without an appointment. "Online Care doctors can help with sudden or acute conditions like bronchitis, or ear and sinus infections." They can help with "chronic conditions like allergies, diabetes or hypertension; common conditions like headaches, colds, or the flu, and managing multiple medications, side effects or drug interactions." Online care can also help in "Getting you on track with your health and well-being goals," according to HMSA.

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THE NUMBER OF BARRELS OF IMPORTED OIL TO HAWAI`I has been cut by 41 percent since 2006, according to a new report from the the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. In 2015 Hawai`i imported 28.8 million barrels, nearly half of the 49 million barrels imported in 2006. The speedy growth of renewable sources of energy has driven down demand for oil over the past ten years, but the drop in the price of oil in 2015 has lead to an increase in consumption in 2015. The average oil price decreased by 47.5 percent to $48.8 per barrel in 2015 from $93 per barrel in 2014.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Hawai1i State Energy Office has released its 2016 Energy Resources Coordinator’s Annual Report, which highlights the policies and activities that have advanced the state approximately a quarter of the way toward its target of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.

Pakini Nui Windfarm is the largest in Ka`u and helps reduce the number of barrels of oil shipped here.
Photo by Peter Anderson

The 86-page report covers a wide variety of energy issues and highlights Hawai`i’s clean energy progress in the last 12 months. It showcases the Hawai`i State Energy Office’s policy and programs position the state as a clean energy leader. It is a fund of figures and statistics.

“Hawai`i`’s push to create a clean energy future is becoming a reality,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, & Tourism. “The state made tremendous strides to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, with about 25 percent of all electricity sales coming from renewable sources. We will continue to work toward our 100 percent renewable energy goal by engaging all stakeholders with collaboration, innovative thinking and a strong entrepreneurial drive.”
The 25 percent figure applies to the state of Hawai’i, where other islands lag behind the big island in terms of the percentage of electricity coming from renewable resources. The Big Island’s figure is 48.7 percent, while Maui’s is 35.4 [ercemt, Kaua`i’s is 27.3 percent and O`ahu is 17.2 percent.

Hawai`i is considered an ideal environment for
electric vehicles, with moderate temperatures and
high gas prices. Image from hawaiienergy.com

There is also good news to report in the effort to reduce petroleum use in the transportation sector. The popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, with EV registrations accelerating at a double-digit pace in 2016. By year’s end there were more than 5,000 EVs registered in Hawa`ii, a 26 percent increase over the same period a year earlier. Hawai`i is second in the nation (after California) in per capita EV registrations and a leader in charging facilities.
The report shows a map of all the renewable energy projects on all the islands. Of the state's 65 renewables projects, the Big Island has 17 projects generating a total of about 85 megawatts. The largest is in Ka`u. The Pakini Nui Wind Farm generates over 20 megawatts. There is no mention of the solar farm in Miloli`i which should contribute 1.25 megawatts to the grid, unless it is curtailed.
The report gives details of a “Billionaire Buy-in”, whereby wealthy individuals are investing in technology to counter the threat of climate change.

THE NINTH ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, presented by `O Ka`u Kakou, for children one to 14 years of age will be on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach Park Pavilions.

An aerial of the annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u
Photo by Vernon Harvey

Registration forms can be picked up and dropped off at Na`alehu Elementary School, Na`alehu Ace Hardware, Pahala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pahala, Pahala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Na`alehu, Wong Yuen Store in Wai`ohinu, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View and Ocean View Auto Parts.
Families are urged to register early as children pick their prizes in the order they are registered. Pre-registration ends at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
The fishing guidelines require hand pole fishing with barbless hooks; hand polls, fishing gear and bait provided by the tournament or brought from home. Those needing fishing equipment may be accommodated on a first-to register basis.
All fishing is catch and release.
The Keiki Fishing Tournament also involves a canned food drive for the needy.
For more information, contact Guy Enriques at 217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773.
Sponsors include Pacific Quest, S. Tokunaga Store, Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Cofee & Tea, LP, Suisan Co. Ka`u Mahi, County of Hawai`i, and state Department of Land & Natural Resources Marine Wildlife Program.

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

Pu`u O`o sends lava to the sea. Photo byAnn Bosted

THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE START of Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone's Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption will be Jan. 23, 2017. In this week's Volcano Watch, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists point out the following:

Given the duration of this eruption, people who were children when it began are now old enough to be parents, or possibly, grandparents. And, many Island of Hawaiʻi residents have never known a time when Puʻu ʻŌʻō was not erupting.
During the past 34 years, Kīlauea's East Rift Zone has seen a dizzying array of changes. High lava fountains gave way to tube-fed pāhoehoe flows. Vents opened, fed flows to the ocean, and were abandoned. Neighborhoods were buried by lava, rebuilt, and partly buried again.
On May 24, 2016, two new flows broke out on the flanks of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone on Kīlauea
Volcano's East Rift Zone. The silvery sheen of new lava erupting from the northern 61f breakout (center) and eastern 61g breakout (upper left) stands out in contrast to the older flows on and around Puʻu ʻŌʻō (right). The 61f flow stagnated within two weeks, but the 61g flow, which advanced downslope and reached the ocean on July 26, 2016, remains active today. USGS photo.
This past year was no exception. A new vent opened and formed a new lava flow that is still active today.

On May 24, 2016, two new flows broke out on the flanks of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone

on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone. The silvery sheen of new lava erupting

from the northern 61f breakout (center) and eastern 61g breakout (upper left)

stands out in contrast to the older flows on and around \Puʻu ʻŌʻō (right). The 61f

flow stagnated within two weeks, but the 61g flow, which advanced downslope

and reached the ocean on July 26, 2016, remains active today. USGS photo.

As the East Rift Zone eruption begins its 35th year, let's review what happened over the past 12 months.
When 2016 began, lava was erupting from the June 27th vent on the north flank of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone. This was the same vent that fed flows toward Pāhoa in 2014 and early 2015.
During late 2015 and early 2016, however, the vent fed surface breakouts over a broad area up to about 8 km (5 mi) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. These flows were upslope from communities in the island's lower Puna District, but were relatively weak and posed no threat to infrastructure.
As 2016 progressed, lava also began to erupt within the small crater atop Puʻu ʻŌʻō, suggesting that more magma was arriving at Puʻu ʻŌʻō than was being erupted. This culminated in two new breakouts on the north and east flanks of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone on May 24. The June 27th flow northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō gradually stagnated and ceased over the following week.
The northern May 24 breakout at Puʻu ʻŌʻō, called episode 61f, was dead by June 4. But the eastern breakout, called episode 61g, captured the entire output from Puʻu ʻŌʻō and kept going. Lava advanced downslope to the southeast, initially at rates of up to several hundred meters (yards) per day, and reached the top of the Pūlama pali on Kīlauea's south flank in late June.
Spectacular channelized ʻaʻā flows were visible for the next several days as lava streamed down the pali and puddled at its base. By early July, the 61g flow was back on the move and headed toward the ocean.

Multiple flows into the ocean. Photo courtesy of Lava Ocean Tours

Lava crept across the coastal plain over the following weeks and crossed the gravel emergency access road (constructed in 2014 when flows were threatening Pāhoa) on July 25. The 61g lava flow reached the ocean early the next day and began to build two lava deltas, known as the eastern and western Kamokuna ocean entries.

The western, and weaker, of the two lava deltas grew to about 6 acres in size before it was abandoned in late September. The eastern Kamokuna lava delta persisted, however, and by the end of 2016 was about 26 acres.
Kīlauea's East Rift Zone eruption settled in to a relatively consistent pattern of behavior this past year. Lava erupted from the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent was carried downslope through a lava tube, where it emptied into the ocean. Occasionally, short-lived breakouts of lava occurred along the tube, creating surface flows.
In a few instances, more substantial breakouts occurred from the vent itself, burying the upper end of the 61g flow field beneath new lava. The largest of these breakouts, to date, occurred on November 21, and sent lava to the east of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. This breakout was still active as of late December, advancing slowly—a few tens of meters (yards) per day—to the southeast along the edge of the older 61g flow. The 61g flows currently pose no threat to Puna communities.
As the New Year begins, we see no indication that Kīlauea's East Rift Zone eruption is about to change significantly or stop. This leads us to wonder, will it outlast another generation?
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PHILANTHROPIST RIGINA KAWANANAKOA, heiress to the Campbell estate and a member of Hawai`i’s royal family, died Dec. 10 at the age of 69 at her home in East O`ahu. Her family is known for holding title to large parcels of property in Ka`u. Her brother, Pi‘ikoi, owns 1,115 acres makai of the Hawaiian Ranchos neighborhood in Ocean View. It is adjacent to the 3,200 acres now owned by the County and to be conserved as open space. According to county records, he also owns about 200 acres mauka of Hawahi`i Ocean View Estates.

Princess Regina Kawananakoa in 2002
in historic costume in front of Iolani
Palace, a museum she supported.
Photo byDeborah Booker

Born in Honolulu, Regina Abigail Mary Wahiika`ahu`ula Keopuolani Kawananakoa was the eldest daughter of the late Edward Kawananakoa — a descendent of Kaua`i’s King Kaumuali`i and the great-great-granddaughter of 19th-century Hawai`i industrialist James Campbell — and Lila de Clark Whitaker.
Kawananakoa supported preservation and historical societies and was a lifetime member of the Friends of Iolani Palace, which works to preserve the one-time home of her great-great-grand uncle and aunt, King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani.
“Princess Regina was a philanthropist who exemplified the spirit of opualii — charitable generosity embodied in the actions of a true ali`i,” said Hailama Farden, a member of the Hale O Na Ali`i O Hawai`i, a Hawaiian royal society.
Kawananakoa was a member of various Hawaiian royal benevolent societies and participated in the Daughters of Hawai`i. She was also a lifetime member of the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, which was founded by her grand-aunt, Liliuokalani Kawananakoa, who also founded the Friends of Iolani Palace.
In 1999 she published a historical biography, Kaumuali`i: King of Kaua‘i, with Kristin Zambucka.
Kawananakoa spent much of her youth in California but returned to Hawai`i, where she married her first husband, Jim Bartels, the former curator and managing director of Iolani Palace and later director of Washington Place.
Recently she endorsed Mililani Trask of Kurtistown, who challenged Bob Lindsey as a candidate for the Office of hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on the Big Island.
A public service will be held Jan. 14 at St. Augustine-by-the-Sea Catholic Church at 130 Ohua Ave. in Waikiki. The public is welcome at 10 a.m. with services at 11 a.m. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

She is survived by her mother, who lives in Mexico; her son, Erik Linstrom Kawananakoa of Texas; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexandra and Lucas; her brothers, Edward, David, Quentin and Pi`ikoi; and an aunt, Marchesa Kapi`olani Kawananakoa Marignoli.
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Hawaiian sunsets help draw more visitors to
the Hawaiian Islands. Photo by Ann Bosted

TOURISM ARRIVALS ARE UP with 696,890 visitors arriving in Hawai’i last month - the most ever recorded for the month of November, and a 4.7 percent increase over November 2015. Visitors spent $1.2 billion on the islands, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to November last year, according to preliminary statistics released by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.
“Hawai`i’s tourism industry continued to build upon its momentum in November, recording the state’s best-ever totals for visitor arrivals and spending for the month,” said George Szigeti, CEO and president of HTA. In November, growth in visitor arrivals and higher average daily spending contributed to gains in total visitor spending.
Visitor spending by tourists from the western U.S. rose 5.1 percent to $457.3 million. Visitor spending from Japan rose 13 percent to $187.5 million. Spending from Canada rose 7.5 percent to $85.3 million in November, while visitor spending from all other international markets rose 11.4 percent to $236.4 million.
From those traveling from the U.S. East, despite an increase in visitors, lower daily spending led to a 4.5 percent drop in total visitor spending to $246.3 million, compared to November 2015.
There were 686,970 visitors who came by air, up 4.2 percent, compared to November last year, and 9,920 visitors who came via cruise ships, an increase of 56.8 percent.
Arrivals by air from U.S. West rose 2.3 percent to 293,744 and U.S. East arrivals rose 4.5 percent to 124,328.
Arrivals from Japan rose 4.6 percent to 125,982, while visitors from Canada rose 3.1 percent to 44,371 and all other international markets rose 9.5 percent to 98,544.
“Our state’s tax revenue base continues to benefit from tourism’s success,” Szigeti said. “Through November, Hawai`i’s tourism industry has generated $1.64 billion in state tax revenue, which is $64 million more than last year. December looks to be an outstanding month for tourism and will further add to this total.”
The HTA said it was the sixth consecutive month with a year-over-year increase in visitor spending on the Islands.
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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. MEETING is Friday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos Office.

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.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH is this Sunday, Jan. 1 at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored buests. Park entrance fees apply 9670835,

Firework displays have toned down in Ka`u since more than a thousand people came to Pahala to see the spectacular Rodney
Freitasshow in 2009. However, lots of backyard and street action is expected in all the villages.on Dec. 3 and Fire Chief
Darren Rosario warns everyone to be careful. See story below. Photo by Kris Bakken

Alina Jerong helped her famly to pick coffee and in 2011

became the first Marshallese community member to run

for Miss Ka`u Coffee. Now the Marshallese need child

care to free them up to help Ka`u Coffee farmers harvest

their crop. A picker shortage threatens the livelihood of

the farmers and health of Ka`u Coffee orchards.

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS' COFFEE PICKER SHORTAGE was covered by Hawai`i News Now this morning. John Ah San, President of the Palehu Coffee Cooperative, and Delvin Navarro, Vice-president of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, told the television news crew that coffee cherry left on coffee trees can lead to a large loss in the annual crop. Overripe coffee falling onto the soil can become a breeding ground for the dreaded coffee berry borer, which is already devouring a portion of the crop.
Ka`u Coffee contributes 1.5 million pounds of coffee a year to the famous grown-in Hawai`i coffee market.
Regarding the picker shortage, Ah San, told Lisa Kubota of Hawai`i News Now that "It's hard to recruit younger people so we're depending more on the Marshallese, migrant workers and a few local people. We've heard of several farmers not having enough pickers on time or couldn't get pickers and pretty much lost an entire round."
The unusual weather this year has led to an overlap in the picking season. Usually Kona starts first and at the end of the Kona season, coffee pickers move down to Ka`u. Kona farmers are still picking, leaving Ka`u short of pickers. Some farmers are losing their income and subjecting their farms to becoming a borer breeding ground.
Ka`u Coffee farmers are also hoping to keep up with picking to maintain their relationship with a major buyer, Starbucks.
Navarro told The Ka`u Calendar today that farmers are hoping to work out arrangements with the Marshallese community which has provided pickers for years but is running up against labor laws that prohibit bringing children to the fields and also require that pickers be paid minimum wage against pay per volume of coffee picked. Marshallese community people often pick by the pound at a family pace, taking breaks for the non-working children they bring with them. The mix of working and caring for family sometimes keeps the volume under the amount required to reach minimum wage.
Navarro said the farmers are working on organizing child care and a pre-school to satisfy the various Marshallese community groups so they can safely leave their children with teachers or caregivers while they pick coffee. "They are part of our community and we want to work with and help the Marshallese," said Navarro.
Miss Ka`u Coffee 2015 Maria Miranda has also been working with nonprofit organizations to help provide child care for Marshallese coffee pickers.

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Lucille wold enjoy the outdoors with
improvements at Ka`u Hospital.
Photo from Ka`u Hospital
Charitable Foundation

KA`U HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION is reaching out for funding to help long term patients enjoy gardening and other outdoor activities. One funding request tells the story of a resident named Lucile and says, "I met Lucille neary ten years ago as a volunteer. We have shreed many stories. She grew up in Ka'u, having lived both on the mountain and at the ocean. She even had a pet mongoose once. Ka`u is her favorite place on earth. Lucille loves flowers, especially roses. With your support, when the outdoor garden/lanai is completed, Lucille and the other residents who live at Ka`u Hospital can enjoy many wonderful times outdoors, including the beautiful flowers, warm breezes and scenery that will be accessible to them." Ka`u Hospital Chritable Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. One hundred percent tax-deducatible checks can be made out to Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation, Box 773, Pahala, HI 96777.

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HAWAI`I'S BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU has published a list of the Top 10 reported scams in 2016. The number of types of scams rose, and the people who reported being scammed in Hawai`i more than doubled this year. The BBB has an online scam tracker and encourages victims of scams to report the incident. Tax scams are still top for the year, despite a big crack down on a ring in India. According to news reports, there were 770 employees working at a Mumbai call center when a midnight raid by Indian police was conducted; 70 were charged with fraud and other crimes as a result of the raid.

The top scam is the tax scam (also known as the IRS scam), which has accounted for about one in four reports to BBB Scam Tracker during its first year of operation. The tax scam involves call center con artists posing as IRS agents in the U.S. and Canadian Revenue agents in Canada. They threaten their targets with financial penalties, lawsuits, deportation, and even arrest if they don’t pay the back taxes they supposedly owe. Some IRS impersonation scams are demanding tax payments be made with iTunes and other gift cards. In a typical week, BBB Scam Tracker receives approximately 200 reports on tax scams. That number has dropped to just 11 reports of this scam in the past week, nearly a 95 percent decline.
The BBB’s Top Ten list was compiled based on nearly 900 scam reports filed by consumers in Hawai`i on bbb.org/scamtracker, a free interactive online tool launched last year by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust. Not all reported scams resulted in lost money and consumers are encouraged to report any scam they come across using the BBB Scam Tracker.
As in 2015, tax scams (#1) and sweepstakes/prizes/gifts scams (#2) take the top two spots as the most-reported scams in 2016. New to the top ten list is online purchase scams (#7), which although common in 2015 was not added as a BBB Scam Tracker category until 2016. Credit repair/debt relief (#9) and fake check/money order (#10) scams are also new to the top ten.
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WITH NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATIONS BEGINNING, County of Hawai`i Fire Chief Darren Rosario has issued a safety notice and said he would like to remind the public that it is illegal for anyone to: Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle; set off any fireworks at any time not within the specified time periods, within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital oshelter, or church when services are held.
It is also illegal to set off fireworks on any school property without authorization from the said school official and on any public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.

Backyard and street side fireworks displays are expected throughout Ka`u on New
Years Eve. Photo by Julia Neal

The Fire Chief notes that it is illegal to offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult and to set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawai`i Lanterns; or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.
"The Hawai`i Fire Department humbly asks everyone to please Kokua in helping us to prevent fires, and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year. You can help us by: Using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the Holidays. Please help us, to help you, start the New Year off safely," said the fire chief.
He said that fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials and urged everyone to be sure Fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of. "Most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and/ or a water hose ready to use in the event of an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house. It’s also a great idea to wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off fireworks. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source."

For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).

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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.

NEW YEARS DAY BRUNCH, Sunday, Jan. 1 from 7 a.m. to noon at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Roast pork, chicken picata, omelet station, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, patties, bacon, fresh fruit and beverags. Adults $16.95, children 6-11 for $9.50. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356.

www.kaucalendar.com

Kilauea Military Camp offers a New Year's Eve Toast until midnight and a brunch on New Years Day. See more below.
Photo from Kilauea Military Camp

NEW YEAR'S DAY MARKS A HIKE IN MINIMUM WAGES for anyone working in Hawai`i. The new minimum wage will be $9.25 an hour, with another hike on Jan. 1, 2018 to $10.10. The increases, over time were put in motion by the 2014 Hawai`i Legislature when the minimum was at $7.25. It went to $7.75 on Jan. 1, 2015 and $8.50 on Jan. 1, 2016. Next year ends the series of minimum wage increases and new legislation would be needed to continue minimum wage hikes.

According to a story in this morning's Honolulu Star Advertiser, "The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations advocated for the increases partly on the premise that low-wage workers would spend most or all of the resulting additional income and stimulate economic activity, including more job creation."

Altres staffing reminds employers that the minimum wage increases tomorrow.

With unemployment at 3 percent in Hawai`i, "higher pay for largely entry-level jobs is expected to bubble up to more skilled jobs as employers face pressure to keep higher-paid positions competitive," states the Advertiser. The paper pointed out that minimum wage employees earn far less than most of the workforce in Honolulu. "A full-time worker at a minimum-wage job would earn $19,240 a year. That's about one-fourth of the $70,400 annual median income for a single person in Honolulu last year."

The Advertiser story also pointed to the Hawai`i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, which testified during wage-increase hearings that "thousands of low-income workers would benefit from higher minimum wages, especially given that the cost of living here is almost 60 percent more than the national average. Peter Mattson, a representative of nonprofit Partners in Care, said in written testimony that higher wages would help people escape poverty and homelessness. Patricia McManaman, director of the state Department of Human Services, said in 2014 that the four annual minimum wage steps were the right thing to do: 'It’s time for Hawai`i to ensure that (the) poorest of our wage workers can at least support their most basic needs.'”

See more at www.honolulu-advertiser.com.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. SENATORS ELIZABETH WARREN AND MAZIE HIRONO are teammates, according to a statement from Warren, issued on New Year's Eve:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren issued a statement saying
she and Mazie Hieono will stand up to
Donald Trump.

"There's only one way we're going to stop Donald Trump: By standing together. All of us. That's why I'm proud to stand alongside my friend, Sen. Mazie Hirono. Hard-working families in Hawai`i and all across the country can count on Mazie and me to fight for them in the U.S. Senate, every single day -- and to stand up to Donald Trump's dangerous policies that threaten America.
"Mazie is one of my closest allies in the Senate, said Warren, calling on Hawai`i residents to look ahead toward Hirono's reelection.
"Mazie and I both arrived in the Senate in 2013 at the start of President Obama’s second term. Since then, we've been allies on issue after issue -- fighting to advance comprehensive immigration reform, defend Obamacare, protect women's health, raise the minimum wage, and ensure equal rights for all Americans. And we're going to keep up that fight, with your help.

"Over the past eight years, our country has made incredible progress. We have boosted the economy with more than 15 million new jobs, delivered quality, affordable healthcare to more than 17 million Americans, and fought to defend civil liberties for countless more.
"But too many Americans still feel like the system is rigged for the millionaires and billionaires and giant corporations – and as Donald Trump prepares to take office (as much as it pains me to say that), that feeling will only get worse. All our progress hangs in the balance. We must fight to protect what we have won, and must fight our way forward," stated Warren.

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SEN. JOSHUA BOOTH GREEN, who represents west Ka`u into Kona in the Hawai`i Legislature, issued a News Year's Eve message this morning: "I want to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe New Year!"
Looking toward the opening of the Legislature in January, he said, "As chair of the Human Services Committee, I will be focused on protecting our state's safety net. This includes addressing the homelessness crisis, increasing our capacity to help people who suffer with addiction and mental illness, and beginning the debate on implementing a living wage of $15/hr for Hawai`i's people."
Considering federal government, with Donald Trump as President, Green said, "It is no secret that the new administration in Washington has a very different view of critical American programs like Social Security, Medicare and the stability of our healthcare system than many of us are accustomed to.

"I will do all that I can, using my experience as both a practicing physician and legislator, to fight for the survival of programs that make America strong and compassionate. Going forward, I will bring new ideas to the table for debate, so that Hawai`i can lead the nation on key emerging policy challenges."
Green invites everyone to a Talk Story session on Jan. 5 at King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. "so that I can continue to hear what is most important to you and your families."
During the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature, Green will be located at the Hawai`i State Capitol, Room 407, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Email josh@joshgreen.org.
Reviewing more than a decade of work in the legislature, Green said online,
“Working together over the last 11 years, we have achieved extraordinary results for our community with over $1 billion committed to improve roads, schools, and hospitals in West Hawai`i, including:   $90 million to begin building and ultimately complete a Kona Judiciary Complex, which will house 230 full-time employees and make our local justice system safer and efficient;   over $20 million to build the new West Hawai`i Community College Campus at Palamanui, which will allow our students to pursue higher education at home and serve as an important educational resource for our entire community;   over $150 million to expand Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway and other critical roads in the region, meant to decrease fatal, tragic accidents and long waits on the road,; and over $75 million annually from the Hospital Sustainability Act which we created together, to strengthen all of Hawai`i’s hospitals, including Kona Community Hospital, Ka`u Hospital, and North Hawai`i Community Hospital (now partnered with Queens Hospital, bringing more specialists to our Island).
“  At your urging I have sponsored important new laws to care for Hawai`i's children, such as the 2015 mandates for insurance to cover autism and surgery for children with cleft palate. No state is more compassionate in its commitment to children's health needs now, and in 2014 we were named the healthiest state in the nation.”
Concerning sustainability, Green said, “We have fought side by side against powerful special interests to protect our environment and I've supported renewable energy at every turn possible.   All of these new projects and initiatives will create jobs, stimulate our economy, build our community and protect those who need us most to advocate for them for years to come.   I am positive we will keep working together to achieve even greater results in the coming years, to make all of Hawai`i an even better place to live. Of course there is always more work to do.  ”
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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.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH is this Sunday, Jan. 1 at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply 967-0835.

This lava viewing area is closed after a large section of the 26-acre delta fell into the ocean. It was created by a lava flow, then
hardened, then undercut by ocean waves and crashed into the water yesterday at Kamokuna. This image was taken on Dec. 25.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

A large plume of rock debris and gas emanates from the Kamokuna lava ocean entry within
Hawai`i Volcanoes NationalPark, yesterday, just moments after the lava delta began

to collapse. NPS Photo/Travis Delimont

NEW LAND FORMED BY KILAUEA VOLCANO crashed into the ocean at Kamokuna on New Years Eve. A large section of the 26-acre lava delta formed by the 61g lava flow collapsed into the water around 2:45 p.m., launching showers of volcanic rock into the air, and creating a flurry of large waves that eroded away a portion of the older sea cliff and viewing area.
As a result, the Kamokuna ocean entry within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remained closed today as park rangers and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists surveyed the area. Rangers on duty New Year’s Day reported that the former viewing area is gone, and that loud cracks continue to be heard throughout the unstable area.
Although park rangers temporarily closed the Kamokuna lava viewing area last night, five visitors ducked beneath the white rope closure line and made a beeline for the coastal cliffs around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Eruption Crew Ranger Travis Delimont and a co-worker had to chase after them before they turned around. Within 15 minutes, the section of cliff where the visitors were standing crashed into the ocean.
“It was a really close brush with death for them,” Ranger Delimont said. “Luckily, they finally listened to us and turned around in time,” he said.
The lava viewing area will remain closed until it is determined safe to reopen. The County of Hawai‘i also closed the Kalapana access to the park.
“Fortunately, there were no aircraft or boats reported in the area at the time of the collapse, nor were any visitors on the delta itself, which is closed for public safety,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Had anyone been close by on land, water or air, lives would have surely been lost,” she said.
There is a temporary flight restriction of 1,000 feet above ground level at the Kamokuna ocean entry.

Lava deltas are extremely hazardous volcanic features and are formed when lava enters the ocean and builds new land on loose and unstable substrate. In addition to the threat of collapse, lava entering the ocean produces a highly a corrosive plume of hydrochloric acid and volcanic particles that irritate the lungs, skin and eyes. Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of closed areas and heed all posted warning signs. See additional images and video from the park's official Flickr site.
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Leo Norberte celebrates a banner harvest of Ka`u Coffee on
New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS celebrated New Year's Eve last night at homes throughout the district, which huge fireworks displays, celebrating a massive crop and good sales this season. Leo Norberte, who farms 30 acres in Moa`ula and Wood Valley, said pickers harvested 7,000 pounds on his busiest one day. His harvest is more than half done for the year and very
successful, he said.
Norberte's coffee is sold under his own brand name, and to Starbucks and other buyers. He provides housing for pickers and his extended family does much of the processing. His wife Hermie, a retired Ka`u High School teacher does much of the bookkeeping and helps with the lab and packaging. Their JN brand is one of the most prosperous in Ka`u. Leo and Herme circle the island two to three times a week, delivering their coffee in person to stores from Waikoloa to Kona, Waimea and Hilo.
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GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE ROSS RAMMELMEYER, of Volcano, who sends out daily email on news of gun control and gun violence. is urging residents to start the New Year by supporting various gun safety organizations like the Americans for Responsible Solutions, led by Gabby Giffords and her husband, astronaut and retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly. Giffords, a congresswoman from Arizona, was shot is the head and severely injured at a public function. She and her Kelly became leaders in gun control campaigns. "When gun violence prevention was on the ballot, we won," said Giffords and Kelly in a New Year's message to Rammelmeyer.

Mark Kelly and Gabby Gifford's work on gun safety, supported
by Ross Rammelmeyer, of Volcano. Photo fromAmericans
for Responsible Solutions.

Giffords is also the namesake of a new 421-long trimaran ship called the USS Gabrielle Giffords, which was delivered to the U.S. Navy on Dec. 23. "Courage comes in many, many forms - physical, mental, spiritual and political. Gabby has truly modeled courage and resilience," said Vice Admiral Phillip Cullom during the christening ceremony.

Another organization supported by Rammelmeyer is Everytown for Gun Safety. Its News Year's message says, "We'll never stop fighting when our children's futures are at stake. (President-elect Donald's) Trump's election presents and unprecedented threat to that future---which is why we need to be ready on Day One of his presidency to fight back.

"Gun extremists are afraid of losing their guns. We're afraid of losing our kids. You tell me who's going to win. This movement is not stranger to setbacks --and this past election is no different. Every time we've gotten knocked down, we've dusted ourselves off and picked each other up. Right now, we're (sometimes literally) pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps."

Contract Rammelmeyer at rossrammelmeyer@hawaiiantel.net.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 2 at Ocean View community Center at 4 p.m. 939-7033.

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS MEETING is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., Pahala Community Center.

34 YEARS AND COUNTING is the talk by Tina Neal, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist in Charge on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. She will discuss the ongoing eruption and etail the past year's activity at Kilauea Volcano. Free; park entrance fees apply.

www.kaucalendar.com

A ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park helps educate visitors whose numbers surged in the park over the holidays. See story below.

KA`U'S MEMBERS OF THE U.S. SENATE AND U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES take their seats Tuesday, Jan. 3 when the 115th Congress convenes in Washington, D.C. Sen. Brian Schatz will serve on the Senate's Appropriations, Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Indian Affairs Committees. He will also serve on the Select Committee on Ethics. Sen. Mazie Hirono will serve on the Judiciary Committee, as well as the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans' Affairs. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he will fight for the environment as he joins Hawai`i's
congressional delegation Tuesday for the convening of the 115 Congress of
the United States. Photo from Brian Schatz

All three are expected to fight for the environment and work to retain many aspects of Obamacare, Medicare and Medicaid, including health insurance for adult dependent children, and a prohibition against denying insurance based on preconditions. The Republicans and President-Elect Donald Trump have vowed to repeal Obamacare.

On environmental issues, Sen. Brian Schatz is expected to fight to defend President Obama's declaration on Dec. 20, which put a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in large areas of the Arctic and Atlantic. "This is a major step toward protecting our oceans and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels," said Schatz. The Hawai`i senator said that while Obama "called his action a permanent ban, Donald J. Trump, and a Republican Congress will be able to roll back some recent environmental regulations."

Schatz said he will do everything he can to block the nomination of climate change denier Scott Pruitt, named by Trump to head the Environmental Protection Agency. He called the nomination of Pruitt a "four alarm fire for the environmental community and anybody who cares about clean air and clean water." Pruitt has sued the EPA several times as Attorney General for Oklahoma, to overturn bans on such pollutants as smog, soot, arsenic and mercury. Schatz said Pruitt is "on the wrong side of science, on the wrong side of history." Schatz said Pruitt "is not qualified to lead the EPA."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will serve on the Armed
Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

Sen. Mazie Hirono will serve on the
Judiciary, Veterans Affairs, Armed
Services and more committees.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

Schatz called the Pruitt nomination "a-historical" without any historical precedent. He noted that the Republican administrations of both Presidents Bush did not appoint EPA administrators who intended to dismantle the EPA. Schatz called Pruitt "someone who has made a professional out of denying the science of climate change. This is someone who has made a profession out of undermining the ability of the EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act." He said the "EPA has an obligation to administer the law. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act are still on the books. This is scary stuff."

Concerning the Paris Agreement with nearly 200 countries signing on to policies that could reduce global warming and adopt clean energy, Schatz said it would be sad for the U.S. to abdicate its world leadership in clean energy. He said China would like to take that lead and the U.S. could lose not only the moral high ground but also much business associated with producing clean energy.

Schatz said the U.S. House will have 48 Democrats in Congress who could vote against Trump's EPA nomination and would need 51 votes against Pruitt to deny him the EPA post. Schatz said there are four or five Republicans who could cross over. He is asking them "to put their country first, to put the next generation first, to put the planet first and put partisan politics aside and reject the climate denier. ...Here's the litmus test for them: If you are not a climate denier, you can not vote for this administrator of the EPA," said Schatz.

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The delta collapse at Kamokuna in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Dec. 31. Photo from NPS

THE COLLAPSE OF THE LAVA DELTA INTO THE OCEAN on New Years Eve at Kamokuna is drawing more analysis by U.S. Geological Service scientists, who are also issuing cautionary notices to onlookers.

They reported today that "The episode 61g flow is still active and entering the ocean at Kamokuna. Nearly all of the lava delta at Kamokuna collapsed into the ocean on Dec. 31. Also, a large section of the older sea cliff east of the lava delta collapsed into the sea. The collapsed part of the sea cliff extended about 180 m (590 ft) east of the delta edge, and cut inland about 70 m (230 ft) from the shoreline!
"As a strong caution to visitors viewing the episode 61g flow ocean entry (where lava meets the sea), there are additional significant hazards besides walking on uneven surfaces and around unstable, extremely steep sea cliffs. Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the new land created is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. In several instances, such collapses, once started, have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff.

"Prominent cracks observed in the surface of the relatively large eastern lava delta at Kamokuna indicate instability and an increased potential for larger collapse events. Finally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs."
See fact sheets for additional information: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/fs152-00/
For comprehensive information on volcanic air pollution, see the vog dashboard at: www.ivhhn.org/vog/

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VISITATION TO HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK surged over the holidays. Parking lots at popular destinations like Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Jaggar Museum and Kīlauea Visitor Center were at capacity. "With Kīlauea erupting from two locations, the park remains a powerful draw for visitors who want to see volcanic activity. As a result, the park is very crowded, especially during peak hours between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.," said an HVNP statement.
Chief Ranger John Broward said, “We’ve had some visitors wait up to an hour to park, and we have park rangers working in traffic control. We remind everyone to please be patient and treat rangers and other drivers with respect and aloha.” Park rangers offer these tips so all visitors have a positive and memorable time in the national park:

- Plan to arrive early and explore Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) before 9 a.m. Not only is parking available, but the lava tube is often empty of people. Birdwatching at Nāhuku is best in the early morning. - Want to hike Kīlauea Iki Trail? This four-mile trek is one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. Plan to hit the trail by 7 a.m., and be out by 10 a.m. - Drive and explore Chain of Craters Road. This historic and scenic road originates at the summit of Kīlauea and stretches 19 miles to Hōlei Sea Arch. Many overlooks, pullouts, and lesser-known hikes (Mauna Ulu, Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs) abound – and it’s an ideal way to avoid the crowds and see more of what the park offers. The Coastal Ranger Station at the end of Chain of Craters Road is the starting point for a 10-mile roundtrip hike to see lava enter the ocean at Kamokuna.
- Night owl or early riser? The best time to observe the glow from Halema‘uma‘u is before sunrise, or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day. Visitors can see what Kīlauea is doing before arrival by checking the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcams.
- Jaggar Museum is the closest visitors can get to the summit eruption’s glowing lava lake, and it’s the park’s most popular spot after 5 p.m. (More than 8,000 people were counted one evening at Jaggar Museum during the holidays.) Those who can’t avoid peak hours, consider observing the glow from a less-crowded location, like Keanakāko‘i, ‘Akanikōlea (Steam Vents), or Kīlauea Overlook. From Kīlauea Overlook, it’s a short walk to Jaggar Museum along Crater Rim Trail, but bring a flashlight and a jacket.
- Mauna Loa Road is well worth exploring during peak hours, especially in good weather. Kīpukapuaulu offers an easy, forested hike, and the views and birdwatching are excellent along the way to the Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet.
- Visit Kahuku. Kahuku is free, never crowded, and is open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month. Located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 in Ka‘ū.
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34 YEARS AND COUNTING is the talk by Tina Neal, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist in Charge on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. She will discuss the ongoing eruption and etail the past year's activity at Kilauea Volcano. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS MEETING is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., Pahala Community Center.

Eruption crew rangers Rob Ely and John Moraes mark the closed area at the coastal cliffs with a white rope line.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

A NEW LAVA VIEWING AREA AT KAMOKUNA was established by park rangers on Tuesday, following the large lava delta collapse on New Year’s Eve. The new lookout is approximately 900 feet east of a cascade of lava pouring into the ocean, and about 60 feet inland of the coastal cliffs. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rangers, in conjunction with USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, thoroughly assessed the area, and established the new viewing site with white rope lines and numerous signs that clearly mark hazardous closed areas.
Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of closed areas and heed all posted warning signs and park rangers.

New lava cascade at Kamokuna in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on
Monday, Jan. 2. NPS Photo/J.Ferracane

“Visitors who do not heed warnings not only endanger themselves but the lives of others, including our park rangers, who work tirelessly to ensure a safe visitor experience,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
After the delta collapse on New Year’s Eve, a group of five visitors ignored rangers and warning signs and slipped beneath the white rope lines into a closed area at the coast. Two park rangers had to chase after them, and made them turn around – 15 minutes before the area they were standing on collapsed into the ocean.
In addition to the threat of another land collapse, the toxic plume of volcanic particles and acidic gas generated by lava mixed with ocean water is very dangerous, and irritates the lungs, skin and eyes. Land collapses, which trigger tsunami-like waves, and the toxic gas plume, are also a serious threat to aircraft and boats. There is currently a 1,000-foot above-ground-level temporary flight restriction at Kamokuna.
HVO scientists estimate that nearly all of the 26-acre lava delta is now gone, along with more than four acres of older coastal cliff area, which included the former lava viewing site. The collapse on New Year’s Eve started in the afternoon and lasted several hours, creating blasts of volcanic rock and a series of damaging waves, in addition to a thick, dark plume of debris and gas.

Visitors begin the five-mile hike to Kamokuna shortly after the
park opened the lava viewing area on Tuesday, January 3, the
34th anniversary of the eruption of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent on Kīlauea,
the source of the lava flows going into the ocean today.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

It is closer from the east entrance to reach the new lava viewing area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. From the east, or Kalapana/County of Hawai‘i side, visitors must hike about 4.2 miles one way along the gravel emergency access road. This entrance is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. From the park, or west side, visitors can hike out from the Coastal Ranger Station at the end of Chain of Craters Road, about five miles one-way. About one mile of the hike goes inland of the gas plume over hardened, uneven lava flows. The park entrance is open 24 hours a day.
Hikers need to be prepared for a long trek. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, gloves to protect the hands, and long pants to protect against lava rock abrasions. Carry plenty of water (three to four quart/liters per person). Wear sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Visitors who plan to stay after dark need a flashlight and/or headlight with extra batteries.
For hiking tips, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Hiking-Tips.pdf. For County of Hawai‘i Lava Viewing information, call (808) 430-1966. For the latest eruption updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php. Monitor air quality at http://www.hawaiiso2network.com/.

A FLOAT NAMED SPIRIT OF HAWAI`I took top prize in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade on Monday. The annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. was attended by about 700,000 people and viewed on television by about 70 million. It was held on Jan. 2, since the traditional New Year's Day parade date fell on a Sunday.
The float featured a 10-foot tall sculpture of King Kamehameha, an erupting Hawai`i Island volcano, four waterfalls utilizing 2,000 gallons of recycled water, and floral sculpted animals including parrots, sea turtles and geckos decorated in tropical flowers. Fruits featured on the float were provided by Dole Packaged Foods, including bananas, pineapples, and mangoes. The float was 55 feet long, 18 feet wide and over 28 feet tall.

Spirit of Hawai`i took first place in the Tournament of Roses Parade in
Pasadena, CA on Monday.

In a statement, the company said “Dole is proud to announce its 2017 Rose Parade float, "Spirit of Hawaii," took home the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy for this year's Tournament of Roses Parade for its outstanding floral presentation and design. Dole has received much recognition from the Tournament, holding the Rose Parade record for most Sweepstakes Trophy wins, having won the award six out of the seven times it has participated.”
Spirit of Hawai`i celebrates Dole Packaged Foods' origins in Hawaii in 1899. The company is currently based in California. The float featured non GMO fruits, showcasing Dole’s “commitment to preserving natural resources around the world”.

A BILL RELATED TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM goes before the County of Hawai`i's Windard Planning Commission on Thursday, Jan. 5 at the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo. The bill aims to define "agricultural tourism" and include new definitions for "agricultural products" and "agriculturally related products." It also would define requirements for plan approval review and regulation for ag tourism operations. Agricultural tourism is considered a way to promote Hawai`i agriculture and subsidize farmers who face a high cost of doing business in Hawai`i. It has also been a cause for concern in some neighborhoods where tourists cars line the neighborhood roads.

Visiting the drying floor of Ka`u Coffee Mill would be an example of acceptable
agricultural tourism, according to the newly proposed regulations.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Mill

The proposed measure says that, "Agricultural t tourism means visiting an agribusiness, horticultural, aquacultural or agricultural operation that is managed by the owner or by an operator resident at the subject property for the purpose of recreation, education, or active involvement in the operation, other than as a contractor or employee of the operation, and includes the sale of agricultural products and agriculturally-related products. The term agricultural tourism does not include educational tours sponsors and conducted by public or private schools located within the County."

The proposed legislation also says, "Agricultural products means the commodities resulting from income producing activities or uses such as the cultivation of crops, including but not limited to flowers, vegetables, foliage, fruits, forage, and timber; apriary activities, including but not limited to royal jellly, bee pollen, and beeswax; farming or ranching activities or uses related to animal husbandry, aquaculture, or game and fish propagation; and production of compost or mulch.

The bill describes two types of operators:

Agricultural tourism major "means an agricultural tourism operation that qualifies to host between five thousand and thirty thousand visitors annually."

A visit to Earth Matters farm to see organic agriculture in on South
Point Road would be another example of agrotourism.
Photo from Earth Matters

Agricultural tourism minor "means an agricultural tourism operation that qualifies to host less than five thousand visitors annually."

Agricultural tourism major requires plan approval prior to operation. Both major and minor operations require approval prior to construction or installation of any new structure and for any addition to that exceeds ten percent of the existing structure.

Plan approval applications require such information as whether there will be visits by buses and the carrying capacity of the busses, proof of adequate on street or off street parking, loading, unlaoding and turn around space, adequate legal acces to a public highway, and a plan for vehicular and pedistrian access ways.

Ag tourism revenue cannot exceed the revenue that comes from the agricultural enterprise, the legislation states. If the farm or ranch shuts down, so does the related ag tourism, the bill states.

For the entire bill, see http://www.hiagtourism.org/wordpress/hata-wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bill-amendch25-agtourism-final.pdf.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan 4 and 5 at 9 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed. Jan. 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kilauea Millitary Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, bands, comedians are welcome. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 and 928-2015.

www.kaucalendar.com

Pesticide buffer zones around schools and hospitals, and more monitoring of pesticide drift from farms
to waterways and people, are some of the expected proposals at the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature.
Photo from Hawai`i Center for Food Safety

PESTICIDES IN AGRICULTURE will be the focus of a group of health advocates at the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature, particularly since the courts have held that the state, not the counties, are allowed to regulate pesticides. An Associated Press story this week quoted west Ka`u's state Sen. Josh Green, who plans to introduce a ban on glyphosate, an herbicide used by farmers, gardeners, landscapers and state and county highway crews for weed control. Glyphosate, with brand names like Roundup, Accord, Rodeo, Touchdown, and Glyphosaste 360, was identified by the World Health Organization as a probable carcinogen.
While the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization says glyphosate unlikely poses a carcinogenic risk through diet and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says glyphosate is of low toxicity to humans, Green, a physician, sees it differently. He said he is concerned with the aerial distribution of glyphosate and other toxic chemicals into the human respiratory system and onto the skin. He said breathing and touching glyphosate and similar herbicides are a risk to health.

Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association supports genetic
engineering and opposes government enforced buffer zones.
Photo from Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association

"I'm hopeful that we're not going to wait for a bad event and see some terrible sickness in our state," Green told the AP.
The AP story referred to herbicide use around an elementary school and in seed corn fields where workers became ill, leading the Environmental Protection Administration to ask a federal judge in December to levy a $5 million fine on Syngenta. The EPA stated Syngenta failed to inform its farm workers in Hawai`i to stay out of fields treated with restricted pesticides. Several workers went to the hospital. "Syngenta allowed or directed workers to enter the treated field before the require waiting period had passed and without proper personal protective equipment. After the workers' exposure, Syngenta failed to provide adequate decontamination supplies onsite and failed to provide prompt transportation for emergency medical attention," the EPA concluded.
The AP reported on an ongoing O`ahu and Kaua`i study of pesticides in surface water "before and during storms to evaluate if chemicals are moving offsite at unacceptable levels. The state also is planning to triple its fee to register pesticides to fund monitoring and to expand statewide the Kaua`i Good Neighbor Program - in which seed companies on Kaua`i voluntarily report their pesticide use monthly to the state."

Scott Enright, Chair of state Board of Agriculture.
Photo from Big Island Video News

The AP story said that "critics say the new programs fall short because reporting is voluntary and because the companies don't disclose the location where the pesticide is sprayed. Requiring companies to report spray locations could be tricky because fields where seeds are tested are generally spread out to avoid cross-pollination and because it's a competitive industry, said Scott Enright, chairman of the state Department of Agriculture." The AP report quoted Enright: "Even though they're doing similar work, Syngenta, Monsanto Dow and Pioneer are all competitors, and they're trying to keep the millions of dollars that the've put in to research the genetics lines that they're developing as confidential business information."
The Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association, with many of the genetic engineering companies in its membership, objects to the buffer zones and other controls, saying they could hurt small farmers and are an affront to private property rights. The organization's website says that "Genetic changes have helped farmers improve crops in Hawai`i for centuries," and that "Today's seed companies continue that tradition by breeding crops for traits that help farmers achieve their goals, such as drought tolerance, increased yield, pest management or disease resistance."

At the state legislature this year, proposals are expected to call for herbicide free buffer zones around schools and hospitals. Hawai`i Center for Food Safety director Ashley Lukens, who has given talks in Ka`u, said the genetic engineering industry, with companies like Syngenta, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont Pioneer and BASF, treat their crops with large amounts of pesticides that drift to nearby properties, creating a health risk.
“It’s high time EPA called out Syngenta’s unethical and illegal practices," wrote Lukens. "The necessity of EPA’s complaint against Syngenta is a tragic reminder that despite federal regulations, our communities and our farm workers risk their lives every day – not to feed our families and country, but for the benefit of chemical companies that care only about their bottom line.
“We are told time and time again that the pesticide/engineered seed industry in Hawai`i is a responsible user of agrochemicals and a ‘good neighbor’, but even a cursory look at the dismal environmental and public health track records of these companies reveals otherwise. The people of Hawai`i, our food, and our environment deserve so much more than an economy driven by greed.”
See more at www.staradvertiser.com, www.bettercropshawaii.com and www.centerforfoodsafety.org/hawaii.

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STATE SEN. JOSH GREN hosts a talk story at King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature.

The map shows the area that collapsed into the ocean on New Year's Eve. Map from USGS

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PU`U O`O," sang about 250 people celebrating the 34th anniversary of the beginnings of the current eruption. Ranger Dean Gallagher led the singing last night in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park auditorium as a prelude to a talk by Dr. Tina Neal, entitled “43 Years and Counting.” Neal is Scientist In Charge of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Her talk was an After Dark in the Park event, which, this month will feature talks on Vulcanology to promote Volcano Awareness Month.

Dr. Tina Neal, Scientist in Charge at
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Addressing a packed auditorium, Neal recounted the various stages of the Pu’u O’o eruption, which began Jan. 3, 1983 about 10 miles from the auditorium, and the summit eruption which began about eight years ago about two miles from the talk.
Neal described the activity of the first three years as “fountaining lava and fast-moving pahoehoe flows, which did not reach the ocean, but rattled windows in the Royal Gardens subdivision.” The next five-and-a-half years saw the creation of lava tubes which provided a conduit for the lava to reach the ocean. “This was the most destructive period,” said Neal. “One hundred-sixty eight structures, mostly homes, were destroyed.”
From 1992 to 2007, the flows were to the southeast, extending the coastline for 15 years. From 2011 to 2014, the flows were again reaching the coast. June 2014 to March 2015 was a time of crisis when the outbreak on Pu’u O’o’s northeast flank sent lava flowing toward the Kahoe homesteads and Pahoa. One home was burned, the transfer station and cemetery were invaded, and then the lava flow stopped as the supply rate dropped.

Pu`u O`o's flows have amazed onlookers for 34 years.
USGS photo

From April 2015 to May 2016, the volcano became “pressurized” and the 61g breakouts occurred – one to the north and another to the east. The northern-most lobe dried up as the eastern one got momentum, and by June 23 there was flow activity along the National Park boundary. On July 25, lava crossed the emergency road built in case Pahoa was cut off, and on July 26 lava reached the ocean for the first time since July 2013. The Ka’u Calendar published a Volcano Watch recap of the 2016 activity in this blog dated December 29.
Neal explained the science behind the dramatic earth-shattering delta collapse of New Year’s Eve, which, fortunately, did not claim lives. She showed a slide of the first collapse, which destroyed most of the new delta, and of the second collapse, which destroyed “old” cliffs and invaded a small part of what had been designated a lava viewing area.
She also talked briefly about the current summit activity, which began on March 19, 2008 with an explosion that created a vent about 115 feet wide in the Halema’uma’u crater within the Kilauea crater. This vent can be seen from the Jaggar Museum. Neal showed videos of the vent growing from wall collapse.
Her plans for 2017 at the HVO include installing a radar system to monitor the activity within Halema’uma’u and getting a high-resolution heat sensing camera to monitor the gas plume. Scientists will also create a detailed map of the 61g pahoehoe flow so that they can better predict where flows are likely to go.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Thursday, Jan 5 at 9 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 and 928-2015.

www.kaucalendar.com

A 66 year old albatross living in Hawai`i is making international news as the world's oldest-known breeding bird in the wild.
See story below. Photo from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S "HYPOCRICY in denying Russian interference in the election," was the criticism levied by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono on Thursday, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on cybersecurity threats. “It’s more than ironic that we have a President-elect who kept talking about our elections being rigged, but at the same time denying Russia’s interference in our election." Hirono said.

Sen. Mazie Hirono calls out Donald Trump for hypocracy in
denyingRussian intervention in the U.S. election.
Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono

Hirono also questioned the witnesses, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Admiral Michael Rogers of U.S. Cyber Command, about the impact of the President-elect’s disparaging comments about the intelligence community might have on efforts to recruit an experienced and skilled cyber workforce.
If this attitude doesn’t change on the part of decision makers, including the President, wouldn’t you agree that it would make it that much harder to attract the kind of experienced cyber workforce we need to protect our country?” Hirono asked.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO plans to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump's Secretary of Defense nominee General James Mattis on Friday. Hirono, who is a member of the Senate Armerd Services Committee, said she will press Mattis on his commitment to the Indo-Asia Pacific rebalance, his position on civilian control of the military and and the Trump administration’s views on establishing a fair, impartial system to address sexual assault in the military. The meeting will take place in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
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Chis Todd is the new state Rep.
taking the seat of the late
Clift Tsuji

CHRIS TODD WILL REPLACE THE LATE CLIFT TUSJI as a state House of Representatives member from the Big Island. A statement from Gov. David Ige says: "After careful consideration of three nominees selected by the Hawai‘i County Democratic Party, Gov. David Ige today appointed Chris Todd to the State House of Representatives, District 2. Todd will fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Clift Tsuji, who died on Nov. 15, 2016."
Todd was born and raised in Hilo, where he earned his college degree in economics and political science from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He held several positions at the Suisan Fish Market before becoming distribution manager for Hawai‘i Paper Products last year.
Todd coaches football at Hilo High School. His wife, Britney, is a teacher at Kalanianaole Middle School.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve my community. I look forward to the hard work ahead and will always keep an open door and mind,” Todd said.
The governor is required by law to make his selection from a list of nominees submitted by the Democratic Party.
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"WISDOM OF THE ALBATROSS," reports BBC news, writing that the large seabird called Wisdom, "the world’s oldest-known breeding bird in the wild, has laid an egg at 66 years of age after returning to a wildlife refuge in the Pacific Ocean."
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff has posted photos from the Midway Atoll in the national wildlife refuge, showing the albatross mom with an egg incubating between her feet. Midway hosts the world's largest colony of albatross.
BBC reports her story: "Wisdom’s journey back to motherhood, at 66 years of age or possibly older, has amazed staff at the refuge.

One of the Offspring of Wisdom the oldest known
Albatross. Photo from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

"Laysan albatrosses, which are monogamous, typically live for 12 to 40 years. They spend the vast majority of their lives in the air, flying thousands of miles each year in search of food across vast tracts of the north Pacific Ocean.
“'I find it impressive that not only has Wisdom returned for over six decades as the oldest living, breeding bird in the wild, but also that biologists here on Midway have been keeping records that have allowed us to keep track of her over the years,' Charlie Pelizza of the Midway Atoll refuge wrote. 'When I made it to lunch, I knew something was up. The staff was abuzz with the news that Wisdom was back and incubating.'
"The biologist Chandler Robbins, now 98, first placed an aluminium band around the albatross’s ankle at the Pacific Ocean atoll in 1956. Forty-six years later, Robbins spotted Wisdom among thousands of birds near the same nesting area and affixed a sturdier band to her ankle.
"Wisdom has fledged at least nine chicks since 2006, and travelled roughly 3m miles in her lifetime. Her latest chick, Kukini, hatched in February.
"Wildlife officials said Wisdom would be likely to incubate her egg for a number of days until her mate, Akeakamai – a Hawaiian word that means a love of wisdom – returned to take over the incubation and she ventured to sea to eat."
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NEW HULA CLASSES ARE STARTING UP IN PAHALA, under Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. They will be held on Wednesdays at Pahala Community Center, with registration on Feb. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The classes are sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i. Classes are traditional and modern, Kahiko and `Auana.
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VOLCANO WATCH INTRODUCES CASCADES VOLCANO OBSERVATORY in this weeks presentation by scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
"Most readers are familiar with HVO—the first volcano observatory in the United States, and one of the oldest such facilities in the world. But how well do you know the other four U.S. Geological Survey volcano observatories, and how work in Hawaiʻi has influenced each?
"We start our exploration with the second oldest USGS observatory—the David A. Johnston Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington.
"CVO was founded after the devastating May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, during which the observatory’s namesake lost his life while monitoring the activity. During the two-month buildup to that eruption, a steady stream of volcanologists set up camp in Vancouver, collocated with U.S. Forest Service headquarters. Many of these scientists were current or past HVO staff, since Hawaiʻi is an ideal place for USGS scientists to gain familiarity with studying and monitoring active volcanoes.
"Following the catastrophic 1980 eruption, several smaller explosions and lava extrusions occurred at Mount St. Helens, which demanded continuous observation to better understand how the volcano worked and to provide warnings of volcanic hazards. Most of the monitoring techniques used there had been pioneered in Hawaiʻi; for example, laser ranging and tilt to assess deformation, and strategies to sample gas emissions.
"The acknowledgement that Mount St. Helens is just one of over a dozen large volcanoes in the Cascade Range of Washington, Oregon, and California led to CVO’s permanent establishment in 1982. The observatory rapidly built basic monitoring networks on all the volcanoes for which it is responsible.
"After Mount St. Helens went quiet in 1986, CVO focused attention on other Cascade volcanoes and volcanic processes. Scientists designed experiments to understand volcanic landslides, studied how sediment from a volcano can influence river systems, and mapped each of the volcanoes to better understand their past activity.

Cascades is a sister to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the home of
Mount St. Helens. Photo from USGS

"Working groups were formed for each Cascade volcano to develop volcano response and coordination plans, which are critical tools for ensuring smooth communications and effective responses during a volcano crisis. The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, a collaborative effort of the USGS and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance that is headquartered at CVO, also quickly grew into a world renowned team of experts that responds to volcanic crises around the world at the request of foreign governments.
"CVO’s preparation and vigilance paid off when Mount St. Helens rumbled back to life in September 2004, beginning a period of lava dome growth with occasional small explosions that lasted until early 2008. The eruption was a great opportunity for scientists to further develop new technologies to study the eruption, including remote cameras (based on an HVO design), as well as robotic “spiders” that hosted multi-parameter instrument packages and could be deployed by helicopter.
"After 2008, CVO embarked on a mission to upgrade monitoring at all Cascade volcanoes, including better seismic networks, continuous GPS stations, gas monitoring sensors, and other instruments. In 2004, there were only four continuous GPS stations dedicated to volcano monitoring in the Cascades—one at Mount St. Helens and three at South Sister, Oregon. Today, there are several dozen GPS stations spread across the Range.
"CVO’s work is not done, however. Some Cascade volcanoes still have relatively few monitoring instruments. Educating local populations about volcanic hazards—especially if the “volcano in their backyard” hasn’t erupted in several hundred years—also remains a priority. In these efforts, CVO and HVO work together, exchanging staff to facilitate the sharing of ideas and best practices.
"Next week, we’ll visit the observatory that tracks volcanoes in the Last Frontier—Alaska! Until then, please join us for this coming week’s Volcano Awareness Month talks at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Jan. 10 and Hilo’s Lyman Museum on Jan. 12.
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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 34 m (30–112 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g lava flow was still active and entering the ocean near Kamokuna. On Dec. 31, nearly all the eastern Kamokuna lava delta collapsed into the ocean, along with a large section of the older sea cliff east of the delta. Significant hazards are associated with ocean entries and delta collapses, so visitors to the coastal lava viewing area are cautioned to heed all warning signs and to stay outside closed areas. A younger branch of the 61g flow is advancing slowly to the east of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, but none of the 61g flows pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
ew small-magnitude earthquakes occurred beneath the volcano, primarily in the upper Southwest Rift Zone and summit caldera at depths less than 5 km (3 miles). GPS measurements continue to show deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone.
No earthquakes were reported felt on the Island of Hawaiʻi during the past week.

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; call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Friday, Jan. 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for one person or $15 for two, $20 for a family. 939-7555.

TIMELESS TREASURES, Saturday, Jan. 7 - Feb. 12. Illustrations of Hawaiian folklore by artist Dietrich Varez on display at Volcano Art Center Gallery, daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with Secretary of Defense nominee General James Mattis today in Washington, D.C.
Photo from the Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SECURED A COMMITTMENT from General James Mattis today to continue to strengthen America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region if he is confirmed to serve as the next Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump.
“Hawai`i has a huge role to play in our strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. General Mattis assured me that he shares my perspective that our actions and continued presence in the region are of critical importance to national security,” Hirono said.
Hirono also pressed Secretary of Defense nominee to pledge to combat sexual assault in the military and to prevent retaliation against any soldier that lodges a complaint. “I have been very vocal in my support of making sure that we prevent and prosecute sexual assault in the military,” Hirono said. “I asked General Mattis to address allegations of sexual assault in an effective way, and to take action to prevent retaliation that occurs all too often when these crimes are reported.”
Hirono identified a number of areas of concern in her meeting with the General, saying she will also address them directly during his confirmation hearing.
“I continue to have serious concerns about how the incoming Trump administration will repair the damage caused by the President-elect’s comments about our Asian allies during his campaign, and his approach to conflicts in the Middle East. I look forward to asking these and other questions during General Mattis’ confirmation hearing."
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Rear Admiral Craig Faller presents Senator Hirono with the Navy Distinguished

Public Service Award. Left to right: Lieutenant Joe Buckley, Lieutenant Kaitlyn Bower,

Colonel Andrew Mills, Rear Admiral Craig Faller, Senator Hirono,

Captain Sara Joyner, Ms. Sandra Latta. Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

THE DEPTARTMENT OF THE NAVY HONORED SEN. MAZIE HIRONO today for her advocacy for Navy and Marine Corps service members. Rear Admiral Craig Faller, on behalf of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, presented the U.S. Senator with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor that the Secretary of the Navy can award to a civilian who is not employed by the Navy.
“It is an honor to fight for Navy and Marine Corps service members in Hawai`i and around the world,” said Hirono. “We will continue to work closely together to advance Hawai`i’s key role in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, and to support service members, Navy and Marine Corps civilian employees, and their families.”
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said, "This award was presented to recognize Senator Hirono's tremendous support for our Sailors and Marines and her forceful advocacy for the resources needed to maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated leader in the U.S. Senate.”
Hirono is the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps programs.
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MAYOR HARRY KIM'S APPOINTMENTS to date for department heads in his Hawai`i County administration have almost all passed unanimously, with seven receiving County Council approval on Thursday. The department heads are:

Mike Yee

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: The mayor chose a private industry professional, Collins Tomei, who had worked in banking since 1984, most recently as branch manager of Territorial Savings Bank in Hilo. Tomei holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Hawaii - Manoa.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: Mike Yee, with a background in affordable housing and helping community members build assets and achieve economic security, was the mayor's choice. He recently left his post as Senior Director of Housing and Property Services for the YWCA in Seattle. Yee has over 27 years of property and asset management experience, working in public, private, non-profit and corporate sectors. In the early 1990s, Yee initiated community meetings with the Seattle Police Department in the Chinatown International District with help from Seattle Neighborhood Group. He has worked with the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority. Yee earned his Bachelor of Arts in in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Seattle University. His wife is from Hilo.

Diane Ley, with a strong background in agriculture, is the new
Director of Research & Development for Hawai`i County.
Photo from U.S. Department of Agriculture

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: The mayor chose a person with a career in the agricultural research and assisting farmers and ranchers in Hawai`i. Diane Ley was the U.S. Departmnet of Agriculture Executive Director for its Farm Service Agency in the Pacific Basin. She worked as deputy chair for the state Board of Agriculture and as administrative assistant for the Hawi`i Farm Bureau Federation statewide office in Honolulu. In the private sector, she has run a Volcano vegetable farm.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR: The mayor chose engineer Frank DeMarco who worked with the county for seven years, with experience in floodplain management, and as Environmental Management Director. In California, he worked more more than two-and-a-half decades for a water quality board.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: The mayor selected civil and chemical engineer Bill Kucharski. During his career of four decades, Kucharski served in such positions as the head of the Departmnet of Environmental Quality for the state of Louisiana. He also headed a program after the 1980 Middle East War in which Kuwait made claims against Iraq for damages against its infrastructure and people.

Corporate Counsel has the tough job of serving both
the administration and County Council.
Joe Kamelmela is the nominee.
Photo from County of Hawai`i

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION. The mayor brought back Charmaine Kamaka, parks director under former mayor Lorraine Inouye. With 20 years of government service, Kamaka has also been a program specialist with the county Department of Human Resources.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION & PLANNING: The mayor chose Jules Ung who worked at Research Corp. at University of Hawai`i and more recently as a contractor on such projects as a EnVision Maunakea website to promote and inspire community online discussions about Maunakea's future.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I MANAGING DIRECTOR: The mayor chose Wil Okabe who was confirmed in December.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I CORPORATE COUNSEL: The mayor has nominated Joe Kamelamela, who worked in the county Office of Corporate Counsel from 1987 to 2014, including a stint as Senior Deputy Corporate Counsel. Several council members talked about the difficulty of the Corporate Counsel position requiring the attorney to serve two masters, the mayor and the council. The council members voted 7-2 to keep his appointment alive and had numerous questions for Kamelamela. The questioning will continue ton Jan. 25 before deciding on the mayor's nomination.
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DIETRICH VAREZ ILLUSTRATIONS of Hawaiian folklore and customs of the islands as well as stories from Pele's heartland go on display Saturday, Jan. 7 at Volcano Art Center Gallery.

MAUNA LOA SOUTHWEST RIFT ZONE hike to the overlook on Upper Palm Trail, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, near Ocean View.

CLAY HIGH-FIRE SERIES on Sundays beginning Jan. 8 at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Space limited. Fee. 967-8222.

www.kaucalendar.com

MEDICINE FOR THE MIND. Buddhist healing meditation teaching for beginners through advanced, Volcano Art Center, Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m.. Free. 985-7470.

SENIOR ID's available, Monday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Pahala Housing Center and 11 a.m. to noon at Na`alehu Community Center. For residents 60 and older. 928-3100.
'

Coffee berry borers have gone beyond Ka`u and Kona. They were recently found on Maui and the
state Department of Agriculture is encouraging all farmers to use safe practices to prevent further
spread of the pest. See story below. Photo by Peggy Greb/USDA

THE NEW CONSUMER ADVOCATE for the state of Hawai`i is Dean Nishina. His official title is executive director for Department of Commerce and Consumer Affair’s Division of Consumer Advocacy.
The state Consumer Advocate has been involved in such Ka`u issues as the `Aina Koa Pono biofuel plant for producing electricity that was planned for Wood Valley, the ongoing controversy over industrial scale solar installations planned for Ocean View neighborhoods, and the proposed rate hikes by Hawai`i Electric Light Co. All three were proposed to the state Public Utilities Commission where Nishima gives his testimony on behalf of the public.
Nishina has been serving as acting executive director since Sept. 1, following the departure of Jeffrey Ono, who returned to private practice.

Dean Nishina will be working on the industrial solar installation
proposals issue in Ocean View and the proposed HELCO
rate hike. Photo from state Department of Commerce

As the Consumer Advocate, Nishina oversees the division’s representation of consumer interests before the PUC and other local and federal agencies. Nishina previously served in the role from December 2009 to January 2011.
“We are extremely pleased that Dean has agreed to return as the state’s Consumer Advocate,” said Catherine Awakuni Colón, director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. “He has been with the department for nearly 25 years, and has a wealth of experience in the area of public utilities. His depth of knowledge would truly be a benefit to protect the interests of Hawai`i’s consumers. ”
Nishina has recently served as public utilities/transportation administrator for the Division of Consumer Advocacy. He has filled various roles of increasing responsibility within the division since 1992. Earlier, Nishina worked as an audit and financial consulting senior for Arthur Andersen & Co, LLP, where he specialized in auditing and accounting of electric and gas utilities, government and telecommunications industries.
“I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of the state’s consumers in this dynamic period,” said Nishina. “Hawai`i’s energy environment has seen significant changes over recent years. Going forward, we remain committed to balancing the demands of Hawai`i’s energy landscape to promote renewable energies to achieve the state’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045. Nishina received his undergraduate degree in economics and psychology from Northwestern University, and his M.S. degree in professional accountancy from DePaul University.

ELLISON ONIZUKA KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT KEAHOLE is Kona Airport's new name. Gov. David Ige signed the name change into law in July and it became official Jan. 1.

Onizuka, the Hawai`i Island astronaut who lost his life on the space shuttle Challenger, was tied to Ka`u through his wife Lorna Leiko Yoshida. She was originally from Na`alehu, where her father Susumu worked for Hutchinson Sugar Co.

Ellison Onizuka is honored in the new name for the Kona Airport.

Lorna Onizuka's mother Anna grew up in Na`alehu and later moved to Houston to be with the Onizuka family. Ellison and Lorna had two daughters, Janelle Onizuka-Gillilan and Darien Lei Shizue Onizuka-Morgan. Lorna has worked for NASA and as a liaison with Japan’s space agency.

Ellison Onizuka graduated from Konawaena High School in 1964. He entered Air Force ROTC and received an aerospace engineering bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
For the Big Island, Ellison Onizuka was a champion of science and space, giving inspiring presentations at schools and other venues, on tour as the first Asian-American astronaut. He died, along with six other crew members, when the space shuttle Challenger exploded upon lift off on Jan. 28, 1986.

With the re-establishment of a U.S. customs station in the airport last month, Hawaiian Airlines launched service between Haneda and Kona International Airports, bringing flights from Japan back to the Big Island for the first time since 2010.

COFFEE BERRY BORERS, the scourge of Ka`u and Kona coffee farms, have made their way to Maui, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Scott Enright, chair of the state Board of Agriculture, urges all Ka`u, Kona and other coffee farmers with CBB in their fields to “continue to be vigilant and learn about CBB and how infestations can be detected and managed.”
“Despite strict quarantine rules that have been established on the interisland movement of coffee plants and plant parts from Hawai`i Island, CBB infestations have been extremely difficult to contain,” he said.

Coffee berry borers and ride from one farm to another
on burlap bags used in picking and storing coffee.
Photo from konacoffeefarmers.org

The statement describes coffee berry borer as “a serious pest of coffee that was first detected in the state in Kona in 2010.”
Speculation is that it arrived in bags of imported coffee used to mix with Kona coffee for blended brands. From Kona, the borer made its way to Ka`u, possibly on coffee bags, on the clothing of coffee pickers, or on vehicles going back and forth between coffee farms in Ka`u and milling and roasting operations in Kona.
The spread to Maui was suspected when coffee berry borer was detected in December on a coffee farm in Kipahulu. A neighbor of the 13-acre farm reported possible CBB to an extension agent at the University of Hawai`i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources on Maui. Entomologists at the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture confirmed that it was coffee berry borer.
UH-CTAHR reports that the entire Maui farm where the borer was detected has been found to be infested with CBB, which indicates the infestation has been there for some time.
Earlier in November 2016, a resident in Hana contacted HDOA about CBB in two backyard coffee trees. Those backyard trees were stripped of all coffee berries and fallen cherries have been collected and frozen to kill CBB. HDOA continues to monitor CBB traps at that site. Although the Kipahulu farm and the Hana residence are about 12 miles apart; it is not known if the two infestations are related.
The state Department of Agriculture surveys have been conducted in West Maui, Iao Valley and Waikapu.and CBB has not been detected in those areas. Its Plant Quarantine Branch is also working on expanding quarantine protocol for movement of coffee plants and plant parts from Maui to uninfested areas.

Republican Paul Cook and Democrat Tulsi Gabbard both
introduced the HIRE Vets Act this week.

THE HIRE VETS ACT OF 2017 was introduced into Congress this week by the Democrat, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and the Republican, Paul Cook. The bipartisan bill was previously introduced and passed the House with unanimous support in November 2016, but the Senate failed to pass it before the end of the year.
The legislation would promote private sector recruiting, hiring, and retaining of men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military through a voluntary and effective program. It would create an award program recognizing the meaningful, verifiable efforts undertaken by employers – both large and small – to hire and retain veterans. Cook and Gabbard designed the program to be self-funded.
Through the U.S. Department of Labor, the HIRE Vets Act would allow businesses to display “HIRE Vets Medallions” on products and marketing materials. These medallions would be awarded as part of a four-tiered system – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – associated with specific hiring and retention goals each year. The program also establishes similar tiered awards for small and mid-sized businesses with less than 500 employees. To ensure proper oversight, the Secretary of Labor would be required to provide Congress with annual reports on the success of the program with regard to veteran employment and retention results.

Said Gabbard, “Roughly 500 veterans return to civilian life every single day, joining the more than 2.9 million veterans that have returned home since 9/11. While we’ve taken some important steps to encourage employers to hire more veterans, more than 400,000 veterans across the country are still unemployed today. Through their service, veterans develop unique skills, experiences, and leadership training that make them especially valuable to employers. The HIRE Vets Act incentivizes employers to hire veterans, and recognizes employers that provide a supportive work environment to retain veteran employees. I encourage our colleagues to join us in passing this bill unanimously again to move this support for our veterans and employers forward.”
Gabbard's Republican partner for introducing the bill, Paul Cook, said, “The HIRE Vets Act is an opportunity for Americans to see which companies truly live up to the employment promises they make to veterans. Veterans who serve this country honorably shouldn’t struggle to find employment, and this bill creates an innovative system to encourage and recognize employers who make veterans a priority in their hiring practices.”

CLAY HIGH-FIRE SERIES on Sundays beginning Jan. 8 at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Space limited. Fee. 967-8222.

MEDICINE FOR THE MIND. Buddhist healing meditation teaching for beginners through advanced, Volcano Art Center, Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m.. Free. 985-7470.

SENIOR ID's available, Monday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Pahala Housing Center and 11 a.m. to noon at Na`alehu Community Center. For residents 60 and older. 928-3100.

www.kaucalendar.com

Hōkūleʻa will soon return to Pacific waters after its around the world voyage through Indian and
Atlantic Oceans. Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

A HOMECOMING DATE FOR HAWAI`I'S LEGENDARY SAILING CANOE has been set. Hōkūleʻa will soon sail through the Panama Canal and return to the Pacific Ocean for the first time in nearly two years. Since May of 2014, she has visited 150 ports in 27 nations to create a symbolic “lei of hope” around the globe. Hōkūleʻa is due to make her historic arrival at Magic Island on O`ahu on Saturday, June 17. The landing will include a homecoming ceremony and celebration. Eventually, shorter sailing voyages to Hawai`i and the other Hawaiian islands will also welcome her home.

Hōkūleʻa will soon reenter the Pacific after sailing

the Indian and Atlantic Oceans for nearly two years.

Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

Hōkūleʻa stopped in Ka`u several times in her preparation for the international sailing adventure, the crew meeting with community and school children to show them the preparation and share the enthusiasm for the long adventure at sea.

The title of her Malama Honua Worldwide voyage can be translated as “to care for our Island Earth.” A primary mission of the voyage is to grow the global movement toward a more sustainable world. Hōkūleʻa sailed the Pacific from Hawai`i to Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. In the Indian Ocean, she visited Bali, Maritius and South Africa. Rounding the southern tip of Africa, she entered the Atlantic Ocean, stopping at the island of Saint Helena, then Brazil, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maine.

After spending several months sailing up and then down the East Coast, Hōkūleʻa left U.S. waters in Key West, Florida. The crew spent Christmas and New Years in the Caribbean, sailing to the west of Cuba on their way south. In Panama, the crew will engage with local communities in marine activities.

It will take the crew about two days to make their way from Colon, through the 48-mile Panama Canal, to Balboa to re-enter the Pacific Ocean and sail to the Polynesian Triangle for the final leg of the voyage. She will make stops in the Galapagos Islands, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and French Polynesia.

Her sister canoe, Hikianalia, returned to the islands last year.

Hōkūleʻa is the Polynesian name for Arcturus, the brightest star in the constellation Bootes. She is a performance-accurate full-scale replica of a waʻa kaulua, a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe. She was launched on 8 March 1975 by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and is best known for her 1976 Hawaiʻi to Tahiti voyage completed with exclusively Polynesian navigation techniques.

See more and keep track of the voyage at www.hokulea.com
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A voyage for the worldwide sustainability movement continues on the Hōkūleʻa, the Polynesian Voyaging Canoe.
Map from Polynesian Voyaging Society

PEACEMAKING BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE was the focus of a statement released Friday by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was sworn into the 115th Congress last week and serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Gabbard supported a UN resolution opposing continued Israeli settlement activity in areas claimed by Palestinians. She voted against U.S. House Resolution 11 that condemns UN opposition to the Israeli settlements. The U.S. Congress passed its resolution supporting the settlements last week with a vote of 342 to 80. The House resolution also condemns UN Ambassador Samantha Power's and the Obama Administration's decision to refrain from blocking the UN resolution against the settlements.

United States Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who declined

to block the UN resolution condemning Israel settlements in territory

claimed by Palestinians. Hawai`i Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard

supported the UN resolution and voted against a

resolution in Congress that condemns it. Photo from the UN

Gabbard explained her vote: "While the UN resolution was one-sided and problematic in many respects, it recognized that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements undermines the path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Jan. 5, 2017 the U.S. House of Representatives considered H.Res.11 which condemns the UN’s actions, as well as the U.S. government’s decision not to block the UN Resolution. I voted against H.Res.11 because it represents a one-sided view of the current situation, and undermines a long history of bipartisan U.S. efforts to work through bilateral and multilateral forums toward a two-state solution.
“I know how important our enduring alliance with Israel is. My vote upholds my commitment to maintaining and strengthening this alliance, as well as my long-held position that the most viable path to peace between Israel and Palestine can be found through both sides negotiating a two-state solution.

Tulsi Gabbard sworn into the 115th Congress
with Republican leader Paul Ryan.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

"While I remain concerned about aspects of the UN Resolution, I share the Obama Administration’s reservation about the harmful impact Israeli settlement activity has on the prospects for peace.
“Ultimately, a negotiated solution must come from Israelis and Palestinians themselves, and can only happen when both parties are committed to peace, where they alone determine the terms of the settlement. I co-sponsored H.Res.23 which reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Israel, and a negotiated settlement leading to a sustainable two-state solution that re-affirms Israel’s right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state and establishes a demilitarized democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to support bilateral negotiations between Israel and Palestine in order to bring an end to this enduring conflict.”

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THE COST OF CLEARING OF ALBIZIA TREES is one of the justifications presented by Hawai`i Electric Light Co. in its proposal to raise its customers' electricity rates.
Albizias were introduced to Hawai`i in 1917 from the Molucca Islands in Indonesia and have spread across the islands. Thinly rooted and top heavy, they often fall during storms, taking out power lines and poles and crashing into vehicles and homes. According to the rate case filed by HELCO before the Public Utilities Commission, the utility wants ratepayers to help finance the cutting and trimming of albizia. The rate hike would be 6.5 percent to accommodate albizia cutting and many other costs. The rate hike could be as high as 12.5 percent, if HELCO is able to purchase a fossil-fuel power generating plant in Hamakua.

Albizia trees that towered over Bull Kailiawa's Ka`u coffee
plantings in Moa`ula. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

The felling of albizia could be funded by turning the harvested trees into electricity, according to the managers of several projects on the north end of the state. On Kaua`i, a Green Energy Team was founded to develop biomass-to-energy, with albizia as one of the main sources of fuel and is selling the feedstock to the Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative. During a blessing for the project last April, Gov. David Ige remarked, “In addition to producing energy, we have found a use for albizia, described as an invasive species, the scourge of the islands during the last hurricane.”
The plant was funded, in part, with a $72.9 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. The budget for the facility was $90 million.
Eric Knutzen, of Green Energy Hawai`i, asserted, “It’s been about 12 years since we first talked about this. It’s been a long road, but it’s operating, now — producing on an average of 12.4 percent of Kaua`i’s energy needs being provided through Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.”
Jim Kelly, of the Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative, said, “This plant is sustainable, renewable, and independent of local and foreign oil supply.”
Reports from The Garden Island newspaper on Kaua`i stated that more than albizia will be burned to make electricity at Green Energy Hawai`i.

Albizia treated with herbicide.
Photo from Big Island Invasive Species Council

“In addition to contracts to clear invasive albizia trees from several locations around the island, GET is in negotiations with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to purchase up to 15,000 tons of eucalyptus and pine trees that were scorched in Koke`e during fires in the summer of 2012. Those trees are being cut down and removed as part of a major reforestation project on 700 acres of forest reserve land,” reported The Garden Island.

In a separate proposal that has not come to fruition by another company on Kaua`i, Life of the Land made comments on the use of albizia. Life of the Land noted that one problem with albizia is that the chopping down the “mature plant will decrease the invasive population. However, invasive trees are difficult to cut down and chop up, so they are left standing and saplings are used instead. This does not eliminate the invasive problem.”

During the time when `Aina Koa Pono was proposing a biofuel plant in Wood Valley, the managers also proposed using albizia, monkeypod, Christmas berry and all other non-native trees to fuel their microwave refinery. `Aina Koa Pono also proposed to grow biofuel crops on lands between Pahala and Na`alehu to make fuel for electricity to be sold to HELCO. The proposed site of the `Aina Koa Pono plant is now being used for growing coffee.

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

MEDICINE FOR THE MIND. Buddhist healing meditation teaching for beginners through advanced, Volcano Art Center, Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. Free. 985-7470.

SENIOR ID's available, Monday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Pahala Housing Center and 11 a.m. to noon at Na`alehu Community Center. For residents 60 and older. 928-3100.

Milton Garces presents a talk Tuesdy on sounds below threshold of
human hearing that can provide early warning of manmade and natural
disasters. Photo from infrasound Laboratory University of Hawai`i

These low-frequency sounds are generated by large-scale fluid flow and can propagate for thousands of kilometers to provide early warning of natural or man-made hazards. Active open-vent volcanoes, such as Kīlauea, are exceptionally good sound emitters, and scientists are steadily building a continuous baseline of volcano-acoustic activity, including infrasonic tremor from Halemaʻumaʻu and Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō.

Milton Garces, Director of the University of Hawaiʻi Infrasound Laboratory, talks about “listening” to Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai volcanoes through one of the most advanced infrasound networks in the world. Entry is free but $2 donation. Park Fees apply.

www.kaucalendar.com

Stars over the crater on Kilauea. Photographer Eric Einwiller captured the fire of the volcano and the starry night skies.

PROTECTING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID is a top priority for Sen. Mazie Hirono in Washington, D.C. This week, Hirono and Sen. Joe Donnelly, who represents the state of Indiana where Vice-president-elect Mike Pence has served as governor, introduced an amendment to protect Medicare and Medicaid from the budget reconciliation process.
Said Hirono: “For the past 50 years, seniors and working families have enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that Medicare and Medicaid will be there for them. This budget resolution would dismantle these critical programs and our social safety net, resulting in too many families losing their health insurance. I will do everything in my power to protect these benefits for families in Hawai`i and across the country. Said Donnelly: “Every day, Hoosier (Indiana) families and seniors rely on Medicare and HIP 2.0, which Governor Mike Pence established and was made possible thanks to the health care law. I have opposed and will continue to oppose privatization of Medicare or turning it into a voucher system. If my colleagues, Republican or Democratic, have constructive ideas that would strengthen Medicare or Medicaid, count me in, but if they want to break promises to our seniors or take away coverage and increase premiums for families, count me out.”
Hirono explained that the Hirono-Donnelly amendment would create a budget point of order to prevent changes to Medicare that raise the eligibility age, change eligibility requirements, or privatize and voucherize the program. The amendment would also prevent changes to Medicaid that reduce state funding from current levels. Any changes to either program would require a supermajority in Congress. Hirono pointed out that nearly one in three American families depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their health care needs.

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Native Hawaiians interested in participating in films
about Ala Kahakai Trail and other National Parks can
respond to a casting call through Feb. 15.
Photo from NPS

A CASTING CALL FOR NATIVE HAWAIIANS has gone out from the National Park Service on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Through Feb. 15, Native Hawaiians are invited try out for a variety of roles in four new Visitor Center films, produced in both the Hawaiian and English languages. Participating is the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail which runs through Ka`u. The other parks are Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
The films are scheduled for release in 2018. From the Native Hawaiian perspective, they are designed to tell rich stories of Hawaiʻi’s past, from 300 A.D to modern times. No acting experience is necessary.
All parks involved "are dedicated to the preservation, protection, and interpretation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources," says a statement from NPS.

All four NPS sites are located on the western side of the island. Each 15-minute film is being produced, not just for domestic and international visitors, but also for the Hawaiian people themselves. Each will be available for viewing in English and Native Hawaiian languages. The films will include Audio Description in both languages for visitors who are blind or have low vision, and on-screen Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in both languages for visitors who have hearing impairment.
"The stories of these sacred places are told through on-camera interviews with Hawaiian kūpuna, spiritual leaders and cultural practitioners," says the NPS statement.

Also interviewed for the films are Native Hawaiians who work at each park as interpreters, cultural experts, natural resource managers, and historians. "All voices are woven into a 'living' tapestry, revealing each park’s distinct story from a Native Hawaiian perspective. A common thread throughout is the spiritual relationship native Hawaiians have with their gods, their land, and one another. The films honor and celebrate the beauty and deep history of the Hawaiian people – past, present, and future – and the National Park Service sites that help preserve the legacy and spirit of sacred places."
Great Divide Pictures of Denver, CO, award-winning producers of over 30 films for the National Park Service, is producing the films for the Hawaiʻi parks. To complement the interviews, Great Divide will capture the visual splendor of each park from the ground and air, and will produce cinematic historical recreations that bring Hawaiʻi’s important past alive.

Ala Kahakai Trail in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

The historical recreations will be filmed on-site at each park in May 2017. Great Divide and the National Park Service are looking to cast people who will portray Kamehameha the Great and Keōua Kūʻahuʻula. In addition, the producers are looking to cast warriors, kahuna, aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty), and makaʻāinana (commoners).

Among the historical scenes planned for production are: the intense personal journey of an escaped warrior who undergoes a spiritual transformation at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau during the 1600s; the 1791 confrontation of rivals, Kamehameha and Keōua Kūʻahuʻula, at Puʻukoholā Heiau; the ingenious methods Hawaiians used to create life-sustaining fishponds at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park; and how ancestral Hawaiians created an extensive network of trails – lifelines – throughout the island, commemorated now by Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.

The casting deadline is Feb. 15, 2017. Send email to: gdpcasting@gmail.com.

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ALLOWING FISH FARMING AS CLOSE AS THREE MILES OFFSHORE is the plan by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Farms in federal waters are seen as an answer to depletion of wild fish stock. An Associated Press story by Caleb Jones describes it like this: "As traditional commercial fishing is threatening fish populations worldwide, U.S. officials are working on a plan to expand fish farming into federal waters around the Pacific Ocean. The government sees the move toward aquaculture as a promising solution to feeding a hungry planet."

Sylvia Earle, former chief scientist for NOAA, questions the federal plan to

allow and manage open ocean aquaculture. Photo by Kip Evans/Mission Blue

Federally managed fish farms already exist in the Gulf of Mexico. The AP story notes: "Fish farming has been practiced for centuries in Hawai`i and around the world. But modern aquaculture, some environmentalists say, carries pollution risks and the potential for non-native farmed fish to escape and enter the natural ecosystem. Most shellfish consumed in America comes from farms, and their methods are widely considered sustainable. However, some farms that grow carnivorous fish such as salmon have raised concerns about sustainability because they use wild-caught fish to feed the captive species."

The AP story also quotes Sylvia Earle, a supporter of President Barack Obama's recent expansion of the marine monument area in Hawaiian waters. Earle is NOAA's former chief scientist, a renowned deep ocean explorer, educator, and head of Mission Blue, an international group to protect the world's oceans.

According to the AP story, Earle said, that "there are more environmentally sustainable and economically viable options than open-ocean aquaculture, which uses floating net-pens or submerged cages. 'We have to make a choice with aquaculture,' she said. 'Is our goal to feed a large number of people? Or is our goal to create or to serve a luxury market?'”

The story reports Earle saying that no dollar figure can be attached to keeping the ocean, and, in turn humans, healthy. “We now have recognition of other values of the ocean beyond what we can extract either for food or for products,” she told AP.

The AP also reports NOAA saying researchers in waters off the Big Island "are studying ways to make open ocean farming safe and efficient. They are studying different techniques and species to better understand problems the industry could face."

See more on NOAA's aquaculture programs at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture and more on Sylvia Earle at www.mission-blue.org

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EDDIE KAMAE, A FAVORITE HAWAIIAN MUSICIAN AND LEADER in the 20th century Hawaiian Renaissance, died on Saturday morning at the age of 89. Through the years he distinguished himself as a singer, musician, composer, a documentary film director, and author.
Kamae helped compose classics like E Ku’u Morning Dew and formed the Sons of Hawai`i with the late Gabby Pahinui. Over the years, the Sons of Hawai`i included musicians with Ka`u connections such as the late Dennis Kamakahi and the recording of his award winning song Wahine `Ilekea. Kamae also performed with Pahala native Ledward Ka`apana and his late brother Nedward. Kamae's recordings of songs about Hawai`i Island include Mary Kawena Pukui`'s Mauna Kea, Kamae's Waipi`o Valley Song and Hualalai.

Eddie Kamae with his palaka shirt and album cover.

Well-known Ocean View hula dancer and long time entertainer, Sammi Fo, remembers Kamae from the late 60’s. At that time Kamae was friends with her late husband, Buddy Fo, also a top Hawaiian musician, and dated Buddy’s beautiful aunt. “Eddie was among the very best `ukulele players in the Hawai’i, she said on Sunday. “I remember him wearing checked shirts, which we called Palaka Shirts, and workers’ bib coveralls and then he would tie a handkerchief around his head like a sweatband. It was like a trademark look for him.”
Kamae’s professional career began in 1948 as part of The `Ukulele Rascals duo with Shoi Ikemi. He would later play Spanish music, show tunes, and the classics as a soloist at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
In 1959, Kamae met Gabby Pahinui and formed The Sons of Hawai`i. Their 1971 album The Folk Music of Hawai`i was a crucial part of the overall rediscovery of the Native Hawaiian culture, also reviving interest in the elegant music of the monarchy era.
Together with Joe Marshall and David “Feets” Rogers, Kamae and Pahinui brought to life an amazing repertoire of authentic Hawaiian music that might otherwise have been lost to the ages, including songs that were written by Queen Lili‘uokalani during her incarceration in Iolani Palace after the U.S. Marines overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Kamae found them in the Bishop Museum archives, arranged the scores and began playing them.

Led Ka`pana, who grew up in Pahala, played with Eddie Kamae at
numerous performances. Photo by John Berger

According to the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, Kamae received nearly 50 awards, honor and tributes, including Master of Traditional Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hawai`i for "a lifetime of achievements in preserving Hawaiian language and culture through music and film." He was also recognized in 1979 as a Living Treasure of Hawai`i by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii`, and in 2007 he was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
A statement from the Kamaes’ Hawaiian Legacy Foundation on Kamae's death read: “Eddie Kamae passed peacefully this morning with his wife Myrna by his side, a smile on his face and ‘E Ku’u Morning Dew playing in the background. His legacy will continue through the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation.”

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INFRASOUND, THE ATMOSPHERIC SOUND and vibration below the threshold of human hearing, is the After Dark in the Park presentation on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Milton Garces explains how infrasound can provide early warning of manmade and natural disasters, through “listening” to Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai volcanoes through one of the most advanced infrasound networks in the world. Entry is free; $2 donation helps with park programs. Park Fees apply.

Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Hirono, and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) at Senator Mazie Hirono’s press conference
yesterday as she attempted to protect Medicare and Medicaid. Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINEE JEFF SESSIONS, the U.S. Senator from Alabama, was the target of questions from Sen. Mazie Hirono concerning his views on immigration, civil rights, and abortion rights today. There were ten hours of grilling during the first day of his confirmation hearing, which continues on Wednesday. The following are some of Hirono's remarks directed to President-elect Donald Trump's nominee:

Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump nominee
for U.S. Attorney General

“You probably know Senator Sessions that I am an immigrant," said Hirono, who was born in Japan. "And you indicated in one response that you would want immigration reform to center around skills-based immigration reform. And if that were the case, my mother who brought me to the country to escape an abusive marriage would not have been able to come to this country.
“I’ve heard from immigrants, LGBT Americans, women, and religious minorities who are terrified that they have no place in President-elect Trump’s vision of America. And based on what I’ve heard since the election, I am deeply concerned their fears are well-founded. I’m hoping you can address some of these concerns.”
Hirono also pressed Sessions on his long anti-choice record, and tried to secure a commitment from Sessions to uphold Roe v. Wade. In Hirono's view, Sessions dodged the question and she told him: "I think most of us know that the next opportunity for the Supreme Court to weigh in on whether or not to change Roe v. Wade would be a close decision and likely possibly a 5-4 decision and it is not just a hypothetical, but a real concern to a lot of people.”
She also questioned Sessions’ record on voter protection: “We know that since the Supreme Court's decision that did away with major parts of the Voting Rights Act, that numerous states, 13 states, have enacted laws that are contrary to the Voting Rights Act. So I hope that as Attorney General, you would vigorously review those kinds of laws and to prosecute and to seek to overturn those state laws just as your predecessors have done.”
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KEEP UP THE FIGHT TO PROTECT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID was the battle cry of Sen. Mazie Hirono yesterday after all but two Republican Senators voted against her amendment to prevent any changes to either program without a supermajority in the Senate. The proposal was co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, where Vice President-elect Mike Pence served as governor.

Said Hirono, “During the campaign, President-elect Trump promised not to cut Medicare and Medicaid. Senate Republicans broke this promise tonight and demonstrated that they are willing to sell-out seniors and working families in their crusade to repeal Obamacare. But tonight’s vote has not dimmed my resolve. I will do everything in my power to protect Medicare and Medicaid for families in Hawai`i and across the country.”

A wide range of organizations supported the amendment, including AARP, AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, Hawaii Public Health Association, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

After hosting a press conference with Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Hirono took to the floor to share the story of Anne and Lanny Bruder from Kaua`i who depend on Medicare to treat Anne’s glaucoma and Lanny’s heart condition. “Like many of our kupuna living on a fixed income, they simply could not afford the extra $6,000 a year they would be forced to pay if Republicans succeed in their effort to privatize and voucherize Medicare,” Hirono said.

The Hirono-Donnelly amendment would have created a budget point of order to prevent changes to Medicare that raise the eligibility age, change eligibility requirements, or privatize and voucherize the program. The amendment would also prevent changes to Medicaid that reduce state funding from current levels. Any changes to either program would require a supermajority in Congress.

The Hirono-Donnelly amendment has 29 co-sponsors, including Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Hirono pointed out that nearly one in three Americans depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their health needs.
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Affordable Airbnb accommodations are found in Na`alehu and throughout Ka`u,
Volcano and Miloli`i. Photo form Airbnb

AIRBNB HAS LITTLE IMPACT on housing in Hawai`i, according to a report in this afternoon’s Pacific Business News. PBN writes about a study done by housing analyst Ricky Cassiday which says that Airbnb is found in 1.53 percent of the statewide housing stock. It is the third largest vacation rental company in Hawai`i and brings an average additional income of $9,000 a year to each host. The year long study analyzed 8,134 listings and found that 88 percent of them were booked less than half the year, indicating that most of the time the houses are used by owners.

“It is important to note that this activity serves as a vital economic lifeline for many hosts while also providing substantial economic benefits to local businesses and Hawai`i’s overall economy,” stated Cassiday,
PBN also reports on a 2016 Hospitality Advisors LLC analysis, stating that Airbnb contributed $353 million to Hawai`i’s economy in 2015.
PBN wrote that “Cassiday notes that housing availability and affordability are not impacted by the number of short-term rentals, but instead by complex housing market regulations, zoning laws, mainland and foreign direct investment, limited supply, lack of public investment, policy, economic opportunity, lack of infrastructure, cost of production, and other dynamics.”
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THE IDENTITY OF AN OCEAN VIEW WOMAN KILLED IN A CAR CRASH has been released. Thirty-four year old Mona Yoshitaro, a member of the Marshallese community, died following a two-vehicle crash Friday, Jan. 6 on Highway 11 just north of the 96-mile marker.
Responding to a 7:18 p.m. call Friday, police determined that a 2003 Kia four-door sedan operated by Yoshitaro had been traveling north on Highway 11 near the 96-mile marker when it crossed left of center on the roadway and collided head-on with a 2003 Nissan pickup truck that was traveling south.
The occupants of the Nissan, a 66-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman, both of Ocean View, were taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Yoshitaro was also taken to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. Friday. Police believe speed and inattention were factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison at 326-4646, extension 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo. This is the second traffic fatality this year compared with none at this time last year.
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Brennen Nishimura scored the first point of the soccer season for the Trojans during the opener for the Ka`u Trojans.
Photo by Pam Taylor

KA`U TROJANS WON THEIR FIRST SOCCER GAME OF THE SEASON. The battle against Christian Liberty ended this past weekend at Pahala County Ball Park with the Trojans on top. The final score was 3 to 1. Brennen Nishimura won the first point of the soccer season for the Trojans.

`UKULELE MAKING DEMONSTRATION, Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Kilauea Visitor Center lana`i in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Oral Abihai shares his skills in making the instruments from local and exotic woods. Free; park entrance fees apply.

MAKE A BEADED PEACE SIGN, Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. For children grades K-8 at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE annual meeting is set for Discovery Harbour Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.
Bring a dish to share. Find out how to be a part of the Ka`u Chamber. RSVP at 443-3127.

Stewarding Kawa, from its archaeolgical to surfing sites, is the aim of four non-profit organizations. See story below.
Photo by Julia Neal

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO MEETS WITH THREE NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S CABINET on Thursday. First, Hirono interviews Trump's Secretary of Energy nominee, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 10 a.m. Hirono meets with Trump's Small Business Administrator nominee Linda Mcmahon at noon and Trump's Secretary of the Interior nominee Ryan Zinke at 2:30 p.m. All of the meetings will be at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Hirono will be able to question these cabinet nominations, as she has served on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee since 2015.

In regard to the Secretary of the Interior nominee, Hirono has been instrumental in federal funding for the operation of parklands and acquisition of preserves acquired in the last decade by the federal government, the state and county in Ka`u.

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THE NEW TELEHEALTH KIOSK FOR KA`U WILL BE UNVEILED FRIDAY, Jan. 13 at Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc.'s buiilding in Pahala. "KRHCAI's board of directors is excited and eager to promote the use of the telehealth kiosk in our rural medically underserved community because many who don't have medical insurance, primary care, or access to specialists often wind up in the emergency room or are hospitalized, which adds to the high cost of health care,” said Jessie Marques, KRHCAI executive director. “When residents talk with a doctor through the telehealth kiosk, they’ll receive timely care and assistance that they otherwise would not have had access to. And they’ll avoid unnecessary emergency room visits or hospitalization."

TeleHealth will be offered at a kiosk at Ka`u Rural Health
Community Association's building, starting on Friday.
Photo from KRHCA

American Well, a leading national telehealth technology company, and Hawai‘i Medical Service Association are collaborating to bring telehealth visits with doctors to residents of the Ka‘u community.
The companies donated a kiosk for HMSA’s Online Care® for video doctor visits at the Ka‘u Rural Health Community Association’s Resource and Distance Learning Center on Puahala Street. This donation makes the KRHCAI’s Resource and Distance Learning Center a new and important destination for convenient health care services, says a statement from the hui.
In addition to providing additional access to care, the kiosk will establish a new internship for clinical support staff (certified nurses aides, community health workers, and practical nurses) on how to educate others in underserved areas on the benefits of telemedicine technology.
The KRHCAI mission is to improve the lives of underserved community members through programs and outreach focused on health, education, research opportunities, and economic sustainability. Its Ka‘u Rural Health Academy serves University of Hawai‘i at Hilo students for whom the kiosk internship will serve as an opportunity to learn and then educate remote communities in critical need of health care access.
“Serving the Ka‘u community has been HMSA’s privilege for generations,” said HMSA President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Stollar. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with the Ka’u Rural Health Community Association to connect residents with doctors on Hawai`i Island and with specialists on O`ahu, Maui, and Kaua`i through HMSA’s Online Care. These innovations are part our Māhie 2020 vision to improve the health and well-being of everyone in the state of Hawai`i.”
Danielle Russella, President of Consumer solutions at American Well, noted, “American Well has always believed that we could use the power of technology to deliver care further into communities – particularly if access is a real barrier – and where it’s most needed.”
“We have the unique advantage to take what we’ve developed and use it to make a profound impact on people’s lives. With our longtime partner HMSA and through their relationship with the Ka’u Rural Health Community Association, we’re contributing to healthier living by making care easier and more accessible.”

Jessie Marques, (second from left) is founder and Executive Director of Ka`u Rural
HealthCommunity Association, which opens a Telehealth Kiosk in Pahala on Friday.
Photo from KHRCA

American Well makes video doctor visits accessible to consumers with simple health issues like cold, flu or infection and streamlines follow-up visits helping patients and doctors manage more complex healthcare issues like diabetes, asthma or behavioral health. American Well bring online healthcare into people’s homes and workplaces through working with HMSA and other health plans, health systems and employers, as well as a consumer telehealth app, Amwell. A patient using Amwell can connect to a board-certified doctor of their choosing in just minutes for a live video visit carried out over smartphone app, tablet, kiosk, phone, or web.
For more information on Ka’u Rural Community Health Association, visit krhcai.com.
To learn more about HMSA’s telehealth approach, visit hmsaonlinecare.com. For more about American Well, its telemedicine kiosk services and technology, visit americanwell.com
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FOUR NON-PROFITS WANT TO STEWARD Kāwā and other lands in the 784-acre, county-owned, oceanfront property between Punalu`u and Honu`apo. The four are competing for County Stewardship Grants and permission to care for the area. Charmaine L. Kamaka, Director of the County Department of Parks & Recreation, reviewed the four applications, recommending one for funding, gave no opinion on two, and said she is unable to recommend the fourth one.
The Stewardship Grants receive money from the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission, which also helps to purchase land for perpetual conservation, using the Two Percent Fund, so named because two percent of all Hawai`i Island property taxes are disbursed to it.

Protecting nature and cultural sites while respecting the surfing tradition at Kāwā.
Photo by Julia Neal

Kāwā is a rich archeological site, a nesting beach for endangered turtles, and is popular with surfers and fishermen. The Kāwā properties were acquired by the County of Hawai‘i, using monies from the Two Percent Fund in addition to funding from state and federal grants. Initially 234 acres were bought in January 2008, and in November 2011 three additional parcels totaling 550 acres were acquired for conservation and open space preservation.
In 2012 Hawai’i County voters approved a Quarter Percent Fund to maintain properties acquired through the Two Percent Fund.
Non-profit organizations must apply to the Department of Parks & Recreation for PONC Stewardship Grants to conserve and manage the County’s open spaces. The applications are initially reviewed by PONC, which makes funding recommendations to P&R. P&R also reviews the applications and PONC’s recommendations, then makes recommendations. P&R’s recommendations go before the Count Council's Finance Committee, which makes its recommendations to the County Council. The County Council makes the final decisions. The PONC Maintenance Fund had a balance of $1,882,099 as of December 1, 2016.
In 2016, P&R received grant applications from five non-profits, of which four were proposing to use the funds in Kāwā - the other was for Waipi`o. Kamaka wrote a six-page evaluation of the four Kāwā applications.
She reported that the first applicant, Na Mamo O Kāwā. is requesting $48,850 to “restore the property and its significant features including a freshwater spring, a heiau (temple) and other features. It would implement a native revegetation plan, create and initiate a cultural site monitoring plan and maintain safe and secure access to the property.

Kāwā is known for its springs, estuaries and brackish waters, a nursery for fish.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Na Mamo O Kāwā describes itself as a Hawaiian organization comprised of life-long residents, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, academics, ecologists, educators and natural resource managers,” wrote Kamaka. “Since Na Mamo O Kāwā did not identify its members or their qualification for implementing this grant request, I am unable to provide a recommendation regarding its ability to complete this project according to the project plan,” she concluded.
Kamaka’s evaluation of the second application by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund for $13,200 reads: “Hawai`i Wildlife Fund proposes to continue its ongoing work restoring the estuary and fishpond located at the southern end of the property . . . members and community volunteers have been working on the natural features monthly since October 2014, during which time they have performed 23 workdays and removed 3,725 cubic feet of invasive species that are harmful to water bodies.” She also discusses youth groups, educational benefits, and the applicant’s proposed partners.
Kamaka concludes her appraisal of the application: “Given its ongoing work on the estuary and fishpond, collaboration with industry experts and narrow scope of its project, . . . I recommend this applicant”.
Regarding the third applicant, The Honu Project, with a request for $24,665, she writes that it “Proposes to monitor and protect Hawksbill sea turtles and their nesting habitat within the subject property . . . protect identified nests and hatchlings, collect data on the turtle population, control non-invasive species, and promote public stewardship of the area through education outreach. “Its narrow focus and scope increases the chances of successful completion. However, a lack of details relating to the specific skills of the individuals, including the project coordinator, leave me uncertain about recommending this applicant’s ability to complete the project”.

Kāwā and its springs have been a busy place for campers in the past.
Photo by Julia Neal

Kamaka’s evaluation of the fourth Kāwā application for $354,190 reads: “Team Hawai’i International Athletics was created mainly to offer sports to the youth in and around Pana`ewa community of Hilo. The groupis seeking to steward the subject land actually is Hui Nohana Hawai’i, which the application describes as a social club under Team Hawai’i International Athletics. Hui Nohana Hawai’i states its members “have close ties to the Kāwā Bay” and are very knowledgeable about Ka`u.
Hui Nohana Hawai`i proposes to build bathrooms and showers, designate an area for a lifeguard stand, and plan for other improvements. This would conflict with Hawai`i County Charter, which states, ‘Moneys in the maintenance fund shall not be used for planning, design, development or construction of new buildings, facilities, or infrastructure . . . . Hui Nohana Hawai`i is seeking $160,000 for two Ford F350 diesel trucks. Due to the vagueness of its application, the group’s background and the high cost of its proposal, I cannot recommend Hui Nohana Hawai`i has the ability to complete its project”.
The PONC Stewardship Grant program was criticized in 2015 when no applications were approved, although the fund had $1.1 million. (See Ka’u Calendar Newsbriefs of 7/4/2015). The first and only Stewardship Grant was awarded in 2016 to Pohaha I Ka Lani for Waipi’o Lookout, Hamakua District.
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MATS FOGELVIK, THE AWARD-WINNING KA`U WOODWORKER, will display a hall table and coffee table at the annual Hawai’i Wood Guild Invitational Masters Show, which begins this Saturday, Jan. 14. While the show will not be juried this year, members of the public can choose the winner of the Peoples’ Choice award by voting for pieces they consider the best of the 55 entries.

The attention-grabbing coffee table was created by Fogelvik
using veneered Carpathian Elm burl on the surface of the table top. He used veneered curly Koa, on the edge and the legs. The dazzlingly shiny and durable surface should make the table last for generations.

Mats Fogelvik and his tables will be at the annual Hawai`i
Wood guild Invitational Masters Show.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Fogelvik, a native of Sweden and resident of Ocean View, is a fixture on the exclusive Hawaiian woodworking circuit. He is featured in a coffee table book, has entered the show many times, and has served on the board of the Hawai`i Woodworkers Guild. He has been sponsored for a trip to New Zealand to collaborate with woodworkers on the other end of the Polynesian Triangle.

The hugely popular wood show has been organized and presented by volunteer members of the Hawai`i Wood Guild. This will be the seventh show by the non-profit organization for professional woodworkers from around the Hawaiian Islands.

Since entries to the show will no longer be juried, participation is now by invitation. Nineteen award-winning woodworkers were invited to display pieces, such as furniture, wood sculptures and other unique creations. The show is held at the Isaacs Art Center, a gallery staffed largely by volunteers in Waimea. All the unique hand-crafted pieces are for sale. The gallery also displays outstanding Hawaiian art.

The show opens on Saturday with an artists’ reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continues through Feb. 24. It is sponsored by the Hawai`i Wood Guild, the Hawaii Forest Industry Association and the Isaacs Art Center. Proceeds from sales at the show will support scholarships for students of the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy.

When not creating award-winning pieces of furniture, Fogelvik is the President of the Hawai’i Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp.
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RED CROSS VOLUNTEER meeting, Thursday, Jan. 12. at 7 p.m., HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. New volunteers welcomed. 929-9953.

THE SCULPTURE GARDEN at Volcano Art Center will welcome visitors to a talk in the moonlight by sculptors Henry Biachini and Liz Miller, 7 p.m. at the Art Center in Volcano Village on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Volcano Art Center's Sculpture Garden offers a moonlight sculpture tour and talk
on Thursday, 7 p.m. Image from Volcano Art Center

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.

THE WOMEN'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON organizers will hold marches for women, men and children on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Kona and Hilo. In Kona the march goes from Queen Ka`ahumanuHwy, south of Henry Street, followed by a Rally for Common Ground from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Edible World Institute at 75-5699 Kopilo Street in Kailua-Kona. The purpose, according to a statement from organizers is to "unifiy around common ground, resist threats to our rights and environment, and to celebrate work for equality, solidarity and stewardship. Entertainment, food and booths staffed by various organization wiill be on hand.

The Hilo March and following gathering will be held at the Mo`oheau Bandstand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The Hawai`i County Democratic Party will have a booth at each event.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE's annual meeting is set for Discovery Harbour Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Find out how to be a part of the Ka`u Chamber. RSVP at 443-3127.

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www.kaucalendar.com

OHA is a new co-trustee of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, with ten islands and atolls
and 583,000 square miles of ocean waters. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo from UNESCO

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS is the new co-trustee of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Gov. David Ige announced today that OHA, the State of Hawai`i, and the U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Commerce have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement adding OHA as a co-trustee.

“This historic action rightfully places the Native Hawaiian voice at
the highest levels of decision making for this culturally and
spiritually significant wahi pana (sacred place) and will help
advance our people’s understanding of the deep connection of
our entire paeʻaina (archipelago)," said Kamana`opon Crabb,
OHA's CEO. Photo from UNESCO

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest, contiguous, fully protected conservation area in the U.S. and encompasses 583,000 square miles of ocean waters, including ten islands and atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Papahānaumokuākea is rich in history and cultural significance. In 2010, UNESCO inscribed the area as the nation’s first mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. The Big Island hosts a Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument visitor center in Hilo.

The refuge is managed by a partnership of co-trustee agencies: the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Interior Department's Fish & Wildlife Service; the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. OHA has been one of seven collaborating agencies for Papahānaumokuākea, including NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Fisheries Service; the Fish & Wildlife Service’s Ecological Services & Refuges, and the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources & Forestry and Wildlife.

Said the Governor, “Honoring, respecting and perpetuating the Native Hawaiian culture and sustainability are among my administration’s top priorities. OHA has participated in the decision making process since the monument was first designated by President Bush more than ten years ago, and previously, when the area was managed as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. The monument is world renowned for both its natural and cultural attributes and OHA’s co-trustee role will ensure the protection of Native Hawaiian cultural features and provide a critical cultural sensitivity to every decision that is made to protect this unique place.”
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We fully support and embrace OHA as a co-trustee of the monument. It is impossible to separate decisions about nature from cultural considerations. OHA’s elevated voice and input will inform management actions on a broad scale.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said: "Over the past ten years, we have forged a strong partnership with the State of Hawai‘i and we look forward to collaborating with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on our continued efforts to preserve this unique environment."

"Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is of great cultural significance to the Native Hawaiian community and houses important marine ecosystems that the Department of Commerce is committed to protecting for future generations," said Dept. of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. Photo from UNESCO

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said, “The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most diverse and threatened ecosystems on the planet and a sacred place for the Native Hawaiian community. By including OHA as a co-trustee for Papahānaumokuākea, we are highlighting not only the protection of natural treasures like the pristine coral reefs and deep sea marine habitats, but also the significant cultural and historic resources of the area that will be preserved for current and future generations.”
OHA Chair Rowena Akana said, “We thank President Barack Obama and our partners and supporters for making this a reality. Since our community’s first involvement in the management of these kūpuna island more than a decade ago, the goal has been to get Native Hawaiians a seat at the decision-making table. We understand the challenges ahead and are firmly committed to fulfilling our kuleana to this place and our beneficiaries.”

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most diverse and
threatened ecosystems on the planet and a sacred place for the Native Hawaiian
community," said Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell. Photo from UNESCO

Kamana`opono Crabbe, OHA’s chief executive officer, said: “This historic action rightfully places the Native Hawaiian voice at the highest levels of decision making for this culturally and spiritually significant wahi pana (sacred place) and will help advance our people’s understanding of the deep connection of our entire paeʻaina (archipelago). We look forward to serving in our new role, in partnership with our co-trustees, to develop and implement a resource management structure that integrates the best of conventional science and traditional practices. We hope that Papahānaumokuākea will demonstrate to the world that integrating science and indigenous knowledge is the best management model to sustain our fragile global environment.”
OHA is a constitutionally established body, set as a separate state entity independent of the executive branch of the State of Hawai‘i. Its primary responsibility is representing the interests of the Native Hawaiian community, including in the monument, through the perpetuation of Hawaiian cultural resources. This includes the customary and traditional rights and practices of Native Hawaiians that are exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes under the Hawai‘i Constitution.

HOSPITALS, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES AND NONPROFITS are bracing for changes in health care delivery as the new Congress and President-elect Donald Trump and his team proceed with their attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. According to a news release today from the Democration Party:

Sen. Mazie Hirono posted a Make America Sick Again
poster on her Facebook page.

"Late last night, at around 1 a.m. ET, Senate Republicans voted to move forward with repealing the Affordable Care Act with no plan to replace it. They also blocked Democratic attempts to protect important provisions like ensuring coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and letting young people stay on their parents' insurance."
Sen Mazie Hirono said that Medicare and Medicaid are also involved: "Last night, Senate Republicans voted to deprive 30 million people of health care to #MakeAmeriocaSickAgain. Going against protocol, which allows for saying only "yes" or "no" during the roll call vote, Hirono stated: "On behalf of the 200,000 Hawai`i seniors who depend on Medicare, I voted no."
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A VOTE AGAINST SEN. JEFF SESSION'S bid to become U.S. Attorney General is what Sen. Mazie Hirono plans. Hirono, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said today: “Over the past two months, I’ve heard from hundreds of my constituents and a number of prominent civil rights organizations – including a number who testified yesterday – on this issue. I will vote against the nomination of Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General because I am deeply concerned about how he would use his prosecutorial discretion to uphold voting rights, protect civil rights, and protect a woman’s right to choose.

"I’ve served with Jeff Sessions throughout my time in the Senate and respect him as a colleague. But I have deep concerns about how Sen. Sessions would use his prosecutorial discretion as Attorney General to address a number of critical issues. During his confirmation hearing, I pressed Sen. Sessions for a commitment to vigorously protect every citizen’s right to vote, particularly with regard to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act – which safeguards Americans from discriminatory voting laws.He did not give me a satisfactory answer that he would scrutinize voting laws for discriminatory effect.
"I also asked Sen. Sessions whether he would honor the Department of Justice’s consent decrees that address police misconduct and enhance accountability. Sen. Sessions did not adequately assure me that his Department would uphold these agreements without revisiting or renegotiating these agreements.
"I pressed Sen. Sessions for a commitment to defend Roe v. Wade in federal court and to enforce laws that guarantee the constitutionally-protected right to choose. Senator Sessions did not disavow his past comments that Roe v. Wade was one of the worst Supreme Court cases ever decided. Should the Supreme Court be presented with a case that provides them the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade, I asked him what he would direct his Solicitor General to do. He said this was hypothetical and didn’t respond."

A header gets a goal for Kyle Calumpit. Photo by Pam Taylor

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KA`U HIGH TROJANS CONTINUE TO WIN IN SOCCER, taking Pahoa on its home turf on Tuesday. Final scores was Ka`u 2 and Pahoa nothing. Kyle Calumpit socred the first point during the second half with a header and Trevor Taylor scored the second goal for Ka`u with just under eight minutes remaining in the game. Trojan goalie Ryan Ah Yee earns the shut out accolade.
Head Coach is Crystalee Mandaguit.

Trevor Taylor scored the second and final goal when
Ka`u beat Pahoa on Tuesday. Photo by Pam Taylor

ART LOVERS AND GARDEN ENTHUSIASTS will come together for the first annual Banyan Drive Art Stroll on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, it will be held on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
The main feature is a juried art exhibit of local art on the theme Celebrate Lili’uokalani - The Queen and her legacy."There will be other Art exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, and pupus at five venues on Banyan Drive.
It has attracted more than 70 works of art in several media and 90 photographic images for a calendar competition, many of which will be displayed at four locations on Banyan Drive.
This year 2017 marks the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of construction on the famed Japanese gardens, named for Queen Lili`uokalani, who gifted the first five. Today the gardens cover about 25 acres.
“This is the first event of 2017, kicking off a three-year centennial celebration,” said Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens President K.T. Cannon-Eger. “Construction began on the gardens in the fall of 1917, continued through 1918, and the
gardens were opened to the public in 1919.”
The event is free and open to the public. It includes plein air painting and gyotaku (fish printing) demonstrations, live entertainment and exhibits of 85 works by local artists. Most of the art will be available for sale. It will be held in several venues in and near Lili`uokalani Gardens. Complimentary art stroll maps are available at Banyan Gallery, 71 Banyan Drive.

“We really appreciate the time, effort, and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll committee. “The great number of entries challenged the jurors of both the Banyan Drive Art Stroll and photographers’ calendar contest.”
Art works created by Christine Ahia, Vivian Ursula Bratton, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Ken Charon, Faith Cloud, Alaina deHavillan, Yumi Doi, Bill Eger, Mary Goodrich, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Christa Kadarvsman, Alan Lakritz, Marilyn Montgomery, Valentina Montoya, Patti Pease-Johnson, Jeffrey Pietrzak, Diane Renchler, Kornelius Schorle, Sunny Seal-LaPlante, Sakiko Shinkai, Diane Thornton, Robert Weiss, and William Wingert gardens were opened to the public in 1919.”

The event is free and open to the public. It includes plein air painting and gyotaku (fish printing) demonstrations, live entertainment and exhibits of 85 works by local artists. Most of the art will be available for sale. It will be held in several venues in and near Lili`uokalani Gardens. Complimentary art stroll maps are available at Banyan Gallery, 71 Banyan Drive.
“We really appreciate the time, effort, and expertise that it takes to create a beautiful work of art,” said Bonnie Sol of the Banyan Drive Art Stroll committee. “The great number of entries challenged the jurors of both the Banyan Drive Art Stroll and photographers’ calendar contest.”
Art works created by Christine Ahia, Vivian Ursula Bratton, K.T. Cannon-Eger, Ken Charon, Faith Cloud, Alaina deHavillan, Yumi Doi, Bill Eger, Mary Goodrich, Bonnie Sol Hahn, Christa Kadarvsman, Alan Lakritz, Marilyn Montgomery, Valentina Montoya, Patti Pease-Johnson, Jeffrey Pietrzak, Diane Renchler, Kornelius Schorle, Sunny Seal-LaPlante, Sakiko Shinkai, Diane Thornton, Robert Weiss, and William Wingert

will be displayed in the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at 93 Banyan Drive. Members of the public are invited to vote for one of these art works. The piece that attracts the most votes will win the “People’s Choice Award”.
Art by Rose Adare, Alan Fine, Carol Froysland, Peter Heineman, Vijay Karai, Kristen Luning, Maria Macias, Peggy McKinsey, Sakiko Shinkai, and William Wingert will be displayed in the Wai `Oli Lounge at Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 71 Banyan Drive.
Photographs by Paul Miyasaki, K.T. Cannon Eger, Kornelius Schorle, Steve Godzsak, Alan Lakritz, Kenneth Jackson, Toby Hazel, Debra L Newbery, Steve Pollard, Alan Lakritz, Kenneth Jackson, Valerie A. Victorine and Vernon L. Enriques will be displayed at the Banyan Gallery at 71 Banyan Drive.
For further information on this and other events scheduled to celebrate the centennial of Lili`uokalani Gardens, contact K.T. Cannon-Eger of Friends of Lili’uokalani Gardens at kteger@hawaii.rr.com or telephone (808) 895-8130.

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PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. - 11. a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU hike, Saturday, Jan. 14 hike form 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates 20 years of service this year, including the training of
many Ka`u High School students in the Youth Ranger Program. See more below.Image by Susan Manley

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK YOUTH RANGER PROGRAM starts Feb. 1. The annual training over the years has involved many Ka`u High School students, leading to employment at the park and other career advancement as well as educational opportunities. For the 2017 training, "We are excited to work with 75 youth from around the island. This program provides great opportunity for Hawai`i Island's underserved youth population," said Friends Executive Director Elizabeth Fien. She also noted that all donations directed to the program go directly to youth stipend payment."

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates 20 years of service in 2017, including
the Youth Ranger Program, which has involved many Ka`u High School students.
Photo from Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

In 2017, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Executive Director reviewed the progress in a New Year's letter to members. Fien wrote that the organization was founded in 1997 as Na Hoaloha O `Ainahou - the Friends of `Ainahou - the historic ranch within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. "In 1995 with the help of our founding members, the `Ainahou Ranch House and its ground were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From this effort, The Friends of `Ainahou was formed."

Volunteers cleared about ten acres of the ranch, which was developed in the 1940s by buisnessman and horticulturalist Herbert C. Shipman, a descendant of one of Hawai`i's oldest missionary families.

"As our mission and focus expanded beyond `Ainahou, wrote Fien, "we changed names to become the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2002."

Founding members included Alana McKinney, Julie Williams, Diane Gentry, Russell Kukubun and Roberta Baker.

The organization invites donations and new members and is planning an annual meeting in March, as well as a 20-year celebration later in 2017. Upcoming events include a Forest Restoration Project on Friday, Jan. 20 and a Sunday Walk in the Park, Exploring Mauna Ulu on Sunday, Feb. 12.

See more at www.fhvnp.org

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STOP ARMING TERRORISTS was the slogan to the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who delivered a speech on the House floor today. her bipartisan Stop Arming Terrorists Act (H.R.258), 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.
She also promoted the legislation on FOX News this evening, interviewed on Tucker Carlson Tonight, and said that President-elect Donald Trump listened to her point of view when she met with him in late November at Trump Tower.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard promoted her bill against regime change on Fox News
today, interviewed by Tucker Carlson. She also talked about her late November meeting
with President-elect Donald Trump. Photo from Fox News

In a written statement, Gabbard said, “The American people have felt directly the cost of our nation's interventionist wars—costs borne by our nation's sons and daughters who have served, and by communities and people in every part of this country. We have spent trillions of dollars on regime change wars in the Middle East while communities like mine in Hawaiʻi face a severe lack of affordable housing, aging infrastructure, the need to invest in education, health care, and so much more.

“Our limited resources should go toward rebuilding our communities here at home, not fueling more counterproductive regime change wars abroad. I have introduced the Stop Arming Terrorist Act, legislation that would stop our government from using taxpayer dollars to directly or indirectly support groups who are allied with and supporting terrorist groups like ISIS and al Qaeda in their war to overthrow the Syrian government. The fact that our resources are being used to strengthen the very terrorist groups we should be focused on defeating should alarm every American. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and stop this madness.”

The legislation would prohibit U.S. government funds from being used to support al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups. In the same way that Congress passed the Boland Amendment to prohibit the funding and support to CIA backed-Nicaraguan Contras during the 1980’s, this bill would stop CIA or other Federal government activities in places like Syria by ensuring U.S. funds are not used to support al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, ISIS, or other terrorist groups working with them. It would also prohibit the Federal government from funding assistance to countries that are directly or indirectly supporting those terrorist groups.

Gabbard stated that the bill achieves this by: "Making it illegal for any U.S. Federal government funds to be used to provide assistance covered in this bill to terrorists. The assistance covered includes weapons, munitions, weapons platforms, intelligence, logistics, training, and cash; making it illegal for the U.S. government to provide assistance covered in the bill to any nation that has given or continues to give such assistance to terrorists; requiring the Director of National Intelligence to determine the individual and groups that should be considered terrorists, for the purposes of this bill, by determining: (a) the individuals and groups that are associated with, affiliated with, adherents to or cooperating with al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, or ISIS; (b) the countries that are providing assistance covered in this bill to those individuals or groups; requiring the DNI to review and update the list of countries and groups to which assistance is prohibited every six months, in consultation with the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, as well as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and requiring the DNI to brief Congress on the determinations."

See the Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s speech.
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Without objecting to Gen.Jame Mattis himself, Rep. Tulsi
Gabbard objected to what she called the "circumventing
of the democratic process. "

AN ATTEMPT TO ERODE CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF CIVILIAN CONTROL OF THE MILITARY, as Rep. Tulsi Gabbard described it, passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. She said the bill would change the legal requirement for retired military officers to serve as Secretary of Defense and that it "was pushed through the House without allowing the House Armed Services Committee to hold a hearing with Secretary of Defense nominee Gen. Mattis before holding a vote on the floor."

Gabbard's statement on the matter: “My opposition to this legislation lies solely in the fact that Congressional leadership and the incoming Administration circumvented the democratic process by not allowing Members of Congress to question Gen. (James) Mattis before voting to change the law that would allow him to serve as Secretary of Defense. Congress must be able to exercise its authority and responsibility to represent each of our constituents in the decisions we make and the laws that we pass. As a co-equal branch of government, we cannot continue to allow the Executive Branch to circumvent Congress.”

U.S. law prohibits the appointment of former military officers within seven years of relief from active duty to the position of Secretary of Defense. S.84 would provide an exemption to the law for the first time since 1950.

Gabbard contended that earlier this week, the incoming Administration and Congressional leadership broke precedent and circumvented the democratic process in considering the legislation by: "Refusing to allow President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, General Mattis, to appear before the House Armed Services Committee as it considered the legislation; refusing to follow legal precedent by naming the nominee in the legislation itself, which would ensure the exemption is used solely for the intended nominee; and failing to exempt the nominee from the Uniform Code of Military Justice in the legislation, should he be confirmed as Secretary of Defense.

The legislation that Gabbard opposed passed the Senate yesterday, and passed the House today by a vote of 268-151.

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PROTECTING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING is one of the goals of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during the 115th Congress. She joined Republican and Democratic Senators and House members, reintroducing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act on Wednesday. The bipartisan legislation would create a process for victims of human trafficking to request relief from non-violent federal crimes committed as a direct result of human trafficking.

Ho`ola Na Pua volunteers, who help educate girls and boys to avoid
situations that could involve them in trafficking and help with the healing
when they have bcome victims. Photo from Ho`ola Na Pua

Jessica Munoz, President and founder of Ho'ola Na Pua, which tackles the problem in Hawai`i, said: “Because of the complexities of the criminal activity around trafficking, victims are put into situations where they may be forced to engage in other criminal acts due to their abuser. Even though they are victims of human trafficking, under current mandates, their “criminal history” can make it very difficult for them to recover and reintegrate back into society. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is an important key to opening the door of freedom, helping to erase the past, and empower life recovery and forward movement for the most marginalized and vulnerable population in our communities,”
Said Gabbard, “Tens of thousands of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking each year. Too often, they are charged as criminals, thrown in prison, and shackled with a criminal record the rest of their lives instead of being free to get the care and assistance they need. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will empower human trafficking victims to escape the chains of their past and move forward with their lives.
Dr. Tin Myaing Thein, Executive Director of the Pacific Gateway Center, which offers services that help rebuild the lives of human trafficking survivors, said, "We believe the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act will support these uprooted individuals to reclaim dignified lives."
The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would allow survivors of human trafficking to provide supporting documentation in order to get their non-violent criminal records vacated. These documents can include: 

Certified criminal or immigration court proceedings or law enforcement records demonstrating that the individual was a victim of trafficking at the time they were charged with the trafficking-related offense(s); 

Many immigrants and refugees served by Pacific Gateway Center on the
Big Island and other Hawaiian Islands are victims of sex trafficking.

Testimony or sworn statement from a trained professional staff member of a victim services organization, an attorney, member of the clergy, a health care professional, a therapist, or other professional from whom the person has sought assistance in addressing the trauma associated with being a victim of trafficking;

An affidavit or sworn testimony of the movant indicating that they were a victim of human trafficking at the time of their arrest and that they engaged in or were otherwise accused of engaging in criminal activities as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking.

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KA`U HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL sits in a three way tie for second in Division II of Big Island Interscholastic Federation competition. On Thursday evening, against Hilo, top Trojan scorer was Alysha Gustafson-Savella with 11 baskets, followed by Reisha Jara with seven. Hilo won 65-24 in varsity competition. Hilo also won in JV 50-28.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. - 11. a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU hike, Saturday, Jan. 14 hike from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free.

BANYAN DRIVE ART STROLL is Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon to 6 p.m.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY will be celebrated in Kona and Hilo. In Kona, the 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the civil rights leader will be Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Makaeo Pavillion. Art, songs, music by local schools and the community will be featured. In Hilo, it will take place Monday, Jan. 16 at the recently rernovated Mo`oheau Bandstand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with performers, speakers and artists commemorating MLK.

TRAINING ON HOW TO USE THE AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR donated Hilo Medical Center Foundation to Ocean View Community Association will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Ocean View Community Center. CPR chest compressions will also be taught. The training begins at 10:30 a.m. Depending on the number of attendees, the training is expected to last until about noon.

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