The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Redoubt Volcano, shown here on April 4, 2009, is just one of the more than 50 historically active volcanoes monitored by the Alaska
Volcano Observatory, a sister USGS organization to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Gray ash draping the flanks of the volcano
creates a stark contrast to the surrounding snow-covered landscape and white steam rising from Redoubt’s summit crater. Top left,
the USGS office of AVO, located in Grace Hallon the Alaska Pacific University campus in Anchorage, coordinates the observatory’s
operations. Other AVO offices are at the University of Alaska and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
in Fairbanks. See Volcano Watch story below. USGS photos

RESHAPING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION is a promise Gov. David Ige made on Saturday. He pledged to support dreams and aspirations of each student in remarks he made at the third annual Hawai‘i School Empowerment Conference at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The conference was sponsored by the Education Institute of Hawai‘i, a non-profit organization committed to improving public education. The conference aims to increase awareness and deepen understanding to improve public education through school empowerment and innovation in learning.

Gov. David Ige promised on Saturday to reboot Hawai`i's p ublic education system.
Photo from Office of the Governor

Ige entitled his talk A Clear Path to Achieving Excellence in Hawai`i's Public Schools. Here is the governor's speech:
"Coding. Robotics. Digital media. International education exchanges. None of these programs were offered when I attended public schools in Pearl City, and it’s impossible to predict what fascinating opportunities await students in coming years.
"What I can tell you is this: The success of today’s students in the future workplace and in our communities requires an absolute reboot of the rigid school system built over a century ago. Our school system is simply not relevant to today’s students.
"That’s why I asked the members of the Board of Education, those I appointed and those who began serving prior to my taking office, to develop and implement a plan to transition from yesterday’s system to one that truly prepares students to think creatively and to be innovators. I asked board members to design a system that encourages teachers and principals to make meaningful decisions about curriculum and instruction, educational programs, and expenditure of schools funds.
"The Board responded to my challenge. They worked with the community to develop a new strategic plan for the department. They courageously determined transformation requires a fresh mindset, starting at the top. And they initiated a search for a new superintendent. I fully support this decision. We need a change agent who is committed to exploring unconventional options in the quest to prepare our students for the future.
"I want students, parents, teachers and other educators to be assured that my goal is to reshape the department so that it supports the dreams and aspirations of each student. I believe those closest to the students understand best how their students should be educated. That is the type of system we are working together to achieve.
"The community supports this goal as evidenced by the tremendous participation in last summer’s Education Summit and dozens of follow-up meetings in communities throughout the state. I am proud of the work my volunteer team, parents, teachers, business leaders and community members have done to create a Blueprint for Hawaiʻi’s Education System. I asked them to think big, and they did. I can tell you, there is no shortage of innovative thinking in Hawaiʻi.

Ka`u High has competed in robotics, which Gov. David Ige says is a start to
building communities of the future. Photo from FIRST

"My passion for education isn’t new, and the solutions I am promoting now aren’t a surprise to anyone who has been recently engaged in the dialogue on education. I campaigned on this issue and education remains my top priority.
"We don’t know what the next technological wave will bring. But we do know that Hawaiʻi’s public education system must be set up so teachers are able to exercise their professional judgement and employ tools that enable student success.
"Students who design robots in elementary school will build the communities of the future. Students who experience what it’s like to be innovators and entrepreneurs in high school will drive the state’s new economy. Students who travel with their class will collaborate with their peers around the world to solve global challenges. It is our responsibility to provide them with a robust learning experience so they can achieve rewarding and successful lives."
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BANKRUPTCIES IN HAWAI`I would have been at a 24-year low in 2016, with the exception of the year 2006, which saw a run on filing for bankruptcy before it became more difficult. A recent story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser quoted Honolulu bankruptcy attorney Blake Goodman saying that President-elect Donald Trump could play a role in the future of bankruptcy filings in Hawai`i. Goodman told the Advertiser that “Trump is either going to deliver as promised and make America great again with more solvency, more opportunities, more economic prowess, more jobs, lower taxes. To me it sounds like a Santa Claus list. But if he’s got the magic that everybody voted for, then we may see a continued decrease in bankruptcies for years to come. I think, though, the outcome will be as real as Santa Claus.”
A trend that could lead to more bankruptcies, according to Goodman, would be increased interest rates; “which, if that continues will decrease the real estate values. It always translated to more bankruptcies when there is less equity in properties and people no longer have the option of taking cash out of their real estate to pay off debt,” he explained.
The Advertiser reported statistics released early this month from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawai`i, showing there were 1,383 bankruptcy cases statewide in 2016, representing an 11.9 percent decline from 2015 and the lowest level in nine years.

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VOLCANO WATCH LOOKS AT ALASKA THIS WEEK in a continuing series of stories for Volcano Awareness Month. The scientists of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory write about the USGS observatories in Alaska and their relation to Hawai`i:
"Hawai`i may be the most volcanically active state in the U.S., but in terms of sheer numbers of volcanoes, Alaska is the hands-down winner. Of the nation’s 169 active volcanoes, 90 are located in Alaska. Eruptions there are common, and some volcanoes are in a semi-constant state of low-level activity.

Augustine Volcano in the Cook Inlet during a 2015 eruption. It was the 1986 eruption
of this volcano that led to creation of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the sister
to Hawaiian Volcano Observaotry. Photo by Cyrus Read/ USGS

"The 1986 eruption of Augustine volcano in Cook Inlet (near Anchorage) emphasized the need for volcano monitoring and research in Alaska. It also prompted the establishment of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which was founded in 1988.
"AVO is a partnership between three organizations: the U.S. Geological Survey, the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. These three groups contribute to observatory operations, although hazards notifications are issued by the USGS, which has federal responsibility for such declarations.
"AVO did not have to wait long after its establishment for its first “test.” On December 14, 1989, Redoubt volcano, also in Cook Inlet, erupted. The next day, KLM flight 867, carrying 231 passengers from Amsterdam to Tokyo with a stop in Anchorage, flew through a Redoubt ash plume, causing all four engines to fail. The aircraft dropped more than 3 km (2 mi) in altitude within five minutes before the flight crew managed to restart the engines and land the plane safely in Anchorage. All four engines on the aircraft had to be replaced, with damages totaling about $80 million. The Redoubt eruption continued through early June 1990.
"The KLM flight 867 incident reemphasized that hazards from even remote volcanoes can impact an increasing number of vulnerable jet aircraft—a lesson that had previously been demonstrated by similar ash-aircraft encounters around the world. These encounters represent a significant difference in emphasis between AVO and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. In Hawai`i, we focus primarily on ground-based volcanic hazards such as lava flows, whereas Alaska has both ground and airborne concerns. AVO’s area of responsibility is also much broader than that of HVO, extending from southeast Alaska to Anchorage, along the Alaska Peninsula, and then out the chain of Aleutian Islands towards Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula—a distance of over 3,000 km (2,000 mi)!
"Nevertheless, AVO uses volcano monitoring methods similar to those employed by HVO, including webcams, seismic and GPS stations, and geological mapping. Ground-based monitoring and research field work are considerable challenges owing to Alaska’s harsh environment and the remoteness of so many volcanoes, so satellite data are used extensively.
"Aircraft pilot reports are also important sources of information about Alaskan volcanoes. In fact, it was pilot reports, confirmed by satellite data, that documented the unheralded December 20, 2016, eruption of Bogoslof—a tiny island with no ground-based volcano monitoring—which sent an ash plume to an altitude of over 10 km (6 mi).

The volcano on Uniyak in the Aleutian Islands. USGS photo

"Since its founding, AVO has made tremendous strides in mapping the largely unknown volcanoes of Alaska to better understand their eruptive histories and future eruptive potential. Even some of the remote volcanoes of the western Aleutian Islands have been instrumented to track unrest and detect eruptions that might be hazardous to aircraft.
"AVO has also developed state-of-the-art tools for viewing the abundance of available satellite observations that can detect ash plumes and thermal anomalies. Some of these tools have been exported to Hawaii, where HVO scientists use them to enhance their monitoring of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
"Scientists at AVO are researching Alaskan volcanoes to contribute to a better understanding of how volcanoes work in general. Of particular importance are AVO’s investigations into the dynamics of explosive eruptions and their deposits, relations between seismic energy and ash plumes, and hydrologic hazards due to eruptions at snow- and ice-covered volcanoes.
"Next week we’ll visit the most populous state in the U.S., which is also home to 19 active volcanoes—California."
HVO scientists encourage everyone to attend upcoming Volcano Awareness Month programs on the Island of Hawai‘i. The complete schedule, including descriptions of the talks, is posted on HVO’s website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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 16.5 and 33.5 m (54–110 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g flow was still active, with lava entering the ocean near Kamokuna and surface breakouts near Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. The 61g flow does not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

Lava continues to enter the ocean near Kamouna, creating a
plume of hot water. USGS image.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, small-magnitude earthquakes continued, primarily beneath 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, although rates appear to have slowed over the past month.
Two earthquakes were reported felt in Hawai`i this past week. On Jan. 9, at 2:20 p.m., HST, a magnitude-3.1 earthquake occurred 62 km (38.5 mi) southwest of Lāna‘i City, Lāna‘i, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). On January 7, at 10:24 a.m., HST, a magnitude-3.5 earthquake occurred 16.0 km (9.9 mi) north of Pāhala, Hawaiʻi, at a depth of 9.4 km (5.8 mi).
Visit HVO's 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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KA`U HIGH WON IN SOCCER again on Saturday, with a score of 2-1 on the home field against Kohala, reports Athletic Director Kalei Namohana. Kobe Moses and Brennan Nishimura scorecd the goals for the Trojans. Ka`u's goal keeper for the game was Mark Galacio.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, Sunday, Jan. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.. Free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain to illustrate the human history of the area, within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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.

www.kaucalendar.com

The Police Ocean View Mini Station is not used enough to keep the police around the neighborhood, according to
Ocean View residents who have launched a petition drive for a larger station next to the fire station.
Photo by Ann Bosted

LOCALIZED POLICING FOR OCEAN VIEW is the goal of a group of residents who have launched a petition signing campaign. The petition asks Mayor Harry Kim for “Localized Policing” to include round-the-clock police presence so that the high crime rate can be reduced.

Although the county pays to rent a store in the Pahoe Plaza shopping center, this sub-station is not used by the police as an office as they claim that the internet lines are not secure, so their reports cannot be electronically filed there. Instead they drive about 20 miles to the Na’alehu police stateion to do their paperwork, reducing their time in Ocean View.

According to the 2010 census, Ocean View has the largest population of any town in the Ka’u District. This, petition organizers point out, is a strong argument for having a fully functional police station in their town. They have suggested that the police station be located next to the fire station, which has the secure lines that the sub-station lacks.

The Mini Station is in Pohue Plaza but not used much because of its lack of
secure communication for police to file reports. Photo by Ann Bosted

“The criminals can see the cops leaving town – one blue light following the other – so they know they can do what they like,” explained Mike DuBois, who drafted the petition.

The petition reads in part: “We call upon the government to provide a permanent, around-the-clock Police Station in Ocean View, replacing the out dated and seldom used substation. This petition is in response to the area’s consistent excessive crime rate, and slow police response time in emergencies and the lack of full-time police presence.

“In order to reduce crime and effectively quicken police response and more immediate police interaction with the criminally minded, we need a localized police station in Ocean View.

“We, the undersigned, petition our Mayor, Police Chief and County Council to provide public safety and protection of our property for Ocean View residents by expeditiously establishing a 24-hour Police Station in Ocean View”, concludes the petition.

DuBois explained that at recent Ocean View community meetings, residents have asked that “a permanent operational station be established” next to the town’s fire station, “which has a secure communication system already in place.

“Signing this petition shows mutual support for a localized policing approach to reduce crime. This is an important grassroots effort to show the island government that our town of 7,000 people knows what is needed to protect itself from the consistently extreme levels of crime,” explained Dubois.

Debbie DuBois said,

“We hope that Mayor Kim will take a fresh look at this situation. The petition has got people talking and thinking. We have had community meetings with various people, like Prosecutor Mitch Roth and Assistant Chief Kealoha, and they have listened to our concerns."
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MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY IS MONDAY, JAN 16, with a celebration at the Mo`oheau Bandstad in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with speeches, artists and performers.
The commemoration reminds some old timers of King's speech before the Hawai`i legislature in 1959. King said: "I come to you with a great deal of appreciation and great feeling of appreciation, I should say, for what has been accomplished in this beautiful setting and in this beautiful state of our Union.

Martin Luther King in Hawai`i in 1959.

"As I think of the struggle that we are engaged in, in the South land, we look to you for inspiration and as a noble example, where you have already accomplished in the area of racial harmony and racial justice, what we are struggling to accomplish in other sections of the country, and you can never know what it means to those of us caught for the moment in the tragic and often dark midnight of man's inhumanity to man, to come to a place where we see the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice.
"We have coma a long, long way. We have a long, long way to go. I close, if you will permit me, by quoting the words of an old Negro slave pereacher. He didn't quite have his grammar right, but he uttered some words in the form of a prayer with great symbolic profundity and these are the words he said: 'Lord, we ain't what we want to be; we ain't what we ought to be; we ain't what we gonna be, but thank God, we ain't what we was.' Thank you."
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Vince Mina, statewide President of
Hawai`i Farmers Union United

THE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED has reached 1,020 members across ten chapters, its president Vince Mina announced on Sunday.
"This accomplishment is reflective of the tireless work of leaders within the HFUU who continuously focus on serving our growing membership along with those expanding our impact and effectiveness through grants, donations and sponsorships, said Mina.
"Day after day, HFUU's mandate is to provide education and solutions for our family of farmers so that they are supported in growing the agriculture sector for Hawai`i.
"Our preferred methods are ecologically oriented, economical and enfironmentally sustainable (regenerative) - to the farmer, rancher, fisherman and the consumer. While this is no easy task, we are continually inspired by those who have shown their commitment to the local regenerative food movement," said Mina.
President for the Ka`u Chapter is Greg Smith from Earth Matters Farms and Vice President is Richard Creagan, a physician and chair of the agriculture committee in the state House of Representatives. Creagan lives on a Ka`u farm.
Mina will represent the Hawai`i Farmers Union United at the National Farmers Union Convention in San Diego March 5-8. He formed and heads the National Farmers Union's Regenerative Agriculture Local food Committee, which will host talks by Jen Kuchera of the soil health division of the USDA and Mark McAffee, owner/operator of Raw Milk Dairy, Organic Pastures, in California.
See more at hfuuhi.org.
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TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER is the topic of After Dark in the Park at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Kilauea Theater Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Don Swanson, a geologist with USGS makes the rpesntation with hitosry and personal anecdotes about his encounter with the crater. Free. Park entrance fees apply.\

HI-SEAS dome welcomes eight crew members for an eight-month stay beginning this Thursday on
Mauna Loa. The goal is to simulate life confined to long-distance space exploration. See story below.
Photo from HI-SEAS

THE NEW OCEAN VIEW PETITION FOR LOCAL POLICING can be signed by area residents at Ocean View Community Center daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also at South Point U Cart and at Kahuku Gift and Garden Shop. The petition calls for more policing in Ocean View and a new police station there.

The petition calls for replacing the mini station with
a larger Ocean View Police Station next to
the fire station. Photo by Ann Bosted

A supporter of the petition is Ocean View Community Association's newly elected President, Ron Gall, who met with the recently appointed Community Policing Officer Aron Tomota. Gall praised the Community Policing Officer, saying that Tomota has a “real initiative, and a good attitude. He is going to do well. He is not one to pass the buck.” Gall reported that when Tomota first took the Community Policing Officer position in Ka`u, “The first thing on his desk was all the abandoned vehicles on our streets. He quickly had seven hauled out of here, and now all ten are gone." Gall reported that Tomota is in favor of the localized policing, as called for in the petition.

The petition calls for the new police station to be built next to the fire station in Ocean View where communications would be better for police officers, who could file their reports without driving to Na`alehu.

Gall recommends: “The police officers should have input about the design of the new police station. Among other needs - they would require a holding cell, where suspects can be kept before being transported to Kona. The County owns property in Ocean View – I have been told they have upwards of 20 one-acre lots."

Community Policing Officer
Aron Tomota

Gall said one of the problems with remote communities is that

“the Police Dispatch is based in Hilo, and they know nothing about Ocean View. They could use electronic maps, which have been in use on the mainland since the early eighties. There, dispatch officers punch in the address and a dispatcher can tell the police officer where to go. As an example, the dispatch staff in Hilo have no idea where Lotus Blossom is,” exclaimed Gall. “Localized policing would end that problem.”

Ron Gall, President of
Ocean View Community
Association

Debbie Dubois, one of the organizers of the petition drive, said that having police more often in Ocean View would help with the following:

“The criminals can get scanners and tune into the police channels, and know exactly where the police are and what they are doing.”

Dubois also described interaction with the police and community:

“We go to Neighborhood Watch meetings with the police, but they are very unsatisfactory. Key information is missing, and they won’t share stuff with us. Localized policing is crucial and this petition is a start."

She gave an example of the long wait time in Ocean View for some victims of crime.

“A few days ago, a resident saw his neighbor being robbed. He immediately phoned in the crime, and the police told him that under no circumstances should he interfere. Only after the burglary was over and his neighbor had been cleaned out, did the the cops show up. They took about 45 minutes to arrive. This is totally unacceptable, yet it happens over and over again. We need to take action. Every one knows who the repeat criminals are. But they are almost never arrested, and if they are nabbed, they are let go again. We have to stop this ‘catch and release’ pattern,” said Dubois.

Concerning the petition drive, o

ver 200 signatures have already been collected, and the team expects to collect about 500, Dubois reported.

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Dr. Martin Luther King was remembered in the writings of
Hawai`i Gov. David Ige today. Photo from Gov. Ige

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING was the focus of a message from Gov. David Ige on Martin Luther King Day, celebrated in Hawai`i and around the country.

Wrote the governor: "Today, we honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, a mortal man with an immortal dream. Some will honor him with public service, some through quiet reflection.

"While much may have changed since the time of Dr. King, inequality remains one of the primary issues that we must work together to resolve. Dr. King once wrote that 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?'
"Here in Hawai’i we believe in lifting up our fellow citizens by helping to raise the standard of living for all our residents. We have committed millions to ease the homelessness crisis and make housing affordable. We have worked to bring meaningful job opportunities to Hawai’i, jobs that pay well enough so people can live without being burdened with a life time of debt. We are 17th in the nation in personal income growth and we have the 3rd lowest unemployment rate in the country. For Dr. King economic equality was just as important as racial equality.
"I want to encourage all our citizens, as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, to ask themselves how we can work to make our communities stronger for everyone and what can we do as individuals to make someone’s life better.
"So I would like to end with the same call to action that Dr. King made so clear that night in Memphis: 'Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.'”

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At 8,000 feet, astronaut-like crew members in the HI-SEAS dome will live together in
close quarters, simulating long-distance space travel. Photo from HI-SEAS

SIX ASTRONAUT-LIKE CREW MEMBERS WILL ENTER THE HI-SEAS GEODESIC DOME ON MAUNA LOA this Thursday for an eight-month mission of isolation to simulate space exploration.

HI-SEAS crew member Samuel Payler, a doctoral candidate at UK

Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh. He has been involved

in NASA’s BASALT program, the MINAR project and BISAL, the

world’s first deep subsurface astrobiology laboratory. He has an MSci

from University of Birmingham and prior to HI-SEAS was

researching life in hypersaline deep subsurface environments.

The Mission V crew has been selected, and research confirmed to study human behavior and performance in such a remote and confined environment.
The NASA-funded project, in partnership with University of Hawai`i and its Hawai`i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation - HI-SEAS, aims to help determine the individual and team requirements for long-duration space exploration missions including travel to Mars. The HI-SEAS dome is located at the 8,000 feet elevation in an abandoned quarry on Mauna Loa. There are two stories within the dome. Ground floor is 993 square feet and second floor loft is 424 square feet. Another 160 square-fee of space is created by a shipping container attached to the dome.

HI-SEAS principal investigator and UH Mānoa Professor Kim Binsted said she is proud of the project’s contribution to understanding human behavior and performance in space.

“Since 2012, HI-SEAS has been contributing to NASA’s plans for long-duration space exploration. We are an international collaboration of crew, researchers and mission support, and I’m proud of the part we play in helping reduce the barriers to a human journey to Mars.”

Joshua Ehrlich is a systems engineer for

Lockheed Martin working on test and

verification of the Orion European Service

Module. He has a BS in aerospace engineering

from University of Florida, an MS in

mechanical engineering from Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical University. Experience includes

integration and testing on the SpaceX Falcon

9 launch vehicle and Veggie and Advanced

Plant Habitat payloads at NASA’s

Kennedy Space Centre.

Ansley Barnard is an engineer from Reno,
Nevada who has worked for NASA and
Boeing on advanced composite structures and
has designed aerodynamic bodywork for cars
racing in the100th Indy 500. She has a BS in
aeronautics and astronautics from University
of Washington. Prior to HI-SEAS, she
worked in engineering optimization
for Ford Motor Company.

During the eight-month HI-SEAS Mission V the crew will perform exploration tasks such as geological fieldwork and life systems management. The isolated and confined conditions of the mission, including 20-minutes of delayed communication and partial self-sufficiency, have been designed to be similar to those of a planetary surface exploration mission.

James Bevington is a freelance

researcher with a passion for space.

He has a BSC from the University

of Tennessee, an MSc from

University of Georgia and an MSc

from International Space University.

Prior to HI-SEAS he was a researcher

at International Space University and

consulted for Northwestern University.

Daily routines include food preparation from only shelf-stable ingredients, exercise, research and fieldwork aligned with NASA’s planetary exploration expectations.

Under watchful eyes of the research team and supported by experienced mission control, the crew will participate in eight primary and three opportunistic research studies.

Brian Ramos is a Portuguese-

American with dual engineering

degrees in biomedical and

electrical engineering. He has

a master’s degree in international

space studies from International

Space University. Prior to joining

HI-SEAS his experience included

project work at NASA’s Johnson

Space Centre and Engineering

World Health to repair media

equipment in Rwanda.

The NASA-funded primary research will be conducted by scientists from across the U.S. and Europe who are at the forefront of their fields.

The primary behavioral research includes a shared social behavioral task for team building, continuous monitoring of face-to-face interactions with sociometric badges, a virtual reality team-based collaborative exercise to predict individual and team behavioral health and performance and multiple stress, cognitive countermeasure and monitoring studies.

HI-SEAS Mission V follows the successful 12-month Mission IV that was completed in August 2016. That mission placed HI-SEAS in the company of a small group of analogs capable of operating very long duration missions in isolated and confined environments similar to Mars500, Concordia and the International Space Station.

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Laura Lark grew up on a small farm

in Whatcom County, Washington.

She has a BS in computer science

from Brown University and, prior

to joining the HI-SEAS crew,

she spent five years as a software

engineer at Google working on

search serving and indexing

infrastructure.

Photos from HI-SEAS

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER is the topic of After Dark in the Park at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Kilauea Theater Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Don Swanson, a geologist with USGS makes the presentation with history and personal anecdotes about his encounter with the crater. Free. Park entrance fees apply.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

O Ka`u Kakou volunteers for the annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u are busy organizing the event for this Saturday.
Photo by Peter Anderson

HAWAI`I'S TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE 2017 OPENS WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18 with House of Representatives and Senate members representing Ka`u in good positions. Sen. Josh Green chairs the Senate Human Services Committee. Sen. Russell Ruderman is Vice-Chair of the Government Operations Committee, Rep. Richard Creagan chairs the House Agriculture Committee and Rep. Richard Onishi chairs the House Tourism Committee.

The 2nd State Senate district includes a large territory in Ka`u
from Volcano toward Miloli`i for Sen. Russell Ruderman to
cover. Map from Hawai`i State Legislature

Most legislators are prepared with their new bills, with the deadline for non-administrative bills, grants and subsidies this Friday, Jan. 20.
As the Legislature begins, the State of the State address will be given by Gov. David Ige on Monday, Jan. 23. and the State of the Judiciary address will be given by the Hawai`i Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald next Wednesday.
On Thursday, major issues will be taken up in briefings to the House Finance Committee, including the funding and future of the Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation, which includes Ka`u Hospital. Whether to privatize elements of the quasi-state run hospital system has been an issue in many recent legislative sessions. On Thursday, many state departments will provide briefings on responsibilities from environmental protection, to disease outbreak control, child protective services and vocational rehabilitation.
Representing Ka`u in the Hawai`i Legislature are two Senators and two members of the House of Representatives:

Th 3rd Senate District, includes a vast expanse
in Ka`u around the south end of the island to
Honu`apo for Sen. Josh Green to cover.
Map from Hawai`i State Legislature

Sen. Josh Green, representing West Ka`u, chairs the Human Services Committee and serves on the Hawaiian Affairs Committee. He can be reached by phoning 808-586-9385, emailing sengreen@captiol.hawaii.gov, or writing to or visiting him in Room 407 in the Hawai`i State Capitol, 415 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813.
Sen. Russell Ruderman, representing East Ka`u, serves on the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee and is Vice-Chair of Government Operations Committee and serves on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee. He can be reached by phoning 808-586-6890, emailing senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov, or writing to or visiting him in Room 203 in the Hawai`i State Capitol, 415 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813.
Rep. Richard Creagan, representing West Ka`u, chairs the House Agriculture Committee. He serves on the Education Committee, Higher Education Committee, the Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs Committee and Public Safety Committee. He can be reached by phoning 808-586-9605, emailing repcreagan@Capitol.hawaii.gov, or writing or visiting him in Room 331 in the Hawai`i State Capitol, 415 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813.

Top scorer for Ka`u in Tuesday's win over
Hawai`i Preparatory Academy is Raishlyn
Jara. Photo by Pam Taylor

Rep. Richard Onishi, representing East Ka`u, chairs the House Tourism Committee, serves on the Education Committee, Higher Education Committee, Interstate Commerce Committee and Veterans, Military, & international Affairs, & Culture and the Arts. He can be reached by phoning 808-586-612, emailing reponishi@Capitol.hawaii.gov or writing or visiting him in Room 441 in the Hawai`i State Capitol, 415 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813.
Visit http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov to submit testimony, sign up to receive a public hearing notifications, follow legislation and to read more about legislators, committees and reports
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KA`U BEAT HAWAI`I PREPARATORY ACADEMY IN Big Island Interscholastic Federation girl's basketball on Monday. Top scorer for the Trojans was Raishy Jara. Final score was Ka`u 37 and HPA 31.

THE ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT AT PUNALU`U Beach Park has organizers hoping for good weather as families sign up for this Saturday, Jan. 21. Open to all keiki, from one to 14 years of age, the ninth annual event, sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou, is a catch and release event. Preregistration ends at noon on Wednesday, with applications at Pahala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette, Pahala Gas Station, Na`alehu Elementary School, Na`alehu Wiki Wiki Mart, Wong Yuen Store and Na`alehu -Ace Hardware, as well as Kahuku Country Market and Ocean View Auto Parts.

Family watches the keiki fishing off the shore at Punalu`u. The annual OKK Keiki Fishing
Tournament is this Saturday. Photo by Peter Anderson

The family affair requires parent or legal guardian with all children who are fishing. Hand-poles without reels are allowed. Barbless hooks for the catch and release are a must. For those without their own hand-poles, gear and bait, the tournament will provide them, while supplies last.
Children and families are asked to bring non-perishable food - at least one item per fisherman to the tournament for its food drive.
Check-in is at 8 a.m. with a welcome and review of the guidelines at 9 a.m. Distribution of fishing equipment is at 9:30 a.m. and the tournament is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A free lunch and shaved ice are served at noon and awards and prizes are presented from 1 p.m. For more information contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.
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A HILO SISTER MARCH IN SUPORT OF THE WOMEN'S MARCH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. will be held this Saturday, Jan. 21, the day after the Inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The Hilo event will begin with a Women's Initiative Gathering at Mo'oheau Bandstand, Downtown Hilo at 10 a.m. The March will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the bandstand talks and other events will continue until 3 p.m. A statement from organizers said, "This is a Pro Peace Movement - a family-friendly, non-partisan event and all peaceful marchers are welcome. Gather together in solidarity with partners and children for the protection of women's rights, safety, health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country." For complete information visit: http://bigislandwomensmarch.com/index.html

A KA`U FARM SCHOOL IS BEING ORGANIZED and classes begin on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Earth Matters Farm on the corner of South Point Road and Kamaoa Road. The session, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. is free and features speakers Gabriel Howearth, founder of Seeds of Change; Greg Smith, owner of Earth Matters and Marla McCasland, owner of Hawaiian Flowers. Attendess can learn about propagation and seed saving, different ways to grow food and what grows well in Ka`u. The class is both on concepts and hands-on learning. It is sponsored by Hawai`i Farmers Union United. To sign up, visit https://goo.gl/y87XtZ, call 808-721-6977 or call 808-721-6977. Leave name, email and contact number.

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The Miloli`i Canoe Club, once again on the water for the past three years, after a long history
of canoe culture and competition over the decades, is getting ready for paddling season and
inviting new members to join from Ka`u into Kona, keiki to kupuna.
See story below. Photo from Miloli`i Canoe Club

REP. TULSI GABBARD has been traveling. Foreign Policy broke a story today, revealing Gabbard has been on an unannounced trip to the Middle East where she visited the Syrian capital city of Damascus and the war torn city of Aleppo, with Lebanon also on her her agenda. It was unclear whether she met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Atlantic magazine pointed out today that "her visit to Syria, in theory, may constitute a violation of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized individuals from contacting a foreign government that's engaged in a dispute with the U.S. It's worth pointing out, however, that no one has ever been prosecuted for alleged violations of the act," wrote The Atlantic reporter Krishnadev Calamur.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Trump in November and took an
announced trip to Syria in the last few days, after promoting her
bill to stop U.S. regime change operations that could wind up
funding terrorists.

A statement from Gabbard spokesperson Emily Latimer, who called the trip a fact-finding mission, said: "As a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, and as an individual committed to doing all she can to promote and work for peace, she felt it was important to meet with a number of individuals and groups including religious leaders, humanitarian workers, refugees and government and community leaders."

Gabbard has been testifying in Congress and going on national television to support her legislation that would attempt to prevent the U.S. from regime change operations, particularly those that can lead to weapons ending up in the hands of terrorists and death to civilians. She said she told Trump during their meeting in Trump Tower that a no-fly zone in Syria, which some in the the Trump team have suggested, could push the U.S. into a war with Russia and possibly a nuclear war. She said that some half million people have already died in the nearly six years of war in Syria and that the U.S. has been quietly supporting allies of terrorists in its Syrian efforts.
Gabbard also called the war expenditures unfair to Americans and tweeted yesterday, "We’ve spent trillions on regime change wars while communities across our nation face a severe lack of resources and dire need."

Gabbard is a veteran of Middle East wars and a Major in the Army National Guard. She was the Veterans Day speaker on Nov. 11 at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano and recently met with Ka`u farmers about promoting their agricultural agenda in Congress this year.
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RANKING MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE ARMED SERVICES Subcommittee on Seapower is a the title that will remain for Sen. Mazie Hirono during the 115th Congress. Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) made the announcement today.
Said Hirono: “Hawai`i continues to be the center of America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I will continue to advocate for a strong Navy and Marine Corps, and in support of our service members and their families.” The Subcommittee on Seapower is responsible for overseeing the vast majority of Navy and Marine Corps programs, Marine Corps ground forces, Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, Navy and Marine Corps research and development, and strategic sealift and airlift research and development programs.

Rep. John Lewis and Sen. Mazie Hirono, who tweeted that
President-elect Donald Trump could learn from Lewis' example.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO PUSHED BACK ON PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S comments on civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis this past weekend. Lewis said he would not attend the Trump Inauguration and declared the Trump presidency illegitimate.
Trump tweeted: "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district which is in horrible shape and falling apart."
Hirono came to Lewis' defense and tweeted, "My friend @repjohnlewis is an American hero. A champion for justice and reconciliation.
@realDonaldTrump could learn something from his example." On Martin Luther King Day, Hirono tweeted "Everybody can be great....because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." #MLKDAY".

One reaction to Trump's tweet about Lewis, who represents Atlanta, with one of the world's busiest airports and a booming economy, was for more than 60 members of Congress to announce they will also refrain from attending the Inauguration ceremony for Trump in Washington, D.C. on Friday.

Ka`u's congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has traveled to Syria and Lebanon and it remains unclear as to whether she will attend. Hawai`i's U.S. Senators Hirono and Brian Schatz are expected to attend as is Hillary Clinton, who lost the electoral college vote to Trump.
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The Hawai`i Legislature opened today in Honolulu
with programs in Hawaiian and English.
Photo from Sen. Kai`ali`i Kahele

MAYOR HARRY KIM traveled to Honolulu for today's opening of the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature. In Harry Kim style, he takes the bus to and from the airport and the Capitol to save money.
Kim said he also wants to keep more money in Hawai`i County by joining other mayors in asking for a higher retention of Transient Accommodations Tax. The TAT, which will fuel about $19.5 million of Hawai`i County's budget, could bring in more money to each county government, if the state would take less of the total taxes raised from visitor accommodation rentals. The Legislature voted to take a higher percentage of the TAT from each county when times were hard. With a strong economy now, Kim reasoned, the counties should receive the higher percentage again.
However, Gov. David Ige, with a proposed statewide budget of $278.7 million, is asking the counties, and the Legislature, to let the state keep its current share of the TAT revenues. Said the governor, the TAT helps to pay for roads, bridges, airports, parks and other facilities across the state, which are used by visitors paying the TAT.

Mayor Harry Kim

The TAT is 9.5 percent of the room, condo, cottage or house price charged by hoteliers, innkeepers, condo and homeowner who rent out units for less than six months at a time. The owners of the transient accommodation are responsible for collecting the TAT and the additional 4 percent sales tax and turning them over to the state.

At the Legislature, the Hawai`i County Mayor made the rounds to Big Island state Senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as leaders of various committees and state departments.

The mayor, who is known for befriending houseless people and spending time with them, said he is also looking for solutions to homelessness. While not as big a problem as in Honolulu, where homeless people have lived on beaches and taken over parks and the sides of streets, homelessness in Kim’s view, could grow on this island and local government needs to get ahead of the problem, said the mayor.
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THE STATEWIDE HAWAI`I CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is camping out at the Hawai`i Legislature, testifying on many bills. A letter from its President and CEO, Sherry Menor-McNamara, says that the Chamber will promote its agenda “focusing on spurring economic development, investing in our future and lowering the cost of doing business. In addition, we will be reviewing more than 2,000 bills that will get introduced and identifying those that impact business.”

Menor-McNamara said Chamber presidents are working across the country on “attracting, retaining and marketing to millennials, tax reform and improving state Chamber operations, with deep discussions on economic blueprint vision programs that focus on Chambers serving a 'futurist' role in this dynamic, challenging and ever-changing environment.” The Chamber is holding a legislative meet and greet function at SALT in Honolulu tomorrow. It also will sponsor a session “on the impact the new Trump administration and Congress will have on business priorities in Hawai`i and nationwide," on Friday in Honolulu. See more at http://cochawaii.org.

The Ka`u Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 6 p.m.

The Ka`u Chamber hosts an annual art show, essay contest and the production of The Directory, the annual business and community guide for Ka`u. It raises scholarship money for Ka`u residents in higher education.
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Trojan Soccer Team at Ka`u High is comprised of front row- Rowlie Flores, Kyle Calumpit, Kun Monkeya,
Ryan Ah Yee, Mark Galacio, Brennan Nishimura, Ezra Ramores and Daryl Moreira;back row - Chaunalisa Velez,
Jamal Buyuan, Trevor Taylor, Brandon Ecalas, Jacob Wren, Josiah Barrios, Chadwick Pajimola and Chloe Gan.
Missing is Koby Moses. Photo by Pam Taylor

KA`U HIGH'S TROJAN SOCCER TEAM stood for its school photo this week. Head Coach is Crystalee Mandaguit. Assistant Coaches are Joenell Nullar-Freitas, Kayla Nishimura and Gennifer Shibuya. Athletic Trainer is Moses Whitcomb and Athletic Director is Kalae Nomohala.

The Malolo, a koa canoe built in the 1920s was returned to

Miloli`i Canoe Club last April when she was welcomed

by Rep. Richard Creagan, Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele and County

Council member Maile David. The club welcomes new

members, young and old to start the 2017 season.

Photo from Maile David

MILOLI`I CANOE CLUB is gearing up for paddling season and invites Ka`u and South Kona residents to travel for practice and races. The canoe club will meet for recreational practices now and officially on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays at 8 a.m., beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Awa in Miloli`i Village.
The Moku o Hawai`i race season begins in May and ends the second weekend of September with a long distance race in the waters near Miloli'i.
A statement from the club says, "We are seeking energetic, steadfast, team spirited paddlers."

Keiki teams are planned for ages 8 and over. Parental supervision is required during practice and race days for those age 8-14. All must know how to swim.

"Our purpose is to perpetuate the ancient art and culture of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling as traditionally practiced. We welcome new and experienced paddlers of any age to join us on some of the most pristine and splendid waters in all of Hawai`i. Come and see just how fun and exciting this sport of Outrigger Canoe Racing can be. Bring a smile, a positive attitude, and a water bottle. Paddles are available for those who cannot afford their own," says a statement from Miloli`i Canoe Club.

All paddlers join and pay dues, sign a waiver, fill out a registration form with age verification, get a club t-shirt, insurance and Hawai`i Canoe Racing Association cards to make them eligible to race in regattas. Those who choose not to race will be asked to support the team in other ways and will be given opportunities to paddle recreationally."

Hoe wa`a, canoe paddling, is a longtime tradition in Miloli`i, dating back to the time when many launched their canoes daily to fish for `opelu to feed their families. Last Spring, the club's koa wa`a, the canoe called Malolo, crafted in koa in the 1920s, was restored and returned to Miloli`i Canoe Club. Historically, Malolo helped give Miloli`i Canoe Club a winning tradition, with many titles, including the Moloka`i Channel race.

For more information, call Patricia Mullen at 707-479-2659. Messages will be greeted with a return call.

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FAMILY READING NIGHT, Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

OVCA Board Meeting, Thirsday, Jan. 19 at 6 pm. Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

Hawai`i Sen. Brian Schatz took to the U.S. Senate floor yesterday to oppose the Donald Trump nomination of Scott Pruitt whom Shatz
called a "climate denier."Photo from C-SPAN

HAWAI`I SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ OPPOSED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NOMINEE OF PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP with an impassioned speech on the U.S. Senate floor yesterday:

"Having Scott Pruitt in charge of the EPA is bad for the air we breathe and the water that we drink, and it’s bad for American leadership on climate. It’s not that I just have a different view from Mr. Pruitt on the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s that he has made a career out of undermining the federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

"It’s not just that he’s a Republican or that he doesn’t share my views about clean energy. Look, I understand that when a Republican administration comes in, their EPA nominee is going to have a different view of what the agency should be doing. I’m not suggesting that we were going to get Henry Waxman or Jeff Merkley to run the President-Elect’s EPA. That’s not what’s going on here.
"Here’s what it is, and I want people to listen carefully here. Scott Pruitt is a professional climate denier. That is his job. He has made his political bones trying to shred the EPA’s ability to enforce the laws that protect clean air and water.

Scott Pruitt, Trump nominee to run the EPA. Photo from C-Span

"The core mission of the EPA is to safeguard public health by enforcing the laws on the books, and the cornerstones are the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. These laws were passed over 40 years ago with huge bipartisan majorities, and have been extremely successful.

"It’s especially important for the dozens of young people watching CSPAN, to understand this: the state of the environment in the late 1960s was catastrophic, like out of a science fiction movie. But even for those of us who were around, it’s a good reminder of what the EPA does.

"The Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so polluted that it caught on fire. Lake Erie was so polluted that almost nothing could live in it. Bacteria levels in the Hudson River were 170 times above levels that could be considered safe. Raw sewage was directly discharged into rivers and streams where children would swim. The FDA found that 87% of U.S. swordfish contained so much mercury that they were unfit for human consumption.
"Then the Clean Water Act was passed, and we made incredible progress in the last 44 years. We still have a long way to go, as about one-third of our waterways are not yet fishable and swimmable, as the law requires.
"But Scott Pruitt’s opposition for the Clean Water Act and EPA makes me terrified that we could go back to the bad old days of water pollution.
"EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Air Act is an even bigger success story. This law has saved millions of lives, and improved the health of millions of others.

Windmills in Ka`u are part of clean energy progress for Hawai`i Island. Photo by Peter Anderson

"EPA’s enforcement of the law has reduced air pollution by 70% since 1970. Smog levels in Los Angeles have fallen by two-thirds since its peak. Lead in our air is down 98%, carbon monoxide is down 85%, and sulfur dioxide is down 80%t. Acid rain is down over 50%t, and at a fraction of the anticipated cost.
"But this progress is in serious jeopardy.
"As Oklahoma’s Attorney General and as the head of the Republican Attorneys General Association, he dismantled the unit in his office charged with enforcing federal environmental laws and stood up a unit to undermine federal environmental law. He led opposition to the Clean Power Plan. He’s sued the federal government over a dozen times to prevent the implementation of rules that would protect our health and our environment. What he does is fight the EPA. That’s his thing.
"As Oklahoma Attorney General—he literally—and I’m not making this up—he literally copy-and-pasted a letter from a major oil company onto official state attorney general letterhead and sent it to the EPA.
"I’ve never met Mr. Pruitt, and I assume he’s personally a good guy, so I will say it like this: a person who works so closely with industries that pollute our air and water is an unusually bad fit to lead the EPA.

Solar panels on homes in Ka`u is are making the island more energy self-sufficient.
Photo by Julia Neal

"Never before in the history of the EPA has a president nominated someone so opposed to the EPA to run the EPA. And, on the most significant environmental challenge of our generation, he’s aggressively wrong. He has said that the climate debate is 'far from settled,' and that 'scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connections to the actions of mankind.' This is, of course, nuts. The climate debate is settled, and has been for some time. More than 97% of climate scientists agree that the climate is changing, and that humans are responsible. Ask a scientist. Ask a farmer, ask a fisherman, ask a skier or snowboarder. If you don’t believe 97% of scientists, will you at least believe your own eyes?
"His position even puts him at odds with the Department of Defense, which has called climate change a 'threat multiplier.'
"But here’s the good news – we are actually making lots of progress in clean energy, almost all of it private sector driven. The cost of solar power has dropped by 60% in the last ten years, and more new solar capacity was added in 2016 than any other energy source. Wind power was by far the largest energy source added to the grid in 2015.
"Renewable generation grew by about 20% over the last year, and the long-term extensions of renewable energy tax credits will help that trend continue in the future.
"This comes at a time when public concern about climate change is at an eight-year high, and with three quarters of Americans -including half of Republicans – supporting federal efforts to reduce carbon pollution. But this progress is fragile, and confirming Scott Pruitt can undermine the momentum.

"Again, here’s Mr. Pruitt, in his own words: About the Clean Power Plan, he has said: 'The EPA does not possess the authority under the Clean Air Act to accomplish what it proposes in the unlawful Clean Power Plan.' This is flat wrong.
"Let me quickly explain a lawsuit called Massachusetts v. EPA. The Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Air Act requires EPA to regulate air pollution. Carbon pollution is a pollutant. So not only may the EPA regulate greenhouse gas emissions, they actually are required to under the law.
"He has bragged that he 'led the charge with repeated notices and subsequent lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.' On climate change, he said “Is it truly man-made and is this just simply another period of time where the Earth is cooling, increasing in heat? Is it just typical, natural type of occurrences as opposed [to] what the administration says?”
"I cannot think of a person more ill-suited to run this agency.
"On clean energy, the Chinese are leading. Mexico is leading. Europe is leading, Germany, Africa. The question isn’t whether the clean energy revolution will occur – the question is whether or not we will lead it or get left in the dust.

Olson Trust plans to add to clean energy in Ka`u by using plantation water
sources to make hydroelectric power. Photo by Jesse Tunison

"So this is where we are: A nominee who does not understand the vital role of clean air, clean water, and protecting the environment has been nominated to lead the EPA. Who denies decades of scientific research.
"To my Republican colleagues, I have had many encouraging, rational conversations about climate with you, but mostly in private. I say this: this vote is the litmus test, the one your grandkids will ask you about.
"Being in the Senate is about making choices, and a lot of times, it’s gray. But this issue, this vote, is absolutely simple. Don’t vote for the climate denier. You can’t dabble in conservation or energy efficiency, or vote for a budget amendment recognizing the scientific consensus on climate change, and then vote yes on this nominee.
"If you say you are not a climate denier, this is the point in your career when you get to prove it. If we find another nominee, even one that hates the Clean Power Plan, who shares your views on federalism, who shares your views about the United Nations, who shares your views about President Obama – that’s fair, that’s fine. But this nominee is out of bounds.
"Please, consult your voters, your university experts. Talk to your kids –it’s their planet, it’s their future. Or consult with your conscience. I know that sometimes politics is complicated and the right thing is not so easy to determine in the fog of the battle. This is not one of those times. For future generations, for the planet, for the future of the Republican Party, you have got to get this one right.
"If you are not a climate denier yourself, do not put one in charge of the EPA," said Schatz. Interviews and testimony on Trump's nominees are expected to continue into next week.

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HAWAI`I'S U.S. SENATORS Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz plan to attend the Inauguration of Donald Trump who becomes the President of the United States on Friday. Neither of Hawai`i's Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives will attend the Inauguration. Ka`u's Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on a fact-finding mission in the Middle East and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who represents urban Hawai`i, said she is ill and has been told by the doctor to avoid flying. More than 60 U.S. House members have pledged not to attend the Inauguration. Pres. Barack Obama and second place finisher in the Presidential Electoral College election, Hilary Clinton, will also attend. Trump takes the oath at noon, East Coast time to become the 45th President of the United States.

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Grants for community stewardship of Kawa come before the County
Council Fincnace Committee on Tuesday. Photo by Julia Neal

STEWARDSHIP GRANTS FOR KAWA are on the Tuesday, Jan. 24 agenda of the Hawai`i County Council's Committee on Finance. Four requests for stewardship grants from four non-profit organizations promise to provide conservation and restoration services at Kawa, a 784-acre area that was acquired by the County through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission with funding from government agencies.
Kawa is a beach-front property located makai of Highway 11, between Whittington Beach Park and Pualu’u Black Sand Beach. The land is rich in archeological sites, a nesting spot for endangered Hawksbill turtles, and it is a popular surfing and fishing spot.
The applications for funds to provide stewardship came from Na Mamo O Kawa ($48,850), Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund ($13,200),  The Honu Project ($24,665), and Team Hawai‘i International Athletics ($354,190).
The Council will review recommendations made by Charmaine L. Kamaka, Director of the County Department of Parks & Recreation, who reviewed the four applications. In her report to the County Council, she recommended the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund for funding. For more on Kamaka’s recommendations, please read the Ka’u News Briefs of Wednesday, January 11.

Kawa is in the Ka’u district. Maile David, who represents Ka’u on the County Council is also Chair of the Committee on Finance. The committee on Finance can approve Kamaka’s recommendations, or make fresh recommendations, or table the applications or request more information. The County Council has the final say in approving or refusing the applications.

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL PLAYED THE TROJANS at the new Ka`u Gym on Wednesay. In the JV game, Ka`u racked up 34 points wiht Chayla Ault making 8 of them. However, Kamehmeha scored 41 and took the win. In Varsity, Ka`u scored 26 With Alysha Gustafson-Savelia claiming 11 and Rishalyn Jara 6. Kamehameha won with 58 points.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

Mongolian BBG is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. atKilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356.

‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crows, are featured in a new documentary film by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.
It airs this weekend on KFVE-TV (K5). See story below. Image from DLNR

KA`U'S U.S SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO issued the following statement today on the inauguration of President Donald Trump: “I attended today’s inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump’s vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we’ve made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights.”

Barack Obama and Mazie Hirono
Photo from Mazie Hirono

Hirono released a memorabilia photo and wrote a thank you note for Pres. Barack Obama as he wrapped up his presidency: "President Obama is our keiki o ka aina, and his deep understanding of Hawai`i and the Aloha Spirit clearly shaped his presidency. His actions demonstrated an enduring commitment to righting the inequalities in our world. Mahalo, President Obama."

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"CHANGE IS COMING TO WASHINGTON," Ka`u's member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, wrote in an Inauguration Day message. While on her Middle East fact-finding mission, away from Washington, D.C., she released a statement today, saying, "here is what we have a responsibility to do in the coming months: reject the status quo of the establishment in both political parties as we expand our political revolution and focus on real solutions that serve all Americans.

On Inauguration Day, Tulsi Gabbard was in Lebanon and met with
its Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibraham, according
to Lebanon's National News Agency. See story below.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

"That means taking steps every day to enact a vision of this country where the ultra-rich can’t game our political and economic systems for their own benefit -- a country where we all matter and where individuals of every walk of life are empowered to be part of this great democracy that we live in.
"That means fighting for laws that protect the people of our country -- whether it be fighting for criminal justice reform to end needless mass incarceration, ensuring that every single American has health insurance, and fighting for the rights and freedom of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
"It’s about net neutrality, equal pay, protecting our precious world by stopping climate change, and preventing the deportation of millions of people who have known no other home than the United States.
"And it’s about joining together to end the counterproductive war in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, created over a million refugees, torn a country apart and strengthened terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS."

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Tulsi Gabbard met with spiritual leader Cardinal Rahi in
Lebanon on Friday, the day of the Trump Inauguration.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

CONGRESSWOMAN TUSLSI GABBARD made news today in Lebanon, on the day Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Gabbard today met with Lebanon's Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, "with talks touching on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as on the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon." Her delegation, according to the News Agency, included former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Syrian-American peace advocates Elie and Bassam Khawam.

Lebanon's National News Agency also reported that they met with Army Commander General Jean Khawaji and that talks touched "on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region. Talks also dwelt on cooperation relations between the armies of both countries."

Gabbard, Kucinich and the Khawam's also met with the Maronite sprititual leader, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Rahi. According to the News Agency, the Cardinal welcomed them to discuss "latest developments on the regional and international scenes."

Gabbard met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Khawaji
today, according to the Lebanon National News Agency.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

The News Agency reported that Gabbard told reporters: "This is my first visit in Lebanon and the region and it has been a great experience, because I listened to the viewpoints of the political and spiritual leaders, among whom Cardinal Rahi, who are still working on enhancing religious freedom and preserving free and diversed communities, where people can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. This is a very important message, not just for this region, but also for the entire world. This why we must work together to assume this mission of peace," she said.
The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'"

The News Agency reported that "Elie Khawam underlined that the U.S policy towards the region would 'completely change' with the election of President Donald Trump and his new administration." Gabbard's mission was to form a clear idea on the situation in Lebanon. "Priority remains for fighting and eradicating the Islamized takfiri terrorism sweeping the region,'" said Khawam, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
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HALTING THE EXTINCTION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FOREST BIRDS is core to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' latest DLNR & You television special, which illustrates the efforts of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people across the state. The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, airs on KFVE-TV (K5) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 p.m. It will be available online after 7 p.m. on Jan. 21st at https://vimeo.com/199157463. The broadcast is funded, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

‘Alalā Project is one of the segments of the new DLNR film on
endangered, forest birds which airs this weekend on K5.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

DLNR chief Suzanne Case said, “We hope this show brings the serious plights of these native birds into our homes. When you see a tiny ‘Akikiki (Kaua‘i honeycreeper) in the forest or hear the call of the native crow, the ‘Alalā, it reinforces why so many people are undertaking some pretty extraordinary steps to reverse the downward trend of numerous forest bird populations. The birds have long been part of Hawaii’s natural landscape, and culturally they’ve been revered for centuries by Native Hawaiians.”
Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”

Endangered forest birds are raised in captivity, some from eggs gathered in the wild, as shown
in the new DLNR film to be aired this weekend.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

The show chronicles projects and people working in some really tough environments, toward the common goal of preventing further population reductions and ultimately extinction. In one segment, a staffer from San Diego Zoo Global climbs a freely suspended ladder, 40-feet in the air, to collect marble-sized eggs from a treetop nest in an ʻōhiʻa tree.
Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.

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Keiki win at the ninth annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, the ninth annual for `O Ka`u Kakou community organization, is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach, with registration at the pavilion. The catch and and release event is open to all keiki, one to 14 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children who enter. Only barbless hooks are allowed and families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the tournament's food drive. Check-in is at 8 a.m. Guidelines explained at 9 a.m. Fishing is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

MONGOLIAN BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356.

Most Fish Caught in three age groups went to Rylan Egusa, Hanalei Baji and Dana Jo Akana at today's Ninth
Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou at Punalu`u Beach. See story below.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CARRIED THE "ALOHA FOR ALL" WOMEN'S MARCH SIGN to the streets of Washington, D.C. today. The march in Washington, including an event on the Mall, drew a much larger crowd than yesterday's Inauguration of Donald Trump, now President. Hirono tweeted, "Aloha trumps hate and we will not back down." The Washington march was mirrored by many protests across the country from New York City to Hilo, with millions of men and women participating to protect civil rights and other progress in the U.S. government. Marches in cities outside the U.S. also drew huge crowds. In Washington, Hirono talked to participants about learning from the mistake of interning Japanese-American families during World War II.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono. herself and immigrant, talks to families of
Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII who oppose
any new registry of immigrants by race or religion.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

A YES VOTE FOR GENERAL JOHN KELLY was cast this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono as he became Secretary of Homeland Security in the administration of Pres. Donald Trump. After voting, Hirono released the following statement:

"General Kelly has testified before the Senate Armed Services numerous times as the commander of U.S. Southern Command. I believe he will provide candid, reasoned advice to President Trump.
"While I supported his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security, I have serious concerns about whether he would accede to and implement President Trump's problematic immigration policies, such as building a border wall, registering Muslims, and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants – particularly if participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DREAMers, are targeted.
"During his confirmation hearing, General Kelly said that deporting DREAMers 'might not be the highest priority.' The DACA program gave these young men and women a chance to go to college, get a job, and live legally in the only country they know. Let me be clear. The deportation of DACA participants should not occur under his watch, period.

"As a strong advocate of comprehensive immigration reform, I will hold General Kelly and the Trump administration accountable if they choose to target immigrants and immigrant families, and will continue to fight for a more just immigration system that prioritizes family unity."

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CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD tweeted on Inauguration Day: "We must not allow the darkness of divisiveness to overcome. Let us work together for the wellbeing of others and our planet."

Largest hinalea in three age groups were caught by Chazhahtee-Ann Cabrera,
Hanalei Keaiaahia and Pablo Roura-Giddings at the Keiki Fishing
Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE STATE WATER PROJECTS PLAN UPDATE drew only one testifier this week at the hearing in Hilo. Sierra Club's Corey Harden said, "I'm glad the commission is planning to protect the water rights of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and its beneficiaries and the plan will help the state meet the legal obligations to Hawaiian Home Lands."

Water for a Hawaiian Homelands in the South Point area has been a request of beneficiaries for many decades.

Harden suggested the plan be updated more often than every 25 years and that she hopes project funding would be for more than supporting Hawaiian Homelands.

The plan shows possible taro growing areas on this island. "I really think that is goof for food self sufficiency and supporting Native Hawaiian culture. I am glad to see consideration of conservation measures to make water go further," said Harden.

The need for more water for firefighting, in addition for agriculture and drinking water, should also be emphasized, she said.

For those with water from catchment systems, she recommended more government support to keep the water as safe and reliable as county water, particularly for older persons. She said the plan could address more on stream diversion and also the use of water by private water companies. "If you want water for an area, it's kinda like first come first served, and especially the people who make the most noise maybe get served first and they can start pumping water out of an aquifer, and there's no consideration about how much water you can take out until there's a crisis from the water levels getting low or the saltwater intrusion starts to get bad." See Harden's testimony at www.bigislandvideonews.com.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management is reviewing the plan and accepting public input. The plan is managed by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

More on the plan is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/planning/hiwaterplan/swpp/

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Largest Hinalea the three age groups were caught by Aial Gacayan, Desirae Barrios and
Tysen Navorat the Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

EXTRA CARE FOR KA`U COFFEE TREES at the end of the season is advised by the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent, writes that the rain has been "a nice relief from the dry weather we've been having. If you are still harvesting or have young green berries from (around) the early December flowering, please be aware that the rain may have encouraged coffee berry borers to leave cherry and raisins and infest berries nearby.

"Monitor and sample your coffee to determine if CBB are active in your farm, and are in the A/B position, and vulnerable to spraying. If your sampling indicates that you should be spraying, spray immediately.

"If you haven't already done so, make sure to document the date of your first flowering as well as your main flowering. Also, if you have finished harvesting, please strip pick your trees prior to pruning. Contain and kill the CBB in these berries and raisins," she recommends.

The U.H. Extension Service has been working with Ka`u Coffee farmers since the CBB pest was first found in Kona Coffee and spread to this region. While CBB is found here, farmers were able to harvest a good crop this season.

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Largest Po`opa`a winners at the Keiki Fishing Tournament today at Punalu`u were
caught by Kai Ornelas, Loea Kaup and Makaayla Fukanaga Aiwohi.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE NINTH ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT was graced with good weather and relatively calm seas compared to the forecast of high waves and rain. Hundreds of children entered and won prizes and a free lunch for all the fishing contestants and their families. The tournament at Punalu`u Beach is in its ninth year, sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou and led by Guy Entriques and Wayne Kawachi.

Keiki used barbless hoods and the event was catch and release. It also included a food drive.

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A KA`U HOSPITAL COMMUNITY MEETING will be held by the East Hawai’i Regional Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Health Systems Corp. on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ka`u Hospital in Pahala. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
A statement from the hospital says that "An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities as well as a view toward the future will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services."
Kurt Corbin, Chair of the East Hawai’i Regional Board of HHSC said, “Personal conversations and dialogue with our community stakeholders are absolutely essential in helping guide the decisions that the Regional Board must make.”

For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Secretary at 932-3103.

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Largets Aholehole in three age groups were caught by Malika Straface,
Wade Baji and Kaleb Cohen. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE BLUE ZONE PROJECT will likely make a presentation soon to the County Council at the request of Ka`u's council member Maile David. In this coming Tuesday's agenda for the council Committee on Human Services and Social Services, David asks for a presentation by Carol Ignacio of Blue Zone to describe "the progress and purpose of the Blue Zones Project and to provide an update regarding the status of selection and designation of Blue Zones on Hawai`i's Island to improve the overall well-being of Hawai1`i County citizens."

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HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? The After Dark in the Park talk is Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

THE GIRLS BASKETBALL

CHAMPIONSHIP for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation is scheduled with Ka`u winding up the regular season in third place in Division II. Ka`u travels to play Kohala on Thursday, Thursday, Jan. 26 with game time at 4 p.m. If Ka`u wins, the Trojans play the winner between Kamehameha and Pahoa on Friday, Jan. 27.

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KA`U'S JV TEAM BEAT KOHALA last night in boys basketball. The Trojans racked up 50 points to Kohala's 32. Kyson Toriano and Micah Koi each made 15 points at the new Ka`u gym. Seth McMasters scored 13 Points. The hard fought Varsity game ended with Kohala on tip, scoring 55 to Ka`u's 53. The Trojan's scorers were: Titan Ault with 12, Andre Carvalho with 11, Jansiae Badua with 10, Pete Dacalio with 9, Joven Padrigo with 5 and Masen Dacalio with 2, reports Athletic Director Kale Namohala.

OHIA LEHUA WALK at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in Sunday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Learn about the vital role of ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests on this one mile, easy hike. npes.gov/havo

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910.

Marches in Hilo and Kona drew thousands on Saturday. See story below. Photo from Big Island Video News

A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED GRADING STANDARDS for Ka`u, Kona and other locally grown coffees will be held at Pahala Community Center at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, the state Department of Agriculture has announced. Proposed new rules can be read at http://bit.ly/2j9lSKd.

The standards, with certification by state inspectors, determine the grading of coffee and can impact the perceived quality of the brands. One consideration is infestation of coffee berry borers in Ka`u, Kona and other farms on the Big Island, and more recently, on Maui. The number of defects in the coffee beans, including CBB damage, help to determine the grading by agricultural inspectors.
Temporary rules, allowing more damage to coffee and still maintain prime and other grades, were set up in 2014, to give farmers time to get the CBB pest under control. Now that many farms are managing the problem and reducing damage, some farmers are calling for the grading to be upgraded, returning to pre-CBB standards, which allowed 15 percent damage for a Prime rating. The current, temporary rules allow 20 percent damage for a Prime grade.

Hawai`i Coffee Association President Chris Manfredi, of Discovery Harbour, reviewed the situation in a letter to members: "Hawai`i's farmers and mills have worked hard to adapt to a post-CBBG environment. Government has played a vital role in responding to the needs of the industry. It has been especially hard in Hawai`i due to relatively high labor costs and environmental regulations that make us less competitive with the rest of the coffee-producing world. Since these costs are so high, our coffee must command a high price in order for the industry to remain viable. To command the requisite high price, our quality must be exceptional.
"As the storm passes, the industry is taking another hard look at voluntary certification and rules relating to grade standards. The first request is to extend the sunset date on the grade standard rules for three more years, taking us to 2020.

Men and women marched in Kona and Hilo and in many cities
around the nation. Photo by Barry Fackler

"We're committed to using that time to revisit both the minimum grade standards and fully utilizing the best methods and technologies available to battle the beetle throughout the supply chain. If you have strong feelings about any other these issues, please get in touch. We need to hear form you. We're committed to coffee quality to help protect Hawai`i's incredibly valuable origins. This is at the core of sustainability for the industry and all those who depend on it. It's time to walk the talk."
See www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.org.
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MARCHES IN HILO AND KONA DREW THOUSANDS yesterday as women and men walked in support of equal rights and other causes.
Big Island Video News reported that in Hilo, "thousands gathered at the Mo’oheau Bandstand at 10 a.m., rallying around music and speeches before taking to the street. The streets were blocked to vehicular traffic only at certain crosswalks. For the most part, the marchers stuck to the sidewalks. The Hawai`i County Police provided some assistance.

"Build Bridges Not Walls" was one of the many signs at the Hilo
march. Photo by David Berry

"The crowd was large; some called it the biggest they had ever seen gathered for a demonstration in Hilo. The line was continuous, stretching along the route from the start at the bandstand, down Mamo Street, across Keawe Street, makai on Wainuenue and back down Kamehameha Avenue. Participants were finishing the march before everyone had even started.
"The Kona march, estimated to have drawn about 3,000, started at Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway just south of Henry Street and headeded north, down Palani Road to the Edible Institute where the march came to an end, and a rally began."
The Kona organizers' facebook page said that “the rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us – women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.

Marchers vowed to work on their issues.
Photo by Barry Fackler

“In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore,” the statement continues.
“The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.”
Marches were held in many U.S. and foreign cities. See more at www.bigislandvideonews.com.
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"Women's Rights are Human Rights," said a Hilo
march sign. Photo by David Berry

A FATAL ACCIDENT ON HWY 11 at the Nāmakanipaio Campground intersection in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday afternoon prompting National Park Service rangers to seek witnesses. Witnesses to the fatal two-vehicle accident are asked to call Park Dispatch at (808) 985-6170, and may remain anonymous.
Rangers reported that a white Hyundai Elantra and a blue Toyota Scion were involved in the traffic accident about 1 p.m. The driver of the Hyundai, a 65-year-old man from New Jersey, was fatally injured. The other driver, a 33-year-old local male, was transported to Hilo Medical Center by ambulance.
Rangers and bystanders performed CPR on the 65-year-old male, then a medic unit from the Hawai'i County Fire Department arrived and took over patient care. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Both men were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
The accident caused a complete closure of Highway 11 between mile markers 32 and 34 for several hours Saturday afternoon while officials investigated the scene. Both lanes of the highway were open by 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Hawai'i County Police Department is aiding the NPS in the investigation. The identification of the victims is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
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Mount Shasta, a steep-sided Cascade Range stratovolcano in Northern California,
loomsabove Little Glass Mountain, a thick obsidian flow erupted from the
Medicine Lake shield volcano about 1,000 years ago. They are two of 19 young
volcanic areas monitored by the USGS California Volcano Observatory. Also
shown is the observatory’s operations center in Menlo Park, CA, with Margaret
Mangan (far right), who worked at the USGS HawaiianVolcano Observatory
in 1990-1998. She is now CalVO’s Scientist-in-Charge. Dave Hill, who worked at
HVO from 1964-1966, was Scientist-in-Charge at LVO in 1982-2009. USGS photos.

HAWAI`I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY WRITES ABOUT ITS CALIFORNIA SISTER OBSERVATORY in this week's Volcano Watch, as the scientists focus on January being Volcano Awareness Month:

"The USGS California Volcano Observatory, with its staff and data center based in Menlo Park, California, is relatively young. But it grew from strong parentage through what was known as the Long Valley Observatory. Long Valley Caldera in eastern California formed as the result of a huge eruption 760,000 years ago. That event was followed by many smaller eruptions ever since. The caldera is at the southern edge of the Mono-Inyo Craters chain of lava flows and domes, which were active as recently as 300 years ago.
"In 1980, seismic unrest in Long Valley Caldera, near the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, motivated the USGS to begin intensive study and monitoring of the region. This led to the establishment of the Long Valley Observatory (LVO) in 1982.
"LVO leaned heavily on techniques that were pioneered at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, including laser ranging, which was further refined in Long Valley to produce an extensive and high-resolution time series of how the caldera inflated and deflated. In fact, Dave Hill, the LVO Scientist-in-Charge from 1982 until 2009, was on staff at HVO in 1964–1966.
"Although the caldera was the focus of LVO’s monitoring efforts, most LVO staff worked from offices in Menlo Park. They made site visits to the caldera as needed to conduct research and to work with local residents and emergency managers to help them understand the volcanic activity and its potential hazards.
"However, Long Valley Caldera is just one of 19 young volcanic areas in California. Recognizing the value of a local authority responsive to state emergency managers and residents, LVO was reorganized and renamed the USGS California Volcano Observatory (CalVO) in 2012. CalVO is now responsible for researching and tracking volcanic activity throughout California and neighboring Nevada (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo/calvo_about.html).

Red Cones in Long Valley Caldera in California. USGS Photo

Having a formal USGS volcano observatory focused on California has many benefits. These range from better coordination with emergency managers during a crisis, to increased potential for improving awareness of and preparedness for volcanic hazards within local communities.

"CalVO has spent its first years of existence supporting a flurry of new research into California’s volcanoes. Among the more significant results has been the discovery that the Salton Buttes, a volcanic area in southern California, are much younger than previously thought—the most recent eruption was only 2,000 years ago!
"USGS-CalVO scientists have continued their work in the Long Valley region, where they have documented hazardous gas emissions from Mammoth Mountain, seismic swarms associated with magmatic intrusions, and the general swelling of the caldera due to subsurface magma accumulation.
"As the youngest USGS volcano observatory, CalVO has drawn much from the experience of HVO. As was the case for LVO, the current CalVO Scientist-in-Charge, Margaret Mangan, is an HVO alumnus. Many other CalVO staff have also been based in Hawaiʻi at some point in their careers or have conducted research on Hawaiian volcanoes.

"CalVO continues to grow. There are big plans to enhance monitoring and research at numerous California volcanoes in the coming years, including the volcanoes in the state’s northern mountains—Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and Medicine Lake.
Next week, the SGS volcano observatory series concludes with a visit to the largest volcanic system in the United States—Yellowstone.
Visit HVO's 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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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910.

HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? A Volcano Awareness Month presentation at After Dark in the Park on Tuseaday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick explains the toolkit he uses and describes how scientists continuously improve their methods of tracking volcanic activity. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HO`OKANE UKULELE - Wednesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the basics of the beloved and iconic part of Hawaiian music culture. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Shaka Tea, made from māmaki grown in Wood Valley above Pahala, made Hawai`i's
State of the State address by Gov. David Ige today. Photo from Shaka Tea

MAMAKI GROWN ON WOOD VALLEY RANCH MADE THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS by Gov. David Ige today. The māmaki cultivated above Pahala is the major component of Shaka Tea, a start-up by Bella Hughes and her husband Harrison Rice, which the governor gave as an example of a local success story.

Wood Valley māmaki tea, the major ingredient

of Shaka Tea, praised today by Gov.

David Ige as a successful startup company.

Photo from Shaka Tea

Ige said that “Bella and Harrison have taken māmaki leaves, grown in Pahala on Hawai`i Island, and used them to grow an exciting new local company. The benefits of the māmaki plant, native to and found only in Hawai`i, are well known among native Hawaiians. Recent studies by the University of Hawai`i have confirmed its health properties. But to make māmaki commercially viable as a ‘ready to drink’ beverage, Bella and Harrison had to find a way to extend its shelf life so that it could be marketed beyond the islands," said the governor.
“It took them over a year. But, working with R&D partners in Hawai`i and on the mainland, they overcame that obstacle. Today, they are not only well established in local markets, but are looking to expand to the West and East Coast, Japan, and on the Internet." The governor introduced the Shaka Tea partners during his State of the State address. After the speech, Harrison Rice told The Ka`u Calendar, “We are humbled” by the governor’s recognition.

Wood Valley māmaki tea farm where Koa and

his family source ingredients for their

Shaka Tea. Photo from Shaka Tea

According to www.shakatea.com the māmaki tea grown in Wood Valley is available in various flavors. “We start our crisp, refreshing Hawaiian iced teas with handpicked Māmaki leaves cultivated in the mineral-rich, volcanic soil on the foothills of Mauna Loa. Our brews are then naturally sweetened with organic juices and flavored with fruit purees for a touch of tropical flavor... which means they're all made without any added sugar." According to the Shaka Tea company, “Peer-reviewed university studies show māmaki contains antioxidants including catechins, chlorogenic acid and rutin, as well as macro and micro minerals, including: potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc.”
The labeling of Shaka Tea celebrates communities around the state with blends called Hilo, Honoka`a and Koloa. On this island it is sold at Abundant Life Natural Foods, Choice Mart, Island Naturals in Kona and Hilo, all five KTA Super Stores and all Matsuyama Markets. See more at www.shakatea.com.

See more on the State of the State address in tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs.
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A BILL THAT WOULD KEEP UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR FARMS out of residential communities zoned Agriculture passed its first reading in the state House of Representatives today.

The bill would modify law that allows solar installations on all Agriculture-zoned land (except land with the best soil) without a county permit. The bill is supported by Ka’u's Rep. Richard Creagan, who has opposed the industrialization of residential communities that are zoned Agriculture in spite of the fact that the subdivisions were created for homes.

Rep. Richard Creagan is lobbying for a bill to prevent industrialization of
neighborhoods, like those in Ocean View where solar farms are planned.
Photo from the Office of Rep. Richard Creagan

Also supporting the bill are Reps. Beth Fukumoto, Cedric Gates, Linda Ichiyama, Sam Kong, Matthew PoPresti, and Gregg Takama.

The town of Ocean View, the most populous in the Ka`u District, is composed of seven subdivisions, all zoned Agriculture. An estimated 7,000 people live in Ocean View. There are also an estimated 14 non-conforming old subdivisions in the Puna District, which are home to thousands of people. They are termed “non-conforming” because they do not conform to modern subdivision standards and rely on catchment systems for water, and often have substandard roads.

Most of the subdivisions were created in the 1960s and 1970s when the county and state did not require developers to cover the cost of bringing roads, water and other services to the far-flung homes in sparsely-populated vast areas classified and zoned Agriculture.

When, i

n 2008, state legislators and officials embraced the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative to free the state from imported oil and coal for energy, they looked for ways to make it easier for photovoltaic developers to build solar installations. It was decided that removing the requirement for a permit to use agricultural land would be a good idea. After debate as to whether land should be used for food or energy, the law was modified to allow solar farms on ag land. The impact on neighborhoods located on ag-zoned land was not considered, nor mentioned in documents on file at the legislature for SB 2502 or SB 631 in 2011.

“This was an unintended consequence of a very well-meaning law,” explained Creagan. “When legislators talk about ag land, they think of wide open spaces and swathes of unused land. They could not see the downside of removing the permit requirement, as none of them thought of the non-conforming subdivisions we have on the Big Island.”

“It was not until SPI Solar, an international based in Shanghai, bought up housing lots in Ocean View and were given 26 building and electrical permits to build two-acre solar installations among homes, because the state law allowed them on Ag land, that the unintended consequences became apparent," said Creagan.

Randy Iwase, Chairman of the PUC, was quoted by the Honolulu Star Advertiser as saying that the FIT program is obsolete because the cost is too high. “Nobody is going to move on the FIT project. We have suspended any action on the application pending a review or an investigation or resolution of the complaint filed by the Bosteds”.

The Consumer Advocate at the time,Jeff Ono, is quoted by the Honolulu Star Advertiser as saying in a filing that he was concerned with the competitive bidding of the FIT projects in Ocean View. Ono worte, It is apparent that the solar project owners effectively 'gamed' the FIT process in order to avoid going through the more rigorous competitive bidding framework.”
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HO`OMALU KA`U, The Ka`u Heritage Center, will hold a Giant Rummage Sale fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Na`alehu Hongwanji from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale will be tools, household goods, car parts, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, clothes toys, books, utensils, glass, and more. Funds raised will be used for programs in Ka`u. Call 929-8526, or email hoomalukau@gmail.com to donate any items, or with questions about the fundraiser or about Ho`omalu Ka`u.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910.

HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? A Volcano Awareness Month presentation at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick explains the toolkit he uses and describes how scientists continuously improve their methods of tracking volcanic activity. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Ka`u or Mauna Loa Silversword receives the protection of fencing, flown into its habitat, high
on the volcano. See story below. Photo from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS by Gov. David Ige on Monday featured a personal appreciation of Hawai`i's past and a positive outlook toward the future. Said the governor in his opening remarks: "Last December, I had the privilege of participating in ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor—the day when all that was personal and intimate here in the islands collided head-on with history. In 1941, my late father was about the same age as my children are today. He was young and just starting to plan out his life.

Gov. Davide Ige

"We know how those events dramatically changed those plans for him and his entire generation. Life has a way of doing that, no matter how well our plans are laid out. It made me think deeply about both where we’ve been and where we’re headed as a state.While we cannot predict the future, it’s clear to me that we are living in very challenging and exciting times. And we face these times standing on solid ground."
The governor pointed to positive aspects of living in the Hawaiian Islands"
"This year, as in previous years, our people are among the healthiest in the nation. Our unemployment rate is the third lowest in the country. Our personal income growth is ranked 17th, and in 2016, we added 14,000 new jobs.
"Our biggest industry, tourism, has had five successive record setting years and is moving toward yet another.

"In many ways, the state of the State of Hawai`i is sound and full of possibilities, said Ige. "Having said that, we all know there is still much work to be done:
"There are families out there that continue to struggle despite the overall state of our economy.
"I know there are those who are concerned about health care, child care and rent payments. That’s why we need to press on with the progress we’ve made over the last two years." Said Ige, the goals are for: "Transforming our schools; Reshaping our economy; Addressing homelessness and building more affordable homes; and Making government more efficient so that it can continue to work for the people."
He described the goals as "inextricably linked to each other."
"To transform our economy, we need to transform our schools, so our children can provide the brain power and fill the jobs required in a knowledge-based industry.
"To keep them here, we need to ensure that our economy provides challenging and satisfying careers and homes they can afford.
"And we need to protect our lands and natural resources, which underpin everything." said Ige.
"These are tough challenges," he said.

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TRAINING TO BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT, according to County Council member Maile David, is available to people in Ka`u through long-distance learning and through Hawai`i Community College-Palamanui, which is located near Kona Airport.

Vet Assistant training is available to Ka`u residents online
and at Hawai`i Community College.
Photo from University of Hawai`i

The program mission is to increase the quality of veterinary care in Hawa`i by providing students with essential skills and knowledge that will enable the to obtain rewarding living-wage jobs in the animal care field. These jobs are found in veterinarian offices, animal shelters and animal research facilities and are also valuable for local farms and ranches. The program is two semesters and includes coursework in live sciences and animal sciences as well as hands-on experience.

A meeting for those interested will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Room 6A Room A 101 at the Kona campus.

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The Ka`u or Mauna Loa Silversword was
added to the endangered species list in
1993. Photo from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

HELPING TO SAVE THE ENDANGERED KA`U OR MAUNA LOA SILVERSWORD is one of the efforts of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during the rest of January. The Park has issued a list of flight operations: On Wednesday, Jan. 25, between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., pilots will shuttle personnel, fence material, and a water tank to the Kahuku Unit silversword exclosure and along the Kahuku-Kapapala boundary.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,

"Browsing feral and domesticated animals has been identified as the primary reason for the decline of the Ka‘u silversword. Mouflon sheep, cattle, goats and pigs are currently a major threat to the silversword both at Kahuku and the Forest Reserves."

The recovery program for the Ka‘u silversword includes securing large-scale habitat and stabilizing the current populations and control of feral animals through large fenced areas, as well as continued reintroduction into the wild.

Getting rid of fountain grass is another mission. On Thursday, Jan. 26, pilots will carry out invasive fountain grass surveys from the coastal areas to the southwest boundary below 3,000 feet elevation.

In addition, the USGS Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather," says a statement from the National Park Service.

"Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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A $17,000 DEFIBULATOR has been donated to Ka`u Hospital through the initiative of former Ka`u resident Roy Teramoto and his wife Lorrain. Ka`u Hospital administrator Merilyn Harris said that with the new equipment on hand, "we will be training all our nursing staff on how to use its many great features." Teremoto worked with the John H. Grace Foundation, of California, to facilitate the $17 K donation.

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INTERNATIONAL DANCER SHIZUNO NASU, of Volcano, will present new choreographed dances through February at East Hawai`i Cultural Center. Also on tap are workshops with a distinguished international troupe of dancers, musicians, and artists. "Shizuno Nasu’s performances throughout Europe and Asia are a unique fusion of multi-cultural communion shrouded in ancient Japanese mystical tradition," says a statement from East Hawai`i Cultural Center.

The February series will be performed within a set designed by internationally acclaimed artist Susumu Sakaguchi. A special exhibition of stage costumes by Usaburo Sato will open Friday, Feb. 3 and remain on view in conference rom on the second floor of the East Hawai`i Cultural Center throughout the month on per unique program and incorporate, in addition to Shinto chant and traditional Japanese instrumentation contributions by guest artists, including Jazz vocalist Rhiannon, didgeridoo player KNOB, Hawaiian dance, and Kumu Hula Kekuhi Kealii Kanakaole. Here are the dates of events and new dances:
Friday, Feb. 3: White Prayer An interpretive dance from the ancient book Kojiki, and the story of Amenouzume… "whose passion through dance opens a door for light to shine brilliantly forth," says Nazu.

Sunday, Feb. 5: Mystagogy from Ancient Japan Lecture by Masahito Iso and Taihei Takizawa.
Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11: Red and Black Dance (Echo) A dialog between ancient
spiritual music and contemporary dance.
Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18: Blue...White Dance (Spiral) Ancient spiritual music with
Shizuno Nasu's dance The Spiral Vision alongside 13 dancers from Japan and Hawai`i.
Sunday, Feb. 19: The Spiral Vision Dance workshop conducted by Shizuno Nasu, Lilith and Emine.

Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25: Red Dance (Exist) An improvisation on voice, sound and dance with Rhiannon and Kekuhi Keali.

Performances are at 7 p.m. and cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 961-5711.

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HO`OMALU KA`U, The Ka`u Heritage Center, will hold a Giant Rummage Sale fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Na`alehu Hongwanji from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale will be tools, household goods, car parts, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, clothes toys, books, utensils, glass, and more. Funds raised will be used for programs in Ka`u. Call 929-8526, or email hoomalukau@gmail.com to donate any items, or with questions about the fundraiser or about Ho`omalu Ka`u.

www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com

Anchaline Ponds are on the 16,000 acre property that includes Pohue Bay, which is listed on the county's
wish list for preservation through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission.
See story below. Photo by Peter Bosted

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAD A MESSAGE FOR PRES. DONALD TRUMP TODAY. A member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, she released the following statement in response to Trump’s executive orders on immigration: “It doesn’t matter how high or long President Trump builds his wall. Immigrants are woven into the fabric of our society and contribute billions of dollars a year to our nation’s economy. Nothing President Trump says or does will change this fact. Instead of posturing for his base, President Trump should join with us to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

Gabbard meets with Syrian religious leaders in Aleppo, led by Archbishop
Denys Antoine Chahda of the Syrian Catholic Church of Aleppo,
and joined by Archbishop Joseph Tabji of Maronite Church of
Aleppo, Rev. Ibrahim Nseir of the Arab Evangelical Presbyterian
Church of Aleppo, and others. Photo by Abraham Williams

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REP. TULSI GABBARD VISITED WITH SYRIAN PRESIDENT ASSAD during her week-long trip to Syria and Lebanon, her staff revealed today. They said Gabbard returned to Washington, DC after a visit to Damascus, Aleppo, and Beirut "to see and hear firsthand the impact of the war in Syria directly from the Syrian people. She heard stories of suffering, pain, courage and hope from people all across the country. She met with refugees, Syrian opposition leaders who led protests in 2011, widows and family members of Syrians fighting alongside groups like al-Qaeda, as well as those fighting on the side of the government. The Congresswoman also met with Lebanon’s newly-elected President Aoun and Prime Minister Hariri, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard, Syrian President Assad, Grand Mufti Hassoun, Archbishop Denys Antoine Chahda of Syrian Catholic Church of Aleppo, humanitarian workers, students, small business owners, and more."

Gabbard released the following statement upon her return: “My visit to Syria has made it abundantly clear: Our counterproductive regime change war does not serve America’s interest, and it certainly isn’t in the interest of the Syrian people.

Gabbard met with members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and other

humanitarian workers at Jibreen shelter, housing some 1,400 famliies
who fled mostly eastern Aleppo. Photo by Abraham Williams

“As I visited with people from across the country, and heard heartbreaking stories of how this war has devastated their lives, I was asked, ‘Why is the United States and its allies helping al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups try to take over Syria? Syria did not attack the United States. Al-Qaeda did.’ I had no answer.
“I return to Washington, DC with even greater resolve to end our illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government. I call upon Congress and the new Administration to answer the pleas of the Syrian people immediately and support the Stop Arming Terrorists Act. We must stop directly and indirectly supporting terrorists—directly by providing weapons, training and logistical support to rebel groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS; and indirectly through Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, and Turkey, who, in turn, support these terrorist groups. We must end our war to overthrow the Syrian government and focus our attention on defeating al-Qaeda and ISIS.
“From Iraq to Libya and now in Syria, the U.S. has waged wars of regime change, each resulting in unimaginable suffering, devastating loss of life, and the strengthening of groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Gabbard said she met work with husband fighting on
opposite sides of the war who come together for
friendship, some with husbands missing.
Photo by Abraham Williams

“Originally, I had no intention of meeting with Assad, but when given the opportunity, I felt it was important to take it. I think we should be ready to meet with anyone if there’s a chance it can help bring about an end to this war, which is causing the Syrian people so much suffering.
“The U.S. must stop supporting terrorists who are destroying Syria and her people. The U.S. and other countries fueling this war must stop immediately. We must allow the Syrian people to try to recover from this terrible war.”

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POHUE BAY, makai of Ocean View, is on the latest wish list of properties to be conserved by Hawai`i County. The list was drawn up by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission and is presented in a report to Mayor Harry Kim.

Ocean View resident, Bob South, hiking the ancient Ala Kahakai Trail on

Pohue Bay property up for acquisition by Hawai`i County.

Photo by Peter Bosted

The Pohue Bay property’s northern boundary goes from mile marker 71.5 on Route 11 to mile marker 76, while its western boundary is Ranchos and then private land. The southern boundary is the coast and the western boundary is also private land. An ancient Hawaiian foot trail leads from Ranchos to Pohue Bay. By law, this route is open to the public. The owners control a gated four-wheel-drive road onto and through the property. The property is 16,456 acres and the largest property on PONC’s wish list.

According to PONC’s report, the property’s anticipated use would include monitoring, management and protection of the Hawksbill Turtle nesting habitat, the protection of natural, cultural and historic resources, maintaining the existing managed access, open space protection and subsistence fishing and shoreline gathering. The six points of significance of the property are listed in the report as:

*Identified in General Plan (2005) as an important site for protections;
*Designated as high priority from initial PONC list in 2005;
*Endangered turtle nesting beaches;
*Significant cultural and historic sites;
*Anchialine ponds;
*Buffer of pristine coastal resources from urban/resort development.

The report also stated that the property has good potential for attracting funding from non-profit conservation organizations and government funding and there is “high community support.”. The report also states that the landowner is willing to sell.

Sea Cliffs on the Pohue Bay property. Photo by Peter Bosted

Islandwide, the 16,000-acre Pohue property is fifth on the list. The number one property is the eight-acre Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens, owned by Bishop Museum. A year ago, the museum closed the gardens and has offered it for sale. The deed, however, specifies that the property must be sold to a non-profit organization. The Friends of Amy Greenwell Garden have nonprofit status and hope to steward the property if PONC is able to buy it with money from from the Two Percent Fund, so named because two percent of all revenue from the county’s annual property tax is set aside each year to acquire properties.

The second, third and fourth ranked properties on the PONC list are in North Kohala district.

Chairman of Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission, Barbara Bell, described how PONC solicits suggestions for its wish list and then evaluates and prioritizes the properties. She reported that in 2016, “The fine people of Hawai’i County submitted many wonderful properties and the commissioners prioritized them, with their unique perspectives. By looking at how these properties will enhance life for residents and visitors alike, the commissioners carefully reviewed all community submittals of parcels for County purchase. We are extremely gratified at how many people have participated in our meetings, the submittal process, the grant application process, and in the program as a whole.”
Although recommendations are made by PONC, purchases are approved by the Hawai’i County Council.

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SETTING AN EXAMPLE AND RAISING THE BAR STATEWIDE FOR CHEAP, RENEWABLE ENERGY, even after sunset, is Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative with its new solar-plus-storage plant for peak capacity.

David Bissell, President and CEO of
Kaua`i Island Utility

“Energy from the project will be priced at 11 cents per kWh and will provide 11 percent of Kauaʻi’s electric generation, increasing KIUC’s renewable sourced generation to well over 50 percent,” said KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. “The project delivers power to the island’s electrical grid at significantly less than the current cost of oil-fired power and should help stabilize and even reduce electric rates to KIUC’s members. It is remarkable that we are able to obtain fixed pricing for dispatchable solar based renewable energy, backed by a significant battery system, at about half the cost of what a basic direct to grid solar project cost a few years ago.” Bissell estimates that the project will reduce KIUC’s fossil fuel usage by more than 3.7 million gallons yearly.

KIUC and AES Distributed Energy, Inc. (AES DE) plan to construct an innovative renewable peaker plant on Kauaʻi utilizing a hybrid solar and battery storage system. In a statement, KIUC and AES DE, have announced the execution of a power purchase agreement (PPA) for an innovative plant that will provide solar energy together with the benefits of battery-based energy storage for optimal balancing of generation with peak demand. The project consists of 28 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic and a 20 MW five-hour duration energy storage system.

The system will be located on former sugar land between Lāwaʻi and Kōloa on Kauaʻi’s south shore. It will be the largest solar-plus-utility-scale-battery system in the state of Hawaiʻi and one of the biggest battery systems in the world.

“We are honored that KIUC has selected AES to help meet their peak demand with a flexible and reliable renewable energy solution,” said Woody Rubin, President of AES Distributed Energy. “We are excited to be able to leverage AES’ industry-leading energy storage platform, and 20 plus-year history in Hawaiʻi in order to help KIUC modernize the grid and provide value to its customers.”

AES DE will be the long-term owner and operator of the project. The company states that it is committed to providing innovative renewable energy solutions to its utility, corporate governmental customers. AES pioneers the use of energy storage on the electric grid, starting with the first grid-scale advanced energy storage project installed in 2008. AES now operates one of the largest fleets of battery-based energy storage in the world, the company reports.

The project is pending state and local regulatory approvals. If approved, KIUC expects the project to come on line by late 2018.

KIUC is a member-owned cooperative serving 33,000 customers on the island of Kauaʻi. Formed in 2002 and governed by a nine-member, elected board of directors, KIUC is one of 930 electric co-ops serving more than 36 million members in 47 states.

The project is the second flexible solar facility for the small co-op. In 2015, KIUC signed a deal with SolarCity to pair a 13 MW solar array with a 52 MWh battery that will deliver power for $0.145/kWh. At the time, it was billed as the world's first fully-dispatchable solar PV project.
Like the Big Island, Kaua’i experiences a glut of solar generation during sunny hours, and then must ramp up its fossil fuel generation to meet peak demand in the evening. The dispatchable renewables will mean that excess solar power will not be curtailed during the day, and solar power can still be used after the sun goes down. Energy professionals talk of “soft power” and “firm power”. Solar is considered “soft” as clouds or storms can control its generation. When power from “soft” sources fails, the utility company must switch to a “firm” source, such as oil-powered generators. By using solar power stored in a battery, KIUC can ween the grid from oil and possibly use solar power around the clock.
Some energy professionals on the Big Island, including Richard Ha and Marco Mangelsdorf, have formed the Hawai’i Island Energy Cooperative and may try to acquire HELCO from its parent company, Hawai’i Electric Industries (HEI) or possibly start a rival company. For more on this possible take over, read the January Ka’u Calendar, page 3, or the Ka’u Calendar News Briefs of Saturday, Dec. 24.
A utility-scale solar project propose for Ocean View, if approved, would supply “soft” solar power only, and would cost HELCO 23.8c per kWh, more than double what Kaua’i will pay for the proposed solar-plus-storage plant. The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Randy Iwase, has reportedly told the Honolulu Star Advertiser that the Ocean View project is obsolete because the cost is too high. Work on the project has not begun, and the docket that is considering HELCO’s request for an overhead transmission line has been suspended.

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THE VICTIM OF THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT HWY 11 NEAR Nāmakanipaio Campground last weekend has been identified as 65-year-old Paul Hernandez of New Jersey.

NationalPark Service rangers are seeking witnesses to the crash which happened around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Hernandez was traveling northbound on Highway 11 in a white Hyundai Elantra sedan. According to a witness, the Hyundai left its lane of travel as if doing a U-turn, and was struck by a blue Toyota Scion headed south, driven by a 33-year-old local male. Hernandez was fatally injured upon impact. The local male was transported by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center.

Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to call Park Dispatch at (808) 985-6170.

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Na`alehu School gets ready for islandwide track and field meets. Photo by Bob Martin

A TEAM FROM NA`ALEHU SCHOOL is getting ready for the Hawai`i County Parks & Recreation Age Group Track and Field meet on Feb. 11 at Konawaena High School. Head Coach is Linda Le, in her second year as teacher and coach at Na`alehu. Also helping is Bob Martin, in his fifth year as coach/assistant at Na`alehu. He was also head boys soccer coach for seven years at Ka'u High School and assisted with track and field there for six years.

Entry deadline for anyone wishing to participate at either Konawaena High School or Waiakea High School for the Parks & Recs Feb. 11 events is this Friday, Jan. 27.

Another event will be the Exponent Track & Field Meets, also at both Konawaena and Waiakea simultaneously. Entry deadline for the Exponent Meet is Friday, Feb. 10. See http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/

For more information please call Darrell Yamamoto, Recreation Division, (808) 961-8735, (cell) (808) 938-2012, or email: Darrell.Yamamoto@hawaiicounty.gov.

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The lava stream pouring out of an episolde 61g lava tube on Thursday into the Pacific Ocean, triggers pulsating explosions
that throw bits of lava onto the top of the sea cliff at Kamokuna ocean entry. Photo by USGS

Sen. Josh Green proposes that homelessness be defined as a medical
condition and subject to a doctor's prescription for housing.
Photo from Homeless in Paradise, produced
by Hawai`i News Now

HOMELESSNESS IS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND DOCTORS SHOULD TREAT IT, contends west Ka’u state Sen. Josh Green. The emergency room doctor and state Senator introduced a bill during the opening week of the Hawai`i Legislature to classify chronic homelessness as a medical condition and require insurance companies to cover treatment.

The Associated Press carried a story this week on Green's point of view, which has been published nationwide and internationally. Green told the AP that he sees homeless patients "suffering from diabetes, mental health problems and an array of medical issues that are more difficult to manage when people are homeless or do not have permanent housing."
Green reasons that homelessness is a disease, and needs a prescription from doctors for the cure - Housing. “It is paradigm shift for sure, but the single best thing we can do today is to allow physicians and health care providers in general to write prescriptions for housing,” Green told AP reporter Cathy Bussewitz. "But if a doctor wrote a prescription for six months of housing, where would the pation?" asks the Associated Press. "That’s where Green wants Medicaid to step in," reports Bussewitz. Hawai`i's $2 billion annual Medicaid budget would help pay for the housing. He told AP that money dedicated to housing could actually help cut back on overall Medicaid expenses by reducing visits by homeless persons to emergency rooms.
"A recent University of Hawai`i survey found health care costs for chronically homeless people dropped 43 percent when they had decent housing for an uninterrupted six-month period,"AP reports.

Dr. Josh Green (left) is West Ka`u's state Senator and has proposed that homelessness
be considered a health issue, treatable by a doctor through providing housing.
Shown here with West Ka`u member of the state House of Representatives
Richard Creaga, also a physician. Photo from Big island Video News

Connie Mitchell, executive director of the state's biggest homeless services organization, the Institute for Human Services, told the AP that “Housing is health care, because it does afford a person a much greater chance of sustaining their health." She questioned the idea, however, that all homeless people are in need of a prescription. "There's a lot of people that become homeless. Just because they become homeless doesn't mean it entitles them to write a prescription for a unit," Mitchell told the AP writer.
The AP story also points out that "Hawai`i had the highest rate of homelessness of all U.S. states in 2015, with 53 homeless people for every 10,000 residents, according to The National Alliance to End Homelessness." The reporter writes that homelessness experts said they are unaware of any other U.S. state attempt to classify homelessness as a medical condition. "But more than a dozen states — including California, Louisiana, New York and Texas — have found alternative ways to use Medicaid money for social services to help people stay in housing, like employment services or counseling, according to the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a New York-based group."
The AP quotes Barbara DiPietro, senior director of policy at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. She referred to federal Medicaid money saying, “To date, no one is able to pay for rent using Medicaid. That’s the line in the sand.”
Green told AP that some homeless patients visit ERs dozens of times each year." Referring to Queens Health System, which billed $80 million for treating homeless in 2014 and $89 million in 2015, Green told AP: “I’ve heard it described as you go to Queens as a two-day vacation. It’s going to cost probably $2,000 to $3,000 per day, so Queens is going to eat that cost, just for basic shelter.”
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KA`U'S CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD, BACK FROM MEETING SYRIA PRESIDENT BASHAR AL-ASSAD, released a video about her unannounced trip to Damascus, Aleppo and Beruit, showing her visit to shelters and clinics, showing injured children and adults and the rubble of bombed out buildings. Her video features her Stop Arming Terrorist Act, which seeks to prevent the U.S. from funding interventionist regime change wars and weaponry that can end up in the hands of terrorists. It also shows her meeting with religious leaders, talking about peace.
Gabbard was interviewed by MSNBC's Greta Van Susturen today and answered the question on why she went to Syria: "I've been very worried and carried with a heavy heart what has been happening there, the suffering of the Syrian people and I wanted to go there for myself to see if I could in some small way convey the love, the care and the aloha of the people of Hawai`i, the people of our country to the Syrian people."
About her meeting with Assad, she said, "If we profess to truly care about the Syrian people, if we truly care about ending their suffering, we've got to be able to be willing to meet with whoever we need to if there is a possibility and a chance that than can help us take steps forward toward peace."
She said that visiting the shelters in Aleppo, revealed children full of hope despite having lost everything.
A number of Democrats and Republicans serving in Congress questioned the appropriateness of her meeting with Assad, whom they called a war criminal. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MONEY SPENT ON THE RECENT ELECTIONS IN HAWA`I is detailed in the state’s latest campaign spending report showing that those who spend the most do not always win.

Harry Kim was elected Mayor of Hawai’i county after spending the least among the major candidates, and also getting the most votes. In that election, 20 percent of all winning candidates statewide were outspent by their closest spending opponents.

Harry Kim won the mayor's post, spending the least amount of money.
Photo by Ron Johnson

The report released by state Campaign Spending Commission, shows that Kim spent $13,805 and received 20,636 votes, which represents and expenditure of 67 ents per vote. By contrast, the runner up, Wally Lau spent $200,068 and received 9,965 votes, meaning he spent $20.08 per vote. It was the greatest spending disparity in all contests last year.
The report also shows that third-placed candidate, Pete Hoffman spent $29,377 and garnered 4,235 votes or $6.94 per vote, while fourth-placed candidate Marlene Hapai spent 41,464 and received 2508 votes, or $16.53 per vote. The remaining nine candidates all spent less than $5,000 and received less than $5,000 and received less than $1,000 votes.
As a group, the 13 candidates for mayor received $282, 731 and spent $293,459.
In the race for Prosecuting Attorney, incumbent, Mitch Roth won after spending $42,284 and garnering 24,341 votes, or $1.75 per vote. His challenger, Michael Kagami, spent $30,678 and received 11,057 votes, or $2.77 per vote.
The 20 candidates who ran for nine county council seats received a total of $353,310 and spent $281,137. Among the big spenders were Susan Lee Loy ($58,660) and Moana Hokoana-Kelii (40,031), both in District 3. Loy won district 3 with votes that cost her $13.33 each, while Hokoana-Kelii’s votes cost her $13.30 each. Herbert Richards spent $33,111 to win the District 9 race, with 2,198 votes. Those were the most expensive in the County Council race, costing him $15.06 per vote. None of the remaining 17 candidates spent more than $25,000 each.

Maile David spent $1.87 per vote.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Competing for the District 6 seat in order to represent Ka’u were incumbent Maile David who spent $4,404 to get 2,356 votes, which won her the seat for $1.87 per vote. Her challenger, Raina Whiting, spent $5,267 for 1,299 votes at a cost of $4.06 each.
Among the 118 candidates for the State House of Representatives, the candidate who spent the most per vote was Democrat Diedre Tegarden, in Deistrict 11. She spent $103,273 and received 1,219 votes, costing a whopping $84.72. She lost the race to the incumbent, Mark Ing, who spent $45,042 for 5,835 votes, or $7.72 per vote. Overall, the biggest spender was Sylvia Luke, the incumbent in District 25, who spent $118,361 to win with 3,582 votes, or $33.04 per vote.
Ka`u state Rep. Richard Creagan spent $7,520 and won with 6,176 votes at a cost of $1.22 per vote. His opponent of record, Michael Last from the Libertarian Party spent no money and garnered 1,766 votes in District 5. Creagan is one of only six House candidates to receive over 6,000 votes, which puts him in the top five percentile among the 118 candidates for seats in the house.
The state Senate race fielded 37 candidates competing for the 14 contested seats. Sen. Josh Green, who represents western Ka’u was not up for re-election. Sen. Russell Ruderman, the Incumbent for eastern Ka’u, spent $73,901 to get 11,664 votes, or $6.34 per vote, and won the seat. His first opponent, Greggor Ilagan spent $48,474 to win 3,580 votes at a cost of $13.54 each. Ruderman’s second opponent, Libertarian Frederick Fogel, spent $25 and won 2,488 votes, or one penny per vote.
Among other items, the Campaign Spending Commissions allows the public to see not only the total amount of monies raised and spent by office and cost per vote, but also the top 10 lists of receipts, contributions received and loans expenditures.
For more details on campaign spending in the 2016 election, please go to
http://ags.hawaii.gov/campaign/statistics/campaign-finance-statistics/2016-election/

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NEW VACATION RENTALS' PARKING REQUIREMENTS are being considered by the County Council. A proposal initiated by the Council would require one parking space for each bedroom plus an additional parking space for the each dwelling or lodging unit occupied for less than 180 days at a time. The County Council referred Bill 256 to the planning Director and Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions for comments and recommendations, according to the agenda for the Windward Planning Commission for Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The county Planning Department responded: "While it is important that adequate off-street parking is provided for short-term home rentals so that guests do not regularly park along public roads, the Planning Director believes Bill No. 256 is too restrictive by not considering that many homeowners rent their entire home to one family rather than renting each room individually. The bill would unfairly impact homeowners that rent their entire house to one family at a time. For example, Bill No. 256 would require four off-street parking
spaces if a typical three-bedroom home were rented on a short-term basis to one family. Since most visitors that rent an entire house typically have one or at the most two vehicles, we fail to see why four parking spaces would be needed.
This recommended language would allow homeowners to " self-regulate" the rental of
"It is important to note that if adopted, the parking requirements in Bill No. 256 would be the strictest in the State for vacation rentals and short-term home rentals. This may have the effect of reducing the number visitors to our island if these short-term rental homes and vacation rentals cannot provide sufficient parking to meet this new requirement."
The Planning Department recommends one parking place for each room individually rented plus one for the vacation rental itself.
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HO`OMALU KA`U, The Ka`u Heritage Center, will hold a Giant Rummage Sale fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Na`alehu Hongwanji from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale will be tools, household goods, car parts, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, clothes toys, books, utensils, glass, and more. Funds raised will be used for programs in Ka`u. Call 929-8526, or email hoomalukau@gmail.com to donate any items, or with questions about the fundraiser or about Ho`omalu Ka`u.

Yellowstone National Park is a sister park to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and is the site of Earth's largest concentration of
geysers, as well as steam vents, hot springs, and mudpots. These hydrothermal features attest to the region's volcanic history,
which spans over two million years. Old Faithful is visible in the upper right corner of this aerial view of the Park's Upper
Geyser Basin. The inset shows Heart Spring, also in Upper Geyser Basin, is a pool of near-boiling, blue water about
10 feet across and 15 feet deep surrounded by mite sinter and orange-brown algae. Photo from National Park Service

TUTU & ME's parent organization, Partners in Developement Foundation, is drawing testimony to be presented at the state House of Representatives on Monday afternoon. The organization, with local headquarters in Na`alehu, carries out early education programs for children and caregivers in Ka`u and beyond. A statement from the organization suggests that supporters sign the following testimony or submit their own to help with funding for next year:

"I am submitting this testimony to express my very strong support for the funding of family child interaction learning programs.

"These programs provide families with tremendous support and prepare our keiki to make the transition into the formal learning process. Research has shown that there is a tremendous long-term savings to society when a child receives proper educational preparation.
Family child interaction learning programs works closely with parents to teach them how to be their child’s first and foremost educator. It is a mixed delivery system that also equips parents to be well informed and how to be an advocate for their child.

"Funding for these programs will provide a needed service to many of our keiki who today must enter a system without the proper preparation."

Tutu & Me sponsors early education that involves grandparents,
parents, aunties, uncles and other primary caregivers.
Photo from Partners in Development

Anyone wanting submit such testimony, which could help Tutu & Me remain funded, can send it by noon on Monday to Betty Clark at eclk@pidfordevelopment.org.
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"IN HIS FIRST WEEK AS PRESIDENT, "Donald Trump has already floated the idea of reopening CIA black sites, issued two deeply disturbing executive orders on immigration, and called for an investigation into imaginary 'voter fraud.' And it’s only going to get worse," writes Sen. Mazie Hirono. "But we can’t get discouraged. Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress would like nothing more than for us to retreat. But we can send a clear message that our fight has only begun," said Hirono in a statement released Friday.

Hirono also took after Trump's executive order to ban people from coming to the U.S. from such countries as Syria, Libya and Iran. Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: "It's despicable that President Trump chose Holocaust Remembrance Day to issue yet another executive order that exploits fear of refugees and immigrants. This is wrong. I will continue to fight the President's extreme, knee jerk actions that divide our country."

She and Hawai`i's other Senator, Brian Schatz, also objected to Trump's federal hiring freeze, with concern particularly for Pearl Harbor. Said a release from Hirono's office: "Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and a bipartisan group of seven Senators wrote to Secretary of Defense James Mattis to call for exempting Department of Navy shipyard civilian employees from the recent executive order signed by President Trump that freezes federal hiring. While the President's executive order states that it does not apply to military personnel or positions considered essential to meet national security responsibilities, the uncertainty has caused shipyards across the country to suspend hiring.

"'We believe a hiring freeze may have a severe and adverse impact on the ability of the Navy and public shipyards to meet critical national security requirements and we urge you to immediately exempt all Department of Navy shipyard civilian employees," the Senators wrote. "The civilian men and women who support the Navy provide mission critical maintenance to ensure the Navy can meet security requirements around the world, and should thus be granted an exception."

"We urge you to consider the impact of the Memorandum on the Navy, public shipyards and national security and issue clear guidance to immediately exempt all Navy shipyard civilians from the hiring freeze," the letter concludes.

The letter was also signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai`i).
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VETERANS FOR PEACE HAS ENDORSED Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Stop Arming Terroist Act. Said Gabbard, "Those who have seen and experienced war first hand share a unique appreciation for the need for peace. From Iraq to Libya and now in Syria, the U.S. has and continues to wage wars of regime change, each resulting in unimaginable suffering, devastating loss of life, and the strengthening of terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Veterans for Peace supports Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's anti-regime
change proposal in Congress.

"I am grateful to have the support of Veterans for Peace for the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, and for their work to prevent the United States from continuing to pursue counterproductive, interventionist wars."
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HAWAI`I IS TOP STATE FOR PURCHASING EMPOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE, according to a survey of 11,000 employers. On Friday, the top five best and worst states for group health care costs were announced.

Employer-sponsored health insurance is greatly affected by geographic region, industry, and employer size. While some cost trends have been fairly consistent since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was put in place, United Benefit Advisors finds several surprises in their 2016 Health Plan Survey.

Based on responses from more than 11,000 employers, UBA announced the top five best and worst states for group health care costs. The top five best (least expensive) states are: Hawai`i; Idaho; Utah; Arkansas and Mississippi.

Hawai`i, a perennial low-cost leader, actually experienced a nearly seven percent decrease in its single coverage cost in 2016. New Mexico, a state that was a low-cost winner in 2015, saw a 22 percent increase in monthly premiums for singles and nearly a 30 percent increase in monthly family premiums, dropping them from the "best" list.
The top five worst (most expensive) states are: Alaska; Wyoming; New York; Vermont; and New Jersey.
Wyoming catapulted onto the list this year with monthly premiums for singles and families increasing from $534 and $1,326, respectively in 2015 to $662 and $1,453, respectively in 2016 (representing nearly a 24 percent increase in single coverage and nearly a 10 percent increase in family coverage).
"Benchmarking by state, region, industry, and group size is critical," says Les McPhearson, CEO of UBA. "We see it time and time again, especially with new clients. An employer benchmarks their rates nationally and they seem at or below average, but once we look at their rates by plan type across multiple carriers and among their neighboring competitors or like-size groups, we find many employers leave a lot on the bargaining table."

After being hit the hardest in recent years, UBA finds small employer costs are lower than average overall, but family plans among these groups saw big rate hikes in 2016, making it harder for small businesses to be family-friendly employers.

According to the survey, retail and construction employees are the cheapest to cover and employees in these sectors pick up more of the premium, so employers bear even less of the already low costs. Government employees get the richest and priciest plans, but are slowly being asked to pay more of the cost (albeit still far less than what other private sector employees pay).
"Benchmarking at this level offers tremendous benefits that result in approximately 44 percent savings," says McPhearson. "Plus, being able to assure employees that they are getting a much better plan than their local competitors benefits UBA Partners from an attraction and retention standpoint."

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HAWAI`I ISLAND'S 2017 VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH is almost over, and the Volcano Watch series about U.S. Geological Survey volcano observatories and their connections to Hawai`i is also coming to an end. This week, Volcano Watch visits the observatory that monitors a volcano that produced some of the largest eruptions known on Earth—Yellowstone:

Castle Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. USGS Photo

Unlike the other four USGS volcano observatories—Hawaiian, Cascades Alaska and California—the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory is a "virtual" observatory, meaning that there is no physical building. The observatory presence is mostly online, and the only full-time staff member is the YVO Scientist-in-Charge, who draws on scientists at other USGS observatories and from other institutions to support monitoring and research activities.
YVO was founded in 2001 to strengthen the monitoring of volcanic and earthquake activity in the Yellowstone National Park region (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/).
Initially developed as a cooperative effort of the USGS, National Park Service, and University of Utah, YVO was expanded in 2013 into a consortium of eight organizations: the original three partners, plus universities and state geological surveys in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, and UNAVCO (a non-profit university-governed consortium specializing in the study of ground deformation). This collaborative approach to volcano observation ensures better study and monitoring of active geologic processes and hazards.
The YVO consortium shares the burden of establishing and maintaining equipment in the Yellowstone region. For example, the University of Utah operates the Yellowstone seismic network, UNAVCO works with GPS and other deformation data, and the USGS uses temperature and stream gages to track changes in hydrothermal activity throughout the National Park.
As with Hawaiian volcanoes, GPS and satellite radar data indicate deformation of the Yellowstone caldera, and ground-based seismic stations monitor the occurrence of thousands of earthquakes in any given year. Over the past several decades, the caldera has been observed to rise and fall by several centimeters (inches) per year, often accompanied by intense seismicity.

Grand Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. USGS Photo

A recent spectacular period of deformation occurred in 2013–2014, when the Norris Geyser Basin area of Yellowstone National Park, on the northwest edge of the caldera, began to uplift suddenly by several centimeters (inches) per year. The uplift lasted until March 30, 2014, when a magnitude-4.8 earthquake occurred—the largest earthquake in the region since 1980!
Immediately thereafter, the region began subsiding. Scientists believe that the uplift was caused by fluid accumulation—probably water or gas—beneath the Norris area. The earthquake represented the breaking of a seal or valve on the hydrothermal system, which allowed the accumulated fluid to drain away and the ground to subside.
It's worth noting that the same region began uplifting again in early 2016, although the rate was slightly less than that in 2014. In the last few months, the rate of uplift has slowed considerably. No strong earthquakes have occurred in the region thus far.
Although Yellowstone is clearly the focus of YVO's monitoring and research efforts, the observatory is also responsible for tracking volcanic activity in the Intermountain West, including Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Each of these states is home to volcanoes that have erupted within the past few thousand years. For example, Arizona's Sunset Crater erupted in 1085 A.D., and the McCartys lava flow in New Mexico's Zuni-Bandera Volcanic Field erupted about 3,000 years ago.

Boiling Spring in Yellowstone National Park.
USGS Photo

Comparatively little is known about some of the southwestern U.S. volcanoes, and monitoring infrastructure is limited, so YVO supports efforts to better understand this volcanism and its potential hazards. Current and former HVO scientists have been active in interpreting the geologic history of the region, including the basaltic lava flows of New Mexico and the cinder cones of Arizona and Colorado—volcanic areas that bear a striking resemblance to Hawaiian volcanoes.
Volcano Awareness Month programs are being offered at Hilo's Lyman Museum on Jan. 30 and Feb. 2, and in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Jan. 31. Details are posted on HVO's website (https://hvo.wr.usgs.gov).
For information about volcanic activity throughout the United States, please visit the USGS Volcano Hazards Program website (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov).
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HO`OMALU KA`U, The Ka`u Heritage Center, will hold a Giant Rummage Sale fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Na`alehu Hongwanji from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale will be tools, household goods, car parts, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, clothes toys, books, utensils, glass, and more. Funds raised will be used for programs in Ka`u. Call 929-8526, or email hoomalukau@gmail.com to donate any items, or with questions about the fundraiser or about Ho`omalu Ka`u.

The season for counting humpback whales is underway, with an official count by volunteers and Hawaiian Islands
Humpack Whale National Marine Sanctuary staff on Saturday at Punalu`u and Ka Lae, as well as other locations
around the state. Photo from NOAA

MORE THAN 527 PEOPLE GATHERED ON THE SHORES OF HAWAI`I TO COUNT WHALES on Saturday, as the first in a series of annual whale counts began with volunteers and the staff of the Hawaiian islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Punalu`u and Ka Lae were the two sites in Ka`u where people looked for humpback whales for a tally and to record their behaviors. While no humpbacks were seen at Kawena Point at the bottom of Chain of Craters Road, nor at Punalu`u, as many as five were seen at Ka Lae during each 15 minute period between 8 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. The next whale count will be the last Saturday in February, followed by the last Saturday in March.

A breaching humpback. Photo by Doug Perrine/NOAA

Statewide, a total of 70 whale sightings were seen during the 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day’s count. Whale viewing conditions were nearly perfect statewide in the morning. Many observers saw green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and sea birds. A couple of observers saw flying fish and a Hawaiian Monk Seal.

Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location are available at:
http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/. Additional information is available on the sanctuary’s website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary, which is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuariesand the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpbackwhales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve and nurse their young.
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us onTwitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.

Humpbacks give birth each winter in Hawaiian waters. From the

shore volunteers count adults and calves.

Photo from NOAA

Read more about the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov; NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resues at
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/

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"TONIGHT'S STAY WAS A VICTORY but we'll keep fighting #Resist #MuslimBan," tweeted, Ka`u's U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono on Saturday. Hirono was referring to a federal judge putting a stay Saturday night on Pres. Donald Trump's attempt to turn away legal foreign visitors coming to the U.S. from a list of Muslim-majority countries.
The American Civil Liberties Union sent attorneys to court after foreign visitors were detained at airports around the country this weekend, following Trump's Executive Order, temporarily banning people from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, Somalia and Yemen.

The stay, however, affects only those few people who were en route to the U.S. when the travel ban was implemented. Various attorneys said they would go to court again on Monday to argue against the entire travel ban that is based on religion and country origin.

Sen. Mazie Hirono's twitter feed features advice to those being
denied entry into the U.S.

Trump said that extreme vetting measures will be developed before deciding who can come into the U.S. from the banned countries. He also said that priority should be given to "persecuted Christians." Hirono also tweeted about her own history as a immigrant: "Came to the U.S. in steerage. Now a U.S. Senator fighting for more families to have the opportunities I did."
Protests in airports and other places around the U.S. and abroad broke out in opposition to Trump's immigration policies. A popular image shows the Statue of Liberty in tears.
Hirono's twitter feed featured recommendations on rights of those denied entry into the U.S.

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OPPOSING PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS to revive the Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL Pipeline, Ka`u's Congresswoman, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, issued a statement Saturday, calling Trump's action "an attack on the rights of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and their neighboring communities, as well as all who live near the proposed path of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

"Protecting our water and our environment are issues that should concern us all. Whether it's the threat to essential water sources by Keystone XL or Dakota Access Pipelines, the lead-contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, or the potential threat posed to a major Hawaiʻi aquifer by the Red Hill fuel tanks, each underscores the vital importance of protecting our water resources.
"The Keystone Pipeline poses a grave threat to our environment. It will transport 830,000 barrels of dirty tar sands oil every day, which emits four times the amount of carbon dioxide during processing versus regular oil and permanently pollutes the water used for extraction, resulting in dangerous, toxic sludge. Worse, the project will not create long-term jobs in the U.S., will not increase U.S. energy independence, nor will it reduce U.S. gas prices. The oil being transported by Keystone is not for American use - it will be exported to other countries. The American people will carry the risk, while multinational corporations benefit.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who visited Standing Rock in November, responded to
Pres. Donald Trump's Executive Order to revive the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

"The Dakota Access Pipeline construction beneath Lake Oahe is a grave threat to our precious water supplies. In November, I traveled to Standing Rock, joining thousands of veterans from all across the country, to stand peacefully in solidarity as water protectors with our Native American brothers and sisters.
"I joined them because, while growing up in Hawai`i, I learned from a young age the importance of taking care of our home, our planet. We are all connected by a common thread, and an injustice to one is an injustice to all.
"Just one spill from either of these pipelines could release tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating water resources for millions of people. It could cause irreparable damage to our environment and harm the lives of Americans for generations. Water is life. We cannot survive without it.
"We cannot remain silent while the precious water supply of millions of people is threatened by profiteering oil companies. We must speak up. Our voices must be heard!"

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VISITOR DESTINATIONS ARE BECOMING SO BUSY RECENTLY that at least one of the famous lookouts in Hawai`i is limiting the number of people who can visit. Beginning on Feb. 1, visitors wanting to view the famous sunrise from the summit of Haleakala on Maui will need to make sunrise viewing reservations ahead of time at recreation.gov. According to a press release from Haleakalā National Park, the online reservation system is being implemented to ensure visitor and employee safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a quality visitor experience at the summit during sunrise hours (3am to 7am). The reservation system is in effect now. The cost is $1.50 per car.

The one-day sunrise reservation will not be sold at the park but is available online, up to 60 days ahead of the date of the sunrise visit. The reservation is only available via recreation.gov and cannot be transferred. To enter the Haleakalā National Park’s Summit District between 3am and 7am, the reservation holder must be present and show both the one-day sunrise reservation receipt (for that day) and a photo ID.

Sunrise is so popular that watching it will require reservations at Haleakala National Park on Maui. Photo from USGS

Due to limited parking, visitors without a sunrise viewing reservation will have to wait until after 7a.m. to enter the park. There is no refund or exchange of the reservation due to inclement weather or change of plans. There is no change to the National Park Service’s current policy regarding Kanaka Maoli who wish to conduct traditional practices in the park. There is no change to the park’s current Commercial Use Authorization policy regarding sunrise tours.

The permit system is considered temporary and is being implemented because its is not unusual to have over 300 vehicles on the summit, but parking space for only 150 vehicles in four parking lots.

According to the press release, when vehicles outnumber parking spaces, visitors park on road shoulders or in the upbound lane of Crater Road. The cars block emergency vehicle access and damage park infrastructure, vegetation, and critical habitat for endangered species. Crowds at sunrise viewpoints often number over 1,000, with accidents resulting from visitors moving off trail and climbing cliff sides in the dark.

In summer 2016 the park gathered public input on options regarding sunrise visitor management. This interim reservation system was deemed the best short-term option. In 2017, the park will develop a long-term Sunrise Summit Visitor Management Plan (Environmental Assessment), and will again welcome public comments. For more information about the new sunrise reservation system, go to the park’s website at www.nps.gov or call 572-4400.
According to the NPS News Release, Recreation.gov is easy to use and will ensure that reservation holders can access the summit and safely view the sunrise.

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BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU HAWAI`I HAS ISSUED A SCAM WARNING, involving emails. Gmail accounts are the target of a new, and highly effective scam, perpetrated by computer hackers intent on stealing information from computers belonging to their victims. The scam is circulating online disguised as an email from an existing contact, such as a friend or colleague, according to the warning statement from the Hawai’i Better Business Bureau.
The scam works as follows. The dangerous email will appear in your inbox as an email from an existing contact. In the email users will find what seems to be a regular attachment, however, when clicked on a preview window will not open, but rather a new window, which appears to be a Google login page, will appear. Most users will assume that the computer failed to load the attachment, try to log in again, by typing the user’s password. That password is now picked up and recorded by the scammers. The scammers will now have full access to the account and begin the process over again sending out emails from the compromised account to the account’s existing contacts.
The BBB says that the login in screen is difficult to identify as being fraudulent. Everything from the logo to the entry fields will appear normal. The only way to spot the fake login is in the browser address bar. The URL will be preceded by “data:text/html.”
The scammers will not only be able to send out the fraudulent emails to the compromised account’s contacts they will also have access to everything in and attached to the Gmail account.

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Although hard to detect, Gmail users can protect themselves by checking the address bar before entering any personal information. For an extra layer of protection, users can add two-step authentication to their accounts.
There is no way to know for sure if an account has been compromised, according to the BBB, but Gmail users can check their login activity to see if anyone else has been logging into the account. If the account has been logged on to from unknown sources, the account has been hacked, and the password needs to be changed immediately. Users should also report any accounts they believe may have been compromised if they receive a suspicious email, the BBB recommends.

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KA`U TROJANS' BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM took on Kamehameha School on Saturday at the new home gym. In JV competition, Ka`u scored 25, with Kyson Toriano making 11 points, Micah Koi 7, Nainoa Ke 6. However, Kamehameha scored 51 to take the win.

In varsity competition Ka`u scored 36, with Andre Carvalho racking up 10, Joven Padrigo 8, Pete Dacalio 8 and Janslae Badua 5. Kamehameha won the game with 52 points.

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING will be held at Ocea view Community Center on Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. the Hilo Medical Center Foundation donated the defibrillator
Automated External Defibrillator Training at OVCC - Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Teach for America staff and teachers traveled to Wood Valley to work at a Native Hawaiian mamaki tea farm with
`Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i and met at Pahala Plantation House on Saturday to learn Hawaiian culture
and teaching techniques. See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

OPPOSING PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION DIRECTIVES, Hawa`i's Attorney General and Hawai`i's Governor have come out with statements. Attorney General Doug Chin signed on with 17 other state Attorney Generals on Sunday to say, "As the chief legal officers for over 131 million Americans and foreign residents of our states, we condemn President Trump's unconstitutional, un-American and unlawful Executive Order and will work together to ensure the federal government obeys the Constitution, respects our history as a nation of immigrants, and does not unlawfully target anyone because of their national origin or faith.

Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin joined 17 other
state Attorney Generals on Saturday, signing a letter
in objection to President Donald Trump's ban on
residents of seven Moslem-majority countries from
travel to the U.S. Photo from AG office

"Religous liberty has been, and always will be a bedrock principle of our country and no president can change that truth.Yesterday, multiple federal courts ordered a stay of the Administration’s dangerous Executive Order. We applaud those decisions and will use all of the tools of our offices to fight this unconstitutional order and preserve our nation’s national security and core values. We are confident that the Executive Order will ultimately be struck down by the courts. In the meantime, we are committed to working to ensure that as few people as possible suffer from the chaotic situation that it has created.”

Gov. Daivd Ige's statement said, "I have been in contact with Attorney General Doug Chin regarding several orders issued by the federal courts in the last 24 hours. We believe these orders apply to all U.S. international airports, including those in Honolulu and Kona, and expect legal travelers to this country to be welcomed in Hawai'i without being detained unlawfully by the federal government.

"Refugees entering the United States are screened by the National Counterterrorism Center, FBI, Defense and State departments, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Refugees fleeing from war and persecution seek, simply a better life. Hawai'i has a proud history as a place immigrants of diverse backgrounds can achieve their dreams through hard work. Many of our people also know all too well the consequences of giving in to fear of newcomers. The remains of the (World War II Japanese) internment camp at Honouliuli (on O`ahu) are a sad testament to that fear. We must remain true to our values and be vigilant where we see the worst part of history about to be repeated," said Hawai`i's governor.

The AG and Governor were responding to Trump's ban on travel from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.

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TEACH FOR AMERICA, which provides instructors in public schools in Ka`u and other districts in Hawai`i, brought more than 30 teachers working on the Big Island to Pahala on Saturday to learn about Hawaiian culture and the Ka`u agricultural community. The state Department of Education and Teach for America partnered with Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, the Pahala-based non-profit for youth. Uhane leaders Kawehi and Debbie Ryder led Teach for America staff to help on a mamaki farm in Wood Valley. The organization also prepared an imu for the group and gathered at Pahala Plantation House.The teachers participated in a program called Ha: Breath, inspired by an area school superintendent, Suzanne Mulcahy, who said, "When I walk into a Hawai`i public school, I want to close my eyes and know that I am in a school in Hawai`i...and not somewhere else."

The program included an overview of Hawaiian island life for the new teachers: "What makes Hawai`i, Hawai`i- a place unlike anywhere else - are unique values and qualities of the indigenous language and culture. `O Hawai`i ke kahua o ka ho`ona`auao. Hawai`i is the foundation of our learning." Teachers learned about expected outcomes from their students: "Na Hopena A`o, are rooted in Hawai`i, and we become a reflections of this special place." The program teaches six outcomes for students to help them in education and personal growth: Strengthened Sense of Belonging; Strengthened Sense of Responsibility; Strengthened Sense of Excellence; Strengthened Sense of Aloha; Strengthened Sense of Total Well-being and Strengthened Sense of Hawai`i."
"Underlying the outcomes is the belief that students need both social and emotional learning skills and academic mindsets to succeed in college, careers and communities locally and globally. When taken together, these outcomes become the core breath that can be drawn on for strength and stability throughout school and beyond."

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The first Ka`u Farm School class was held on Sunday at Earth Matters Farm.
Photo by Raina Whiting

THE FIRST KA`U FARM SCHOOL CLASS was held on Sunday at Earth Matters Farm near Kama`oa and South Point Roads. One of the organizers Raina Whiting said the first session was on Propagation and Seed collection. She explained that "Community organizers, teachers and farmers have teamed together in Ka'u to create the Ka'u Farm School. The school is starting small with a series of day classes open to the Ka'u community. The sessions with be workshop style with a focus on hands-on experiences on the farm that pertain to growing food in Ka'u. All ages and backgrounds are welcome."
The next class is on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit Facebook.com/KauFarmSchool, call 808-721-6977 or email kaufarmschool@gmail.com.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE has two new chairs, a new secretary and treasurer. At the annual meeting on Thursday, Allan Humble and Alan Stafford were elected co-chairs, Kathy Leach was made secretary and Lee McIntosh will be treasurer. Babette and Rich Morrow are now board members. Lee McIntosh was the Scholarship Chair, and he will be looking for someone to take over those duties.

Alan Humble is a new co-director of
Ka`u Chamber of Commerce.
Photo by Ann Bosted

According to the Chamber’s website, the organization began as the Ocean View Business Association in 1992. At the time, the main issues were bringing telephone and power to Ocean View, the roads and water. It became the Ocean View Chamber of Commerce in 1996, and then in 2007 it became the Ka’u Chamber of Commerce. It publishes The Directory each year, which promotes progress and business development in all of Ka’u and serves as a community phone book and resource guide for businesses, non-profits and government agencies and raises money for scholarships for higher education.

The Chamber also raises funds for scholarships which range from $250 to $1,000. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2017. The Chamber also organizes the annual art show each fall. The winning image from the show graces the cover of the next Directory.

The Ka’u Scenic Byways is a Ka’u Chamber committee. It installed signage along Highway 11 in Ka’u and an educational kiosk in Na’alehu. It was also responsible for the interpretive displays at the Ocean View Scenic Overlook.

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CHRIS YEATON IS BACK IN TOWN. His Friday slak-key guitar performance at Hana Hou Restaurant was like a home-coming. The well-known Ka’u musician, who last played at the Na’alehu restaurant about six years ago, will once again be a fixture, playing there on the last Friday of each month.

“I can’t think of any other restaurant I’d rather play,” said Yeaton, who entertained a packed restaurant on Friday.

Chris Yeaton will play at Hanna Hou on the last
Friday of the month. Photo by Ann Bosted

Yeaton, a former Ocean View resident and business owner, now lives in Kona, but still visits his Ka’u cabin at weekends with his growing family. He founded a catchment tank and swimming pool service in the district in approximately 2004. When the business grew too big for one person, Yeaton brought in his brother, Corey Yeaton, who eventually went on to purchase Pacific Blue Catchment. Chris now works exclusively with his Kona swimming pool business,

Yeaton’s passion for slack key guitar music began when he heard Keola Beamer play, and he was determined to learn to play in that style. Beamer is a Hawaiian slack-key guitar master, best known as the composer of Honolulu City Lights and an innovative musician who fused Hawaiian roots and contemporary music. Yeaton bought all Beamer’s instructional books and videos, and taught himself the basics. Then in 2002 he was able to attend a music camp with the Beamer family, where he honed his skills.

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KA`U FARM BUREAU has set its first meeting of 2017 for Feb. 15 at the auxiliary room at the new gymnasium in Pahala at 6 p.m. Election of new officer elections is planned for the meeting, said Ka`u Farm Bureau President Brenda Iokepa-Moses. She is currently attening the National Association of Conservation Districts meeting in Denver until Feb. 1, representing the state of Hawai`i.

AN UPDATE ON MAUNA LOA ACTIVITY AND MONITORING EFFORTS will he held on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as the wrap-up of Volcano Awareness Month. The presentation is by USGS hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Ingrd Johanson. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U FOOD PANTRY TUESDAY, JAN. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Judes Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Great Crack lands between Hwy 11 and the coast between Pahala and Volcano are still tied up in foreclosure suits, after
the National Park Service received funding for its purchase last year. Photo from Zillow

THE POSSIBILITY OF THE GREAT CRACK acquisition by the federal government to extend Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park toward Pahala from Volcano is hung up, in part, on a foreclosure suit between a bank and current owner Ken Fujiyama and partners. The National Park Service listed the Great Crack as one of its top properties for purchase, with funding in its 2016 budget.

The Great Crack is treasured by geologists and cavers.
Photo from USGS

Recent reports in West Hawai`i Today and Hawai`i Tribune Herald state that "Hilo businessman Ken Fujiyama and his company (Ken Direction Corp.) still owe about $6.1 million to a North Carolina bank that held mortgage on the then-Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, according to a complaint filed in Hilo Circuit Court. ....The bank also alleges Fujiyama, Ken Direction Corp and associates - who no longer have leasehold ownership of the hotel on Hilo's Banyan Drive - fraudulently transferred ownership of a (The Great Crack) 1,952-acre oceanfront property in Ka`u to prevent the bank from obtaining the land through a lien."
Writer John Burnett reports that the complaint states the Great Crack Property was transferred to a Florida real estate investor "the day before a court hearing on the bank's motion to appoint a receiver to take control of Ken Direction Corp.'s assets."
Writes Burnett, "The bank’s filing claims Gillespie paid no money for the land and the deed acknowledges only 'consideration paid of $10 and assumption of certain alleged mortgages against the parcels comprising the Great Crack Property.' The filing claims the mortgages are bogus encumbrances on the property by defendants.
"The document claims the defendants transferred the land to Gillespie because he lives in Florida, 'beyond easy reach of the Hawai`i state,'" reports Hawai`i Tribune Herald. The bank seeks a court order to nullify the sale and allow a receiver to take possession of the land for the bank. Should the bank gain title to the land, the National Park Service may be in a position to buy it.
Fujiyama is suing the bank, claiming it made false promises and owes money for damages to his hui.
The Great Crack lands have been of interest to the National Park Service since the days when the property was owned by C. Brewer, before the former sugar company sold it to Fujiyama.
It is noted for its archaeological sites, lava tube system - a favorite of cavers - and uninhabited coast.
After several unsuccessful attempts by the National Park Service to forge a successful negotiation with Fujiyama, he put the land up for sale on Zillow and other real estate sales sites. The lands are located between Pahala and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park makai of Hwy 11. See the Ka`u News Briefs for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 and for Saturday, March 26, 2016.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono, herself an immigrant, speaks on the steps of the U.S.
Supreme Court today, demanding that Pres. Donald Trump rescind his order
against travel to the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

STANDING ON THE STEPS OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT, Ka`u's U.S. Senator, Mazie Hirono, demanded during a rally today that President Donald Trump rescind his executive order against travel to the U.S. from seven majority Muslim countries. "Donald Trump can deny it all he wants, but we understand him loud and clear. This is a Muslim ban, and it's deeply wrong," Hirono said. "If we don't speak out against Trump's Muslim ban now, we will be complicit in what comes next. President Trump must rescind this despicable, immoral executive order immediately."
Hirono, who immigrated from Japan as a child with her mother, also shared the story of Fred Korematsu, the civil rights hero who resisted the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II all the way to the Supreme Court. Today would have been Mr. Korematsu's 98th birthday.
Earlier today, Hirono sent a letter to the President, calling on him to rescind the order. Twenty-nine Senate Democrats and members of the House of Representatives co-signed the letter. On the same day, Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates ordered U.S. Justice Department employees to refrain from defending the Trump travel ban in court, just a day after Hawai`i's Attorney General Doug Chin and 17 other state Attorney Generals sent a letter to Trump saying, "Religious liberty has been, and always will be a bedrock principle of our country and no president can change that truth." This evening Trump fired the U.S. Attorney General and replaced the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Daniel Ragsdale.

Hirono tweeted: "@SallyQYates put the law & upholding the Constitution before politics today. @realDonaldTrump did the opposite. #ThankyouSally." She also tweeted: "Fred Korematsu's work is more relevant than ever. We won't stand to see this dark period repeated nbcnews.to/2jLnQ3D #KorematsuDay

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TRUTH IN TRUTH IN LABELING OF HAWAIIAN COFFEE passed the state House of Representatives Agriculture Committee last week. It would require declaration in the labeling of the amount of locally grown coffee, like Ka`u or Kona, and the amount of imported coffee in the coffee bag. HB256 would require coffee blend labels to disclose regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees and would prohibit using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee that contains less than 51 percent of coffee by weight from the geographic area described on the label.
During a public hearing on the issue and opposing the bill, Roger Kaiwi, of Royal Kona Coffee, represented the Kona Coffee Council, which he said is 200 farmers-strong. He said the industry is thriving with farm-gate values as high or higher than ever. He said that new rules would hurt the industry. "We cannot police what we have already." He said that the coffee industry could end up like eggs and dairy "and we are going to put enough rules on ourselves to put us out of business."

Alexander Calumpit's AC Ka1`u Coffee with its award winning 100 percent Ka`u Coffee.
Photo by Julia Neal

Kaiwi said that blended coffee is needed to make Hawaiian coffees affordable to sell to a large segment of the market, including visitors. "If we are looking for omiyages and makanas, most people want to take a piece of Hawai`i coffee back with them at affordable prices." He said that if farmers are prohibited from using the Kona name on their coffees that are less than 51 percent Kona, "we'll lose McDonalds (using 10 percent Kona blend), all the hotels and all the restaurants (using 10 percent Kona blend). These people would no longer be able to sell their product."
Rep. Richard Creagan, from Ka`u, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, said that the Hawai`i County Council supports the truth in labeling bill and that it is also supported by the Hawai`i Democratic Party. The Kona Coffee Farmers Organization, with more than 400 members, has started a petition supporting the bill and states on its website: "Our petition asks that the Hawai`i County Council’s request for truth-coffee-labeling be enacted into State Law. The appreciators of genuine Kona coffee are our most enthusiastic supporters. Voices from the Mainland and from around the world will help remind our State Legislators that deceiving visitors is not a good way to generate goodwill and tourism for Hawai`i."
Carol Weaver, of Pau Hana Estate LLC in Captain Cook, sent written testimony saying local coffee farmers "have suffered economic losses and the reputations of Hawai`i coffee have been damaged because State law permits the use of Hawai`i coffee names on packages containing 90 percent foreign-grown coffee....Hawai`i need to protect the economic interests of its farmers and the reputation and integrity of their crops." See more at www.bigislandvideonews.com.
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HOKULE`A IS MAKING HER WAY HOME TO HAWAI`I, with a stop in the Galapagos Islands, after a week and a half of voyaging from the Panama Canal. The Hawaiian voyaging canoe and its crew will soon host a contingent of students and teachers from Hawai`i schools, according to the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The Hawai`i students will fly to the Galapagos, which are famous for inspiring Darwin's 1835 theory of evolution.

A Giant Tortoise is oblivious to the photographer from Ka'u, Ric Elhard,

as it slowly munches on guava fruit. Photo by Ann Bosted

The islands’ unusual creatures such as marine iguanas, sea lion, giant tortoises, and a plethora of birds can go anywhere they want. They are regularly seen sunning themselves on the docks or park benches and even in hotel swimming pools. They are so unafraid of humans, it is hard to consider them “wildlife.”

The vessel is moored in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, which is the largest town in the Galapagos. The islands are part of Equador. “What’s important about the Galapagos, it’s a place where we have an extraordinary opportunity to discover, to explore, to rediscover and learn from this place where Charles Darwin came and changed the world’s view on origins of life,” said Hōkūleʻa captain Nainoa Thompson.
“It’s a place you come to where clearly from the humanity’s point of view nature comes first, so we learn a lot about what this community and society in the Galapagos do to protect nature,” Thompson added.
The Hōkūleʻa crew will find the Galapagos to be very similar to Hawai’i. Both archipelagos are situated above a volcanic hot spot and are the product of millions of years of volcanic eruptions. Both have similar landscapes and the same volcanic features, such as lava tubes, pit craters and collapsed calderas as well as lush forests and long white beaches. The largest island, Isabela, has six intermittently active volcanoes.
Both island states have environmental issues. In the Galapagos they include illegal fishing (that depletes populations of dolphin, turtles and seabirds), electricity from fossil fuels, population density and water pollution. Both places have suffered the effects of introduced fauna and flora. In the Galapagos, their problems include rats, goats, pigs, cats, dogs and fire ants. Even cattle and horses are considered a liability as they can step on the eggs of giant tortoises and destroy them.

Scientist monitoring gas emissions on Mana Loa.
Photo from USGS

Hōkūleʻa will stay in the Galapagos for approximately one week before setting sail for Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The vessel is expected to return to Honolulu on June 17.
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AN UPDATE ON MAUNA LOA ACTIVITY AND MONITORING EFFORTS will he held on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as the wrap-up of Volcano Awareness Month. The presentation is by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Ingrd Johanson.

Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, has erupted 33 times since 1843, most recently in 1984, when lava flows approached Hilo. Future eruptions could produce high-volume, fast-moving flows that reach the ocean in a matter of hours. In 2015, the Volcano Alert Level of Mauna Loa was elevated from Normal to Advisory due to increased seismicity and deformation at the volcano, which continue to occur. Johanson provides a brief account of Mauna Loa’s eruptive history, an update on its current status, and an overview of how HVO scientists track activity that might presage the volcano’s next eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U FOOD PANTRY TUESDAY, JAN. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Judes Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

www.kaucalenadar.com

Lava stream pours out of a lava tube on the sea cliff at Kamokuna ocean entry in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, which
is drawing record numbers of visitors to see Madame Pele. Photo from USGS

STANDING UP FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE is one of Sen. Mazie Hirono's missions. She represents the area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the Ala Kahakai National Trail and other Hawai`i parks in Ka`u and beyond as a U.S. Senator.
Hirono said today: “Since day one of his Presidency, Donald Trump has attacked the National Park Service for telling the truth and silenced objective science about climate change.
“As Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, I pledge to stand with the 22,000 National Park Service employees in Hawai`i and across the country who dedicate their careers to promoting science and protecting and preserving America’s national parks and other public lands.”

Interaction of molten lava flowing into cool seawater caused pulsating
littoral explosions that threw spatter high into the air. During one large burst,
spatter was thrown about twice the height of the sea cliff, creating
hazardous conditions at Hawai1i Volcanoe National Park. Photo from USGS

The National Parks Subcommittee oversees the National Park System; Wild and Scenic Rivers System; National Trails System; national recreation areas; historic sites; military parks and battlefields; Land and Water Conservation Fund; historic preservation; outdoor recreation resources; and preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on the public domain. There are nine National Parks Service sites in Hawai`i.
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OPPOSITION TO THE SECRETARY

OF ENERGY AND SECRETARY OF INTERIOR nominations by Pres. Donald Trump were also the subject of an explantation from Sen. Mazie Hirono today:

As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Hirono opposed the nominations of Gov. Rick Perry to serve as Secretary of Energy and Representative Ryan Zinke to serve as Secretary of the Interior during the committee meeting this morning.

Said Hirono, “The Trump Administration has made it clear they intend to deny the reality of climate change and prioritize fossil fuel extraction above responsible use of our public lands and our nation’s clean energy sources Under the previous administration, our country made significant progress in confronting the challenge of climate change, growing our renewable energy economy, ensuring clean air and water, and protecting our public lands.

“During my personal conversations with Governor Perry and Representative Zinke, and after their confirmation hearings, I do not believe they would continue to protect the progress we’ve made or stand up to climate deniers within the Trump administration.”

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Judge Neil Gorsuch was nominated by Donald
Trump to be the new Supreme Court Justice.
Sen. Mazie Hirono weighed in.

TODAY'S SUPREME COURT JUSTICE NOMINATION of Judge Neil Gorsuch drew this comment from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "In his first two weeks as President, Donald Trump has demonstrated minimal tolerance for independent thinking and dissent. I am deeply concerned that his choice for the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, will be a rubber stamp for the President's radical agenda. We owe it to the American people to vet this nominee extensively and exhaustively. In the weeks and months ahead, I will carefully scrutinize Judge Gorsuch's judicial philosophy, his views on a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, his position on voting rights, and his thoughts on the balance between individual rights and corporate power, among other subjects."
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HOW TO ADVOCATE is the training to which Ka`u women are invited to attend, according to Ka`u's County Council member Maile David. Catherine A. Betts, JD, the Executive Director of the Hawai`i State Commission on the Status of Women, will lead two sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 7, the first at West Hawai`i Community Civic Center in Kailua-Kona from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the second on the same day at Aupuni Conference Center in Hilo from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop, said David, will include an overview of the legislative process in Hawai`i; how the Women's Coalition works to identify issues important to women and propose legislation in conjunction with the Women's Legislative Caucus; and the important role of testimony and how to write compelling testimony. Both sessions are free.
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Sen. Josh Green, who represents West Ka`u into Kona, has released his goals and bills for 2017 in the Hawai`i Senate. A physician,
he has traditionally supported public health measures, such as smoke free zones and anti-smoking legislation. This year
he concentrates on lowering the DUI alcohollevel, advocating for housing for the homeless, legislating
living wages and more. Photo from Josh Green

WEST KA`U STATE SENATOR JOSH GREEN today released an outline of this bills and goals for 2017 and the current session of the Hawai`i Legislature. Green, a physician who started his medical career in Hawai`i at Ka`u Hospital, represents Honu`apo to Kona in the Hawai`i Senate. Here are the issues he is tackling at the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature.:
Homelessness as a Healthcare Condition: Green's Senate Bill 2 classifies chronic homelessness as a medical condition and would allow a doctor to write a homeless patient a prescription for housing. "Chronic homelessness exacerbates pre-existing illnesses, and a recent Hawai`i based study found that health care costs for chronically homeless people dropped 43 percent when they had decent housing for an uninterrupted six-month period. Housing is healthcare, and if we begin to conceptualize homelessness as a health condition, we can treat it effectively and compassionately," said Green.
A Living Wage: Senate Bill 14 incrementally raises the minimum wage in Hawai`i to $15 an hour by 2023. Hawai`i has the highest cost of living in the nation "and 200,000 of our residents are only two to three missed paychecks away from economic crisis, leaving them
vulnerable to joining the ranks of those who cannot afford housing, food or medicine for their families. A living wage is the right thing to do," said Green.
Starting Salary for Teachers: SB 176 establishes a minimum starting salary of $55,000 for Hawai`i's teachers. This measure also restricts class size to 18 students per teacher. "Given the teacher shortage in Hawai`i, it is imperative that we recruit high quality, capable teachers to educate our keiki and compensate them fairly for the important work that they do," said Green.
Decriminalization of Marijuana: SB 16 decriminalizes the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and creates a civil penalty of no more than $250 for possession of marijuana on school property or open possession in a school zone. "The decriminalization of marijuana will keep numerous non-violent people in possession of marijuana out of jail, and prevent their records from being marred with a criminal drug offense," Green.

Sen. Josh Green advocates lowering the legal blood alcohol limit.
Photo from www.hawaiipolice.com

Environmental Protection: SB 19 requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a mandatory disclosure program for pesticide use. SB 29 establishes pesticide buffer zones for sensitive areas like schools and playgrounds. "The number of large-scale, outdoor, commercial agricultural operations in Hawaii has been increasing and with that there has been an increase in restricted use pesticides into our environment. The public has a right to know the chemical make-up of these pesticides to better evaluate the effects on the environment and if the risks merit the usage. Additionally, we have an obligation to the most vulnerable among us to keep these potentially harmful chemicals away from sensitive populations," said Green.

Public Safety: SB 18 lowers the legal blood alcohol limit for driving under the influence from .08 percent to .05 percent. Green points out that nations and states with BAC laws of 0.05percent have up to 50 percent fewer alcohol related serious injuries and deaths. "This could save the lives of more than 50 Hawai`i residents every year and help us avoid 4,000 serious injuries. As an ER physician this is a personal priority for me to pass," said Green.
SB 178 mandates wearing a helmet for riders of motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. A helmet can mean the difference between life and death in a motor vehicle accident. Just like seat belts are mandatory because they save lives in cars, helmets save lives on motorcycles and mopeds," said Green.
For more information on any of the measures listed by Green, go to JoshGreen.org/PriorityBills2017. He can also be followed on Twitter and Facebook for frequent updates on issues Green is working on this session.
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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION has released a calendar of its events for February.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1 there will be an Advocats Free Spay/Neuter Clinic from 7:30a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Thursday, Feb. 2 is the Neighborhood Watch at 7 p.m..

On Tuesday, Feb. 7 is a forum on Sex Trafficking Community Awareness.

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Mayor Harry Kim talks story from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Ocean View Community Association hosts its Pancake Breakfast.

On Thursday, Feb. 16 is the Ocean View Community Association Board meeting at 6 p.m.

Free dinners are served every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Call Ocean View Community Center with any questions or for any additional information.

New President of OVCA, Ron Gall said, "Hope to see you, thanks for supporting the community."

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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Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking advisors from the public to sit on its council, as
humpbacks give birth and raise their young in nearshore waters of Ka`u before returning to the Northern
Pacific in Spring. See story below. Photo from NOAA

HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE MONTH BEGINS TODAY with the honoring of such Hawaiian language teachers as Jeanette Howard, a native speaker who lives in Punalu`u and instructs Hawaiian language to individuals and classes. Howard is in her 90s and grew up speaking Hawaiian at the beach where her family members were fishermen, with their boats in the canoe hale. Howard has also been involved with the halau of Kumu Hula Lorie Lei Shirakawa, who has taught Hawaiian culture and dance to many Ka`u residents.

Jeanette Howard and Lorie Lei Shirakawa, two teachers of
Hawaiian language and culture in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

Ka`u's Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard issued a statement today about the importance of Hawaiian Language Month: “People in Hawaiʻi, along with so many around the world, are able to take part in the unique history and culture of Hawaiʻi because of the work to preserve the Hawaiian language over many centuries. Today, the Hawaiian language is an important part of our day-to-day life in Hawaiʻi, woven in throughout our conversations, ever-present in local businesses and communities, and taught in schools across the state. As we commemorate Hawaiian Language Month, we must continue to foster and empower our keiki and communities to share and grow the use of Hawaiʻi’s native language throughout our islands. E ola ka olelo Hawaiʻi, let the Hawaiian language live.”
Hawaiian is an official language in the State of Hawaiʻi, along with English. In 2012, an amendment to Hawaiʻi statutes provided that the month of February shall be known and designated as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month to celebrate and encourage the use of the Hawaiian language. This measure was the first Act to be codified in Hawaiian and English, and stated: “Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: E ʻike mau a e kapa ʻia ana aʻe ka mahina ʻo Pepeluali ʻo ia ka ‘Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi’ i mea e hoʻomaikaʻi a e paipai aku ai i ka ʻōlelo ʻana o ua ʻōlelo Makuahine nei lā.”
The translation of Gabbard's statement into Hawaiian, courtesy of ‘Ōiwi TV, is as follows: Pēia ka manaʻo o ka Lunamakaʻāinana Tulsi Gabbard i kēia lā i hoʻomanaʻo i ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

“He ʻōlelo ola o Hawaiʻi nei ka ʻōlelo Makuahine ma muli o nā keʻehina hoʻōla ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi i ʻauamo aloha ʻia no nā kenekulia i kaʻahope akula. ʻIke maoli ʻia ke ola o nei ʻōlelo ma nā ʻoihana, nā kaiāulu, a me nā kula a puni ʻo Hawaiʻi mokuʻāina. I kēia mahina hoʻomanaʻo, e hoʻomaopopo kākou i ke kuleana a kākou e kahukahu a hoʻāmana like ai no ke ola mau o ko Hawaiʻi ʻōlelo makuahine. “E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!”
Mōʻaukala: ʻO ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi kekahi o nā ʻōlelo kūhelu ʻelua o Hawaiʻi mokuʻāina, pau pū me ka Pelekānia. Ma 2012 i hoʻoholo ʻia ai ʻo Pepeluali ka “Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi” i mea e pai aʻe ai i ke ola o ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. ʻO kēia ka ʻōlelo hoʻoholo mua i paʻa ma nā ʻōlelo kūhelu ʻelua ʻo ka Hawaiʻi lāua me ka Pelekānia penei: “Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: E ʻike mau a e kapa ʻia ana aʻe ka mahina ʻo Pepeluali ʻo ia ka ‘Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi’ i mea e hoʻomaikaʻi a e paipai aku ai i ka ʻōlelo ʻana o ua ʻōlelo Makuahine nei lā.”
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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY is seeking to fill five primary and two alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management.

Candidates for the council advising the humpback whale sanctuary can apply
through Feb. 28. Photo from NOAA

"The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community," said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. "Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources."
The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats: business/commerce (primary); Molokai Island (primary and alternate); Native Hawaiian (primary); Oahu Island (primary and alternate); and tourism (primary).
Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as primary or alternate members should expect to serve a two-year term.
Applications are due by Tuesday, Feb. 28. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact Shannon Ruseborn via email at Shannon.Ruseborn@noaa.gov; by phone at 808-725-5905; or visit the sanctuary website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html. Completed applications should be submitted to: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, NOS/HIHWNMS/Shannon Ruseborn, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaii through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. See Facebook.
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THE FOOD BASKET & Tutu and Me HI South have announced that Kat Bumatay with The Food Basket, which serves as Hawai'i Island's Food Bank, will be at Na'alehu Community Center on Monday, Feb. 6 to provide information about the S.N.A.P. food program, from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. - outdoors at the community center, weather permitting.
Fourty-eight "light bags" of food to be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is open to all Tutu and Me participants as well as the general public with no restrictions or requirements. To receive a bag of food, individuals need only sign for it.

The Food Basket needs new wheels to reach remote places in Ka`u.
Photo from The Food Basket

THE FOOD BASKET, which serves Nā‘ālehu, the Food Pantry in Ocean View and other locations in Ka‘ū, is seeking the community’s support during its New Year, New Wheels campaign, an effort to raises needed funds to replace worn out and unrepairable vehicles. As Hawai’i Island’s only food bank, The Food Basket has provided continuous emergency hunger relief for 27 years, and the agency’s vehicles are an essential aspect of operations.
Each month, over 12,000 unduplicated individuals are served by The Food Basket through a network of partners and in-agency programs islandwide. “Our vehicles are the workhorses of The Food Basket,” said Executive Director En Young. “We don’t produce food. We collect it and get it out to where it needs to be. Our population is only one-fifth that of O‘ahu, but we are responsible for six times the area. We need reliable vehicles to serve places like Nā‘ālehu, because we can’t just stop at a service station if something goes wrong.”
In 2016, The Food Basket traveled over 130,000 “food miles,” picking up and delivering over 1.4 million pounds of food.
According to The Food Basket staff, the five vehicles currently being used include only one model made within the past decade and are not mechanically reliable enough to cover The Food Basket’s 4,028-square mile service area and often requires staff to use their own vehicles for deliveries.

Maintenance costs and rental expenses are rising sharply to compensate for out of service vehicles. Of The Food Basket’s five vehicles serving the entire island, only one is equipped with working refrigeration, providing additional challenges in maintaining the quality and safety of fresh food during transport.
“We have to have vehicles that work,” said Bernard Torres, Lead Warehouse Associate and Driver in Hilo. “None of the vehicles in Hilo currently have refrigeration capacity, which is a necessity.”
Funds raised through the campaign will be used to acquire a new box truck and cargo van for The Food Basket, both of which would have refrigeration.
The Food Basket is aiming to reach its $150,000 goal by July 31 in order to have these vehicles in use by the end of the year.
To donate, see GoFundMe.com/TheFoodBasket or HawaiiFoodBasket.org.
The mission of The Food Basket, Inc. is to feed the hungry in Hawai’i County while attending to the root causes of this critical social problem. The Food Basket will accomplish its mission by preventing the waste of all edible food in Hawai‘i County, feeding the hungry with this food, educating the community about local hunger and what can be done to solve this social problem, and collaborating with organizations of partnering missions to eradicate poverty, the root of hunger and other social ills.
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MOKUHANGA: Japanese Woodblock Printing, Thursday, Feb 2 – Thursday, March 9, 1 – 3:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Glenn Yamanoha instructs. $80/$72 VAC members plus $30 supply fee. 967-8222

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thursday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Friday, Feb. 3, 11, 18, 20; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers clear ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

HAM RADIO OPERATORS Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Feb. 5, Manuka Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028

PU`U O LOKUANA, Sunday, Feb. 5, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Kahuku unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.

Sunblocks, sunscreens contribute to the bleaching and death of corals. Photo from Duke University

CHEMICAL BLOCKERS FOUND IN SUNSCREENS that are toxic to corals in the ocean are addressed by bills introduced by Hawai‘i state senators this legislative session. Ka‘ū Sens. Josh Green and Russell Ruderman are on record as introducing three of the bills.
In an effort to protect Hawai‘i’s coral reefs, lawmakers want to ban either the sale of sunscreens or the use of sunscreens that contain the chemical oxybenzone. Studies show it increases the rate of coral bleaching.
The Director of Communications for the Hawai‘i State Senate, Jill Kuramoto, explained: “There are several different bills introduced this session by the senators which address the issue in a variety of different ways. The hope is that there will be a robust discussion on this issue and will lead to an agreed upon measure that protects Hawai‘i’s waters and coral reefs, which is a priority for the state Senate.”

Four of the bills have similar preambles to explain how banning certain sunblocks will reduce coral bleaching.
SB 260: “The legislature finds that the health of Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystem is a matter of serious and ongoing concern in the state. In particular, coral in Hawai‘i’s waters have shown increasingly significant signs of damage, including extensive bleaching. The Legislature further finds that many factors, such as water temperature, contribute to this damage, but that the damage is exacerbated by the presence of chemicals that are toxic to coral. The Legislature additionally finds that recent research has demonstrated that oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to coral organisms, cause deformation in the larval form of coral, and contribute to coral bleaching. The legislature also finds that oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical blockers that protect skin from ultraviolet radiation. As a result, oxybenzone and octinoxate are commonly found in sunscreens and other similar personal care products. Oxybenzone and octinoxate can be released into the ocean when a swimmer who has applied sunscreen enters the water, or through the waste mist plume of spray-on sunscreen. The Legislature further finds that elevated levels of oxybenzone and octinoxate have been detected at popular swimming beaches throughout the state, including Waimea Bay and Waikiki beach on O‘ahu, and Honolua bay on Maui. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prohibit the sale in the State of Hawai‘i personal care products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.”
SB 260, SB 692 and SB 696 are both supported by Ruderman and Green. If enacted, SB 260 would prohibit the sale of sunblocks containing both offending chemicals. It is introduced by a total of 18 of the 25 members of the Senate. SB 692 prohibits the sale of sunscreens, unless they carry a warning label and is supported by ten senators.

The "fire hose" of red lava was no longer visible on Wednesday when geologists hiked
to the ocean entrance of the flow, just before the collapse. USGS Photo

SB 1150, which is supported by Kalani English and 12 other senators, would prohibit the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone at beaches. Also banning the use are SB 210 (introduced by 11 senators, including Ruderman) and SB 692 (supported by ten senators). The latter would prohibit the use of harmful sunblocks while in a marine life conservation district. There is no explanation as to how these last two bills would be enforced, were they to become law, or what the cost of patrolling beaches and inspecting sunscreens would be.

To check if a sunscreen has oxybenzone, check the label on the back of the bottle.

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THE SEA CLIFF AT KAMOKUNA where lava enters the ocean was seen as very unstable Wedmesdau morning when Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued an Activity Notice, with an Alert Level of Watch and Aviation Color Code Orange:
"Kīlauea Volcano's episode 61g lava flow is still active and entering the ocean at Kamokuna on the volcano's south coast. Recent observations of the ocean entry indicate growing instability of the adjacent sea cliff. Potential collapse of the cliff poses an extreme danger to anyone in the closed area on land, as well as to boats near the ocean entry.

The top photo was snapped just before the collapse
occurred.The bottom image shows the remaining
sea cliff after the collapse. Yellow arrows point to
the same rocks in both photos for comparison.
Photos from USGS

"On January 25, HVO geologists noted an extensive crack running parallel to the sea cliff about 5 - 10 m (16 - 33 ft) behind the stream of lava at the Kamokuna ocean entry. Ground inspection of this crack by HVO geologists on January 28 showed 30 cm (about 1 foot) of separation across the crack. Four days later, on February 1, this crack had widened to about 70 cm (2.5 feet). The seaward block bounded by this crack was visibly moving up to 1 cm (about 1/2 inch), possibly in response to explosions below the ocean entry as hot lava mixed with cool ocean water. In addition, ground shaking could be felt up to several hundred meters (yards) away. "These observations show that this portion of the sea cliff is highly unstable and could collapse into the ocean with no warning.
"Sudden collapse into the ocean of a slab of sea cliff about 28 m (90 ft) high and about 150 m (490 ft) or more in length would create a significant wave that would travel rapidly out to sea. It would also could shower the immediate area with blocks of hot rock and fragments of molten lava. It could also prompt more powerful explosions as the 61g lava tube is further exposed."
When HVO geologists hiked to the Kamokuna ocean entry on Wednesday to assess the status of the sea cliff, they found that the "firehose" flow was no longer visible. However, spatter (bits of molten lava) and black sand flying through the steam plume indicated that lava was still flowing into the ocean and interacting explosively with seawater. Just below the left side of the steam cloud, a small shelf of the Kamokuna lava delta that survived the New Year's Eve collapse could be seen.
Within minutes of HVO geologists reaching the ocean entry site, the sea cliff seaward of a hot crack collapsed with no warning, but the geologists were far enough away to not be in harm's way.
HVO continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as new information becomes available. Photographs of this crack and activity at the ocean entry can be found at https://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/
For more information on hazards associated with lava entering the sea, see: https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/fs152-00/

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THE ANNUAL KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL has been set to run through three weekends and one week in May.

The festival begins with the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant on Saturday, May 13 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The kickoff Pa`ina and Open House for the festival is set for Friday, May 19 at Pahala Plantation House. On Saturday, May 20 is the annual Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest at Ka`u Coffee Mill – recipes invited, followed by Stargazing on Monday, May 22 at Makanao.

On Wednesday and Thursday, May 24 and 25 are two opportunities to go on the Ka`u Mountain Water System Hike on Edmund C. Olson Trust Lands.

On Saturday, May 2 is the main event, the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaulea at Ka`u Community Center and its surrounding grounds, with coffee tasting, Ka`u Coffee sales, food and educational booths and entertainment all day. On Sunday, May 28 is the Ka`u Coffee College.

Check the website at kaucoffeefest.com for more information and schedule updates.

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STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Friday, Feb. 3, 11, 18, 20; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers clear ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

HAM RADIO OPERATORS Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Feb. 5, Manuka Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028

PU`U O LOKUANA, Sunday, Feb. 5, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Kahuku unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.

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