The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Working the holidays, Summit Construction crews and subcontractors build the walls for the new Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U GYM & DISASTER SHELTER CONSTRUCTION is in phase of building the hurricane-proof, concrete walls of the building and is expected to be completed sometime next year. The $17 million project will not only end the problem of volleyballs and basketballs hitting the existing gym’s ceiling, it will provide a venue for many community and school sporting, entertainment and educational events. The new gym will seat up to 1,000. The old gym will still be in play for practices and tournaments and smaller community and school events.
One of the promoters of building the gym, since the time he served the district as Ka`u’s County Council member, is Kamehameha School volleyball coach Guy Enriques, who said he hopes to host tournaments at the new Ka`u gym. He said that the new gym will have three courts for tournament play. “With the old gym, that makes four.”
Enriques said he is ready to promote weekend tournaments and volleyball clinics. “As soon as the gym is done, I’m on it,” said Enriques. He said camps might be possible be in May and June, possibly fall and winter break. “Throughout the year, we could have weekend tournaments built around the use of the gym for school sports. Ideally, such volleyball tournaments could be on Friday evenings and all day Saturday. “Once people start seeing the new gym, and especially with places to stay,” in Pahala, Punalu`u and Wood Valley, Enriques said he expects Pahala could become a popular place for sports tournaments.

This is the last day for a number of purchases that trigger federal tax deductions.
Image from plan4tax.com

THIS IS THE LAST DAY FOR A NUMBER OF PURCHASES that trigger federal tax deductions.

Many teachers in Ka`u buy school supplies for classrooms with their their own money and could take up to $250 a year off federal taxes, but this ends at the end of 2013.
Deduction for state sales taxes will not be available on the 2014 federal tax forms.
Section 179 allows businesses to take up to 76 percent of the cost of new, heavy duty trucks and some other equipment off their taxes, up to $500,000 total per year. This has led to businesses buying new trucks each year. The deduction goes down to $25,000 on Jan. 1, and dealers have seen a last minute upsurge in truck sales.
Regarding deduction for education tuition and fees, households with under $160,000 in adjusted gross income can take a deduction for a dependent. The deduction can reach $4,000 for those with income below $130,000, but expires tonight. Spring tuitions must be paid before 2014 to enjoy the deduction.

Testing of drones may take place at Pohakuloa Training Area.
Photo from Wikipedia

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA MAY BE A POSSIBLE SITE for testing commercial drones, state Sen. Will Espero told Pacific Business News. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday that the University of Alaska, one of six institutions nationwide that have been chosen to research the technology, plans to conduct testing in Hawai`i as well as Alaska and Oregon.

Espero, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, said drones could help Hawai`i’s efforts regarding disaster response, invasive species control, weather and marine research, and search and rescue operations.
“This research has the potential to grow and diversify our economy, bringing high paying jobs to our residents. It will enhance Hawai`i as a test site for technology and robotics,” Espero said.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, “These test sites will give us valuable information about how best to ensure the safe introduction of this advanced technology into our nation’s skies.”
The FAA announced that it has established requirements for each test site that will help protect privacy. Among other requirements, test site operators will be required to comply with federal, state and other laws protecting an individual’s right to privacy; have publicly available privacy policies and a written plan for data use and retention; and conduct an annual review of privacy practices that allows for public comment.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

WITH THE HUMPBACK WHALE SEASON UPON US, officials at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary remind ocean users to keep a safe distance from the mammals. Humpback whale season in Hawai`i generally runs from November through May, peaking between January and March. More than 10,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.

Federal regulations call for vessels to stay at least 100 yards away from
humpback whales. Photo from NOAA

Endangered humpback whales are protected in Hawai`i. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
“It’s important for everyone to be extra cautious during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals,” said Ed Lyman, marine mammal response manager for the sanctuary. “Collisions with vessels are a major source of injury and death for humpback whales in Hawai`i.” Calves are particularly vulnerable to vessel strikes because they are difficult to see and must surface more frequently.
A 45-ton wild animal can pose a significant hazard to ocean users, and vessel-whale collisions can result in death or injury to boaters.
Humpback whales congregate in ocean waters less than 600 feet deep throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. “An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the sides of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, marine debris, divers and other vessels,” Lyman said. “Be on the lookout, especially during whale season.”
Lyman also stressed the importance of ocean users helping monitor humpback whales in the sanctuary. “By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts,” he said.
Anyone who comes across an injured or entangled marine mammal should maintain the required safe distance and call NOAA’s Marine Mammal Hotline at 888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16.

VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERS are needed for the annual Whale Count by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. People will scan the waters off Ka`u and nearly 60 other locations. The counts take place on Saturdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 22 and March 29. Whales come to Ka`u and other nearshore waters in Hawai`i to winter, give birth, care for their young and breed before heading back north for the summer.
Volunteers record whale activity such as breaching and slapping tails. Researchers record whale songs and other sounds. More than 2,000 volunteers participate in the program statewide.
Register and see more at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/involved/ocwelcome.html.

Fireworks are prohibited at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REMINDS visitors that federal law prohibits fireworks in all national parks. “Our priorities as caretakers for these public lands are to keep the public and our natural, cultural and historical resources safe,” said Fire Management officer James Courtright, “We wish everyone a safe and healthy 2014.”

FIREWORKS PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE through midnight today. Each permit costs $25 and entitles the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits shall only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older, are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Hawai`i Fire Department asks everyone to kokua in helping prevent fires and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
Regulations and recommendations regarding fireworks are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, or use of fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Streetside and backyard fireworks lit up Ka`u communities last night to celebrate New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal

TOP 2013 STORIES IN KA`U FOR EDITORS of The Ka`u Calendar were the rejection of an 11,000-acre biofuel farm and refinery and the auctioning off of 5,800 acres of Ka`u coastal, pasture and coffee lands. Here is the top-ten list.
1. Rejection of `Aina Koa Pono. The County of Hawai`i and community members studied and largely opposed the plan to clear land between Pahala and Na`alehu of trees, brush and grass. They would have established a biofuel crop farm to serve a $400 million refinery that would have been constructed on the edge of Wood Valley near Ka`u Coffee Mill, an ecotourism destination. The refinery would have been mauka of Pahala’s water well and near a major fault zone. The biofuel farm could have displaced ranchers and restricted expansion of coffee and other food crop production. Ed Olson said on the eve of 2014 that his trust is no longer interested in accommodating the AKP plan. Earlier in December, the state Public Utilities Commission rejected a contract between AKP and the electric utility that would have raised some electric rates and held back the possibility of cheaper alternatives, the PUC concluded.

Ka`u agricultural and coastal land is for sale after the foreclosure and auction
of 5,800 acres. Photo by Julia Neal

2. The foreclosure and auction of 5,800 acres of coastal, pasture and coffee lands leaves land security a major issue for Ka`u Coffee farmers who have become entrepreneurs in their own right since the Ka`u sugar company shut down in 1996. Most own their own homes and businesses and could little afford to have the land sold out from under them. Ranchers are interested in the pasture lands and conservationists in the coastal lands, but Lehman plans to sell all 5,800 acres as one unit, keeping out most prospective local buyers.
3. The blending of Ka`u Coffee with coffee from such places as Latin America, Africa and Vietnam became an issue among coffee farmers who have vowed to keep the market high-end and pure. Proponents of blending contend that the practice will help make Ka`u Coffee more affordable and build a mass market, further increasing demand. Opponents, included those who have built their own brand names and marketing businesses, contend that Ka`u Coffee should be treated like a fine wine and never blended. Overseeing the blending is famous chef Alan Wong, who supporters say will guarantee the quality. Either way, the market for Ka`u Coffee is rapidly growing.
4. Can a public building create economic development? Former county council member Guy Enriques thinks so. The new $17 million Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter, now under construction and set for completion by the end of 2014, could host sports clinics and tournaments. Enriques said he is willing to work on bringing more volleyball to Ka`u. He owns volleyball clinics on the mainland and is the coach for Kamehameha Schools on this island.
5. Health care expanded in Ka`u with the opening of the new Bay Clinic facility in Na`alehu and improvements to Ka`u Hospital. In addition, a Longs pharmacy opened – the first pharmacy outside the hospital in Ka`u.

Pahala Library encourages residents to use new programs
during extended hours.

6. Libraries have a new life in Ka`u after nearly shutting down during the economic crunch when state government and schools were cutting funding. The libraries in Pahala and Na`alehu track usage and encourage residents to check out books, audio books, CDs and DVDs and use computers with Internet access and many programs that teach a variety of topics, including the Hawaiian language.
7. The federal shutdown took millions of dollars out of the Ka`u economy mainly through the loss of jobs and income connected to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The shutdown highlighted the importance of the 117,000-acre park to the local economy as vacation rentals, bed and breakfast facilities, restaurants and stores depend on park visitors for income.
8. Ka`u Community Development Plan researchers and writers dug into the details for envisioning the future of Ka`u. The writers created an encyclopedia about the district and the possible future, recognizing the cultural, environmental and unique characteristics of the economy and the Ka`u people, which can be read at kaucdp.info.
9. Eight-man football was launched for the first time on the island by Ka`u High School, which was in danger of losing its entire football program. The Trojans traveled to Moloka`i and other small schools around the island to play the faster and higher scoring game that boasts fewer injuries.
10. Ka`u’s only radio station went off the air, but KAHU’s license was purchased by Hawai`i Public Radio, the statewide affiliate of National Public Radio. Though there is no longer local programming, HPR promises to consider it in a few years, after it puts KAHU on a tower that will send radio waves over the entire south side of the island. Current reach at 91.7 FM extends from the Pahala pole on Maile Street into the surrounding communities.
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POWER OUTAGES HIT THE NA`ALEHU AREA New Year’s Eve morning, forcing some businesses to close. An area of outage was reported from Na`alehu Ball Park to Discovery Harbour. Power was out in Na`alehu for about three hours, while Discovery Harbour’s outage lasted longer, but by dusk, streetlights were on.

FIREWORKS WERE A FAMILY AFFAIR across Ka`u last night, lighting up and sounding off the start of the New Year. The Jan. 1 aerial fireworks show in Pahala, which would have happened tonight, failed to draw enough support to make it feasible, according to organizer Rodney Freitas, who said he is signing up sponsors for 2015. A licensed pyrotechnician, Freitas can be reached at Big Island Klimate Kontrol at 987-8918 or info@bigislandklimatekontrol.com for donations for the 2015 celebration.

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Astronomer Lew Cook discussed perihelions in this month's
issue of The Ka`u Calendar.

JANUARY’S STARS OVER KA`U are covered by Lew Cook, an astronomer who has a home in Pahala and writes a column in The Ka`u Calendar.

Cook discusses perihelions, the point in an orbit where an object gets closest to the sun, and how comet ISON disintegrated after its perihelion.
“Earth will pass our perihelion on Jan. 4. Unlike comet ISON, the earth will fare much better during our perihelion passage because our orbit is nearly circular, but is a tiny bit of an egg-shaped ellipse. Our closest distance to the sun is about 91.4 million miles, while the furthest distance, in summer, is 94.5 million.

“Venus will pass by the sun on Jan. 11. It misses the sun by five degrees (about the distance your fist covers when you hold your arm straight out in front of you), not at all like the transit in June 2012 when Venus appeared to cross in front of the sun.
“Jupiter starts the year in Gemini, accompanied by its 63 moons. Only four of these can be seen through a small telescope or a good pair of binoculars. Saturn is in Libra, rising around 2:30 a.m. and ends these January nights high up in the sky at dawn.”

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK encourages Ka`u residents and visitors to enjoy programs and hikes at the park’s Kahuku Unit through March.

Kahuku's Palm Trail offers expansive vistas. NPS Photo by Mark Wasser

During the `Ohi`a Lehua program, participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors traveling through the park will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent tree in the Kahuku Unit. Pack a lunch to enjoy during the program. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered Jan. 12, Feb. 9, and March 23; from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Jan. 19, Feb. 23, and March 16; from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hikers learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Jan. 26, Feb. 16, and March 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For all activities, enter Kahuku on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

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KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline is Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Ka`u Coffee is featured in a major story by Sunset Magazine in its January edition.

SUNSET MAGAZINE FEATURES KA`U COFFEE in its January 2014 edition. The publication boasts more than a million subscribers. The story by travel writer Christopher Hall features small-business owners like Will and Grace Tabios, who operate a Na`alehu store and a farm with internationally award-winning Ka`u Coffee. The writer illustrates the Ka`u pace of life starting with the Tabios family:

Sunset Magazine points to kaucoffeefest.com for information about the annual
event coming up May 2 - 11. Photo from kaucoffeefest.com

“Owner Willie Tabios was up at dawn working his family’s seven-acre farm before opening the tiny shop for the day with his wife Grace. But now he sits on an overturned bucket, chatting, or ‘talking story,’ as the say on the islands.”

The author drinks Ka`u Coffee at Hana Hou Restaurant and travels to Cloud Rest to visit the farm of Trini and Francis Marques, where they grow their own award-winning Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee. The author writes about being at Cloud Rest. “I tell Trini that this place feels removed somehow from the real world.” He also quotes Trini Marques saying, “I believe it is sacred here,” and that she recounted that “with every tree she plants, she utters a silent prayer.” The author describes the many details on the farm taken care of by Francis Marques and writes, “The work is exacting, expensive and, Trini believes, crucial to producing quality coffee.”
The illustrations are by travel photographer Susan Suebert. Images include the iconic location photographed by almost everyone who goes to Cloud Rest – looking down on numerous Ka`u Coffee farms and Lorie Obra’s tiny coffee shack and out to the Pacific Ocean. Photos also include picking and processing, the drying floor at Ka`u Coffee Mill, the Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee Truck, the inside of Will & Grace shop, the outside of Hana Hou and a table within.

The Sunset story says Ka`u Coffee work is exacting and expensive.
Photo from kaucoffeefest.com

The story takes readers to the farm of Lorie Obra and her award-winning Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee. It tells the story of coffee creating an economy after sugar shut down in 1996 and describes some of the risks such as fires that damaged orchards and the coffee berry borer threatening the crop. “And in a turn of events that resurrects the feelings of helplessness that arose when Big Sugar left, ownership of the leased coffee land has fallen to a big New York bank that’s looking to sell. For now the trees are flourishing and there is reasonable hope that the coffee borer can be managed and the coffee leases will be renewed. Either way, the people of Ka`u will take it as it comes,” the Sunset writer concludes.
The story ends with a quote from Lorie Obra: “Learning how to grow coffee has been important for Ka`u ... but maybe more important has been learning how resilient we are. We are gutsy, and we aren’t going away.”
In a separate section called Where to Fill Your Mug, Sunset suggests locations to visit. Under the category Taste, the writer recommends having a cup at Hana Hou with a slice of cream pie and enjoying Ka`u Coffee with Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu`u Bake Shop. Under Shop, it recommends Ka`u Farmers Market, where Rusty’s can be purchased for $35 a pound. It also recommends Hawaiian Hula Hands at $41 a pound and The Rising Sun at $28 a pound. Under Tour, the article recommends Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., with a walk through the orchard and visit to the 1930s plantation house. It also recommends Ka`u Coffee Mill for touring the growing, processing and roasting operations and tasting at the visitor center.
The article also suggests Ka`u Coffee Festival: “The district goes full-tilt coffee crazy with the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, ten days of tastings, tours and events, including the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant,” the story says. It points readers to www.kauoffeefest.com for information about the May 2 - 11 event.
For more, see www.sunset.com.

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RESOLVE TO BE READY is one of the messages Gov. Neil Abercrombie is broadcasting to start the New Year. Yesterday he posted, “Winging it is not an emergency plan. I resolve to make sure my family is #Prepared2014.”

The message refers to ready.gov/prepared2014, which gives details on making emergency readiness plans, building a kit for disasters and supporting community businesses. It also gives templates for planning and protecting local businesses.
This year’s Resolve to be Ready campaign focuses on Family Connection to reinforce the importance of parents including their children in preparedness conversations in advance of potential disasters. The Ready campaign makes an emergency preparedness resolution easy to keep by recommending families consider these three ideas when making a plan: who to call, where to meet and what to pack.

Originally from Pahala, Rowland Fujii is closing
his koa craft business on O`ahu.

The campaign includes age-appropriate tools and resources to introduce conversations about disaster preparedness to children on www.ready.gov/kids, including a downloadable family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists and guidelines on how to make preparedness a year-round family activity.

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A KOA CRAFTSMAN FROM PAHALA is closing his three-decades-old business on O`ahu due to illness. Rowland Fujii grew up in Pahala and founded RKF Enterprises in 1978 in Honolulu. Although Lou Gehrig’s disease has taken away use of his arms and hands, Fujii keeps his positive outlook. Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports his friend Judy Okawa saying, “He’s just always smiling. He doesn’t make an issue about anything – it’s just amazing. He’s a saint about it.”

RFK produces items for worldwide customers including corporations, the military and retailers. “I just loved to make special things for people that bring joy to their heart,” Fujii told the Star-Advertiser.

Fujii’s creations have included `Ilima and Na Hoku Hanohano awards made of koa, koa frames for Hawaiian flags, a gift to President George W. Bush from Admiral Fargo and many clocks, frames and marquetry items.

“I'm kind of sad about (closing),” the story quotes Fujii. “I just have to keep a positive attitude that I'm going to find somebody to continue my legacy.”

He said he is mainly concerned about his four employees who have worked for him for at least decades.

See staradvertiser.com.

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KA`U ARTIST DON ELWING CELEBRATED the end of the year with the completion of his last Awareness Art piece of 2013. Entitled Halema`uma`u Hula Girl and measuring 24”x20”x3”, the piece is made from plastic marine debris Elwing cleaned from Kamilo beach in an effort to bring attention to the huge amounts of rubbish circulating in Hawaiian waters.

Halema`uma`u Hula Girl by Don Elwing

A Hawai`i Wildlife Fund Beach cleanup at Kamilo is planned for Saturday, Feb. 8.
For more information about HWF, see wildhawaii.org.

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THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL VACATION. Teachers go back to work Monday, Jan. 6, and students on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Although Ka`u High classroom are empty, Trojan sports teams are busy. Soccer teams host Kea`au today with matches beginning at 2 p.m. They then play at Konawaena Saturday.

Tomorrow, boys basketball hosts Kamehameha at 6 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Honoka`a girls basketball team travels to Ka`u for a game at 6 p.m. Swimmers travel to KCAC, and wrestlers go to Kamehameha.

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Ka`u High sports teams are busy during school vacation.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE FIRST STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT of 2014 takes place tomorrow. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Ka`u peppers are among the many locally grown vegetables that provide food in the district. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

BUYING LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD may get a boost from the County Council. Council member and attorney Margaret Wille has a resolution coming up before the council's Govermental Relations and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday. Her idea is to tag Big Island produced food with the label Hawai`i Island Produce & Products or Hawai`i Island Produce & Products – Organically Grown, depending on the way they are produced. She points to Kaua`i Grown and Made in Maui as examples of local labeling elsewhere. Currently many local producers use the statewide labeling Island Fresh, Buy Local, It Matters, Join the Movement!
Wille says that the statewide labeling only requires 50 percent local content while her idea for this island is to require close to 100 percent local ingredients in order to use the logo label.

Dean Okimoto. Photo from HFBF

HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU FEDERATION PRESIDENT DEAN OKIMOTO says that providing farmers with land at a reasonable cost is needed to produce more food. In an interview in Pacific Business News this morning, Okimoto, who is statewide president of the ag non-profit, pointed to the Trust for Public Land’s success in helping to transfer more than 1,700 acres on O`ahu to two state agencies. “It is going to be a great model going forward in showing if you get farmers on land at a reasonable price that we can grow more food, become more productive. It is a neat vision in helping to mitigate costs and challenges,” he said.
Concerning food safety. Okimoto said the Hawai`i farmers “are far behind on food-safety issues,” concluding that the state will have to help. “We have food safety issues that will be coming up with the federal regulations that haven’t been put into place yet…..Farmers don’t have money for the cost of infrastructure associated with food safety. In old-style farming, you take water, you have an open shed, you rinse your crops, wash them, put them in a box, and send them to market. That’s no longer acceptable,” he said.

Regarding the GMO debate, Okimoto supports the seed companies, which are banned from strarting up business in Hawai`i County, through new legislation by the County Council that was recently signed by Mayor Billy Kenoi. Says Okimoto, "I think if we chase these companies out of Hawai`i we’re not only ding a disservice to agriculture in Hawai`i’, but we’re huring our economy nad our people by keeping a lot of land out of production. That will create pressures toward development. So people that want to stop more development and want more agriculture truthfully need this technology,” he told PBN.

Hawaii`i Farm Bureau Federation advocates for affordable land and food safety. Photo from HFBF

Okimoto pointed to this island: “Farmers are upset on the Big Island, and it’s sad because that’s where we have the most land, and we’re now prohibiting guys from using the technology there. My question is, ‘Of all the milk imported here, what do you think is in that milk? What do you think they do on the Mainland?’ The fight against GMOs is so rabid, misconstrued, it has gotten totally out of hand, and we need to sit down with each other and really talk,' Okimoto told PBN.
See more in the Pacific Business News print edition for this week and at www.bizjournals.com/pacific.

The Ka`u Farm Bureau is expected to announce a meeting soon to elect the 2013 officers and plan for the state legislature.

Black Pellets to burn in power plants would
be shipped in from the Mainland.

PELLETS FOR ELECTRIC PRODUCTION area once again proposed for Hawaiian Electric Co. `Aina Kona Pono had proposed making pellets from biomass, put them into a microwave process called MicroDee to manufacture biodiesel and send the biodiesel to power plants to burn for electricity. The new proposal, this one by Zikha Biomass Energy, has been proposed to the state Public Utilities Commission which recently turned down the AKP plan.

According to an Alan Yonan Jr. story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser this morning, Zikha, which is owned by Microsoft founder Paul Allen and partners, would import from the mainland wooden pellets made from harvesting tree farms and dead trees in forests that have been ravaged by pests. Zikha representatives say that HECO could save roughly $40 million a year for each generator unit converted to its Black Pellets. The Blue Planet Foundation, which has opposed Liquid Natural Gas as an option to reduce fuel costs, called the Black Pellet possibility “exciting." One of their advantages, according to the Zikha website, is that they are waerproof and can be shipped in open containers. See more at www.zicha.com and www.staradvertiser.com.

NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS will be allowed at retail checkout stands in Hawai`i County after Jan. 17 when the one-year transition period ends. This week, Bobby Leithead-Todd, the head of the Departmen of Environmental Management, issued a statement to remind consumers that “the purpose of the ordinance is to reduce the usage of single-use plastic bags by prohibiting their distribution at store checkouts and encouraging the usage of reusable bags.”
She notes that many stores are choosing to stop using plastic bags and are already encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags. “One high quality reusable bag can replace hundreds of single-use plastic bags over its lifetime. In the long term, the cost of a reusable bag can be lower than the cost of the single-use plastic bags it replaces,” states Leihhead-Todd.
The ordinance exempts plastic bags without handles that are used for retail items such as meat, produce, bulk food items, garments, and prescription drugs. It also exempts non-profit organizations and non-incorporated community booster organizations. Paper bags are still permitted under the ordinance.

If a business violates the ordinance, a warning letter will be issued. A second violation will result in a civil fine of $250 per day. The third violation will result in a civil fine of $500 per day and subsequent violations will result in civil fines of $1,000 per day.
“Environmental problems posed by plastic bags warrant the implementation of this type of law and it is consistent with the County’s General Plan, which implores the County to ‘take positive action to further maintain the quality of the environment,’” says the Environmental chief. “It is an important milestone on the County’s path toward Zero Waste, a commitment to protecting our island.”
She states that Hawai‘i County residents join 54 percent of the world’s population who live in an area that has plastic bag bans or fees to reduce plastic pollution. All Hawai‘i counties have passed plastic bag reduction ordinances, joining a growing list of cities, counties, and nations around the world taking similar initiatives including 28 entire countries.
For more information, visit HawaiiZeroWaste.com where the ordinance, rules, and outreach materials can be viewed and downloaded. For questions and additional information about the new ordinance, contact the Department of Environmental Management at bring-ur-bag@hawaiicounty.gov or 961-8942.

To help clean up bags and other plastics from Ka`u beaches, contact Hawai`i Wildlife Fund at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

Walt Kaneakua

WALTER KANEAKUA is U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabaard's new Hawai‘i District Director. A retired Colonel and former Air Force command pilot, Kaneakua retired after 27 years of active-duty with the U.S. Air Force and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard. He flew as a Captain for Aloha Airlines, and later served on Sen. Dan Inouye’s Honolulu staff as his Executive Assistant for Military Affairs. He served U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono as a senior military affairs officer during her transition from the U.S. House of Representatives.
This morning, Gabbard explained the choice of Kaneakua: “His deep commitment to serving Hawai‘i and our country, as well as his thorough knowledge of military, economic and Hawaiian affairs, will serve our constituents well as we constantly work towards addressing Hawai‘i’s key priorities and needs. I look forward to working closely with Walt to provide the best possible constituent services and community outreach across our islands.”
Kaneakua said he is grateful to be able to support Gabbard's efforts "on behalf of Hawai‘i’s citizens and especially for service members and veterans, care for our kupuna and keiki, and creating job prospects for a 21st century economy.”

HAM RADIO OPERATORS pot luck gathering is this Sunday, Jan. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at Manuka Park. Call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

State Representative District V, with its southern boundary at Honu`apo, is getting a new representative after the resignation of Denny Coffman.

NAMING OF NEXT STATE REPRESENTATIVE for west Ka`u and Kona is expected at any time. The state Democratic Party has declined to reveal the names of the three selected by local Democrats and sent to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who will pick the next Representative to fill the seat vacated by Denny Coffman. The governor will submit the name for confirmation by the state Senate.

Former State District V Rep. Denny Coffman

After a persistent request from The Ka`u Calendar, Big Island Democrats did reveal the names of nine Democrats in District V who applied for the job. In alphabetical order, they are: Abigail Au, who works in the governor’s office in Kona; Kaliko Chun, who has worked for the state Legislature for 12 years and sits on national park and other advisory committees; Richard Creagan, retired physician and farmer in Ka`u; Barbara Dalton, governor’s representative in Kona and retired Na`alehu post office manager; Una Greenaway, coffee farmer and organic farming advocate; Lei Kihoi, Kona social worker and attorney; Gene Bucky Leslie, Holualoa florist; Michael Matsukawa, a Kona attorney who has worked on community issues; and Steve Sakala, a diversified farmer in Kealakekua.
Selection of the three was made through the voting of 12 Democrats attending the selection meeting and one proxie. The candidates were not interviewed and did not attend the meeting where the selection was made (except for those among them who had applied and recused themselves from voting). Candidates were apparently well known to those making the selections.

MORE THAN HALF THE UNITED STATES RECENTLY enacted laws to reduce availability of abortion, according to a report in yesterday's New York Times. With the Hawai`i Legislature opening Jan. 15, pro-choice and pro-life supporters are reviewing Hawai`i’s and other state’s laws to propose adjustments.

According to the New York Times story by Erik Eckholm, three states placed a ban on abortions at 20 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Four states further restricted reasons for abortion. Four enacted tougher abortion reporting laws. Nine states enacted new restrictions on abortion providers, including a requirement for the doctor to have practicing privileges at a hospital. Ten states further restricted insurance coverage. Seventeen further limited abortions achieved by administering drugs. Twenty-three states enacted limitations requiring more parent involvement for minors, ultrasound requirements and waiting periods.

According to Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Hawai`i Coalition, the rules in Hawai`i are as follows:
A woman can legally obtain an abortion up to 24 weeks into her pregnancy. Abortion after this point is only permitted to save the life or preserve the health of the woman. Females under the age of 18 can obtain an abortion without having to notify or get permission from a parent. “While you may want to seek the advice of a parent or another adult, you are not required to obtain their permission. Further, there is no imposed waiting period to receive an abortion in Hawai`i,” reports the Healthy Mothers website.
In Hawai`i, medical records are private and confidential. However, these laws may not apply to insurance records, “so while an insurance company should not share personal medical information with an employer, privacy is not guaranteed by law. To find out how insurance reports to an employer, and what type of information is provided, call the customer service office for the insurance plan,” the website recommends.
Medicaid in Hawai`i covers abortion services. Those in a Medicaid managed care plan have the right to obtain an abortion or contraceptive care from any Medicaid provider who offers these services without a referral or prior approval from a managed care organization.
Those not on Medicaid already but are unable to pay for an abortion may be eligible for Medicaid due to “presumptive eligibility.” This allows quick and temporary enrollment in Medicaid in order to obtain needed services. Many abortion providers will help arrange this coverage.
In Hawai`i, a pregnant minor has the right to decide for herself whether to continue a pregnancy or have an abortion. In addition, any pregnant woman can consent to medical, dental, health and hospital services relating to prenatal care. Any necessary medical treatment a pregnant woman receives can be regarded as “relating to prenatal care.” For this reason, a pregnant teen can consent to all or almost all health care services on her behalf.
Those under 18 using parents’ health insurance or Child Health Plus benefits may not maintain confidentiality. Itemized benefit statements sent to the family can sometimes reveal confidential information. A young person seeking services under a parent’s private insurance plan can contact the insurance company directly to inquire about its policy and thus be aware of the risks of disclosure before choosing this method of payment.
Medicaid offers two programs that will enroll teens without counting family income. Pregnant teens may be eligible for coverage under Medicade’s Prenatal Care Assistance Program. It covers nearly all health care during pregnancy and, for most teens, will also cover abortion services. Medicaid’s Family Planning Benefits Program covers most family planning services such as contraceptives (including prescriptions), pregnancy tests, STI/HIV tests, and Pap smears.
In Hawai`i, a teen can also protect medical information confidentiality by paying for care directly, rather than relying on insurance. Because medical care is costly, the teen may have to seek out care with a low-cost provider, states the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies website.
See NYTimes.com and also hmhb-hawaii.org.

ACCORDING TO AMERICANS UNITED FOR LIFE, Hawai`i lacks the most basic protections for women and unborn children. On its website at aul.org/states/hawaii, the pro-life organization states Hawai`i’s abortion policies and its views about them.
Hawai`i “fails to require informed consent for abortion, to mandate parental involvement in a minor’s abortion decision, or to ensure that abortion clinics meet minimum health and safety standards.
“Hawai`i has adopted a ‘Freedom of Choice Act.’ The act provides a ‘right’ to abortion even if Roe v. Wade is eventually overturned, specifically providing that ‘the state shall not deny or interfere with a female’s right to choose or obtain an abortion of a nonviable fetus or an abortion that is necessary to protect the life or health of the female.’
“Hawai`i has no informed consent or parental involvement law.
“Hawai`i maintains no enforceable abortion clinic regulations; however, only licensed physicians, surgeons, or licensed osteopathic physicians or surgeons may perform abortions.
“The state has an enforceable abortion reporting law, but does not require the reporting of information to the Centers for Disease Control.
“Hawaiian taxpayers are required by statute to pay for ‘medically necessary’ abortions for women receiving state medical assistance. This requirement essentially equates to funding abortion-on-demand in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s broad definition of ‘health’ in the context of abortion.
“Hawai`i offers ‘Choose Life’ license plates, the proceeds of which benefit pregnancy care centers and/or other organizations providing abortion alternatives.
“Hawai`i allows a pharmacist to provide ‘emergency contraception’ to women without a prescription, provided the pharmacist has a collaborative therapy agreement with a licensed physician.
“Health insurance plans that provide prescription coverage must also provide coverage for contraception. An exemption exists for religious employers.”

KAMEHAMEHA WARRIORS OVERCAME the Ka`u High Trojan boys basketball teams at home yesterday. Junior Varsity score was 60 – 80, with Evan Manoha scoring 17  points and Titan Ault scoring 16.   The   Varsity  game ended 56 – 81.  Alexis Alejo scored 11  points, and Chance Emmsley AhYee and Brian Gascon scored 9 each.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S NEXT EXHIBIT OPENS next Saturday, Jan. 11, with the opening reception at 5 p.m. for New Earth, New Art, The Colors of Sacred, featuring neo-primitive paintings by Christina Skaggs. Call 967-7565 for more information.

ALSO NEXT SATURDAY IS VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Colossal Rummage yART Sale, a major fundraiser at Ni`aulani from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off donations on Wednesday, Jan. 8 & Thursday, Jan. 9 at Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Tom Peek, author of Daughters of Fire, holds a writing workshop
next Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

IN HIS WORKSHOP ENTITLED Tapping Your Creative Right Brain, Tom Peek helps participants unlock the part of their minds that holds wild dreams, fascinating associations, deep metaphors and other gems of imagination, then apply them to writing. The workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus is open to all levels and genres, and no writing experience is necessary. Sign up at 967-8222.

A BENEFIT CONCERT TAKES PLACE next Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Ka`u High School senior Kamrie Koi is producing the event to raise money for cancer research through the United Way. Entertainment includes Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. The event also features vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes. Call Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Ka`u Coffee Farms are not only famous, they help protect water resources and prevent desertification.
Photo by Julia Neal

"THE KA`U DISTRICT IS AN EXAMPLE of change in local climate. Thousands of trees have been planted there during the past 40 years. The region around Pahala has been reforested with macadamia trees and windbreaks. It was transformed from a dry, dusty region known for its incessant winds into a green and productive oasis.” This is the conclusion of Norm Bezona, once an agronomist at Ka`u Sugar. Bezona himself planted a collection of trees in the open space in the middle of Pahala, with a cork tree, bat-pollinated sausage tree and many other tropical trees among them creating a park-like setting on the grounds of what is now Royal Hawaiian Orchards and Pahala Plantation Cottages - the old Sasaki Store and Ka`u Meat Market.

Macadamia trees on Olson Trust lands protect the watershed and create
compost. Photo from olsontrust.com

In his 2014 outlook on Hawai`i Island and the planet, first printed in West Hawai`i Today, Bezona writes about his New Year’s resolution that fits well with the multicultural, economic and environmental diversity of Ka`u, which can be an example for others. Writing mostly about others, Bezona says:
“Humans seem to be hardwired to exclude. We tend to think of our team versus their team or our tribe is better than your tribe. We live in exclusive neighborhoods and go to exclusive schools or clubs, and others don’t. We tend to think having lots of material things makes us better than someone with less. The recent movie, The Wolf of Wall Street, is a good example of materialism carried to the extreme. This kind of mindset makes us vulnerable to an ‘us versus them’ way of thinking that affects our spiritual, political and cultural point of view. It can breed cynicism, fear and hate.
“How do we diffuse the constant bombardment of negativity we experience? It’s not easy, but we can practice in our everyday life by being aware of what isolates us from one another. Prayer and meditation can help us find balance. When it comes to politics, to think inclusively is to respect the other person’s point of view even when it is different than ours. When it comes to humans in general, remember there is only one race: the human race.

“Comedian Frank DeLima put in bluntly, and I will paraphrase: When every culture is reflected in your family tree, it’s hard to find anyone to hate. We are blessed in Hawai`i, where we have many cultures and religious philosophies coming together. It gives us an opportunity to practice inclusiveness. Our multicultural community is reflected in our landscapes.

MacFarms macadamia orchards help prevent deserts in Ka`u and
South Kona. Photo from macfarms.com

“Let’s look at how we can learn some lessons from our gardens, parks and forests. We can focus on the value of planting and protecting native trees, but recognize the value of plants that have been brought by Polynesians, folks from Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and other regions. Our gardens reflect the cultural diversity of our people.
“We can view plants we see as weeds in a broader sense by seeing they are really pioneer species trying to heal the wounds created by human or animal activity or natural disturbances such as flood, drought, lava flows and fires. If we find ourselves or our environment out of balance, we can approach the issue without fear or anger, but determine the role we can play to achieve connection, balance and aloha.
“We know our planet is suffering from climate change and deforestation, but what can we do to reverse this trend? Parts of China, Africa and India are examples of vast areas that were deforested over the centuries. However, more damage has been done in the past 50 years than in the past several centuries. Untold numbers of species have been lost and climates altered.

“How does thinking inclusively affect what we plant? We have a much broader palette of plants to use if we think outside the box. New reforestation projects often require drought-hardy species such as eucalyptus and neem, or fast growing types such as bamboo. Whatever trees we use, we need to start soon. Much of the tropics could become desert if this deforestation and climate change continues. Imagine how our island appeared when the first Polynesians set foot on it. There were forests covering the Kohala Mountains, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and much of Mauna Loa. Dryland forests extended to Kawaihae. It is time to reverse the trend of deforestation. It would be difficult to replant these vast areas with only native trees since we can’t be certain what was here before the first humans. Besides, the climate has probably changed since those ecosystems were destroyed.
“Some advantages to planting forests are reducing wind velocity and erosion; preserving forest watersheds, native ecosystems and recreation opportunities; and, of course, tying up some of the excess carbon in our atmosphere.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards macadamia orchards are also home for bees
that help increase production of many agricultural crops.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Forests and their effect on climate are nothing new, but as important as they are, they have not been put to use as much in Hawai`i as they should be. A primary purpose of forests is to reduce wind velocities to a degree that will provide protection. Some secondary effects of reducing wind velocity are temperature modification, increased humidity and reduced evaporation in the protected area. This reduces dust problems and supplies shelter and food for wildlife. They also add beauty.”
In addition to the orchards of Ka`u, Bezona points out that “lava flows of West Hawai`i are being transformed by urban reforestation to create parks, gardens and golf courses. This means jobs for landscapers, gardeners and plant nurseries. Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea and Waikoloa also could benefit from this kind of long-range planning and planting. Unfortunately, trees take years to grow, and we too often think in terms of short-term profits.
“Around East Hawai`i, forests of macadamia, banana, rambutan and other tropical fruit are sprouting up where sugarcane lands were abandoned. Giant timber bamboos could be grown as well. Many bamboos are easily maintained and extremely ornamental. Landscaping coastal lava fields to golf courses and homes planted with trees is not popular with some folks, but this too is urban forestry.
“In many ways, we are on the track to create a better balanced environment, but it is important to continue to make a difference with cool heads and warm hearts. We can do this best by working together with respect and remembering we are all on this planet and need to treat it and each other in a consciously sustainable and inclusive manner.”

TO HELP MAKE THE NEW YEAR GREENER, the Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management is offering treecycling. Through Jan. 31, Ka`u residents may leave trees in the designated area at Wai`ohinu transfer station. Attendants will direct the public to the proper drop-off point.

Trees should be free from all decorations, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Artificial or flocked trees are not accepted.
In addition, residents may recycle Kadomatsu decorations, which are normally a combination of bamboo, pine and flowers. Kadomatsu is a tradition that began 600 years ago in Japan as a way of offering luck in the New Year.
For more information on recycling, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org or call the Solid Waste Division Office at 961-8270.

SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND PROTECTION OF DARK NIGHT SKIES are being taken into account in design of exterior lighting at the Ka`u Gym and Disaster Shelter, according to Hawai`i County Energy coordinator Will Rolston. “We are planning to install the new LED lights, fully shielded, in the parking lot,” he said. Rolston said these advanced lights will have a filter that restricts 98 percent of blue light, which is the wavelength that scatters in the atmosphere, mostly due to water particles, and mitigates the dark skies that the astronomy sector relies on. He said the lights should prevent most of the glare created by conventional lighting and put the most light on the ground. The lights also would improve safety through a more visible light spectrum. They are more efficient, as well, using half the wattage of the previous lighting requirement.
David Yamamoto, Building chief from Department of Public Works, is overseeing the construction and working with Traffic Department chief Ron Thiel as well as lighting consultant Robert Billingsley on design of the lighting.

Frank Trusdell presents a Volcano Awareness Month program
Wednesday at Ocean View Community Center.
Photo from USGS/HVO

AS PART OF VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory offers two programs this week. At After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights from the past 31 years of eruption on Kilauea’s east rift zone and talks about recent developments. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

How well do you know the volcano in your backyard? USGS volcanologist Frank Trusdell discusses Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS hosted Honoka`a yesterday. In Junior Varsity, Deisha Gascon scored Ka`u’s 6 points, while   Honoka`a came up with 44 .   Varsity  also lost 32 – 65. Denisha Navarro was high-point scorer, with 9 points.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

`Aina Koa Pono was touted locally as an economic savior for producing jobs, similar to Range Fuels, a failed energy project in Georgia.
Image from ainakoapono.com

SIXTY MINUTES, THE CBS NEWS PROGRAM, last night featured chemical engineer and biofuels specialist Robert Rapier, who helped Big Island community groups, The Ka`u Calendar and local government analyze `Aina Koa Pono’s proposal to install a biofuel farm between Pahala and Na`alehu and a refinery on the edge of Wood Valley. AKP proposed to sign a contract to sell high-priced fuel to the electric utilities. The proposal was turned down late last year by the state Public Utilities Commission.

Robert Rapier, a chemical engineer and biofuels expert, helped guide community groups
and the county to study AKP. See him on 60 Minutes from last night's segment called
The Cleantech Crash. Photo from CBS

On Aug. 16, 2012, Rapier sent an email to The Ka`u Calendar, writing, “To me, the most important item is to protect ratepayers if they fail to deliver. That’s what I consider absolutely unacceptable, but I worry about it. They build a plant, it fails to deliver, and they push through a surcharge to pay for a failed plant. Utilities do things like that all the time.”

He also asked the question, “Would tying up one power plant fuel contract for 20 years set a precedent for other power plants around the state? I.e., if the Keahole power plant’s fuel oil costs raise electric rates in O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i Counties for the single power plant, what if Hawaiian Electric Co. wanted to do the same for X number of power plants around the three counties it services? How many oil-burning power plants are there in Hawai`i, outside of Kaua`i?” (Kaua`i is not a HECO island).
Rapier also asked other questions, such as why a process similar to the one chosen by AKP did not result in a contract in Wyoming and pointed to a local paper there at wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/02/11/news/local_news/02local_02-11-07.txt.
He also wrote to The Ka`u Calendar saying, “I think there are definitely cheaper ways than this of producing electricity. Just combusting biomass for electricity is a cheaper way to make it. HELCO of course wants a liquid fuel so they can continue to use their infrastructure, but it isn’t going to be cheap, nor is it going to be environmentally sound. I say the latter because the energy balance of this process can’t be good, which has the potential to increase – not decrease – fossil fuel consumption.
“On the other hand, I think it’s important for companies to get long-term fuel contracts like this in order to convince investors to invest. But my problem with this case is that promises are being made that can’t be kept. This technology is oversold. It does not produce a ‘drop-in’ diesel fuel. It produces a very low-grade oil that can be upgraded – at great expense – to diesel in very low yields.”

Investor Vinod Khosla founded Range Fuels.
Photo from wikipedia

In regard to AKP’s contract with Mansfield Oil, which the company is still saying it will attempt to fulfill by manufacturing transportation fuel and selling it to the mainland company, Rapier wrote, “Getting a fuel contract is nothing. I can get a fuel contract without ever producing any fuel. The question to ask is ‘Has fuel been delivered? Can I have a sample of it for testing?’ That’s when the story will break down.”

Rapier also told The Ka`u Calendar that he would personally research more on AKP if it attempted to use government funding for its projects. AKP, to date, has said it uses no government funding for its biofuels venture.
On the 60 Minutes segment called The Cleantech Crash, Rapier focused on mainland projects that used taxpayers’ money for such ventures including Range Fuels, a failed biofuel venture in a needy rural community that was touted as an economic savior for producing jobs, in much the same way as AKP was promoted locally. The Range Fuels venture, which aimed to use trees to make biofuel, led to a boom and bust economy, leaving the tiny town of Soperton, Georgia in worse shape than before the biofuels venture.
On 60 Minutes, Range Fuels’ founder Vinod Khosla, a Silicon Valley billioinaire and investor in some 50 energy projects, used a slogan similar to an AKP statement for his latest KHiOR biofuels project. In explaining the wood chips-to-energy process, Khosla said, “Nature takes a million years to produce our crude oil; KHiOR can produce it in seconds.” He also explained that the process adds “this magic catalyst and then out comes something that looks like crude oil.”

AKP’s website at ainakoapono.com says that AKP “is aimed at cracking dependence on fossil fuel by using a microwave process to compress to 50 minutes the millions of years it takes nature to convert biomass into crude oil.”
AKP also says its process needs an imported catalyst to produce the biodiesel.

Dr. Steven Koonin, a former U.S. undersecretary of Energy who has a physics degree from Caltech and a doctorate from MIT, weighed in on the wave of energy investments. He said that there has been a lot of arrogance in biofuels ventures. He said venture capitalists have underestimated the risks in the energy market. He pointed out that venture capitalists usually want to get in and out in three to five years. He also noted that there is an expectation that nine out of every ten startups will fail.

On 60 Minutes, Rapier pointed out that many of the venture capitalists getting into energy in recent years had little background in energy. “You know Khosla is very smart, but would you let him operate on your heart? No, because that is not his area of expertise.”
He said the Khosla and other venture capitalists got caught up in their own hype. Khosla, for example, “over-promised and under-delivered, and so the public and the politicians all developed unreasonable expectations.”
See the 60 Minutes segment at cbsnews.com/videos/the-cleantech-crash.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT’S statistics for 2013 automobile accidents show decreases in most categories as compared to 2012.

Major accidents in 2013 numbered 1,326 compared with 1,466 in 2012, a decrease of 9.5 percent.
There were 25 fatalities on Hawai`i Island compared with 38 fatalities in 2012, a decrease of 34.2 percent.
Thirteen fatalities in 2013 were related to drugs only, alcohol only or a combination of both, compared with 28 in 2012.
There were 308 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant who were involved in traffic accidents in 2013 compared with 352 in 2012, a decrease of 12.5 percent.
There were 123 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant who were under the age of 21 in 2013 compared with 104 in 2012, an increase of 18.3 percent.

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

Ka`u's Council member Brenda Ford wants to get water
to Ocean View's Kahuku Park in 2014.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS its first meetings of the New Year this week. A special meeting at 8:15 a.m. tomorrow is expected to go into executive session as requested by chair J Yoshimoto. A 2/3 vote is necessary to hold an executive session. The Council will consider hiring of a legislative auditor and conduct interviews of the top three applicants during this meeting. Members will also consult with Council’s attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Council’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities and liabilities.

Governmental Relations & Economic Development Committee meets tomorrow at 11 a.m. On the agenda is Council member Margaret Wille’s proposal to establish “HIPP” (“Hawai`i Island Produce and Products”) as the logo for Hawai`i Island; and in the case of organic produce and products, “HIPP-O” (“Hawai`i Island Produce and Products - Organically Grown”).
The Planning Committee meets at 1:45 p.m. to discuss Ka`u Council member Brenda Ford’s bill relating to the maximum amount of lots permitted in a subdivision. It adds a new section to the County Code requiring that the square footage of certain improvements and features within a subdivision be subtracted from the total land size of the subdivision prior to determination of the maximum amount of lots permitted within that subdivision.
Other committees meeting tomorrow are Public Works & Parks & Recreation at 1:30 p.m., Finance at 2:30 p.m. and Public Safety & Mass Transit at 3:30 p.m.
The regular Council meeting begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday. One agenda item is Council member Brenda Ford’s proposal adding the Parks and Recreation Kahuku Park Main Water Line Improvements project for $150,000 to the Capital Budget. Funds would be used to plan and construct a main water line from Ocean View Well Number One to Kahuku Park.
Funds for this project would be provided from general obligation bonds, capital projects fund balance and/or other sources.
All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

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

Tomorrows's After Dark in the Park program features geologist
Tim Orr. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGIST Tim Orr reviews highlights from the past 31 years of eruption on Kilauea’s east rift zone and talks about recent developments tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

AB KAWAINOHOIKALA`I VALENCIA and Puamae`ole O’Mahoney share the art of lei making Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

BLAISE DE LIMA, A STAFF MEMBER from U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office, meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 541-1986 for more information.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE VOLCANO IN YOUR BACKYARD? is the title of a program Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. USGS volcanologist Frank Trusdell discusses Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reaches out to Ka`u tomorrow with a Volcano Awareness Month program at Ocean View Community Center.
Photo from USGS/HVO

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL AND HO`OMALU KA`U are two of 138 programs chosen to receive funding and other resources from Hawai`i Tourism Authority through its Product Enrichment Programs for 2014.
The PEP consists of three HTA programs: County Product Enrichment Program, Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program and Natural Resources Community-Based Program in partnership with Hawai`i Community Foundation. There were 91 CPEP programs, 22 LHCP programs and 25 NRCBP programs that were selected in 2014.

Preliminary work on the site of the Ka`u Heritage Center can begin with funding
from Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

Ka`u Coffee Festival is receiving funding through the County Product Enrichment Program, while Ho`omalu Ka`u's funds come from the Natural Resources Community-Based Program. Ho`omalu Ka`u’s Manuka Land Protection Project will complete a biological survey, an archaeological survey and fencing to keep out ungulates on 15 acres on Mamalahoa Hwy in Manuka, where the nonprofit organization is planning the Heritage Center of Ka`u.
“Our Product Enrichment Programs provide us with the unique opportunity to support community events and programs that our residents are able to enjoy, while also drawing visitors to experience our host and multi-cultures and vast natural resources,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA. “Through our collective efforts with the four counties and the Hawai`i Community Foundation, we are able to provide unique experiences that highlight our greatest assets – our people, place and culture.”
In line with HTA’s Strategic Plan to support Hawai`i’s community programs and events, the goal of PEP is to support community-based programs that enhance visitor experiences, as well as create opportunities for economic development, natural resources management and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture. HTA, together with the four counties, their visitors’ bureaus, HTA’s marketing partners and Hawai`i Community Foundation, is working with the recipients to align with the branding of their respective island, set forth by HTA.
Other local programs chosen for CPEP funding are Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Hawai`i Volcanoes Institute program called Inspirational Experiences in the Great Outdoors and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Hula Arts at Kilauea.
Big Island Invasive Species Committee’s program called Healing the Land; Awakening the People, which BIISC said enhances the visitor experience by controlling and preventing the spread of invasive species through tourism activities on Hawai`i Island, also was chosen for funding through NRCBP.

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KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD is bringing her bill that would ban all genetically modified crops back for discussion, according to a story in today’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. It had been on the agenda of today’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee meeting, but Ford, who chairs the committee, is ill and has postponed the discussion.
The County Council originally voted down Ford’s bill last September, but a Council rule kept the bill alive after the vote, according to the Tribune-Herald story. Because it involved the county’s Environmental Management Department, the bill was sent to the Environmental Management Commission for review. The commission gave it a negative recommendation on Oct. 30.
The Council approved a different GMO bill by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, and Mayor Billy Kenoi signed Bill 113 into law on Dec. 5 of last year.
While Bill 113 allows exemptions for some GMO crops already being grown, Ford’s Bill 109 would ban all GMO crops and require their removal within 30 days.

Ka`u residents can meet Sen. Josh Green
and other Hawai`i Island legislators
at a forum in Kona next Tuesday.

Ford told reporter Tom Callis that she doesn’t expect it to pass and defended bringing her bill back while the county is beginning implementation of Bill 113. “I don’t think it’s a waste of time,” she said, adding the Council needs to have a discussion about “where we go from here.”
According to Callis, Wille said she supports having Ford’s bill discussed again. “I just see it as an opportunity to look ahead,” Wille said.
Council Chair J Yoshimoto told Callis, “I think we’re done. We spent a lot of time on testimony.”
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THE MILITARY IS HIRING CULTURAL EXPERTS in their management of Mauna Loa And Mauna Kea lands where it conducts exercises and war games.
The job description states that cultural resources technicians provide day-to-day support in implementing the Island of Hawai`i Cultural Resource Program Scope of Work.
The technicians perform assigned tasks to implement programs developed by the Cultural Resources Program Manager for U.S. Army Hawai`i and supports all fieldwork, including accompanying cultural accesses, monitoring, pedestrian survey, data collection and input and coordination of assigned tasks/projects. They also become familiar with installation plans, undertakings and cultural studies and inventories.
For more information, see rcuh.com or contact Ana Tejeda at 969-3340 or atejeda@hawaii.edu.
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A COMMUNITY FORUM WITH Hawai`i Island state legislators is set for next Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Old Kona Airport Park’s Maka`eo Pavilion. West Ka`u Sen. Josh Green and others will discuss what they will be working on during the upcoming legislative session. The forum begins at 6 p.m.
The new, but yet unnamed, state representative replacing Denny Coffman from District V will be invited and is expected to participate. Members of the County Council have also been invited to report and discuss County activities.
Following their presentations, the legislators will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Sherry Bracken and will answer written questions from the audience.
Pupus and beverages will be served. For more information, call John Buckstead at 326-9779 or email jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
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Little League is coming to Ocean View.

LITTLE LEAGUE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED in Ocean View for boys between the ages of nine and 12. The team, the Ocean View Islanders, is coached by Guy Delumeau with assistance from Rod Ducosin, both Ocean View residents. The team practices every Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Ocean View field at Kahuku County Park. Ducosin said approximately ten players are coming to practice. The team needs more players. All players’ parents or guardians must sign registration papers and pay a $35 fee to join Little League. He said that fundraisers are planned for the youth who cannot afford the equipment and fees and that donations are greatly welcomed. The team is holding raffles, with the current item a 32-inch screen television. More raffles are planned in the future. In Ka`u, both Pahala and Na`alehu have teams. The season begins in March. For more information, call Delumau at 345-0332 or Ducosin at 808-445-6818.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS ITS first regular meeting of the New Year tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents are urged to participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

THE ART OF LEI MAKING IS THE TOPIC tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with Ab Kawainohoikala`i Valencia and Puamae`ole O’Mahoney.

BLAISE DE LIMA, A STAFF MEMBER from U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office, meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 541-1986 for more information.

AS PART OF VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volcanologist Frank Trusdell discusses Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Ka`u High boys soccer team members celebrate on of the nine goals they made against HAAS yesterday. Photo by Dave Berry

THE BIGGEST WAR GAMES IN HAWAIIAN WATERS to date invite military ships from all over the world for this summer’s RimPac. Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggests private-government partnerships, the state providing land (possibly on this island) for military housing as 2,700 marines are expected to move from Okinawa to Hawai`i. The governor says the state supports developing the Pohakuloa Training Area along Saddle Road into a premier, 132,000-acre military exercise facility.

These are some of the prospects put forth at the Hawai`i Military Conference on O`ahu yesterday, sponsored by the state of Hawai`i and the Hawai`i Chamber of Commerce. It drew hundreds of military, business and government representatives to Hilton Hawaiian Village.

This year's Rimpac is expected to be the biggest to date in Hawaiian waters.
Photo from U.S. Navy

The goal of the state and the Chamber is to retain and possibly increase the $8.8 billion spent annually in Hawai`i by the U.S. military, according to a story about the conference in this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser.“Adm. Harry B. Harris, head of U.S. Pacific Fleet, called Hawai`i the ‘gateway’ to America’s re-balance to the Pacific.” He also cautioned that “it would be a mistake for anyone to assume that because our nation is re-balancing to the Asia-Pacific, Hawai`i will easily be able to maintain the resources that we have become accustomed to,” reports the story by Star-Advertiser reporter William Cole.
The writer notes that “the death of powerful U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in late 2012 was noted more than once” during the conference and that Abercrombie’s former chief of staff, Jennifer Sabas, “detailed an initiative to establish new committees within the chamber’s expanded military affairs council.” Cole reports her saying, “It’s going to take all of us. It’s going to take us to be focused. It’s going to take us to reach out much broader than we’ve ever had to.”
According to the Star-Advertiser story, one of the new chamber committees “will take on training range and ‘encroachment’ issues — a term used for civilian conflicts with military bases.” The story also reports the governor saying that he will seek $525,000 in state funding for “liaisons” in Hawai`i and Washington, D.C. “to protect and enhance and advance the military presence in Hawai`i.”
The Rim of the Pacific (RimPac) war games in Hawaiian waters are expected to draw 23 nations this summer with new participants China and Brunei.
See more at staradvertiser.com.
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Greggor Ilagan

HAWAI`I ISLAND’S GMO BAN MADE the New York Times recently. A story by Amy Harmon followed Hawai`i County Council member Greggor Ilagan in his quest for information about genetically modified organisms. Ilagan represents eastern Puna, home of many genetically modified Rainbow papaya farmers.
The story says that after Kohala Council member Margaret Wille introduced the proposal for a GMO ban in May, about 200 papaya farmers appeared, “pacing restlessly,” outside Mr. Ilagan’s office. “They wanted to be sure he understood that genetically modified papayas … account for three-quarters of the 30 million pounds harvested annually here.”
Ilagan talked about his inbox being full of letters is support of the ban. “Do the right thing,” one woman wrote, “or no one will want to take a toxic tour of your poisoned paradise.”
The story also follows his research and discussions with scientists about claims that GMOs cause superweeds and cancer in rats and cross-pollinate with other crops.
“It takes so much time to find out what’s true,” Ilagan told Harmon.

Ilagan ultimately voted against the ban that became law when Mayor Billy Kenoi signed the bill.
See more at nytimes.com.

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Pasha no longer offers interisland shipping service.

PASHA HAWAI`I TRANSPORT LINES ended its interisland shipping service in Hawai`i at the end of 2013 and won’t reapply for a permanent permit to resume service according to a story in Pacific Business News.

Pasha began shipping among the islands in 2011 after a state Public Utilities Commission’s interim decision allowed the shipper to operate interisland service.
The PUC’s Sept. 2010 decision allowed Pasha to operate between Honolulu and Kahului Harbor on Maui, Hilo Harbor on the Big Island and Nawiliwili Harbor, without serving ports deemed unprofitable, such as Moloka`i, Lana`i and Kawaihae on the Big Island. The permit was granted on an interim basis after Young Brothers Ltd., the state’s largest interisland shipper, opposed the application, saying Pasha chose only the profitable interisland routes.
Critics, however, viewed it unfair that other companies like Young Brothers Ltd. were required to serve unprofitable destinations while Pasha did not. Pasha claimed that its only vessel was too large to service the smaller ports.

See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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Ka`u High boys soccer team scored big against HAAS yesterday,
with a final score of 9 - 0. Photo by Dave Berry

KA`U HIGH BOYS SOCCER TEAM WON BIG in their match against HAAS at home yesterday. The final score was 9 – 0, with goals scored by seven Trojans. David Pilette and Andrew Garcia scored two goals each. Players scoring one goal each were Kupono Palakiko, Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee, Carlos Uribe-Bounos, Thanchit Khofaklang and Raycin Salmo-Grace.

The teams' next matches are Saturday, when they host Kealakehe.

In other Ka`u High sports, boys basketball travels to Kea`u Friday. On Saturday, girls basketball travels to Hilo, and wrestlers go to Kealakehe. BIIF Invitational Swim Meet takes place at HPA.

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ITEMS FOR VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Colossal Rummage yART Sale are being accepted at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village today and tomorrow for the event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call 967-8222 for more information.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS a Volcano Awareness Month program this evening, with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volcanologist Frank Trusdell discussing Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status at 6:30 p.m.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT IS SCHEDULED Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

UNITED WAY BENEFIT CONCERT is coming up this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Entertainment includes Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. There will be vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes. Call producer Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249 for more information.

THE COLOR OF SACRED OPENS SATURDAY with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Christina Skaggs presents new art. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 for more information.

TOM PEEK OFFERS A WRITING WORKSHOP Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. In Tapping Your Creative Right Brain, participants learn to unlock the part of their minds that holds wild dreams, fascinating associations, deep metaphors and other gems of imagination, then apply them to writing. Open to all levels and genres; no writing experience necessary. Register at 967-8222.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Panoramas of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument are now live on Google Maps after operators used Google Street
View Trekker equipment to record them. Photo from PMNM

HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU HAS ANNOUNCED its 2014 legislative priority list for lobbying the state Legislature. According to Chris Manfredi, acting Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation president, Government Affairs Committee chair and Ka`u Farm Bureau president, the list was “developed and confirmed through a rigorous democratic process that is representative of Farm Bureau Counties from across the state.” Proposals on the list include:

HFBF wants to create a farmers market vendor policy within the
state Department of Health. Photo from hfbf.org

Strengthen Hawai`i’s agricultural policy to support and promote its agricultural industry.
Continue the appropriation for the Hawai`i Association of Conservation Districts. Each of the Districts receives $2,360 annually to cover expenses for administering duties of the volunteer directors.
Appropriate funding for capital improvement projects to various irrigation systems statewide.
Seek funding for mitigation of the coffee berry borer.
Continue to fund the livestock revitalization program to administer and disburse funds to qualified sheep, goat, cattle, dairy, hog, and poultry, fish and crustacean farms.
Seek funding for research and mitigation of the macadamia felted coccid, which HFBF says could devastate the macadamia nut industry.
Seek funding for research into alternative, less burdensome methods by which Hawai`i’s farmers can satisfy the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, and to demonstrate to the FDA that such methods are acceptably safe.
Seek additional resources that HFBF says are needed to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture in controlling invasive species.
Seek dedicated resources for better enforcement of crimes against agriculture.
Request for state budget allocation of $150,000 to help fund 4H and FFA programs.
Provide agricultural rates for electricity, which HFB says are needed for farmers to be competitive and self-sustaining.
Appropriate $8 million for infrastructure improvements and other agricultural development of Galbraith Estate lands.
Create a farmers market vendor policy within Department of Health.
Convene a task force to explore mobile slaughterhouses.

For more information about Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation, see hfbf.org.

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Chris Manfredi is known in Ka`u for promoting Ka`u Coffee
and is a broker who sells Ka`u Coffee to Starbucks
and other buyers.

HAWAI`I WILL BE REPRESENTED by Chris Manfredi at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. He is serving as acting president of Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation since Dean Okimoto’s recent resignation. AFBF aims to help shape agricultural policy at a national level.

AFBF’s convention has many workshops scheduled. Topics include Viewing Ag from a Media Perspective, Drones: Turning Technological Controversy into Profit, Ensuring our Access to Biotechnology, Creative Leadership, Apps for Agriculture: Technology that Helps Your Bottom Line and Building Consumer Trust.
Keynote speakers are Alan Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, and Gen. Stan McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan.
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RIMPAC IS SAILING INTO NEW WATERS this summer, with China participating for the first time. China’s People’s Liberation Army accepted an invitation from former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to join the Rim of the Pacific war games scheduled for Hawaiian waters this summer. According to a Reuters story by Phil Stewart, U.S. law prohibits the Pentagon from any military contacts with the PLA if it could “create a national security risk due to an inappropriate exposure” to activities including joint combat operations.
“U.S.-China military-to-military engagements can include a range of activities in areas of mutual interest including maritime security, military medicine and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief,” Pentagon spokeswoman Lt. Col. Catherine Wilkinson told Stewart. “The U.S. Navy has operational security safeguards to protect U.S. technology and tactics, techniques and procedures from disclosure.”
Dean Cheng, of Washington’s conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, told Stewart, “If they (China) have a frigate, or even a hospital ship, in the middle of that exercise, the hospital ship is going to be staffed by intelligence officers.” He noted that if the drills were designed in a way that was unhelpful to the Chinese, they would also be unhelpful to allies, according to Stewart.

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A view of Pearl and Hermes Atoll captured using Google Street
View Trekker. Image from maps.google.com

THE FIRST 360-DEGREE PANORAMIC IMAGES from five new locations within Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument are now live on Google Maps. Internet users can virtually visit Tern Island and East Island at French Frigate Shoals, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, and Pearl and Hermes Atoll.
During July 2013, PMNM staff from NOAA and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service spent a week capturing thousands of new panoramas of features in the monument, covering 20 miles on foot using the Google Street View Trekker. This effort focused on five of the primary emergent land masses in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which are also part of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
PMNM has collaborated with Google to use digital imagery and Web technology to bring Papahanaumokuakea to a broader audience and expand PMNM’s efforts to “bring the place to the people.” In 2012, Google Street View went live with imagery of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. In total, more than ten thousand images across 41 miles have been captured from within the monument.
“The goal of collecting this imagery was to show the world how special and important the remote islands and atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are, in turn inspiring the next generation of conservationists and supporters,” said Kalewa Correa, NOAA’s Mokupapapa Discovery Center manager and project leader. “We hope that bringing the monument to the people through Google Street View will reach a larger audience but with minimal environmental impact, helping to preserve this amazing place for the future.”
Monument managers also plan to use the imagery as an assessment tool to capture the present conditions and health of the NWHI. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Specialist Ty J. Benally, who took part in this year’s mapping expedition, said, “This imagery enables resource managers to initiate discussion and planning, without actual access to the islands, and helps locate conservation sites where efforts are most needed. In fact, turtle biologists have already utilized Google Street View imagery of Midway Atoll to determine where to look for turtles and see which beaches were closed in preparation for their research.”
For more information, see papahanaumokuakea.gov.

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Ka`u Plantation Days is featured on Na Leo O Hawai`i Channel 54 today and
throughout the month. Ka`u's Sen. Russell Ruderman and the band El Leo
performed there in October. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U IS FEATURED on Na Leo O Hawai`i Channel 54 this month.

One show covers Keoki Kahumoku’s music concert at the end of his annual Hawaiian Music and Lifestyles workshop in November 2013 for local students and people from afar.
Air dates are: Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 13, 9 p.m.; and Tuesday, Jan. 14, 3:50 p.m.
The next Kahumoku workshop is set for November of this year.
A show about Ka`u Plantation Days, held in Oct. 2013, can be seen today, Thursday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 11, 3 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 13, 4 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 18, 12:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 19, 12 p.m.; and Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Ka`u Class Reunion/Gathering of Class of 1958 airs Friday, Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS hosted Kohala yesterday. Junior varsity lost 18 – 28, with Deisha Gascon scoring 7 points. Varsity also lost, 64 – 77. Denisha Navarro was high scorer with 35 points.

ITEMS FOR VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Colossal Rummage yART Sale are being accepted at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village today for the event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

Appointments are still available for Tuesday's
spay and neuter clinic.

A CONCERT BENEFITING UNITED WAY takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Entertainment includes Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. There will be vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes. For more information, call producer Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249.

KARES (Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service) is having a Spay/Neuter Clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The free clinic will be held at St. Jude's church in Ocean View. There are still some available slots. Anyone interested in bringing their dogs can call 328-8455 to schedule a time.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Keaiwa, here performing at a National Guard concert in August, returns to the stage tomorrow for a United Way benefit concert at Pahala Community Center. Photo by St. First Class Christian Stasvkow

NA`ALEHU RESIDENT RICHARD CREAGAN is the new state representative for District V. Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced his appointment of Creagan to the seat recently left vacant by the resignation of Rep. Denny Coffman. The appointment is effective immediately and for the balance of the term.

“Richard’s diverse experience as a physician, researcher, farmer, Peace Corps volunteer and educator will contribute greatly to his service to the people of Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said.

Dr. Richard Creagan
replaces Denny Coffman

Creagan first came to Hawai`i in 1966 and trained for the Peace Corps on Moloka`i for two months. He then served as a health care worker in the Marshall Islands for two years. He speaks fluent Marshallese. Creagan is vice president of Kiolaka`a Mountain Farms.
As a physician, Creagan worked for 10 years in California prior to moving to Hawai`i full-time 23 years ago. Since then, he has worked in the Emergency Department and served as vice-chief of staff at Kona Community Hospital, monitored disease outbreaks for the state Department of and helped found and run Hualalai Urgent Care.
As an educator, Creagan has taught junior scientists at Yale and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He taught English as a Peace Corps volunteer, seventh- and eighth-grade math and science in Pittsburgh, PA and tutored students in English at Na`alehu Elementary School.
Creagan graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and then with an M.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Hawai`i – Hilo.
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Expanding early education is one of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's priorities.
Photo from Office of the Governor

PAHALA AND NA`ALEHU SCHOOL CAMPUSES are among the 30 statewide that would offer prekindergarten classes next year if the plan is approved by the state Legislature.

The program is intended to serve 640 children who qualify based on income and age requirements. Children must be four years old by July 31, which follows the new kindergarten age requirement beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Department of Education teachers and educational assistants will staff the classrooms.
The program is being modeled after prekindergarten classrooms established with Race to the Top funds in the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa complex. “These classrooms were successful due to the leadership of Complex Area Superintendent Mary Correa, the professional development support provided through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded P-3 grant to ensure quality, and the understanding of the importance of early learning by the principals,” said Dr. GG Weisenfeld, Executive Office on Early Learning director. “Our partnership with DOE in creating this program is a critical step to providing more of our children access to a high-quality prekindergarten program.”
Selection of the 32 classrooms was based on Title I status, in which 35 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, limitations of preschools in the community such as in rural areas, available space at schools, currently operating DOE prekindergarten classrooms with federal money that is about to end and the interest and willingness of principals to work with EOEL on implementing a quality program.
“It’s really the beginning of something that we can be very optimistic about,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. "We’re creating access for children statewide.”
Mountain View School, which serves Volcano families, would also offer the program.

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HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION is currently investigating state electric utilities’ rate-setting practice know as decoupling, which separates the utilities’ revenue from changes in energy sales. Decoupling, as asserted by its proponents, has the benefits of encouraging the substitution of renewable resources, distributed generation and energy efficiency for the utility’s fossil fuels production by reducing a utilities’ disincentive to promote these types of resources and programs, while simultaneously protecting a utilities’ financial health from erosion as these types of programs go into effect.

Hawai`i County sees it differently. It says decoupling “is glowingly described as beneficial in transferring all revenue risk from the utilities to ratepayers. For a $3.1 billion business that is essentially a ‘hyper-monopoly’ (given physical isolation of the Islands and lack of interconnecting grids), with at least some level of community service obligation, how much risk are ratepayers expected to assume, all? Is it the obligation of ratepayers to support a business organization whose pay and benefits are so high that the average citizen can only dream of attaining?”
The County says it is “appropriately concerned about shifting ever more financial risks to ratepayers, as well as the consequences of decoupling regarding incentives to control costs.”
Hawai`i County questions the need for decoupling. “Having already achieved 46.7 percent renewable energy generation, the focus now for the Island of Hawai`i (and going forward for the state) is on energy projects that provide cost reduction benefits to ratepayers (whether directly or indirectly) and that improve and maximize integration of additional lower cost renewable energy.” It refers to a statement made by the PUC in its recent denial of the proposed contract between `Aina Koa Pono and Hawaiian Electric Light Co. that supports this view.

According to Hawai`i County, HELCO, which operates Keahole Power Plant in Kona,
recognizes that clean energy is "cost-competitive."

“With so much renewable power already produced/utilized on the Island of Hawai`i, there is no longer a need to automatically penalize one form of energy against others,” the county states. “Given that renewable energy sources in Hawai`i are often lower cost than fossil-fuel generation, transparent and accurate pricing that is accessible to power generation investors/entrepreneurs and ratepayers can be more effective than current mechanisms, especially decoupling.”
The county states that, “when alternative energy is available at competitive prices, decoupling is not needed as further incentive to adopt it, nor will decoupling be an effective incentive for consumers when compared to reduced pricing. The county says Hawai`i Electric Co. “recognizes that clean energy is –‘cost-competitive’ in Hawai`i” and that the utility describes multiple renewable projects that promise lower production costs.
“Utility markets and their regulators have long struggled with challenges of how to emulate a competitive market and obtain market-based benefits in regulated, monopoly utility conditions, especially in conditions as insulated as Hawai`i,” the county states. It says it supports mechanisms that can automatically adjust electricity pricing in a fair, economically effective and timely manner, as well as based on verifiable data.
“The county encourages all efforts to move Hawai`i’s electricity system closer to a more market- and performance-driven approach, with pricing mechanisms that accurately reflect underlying cost structures, marginal production costs, proper dispatch, and appropriate operations and maintenance expenditures,” the county says. “Further, ratepayers’ interests versus shareholder interests should be given more balance.”
“Decoupling revenues from actual volumes of electricity sold … fails to provide correct economic incentives/signals to drive new energy sources and energy efficiency,” the county states. “Decoupling is particularly pernicious for price-based economic responses because neither customers nor investors will know the final price of electricity in one year until either the Revenue Adjustment Mechanism or a rate case is settled the following year.
The County questions “why an ever-expanding list of business risks should be transferred from the utility to its customers.”
The county says more attention is needed on current avoided-cost contracts and system efficiencies, dispatch and demand-response, rather than on decoupling.
The County notes that creating “’financial indifference’ is a weak incentive for, and quite possibly irrelevant to, encouraging increased availability of lower cost and/or renewably sourced energy.”
More about the PUC’s investigation is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2013-0141.

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Ka`u High senior Kamrie Koi is producing tomorrow's concert
at Pahala Community Center.

A CONCERT BENEFITING UNITED WAY takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Entertainment includes Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. There will be vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes. For more information, call producer Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Colossal Rummage yART Sale is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

THE COLOR OF SACRED, Christina Skaggs’ exhibit of new art, opens tomorrow with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.
CORRECTION: KA`U NEWS BRIEFS’ Jan. 7 story about Ka`u Council member Brenda Ford’s Bill 109 regarding genetically modified organisms contained an error. The bill would ban all GMO crops and require their removal within 30 months, rather than 30 days.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

I CAN CER VIVE is the T-shirt for the fundraiser today at Pahala Community Center to raise money for cancer research and services through the United Way. Many bands are there to play for the public. Organizer is student Kamrie Koi. Photo by Julia Neal

RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE SOLAR ELECTRICITY systems imposed by Hawai`i’s electric companies are getting worldwide attention.

In Al Jazeera, Bloomberg and Scientific American, stories discuss Hawaiian Electric Co.’s decision to stop connecting solar systems installed by homeowners and businesses to the utility’s power grid. “When you have all this power flowing around with nowhere to go, so to speak, it can cause reliability problems,” said Peter Rosegg, a spokesman for Hawaiian Electric Co., to Al Jazeera.

Donations are being accepted for the United Way fundraiser concert
until 4 p.m. today at Pahala Community Center, with entertainment
by many local musicians. Photo by Julia Neal

William Walker, an O`ahu homeowner who installed a rooftop solar system, told Bloomberg, “Everyone is on board with getting solar, and HECO has now put up a wall. The only thing we can see is profit motivation.”
According to the Bloomberg story, nine percent of the utility’s residential customers on O`ahu are already generating most of their power from the sun, and connections to the grid have doubled yearly since 2008.

Cully Judd, founder of Inter-Island Solar Supply said, “They (the utilities) are technologically stagnant on being able to handle all of this.”

While some say the utilities are concerned about their bottom line, Rosegg told Al Jazeera that the utilities’ concerns are about safety and responsibility. “Like every utility across the country, we basically were developed to send electricity one way, from our power plants to our customers. And now we have a situation where 10 percent of our customers are randomly taking or sending power over a system that really wasn’t designed for that,” he said.

Many private solar systems are currently not allowed to tie into
the state utilities' electric grids. Photo from Revolusun

State Representative Cynthia Thielen told Bloomberg, “This is a company with a drenched-in-oil mentality. They’ve fought from day one on renewables. I look at the company as ultimately becoming obsolete unless it changes its practices.”
The Bloomberg story talks about the possibility of those who have installed solar sytems that are in limbo going off the grid and tying into battery storage systems. With the possibility that the moratorium in some sections of Hawai`i could go on for two more years, homeowners could make batteries work financially and “cut the cord from the utility altogether,” said Phil Undercuffler, the director of a battery technology company.
Jeff Davis, a partner in an O`ahu solar company who is known as the Solar Guy on a local talk radio program, told Bloomberg, “All these installers are going to go to batteries. The utility has opened up the genie bottle.”
In Scientific American, Robert Harris, executive director of Sierra Club Hawai`i, said, “Hawai`i is a crystal ball into what every other state is going to have to look at as they start reaching higher and higher levels of solar activity. There is a national debate about what is the future model of the utility. That is happening in real time in Hawai`i.”
See america.aljazeera.com, bloomberg.com and scientificamerican.com.

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SMOKING, MERCURY EXPOSURE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS are topics of studies reported recently in the Hawai`i Journal of Medicine & Public Health.

Ethnicity, sex, immigration, and acculturation are all significant predictors of smoking among youth in Hawai`i. Girls whose mothers were born in Hawai`i or in another United States state were more likely to smoke than those whose mothers were born in a foreign country. The story found that girls were more likely to smoke than boys. Eleventh- and twelfth-graders were more likely to smoke than ninth-graders. Whites, Filipinos, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups were more likely to smoke than those who identified themselves as Japanese.

Prescription drugs are responsible for much drug abuse, according
to a report in the Hawai`i Journal of Medicine and Public Health.
Photo from wikipedia

Men and women are subject to excessive methylmercury exposure in Hawai`i. The highest amounts of mercury found in human hair samples were in men over 45, those living in Hawai`i for more than a decade and those consuming fish more than once a week. “Following safe fish consumption practices allows residents to reap health benefits of fish consumption without excessive toxicant exposure,” the study concludes. Too much mercury subjects men to cardiotoxicity and pregnant women to health risks for their babies. The mercury measurements were on O`ahu.

Prescription drugs are responsible for much drug abuse. University of Hawai`i - Hilo School of Pharmacy is taking on the challenge. According to another report in the journal, “unwanted medications in households and patient care facilities expose vulnerable populations, including children, elders and pets to potential harm through inadvertent ingestion, as well as the potential for theft and assault. Hawai`i Administrative Rules prohibit the return of any prescription medications to retail pharmacies after dispensing.

The Hawai`i Narcotics Enforcement Division partnered with the University of Hawai`i at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy in 11 Drug Take-Back events throughout the state. Most participants heard of the events via newspaper and television marketing. The most common methods of medication disposal are via trash or down household drains. Over 8,000 pounds of unused/unwanted medications were collected, identified and logged from 2011 through 2012.

The majority of returned drugs, 90 percent, were non-controlled substances. Commonly returned medications included prescription cardiac medications such as simvastatin and lisinopril, non-prescription analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and iron. Commonly returned controlled substance medications included narcotics such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen combinations and oxycodone, and sedative hypnotics such as zolpidem and lorazepam, the abstract from the study says.
It also notes that “pharmacological treatment of human health conditions constitutes a major component of contemporary health care in the United States. In 2011, sales of prescription drugs in the U.S. reached $320 billion, over-the-counter medications $17.4 billion, and dietary supplements approximately $30 billion. In 2011, more than 3.76 billion medication prescriptions were filled in retail pharmacies in the U.S.; of these, more than 16.6 million prescriptions were filled in retail pharmacies in Hawai`i. An estimated 1.74 billion over-the-counter products were sold in the U.S., with 6.98 million in Hawai`i. Sales of dietary supplements in Hawai`i were estimated at $120 million for 2011.

Entertainment this morning started with such musicians as Boni
Narito, with volunteer Allan Sebastian looking on.
Photo by Julia Neal

See more at www.hjmph.org.

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PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER IS JUMPING, with a concert benefiting United Way going on until 4 p.m. Entertainment includes Just in Case, JR Band, Keaiwa, Boni Narito, Honokua, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Ka`u High School ensemble class and more. There are also vendors, games, raffle tickets and prizes.

For more information, call producer Kamrie Koi at 430-4964 or Jolene Koi at 936-6249.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Colossal Rummage yART Sale is today until 4 p.m. at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

PARTICIPANTS CAN BRING LUNCH and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower tomorrow at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The free program begins at 11:30 a.m. Call 985-6011 for more information.

This month's Sunday Walk in the Park explores the summit
area. Photo from FHVNP

NICK SHEMA LEADS AN EXPLORATION of the summit area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; non-members can join the organization in order to attend. Park entrance fees apply.

PATTY JOHNSON OFFERS FREE, AUTHENTIC teachings of Buddha tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 985-7470 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Taiko drumming came to Pahala Community Center yesterday at the I Can Cer Viv concert organized by Ka`u High School senior Kamrie Koi to raise money for United Way. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S STATE LEGISLATORS are included in a Hawai`i Tribune-Herald story today about priorities of all of Hawai`i Island's legislators in the 2014 state Legislature that opens Wednesday.

Sen. Josh Green

Sen. Josh Green, chair of the Senate Health Committee, told Nancy Cook Lauer that continuing the Hospital Sustainability Program and Nursing Facility Sustainability Program are his focus. The programs use federal funds to supplement payments to hospitals and nursing facilities and offset uncompensated-care costs.
“This is a time when we need to sustain our health care safety net,” Green said. “It’s a critical priority.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Food self-sufficiency tops Sen. Russell Ruderman legislative priorities. He and other legislators are developing a package of 20 or 30 bills.
Ruderman, vice chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, told Cook Lauer he wants to work with large and small farmers and ranchers to lower food prices and protect the islands from calamities and shipping strikes. He said that adding 10 percent to the locally grown food supply would save consumers $300 million a year, preserve open space and create jobs.
One proposal, the Cottage Food Bill, would loosen regulations for families and small farmers to make and sell items such as banana bread and cookies. It would require producers to take a food-safety course and agree to maintain certain standards.
Other bills would allow raw milk and raw milk products such as yogurt and cheese. One would create distance-learning classes so farmers could take classes close to home.

Rep. Richard Onishi

Vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Richard Onishi, is focusing on agriculture. He wants to continue a feed subsidy program that helps farmers and ranchers pay for livestock feed, a lot of which is imported from the mainland. Last year, the program got $2.5 million, and Onishi is looking for at least that amount this year, he told Cook Lauer. He also will seek $1 million for a biodigester to convert food scraps from hotels and resorts into feed for livestock.
Agriculture quarantine inspectors, water issues and funding for a rural physician training program are also on Onishi’s priority list. The three-year physician training program expects to train four primary care residents each year. It also seeks to train pharmacists, nurses and psychologists specializing in rural health care concerns.

Rep. Richard Creagan

The program received $1.8 million last year, and Onishi wants $2.8 million to be provided this year.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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DR. RICHARD CREAGAN, who was named to the House of Representatives by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday, yesterday told The Ka`u Calendar that his priorities in the 2014 state Legislature are going to be “supporting health care, agriculture and education in Ka`u and Kona.” He said he will “make a great effort to support access to land and water for the farmers of Ka`u.” Creagan, himself is a physician and a farmer, lives with his wife Marilyn on his farm at Kiolaka`a between South Point Road and Wai`ohinu where they grow coffee, citrus, avocados and bananas. The Creagans’ farm was one of the first four farms selling at Na`alehu Farmers Market when it first opened years ago, selling lettuce.
He said he expects to be on the Health and Judiciary committees and hopes to be on the Agriculture committee.
Creagan will be sworn in on Wednesday at the opening of the 2014 Hawai`i Legislature. He also said he looks forward to helping Ka`u’s large Marshallese community with health, education, discrimination and immigration issues. He served in the Peace Corps in the Marshall Islands and speaks the language.
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A species of Phyllostachys, shown here, covers a steep hillside
above Na`alehu. Photo from Wikimedia

NORMAN BEZONA, WHO PLANTED THE COLLECTION OF TREES in the open park in Pahala on Olson land surrounding the Royal Hawaiian Orchards buildings, considers bamboo to be a valuable plant for reforestation. In an article in today’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Bezona, of University of Hawai`i at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, cites the Phyllostachys bamboo forest on the steep mountainside above Na`alehu as a good example of how bamboo can control erosion. He said that before the bamboo was planted there, runoff caused devastating floods in the early 20th century.

“With the closing of our sugar companies and available land for diversified agriculture, it is an exciting time for Hawai`i,” Bezona said. “In the years to come, we will have many new opportunities to focus on sustainable tree crops and forestry.”

Hawai`i Chapter of the American Bamboo Society meets on Saturday, Jan. 18 with a program on bamboo propagation. The meeting at Hilo’s Wailoa State Park pavilion 13 is open to members and potential members. It starts at noon with a potluck lunch.
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THE LATEST ISSUE OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY’S Volcano Watch explores the relation between the volcanoes at the surface and their source deep within the Earth.
“Most scientists agree that Hawaiian volcanism results from a plume of hot rock that originates deep within the Earth and ascends through the crust, creating the Hawaiian ‘hot spot,’” the issue states. “Because the tectonic plates that comprise the crust are moving slowly over the hot spot, eruptions fueled by the hot spot created a chain of volcanoes stretching across the Pacific Ocean. This Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain extends over 3,700 miles from the youngest Hawaiian volcanoes to 80-million-year-old extinct and submerged volcanoes in the northwest Pacific.”

Hawaiian hot spots and volcanoes.
Map from USGS/HVO

The issue discusses how the hot-spot track appears broader between O`ahu and Hawai`i Island. “If you look at the map of the volcanoes that make up the islands of Hawai`i, Maui, Lana`i, Kaho`olawe and Moloka`i, you’ll see that those volcanoes follow two parallel trends. The northern trend begins with Kilauea and progresses to the northwest through Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala, West Maui and East Moloka`i. The southern trend starts with Lo`ihi, the youngest volcano in the Hawaiian chain, and continues northwest through Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mahukona, Kaho`olawe, Lana`i and West Moloka`i.

“This dual chain was first recognized in the mid-1800s and was referred to as the Loa and Kea trends after the tallest volcanoes in each line. Scientists studying the composition of the volcanoes have also found that the trends are chemically distinct. This means that a geochemist can identify whether a rock is from a Loa- or Kea-trend volcano based solely on its composition.”
The issue details theories as to why this dual chain exists. One is that the plume taps a region at the boundary between the mantle and core 1,800 miles beneath the surface that has two distinct compositions, and that each composition is preserved along the plume’s path to the surface. Another idea is that the plume coming from the deep Earth stalls during ascent and creates a zone of hot rock a few hundred kilometers beneath the Hawaiian Islands. Differences in melting of this region before the magma rises towards the surface may thus create the dual chain.

Geologist Matt Patrick discusses happenings at Halema`uma`u at Tuesday's
After Dark in the Park. Photo from USGS/HVO

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH PROGRAMS continue with Happenings in Halema`uma`u at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of the volcanic processes occurring within the vent. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO HELP in Friday’s Volunteer Forest Restoration Project should register by tomorrow. Volunteers plant tree seedlings on the Mauna Loa strip section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 352-1402 or email forest@fhvnp.org.

Ka`u High soccer teams hosted Kealakehe yesterday.
Photo by Dave Berry

IN SPORTS, KA`U HIGH BOYS AND GIRLS soccer teams hosted Kealakehe yesterday. Trojan David Pilette scored the boys’ one goal on a breakaway as the ball was lofted over the WaveRunner defense. He ran onto the ball, dribbled downfield and blasted it past the goal-keeper. Kealakehe made four goals. Ka`u High teacher Dave Berry said the Trojans played an outstanding game. “The defense was terrific, only giving up one goal in extra time in the first half.”
Ka`u girls lost 0 – 12.
Girls basketball traveled to Hilo yesterday, where Junior Varsity lost 15 – 62, and Varsity lost 9 – 51. High scorers were JV Deisha Gascon and Varsity Sky Kanakole-Esperon.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Steve Sakala, Hawai`i Farmers Union United Kona Chapter vice president, at left, was one of the persons considered by the Democratic Party to replace Rep. Denny Coffman, who resigned, in the upcoming state Legislature that begins Wednesday. Photo from HFUU

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED held its 2014 Food Summit last week on O`ahu. Among those attending were Gov. Neil Abercrombie; Rep. Richard Onishi, who represents East Ka`u at the 2014 Hawai`i Legislature; Maria Gallo, dean of the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources; Scott Enright, the new head of the state Department of Agriculture; farmers; land use experts and scientists.

They participated in fruitful discussions, said an attendee from Ka`u, Malian Lahey, who works in the Ka`u Coffee business and owns a farm in Wood Valley. She said that during the convention she was able to advocate for state recognition of Ka`u Coffee as a regional trademark. Seven other coffee regions in Hawai`i have trademarks held in trust by the state Department of Agriculture.

Also discussed at the convention was the challenge for truck farmers and those growing on small family plots to afford compliance with food security regulations that sometimes favor large farms.
Attendees toured commercial Korean Natural Farming sites that operate without the use of pesticides and herbicides or petrochemical fertilizers.
CTHAR dean Gallo recently wrote in an op-ed that “fortifying prime agricultural lands and infrastructure, and supporting local farming are critical elements for food security for our state. Agriculture must be a predominant theme in our sense of place.”
The event included discussions of bill coming up in the state Legislature, which convenes Wednesday. The first item on the agenda was the Good Agriculture Practices legislation, which would create a statewide food safety certification standard under the state Department of Agriculture in conjunction with a CTHAR Good Agriculture Practices training course and self-audit. HFUU said the training is in jeopardy of losing its funding in April and urges farmers and others to voice their support for the program.
Another bill HFUU supports is On Farm Mentoring, which provides grants to farmers or qualified entities that source 75 percent or more of their inputs from the farm to teach their farming practices.
Hawai`i Origin Products Act calls for a producer-driven labeling regime for Hawai`i’s origin products, to protect purity and quality of select products, as well as creating a state-appointed Origin Products Commission consisting of farmers.
Ka`u comes under the Hawai`i Farmers Union United Kona Chapter.
See more on the convention at hawaiifarmersunionunited.com.

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Drones have high potential for use in agriculture, according to agronomist Kevin Price.
Photo from wikipedia

MOST INCOME FROM USE OF DRONES, about 80 percent, will come from agriculture, Kansas State University agronomist Kevin Price told farmers at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Convention in San Antonio.
Agricultural applications of drones, also known as small unmanned aircraft systems, include data collection on crop health, vigor and yields, tracking the spread of invasive plant species and monitoring cattle feedlots. Price said data collection by cameras on drones is extremely accurate – to within one inch.
“The biggest challenge is extracting useful data from the tons of it that is collected,” Price said. “New software needs to be created that can take data and transform it into useful information.”
Price said that while the economic potential of drones is tremendous, it will not be realized without approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA recently announced research on how to integrate drones safely into the national airspace, with some of the testing to take place in Hawai`i.
According to Price, drone technology continues to develop rapidly, and costs are declining.
Ka`u is represented at the national Farm Bureau meeting by Chris Manfredi, of Na`alehu, who is acting president of the Hawai`i division of the organization.
See more at fb.org.

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Researches say fisheries should be closed when leatherback turtles
are present to protect the endangered species.
NOAA photo by Scott Benson

A STUDY OF ENDANGERED LEATHERBACK turtles proposes closing fisheries when the turtles are present. “Ultimately, it is in the interest of both the fishing and conservation communities to work together toward developing a clearer understanding of times, locations and conditions under which undesired bycatch of leatherback turtles occurs, to reduce these interactions and to help alleviate the current biodiversity crisis in our oceans.”

A team of researchers from Drexel University in Philadelphia, several other universities, the federal Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the nonprofit Leatherback Trust used GPS devices to track 135 turtles in the Pacific and determine where and when they are at risk of being caught and killed by longline fishing boats. Their results were published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
“Leatherback turtles get caught on longlines by both biting at the bait and getting entangled in the lines themselves,” said James Spotila, a research team member and professor of environmental science at Drexel. “Fishermen do not want to catch the turtles but have had limited success in avoiding them. Now they will be able to set their lines in areas where the turtles are unlikely to occur, making the ocean safer for turtles and reducing the cost to the fishermen of having to deal with the giant turtles."
While leatherbacks are less familiar to Hawai`i residents than hawksbills and green sea turtles, they are a native species in Hawaiian waters, found mostly offshore where they have encountered long line fishing fleets.
The study, however, found the greatest risk was in two areas. One is adjacent to nesting beaches in Indo-Pacific islands such as Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya and the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific. According to the study, these areas are under exclusive economic control of national authorities and can readily be regulated.
In the eastern Pacific, the greatest risk is in a system of currents called the South Pacific Gyre. Management is more problematic here because this area is outside national waters, researchers said.
“Encouragingly, several emerging partnerships between fisheries operators and biologists, aimed at sharing information, have greatly refined targeted bycatch management, and have provided examples for approaching such a complex issue as marine turtle bycatch.”
See rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org.

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KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE’S meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church is open to the public. One item on the agenda is wrapping up the Corridor Management Plan to submit to the state Department of Transportation, including discussion of public comments from copies left in libraries.

Dennis Elwell reported that the interpretive sign at South Point lookout in Ocean view will be replaced by a full board, instead of a patch, to correct a misspelling.
The committee will also discuss appointing a new chair.

For more information, contact Elwell at delwell.hawaii.rr.com or 929-7236.

Ka`i Ho`opi`i performs Wednesday.
Photo from NPS

HAPPENINGS AT HALEMA`UMA`U is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
In March 2008, a new volcanic vent opened within Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea. Since then, the eruption has consisted of continuous degassing, occasional explosive events and fluctuating lava lake activity in an open crater that is now 520 feet by 690 feet in size. While thousands of visitors flock to see the nighttime glow emitted by the lava lake, the volcano’s summit eruption also provides an abundance of data and insights for scientists.
Geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of the volcanic processes occurring within the vent. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

KA`I HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA during a Na Leo Manu: Heavenly Voices program Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT holds its next meeting at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

The new Hawai`i Growth Model data visualization website allows the community to track progress at the Pahala campus and other Hawai`i public schools. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE MILL AND ITS SISTER BRAND Ka`u Coffee Trading Co. recently launched sales of Ka`u Coffee Singles. “Great innovations can come in small packages,” says Ka`u Coffee Mill founder Edmund C. Olson.

Designed for the popular Keurig coffee brewer, each Single offers .35 ounce (10 grams) of pure Ka`u Coffee. “Singles allow coffee drinkers to prepare the exact amount perfect for one cup of precious Ka`u Coffee,” Olson said. Both Ka`u Coffee Mill and Ka`u Coffee Trading Co. Singles are Ka`u Estate Grown Medium Roast.

Ka`u Coffee Singles have the exact amount to brew one cup.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Mill

Olson said that distribution of Singles will broaden Ka`u Coffee Mill’s program to make 100 percent Ka`u Coffee a household name. Ka`u Coffee Singles come in packs of a dozen and are available at the new Big Island Trading Co. near the corner of Hwy 11 and Hwy 19 in Hilo. Ka`u Coffee Singles are also available at Ka`u Coffee Mill, www.kaucoffeemill.com and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., www.hawnnut.com.
Look to the future for an expanded line of roasts and brands in Ka`u Coffee Singles, Olson said.

HAWAI`I’S RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS are on lawmakers’ minds during this year’s state Legislature that opens tomorrow, according to a story in Civil Beat.
According to Sophie Cocke, Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, vice chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, hopes to legalize industrial hemp as a crop that can be harvested for biofuel.
She also reports that leaders of Hawai`i’s energy and environmental committees hope to pass a law requiring the state to derive 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050. Currently, the goal is 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, said the mandate would ensure that liquefied natural gas, if it is imported to Hawai`i in hopes of lowering consumer electricity bills, is eventually phased out and ensure that it remains a bridge fuel to more renewables.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Lawmakers hope to further the state’s renewable energy efforts by encouraging introduction of hydrogen cars to the Hawai`i market, boosting biodiesel and stimulating a market for biofuels in the transportation sector, Cocke says.
One bill calls for building hydrogen fuel stations throughout the state.
Blue Planet Foundation is supporting legislation that requires that five percent of diesel fuel sold in the state contain at least five percent locally produced biodiesel.
Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, told Cocke he wants legislation requiring state regulators to review technological and economic obstacles to creating a modern grid system that can accept larger amounts of renewable energy.
Another bill would create energy storage targets for the utilities in order to integrate more renewable energy into grids without causing power disruptions.
Lawmakers and clean energy advocates seek legislation that would help community-based renewable energy projects. “Half or more of Hawai`i residents are simply unable to participate in clean energy because they don’t have a roof directly above their head, they live in a shady area, a condo or are a renter,” said Jeff Mikulina, executive director of Blue Planet Foundation, a clean energy advocacy group. Under the program, solar arrays could be placed in communal areas such as on warehouse roofs or in fields, allowing neighboring residents access to the solar energy.
Hawai`i’s $1.05 per barrel oil tax, which expires June 2015, is also on the agenda this session. Lawmakers hope to extend the deadline through 2030 and allocate more of the funds to support energy and food security programs.
See civilbeat.com.

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Summaries of 2013 legislative activity by members of Hawai`i's congressional delegation are available at GovTrack.us.
From left, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

THE GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY WEBSITE GovTrack.us has released its 2013 report cards for members of Congress. The report cards summarize legislative activity for each lawmaker, including Hawai`i’s Democratic delegation.

During her first year in the Senate, Mazie Hirono missed only one vote. Hirono ranked first among Senate freshmen who worked on legislation with the House. She also wrote bipartisan bills, with 60 percent of them having co-sponsors who are not Democrats.
Sen. Brian Schatz had one of his nine bills enacted – the Native American Veterans’ Memorial Amendments Act. It was co-sponsored by Hirono, Alaska’s two senators and the vice chair of Indian Affairs. Schatz also co-sponsored 211 bills or resolutions. He missed four votes.
Of the 131 bills Rep. Colleen Hanabusa co-sponsored, 40 percent were introduced by lawmakers who are not Democrats. She missed 17 votes.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced only three bills, and one of them – the Helping Heroes Fly Act – was enacted into law. Gabbard was among the highest 10 percent of legislators in joining bipartisan proposals. She missed 18 votes.

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THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has made available to parents, students and the Hawai`i community a public version of the Hawai`i Growth Model data visualization website at growthmodel.hawaiipublicschools.org/growth_model/public/index.htm.
This interactive website allows users to click among multiple data streams comparing the state’s Complex Areas, schools and student groups, generating bubble charts that plot how those groups are faring according to two key yardsticks: Proficiency and Growth.
“The launch of the public Hawai`i Growth Model data visualization website is an exciting step in the department’s journey to provide better information about school performance in timely, easy-to-access, user-friendly ways,” deputy superintendent Ronn Nozoe said.
“The ability to visualize growth data in context with how a school or complex is performing in relation to others over time is critical to building understanding and collaborative action,” Nozoe said.
The public can explore the website at HawaiiPublicSchools.org for key information about this new tool.
Since summer 2013, DOE teachers and key staff have been using a private version of the Growth Model website to analyze student achievement data that helps inform instruction and guide school initiatives. The staff website is protected by federal and DOE regulations from being released publicly. Users of the public Growth Model website cannot view data for populations of fewer than 20 students.
By making comprehensive data sets easily sortable and searchable, the Growth Model website supports all three goals of the department’s Strategic Plan: Student Success, Staff Success, and Successful Systems of Support.

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USGS geologist Matt Patrick Photo from HVO

GEOLOGIST MATT PATRICK, OF USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of the volcanic processes occurring within the vent, today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

KA`I HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA during a Na Leo Manu: Heavenly Voices program tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT holds its next meeting at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park encourages Ka`u residents to sign up for the Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. Photo from wayfaring.info

THE THREE NOMINEES FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT V that the Democratic Party sent to Gov. Neil Abercrombie were Richard Creagan, Steve Sakala and Michael Matsukawa, announced John Buckstead, chair of the Democratic Party for West Hawai`i. From these three names, Abercrombie chose Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to replace Denny Coffman, who resigned last month.

Steve Sakala Photo from sustainables-
akala.weebly.com

Michael Matsukawa
Photo from Kohala Center

Matsukawa, an attorney from Kailua-Kona, has been active in a variety of community and government issues, including the Kona Community Development Plan. He was also Hawai`i County Corporation Counsel in the early 1990s.
Sakala is an environmental consultant and proprietor of Honaunau EcoRetreat Farm and Education Center. He is also on the board of Kona Pacific Public Charter School and vice president of the Kona Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union.
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ROYAL HAWAIIAN ORCHARDS, with offices in Pahala and Hilo, is seeking to expand its branded macadamia nut product line by raising $9 million in a rights offering, in which existing stockholders can buy a specified number of new securities from the firm at a specified price within a specified time.

The company considers the rights offering a major step toward realizing its goal to transition from being a farming company to a branded healthy snack food company, president and CEO Scott Wallace said. “Our strategy is to capitalize on consumers’ views of nuts as an upscale healthy snack that can command prices above traditional mass-marketed products,” Wallace said, pointing out that the products have no artificial ingredients or genetically modified organisms, are gluten-free and contain no sulfites.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards wants to expand its line of maadamia products.
Image from royalhawaiianorchards.com

“We are leveraging the existing nutritional properties inherent in tree nuts in our line of macadamia-based foods,” Wallace said. “Our strategy is based on promoting the health benefits of macadamia nuts, which are similar to those of almonds, a food product that has achieved strong market positioning based on growing consumer awareness of associated wellness properties.”
Wallace said the company’s brand of macadamia nut-based snacks, introduced in late 2012, “has been accepted by consumers as a healthy snack alternative,” in more than 3,000 stores in Hawai`i and on the mainland.
“The funds from this rights offering will be used to quickly expand distribution nationwide to national, regional and independent grocery and drug chains, as well as mass merchandisers, that target consumers with healthy eating habits and the disposable income needed to afford premium products,” Wallace said. “By pursuing a branded products strategy and continuing to farm macadamias, we believe that we may have a pricing advantage, because we are able to produce nuts from our own orchards at a relatively fixed and currently favorable cost and do not have to compete to purchase nuts from third parties.”
Wallace said that the strategy also serves to mitigate the company’s exposure to fluctuating commodity prices, should wholesale nut prices decline.

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KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who testified in favor of banning genetically modified organisms before Hawai`i County Council, has written what he says is the first of a series of articles on the subject in Big Island Weekly.

In the first installment, Ruderman attempts to “clear up some confusion about Bt corn.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Ruderman says “there is a world of difference between the safe spray application of Bt to plants compared to the high levels of ingested and environmental Bt toxin that result from genetically modified Bt corn.”
Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a bacteria which produces a toxin that kills many insects. When sprayed externally on a plant, Bt kills the insects but is not absorbed into the plant, Ruderman says. “In this form, it is safe for the plants and the humans or animals that ingest them.”
In the case of Bt corn, the Bt bacteria has been artificially inserted into the genes of the plant, and every cell of the plant produces the Bt toxin, according to Ruderman. “In this case, the Bt toxin is ingested by humans or animals eating the GMO Bt crop, and large amounts of Bt toxin enter the soil as the tillage remains behind.

“In GMO Bt crops, we are consuming the toxin with every bite, and this poison builds up in our bodies and in the fields,” Ruderman says.

The senator says there have been several scientific studies showing ill effects in humans and animals from such high quantities of Bt toxin. “And as a result of this new widespread use, Bt-resistant strains of bugs have now developed for the first time. Tellingly, Bt corn itself is listed as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency. In a human study, Bt bacteria were found to have transferred to the normal bacteria in the gut lining in subjects that ate Bt corn, creating a toxin-producing bacteria culture inside human digestive systems.”
Ruderman says he will discuss such health studies in more depth in future articles.
He suggests that consumers can avoid corn and corn products entirely or look for “non-GMO” or organic corn ingredients. “GMO products, including Bt corn, cannot be labeled organic,” Ruderman says.
Ruderman asks interested parties to contact him at russell@russellruderman.com.

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Ka`ena Point, at the end of Chain of Craters Road, in a Sanctuary Ocean Count site.
Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ENCOURAGES volunteers to register to help count humpback whales during the 2014 Sanctuary Ocean Count held the last Saturday of January, February and March (Jan. 25, Feb. 22, and Mar. 29), from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ka`ena Point, located at the end of Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is one of Hawai`i Island’s 21 Sanctuary Ocean Count sites. Volunteers on shore monitor humpbacks in nearshore waters for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Residents and visitors look forward to this yearly event, which provides important population and distribution information about humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands.
“The Sanctuary Ocean Count is an ideal opportunity for the community and the park to work together as stewards of the ocean,” said HVNP Public Affairs officer Jessica Ferracane. “These splendid creatures swim more than 2,000 miles to Hawai`i from Arctic waters every winter, and the annual count is one way to observe and record their behavior and ensure their future.”
Registered volunteers meet Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park volunteer and Sanctuary Ocean Count site leader Jennifer Watson at the end of Chain of Craters Road on the scheduled count days.
For more information, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov or call the Ocean Count Hotline at 808-268-3087. To register online, go to sanctuaryoceancount.org.

An example of Process Painting by Patricia Hoban
Photo from VAC

KA`I HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA during a Na Leo Manu: Heavenly Voices program today at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

PROCESS PAINTING - SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY is the topic Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban takes participants on a journey that encourages experimentation, exploration, discovery and play. “We strive to get rid of our internal critic and judge through this endeavor,” Hoban said. “When people learn the process, they can paint from within, letting their subconscious or right brain engage in spontaneous expression.” No previous art education or experience is needed. Fees are $45/$40 VAC members plus $5 for supplies. Register at 967-8222.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Current and former Hawai`i state Senate members attending the opening of the 2014 Hawai`i Legislature yesterday.
Photo from Hawai`i Senate

MAYOR BILLY KENOI ASKED THE 2014 STATE LEGISLATURE during opening day Wednesday, to provide the state with the ability to better service Hawai`i County by helping to upgrade the islandwide Civil Defense warning system with 36 new sirens. He asked for $2.89 million for the state hospital system to help attract physicians and nurses through paying down their medical education debts in exchange for them staying and working here. It's a program that could benefit Ka`u Hospital and its clinic.

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

The mayor asked the legislature to fund construction of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo College of Pharmacy. It is the only pharmacy college in the state and needs a permanent operating site in order to expand and to achieve additional accreditation. The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is estimated in the University of Hawai`i budget's capital improvements proposal to cost $33 million, providing the state legislature decides to fund it.
Addressing the state Senate Ways & Means Committee and House Finance Committee, Kenoi said that "The college was granted accreditation before obtaining permanent facilities, and it is time to provide a permanent home for the college to meet its long-range needs and assure it retains accreditation. Providing a permanent home for the college will allow it to fulfill its promise as a center of excellence in education and health sciences."
In his testimony, the mayor wrote: "We remain cautiously optimistic that the economy is slowly recovering. We are hopeful that the difficult decisions made at both the state and county levels are contributing to the increasingly positive economic trends. However, we recognize that we all have a great deal more work to do to support our communities. We would like to underscore the importance of a number of state initiatives, and respectfully request that the Legislature support these projects to create jobs, provide relief from traffic congestion, protect public safety, and invest in critical infrastructure."
The mayor also provided testimony on the following:

CHILDREN & YOUTH: "The Hawai‘i Juvenile Justice Working Group last month issued a compelling report that demonstrates the need for alternatives to incarceration for young offenders, particularly for youths who are convicted of misdemeanor offenses. The report noted that each bed at the Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility on O‘ahu costs state taxpayers $199,320 per year, which underscores the fiscal impacts of incarceration of our youth.

"Last year the Office of Youth Services in partnership with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney launched the first juvenile intake and assessment center in East Hawai‘i with federal funding from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This pilot program assesses at-risk youth who have been arrested for minor or status offenses, identifies their needs, and links them and their families with appropriate services. These youths are not a threat to public safety, and diverting them out of the criminal justice system helps to free up our police officers for more important patrol duties, making better use of our public safety resources. Additional federal funding has been awarded to continue this initiative in 2014, and we strongly support the effort by OYS to expand this program to other islands and to Kona.

"We also ask the Legislature to support statewide initiatives to increase funding for truancy prevention programs, and to place juvenile parole officers on Neighbor Islands. Current plans call for hiring a juvenile parole officer in East Hawai‘i and a second Kona parole officer to supervise and assist youths who have been incarcerated. We need to provide the necessary resources to intervene and divert these youths out of the criminal justice system and into services that will help them to succeed."

HEALTH & RURAL RESIDENCY: "The state and Hawai‘i Island continue to face a severe physician shortage, and projections by the John A. Burns School of Medicine suggest the physician shortage will dramatically worsen in the next five years as many doctors retire. An important piece of the solution for our communities is the Hawai‘i Island Family Medicine Residency Program, which was recently notified that it has met the requirements for two-year accreditation. The program is actively recruiting, and will welcome its first class in July. National research shows that 80 percent of residents practice close to the facilities where they train, and we know this program will help ease the physician shortage in our county and in rural areas across the state.

"We continue to support efforts by the Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation and our Hawai`i Island delegation to seek a state commitment of $2.8 million per year for the HHSC primary care training program. This includes the Hawai’i Island Family Medicine Residency program, and will also offer training to advanced practice nurses from programs at University of Hawai’i at Manoa and Hilo, and to students from the UH-Hilo College of Pharmacy.

"This program will produce inter-disciplinary teams that can care for four times as many patients as independent practitioners, and will expand to serve rural communities on each of the islands. We are convinced this is an innovative and effective strategy for improving access to primary care services."

CIVIL DEFENSE: Kenoi noted that "Contractors began work around the state in 2013 on the first phases of this project, and work in the County of Hawai’i is expected to begin this spring. This initiative will convert the existing radio-activated siren system to a more reliable satellite- and cellular-based system.

"The additional $5 million for the siren systems over the next two years would be used to add new sirens to better notify the public in the event of an emergency. That would include 36 additional, modern sirens planned for Hawai‘i Island, and we urge your committees to continue this effort to protect our communities and expand this important piece of our public safety infrastructure."

COUNTY GE TAX: Kenoi is also involved with the Hawai`i Conference of Mayors, which is asking the legislature to give the counties the authority to raise the general excise tax for up to a 1 percent and keep the extra income in each county.

West Hawai`i Today reported this morning that "state lawmakers were leery of giving up part of their taxing authority to the counties, saying it would limit their ability to raise the GET for their state programs. They also pointed out when they gave the City and County of Honolulu permission to add a 0.5 percent surcharge on the GET, it was supposed to be a temporary measure to fund its rail transit project. The other counties had the option to raise theirs as well, but none did so. And, they wondered, why county councils didn’t ask for the surcharge in their legislative package. For the surcharge to be imposed, it would have to be approved by the councils after a public hearing," wrote West Hawaii`i Today reporter Nancy Cook Lauer.
During hearings yesterday, according to West Hawai`i Today, "Rep. Gene Ward, a Hawai`i Kai Republican, said that asking the Legislature "to allow a tax hike during an election year might be a difficult proposition, even if the Legislature was only giving counties the ability to do so, not actually raising taxes itself." Kenoi responded, “We would be accountable to our voters. We would shield that from the Legislature.”

TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.: Another regular issue at the legislature is the Transient Accommodations Tax - how much should go to the state and how much to the counties? House Speaker Joseph Souki, in his opening day speech, asked the House to consider removing the TAT cap on how much money can go to the counties.
"In this strong economy, should we not be thinking about a greater partnership with our counties, who provide much of the services that directly support tourism?” Souki asked lawmakers. “They are the ones who maintain our roads and parks and provide the law enforcement officers and first responders who directly serve our visitors as well as our kamaaina.” See more at www.westhawaiitoday.com.

THE AHU MOKU COUNCIL OF KA`U invites the public to a community forum this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu elementary School, Room 31, to discuss the proposed location of the wastewater treatment facility to be built by the county for Na`alehu. The forum will also include and the county nomination of 1,363 acres in Kaunamano for purchase and preservations. The proposed location of the sewer facility is near the preservation site. Both are state property makai of Hwy 11 near milemarker 63, between Honu`apo Scenic Lookout and Na`alehu School.
An email from Keoni Fox, whose family is from the area says, "The County of Hawai`i, Department of Environmental Management, has submitted a request to the State of Hawai`i, Department of Land and Natural Resources for a perpetual easement to develop the County’s Naalehu Wastewater Treatment Facility on State DLNR property in Kaunamano, Ka’u.
"On behalf of the Keanu Family, we support the development of a wastewater treatment facility for Na`alehu but we object to the proposed location in Kaunamano and the lack of community involvement in the site selection process.
"In addition to concerns about the impacts to the cultural sites and environmental quality, we are also concerned about the location upwind from Naalehu Town and within 1000 feet of Na`alehu Elementary School.
Fox writes that those who are unable to attend can send questions or comments regarding the project directly to the County’s consultant: Wynn Miyamoto, Fukunaga & Associates, (808) 944-1821, wmiyamoto@fukunagaengineers.com
"You may also wish to send comments directly to the State, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division:Wesley T. Matsunaga, Land Agent, (808) 961-9590, Wesley.T.Matsunaga@hawaii.gov," Fox advises.
According to the statement from Aha Moku Council, the $14.7 million sewage facility could be constructed this year. For more information. contact the Aha Moku Council of Ka`u through Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740, dpvierra@yahoo.com.

A VOLUNTEER RAINFOREST PROJECT takes place tomorrow, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 pm. Volunteers plant seedlings on the Mauna Loa strip section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 352-1402 or contact forest@fhvnp.org.

PROCESS PAINTING - SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY IS THIS SATURDAY, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano ARt Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban takes participants on a journey to encourage experimentation, exploration, discovery and play. No art education necessary. $45/$20 VAC members. 967-98222.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment atsurveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Palm Trail at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit offers panoramic views. Photo by David Boyle

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN is proposing a five-year moratorium on the sale and use of Roundup and other products containing glyphosate, a chemical found in common herbicides, according to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The moratorium would begin July 1 and be in effect while a glyphosate working group studies the chemical’s impacts on health and the environment.

A bill being considered by the state Legislature would put a five-year moratorium
on Roundup and other products containing glyphosate. Image from Monsanto

Green told reporter Tom Callis that he doesn’t think the state should wait until the working group is finished before taking action. “Task forces, when they make recommendations, are non-binding,” he said.
The senator cited studies he said show that glyphosate is harmful to development of placenta cells. He told Callis that he also thinks it may be responsible for declines in bee populations and that he is also concerned about chemical build-up in the environment because of its widespread use.

“We’ve asked the county and state how they are measuring” use, he said. “They didn’t know what the health impact was.
He said the state should follow the “precautionary principle,” which urges caution when effects of a process or action are unclear or disputed.
“If people care about using this chemical, why not make sure it is safe?” Green said.

Callis contacted Ka`u resident and acting Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation president Chris Manfredi for a response to Green’s proposal. Manfredi told Callis he is not opposed to a working group but thinks the moratorium is “putting the cart before the horse.”

“He certainly hasn’t talked to the Farm Bureau,” Manfredi said. “We would have expressed concerns about it if he had.”

Ka`u's Rep. Richard Creagan

Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation is one of the organizations the bill names for representation in the working group. Manfredi told The Ka`u Calendar that Farm Bureau should have a seat at the table and that “it is always healthy to engage in and examine the most current science on any subject, but there is no evidence requiring a ban or moratorium.”
Glyphosate is one of the most “popular and innocuous herbicides in usage,” Manfredi told Callis. “It’s effective, so you don’t have to use as much as you would with other products.”

While the bill would prevent use of glyphosate, other stronger, restricted-use chemicals would still be legal, according to the story.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN, who was appointed as a member of the House of Representatives from the Fifth District to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Rep. Denny Coffman, has receive his committee assignments for this year’s state Legislature. Creagan will be a member of the following five committees: Consumer Protection & Commerce, Judiciary, Health, Housing and Human Services.

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HAWAI`I STATE SENATE AND HOUSE LEADERS have announced a joint majority package of priorities for the 2014 legislative session. The last time a joint majority package was unveiled was during the 2008 Legislative Session.

Lawmakers will focus their combined efforts on two major areas of concern: Seniors and the Environment.

Mosquitoes that carry dengue fever are one of the invasive species Hawai`i
Senate and House members want to eradicate. Photo from ehow.com

“We are starting off the session in the spirit of collaboration between the House and Senate,” said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. “These shared priorities of seniors and the environment are important because they have sufficient support within both caucuses and address statewide issues of broad public concern at the forefront of the legislative session.”
House Speaker Joseph M. Souki said, “The proposed legislation is the result of the tireless efforts of representatives from both houses, who helped pull together all the various interests and priorities to find mutual ground and commitments to serious concerns that are statewide and cross political boundaries.”
A two-part bill relating to aging would fund healthy aging programs and services and provide resources for the implementation of a public education and awareness campaign on long-term care.

The bill would allocate a total of $6.6 million to support community-based programs that incorporate collaborations between health care and social service agencies.

The second part of the bill would provide $500,000 for the Department of Health’s Executive Office on Aging to implement a public education and awareness campaign to help better prepare Hawai`i residents in planning for future long-term care needs.

Hawai`i Legislature is targeting little fire ants for eradication.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

Another bill would provide $50,000 in funding for outreach initiatives of the Office of Consumer Protection to prevent financial abuse of seniors.
With regard to the environment, majority members will address concerns on the effects of climate change and invasive species in the state.
A bill relating to climate change would provide resources and a timeline to ensure Hawai`i adapts to protect the public from effects of climate change. It would provide positions and resources to the Office of Planning who will, within 18 months, come up with plans and policy recommendations to effectively address the worst impacts expected through 2050.
A bill relating to invasive species would provide $5 million in funding for the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council to help eradicate threats from invasive species, including coconut rhinoceros beetles, fire ants and mosquitos carrying dengue fever.
Information about these bills and others is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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Namaste, Pana`ea Zoo's resident Bengal tiger, has died. Photo from Hawai`i County

AFTER DEVELOPING MULTIPLE HEALTH PROBLEMS that caused his quality of life to deteriorate over the past several weeks, Namaste, a male white Bengal tiger that was the star attraction at Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo for fifteen years, has been euthanized.

Las Vegas magician Dirk Arthur donated the tiger to Pana`ewa Zoo in 1999. Namaste was eight months old when he arrived on Hawai`i Island. For 15 years, Namaste’s daily afternoon feedings drew crowds, and his birthday parties held every September attracted hundreds of attendees.

Namaste was buried in his enclosure, and the spot will soon be marked with a monument. The zoo also has plans to welcome another tiger after making some renovations to the tiger habitat to accommodate a younger animal.

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TO AVOID TAX PENALTIES, CONSUMERS have until March 31 to enroll in a health insurance plan through Hawai`i Health Connector, the state’s health insurance marketplace. Individuals and families can receive tax subsidies only through Hawai`i Health Connector. Enrollment and premium payment deadlines have been established in conjunction with the participating health and dental plans for the remainder of the open enrollment period that ends March 31.
As of Jan. 11, a total of 2,709 individuals have enrolled in a health plan, and 350 businesses have applied for a health plan through Hawai`i Health Connector.
See hawaiihealthconnector.com. Hawai`i Health Connector Customer Support Center can be reached at 1-877-628-5076.
In Ka`u, help with applying for health insurance is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. Call 928-0101.

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THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL is sponsoring a community listening session at Na`alehu School Cafeteria tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to gather information that will be given directly to the U.S. Department of Education. “Your participation may directly impact federal education grant-making decisions that affect your `ohana,” said Bernie Frank, of Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.

For more information, call 808-523-6432 or see nhec.org.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers its Palm Trail Hike Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. For more information, call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo.

MONDAY IS ONE OF NINE FEE-FREE DATES at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2014. The park invites Ka`u residents to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and volunteer to remove invasive ginger along the summit of Kilauea from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants meet project leader Paul Field at Kilauea Visitor Center. Bring a hat, raingear, garden gloves, daypack, snacks and water. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Walk-ins are welcome, and no advance registration is required. Entrance is free all day.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Daryl "Sammy" Sampaga arrived in Pahala yesterday on the fourth day of his walk around Hawal`i Island raising awareness
of muscular dystrophy. Photo by Julia Neal

“HUNTERS ARE REALLY CONSERVATIONISTS: They’re our eyes. They’re the ones that walk the land. They’re the ones that see what’s going on, and they really are in the forefront of protecting our habitat and protecting what we have in Hawai`i.” This is how the local pig, goat, sheep and bird hunting community was described yesterday at a press conference at the state Legislature. Honolulu Star-Advertiser quoted Hawai`i Island Rep. Cindy Evans and wrote that she “hopes a package of five hunting bills being introducing at the state Capitol this session will strengthen and unite the hunting community at a time when conflicts between land conservation and hunting are growing.”

The Mauka Legend Hunting Tournament, held in late 2012 in honor of the late
Chaz Moses, drew many Ka`u hunters. Photo by Julia Neal

One of the bills would prevent shrinking public hunting areas, requiring the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to replace hunting land restricted for other uses such as conservation of native species or ranching and farming.
Evans, whose district includes North Kohala, where sugar shut down decades ago, the land sold off, subdivided and fenced, was described in the Star-Advertiser by writer Rob Shikina as saying that Hawai`i’s hunters “play a key role in how the state manages its forests. But several hunters have approached her about concerns that hunting grounds are being fenced off and lost to conservation efforts.”
Evans proposes a “legislative package to help organize a hunting community that currently has no formal organization,” the Star-Advertiser story says.
“We’re hoping this year that they come together, learn how to work with the Legislature and get their voice heard,” the story reports her saying.
The other four hunter bills being introduced would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue hunting permits to children to hunt under adult supervision; authorize the Board of Land and Natural Resources to enter into an agreement with other states for the mutual enforcement of wildlife laws and to enter into the wildlife violators compact and adopt necessary rules; establish a lifetime hunting license for veterans who are at least 60 percent disabled or who are Purple Heart recipients; and designate September as Outdoor Heritage Month to celebrate Hawai`i’s natural environment and recreational activities.
State Rep. Faye Hanohano, who attended the news conference, said she grew up hunting in Puna.
See more at www.staradvertiser.com.
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"Never give up" is is the message of Operation Sammy Muscular
Dystrophy, Sampaga's nonprofit. Photo by Julia Neal

“WE FOCUS ON FINDING WHAT CAN MAKE us happy now,” Hilo native Daryl “Sammy” Sampaga told Stephens Media reporter Megan Moseley. Sampaga arrived in Pahala yesterday on the fourth day of his walk around Hawai`i Island to raise funds for his nonprofit Operation Sammy Muscular Dystrophy. Sampaga plans to use money raised from the walk to purchase two Hawaiian canoes that he plans to use to teach handicapped keiki how to paddle.

Sampaga, whose legs have been significantly affected by the disease and whose daughter also has it, told Moseley, “Sometimes, I would catch myself staring at people. I might envy their thighs and their calves. I used to grumble, ‘Why me? Why me, God?’ “But then I realized I was given this disease for a reason.”
OSMD’s slogan is “Block out muscle disease; pursue happiness.”

See westhawaiitoday.com.
Follow Sampaga’s journey on Facebook by liking OSMD Hawaii.

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HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION is promoting three bills in the 2014 Hawai`i Legislature, according to its legislative chair Simon Russell.
Good Agricultural Practices Bill establishes food safety certification for commercial sales of food produced in Hawai`i, including fresh produce and value-added products made here. Russell said he advocates for food safety requirements to be less expensive and under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Agriculture. The bill would eliminate an expensive and cumbersome third-party certification, Russell said, noting that “Gov. Neil Abercrombie supports this.” Russell said that Hawai`i Farmers Union hopes to help set standards in Hawai`i that will also be acceptable by the FDA.
On-Farm Mentoring, as supported by the Hawai`i Farmers Union, is part of a Food Policy Bill at the Legislature and would allocate $50,000 to an entity on each island. Recipients would be farms and schools that use 75 to 100 percent of inputs from the land on the farm. “This means composting and indigenous microorganisms to build soil health,” Russell said. The funding would be used by the farms or schools, which would be mentored by University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Services.
Russell said the Farmers Union is also advocating for additional money for a program to move toward “zero reliance on the mainland. Stop buying chemicals means developing excellent soil health.”

In the future, said Russell, Hawai`i Farmers Union plans to introduce a food origins bill requiring labeling to show where food is grown. The organization advocates for the establishment of a Hawai`i Origin Products Commission comprised of famers who would recommend producer-driven standards for food labeling. The bill was pulled this year, as some interests in the coffee industry opposed the origins labeling, Russell said.
A separate coffee bill is proposed, mostly by Kona Coffee farmers. It would require that all origins of coffee be displayed on packaging, with countries of origin.
Russell said that Hawai`i Farmers Union United has been working on the coffee berry borer problem. He said he attended a national Farmers Union meeting and provided pure Hawaiian coffee to a U.S. undersecretary of Agriculture with a letter to the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pres. Barack Obama, pleading for funding to fight the borer. He said that the Farmers Union has offices in Washington, D.C. to help farmers interact with the federal government and Congress. See more at www.hawaiifarmersunionunited.com.

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TEACHERS IN KA`U are invited to fly to Maui for a Project Learning Tree Teacher Workshop Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The environmental education workshop is for kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers. Fee is $20, registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 14. For more information contact Kuhea Aslu at 808-572-4452 or kuhea_paracuelles@nps.gov.

THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL is sponsoring a community listening session at Na`alehu School Room 34 today from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to gather information that will be given directly to the U.S. Department of Education. “Your participation may directly impact federal education grant-making decisions that affect your `ohana,” said Bernie Frank, of Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.
For more information, call 808-523-6432 or see nhec.org.

THE AHU MOKU COUNCIL OF KA`U invites the public to a community forum tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu elementary School, Room 31, to discuss the proposed location of the wastewater treatment facility to be built by the county for Na`alehu. The forum will also include and the county nomination of 1,363 acres in Kaunamano for purchase and preservations. The proposed location of the sewer facility is near the preservation site. Both are state property makai of Hwy 11 near mile marker 63, between Honu`apo Scenic Lookout and Na`alehu School.
For more information, contact the Aha Moku Council of Ka`u through Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dpvierra@yahoo.com.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers its Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. For more information, call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo.

MONDAY IS ONE OF NINE FEE-FREE DATES at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2014. The park invites Ka`u residents to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and volunteer to remove invasive ginger along the summit of Kilauea from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center and should bring a hat, raingear, garden gloves, daypack, snacks and water and wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. No advance registration is required. Entrance is free all day.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Lava flows from Ka`u to North Kona are topics at a Volcano Awareness program Wednesday. Photo from USDA Forest Service

FOLLOWING ITS ACQUISITION OF KAHU-FM from Ka`u Community Radio, Inc. in August, Hawai`i Public Radio has launched a $150,000 capital campaign to raise money needed to cover costs of bringing a new transmitter to Hilo so that more Big Island residents can hear HPR-2, according to a story in Pacific Business News.

Acquisition of KAHU-FM allowed HPR to broadcast its HPR-2 network on Hawai`i Island, said vice president and assistant general manager Valerie Yee. KAHU-FM broadcasts HPR’s news, information, jazz and blues programs from Pahala while planning for improved transmission.

Areas of the Big Island have had HPR-1, the fine arts and classical music stream, since 2000. HPR-2 has been available in areas of West Hawai`i since Feb. 2013.
“We’ve been building awareness of this campaign quietly on the ground in Hilo,” Yee told PBN. “So far, we have received 73 gifts totaling $13,408.”
HPR also announced a matching pledge from KTA Super Stores being made in memory of Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi, founders of KTA Super Stores and K. Taniguchi Ltd. The company will match contributions when community support amounts to $20,000.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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Russell Kokubun

FORMER STATE SEN. RUSSELL KOKUBUN, a Volcano resident, is Big Island campaign chair for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in her run for U.S. Senate, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today.

Kokubun served 10 years in the state Senate, ending as vice president under Hanabusa. He retired from his gubernatorial appointment as chair of the state Department of Agriculture in December.
Hanabusa discussed her accomplishments and future role in Washington with reporter Nancy Cook Lauer after the candidate’s meeting with supporters in Hilo. Hanubusa said her accomplishments were numerous, including serving as president of the state Senate. She listed helping craft the Felix Consent Decree that required the state to provide services to special needs students, taking the first official legislative hearings to neighbor islands on a Hawaiian homestead issue and a middle-school crystal meth prevention program.

“We need someone who can get things done,” Hanabusa said.
Cook Lauer said Hanabusa has better statewide name recognition than opponent Sen. Brian Schatz “because of her tenure as state Senate president and a deathbed endorsement from the greatly respected” late Sen. Daniel Inouye.
Regarding her three years in the U.S. House representing Hawai`i’s urban O`ahu 1st District, according to the story, Hanabusa said, “It’s difficult to gauge success in Congress by specific bills passed.” She noted her status as a ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, where she said she has worked to ensure Hawai`i’s role in a proposed rebalancing of military priorities.

Richard Ha

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN should recuse himself from all discussions and votes regarding genetically modified organisms, said Richard Ha, owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms and a supporter of GMOs in agriculture. In an opinion piece in Civil Beat, Ha said that because Ruderman owns Island Naturals, a chain of natural foods stores, “it certainly seems to be a conflict of interest for him to be supporting the Big Island’s anti-GMO movement.”

Ha writes, “We need to hold Sen. Ruderman to a higher standard than he’s holding himself to, because he’s our elected official and making decisions on behalf of all of us. I have asked Sen. Ruderman many times how his stance, which does not even seem to be supported by science, will help the Big Island and its food security status. How will it help the rubbah slippah folk in his district? I have never received an answer.”
See civilbeat.com.

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Sizes of Hawai`i's volcanoes are related to their eruption rates, according to
the latest issue of Volcano Watch. Map from USGS/HVO

VOLCANO SIZE AND ERUPTION RATE ARE RELATED, according to the latest issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. The issue asks whether Kilauea is a “small bump on Mauna Loa’s side” or separate volcano. This information is important, not only for understanding the evolution of Kilauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes, but also their hazard potential, the article says.

Kilauea has been erupting vigorously for about 100,000 years. Yet, if Kilauea is considered to be a small volcano, its eruption rate over that period must be low, since size and eruption rate are related. In this sense, the last several decades of continuous eruptive activity may be unusual (and might not continue far into the future), according to the article.
If, on the other hand, Kilauea is considered to be a large volcano, the eruption rate over the past 100,000 years must have been high, and the current eruptive activity would be normal.

"The same holds true for other volcanoes of Hawai`i Island—if we know their size, we can deduce their long-term eruption rates,” the article concludes.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WAIVES entrance fees tomorrow. Ka`u residents can celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering to remove invasive ginger along the summit of Kilauea from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center and should bring a hat, raingear, garden gloves, daypack, snacks and water and wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. No advance registration is required. Entrance is free all day.

After Dark in the Park explores Kilauea's
violent eruptions. Photo from NPS

VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH CONTINUES at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Using USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory logs, geologic field notes, National Park Service reports, newspaper accounts, photographs, and other records from 1924, Ben Gaddis, a long-time HVO volunteer, tells the story of Kilauea Volcano’s most violent eruption of the 20th century from the perspective of the people who lived through it. In April 1924, Kapoho residents were evacuated as hundreds of earthquakes shook their village. In the weeks that followed, huge explosions wracked the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Free; park entrance fees apply.

FROM KA`U TO NORTH KONA, another Volcano Awareness Month program, examines the prominent lava flows and volcanic landscapes along Queen Ka`ahumanu and Mamalahoa Highways Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at NELHA Gateway Visitor Center in Kona. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jim Kauahikaua and Janet Babb take attendees on a virtual road trip from Kahuku to Kapalaoa, during which they talk about the volcanic history, stories and impacts of the Mauna Loa and Hualalai lava flows visible along the highways.
For more information, email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 967-8844.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL team won their game at Kealakehe Friday, with a final score of 57 – 40. Denisha Navarro scored 37 points. Junior Varsity, with Deisha Gascon scoring 29 points, lost 36 – 43.
The teams host Waiakea tomorrow at 6 p.m.

KA`U HIGH BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY basketball team won their home game against Hawai`i Preparatory Academy yesterday. The final score was 57 – 43, with  Evan Manoha scoring 19 points. Ka`u Varsity  lost 38 – 70.  Larry-Dan Al-Navarro scored 16  points.
The teams travel to Kohala Tuesday.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline is Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at http://snack.to/fzpfg59c.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Jan. 6, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 10, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Jan. 13, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 17, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014