The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Ka`u Hospital expects to maintain services and jobs amid a $48 million shortfall facing Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL’S PARENT ORGANIZATION FACES a $48 million shortfall in the next fiscal year starting July 1. While sister hospital Hilo Medical Center will cut staff and delay improvements, such as installing solar electric systems, Ka`u Hospital is expected to continue managing costs very closely. Administrator Merilyn Harris said this morning that she does not expect any service cuts or job losses here. “Cuts at Hilo Medical Center impact us,” Harris said, “because the hospital supports us.” She gave an example of HMC formerly sending a physical therapist to help at Ka`u, but no longer, due to expenses.

Harris said the Ka`u facility is busier than ever and in good fiscal condition, with the hospital, emergency room and rural health clinic seeing record numbers of patients.
Harris also said one of the reasons Ka`u Hospital is in better fiscal condition than other Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. facilities is that Ka`u has already implemented the mandated electronic medical records system, which was very expensive. Other facilities still have to face that expense.

Molly Stebbins is Hawai`i County's
new Corporation Counsel.

Harris said the Ka`u staff is very committed to provided outstanding service to the community. She also stressed how important it is for residents to let their legislators know that Ka`u Hospital is vital to the community. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HOT SPOTS IN THE SOUTH POINT FIRE burst back into flames today and volunteer and county fire fighters are on the job again battling high, driving winds. Earlier in the week, the fire covered more than 1,000 acres, much of the land in pasture. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMFIRMED Molly Stebbins as Corporation Councel yesterday. Stebbins was appointed by Mayor Billy Kenoi to replace Lincoln Ashida, who resigned after 13 years to join a private law firm.

Stebbins has been with the Office of Corporation Counsel since 2007, serving as the attorney for Police and Fire Departments.
She received endorsements from the police and fire chiefs, director of the Human Resources Department and chair of the Police Commission, reports Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today.
Stebbins graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst and University of Hawai`i’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
During the confirmation hearing, Stebbins told Council members that “having the County of Hawai`i as our client means representing the entire county — the administration and the council — and always in the furtherance of the public interest.”
Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford was the only member voting against Stebbins’ confirmation. According to Cook Lauer, Ford “wasn’t satisfied with Stebbins’ responses to questions she had in a private meeting.”
Stebbins promoted Deputy Corporation Counsel Laureen Martin to Assistant Corporation Counsel. Martin, litigation section supervisor for the office, has been with the department since 2009.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Na`alehu School Garden educator and FoodCorps Service member Kalu Oyama,
at right, holds a $500 award for the garden's aquaponics project.
Photo from Tania Takashiba

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL GARDEN’S AQUAPONICS GARDEN UNIT was one five Big Island organizations’ projects awarded with 2014 Aloha Grown Malama Honua Awards. Each received $500 toward a specific project, program or initiative that embodies Aloha Grown’s philosophy to “Support Local, Sustain the `Aina & Share the Aloha.”

The Na`alehu School garden has been ongoing for the past six years and serves over three hundred and fifty students. Pre-school through fourth grade each have their own garden areas and currently participate in learning about organic methods to plant and grow food. The garden activities encourage learning about nutrition, culture, math, science, language arts, seed saving and creating gardens at home.
Students will use the aquaponics unit to connect the Hawaiian culture with science by growing kalo. “This will offer students an opportunity to connect a familiar family practice, such as fishing, with growing a traditional staple food while utilizing a resourceful technology,” garden staff said in their award application. “At our school garden, we not only connect classroom curriculum to our garden projects, but we also teach that growing your own organic food contributes to health and the well being of a community. Traditional Hawaiian culture had sustainable methods of growing their own nutritional staple food such as kalo, which encouraged building community and sustainability.

“As the children continue to learn and take pride in organic sustainable methods of growing food, their own awareness of food, health, economy and the community grows. As a result, they are each more likely to go out and become self-empowered innovators who understand the connection between food, culture, health, community and the `aina.”
“We were extremely pleased to once again see such a great response to our Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund program,” said Aloha Grown Store manager Tyler Owens. “We received a number of applications and essays from well-deserving organizations.”
Aloha Grown is committed to supporting sustainability efforts in Hawai`i. Two percent of every sale at the Aloha Grown store in downtown Hilo goes to the Malama Honua Fund, which then awards local nonprofits, schools, organizations and initiatives with similar sustainability missions.
For more information on Aloha Grown and to view essays submitted by all 2014 Malama Honua Award recipients, see alohagrown.com.

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Gil Robinson, at left, has stepped down as president of Ocean View Community
Association. His wife Judy, not shown, also has left her position as editor of
the association's newsletter. Photo by Mo Clements

GIL AND JUDY ROBINSON HAVE RELINQUISHED their positions with Ocean View Community Association. Judy Robinson said, “it's time to take it a bit easier and relieve some of the stress.” She was editor of OVCA’s newsletter for four years.

During Gil Robinson’s many years as president of the association, he and others oversaw many improvements. They reduced OVCA’s electricity bill by 50 percent and lowered the annual phone bill by $500. Gil Robinson repaired the community center’s leaking roof and also constructed large reader boards that announce events and activities at the center.
Judy Robinson said her husband “was able to convince the Veterans Administration to establish a twice-weekly clinic at the community center and made it possible for Tropic Care to hold a free 10-day medical clinic there, as well. In his interaction with local politicians, Ocean View is now on the map, so that County Council was convinced to make the center one of their few off-site locations for meetings.
“We love Ocean View and always saw the community center as its heart. We are passing the torch to a new group of people, and we can only hope they will love it as much as we have.” For questions about the newsletter, contact Jo O’Donnell at 939-7033 or lava@aloha.net.

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HAWAI`I METH PROJECT IS RECEIVING $400,000 in state operating grant funds. Identified by the state Legislature, these funds will be used to educate Hawai`i’s young people about the risks and dangers of methamphetamine through online and direct outreach in schools and community events.

“We must empower our keiki to be wise and responsible with their lives,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “The Hawai`i Meth Project provides them with the education they need in our fight against meth.”
Established in 2009, the Hawai`i Meth Project is a 501(c)(3) organization modeled after the national Meth Project prototype implemented in Montana in 2005. The project’s statewide prevention program goal is to reduce methamphetamine use among teens and young adults in Hawai`i. The organization is affiliated with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national nonprofit working to help families solve the problem of teen substance abuse.

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U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ IS COSPONSORING the Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014, legislation that would make the Department of Veterans Affairs more accountable, make way for a major new VA medical facility on O`ahu, cut wait times and improve access to health care for veterans. The Senate is likely to consider the new legislation on the floor next week.  
“Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and we have a responsibility to make sure they get the health care and benefits they have earned,” Schatz said. “Veterans facing long wait times to see a doctor and access health care is inexcusable. Our bill will make VA executives more accountable, cut wait times and establish a major new VA medical facility on O`ahu that would double VA clinical services on the island, helping make sure Hawai`i veterans get the timely care they deserve.”

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Learn Zentangle this Saturday.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT TAKES PLACE tomorrow and every Friday this month, June 6, 13, 20 and 27. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

No advance registration is required. Park entrance fees apply.

JULIE EVANS AND LOIS AND EARL STOKES offer an Introduction to Zentangle Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 967-8222

AN EVENING OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL AND HULA is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Evangelical Community Church. This fundraiser for Mission to Uganda 2014 features the Southern Cross Singers, OVECC Hula, Marshallese Choir, a Uganda slideshow and more.

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

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Judged Most Colorful in the Na`alehu Independence Day Parade was Ocean View Evangelical Church.
Photo by Julia Neal

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS started early in Ka`u today as community groups, businesses, youth groups, pa`u riders on horseback, churches and clubs, as well as political candidates and Miss Ka`u Coffee and her court marched through Na`alehu under the shade of the monkeypod trees that line the streets.

Keiki from Lighthouse Baptist Church helped win the prize for Most Patriot
at the Independence Day parade. Photo by Nalani Parlin

In the competition, the Most Colorful category was taken by Ocean View Evangelical Church, and Most Patriotic by Lighthouse Baptist Church. Residents and visitors lined the streets and proceeded to Na`alehu Park for an afternoon of music, free shave ice and hot dogs as well as giant water slides and bounce houses, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou.

See more on the celebration in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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GENE “BUCKY” LESLIE, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE for state House of Representative District Five, presented his views at the League of Women Voters forum last Saturday. Leslie said he wants to have a fresh approach to campaigning. He emphasized how his `ohana approach influences his way of getting things done.
Leslie said he wants to listen to constituents’ thoughts, concerns and ideas, “finding productive ways of working together as we strive and sometimes struggle to accommodate the change in our history.”
Leslie mentioned his experience as president of the Hawai`i Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and said he and the club have written and sent bills and resolutions to the Legislature that have passed.
He said his top priority in the Legislature would be “working with other people” and referred to the Legislature as an “elected `ohana.” He said, “Working together, we’ll get much more done than we can (individually). Together we can; together as one.”
Regarding education, Leslie said educational opportunities for everyone – keiki and kupuna – are important. He said, “The system is not working with us” and suggested reinstating programs “issued many years ago. “Revise them and bring them back to the table.” He also said, “We need people who leave for education to come back.”

Gene "Bucky" Leslie

On the topic of health, Leslie said he thinks Kona Hospital is adequate but that more doctors and nurses are needed.
Another concept Leslie emphasized was balance. He said he wants to “bring balance to the Legislature.” He characterized balance of working with the legislators as “knowing how we can get things done.”
Leslie said the Legislature has “cut this balance off, that balance off” regarding bills that get modified to the point that they are no longer recognizable.
When asked how he would make Hawai`i a more attractive state to do business in, Leslie answered, “How do they balance?” He again stressed his `ohana approach to how to work on the issue.
When asked his stance on whether Kaloko Honokohau National Park should control the Keauhou aquifer, which, according to mediator Sherry Bracken, has the potential to limit completion of projects such as West Hawai`i’s community college and Kona’s judiciary building, Leslie said it should be maintained as a cultural resource. “I don’t think I would like the national park telling us what to do,” he said.
Regarding labeling of GMOs, Leslie said, “We should stand up and say let’s go for it – let’s label this.” Pointing to the audience, he said, “It’s all about you; it’s not about us.”
When asked about legalized gambling in Hawai`i, Leslie said he had previously written a resolution for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs supporting gambling, but that he now doesn’t support it and wants more education about it.
In closing, Leslie stressed his desire to “continue to work with our people here and bring home a plate of wonderful things.”

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Several fishponds are located in Ka`u. Map from DLNR

RESTORERS OF FISHPONDS ARE NO LONGER TRAPPED in the bureaucracy of federal and state regulations following the state Board of Land & Natural Resources’ approval of a streamlined permitting process. Now, persons wanting to restore fishponds only have to apply for one permit.

The program covers five permits or authorizations and compliance with seventeen different state and federal laws that currently govern an element of fishpond restoration. The permits are the coastal zone management consistency statement from the state Office of Planning, environment assessment from the Office of Environmental Quality and Control, general permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water quality certification from the Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch and Conservation District Use Application from Department of Land & Natural Resource’s Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands.
DLNR’s plan creates a three-tier review process based of scope of proposed work. Tier I includes minor repair, restoration, maintenance and operation of existing fishponds, construction or placement of minor structures, stocking and harvesting with traditional methods and removal of alien species. Tier II is for emergency repairs or fishpond repair, restoration, maintenance and operation involving work that is in excess of 10 percent but less than 50 percent of the original fishpond structure. Tier III is for repair, restoration, maintenance, and operation involving work that is in excess of 50 percent of the original fishpond structure, and DLNR has discretion to exclude major projects from the Programmatic Permit due to potential for significant environmental impacts. Tier III also covers dredging involving the use of mechanized equipment and any activity that may moderately affect/alter sandy beaches or sediment deposition.

BLNR Chair William Aila, Jr.

“This is a triumphant day for cultural practitioners and community organizations,” said BLNR chair William J. Aila, Jr. “For decades, the effort to restore traditional fishponds has been obstructed by a highly complex multi-agency permitting scheme. Today, we took a huge leap in making restoration and conservation more feasible for grassroots communities.”
While similar efforts have been made in the past, DLNR, headed by the executive BLNR, took a new, innovative approach to addressing the issue this time.
“In the past, the effort began with granting only a small number of ponds the opportunity to participate, so very few communities benefitted,” said Michael Cain, staff planner for DLNR’s Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands. “This time, we began with the presumption that community restoration efforts and cultural practices are good for Hawaii and its environment, so we cast the net as wide as possible, hoping to encourage communities to get involved in conservation. As long as a pond and its activities fit into the framework we developed, it is eligible to apply to this program.”

The program was funded by Conservation International and Hawai`i Fish Trust and completed by Honua Consulting, a local consulting group, with support from DLNR and other state and federal agencies.
“This program is a wonderful illustration of how partnerships between nonprofit organizations and state agencies play a vital role in managing Hawaii’s fragile environmental and cultural resources,” said Jack Kittinger, the trust’s director.
The next step will be for the issuance of a similar programmatic permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“We have worked closely with the Corps on this effort from the start,” said OCCL Administrator Sam Lemmo. “I am confident that the federal agencies involved appreciate as much as we do that this is an opportunity to highlight how state and federal agencies can effectively serve communities when they cooperate.”
Lemmo expects the U.S. Army Corps permit to be issued within one month.
For more, see hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl.

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KRHCAI CPR & First Aid students focus on instructor David Roque. From left,
front: Brandy Cordeiro, Lono Grace, Margie Wiley, Jeanie Jara and Leslie Rosario.
Back: Jamie Pasion, Emily Bolaoen, Sam Panglao and Walter Espejo.
Photo from KRHCAI

KA`U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. is offering quarterly CPR First Aid/Infant, Child and Adult Certification classes. Nine KRHCAI students received certification from instructor David Roque on Saturday, April 26. KRHCAI Executive Director Jesse Marques said, “In keeping with KRHCAI’s mission, “To Do Whatever It Takes To Keep Ka`u Healthy, there are now nine residents who are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.”

The next class takes place Saturday, July 26. Cost is $75. To register, contact KRHCAI at 928-0101.

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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 moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
See more at nps.gov/havo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Hawai`i County Band treks annually to Na`alehu for the Independence Day Parade. The band will also march on July 4 in Volcano Village, where the parade begins at 9 a.m. See more parade photos in tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs. Photo by Nalani Parlin

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS will cast their third and final vote on a bill calling for a change in the length of the County Clerk’s term this week. Bill 253, calling for a change in the term from two to six years, has passed two of its three required readings with a two-thirds majority. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford was one of three voting against the measure at both previous readings.

If the bill passes its third reading, an amendment to Hawai`i County Charter will appear on the November ballot for residents to vote on.
The council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
Council committees meet Tuesday in Hilo.

A climbing tower provided exercise and a test of strength and
agility at Na`alehu's Independence Day celebration yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

Governmental Relations & Economic Development Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:15 a.m.; Public Works & Parks & Recreation, 9:45 a.m.; Environmental Management, 10:15 a.m.; Planning, 10:30 a.m.; and Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 1:30 p.m.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, Chair of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Innovation, and Competitiveness, has announced plans to work with the U.S. Department of State on legislation to make it easier for low-risk international travelers to visit the United States, boosting tourism and helping the government achieve its goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2021.   
“With an increasing demand for visas from international visitors, we have a great opportunity to grow our tourism industry and our economy,” Schatz said. “We need to do everything we can to speed up the visa process and make it easier for low-risk travelers to revisit our country. I am committed to working with the State Department on legislation to expand the visa Interview Waiver Program and find ways to strengthen our tourism industry and create jobs.”

The State Department is interested in working with Congress on a legislative proposal to expand the existing visa Interview Waiver Program, making it easier for low-risk travelers to visit the United States while maintaining high levels of security. The Interview Waiver Program allows certain individuals seeking renewals of previously issued visas to have their applications processed without having to attend visa interviews at U.S. consulates. In fiscal year 2013, the State Department waived more than 380,000 interviews.  
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is close to reaching an agreement to include Japan in the Global Entry program, which will facilitate travel to Hawai`i. Global Entry provides expedited clearance for prescreened, low-risk travelers at U.S. ports of entry. CBP is also closer to expanding the Preclearance program to Japan. The Preclearance program stations CBP officers in foreign airports, clearing travelers at their point of origin to avoid lengthy processing at busy U.S. airports. This would also allow airports without CBP international facilities, including Kona Airport, to begin accepting international flights.
Last year, Japanese tourists made up 18 percent of Hawai`i’s visitors and brought more than $2.5 billion into the state’s economy. CBP currently operates 15 Preclearance locations in six foreign countries.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program has awarded two Hawai`i organizations — U.S. Vets and The Strategist —a total of $500,000 in grant funds to ensure their programs are sustained through Program Year 2014. The organizations provide job placement, career counseling, life skills, money management mentoring and assistance in finding housing.

Kids cool off on giant water slides as parents watch with envy at yesterday's
Independence Day celebration in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

Awarded grants total $36,710,368 to 156 organizations nationwide to provide more than 12,000 veterans with training to help them succeed in civilian careers.
“I applaud the Reintegration Program for their support of community organizations dedicated to serving homeless veterans as they transition to independent living and succeed in building civilian careers,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed combat veteran. “Hawai`i organizations like U.S. Vets and The Strategist are empowering veterans in our community by creating opportunities for them to continue their mission of service.  “Those who wear the uniform raise their hand to serve and put their life on the line; that commitment to service does not end when the uniform is laid down. Our service members come home and look for ways to continue this mission of service. They are leaders: disciplined, and physically and mentally tough. They know how to make decisions, work as a member of a team and, most importantly, put the mission first, setting aside their own self interests. “Sometimes, a mentor offering career counseling and job training is all that a veteran needs to be reengaged in the community, and get back on their feet.”   
Grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These grantees are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help homeless veterans, Gabbard said.

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ALTERNATING SINGLE LANE CLOSURES on Hwy 11 in both directions between mile markers 45.6 and 39.5 in the vicinity of Volcano to Kapapala Ranch will occur tomorrow, June 30 through Thursday, July 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for roadway pavement reconstruction.

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KRRA's annual Fourth of July Rodeo is coming up next weekend.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U CONTINUES ITS FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES with Ka`u Roping & Riding Association’s Rodeo this coming Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK announces new hikes and special holiday programs offered at the Kahuku Unit from July through September. All are free.

The 34th annual Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival takes place Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art and try their hand at Hawaiian crafts. Traditional Hawaiian foods are available for tasting. Two hikes are also offered, the new Pu`u o Lokuana cinder cone hike from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and `Ohi`a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Hikers should bring water, rain jacket and ground mat or chair, plus sunscreen and a hat.

Lunch and beverages will be available for sale. This is a family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free event. Sponsors include Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Ka`u Hawaiian Civic Club, Kilauea Military Camp and sister parks in West Hawai`i. Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

Kahuku offers a new hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana.
Photo by Michael Szoenyi

A short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike takes participants to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu`u o Lokuana, where they learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. This hike is offered during the annual Cultural Festival on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again on Friday, Aug. 15 (Statehood Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Another new hike is called Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot. Hikers learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku, which straddles the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation. Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot is offered Sunday, Aug. 17 and Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hi`iaka & Pele focuses on the two Hawaiian sister goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors experience the sisters coming alive through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy, 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi`iaka and Pele program is offered on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
For all hikes, sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

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

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Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko returned to Ka`u to join the Fourth of July Parade & Celebration in Na`alehu Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

HOW TO TEST FOR LFA IS THE TITLE of a new three-minute video produced by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The video shows step-by-step procedures for testing for little fire ants. LFA, originally from South America, are considered among the world’s worst invasive species.

“LFA is a serious threat to plants, people, and property across Hawai`i,” said William Aila, Jr., chair of Board of Land and Natural Resources. “This tiny ant can inflict painful stings to children, pets and adults, but fortunately, testing for its presence is easily done. The state has a well established system in place for people to submit their surveys for further testing to determine whether LFA has spread to a particular property or plant material.”

Little fire ants are small even under magnification. Photo from DLNR

Scott Enright, chair Hawai`i Board of Agriculture, said, “We cannot express enough how important it is to find any infestation before it becomes widely established.”
LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16 of an inch long, and are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike Tropical Fire Ants, which are established in Hawai`i, move quickly, and are much larger with larger heads in proportion to their bodies. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.
Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).
The video, available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2014/06/19/fire-ants, was produced by DLNR in cooperation with HDOA and other agencies that are jointly addressing the LFA issue. It features invasive species biologist Domingo Cravalho, Jr., of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the participating agencies. The video is also available on HDOA and DLNR Facebook and YouTube pages.
For updated information on LFA in Hawai`i, see hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/lfainfo.

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After the parade, taiko continued at Na`alehu Park.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES at its meeting on Friday approved of a sublease for the Thirty Meter Telescope. However, the decision is hold while the board hears objections.

The University of Hawai`i, which leases state land on Mauna Kea where the telescope would be built, is subleasing the land to the Thirty Meter Telescope group. UH Board of Regents unanimously voted to support the project several years ago.
The sublease is the last major bureaucratic hurdle for scientists. The project also faces the threat of lawsuits by opponents who have raised questions about whether appraisals of the land were done properly and whether Native Hawaiians were properly consulted.
Some Native Hawaiians who oppose the project believe it would defile a summit they consider sacred. Environmentalists who oppose the project believe it could harm the rare wekiu bug.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR IS HOLDING public meetings on Hawai`i Island this week to solicit comments and feedback on whether and how the process of reestablishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community should move forward. Meetings are at Keaukaha Elementary School Wednesday, July 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Waimea Community Center, Thursday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Kealakehe High School, Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at regulations.gov or via U.S. mail to Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior, Room 7329, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. Include Regulation Identifier Number 1090-AB05 on comments.
For more information, see doi.gov.

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A frightening but friendly dragon creeps through Na`alehu Park during
Saturday's Fourth of July festivities. Photo by Julia Neal

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced upcoming dates for its ongoing hikes offered July through September.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered July 13 and 26, Aug. 9 and 31 and Sept. 20 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. Participants 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 July 19 and 27, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
`Ohi`a Lehua offers an opportunity to 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 will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile or less walk. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered July 12 during the annual Cultural Festival from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and July 20, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. parking area.

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The dragon snarls and smiles at a young Fourth of July celebrator
at Na`alehu Park. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIDAY, THE FOURTH OF JULY IS FILLED WITH EVENTS in the Volcano area. The annual parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and travels down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, where festivities continue.

Entertainers include cast members of KDEN’s upcoming summer musical Ruddigore, singer Boni Narito, keiki from Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, Dan Nix and Komakakino.
Food options include Thai from Suporn Kroll and Tuk Tuk truck, breakfast goodies from Papa`aloa Bakery, Rotary’s rotisserie chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, Village Church’s stew and rice and other goodies, all topped off by hot dogs and chili sponsored by Cooper Center and a Friends Feeding Friends bake sale.
Friends of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will have their annual silent auction inside Cooper Center.
Information booths include Rainforest Runs, Coqui group, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano Community Association and Rainbow Friends.
After festivities at Cooper Center, attendees can head on to more events:

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT the art department at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Garden Arts. It includes lauhala weaving by Ku`uipo Morales, a make-and-take recycled art workshop, a reading and book signing by children’s author Catherine Killam, Zentangle art demonstrations by Earl and Lois Stokes, a bake sale, a student art sale, a cast concrete demonstration, live music, family fun activities and a special plate lunch by Cafe’ Ono.

Volcano Art Center celebrates the Fourth of July with `ukulele and hula programs Friday.

WES AWANA PRESENTS `UKULELE DEMONSTRATIONS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Fourth of July Buffet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Ka`u-style BBQ chicken, chili con carne, jumbo hot dogs, corn on the cob, tossed salad, potato salad and more. Price is $15.25 adults and $8 for children 6 to 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

SUNSET HULA TAKES PLACE AT 6 P.M. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring NoeNoe Kekaualua and `ohana from Keaukaha. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Country Bash beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Tiki spins the night away with the best of Country & Western music and other great tunes. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 after 4 p.m.

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

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Appearing Saturday in her last Na`alehu Independence Day Parade as Ka`u's County Council member, as her term limit is reached at the end
of this year, was Brenda Ford. Photo by Julia Neal

CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICES joined the Na`alehu Independence Day Parade & Celebration Saturday. Their names will be on the ballot of the primary election next month, on Saturday, Aug. 9.

All three candidates vying for County Council District Six made appearances. Richard Abbett is from Ocean View, Maile Madeiros David is from Captain Cook, and Jim Wilson lives in Volcano.

State House of Representative District Five candidates Dave Bateman, of Holualoa, and Rep. Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, and Gene (Bucky) Leslie, of Holualoa, also participated in the parade. Jon LaLanne, of Ocean View and Randy Ruiz, of Ocean View, were not present.

Richard Abbett, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal

Rep. Richard Onishi, state House candidate for District Three, was the only candidate for this office who participated. Absent were challengers Bill Dickson, of Mountain View, and Fred Fogel, of Volcano.

Michael Last, of Na`alehu, promoted his candidacy for state Senate District Three, challenging Josh Green, of Kailua-Kona, who did not participate.

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TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW FISCAL YEAR for the state and Hawai`i County, with several measures going into effect along with budgets.

One measure removes mandatory court appearances for violators of the ban on using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The fine is now $297, or $307 for violations occurring in school or construction zones.

Sgt. Robert Pauole, of Hawai`i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section, told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett the change is a result of overcrowding of courts. “I think it’s a big problem,” Pauole said. “I think the officers are just scratching the surface of it when they’re issuing citations. I’m an avid runner. When I run, I’d say every two out of 10 cars I see, there’s some kind of electronic device violation. I issue (citations) on the road all the time.”

Maile Medeiros David, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal

The measure exempts use of hands-free communication devices such as Bluetooth for drivers 18 years of age or older. Also exempted are navigation and emergency assistance devices.
Smoking age is 21 in Hawai`i County as of today. The law, passed by County Council last November and signed into law by Mayor Billy Kenoi in December, raises the allowable minimum age for buyers of cigarettes from 18 to 21. The vote on the Big Island was only one day after New York’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, signed a new law making the Big Apple the first major U.S. city or state to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Hawai`i County’s law applies to electronic smoking devices as well as cigarettes, chewing and pipe tobacco, snuff and cigars.

Retailers must post signs about the new law and are subject to fines of up to $2,000 for violations of the new measure.

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REGISTERING TO VOTE WILL BECOME EASIER, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing House Bill 2590 (Act 166), a measure that allows voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on Election Day, beginning in 2018.

Jim Wilson, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal

“Our system of government depends on individuals exercising their right to vote, one of our most cherished duties as citizens,” Abercrombie said. “I applaud members of the Legislature for advancing HB2590 in the interest of removing barriers to voting, and I support the measure as long as it can be achieved from a sound technical standpoint.”
Act 166 appropriates $100,000 to the Office of Elections for county implementation, which may include upgrading the registration process through purchase of electronic poll books.

Thursday, July 10 is the deadline to register to vote at this year’s primary election on Saturday, Aug. 9

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THE GOVERNOR ALSO SIGNED SEVERAL measures passed by the state Legislature relating to health.

Dave Bateman, candidate for state House of Representatives District Five
Photo by Nalani Parlin

House Bill 2052 increases access to Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment by updating references from “physicians orders for life-sustaining treatment” to “provider orders for life-sustaining treatment.” The measure also expands health care provider signatory authority to include advance practice registered nurses and corrects inconsistencies of terms describing who may sign a POLST form on behalf of a patient.

House Bill 1616 adds to Hawai`i State Planning Act’s objectives and policies for health, the identification of social determinants of health and prioritization of programs, services, interventions, and activities that address identified social determinants of health to improve Native Hawaiian health in accordance with federal law and reduce health disparities of disproportionately affected demographics.

House Bill 1723 amends notice requirements for the discharge of an involuntary patient committed pursuant to legal proceeding involving fitness to proceed and requires the family court to conduct a timely hearing prior to termination of a standing commitment order.

State Rep. Richard Creagan, candidate House Photo by Julia Neal

House Bill 2320 establishes health equity as a goal for the DOH and requires the DOH to consider social determinants of health in assessing health needs in the state. The measure is known as “Loretta’s Law” for the late DOH Director Loretta Fuddy, who was passionate proponent.
House Bill 2581 establishes the State Innovation Waiver Task Force and requires the task force to submit two interim reports and a final report to the Legislature.

Senate Bill 2469 requires equivalent reimbursement for services, including behavioral health services, provided through telehealth as for the same services provided via face-to-face contact between a health care provider and a patient. The measure also clarifies that health care providers for purposes of telehealth include primary care providers, mental health providers, oral health providers, physicians and osteopathic physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists and dentists. For consistency purposes, the bill changes statutory references of “telemedicine” to “telehealth.”

House Bill 2400 provides temporary disability benefits to employees who suffer disabilities as a result of donating organs.

Leslie Bucky Leslie runs for state House. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Senate Bill 1233 requires certain private employers to allow employees to take leaves of absence for organ, bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donation. Unused sick leave, vacation, paid time off or unpaid time off may be used for these leaves of absence. The measure also requires employers to restore an employee returning from leave to the same or equivalent position and establishes a private right of action for employees seeking enforcement of provisions.

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. IS NOT ASKING FOR A RATE HIKE at this time, recognizing that its customers “are already in a challenging high electricity bill environment,” reports Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News.

“We know how tough high electric bills have been on our customers,” Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Corporate Relations Lynne Unemori, told PBN. “What we are doing is focusing our efforts on lowering customers’ bills by going after the main driver of high bills — expensive imported oil.”

According to Shimogawa, Hawaiian Electric is pursuing more renewable energy, lower-cost liquefied natural gas and modern smart grids. “And we’ll continue to make this our priority,” Unemori said.

State Rep. Richard Onishi, candidate for District Three
Photo by Julia Neal

Shimogawa also reports that in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing yesterday, the utility said that it is “focusing on developing and executing the new business model, plans and strategies required by Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission’s rulings in April, as well as other actions that will reduce rates.”

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PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY has a job opening for a part-time Student Helper II position. Applicants must be full-time college students (classroom or on-line) and have computer skills.

Michael Last, candidate for state Senate District Three
Photo by Julia Neal

Interested students can call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-2015 or go to the library during open hours: Monday,Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 1 p.m.); Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (closed 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.); and Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 15.

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VOLCANO VILLAGE HOLDS ITS FOURTH OF JULY Parade & Celebration on Friday. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and travels Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, site of vendor booths and tables, entertainment, keiki games and silent auction.

KA`U CONTINUES ITS FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES with Ka`u Roping & Riding Association’s Rodeo this Saturday and Sunday. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

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

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Ka`u Multicultural Society leaders Liz Kuluwaimaka (left) and Darlyne Vierra with driver Elisha-Ann Vierra and Jazmyn Navarro
organized the pa`u riders for the Independence Day Parade last weekend in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

MONITORING OF KILAUEA VOLCANO will improve with an $86,462 grant from the National Science Foundation. “Kilauea’s spectacular volcanic eruptions have attracted much attention over the last three decades. More than 5,000 travelers visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park each day,” Sen. Brian Schatz said during his announcement of the grant. “And because Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, eruptions also pose a real threat to life and property as experienced by hundreds of families on Hawai`i Island who have lost their homes and been forced to start over. This grant will help better monitor Kilauea’s activity and increase public safety for residents and visitors.”

Ikaika Derasin rides tall to accompany Pa`u Princess Kircia Derasin representing

the island of Hawai`i with the color red. Photo by Julia Neal

The National Science Foundation grant will support high-speed photography and high-resolution analysis of released volcanic gas so that researchers can better forecast the course of future eruptions.
Researchers will also study the Stromboli volcano in Italy and, if activity permits, the Etna volcano, also in Italy.

KULANI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IS OPEN once again after being closed in 2009 as a cost-cutting measure by then Gov. Linda Lingle. The minimum-security facility will house 200 inmates transferred from prisons on the mainland who are serving less than four years of their remaining sentences.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who attended the opening yesterday, said it is “an opportunity to reclaim lives,” reports John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “If we send people away from paradise, if we send people away from `ohana, from family, how are they going to work their way back? How will they find their way back? The mainland is no place for those who have stumbled, for those who have gone astray. Whatever chance that they have to restore our community, to restore themselves and their families in their communities, it has to be done here in Hawai`i. And this is the first step, today.”

La`a Ke accompanies Pa`u Princess Keana Kuluwaimaka representing the island of

Maui with the color pink. Photo by Julia Neal

BEFORE HEADING TO THE REOPENING of Kulani Prison, Gov. Neil Abercrombie at Hilo Yacht Club enacted measures with direct relevance to Hawai`i Island. It was the first time a governor of the state of Hawai`i signed bills into law on Hawai`i Island.

“Signing these bills here in Hilo allowed the legislators who introduced them to witness their becoming law alongside the very people who will be most affected. I applaud the members of our Legislature, including Hawai`i Island legislators, for their leadership in advancing these important measures.”
Senate Bill 3093 appropriates $200,000 to University of Hawai`i at Hilo to support its memorandum of agreement with RISE 21st Century After School Program.
House Bill 1823 requires mediation in disputes regarding the fair market value or fair market rental of public lands and provides for binding arbitration in the event of unsuccessful mediation. Ka`u Reps. Richard Creagan and Richard Onishi co-introduced the bill with other Hawai`i Island representatives.
House Bill 2152 appropriates $500,000 to the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems to support administrative and general tasks and strategic program initiatives. Ka`u Rep. Richard Onishi and other Hawai`i Island and state representatives co-introduced the bill.

Also related to Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, Senate Bill 2583 appropriates $250,000 for an engineering assessment of a proposal to establish a laser optical communications ground station in Hawai`i. Ka`u Sen. Josh Green co-introduced the bill with state senators from other islands.

Jesse Lorenzo accompanies Lorilee Lorenzo, representing Kaua`i
with the color purple. Photo by Julia Neal

Senate Bill 2953 provides that all royalties from geothermal resources on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands shall be paid to DHHL.

Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reports Abercrombie saying, “I hope this will act as an incentive and as an urging, to the (Public Utilities Commission) and to public opinion, on the opportunity to move forward on the incredible geothermal resources that exist here on the Big Island. All over the world … where there are geothermal resources, they are being explored to the maximum. They are being utilized to the maximum.

“This is a resource for the 21st Century in terms of alternative and renewable energy that probably is inexhaustible, and probably bodes as well as anything on the face of the earth to move us away from oil dependency and carbon-based dependency,” he said.

KA`U PANIOLO CONTINUE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS with Ka`u Roping & Riding Association’s Rodeo Saturday and Sunday at the Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

KA`U PANIOLO RODE in the annual Independence Day Parade in Na`alehu last Saturday, with pa`u riders representing five of the Hawaiian islands - the Big Island, Kaua`i, Moloka`i, Maui and O`ahu. Their participation was organized by Ka`u Multicultural Society, which collects photos and memorabilia of ranch and plantation life in Ka`u and hosts the upcoming annual Ka`u Plantation Days on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Pahala Plantation House with a pa`u parade in the village.
For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

Raylene Welker represents O`ahu with the color yelllow. She was accompanied by
Frank Lorenzo, Jr. Photo by Julia Neal

RODEO QUEEN for this weekend’s Na`alehu Fourth of July rodeo has been announced. She is five-year-old Caliyah Silva Kamei, daughter of Clifford “Pepe” Magumi Kamei, Jr. and Kavelle Nalani Napoleon Silva, and niece of Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva. The family is from Pahala.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK reminds the public that fireworks are prohibited in national parks, including the Fourth of July, according to federal law. Visitors will notice “Fireworks Prohibited” signs posted near the park entrance.
“Our priorities as stewards for public lands are to keep the public and our natural, cultural and historical resources safe,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We wish everyone a safe and healthy Independence Day.”

Makana Gravella accompanies Keana Souza who represents Moloka`i wearing
the color green. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNOUNCES the following upcoming flight plans for July: July 7 and 11, between 8 a.m. and noon, to transport fence materials, supplies and personnel for fencing project from Mauna Loa Road to Upper Mauna Loa; July 15, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., for invasive weed management on Mauna Loa between 5,000 and 7,000 ft. elevation; July 15 and 17, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000- and 7,000-foot elevation; July 16 and 17, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kilauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-foot elevation; and July 24, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., to transport fence materials, supplies and personnel for fencing project in upper Kahuku above Ka`u Forest Reserve.
Management of the park requires use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and maintain backcountry facilities.
A statement from the park says that it regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

During the Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu, Ka`u Auto Repair sent a strong message against drinking, drugging and driving. Hawai`i County Police are conducting DUI checkpoints and roving patrols throughout the weekend to help prevent tragedy on our roads.
Photo by Julia Neal

A CHANGE IN THE LENGTH OF THE COUNTY CLERK’S term of office will appear on the Nov. 4 general election ballot after being approved by Hawai`i County Council yesterday. The proposed charter amendment originally sought a change from a two-year term to a six-year term but was amended to four years. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford was one of three voting against the measure at two previous readings and the only no vote yesterday.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park toured Na`alehu during last Saturday's
Independence Day Parade in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

The County Council chair appoints the county clerk subject to council confirmation. If voters approve the change, the county clerk position would not be subject to change every two years, as is the council chair.

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BRENDA IOKEPA MOSES, president of Hawai`i Association of Conservation Districts, is back in Pahala after last week’s annual conference at Kualoa Ranch on O`ahu. The organization’s leaders were able to tour Pioneer Hawai`i Bred Research Station in Kunia to learn about conservation practices from John McHugh. They visited Kawela Bay to learn about land preservation plans for Turtle Bay and toured windward O`ahu farms, including Kamiya Papaya Farm, the Oyster Hatchery at Moli`i Fishpond and the Brush Cutter at Kualoa Ranch.

Brenda Iokepa-Moses, at right, with Pearl Johnson

Conservation District leaders listened to experts with lectures on the Future of Agriculture in Hawai`i, the View of Agriculture in Hawai`i Today, Sustainability of Agriculture in Hawai`i, and Challenges to Agriculture in Hawai`i. Scott Enright, Director of the state Department of Agriculture, addressed the group. Iokepa-Moses said there was consensus “that we need to educate the public on the difficulties faced in being a farmer, and if we want to be more sustainable as an island, we need the support of the consumer.” She said that “if it costs a few more cents to buy local, maybe consumers would be willing to do so if they understood the farmers challenges.” She noted the effort made in trying to produce food “in a place where the ocean cuts us off from the rest of the world, thus getting needed supplies to the farm is more expensive.”

Iokepa-Moses noted that the state DOA, under Enright, is funding conservation districts with $210,000 plus an additional $75,000 that had been dropped from the budget. While many people and agencies statewide “agree agriculture is important, very few show that support with funds to continue the agriculture movement,” said Iokepa-Moses. She applauded Enright for the funding.

Fourth of July parades held on different dates like in Na`alehu and Volcano
give classic cars owners more opportunities to show off their treasures.
Photo by Julia Neal

Each Conservation District board is comprised of those who “volunteer their time in the effort to assist farmers in getting onto their land and getting conservation plans done to prevent misuse and soil erosion,” she said. Funds are needed to pay planners so they can provide their services at no cost to farmers, which encourages farmers to plan for good soil and water conservation, Iokepa-Moses said.
Iokepa-Moses said she also talked with Pearl Johnson, of the League of Women Voters, about funding granted to the League to educate the public on farmer concerns about such hot topics as GMOs. See lwv-Hawaii.com.

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DANIEL K. INOUYE U.S. PACIFIC BASIN Agricultural Research Center in Hilo was named in honor of the late senator yesterday. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa were two of several speakers at the ceremony, including Mayor Billy Kenoi, Inouye’s former Chief of Staff Jennifer Sabas and Suzanne Shriner, of Kona Coffee Farmers Association.

Hirono spoke of Inouye’s success in bringing resources to Hawai`i and his support of agriculture and sustainability. She commended the “array of people who are working together on behalf of strengthening agriculture in our state” as a result of Inouye’s efforts. Hirono quoted Inouye: “When we all work together, we can make things happen.”

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Sen. Mazie Hirono confer at
yestersday's renaming of the Daniel K. Inouye U.S.
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center.
Photo by Ron Johnson

Hanabusa said PBARC was “the vision of a great man” who understood that agriculture is an economic base and that “there is no end to what we can do.” She cited PBARC’s research using algae for biofuel production as an example. “Agriculture is more than we perceive, Hanabusa said, and “Hawai`i Island will lead the way because of the great work done here.”
Jennifer Sabas spoke of Hawai`i’s transition from plantations to small, diversified farms in the 1990s. Sabas said Inouye attended many of the “hearwrenching” sugar plantation closures and called for a plan to help those left without work, with establishment of PBARC being the result. She called the facility a “Hale of Hope” for farmers.

Suzanne Shriner, of Kona Coffee Farmers Association, praised the center for its research in controlling the coffee berry borer. Shriner said that when her family first discovered CBB, they thought about selling their farm. When she looked for assistance from PBARC, staff said, “We’ll find a way,” rather than, “We can’t do that.” She extended an invitation to her dinner table to those attending the ceremony, saying, “We’ll have coffee; we’ll always have coffee,” thanks to Sen. Daniel Inouye.

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PEAK MEANS PEER ENGAGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS, and they are happening at Pahala Hongwanji Mission for youth ages 12 to 14 years of age. Sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays July 8 through Aug. 7 from noon until 2 p.m. until August, when the time changes to 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Hot rods heated up Na`alehu's Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Sessions are sponsored by Youth Services and Family Programs Hawai`i, which has offices in Hilo. The flyer circulated in the community says that PEAK can help families learn ways to make healthy choices, build and maintain healthy peer relationships, make friends and have fun in a safe place, learn about prevention, and explore answers to the question, “Why Try?” The program also offers a reward for completing the six-week session – a $50 gift card, plus snacks and music associated with the sessions.

For more information, call JoYi Rhyss at 756-0268 or email jrhyss@familyprogramshi.org.

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Classic car carries the Hawaiian National, also known as the Kanaka Maoli, flag.
Photo by Julia Neal

TOP DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR of Hawai`i make their first televised appearance together this evening on PBS at 8 p.m. when Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige face each other on Insights. Ka`u residents can ask questions by email at insights@pbshawaii.org before the show or by phone at 800-283-4847 during the live broadcast.
The program will be rebroadcast Sunday at 2 p.m.

CLASSIC CARS DECORATED THE STREETS of Na`alehu during last Saturday's Independence Day Parade. Many are expected to participate in Volcano Village’s parade tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. at the post office. The parade travels Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, where the celebration continues with vendor booths and tables, entertainment, keiki games and a silent auction.

WES AWANA PRESENTS `UKULELE DEMONSTRATIONS tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Classic Corvettes are popular in the annual Fourth of July Parade tomorrow in
Volcano at 9 a.m.and last weekend in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

SUNSET HULA TAKES PLACE TOMORROW at 6 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring NoeNoe Kekaualua and `ohana from Keaukaha. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222.

A red Dodge Viper slithered along Hwy 11 in Na`alehu during last Saturday's
Independence Day Parade. Photo by Nalani Parlin

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Country Bash tomorrow beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Tiki spins the night away with the best of Country & Western music and other great tunes. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 after 4 p.m.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S annual Fourth of July Rodeo takes place Saturday and Sunday at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Friends of the Ka`u Libraries help raise money for the operation of the Pahala and Na`alehu Libraries. Photo by Julia Neal

COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS in Ka`u have been marching in parades, today in Volcano and last Saturday in Na`alehu, promoting their good works from cleaning up debris from the Ka`u Coast to encouraging reading and the continuing services of local libraries and fighting fires.

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HIGHLIGHTING COLLABORATION BETWEEN the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government, Gov. Neil Abercrombie this week signed House Bill 2490 (Act 201) into law. This measure aims to reduce Hawai`i’s secure juvenile facility population by half over the next five years and directs investment in community supervision and treatment programs that will be more effective at steering troubled youth toward productive, law-abiding lives.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park provides an honor guard, a banner and flags
in the annual parades in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

“This legislation is the result of extensive research, collaboration and consensus by stakeholders and policymakers across Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said. “By using our resources more effectively, we will be able to reduce juvenile crime and achieve better outcomes for youth, families and communities across our islands.”
In 2013, the state spent $199,000 a year for each bed at Hawai`i Youth Correctional Facility, yet 75 percent of youth released from HYCF were re-adjudicated or convicted as an adult within three years. To improve those results, Abercrombie, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, House Speaker Joseph Souki and Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald last year launched a bipartisan, inter-branch working group that analyzed the Hawai`i’s juvenile justice system and recommended the policy reforms contained in this legislation.

Hawai`i Pacific Parks has offices in Volcano and supports many programs
in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Julia Neal

Hawai`i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth was a member of the working group. “A lot of times, you can put juveniles in prison and they come out a lot worse,” Roth told John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “If we can have the outside services — on our island, things like the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, all of our youth organizations, and strengthen those, then we can reduce recidivism.
“With this law, probation (officers) and judges have an option to send kids to better treatment facilities — or to treatment facilities in the first place, drug treatment facilities, mental health facilities,” Roth said. “Getting any services for our kids is a huge problem in our state, especially here on our neighbor islands.
“We’re hoping this will reduce recidivism, keeping kids from going through the revolving door as an adult through the system.”
In conjunction with enactment of HB2490, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention announced a partnership with Hawai`i to support implementation of the new policies.

OJJDP will fund a technical assistance team over the next year to provide wide-ranging training, planning activities, education, assessment assistance and other tools for the state in recognition of Hawai`i’s forward-thinking adoption of this new law. The partnership is expected to begin this fall.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Classic Hawai`i County fire truck, ready for the hot summer in Ka`u where a
range fire has already burned more than 1,000 acres. Photo by Julia

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE TWO GRANTS TOTALING $1,752,905 from the U.S. Department of Labor to help unemployed individuals train for and transition to new employment. Hawai`i will receive $897,420 through the Job-Driven National Emergency Grant program to train unemployed workers for jobs in high-demand industries and $855,485 through the Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment Program grant to help Unemployment Insurance claimants return to work quickly.
“The best way to help those who are unemployed is to help them get back to work,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said. “These funds support Hawai`i’s job centers and help those who are unemployed with the job training and services they need to find a good paying job.”
The Job-Driven National Emergency Grant program expands employer occupational training partnerships that result in an industry-recognized credential, such as on-the-job training or registered apprenticeships. Funding from this grant will also be used for career coaching and job placement.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u walked in the Na`alehu parade last weekend.
Photo by Julia Neal

The Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment Program grant will be used to conduct in-person assessments at American Job Centers that assist unemployed individuals in the creation of reemployment plans based on their skills and the job market. These assessments also help evaluate Unemployment Insurance benefits and provide job training services. Since the initiative began in March 2005, Hawai`i has assisted more than 36,000 UI claimants with their reemployment efforts.

One of eight American Job Centers in the state is located at Big Island Workplace Connection, 1990 Kino`ole Street in Hilo. Call 981-2860 for more information.

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Hawai`i Wildlife Fund teams up with state Division of Forestry & Wildlife to
promote clean beaches and volunteerism to pick up trash. Photo by Julia Neal

ARMY OFFICIALS ARE OPENING SEVERAL TRAINING AREAS at Pohakula for bow hunting tomorrow and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Training areas One through Four will be open for bow hunting of mammals only. Hunters are allowed one pig, one goat and one sheep, per day, in keeping with state bag limits. Shooting sheep with blue collars is not permitted.
Keamuku Training Area will be open for bow hunting of goats only. Hunting of sheep is not permitted there this weekend.
All hunters must check in and check out at one of the following hunter’s check-in stations: Kilohana, located on Saddle Road between mile markers 43 and 44; Pu`u Huluhulu, located at the intersection of Mauna Kea Access Road and Saddle Road near mile marker 28; or or Pu`u Anahulu on Hwy 190 across from mile marker 15. Checkout time is no later than 7:30 p.m. each day.
Hunting passes will be provided today after 5 p.m. These passes must be signed and placed on the vehicle’s dashboard.
Firearms, alcoholic beverages, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and/or recreational vehicles are not allowed in the training and hunting areas.
For more information, call PTA’s Hunters’ Hotline at 969-3474, see garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta and click on the Hunting tab or refer to instructions on the hunting pass.

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Hawai`i Wildlife Fund seeks volunteers for its Ka`u Coast Cleanup
Sunday, July 13. Photo from HWF

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND STAFF MEMBERS wish Ka`u a happy Fourth of July. They invite residents to take the Plastic-Free July Challenge and also volunteer for this month’s Ka`u Coast Cleanup.
“The challenge is quite simple,” HWF staff member Megan Lamson. “Attempt to refuse single-use plastic during July. ‘Single-use’ includes plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, plastic packaging – basically anything that’s intended only to be used once and then discarded. If refusing all single-use plastic sounds too daunting this time, try the TOP FOUR challenge – straws, plastic bags, plastic bottles and coffee cup lids.

Lamson also suggests collecting any unavoidable single-use plastic you buy and keeping it in a “dilemma bag and share it with us at the end of the challenge.
“It’s up to you regarding how long you participate. You might decide to go plastic-free for a day, a week, a month or longer. However long you choose will still make a contribution.”

Sign up at plasticfreejuly.org and use the hashtag #plasticfreehawaii on related Facebook and Instagram posts. Follow HWF on Twitter at @wildhawaii.
Another Ka`u Coast Cleanup takes place Sunday, July 13. Participants meet at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to Kamilo Point. Call 769-7629, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or see facebook.com/events/1514410668782953 for details and to sign up.

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Pacific Quest, with its Ka`u facilities at the old Shirakawa Motel and a farm
between Pahala and Na`alehu, employs many young professionals to counsel
teens, most of them coming from urban environments. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S annual Fourth of July Rodeo takes place tomorrow and Sunday at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents its fifth Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera Ruddigore, or The Witch’s Curse, starting next Friday, July 11 and running through Sunday, July 27. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at Kilauea Militar Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors over 60 and $10 for children 12 and under. They may be purchased at Kilauea General Store in Volcano, Kea`au Natural Foods and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.

Reservations can be made by calling 982-7344. For more information, call this number, email kden73@aol.com or visit KDEN’s Facebook page.

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

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Scalloped hammerhead sharks are threatened and endangered internationally but safer in Hawai`i. Photo from NOAA

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD SHARKS are the most common hammerheads in Hawai`i, and their populations are considered stable. However, the ever-growing international market for shark fins, where fins go from $50 to $100 a pound, is driving scalloped hammerheads toward extinction, and the federal government and international collaborations are planning to protect them.

The RoyalOrder of Kamehameha walked first in Volcano's Fourth of
July Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

This week the National Marine Fisheries Service announced that in September it will list scalloped hammerheads in the eastern Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans as endangered, and in the central and southwest Atlantic and the Indo-West Pacific as threatened. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora calls for trade in scalloped hammerheads only when export countries issue permits and declare the sharks legally taken, guaranteeing their loss will not harm survival of the species and its place in the ecosystem.
Internationally, and mostly for the enjoyment of shark fin soup, "finning” crews catch adult and juvenile sharks, harvest their fins and dump them back into the ocean. The disabled sharks drown or die of starvation.
“Studies indicate the Hawai`i population stays in waters relatively close to shore, which may give them some additional protection. That’s because longline fishing fleets can accidentally catch the species, but the Hawai`i-based fleet fishes further from the coast,” reports an Associate Press story this week by Audrey McAvoy.

Lady Liberty shared the spotlight with Hawai`i County Band. Photo by Julia Neal

McAvoy quotes Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology shark expert Carl Meyer saying that high numbers of fibers in scalloped hammerhead fins makes them particularly desirable for shark fin soup. “Fishermen are catching juveniles as well as adults. ‘Of course, if you take away all of the small ones, then you don’t get any big ones, and then your population starts to really decline dramatically.’”
Scalloped hammerheads “give birth in calm, murky, shallow bays,” reports McAvoy. “They’re better off in Hawai`i than other areas in part because there’s no traditional or modern market for sharks as a commercial species in the islands, said Kim Holland, also a researcher at Hawai`i Institute for Marine Biology.
“Scalloped hammerheads grow up to 10 feet long and have indentations in their flat, extended heads. They eat stingrays, squid and other sharks,” reports the AP. The story was carried by newspapers and news services internationally.

Mauna Kea Foret Restoration Project staff and volunteers carry
a giant palila bird. Photo by Julia Neal

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VOLCANO VILLAGE CELEBRATED FOURTH OF JULY yesterday under brilliant blue skies as community organizations, floats, individuals and politicians joined the parade through town from the post office to Cooper Center, where revelers enjoyed ono food, entertainment and vendor and informational booths.

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QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS FROM KA`U looking to serve the public can apply for state board or commission openings that will occur as Senate Bill 2682 takes effect this Tuesday, July 8.
On that date, 15 boards and commissions will be required to have their annual financial disclosure statements made public.

Volcano School of Arts & Sciences skates and walks for Independence Day.
Photo by Julia Neal

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had placed the bill on his intent-to-veto list. After a detailed analysis, he decided to let it become law without his signature.
“When it comes to the role of volunteer participation in the policy and decision-making process of governing in a democracy, the power of government to intrude in people’s lives becomes far more than a technical issue,” Abercrombie said. “It goes beyond labels of left and right. The whole rationale of democratic governance, after all, is to ensure the protection of individual rights, particularly in matters of personal information and dignity.
“There are tough issues to be considered in this bill with competing values: legitimate inquiry into possible conflicts regarding the public interest versus legitimate concerns about personal information on family, finances, credit history and medical records becoming cannon fodder in political battles.

Volcano Parade Grand Marshal Ira Ono waves the flag in yesterday's
Fourth of July celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

“It seems reasonable in these circumstances, then, to allow this bill to become law with the object of reviewing the disclosure documents to determine what information serves the public interest, what limitations are relevant and most importantly, what constitutes conflict. The issue then, is not about disclosure, but to what end and by what means.”
The Office of the Governor oversees more than 180 boards and commissions established by the state constitution, statutes or executive orders.
Members of the public may apply themselves or recommend qualified applicants online at governor.hawaii.gov/about/boards-and-commissions.

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The Hawaiian Bat and Kamehameha Butterfly represented Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park in yesterday's parade. Photo by Julia Neal

PEOPLE ATTENTIVE TO CHILDREN, or PATCH, is currently holding training classes at Pahala Preschool. “The Infant & Toddler Social Emotional Series is a great opportunity for early educators interested in their professional development and in continuous quality improvement,” said spokesperson Kathryn Foster.

The following classes are held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.:

Temperament and Secure Relationships, Tuesday, July 8;
Development of Social Emotional Wellness, Friday, July 11;
Observation and Responsive Routines, Tuesday, July 15;
Building Emotional Literacy, Friday, July 18;
Working in Partnerships with Families, Tuesday, July 22;
Individualized Intervention with Infants & Toddlers, Friday, July 25;
When Behavior goes off Track, Tuesday, July 29;
Effects of Challenging Behaviors, Friday, Aug. 1; and
Developing a Support plan for Infants & Toddlers, Tuesday, Aug. 5.

American Red Cross encourages volunteerism and disaster preparedness.
Photo by Julia Neal

For more information and to register, call 322-3500.

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KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S annual Fourth of July Rodeo takes place today and tomorrow at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting a week from today on Saturday, July 12 at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.
“There is a vibrant, active, committed community of mahi`ai, or land stewards, participating in our organization, and we are making great strides forward,” said organizer Malian Lahey.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park befriended parade-goers.
Photo by Julia Neal

On the agenda is election of the board and organization of the group’s Farmers Market booth. Richard Perea, of Ka`u Natural Farming, presents photos and talks about his fig farm in Ocean View and how he uses natural farming.
Those who would like to vote for officers must be members of HFUU. Interested persons can enroll online at hfuuhi.org or bring a check for $45 in person to the meeting.
“Remember that the more organized we are in support of smallholder, family farms in Ka`u, the better we can advocate for ourselves at the county and state level,” Lahey said. “Joining HFUU is a statement about what kind of future you want for Ka`u.
“HFUU Ka`u Chapter is working hard to build a future where regular people can succeed and thrive as businesspeople and farmers.”

Science Camps of America stopped their field explorations to join the parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

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HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION, a nonprofit based in Waimea, hosts a series of free community wildfire preparedness workshops in some of the most fire-prone areas of the Big Island this month. Those who attend will learn about Hawai`i’s wildfire issues and how to mitigate those issues through proper home landscaping techniques and home structure modifications. They will also learn about how to develop a concrete family emergency plan, what actions to take during a wildfire and proper evacuation procedures. HWMO makes each workshop a fun, interactive and casual event that the whole `ohana can enjoy. Each family also receives a free copy of the Ready, Set, Go! Hawai`i Wildland Fire Action Guide that can be used as a step-by-step tool for carrying out the previously mentioned actions.
Each of the following local workshops is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

Volcano Senior Citizens march patriotically with the throng. Photo by Julia Neal

Monday, July 21 — Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle;
Friday, July 25 — Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano; and
Monday, July 28 — Pahala Elementary School, 96-3150 Pikake Place.

For more information, contact pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org or 885-0900, or visit hawaiiwildfire.org.

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

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Rodeo clown distracts as judges, announcer and fans look on at the Fourth of July weekend rodeo in Na`alehu, which continues today.
Photo by Julia Neal

INCUMBENT STATE REP. RICHARD H.K. ONISHI has provided information to the League of Women Voters regarding his campaign for reelection, with the primary to be held on Aug. 9.
“To address issues and concerns and find solutions to better the communities and the lives of future generations in my district, I pledge to listen to you, stay in touch with you, work tirelessly for you and to work together with you,” Onishi said.
“I believe I am best qualified to represent the people in my district. My experiences have provided me with a diverse perspective on how to address issues, problems and concerns of our communities. Some of those experiences gave me the opportunity to understand the role of the Legislature and be involved in its processes.”

Young paniolo learn to ride and fall in the mutton busting competition.
Photo by Julia Neal

Onishi was born on the Big Island, attended public schools and graduated from University of Hawai`i at Hilo with a bachelor of arts degree. He has had variety of jobs in the private sector and government, including service jobs in the visitor industry and in the grocery business, supervisory positions in agriculture and computer technology, service in the Army, teaching computer classes at Hawai`i Community College and computer information system analyst for the county. He has held leadership positions in many organizations including PTAs, School/Community-Based Management Councils, coaching soccer and football, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Army Community Service, Hawai`i Island Adult Care, Hilo High School Foundation and Jaycees. He has lobbied the Legislature on behalf of PTA, Jaycees, ACS, HIAC and Hawai`i Government Employees Associaton.

Wahine double mugging sees the mounted rider roping and the partner on the ground tackling the calf. Photo by Julia Neal

“My top two goals are to increase revenues and to assist our communities to become safer, healthier, economically viable and sustainable,” Onishi said. “To achieve these goals I will identify, develop and support programs that will increase revenue, and I will work with our communities to identify issues and problems dealing with the safety, health, economy and sustainability of their community and work with them to find solutions.” See lwv-hawaii.org.To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S annual Fourth of July Rodeo continues today at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds with Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u members walk and ride for the Lord every
Independence Day in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

RELIGIONS OF MANY FAITHS and denominations joined Fourth of July celebrations over the last week in parades in Volcano and Na`alehu. Lighthouse Baptist Church of Ocean View, whose members handed out American flags at the Na`alehu event, won Most Patriotic. Religions represented ranged from Evangelical Protestant to Krsna.

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FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES ARE NOW PERMITTED in agriculturally designated districts if located in a farm dwelling, following Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s signing of House Bill 2560 (Act 210.)
“This legislation makes it easier for farm families to access child care,” Abercrombie said. “Keiki in rural areas can now have a child care setting that provides open space and opportunities to learn about caring for animals and living off the land.”
Act 210 also changes the definition of family child care home to allow for care of one to six unrelated children.
In a separate bill signing ceremony at Maui Brewing Co. at Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei, the governor enacted Senate Bill 3042 (Act 211), which removes a 30,000-barrel-per-year manufacturing cap for malt beverages for class 14 brewpub licensees. Act 211 also increases the manufacturing limit for class 16 winery licensees to not more than 20,000 barrels of wine on the licensee’s premises during the license year.

Lighthouse Baptistwalked with flags and handed out small flags,
winning Most Patriotic in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

In addition, Act 211 establishes a new class 18 liquor license class for small craft producer pubs, prohibits brewpubs from selling intoxicating liquor from class 1 manufacturer licensees for consumption on the premises, and makes conforming amendments relating to liquor license classes and federal labeling and bottling requirements.

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PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY will offer its patrons new public service hours beginning Monday, July 14: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, closed.
For information about the library’s programs and services, please call 928-2015.

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY REPORTS a new lava flow beginning as another ends in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“Elevated pressure within Pu`u O`o cone reached a breaking point on June 27 with magma intruding through the cone and erupting from fissures on the northeast flank of the cone. These new vents fed a vigorous, but still relatively short, channelized flow that had reached about 1.5 km northeast of Pu`u O`o by 11 a.m. This new activity was accompanied by minor sagging of the Pu`u O`o crater floor, due to withdrawal of magma within the cone.

Ocean View Evangelical Church took the prize in Na`alehu for Most
Colorful float. Photo by Julia Neal

“For the past year, the Kahauale`a Two lava flow was erupting from a vent high on the northeast crater rim of Pu`u O`o, on Kilauea’s East Rift Zone, sending lava toward the northeast. Although this lava flow advanced very slowly, and erratically, it was uphill from residential areas and posed a potential future hazard. Several interruptions to the lava supply at the vent occurred over the past year but nothing quite large enough to terminate the flow. In the early morning hours of Friday, June 27, the terminal event finally arrived.
“Prior to June 27, HVO had been tracking inflation at Pu`u O`o for several weeks. Several small lava flows erupted from spatter cones on the Pu`u O`o crater floor in the week before the event—another sign of pressurization and high lava levels. Slow deflation of the cone began around 5:30 a.m. on June 27, around the time that a handful of small earthquakes appeared. Both the deflation and the earthquakes may have represented magma starting, or trying, to intrude through the cone.

Followers of Krishna joined Volcano's Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

“The breaking point was finally reached just before 7 a.m. Our Webcams showed a portion of the northeast flank of Pu`u O`o pushed up slightly—perhaps several yards — as magma forced its way through the side of the cone.
“Magma reached the surface moments later, tearing open new fissures on the northeast flank and sending out a gush of lava as the built-up pressure was released. Bursts of seismic tremor, sharp deflation and sagging of Pu`u O`o’s crater floor accompanied the opening of the new flank vents as magma stored beneath the cone drained out to feed the new flows.
“The initial phases of this new activity were impressive. Four fissures opened, with the most vigorous being the lowest in elevation. This fissure sent out a beautiful channelized flow on the opening day, reaching about 0.9 miles in length, but the vigor of the eruption soon abated as the excess pressure in Pu`u O`o was relieved.
“By the second day, activity had focused on the lowest fissure, and flows were extending only a short distance from this vent. These short flows have been stacking up on one another, building a broad lava shield on the flank of Pu`u O`o. This lava shield activity continues today. …

Na`alehu Assembly of God carried the cross in the Na`alehu Parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

“Compared to previous events, the June 27 breakout was relatively small, but it had an important effect on the East Rift Zone eruption. The lava level drop in Pu`u O`o resulted in the lava supply to the Kahauale`a Two flow being shut off. This killed the Kahauale`a Two flow but may have simply replaced it with a new long-term hazard concern. The lava from the June 27 breakout is, like the Kahauale`a Two flow, heading in a northeastern direction and could eventually pose a similar threat to downslope communities. The June 27 flows are, however, very slow-moving and pose no imminent threat. Continued mapping and monitoring of this new flow will help us determine what it could have in store for the future.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The living history program takes place every other Tuesday at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

The Village Church, Volcano Assembly of God on Wright Road flew
American flags in Volcano's parade. Photo by Julia Neal

PEGGY STANTON TEACHES ACRYLIC PAINTING to all levels Tuesday, July 8 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free for VAC members; $20 for nonmembers.
For more information, email peggystanton007@yahoo.com.

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

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Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Bottoms up. This bull throw's his `okole in the air and the rider onto the ground at yesterday's Fourth of July Rodeo final in Na`alehu.
Photo by Julia Neal

A PLAN TO CREATE THE WORLD’S LARGEST MARINE SANCTUARY in the Central Pacific is getting criticism from fishing industry interests. President Barack Obama is proposing to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, south and west of Hawai`i, from its current 86,888 square miles to 782,000 square miles.

Gary Kubota, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reports that members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council say expanding the sanctuary would not protect fish and could jeopardize U.S. fishing industries.

According to Kubota, council members said the areas proposed for expansion are critical to U.S. fisheries, including waters surrounding Palmyra, where Hawai`i fishers catch 12 percent to 15 percent of their fish, including bigeye tuna.

Kubota also reported that the catch brought in to American Samoa’s fish processing plants could be reduced, forcing U.S. fishing ships to pay foreign governments for fishing rights elsewhere.

“Further closures make no sense,” said Ed Ebisui, the council’s vice chairman. “It does not serve our national interest."

Council Chair Arnold Palacios, who also serves as natural resources secretary for the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, told Kubota the United States has failed to live up to promises of supporting enforcement of fishing laws enacted when President George W. Bush first established the monument. Palacios said his government already struggles to enforce protection of the current fishing areas.

Pres. Barack Obama proposes expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Map from NOAA

Council member Ruth Matagi Tofiga, American Samoa marine resource director, said expansion of the no-fishing zone would place a burden on her government. “It’s disheartening,” she said. “Our ocean is our livelihood.”

Pres. Bush originally established the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument in January 2009 under the authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906. On June 17 of this year, Pres. Obama used his executive powers to propose expanding the marine protected area. The monument boundaries currently extend 50 nautical miles from the mean low water lines of Howland, Baker, and Jarvis Islands; Johnston, Wake, and Palmyra Atolls; and Kingman Reef. Under Obama’s plan, the boundaries would expand to the 200-nautical-mile extent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The monument is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the United States Department of the Interior. The remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country’s jurisdiction.

They protect many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere. Hawai`i conservationists have welcomed Obama’s proposal, calling it a significant step toward protecting diverse habitats, stepping up sustainable fishing practices and preventing large-scale overfishing. The monument includes endemic trees, grasses and birds adapted to life at the Equator; the rare sea turtles and whales and Hawaiian monk seals that visit Johnston Atoll; and high-quality coral reefs. U.S. federal law prohibits resource destruction or extraction, waste dumping and commercial fishing in the monument areas. Research, free passage, and recreation are allowed. See staradvertiser.com.To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Out of the gate, the bull starts to buck as the black-vested paniolo holds on. Photo by Julia Neal

RODEO IS A FAMILY DAY FOR MANY Hawaiians in Ka`u and those who come from beyond. With many sponsors of the prized belt buckles for winners of the annual Fourth of July event at Na`alehu Rodeo Grounds on Saturday and Sunday, the rodeo drew a big field of competitors and fans.

Rodeo Queen Caliya Silva Kamei
Photo by Julia Neal

Caliya Silva Kamei was Rodeo Queen for the event. She is the daughter of Cavelle Silva and Clifford Kamei, Jr. who were married on Fourth of July. She is niece to Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva.

Taking the All-Around Champion title, with buckle sponsored by Hirayama Bros. Electric, Inc., was Keola Loando. Top Bull Rider, with buckle sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Medeiros, was Rey Javar. First in Open Dally Team Roping, with buckle sponsored by Edmund C. Olson Trust II, were Keoni Balucan and Mat Loando.

Family time for horses and paniolo enthusiasts to settle down
after the rodeo, including Ka`u's Christopher Llanes, at right.
Photo by Julia Neal

Winners of Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, with buckle sponsored by CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, were Keola Loando and Macey Loando. Winners of Team 90s Dally Team Roping, with buckle sponsored by Waimea Hill Country & Tack, were Les Andrade and Andrew Kauai. First in Junior Dally Team Roping, with buckle sponsored by Pacific Quest, were Evan Manoha and Westin Joseph.
Top in Double Mugging, with buckle sponsored by Ka`u Andrade Contracting, were Leyi Rita and Wyatt Rita. First in Wahine Mugging with, buckle sponsored by Boonie Medeiros and Rey Javar, were Tati Loando and Shannon Carmichael. Tops in Po`o Wai U, with buckle sponsored by Mark Loando MKL Trucking, was Keola Loando. First in Tie Down Roping, with buckle sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Justin Amaral, was Herman Holland. First in Open Breakaway Roping, with buckle sponsored by Ka`u Girls Softball, was Kahiau Onaka. First in Youth Barrels, with buckle sponsored by Day-Lum Rentals, was Kale Onaka.

Young paniolo Austin Lorenzo rounds up a couple of keiki wahine after the rodeo.
Photo by Julia Neal

Winner of Dummy Roping – four years old and under, with buckle sponsored by Hana Hou Restaurant, was Blayne DeMattos. First in Dummy Roping – five to eight years of age, with buckle sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, was Ayden Benevides. Winner of Goat Undercorating – ages four and under, with buckle sponsored by Pahala Pops, was Blayne Demattos. Tops in Goat Undecorating – ages five to eight, with buckle sponsored by Punalu`u Bake Shop, was Kalia Medeiros. Tops in Mutton Busting, with buckle sponsored by Wiki Wiki 76, was Hainoa Kahele.
The next rodeo is Aug. 23 at Na`alehu, a fundraiser for the Ka`u High School's new eight man football team, which also held a food
fundraiser at last weekend's rodeo.

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

ROADWAY PAVEMENT RECONSTRUCTION continues on Hwy 11 in the vicinity of Kapapala Ranch to the Ka`u boundary of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Alternating single lane closures in both directions between mile markers 45.6 and 39.5 occur today through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

A WALK INTO THE PAST features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger as Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar. The living history program takes place tomorrow and every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger, back center with top hat, is a member of the cast
of KDEN's Ruddigore, which opens Friday. Photo from KDEN

RUDDIGORE, OR THE WITCH’S CURSE, Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network’s summer production, also features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger, as well as his wife, Arlene Araki. Hershberger portrays the 21st Baronet Roderic in the Gilbert & Sullivan operatta, and Araki is a member of the Chorus of Professional Bridesmaids.

“As with all Gilbert and Sullivan, the plot revolves around duty and doing what is expected of you,” said director Suzi Bond. “This one has ancestors that come to life from paintings on the wall to torture the current Baronet of Ruddigore.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays from July 11 to 27 at Kilauea Military Camp Theater. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors over 60 and $10 for children 12 and under and are available at Kilauea General Store in Volcano, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and Kea`au Natural Foods. Reservations can be made by calling 982-7344.
For more information call this number, email kden73@aol.com, or visit KDEN’s Facebook page.

PEGGY STANTON TEACHES ACRYLIC PAINTING to all levels tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free for VAC members; $20 for nonmembers.
For more information, email peggystanton007@yahoo.com.

Richard Perea will talk about his natural farming fig farm at this weekend's
Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting. Photo from Richard Perea

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting on Saturday, July 12 at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.
Richard Perea, of Ka`u Natural Farming, presents photos and talks about his fig farm in Ocean View and how he uses natural farming.
For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

ULANA LAUHALA IS THE TOPIC Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn to weave a decorative star from leaves of the pandanus tree. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

The Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts the 34th annual Cultural Festival this Saturday, when participants can learn Hawaiian crafts, including lei making. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS A CANDIDATE FORUM tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Recycle Hawai`i, Sierra Club’s Moku Loa Group and a number of Hawaiian panelists are coming together to help voters answer the question: “Where does your candidate stand on the environment?”

The forum will focus on sustainability and environmental justice issues by posing related questions to County Council candidates. “We are making the effort to ensure that voters know where the candidates stand on these issues before they go to the polls Aug. 9,” said Kristine Kubat, who promotes and stages zero waste events for Recycle Hawai`i and is organizing the forum.
Resource management issues will be a hot topic at the forum, as will conservation and concerns related to overdevelopment, Kubat said.
Nelson Ho, Chair of the Sierra Club, Moku Loa Group covering Hawai`i Island, asks the community to make an effort to attend. “Since Hawai`i County adopted a non-partisan election format, many of the council races would be decided in the Aug. 9 primary,” he said. “We want voters to make sure their vote counts, and we want them to be informed.”
Laakea Caravalho and Kanani Frazier, of Knowledge in Motion, a nonprofit environmental education organization, are handling the guest list for Hawaiian panelists.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN REGISTER TO VOTE at Pahala Community Center tomorrow and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 9 primary election is Thursday.
Registration forms are also available at post offices in Ocean View, Na`alehu, Pahala and Volcano Village and at public libraries in Na`alehu and Pahala. Wikiwiki registration forms are also available online at hawaii.gov/elections.
For more information, call Hawai`i County Office of Elections at 961-8277 or see the website above.

KAHUA OLOHU MAKAHIKI GROUNDS IN NA`ALEHU are on the agenda of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Committee’s meeting scheduled for this coming Monday, July 14 at 10 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. The property is one of about a dozen being considered for preservation.
The county considered using the state land and a smaller, adjacent, private property for the proposed Na`alehu sewage treatment plant until archaeological surveys revealed the existence of an ancient Hawaiian playing field.

The Open Space Commission is considering preservation
of land in Na`alehu, which includes state-owned land
here outlined in purple. Map from Pacific Legacy

Most of the makahiki site is state land. The owners of the smaller 13-acre property, James and Elizabeth Weatherford, said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.
The property is described in Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing, and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”

MAYOR BILLY KENOI JOINED HAWAI`I’S THREE other county mayors, Office of Hawaiian Affairs leadership and Gov. Neil Abercrombie in launching the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability – He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia at a declaration signing held at Hawai`i State Capitol. The commitment sets clear targets for clean energy transformation, local food production, natural resource management, waste reduction, smart growth, climate resilience, green jobs and education by 2030:

70 percent clean energy – 40 percent from renewables and 30 percent from efficiency (reinforcing the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative);
At least double local food production – 20 to 30 percent of food consumed is grown locally;
Reverse the trend of natural resource loss mauka to makai by increasing freshwater security, watershed protection, community-based marine management, invasive species control and native species restoration;
Reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 70 percent through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion and landfill diversion methods;
Increase livability and resilience in the built environment through planning and implementation at state and county levels;
Increase local green jobs and education to implement these targets.

The state Legislature unanimously passed the Aloha+ Challenge through resolution this year. Hawai`i Green Growth, which brings together key leaders from federal, state, county, business and nonprofit organizations, hosted the declaration signing to show broad support.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, standing behind Gov. Neil Abercrombie, joined other
Hawai`i mayors and OHA leadership in launching the Aloha+ Challenge.
Photo from Office of the Governor

Kenoi said, “The Aloha+ Challenge is about protecting our Hawai`i and maximizing our resources to improve the quality of life for our communities. It reinforces that our decision-making as a state must focus on sustaining our resources for generations to come, and must be rooted in aloha.”
Abercrombie said, “The Aloha+ Challenge brings us all together across jurisdictions, agencies, sectors and communities to build a sustainable Hawai`i for current and future generations. The targets transcend political timelines with a longer-term vision that also calls upon us to take bold action now. As a microcosm of the world’s sustainability challenges, it is time for Hawai`i to become a global model of how to develop innovative and collaborative solutions.”
Hawai`i’s commitment to the Aloha+ Challenge is already creating international attention. With the U.S. Department of State, Hawai`i has been invited to announce the challenge on the world stage at a high-level Global Island Partnership event in Samoa this September, during the United Nations’ International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which focuses on sustainable development.

HAWAI`I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, formerly known as state Civil Defense, encourages members of the public to sign up for local emergency notifications provided by county civil defense and emergency management agencies. Instructions for Hawai`i Island’s system are available by emailing civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov and requesting enrollment to the emergency notification system. Include your mobile phone number.
On June 30, Sprint Relay Hawai`i discontinued its emergency notification system that the company had been providing free of charge for six years. Relay Hawai`i was designed to provide Short Message Service/text messages on natural disasters and other emergencies to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
“Sprint Relay Hawai`i has been a terrific partner in providing warning of approaching hazards and emergencies, and we are grateful for the services it provided,” said Doug Mayne, administrator for Emergency Management. “Individuals are urged to update notice subscriptions with alternatives. Having a reliable way to get information on local dangers is crucial to making sure an emergency doesn’t turn into a disaster.”
Wireless Emergency Alerts are also available through the federal government for people with WEA-enabled phones. See ready.gov/alerts for more information.

PATCH offers training classes at Pahala Preschool for early educators.

PEOPLE ATTENTIVE TO CHILDREN, or PATCH, is currently holding training classes at Pahala Preschool. The Infant & Toddler Social Emotional Series is for early educators interested in their professional development and in continuous quality improvement. Classes are held Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 5.

For more information and to register, call 322-3500.

Participants learn lauhala weaving tomorrow.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival this Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ka`u Hiehie I Ka Makani, which means Ka`u Regal in the Gales, referring to the multi-directional winds that cool the land in Kahuku, is the theme of this year's festival.
Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods. Performers this year include Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer and `ukulele artist Diana Aki, known as the Songbird of Miloli`i, Kumu Hula Mamo Brown and Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, falsetto singer Kai Ho`opi`i, kupuna hula by Haunani Medeiros and more.
Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.
The Kahuku unit is the southernmost section of the park and is located on the mauka side of Hwy 11 at mile marker 70.5.

ULANA LAUHALA IS THE TOPIC tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn to weave a decorative star from leaves of the pandanus tree. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting on Saturday, July 12 at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.

Participants at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival this Saturday at the Kahuku Unit can take a guided hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana. Photo by Michael Szoenyi

BRENDA FORD ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY that she is endorsing Ocean View resident Richard Abbett for County Council District Six. She said she is choosing to endorse Abbett because of “his tremendous background in federal, state and local levels of government.” She said he has experience “in drafting legislation, securing funding and most importantly, his ability to negotiate the U.S. Canadian Pacific Salmon Treaty. It takes a strong and reasonable person to negotiate at federal and international levels. Ric brings that skill set to the county.”

County Council District Six member
Brenda Ford has endorsed Richard
Abbett to take her place.

Ford said Abbett’s skills “are going to be needed as we wrestle with very serious county problems such as solid waste, specifically the request for proposals for the waste-to-energy plant. That is the most serious problem facing Hawai`i County this moment, not to mention wastewater treatment (sewage) plants that are years behind in renovations and upgrades.
“The fact that Mr. Abbett supports the zero waste policy of the county indicates that he will support the will of the people,” Ford said. “He understands that we need to reduce pollution of all types, which brings us to the second major issue in the county, which is possible geothermal expansion in Puna and most probably Kona. These types of geothermal facilities have been shown to emit toxins,” said Ford.
Regarding geothermal, Abbett told The Ka`u Calendar that there are toxic emissions from geothermal technology in use today, but beyond that, its application has more value in northern southern climates around the poles. In Iceland, the community can advantage themselves of the heat for homes, businesses and hot water, so it is more valuable to them.

“Here in Hawai`i, the heat is not necessarily an added value or resource.

Richard Abbett, candidate for Hawai`i
County Council District Six

“Solar fits us like a hand in a glove, whereas geothermal thermal is more for centralized energy production and distribution. Solar is decentralized, which is the track energy evolution is on for the next century outside of urban areas.”
Ford said the third major issue is “genetic engineering of our food crops.” Abbett told The Ka`u Calendar, “I think that we need to proceed at the state level to require GMO labeling. This will force the federal government’s hand to address the issue nationally.
“Rather than having proof that it is harmful, industry needs to go through the process of guaranteeing GMOs are safe, much like has been done in Europe,” he said. “There are markets for non-GMO foods.”
Ford said Abbett “will bring his expertise and research abilities to study and make wise decisions regarding these issues. He is another person, like me, who is willing to do tremendous amounts of research before he makes up his mind. The public deserves that. The public deserves to have a County Council person who brings a skill set and personal work ethic to support the will of the people.”
She said, “I believe that Richard can present facts, be willing to compromise and will be able to present solid evidence to other council members for whatever position he supports.” Ford said, “The people of District Six deserve to have a County Council member who will stand up for the people. Richard Abbett is that person to vote for on Aug. 9. Register immediately to vote since the County Council race can be decided in the primary.” She urged registration at the nearest fire station.
Abbett’s background includes being President, CEO and corporate executive of Trout Unlimited, a national organization based in Washington state to conserve cold-water fisheries. He also served as the state of Washington advocate for federal funding for habitat restoration for salmon.
Abbett sat on the environmental committee of the board of directors of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a coalition of national, environmental and conservation organizations.
He was Northwestern Regional Director of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance of the AFL-CIO.
Abbett said he has been part of the Organic Food Movement and is a founding member of food co-ops in Bellingham and Olympia, Washington.
His degree is in public policy, development and administration.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN REGISTER TO VOTE at Pahala Community Center today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 9 primary election.
Registration forms are also available at post offices in Ocean View, Na`alehu, Pahala and Volcano Village and at public libraries in Na`alehu and Pahala. Wikiwiki registration forms are also available online at hawaii.gov/elections.
For more information, call Hawai`i County Office of Elections at 961-8277, or see the website above.

Maile Medeiros David, candidate for Hawai`i
County Council District Six

RECYCLE HAWAI`I, SIERRA CLUB’S MOKU LOA GROUP and a number of Hawaiian panelists hold a forum for Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates at Pahala Community Center today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The forum will focus on sustainability and environmental justice issues by posing related questions to the candidates. Candidates on the Aug. 9 primary ballot are Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, Maile Medeiros David, of Captain Cook, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY CAN KEEP ITS REGISTRY of open-air farms growing genetically modified crops, but it cannot disclose their identities and specific locations, reports Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. A preliminary injunction issued by Hilo Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura points out the lack of clear rules regarding what information the county would release.
According to Callis, the injunction says that “releasing the specific locations of papaya farms would not ‘protect farmers of non-genetically engineered crops’ because of the ‘limited risk’ of cross-pollination and because GMO papaya is not prohibited.”
Following Hawai`i County’s adoption of the ban on GMO crops in December, two plaintiffs challenged the requirement to register on grounds that it could expose them to vandalism and other losses.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PROMOTING CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE adopted design guidelines and standards is the subject of proposed amendments to Hawai`i County’s zoning code. The amendments would create a process that would require the Planning director to review and consult with a local design review committee for certain land use permit applications, such as project unit developments, situated within a special district.

Jim Wilson, candidate for Hawai`i
County Council District Six

PUDs are often used by developers who purchase agriculture lands to make some lots smaller than the 20-acres for which they are zoned. Along the Ka`u Coast, plans have included making small oceanfront lots and leaving large parcels mauka. Other plans have included making small lots for specialty farm estates and leaving unbuildable and unfarmable hillsides and gulches in large parcels.
The Leeward Planning Commission will consider the amendments at its meeting at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona on Thursday, July 17 at 9:30 a.m.

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AFTER REVIEWING 245 MEASURES PASSED by the 2014 Hawai`i State Legislature, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed 229 of them into law. He notified legislators of his decision to veto seven bills and to allow six bills to become law without his signature.

“I am pleased to have signed 229 bills into law, continuing a year of progress that included historic legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage (Act 82) and protect hundreds of acres of land on O`ahu’s North Shore from development (Act 81),” Abercrombie said. “While fewer bills reached my desk this year compared to years past, laws generated this session will have a positive impact on Hawai`i and its people.”

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival this Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods.

Two hikes will also be offered. The new Pu`u o Lokuana cinder cone hike is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and `Ohi`a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting this Saturday, July 12 at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u Hospital hosts the annual public meeting of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. Saturday, July 19. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX CANDIDATES met at a forum held at Pahala Community Center yesterday. Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, Maile David, of Captain Cook, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano, answered questions posed by Recycle Hawai`i, Sierra Club, several Native Hawaiians and audience members. Kristine Kubat and Bob Ernst, of Recycle Hawai`i were moderators.

The first question was, “How do you express your love for the land in your personal life?”

From left, Jim Wilson, Maile David and Richard Abbett at yesterday's Hawai`i
County Council District Six candidates' forum at Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Ron Johnson

Richard Abbett discussed his appreciation of nature and said he has been a fishermen and hunter in 48 of the 50 states. He said the future of Hawai`i comes from realizing that spiritual values come from connections with the land. “The specialness that we have here requires leadership,” he said.
Maile David said that, as a Native Hawaiian, she has a familial relationship with the land. She grew up hunting, fishing and working on the family farm in Kona. “I want my children to experience that,” she said. “I know the importance of the connections of our people to the land.” She said the ahupua`a system is most intact on Big Island. “We have to preserve that; what we do to the land will effect the Native Hawaiians,” she said.
Jim Wilson said that in “every culture that ever existed, the land has been important to them. Mother Nature is pissed about what we’ve done to this land. If we don’t do something, we are going to be in serious trouble.” He said he wants to make the land like 100 years ago “when it was productive. There’s something special about this island, and I want to do whatever I can to protect it,” he said.

“What has qualified you to be a County Council member?” Kubat asked.

David stressed her 30 years of legal experience, including 10 years working with the County Council, first as assistant to council member Angel Pilago and currently as Deputy County Clerk. She also worked with Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i. David worked on lawsuits to protect shorelines. One lawsuit led to a court decision clarifying that the state is not permitted to delegate to another entity its authority and obligations to protect the environment for Native Hawaiians. “Although we have laws that protect people and environment, lawsuits are the only way you get attention that government needs to protect our citizens. You destroy the resources; you destroy the people,” she said.

A young bird entered Pahala Community Center last night to walk and chirp
among attendees and County Council candidates Jim Wilson, Maile David
and Richard Abbett, who answered questions and talked about their
environmental work. Photo by Julia Neal

Abbett said he worked as a council’s community liaison in Olympia, WA. He also worked with former Hawai`i County Council member Bob Jacobson and his wife Julie in the 1990s. He has been involved in the water-planning project in Ocean View and has also worked with Native American tribes on the mainland on state and federal issues. He also brought up his background with Trout Unlimited, a national organization based in Washington state to conserve cold-water fisheries. Abbett has bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration.
Wilson stressed his ability to listen and make decisions. He said, “I have a real desire see a lot more common sense put into the organization.” He said he wants to see the county run more like a business and that his business background, including his years as publisher of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, and work with civic organizations qualify him to be a council member.
Regarding Hawaiian history and transfer of power from the Hawaiian kingdom to the United States, Kubat asked, “Are you aware of the history of the overthrow of Hawai`i?”

Wilson said he spends a lot of time trying to understand the issue. He said his family comes from a Native American background and, “I know it becomes a very emotional issue.” He said it is a deep and important subject “that needs to be with fairly.”
David said her understanding of the overthrow was “the turning point of my life.” She said in the 1960s and 1970s, libraries had no books on Hawaiiana and history books talked about the sugar industry. She said she learned about Hawaiian history when in law and got involved in sovereignty movement.
Abbett said, “History is written by the victors. It still does amaze me how much Hawaiian culture and history was ignored. I was conceived here and have family here.” He said Hawaiians deserve respect and to make the choice of how they heal and move forward.

The primary election is on Saturday, Aug. 9.
See more on yesterday’s forum in future Ka`u News Briefs.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE in the Aug. 9 primary election. Ka`u residents can register at Pahala Community Center today until 4:30 p.m.
Wikiwiki registration forms are also available online at hawaii.gov/elections.
For more information, call Hawai`i County Office of Elections at 961-8277, or see the website above.

HAWAI`I’S RURAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IS IN NEED of modernization to better support economic growth, according to a report released today.

The report, Rural Connections: Challenges and Opportunities in America’s Heartland, was released by TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, DC. The group found that rural roads and bridges in Hawai`i have significant deficiencies and a high rate of traffic fatalities.
In 2012, 32 percent of Hawai`i’s major rural roads were rated in poor condition, the fourth highest rate nationally. In 2013, 19 percent of Hawai`i’s rural bridges were rated as structurally deficient, the sixth highest rate in the nation.
The traffic fatality rate on Hawai`i’s non-interstate rural roads was 2.48 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2012, the 12th highest in the nation and more than 2.5 times higher than the fatality rate of 0.89 on all other roads in the state.
The report finds that the U.S. needs to adopt transportation policies that will improve rural transportation connectivity, safety and conditions to provide the nation’s small communities and rural areas with safe and efficient access to support quality of life and enhance economic productivity. To accomplish this, the report recommends modernizing and extending key routes to accommodate personal and commercial travel, implementing needed roadway safety improvements, improving public transit access to rural areas and adequately funding preservation and maintenance of rural transportation assets.
However, according to the report, due to a cash shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund as projected by the Congressional Budget Office, Hawai`i could lose $195 million for highway and transit improvements if a lack of adequate revenue going into the Federal Highway Trust Fund is not addressed by Congress.
See tripnet.org/docs/Rural_Roads_HI_TRIP_Release_071014.pdf.

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EAST HAWAI`I REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS for Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation holds its annual public meeting on Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at Ka`u Hospital. Island residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
An overview of services offered at Ka’u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on the provision of healthcare for the residents of East Hawai`i.
“We are seeking community input and assistance to develop plans in order to improve healthcare in East Hawai`i,” said board chair Gary Yoshiyama. “With our anticipated healthcare reform changes, it is critical that we have dialogue with all stakeholders.”
East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors was created by the Hawai`i State legislature under Act 290 in 2007. HHSC facilities in the East Hawai`i Region include Hilo Medical Center, Ka`u Hospital, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua in Honoka`a and the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Altogether, the four facilities have a total of 468 beds and over 1,250 employees and 250 physicians.
For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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Dr. Romeo Quijano will speak at
Pahala Community Center July 26

HAWAI`I CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY IS BRINGING speakers to Ka`u on Saturday, July 26. Filipino leaders Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape speak with farmers, farm workers and others at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A potluck begins at 5 p.m.

Dr. Romeo Quijano and Gilbert Sape will speak about farming and agriculture issues as they affect Filipinos across Hawai`i and the Philippines, including health and environmental impacts of pesticide exposure and genetically modified crops.
Their insight speaks to the long history of Filipinos in Hawai`i as an integral part of the workforce on the islands and the ethnic group that comprises a majority of the state.
This lecture series brings Filipino identity and community building to the forefront of important conversations regarding well being of the Filipino community in Hawai`i. The speakers will equip audiences with knowledge and tools needed to empower themselves as stakeholders in the farm and food movements, as well as a renewed sense of communal resiliency.
For more information, contact Kasha Ho at 808-681-7688 or kho@centerforfoodsafety.org.

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting Saturday at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u residents and Hawai`i Wildlife Fund representatives return to Kamilo Point on Sunday to continue their efforts to rid the extremely vulnerable site of a continuous flow of marine debris. Photo from HWF

A WASTE-TO-ENERGY SYSTEM THAT WOULD INCINERATE trash to create electricity was a hot topic at the County Council District Six candidate forum held Wednesday at Pahala Community Center. Systems under consideration focus on maximizing the flow of trash from around the island into an incinerator in Hilo. The garbage would be trucked from as far away as Waimea, the Hamakua Coast, Pahala and Wai`ohinu.

Richard Abbett

Moderator Bob Ernst, of the Sierra Club, told the candidates Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration is currently considering proposals by three waste-to-energy companies offering alternatives to dumping trash into landfills. Covanta Energy Corp., Green Conversion Systems, Inc. and Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. made the short list out of eight vendors who submitted bids following a request for proposals from the county. However, because all three finalists are waste-to-energy companies, Kohala council member Margaret Wille is calling for the administration to scrap its current RFP process and start over with a broader one that would be more inclusive of other alternatives. Ernst asked if the candidates if they would support Wille’s proposal.
Jim Wilson, of Volcano, said he would support Wille’s proposal.

Maile David, of Captain Cook, said the RFP is a legal procedure, required by statute, and that she is not sure it could be withdrawn. She suggested that there may be other means of stopping it.

Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, said he agrees with Wille and said, “We should stop before making a bad mistake.” He said it may be necessary to recycle less in order to have enough material to meet the requirements of the incinerator.

The candidates also addresses several other questions on environmental issues.
“What is your stance on GMO laws of the county?” Ernst asked.
Wilson said, “GMO needs to be completely transparent; we need to know what is in the product.”

Maile David

David said the county’s ban addresses some of the concerns and is a good starting point. She also noted the pending federal lawsuit against the bill.
Abbett said the ban is similar to a ban on pesticides in streams and rivers that he worked to get passed in Washington state. “The principle is same – personal choice of persons to know what they put in their bodies.”
“Would you welcome more military expansion at Pohakuloa Training Area?” asked Ernst.
Abbett said he wouldn’t support it.

David said the issue would have to be brought to the community, not just County Council.
Wilson said he supports PTA but is not sure about increasing arms at the training area.
Ernst said Gov. Neil Abercrombie is urging Hawai`i Island residents to support geothermal and asked the candidates if they support an undersea cable to distribute electricity from here to other islands.
Wilson said he would need a lot more information before deciding.
David said the issue has “huge environmental considerations” and that she would need to do more research.
Abbett said he is against the cable. “It’s the exact wrong direction,” he said. “We need to be decentralizing power. Exporting power in an underwater cable is not my idea of economic development for the next century.”

Jim Wilson

The candidates found common ground on several subjects.

When moderator Kristine Kubat, of Recycle Hawai`i, asked the candidates if they would support a ban on Styrofoam packaging material in the county, each of the three said yes.
“Would you consider having an environmental management advisory hui?” asked Ernst. They all were open to such an idea.

Kubat asked the candidates if they would support changing law so curbside trash pickup companies could also take recyclables, which is currently not allowed. All answered yes.
Ernst asked the candidates if they would support requiring events by organizations that receive county grants-in-aid to be zero-waste events. They also said they would. Abbett added that nonprofits “are already doing a great job, and this would be a great incentive.”

When asked if they recycle at home, all three candidates said they do. David added that her family also composts.

See more on the candidate forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
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Howard Ainsley

HOWARD N. AINSLEY HAS SUBMITTED HIS RESIGNATION as Regional Chief Executive Officer of East Hawai`i Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. effective Aug. 9. The region includes Ka`u Hospital and Hilo Medical Center, along with Hale Ho`ola Hamakua and Yuko Okutsu Veterans Home.
“Over the past five years, I’ve had the honor of working with exceptional people as we became the first HHSC affiliated organization to implement an electronic medical record and develop a Family Residency Program; we’ve made significant improvements in our clinical quality and core measures and introduced state-of-the-art technological advances to our hospitals,” Ainsley said. “We are becoming a more patient-centered organization intent on improving the quality of care for our island’s residents and have much to celebrate. It has been my pleasure serving the East Hawai`i Community through this period of growth, and I leave the organization in the care of a dedicated, hard working, and gifted team of board members, executives and managers. I know they will continue to push the region toward becoming a top-notch hospital in Hawai`i, and wish them the very best.”
Ainsley will join Novant Health System in North Carolina as CEO of its newest affiliated facility, Morehead Memorial Hospital. The private, not-for-profit system operates in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.
“We are thankful for having had Howard’s leadership over the past five years as we went through our transformation to becoming a more quality driven organization,” said Gary Yoshiyama, East Hawai`i Regional Board chairman. “We wish Howard the very best as he enters the next stage of his career.
“The East Hawai`i Region will continue to focus on its vision of becoming a health care system that provides patient centered, culturally competent, cost-effective care with exceptional outcomes and superior patient satisfaction,” Yoshiyama said. “Our board has also reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic plan and will move forward with it as its guiding document.”
HHSC’s East Hawai`i Regional Board holds its annual public meeting at Ka`u Hospital Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.

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The Thirty Meter Telescope requires development and education
of a local workforce. Image from tmt.org

DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION OF A LOCAL WORKFORCE is necessary to support the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be completed on Mauna Kea in 2022. Representatives of University of Hawai`i at Hilo, Hawai`i Community College and Hawai`i Island observatories held a panel discussion on expanding the island’s astronomy-related workforce, reports Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald.

According to project spokesperson Sandra Dawson, the telescope would provide from 120 to 140 jobs, with about 80 percent of the jobs being engineers and information technology positions.
Dawson said TMT plans to contribute $1 million a year for science, technology, engineering and math education on Hawai`i Island. It currenty has three interns from the island working in Pasadena, CA, she said.
Doug Simons, executive director for the Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope, said there is high demand for locally based contractors and staff. “We’re eager,” Callis reports him saying. “You can call us desperate.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Keiki learn `ohe kapala, Hawaiian bamboo stamping, with Ranger Rebecca
Carvalho. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods.
Two hikes are also scheduled. The new Pu`u o Lokuana cinder cone hike is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and `Ohi`a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting Saturday at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP at Kamilo Point Sunday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to the site. Sign up at 769-7629 or kahakaicleanups@gmail.com.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON GUIDES A FIVE-HOUR, four-mile, round-trip hike exploring the subalpine zone of the Mauna Loa Trail Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park members; nonmembers are invited to join in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's 34th annual Cultural Festival is happening today until 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit. Last year, Tyler Amaral and other youth rangers introduced Hawaiian foods to festival-goers. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

“WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR KA`U? “What weight will you give to community testimony?” Moderator Kristine Kubat, of Recycle Hawai`i, posed these questions to Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates at a forum held Wednesday at Pahala Community Center.

Maile David, of Captain Cook, said, “The direction of Ka`u has to be in the hands of the citizens. It’s the people’s right to decide where they want to go.” She said she would make decisions based on community input. She brought up the Ka`u Community Development Plan, saying it is “a document that drives what the community wants. We need to complete it and implement it.”

Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, said, “Ka`u need to remain wild,” while acknowledging and supporting its agricultural economy. He said he was involved in CDPs in Washington, where he saw development as the “result of a stacked deck.” He also said he agrees with council member Brenda Ford’s effort to require the county Planning director to visit every site of development, “even if it is expensive.” Ford had introduced Bill 182 at the County Council in an attempt to prevent the Planning Department from approving projects that violate Community Development Plans, but it did not pass.

Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates answered questions at
Pahala Community Center Wednesday. From left are Jim Wilson,
Maile David and Richard Abbett. Photo from Bob Ernst

Regarding his vision of Ka`u, Jim Wilson, of Volcano, said he, as a council member, would “reflect what the community wants.” Regarding public testimony, Wilson said, “You have to give it every weight.”
When asked if they support home rule for all issues in the county, all candidates said they do.
An audience member asked, “How will you represent we the people in a corrupt political system” that includes “greed and corporate buy-off?”
Wilson said there’s no room for corruption.
David said, “Corruption happens when you participate in corruption. I will not be corrupt.”
Abbett pointed to his work in fisheries, where he “bent the will of the greedy to the will of the community.”
In closing, Kubat asked, “Why should environmentalists vote for you?”
Wilson said, “Everybody has to be an environmentalist. I have no problem doing what I can do to help out.”
David pointed to her “track record” and support of “our need to keep our island from being overly developed in an insensitive way.”
Abbett said he has a “long, proven record of environmental protection. We need to know how ecosystems work and that balance creates a diversity of species.”
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Ka`u Hospital has released its Community Health Needs Assessment.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL’S COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE has prioritized health needs of the community and strategies to address those needs. Its recommendations are reported in the Community Health Needs Assessment, based on information gathered through surveys and community meetings.

One priority identified is improving access to primary and specialty care. The committee recommends that the hospital review its clinic’s practices to improve access for existing patients and add primary care providers to match demand. The report notes that “critical mass” is needed to support additional providers.
Another suggestion is for the hospital to investigate opportunities for telehealth to improve access to specialty care or opportunities to share clinic space with visiting specialists.
The committee also recommends exploring options to bring some form of dialysis care to Ka`u and to promote access to prenatal care here.
To improve access to physical therapy, the committee suggests that Ka`u Hospital could consider building an inpatient rehabilitation program, pending its ability to obtain therapy staff.
The report also suggests that the hospital aim to provide outpatient physical therapy after hospital renovation creates additional outpatient space.
Another identified priority is to improve access to more imaging services, including CT, ultrasound and mammograms. While Ka`u Hospital currently has the ability to do emergency ultrasounds, the committee recommends further assessment of costs and benefits of additional imaging therapies.
Next Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m., Ka`u Hospital hosts the annual public meeting of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors.

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Christopher Yuen

FORMER HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR Christopher Yuen is one of three new nominations to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. All are interim appointments effective immediately and are subject to state Senate approval.
Yuen fills an at-large seat and a BLNR requirement of having experience in conservation.
Yuen, a resident of Ninole, held BLNR’s Hawai`i County seat from 1990 to 1998. He is currently on advisory councils for the Laupahoehoe and Puuwaawaa Experimental Tropical Forest. Since 1995, Yuen has been owner and manager of The Family Farm, Inc., a 20-acre certified organic farm supplying local markets with bananas, lychees and rambutans. Previously, he was also Hawai`i County’s deputy corporation counsel, an interpretive naturalist for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a private attorney.
Yuen received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a juris doctorate from UH William S. Richardson School of Law.
Other nominations are Vernon Char and Ulalia Woodside, both of O`ahu.
“Because of several recent resignations, these appointments were expedited to ensure that the land board would have sufficient members to conduct business without interruption to its meeting schedule,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “Vernon, Ulalia and Chris all have extensive background in public service, and Hawai`i’s resources will benefit from their commitment and passion.”
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, headed by an executive BLNR, is responsible for managing, administering and exercising control over public lands, water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, coastal areas (except commercial harbors), minerals and all interests therein within the state, as well as 750 miles of coastline.

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KA`U SCENIC BYWAY IS FEATURED in the July/August issue of AAA Magazine, along with three other Hawai`i Island byways. Ka`u Scenic Byway follows Hwy 11 and side roads from Manuka State Wayside to Volcano Village.

Under Highlights, the magazine lists Manuka Natural Area Reserve, Kula Kai Caverns, scenic overlook with views of South Point, Kahuku section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Honu`apo Bay, Punalu`u Beach, Tibetan Buddhist Temple and Ka`u Desert Trail.

The byways “all tell a special story,” Hawai`i Scenic Byways coordinator David Zevenbergen told writer Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi. “They have outstanding traits that deserve recognition and protection. They also benefit when citizens, business and community groups, and state and federal agencies work together to preserve their beauty and unique character.”

The public is invited to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

For more information about the meeting, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

More information about the byways is available at hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

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Tim Tunison guides a hike on Mauna Loa Trail tomorrow.
Photo by Lanaya Deily

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival today until 3 p.m.
Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods.
Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting today at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP at Kamilo Point tomorrow. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to the site. Sign up at 769-7629 or kahakaicleanups@gmail.com.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON GUIDES A FIVE-HOUR, four-mile, round-trip hike exploring the subalpine zone of the Mauna Loa Trail tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park members; nonmembers are invited to join in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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

Courtney Okinishi takes first in the women's traditional division at Kapapala Ranch yesterday, where Hawai`i Island Archery club held a tournament. Photo from Royden Okinishi

THE FLEDGLING KA`U BRANCH of Hawai`i Farmers Union United held an organizing meeting last night at Ka`u Coffeehouse in Na`alehu, and David Case, the statewide secretary of the organization, reviewed the history of the national Farmers Union United founded in 1902.
He said that the Farmers Union is unrelated to labor unions, predating them. He said Farmers Union United was formed to help family farms with such efforts as getting products to market. He said it was founded at a time when the name “union” meant cooperating, as with electrical co-ops that were organizing to bring energy to farms across the nation. Union was a commonly used term and often used to refer to the country, the United States.

State Rep. Richard Creagan encourages small
farmers to become involved in the political process.

Case described the organization as a “bottoms up” group where leaders represent members and do not act on their own without discussion and approval by members. He said conflict of interest rules prevent leaders from using the organization for personal benefit.
He said the Farmers Union is set up to protect and benefit small family farms. He contrasted its history with the American Farm Bureau, which he contended was “founded by the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts” to serve corporate agriculture, with different goals than the Farmers Union.
Case said Hawai`i Farmers Union is approaching 500 members. Membership is $45 a year, with $5 going to the national organization, which has offices in Washington, D.C.
Legislation, education and enterprise are priorities, he said. The organization is increasingly involved at Hawai`i state Legislature each year.
State Rep. Richard Creagan, who is acting vice-president of the Ka`u branch, said it is important for small farmers to become more involved in the political process. County Council candidate Richard Abbett, who is acting treasurer of the Ka`u branch, said later that he is volunteering his services to help at the Legislature as he has extensive experience in advocating on behalf of community organizations at state Legislatures.
The meeting also included a presentation on fig farming in Ka`u and a discussion on possible products from hardy and pesky plants, from Christmas berry to guava and “Hawaiian oregano.”
Ka`u Natural Farming practices and ideas came from speaker Richard Perea.
See hfuuhi.org.
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A new report offers suggestions on improving Hawai`i
Island's transportation systems.

“DESPITE THE GEOGRAPHICAL COMPLEXITIES associated with islandwide transportation connectivity and accessibility, there are a number of optimizing cost-effective technological innovations available both in public transit and through the private sector.” This is the conclusion of a report by the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment for The Kohala Center.

According to the report, while the average public transit commute time for rural areas is 50 minutes, Hawai`i Island’s average is 68 minutes.
The report calls for improvements to the Hele-On bus system to increase ridership and reduce personal vehicle use. Suggestions include redesigning routes with more direct and express trips, clearly defining stops and scheduling service to optimize times and peak hours.
Improving communication would also increase Hele-On ridership, the report says. It suggests upgrading and redesigning the mass transit system’s web page to make it user-friendly, interactive and intuitive. It also calls for clear signs at designated bus stops, clear and more intuitive route mapping, major communication campaigns when changes are made and web and mobile phone applications with GPS tracking of vehicles.
Car-share and ride-share services would also reduce the number of personal vehicles on roads, the report states. It suggests engaging the business community to introduce such programs and implementing car-share services in existing rental car agencies.
The report, Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawai`i Island, is available at deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/106554/Hawaii%20Transit_Final_for%20distribution_2014.pdf?sequence=1.

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Eight-man football returns to Ka`u High in the upcoming school year.
Photo by Dave Berry

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS’ EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM will have more opportunities to play in the upcoming season. Following Ka`u High’s pioneering effort in fielding Hawai`i Island’s first eight-man team when there weren’t enough players for an 11-man team last season, Pahoa and Kohala plan to have eight-man teams this year, reports J.R. De Groote, of West Hawai`i Today.

While there are still not enough leagues to have an official eight-man football state championship, Ka`u athletic director Kalei Namohala told De Groote she has spoken with Maui Interscholastic League’s coordinator about the possibility of a champion vs. champion post-season matchup.
“I’m glad that we got to do eight-man last year,” Namohala said. “I’m so proud of our kids, coaches and community that embraced it. I believe in helping our students succeed in life through whatever positive means available and within our limitations.”

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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U.S. SENS. BRIAN SCHATZ AND MAZIE HIRONO are cosponsors of the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act that Schatz said “would protect families from corporate interference and make sure that employers cannot deny women essential health benefits mandated by federal law,” including birth control coverage.  

“Corporations aren’t people, and they should not be given Constitutional rights,” Schatz said. “The health and welfare of people should always come before corporations. Our bill will ensure women have the right to make personal health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

In a divided decision regarding a case brought by owners of Hobby Lobby stores, the U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that closely held private corporations can impose their religious beliefs on women by denying them birth control coverage as part of their health insurance.

Archers like Courtney Okinishi shot their arrows at targets
representing game during a tournament at Kapapala.
Photo from Royden Okinishi

Hirono denounced the Supreme Court’s five-to-four decision. “The Supreme Court based this decision on the fact that Hobby Lobby is a ‘closely held corporation,’ and therefore the religious liberty of the humans who own and control the corporation must be protected,” she said. “I disagree with the five Justices’ interpretation of the applicable federal law and will join my colleagues to overturn this decision so that women who work for companies like Hobby Lobby will have access to health care coverage to which they are entitled.”

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COURTNEY OKINISHI, of Pahala, took first place in the women’s traditional division at Hawai`i Island Archery Club’s tournament at Kapapala Ranch yesterday. Alan Moores, of Pahala, took first in the seniors’ division. The archers shoot at targets designed to look like game across the pastures and woodlands of the ranch.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Forest Restoration Project on Friday, July 18 must register by tomorrow. The non-profit invites volunteers to remove knotweed and other invasive plants in an area of Mauna Loa strip. To register, call 352-1402.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK PRESENTS HULA PERFORMANCES Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, under the direction of kumu hula Pohai Souza, shares hula hula `auana. Also on stage are Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem, and Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui. Music is performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan.
The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
An overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on the provision of healthcare for the residents of East Hawai`i.
For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Participants at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival at the Kahuku Unit Saturday got a chance to experience the new hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone called Pu`u o Lokuana. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

THE WEATHER SYSTEM THAT PUMMELED KA`U last night has moved to the west. Remnants of Tropical Storm Fausto dumped several inches of rain on Ka`u and caused the National Weather Service to issue flash flood warnings. Locations in the warning included Wood Valley, Pahala, Punalu`u Beach, Punalu`u, Kawa Flats and Na`alehu.

A weather system with the potential to become a tropical storm is moving
into the central pacific. Image from National Weather Service.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is imminent or already occurring. When such a warning is issued, campers and hikers should avoid low-lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.
Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in vehicles or on foot. “Turn around, don’t drown,” is the National Weather Service’s advice.
While the flash flood warning has been cancelled, weather forecasts say more heavy rain from the former storm could come in from the east today.
Forecasters are also watching an area of disturbed weather centered about 1,550 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Slow development of this system is possible over the next couple of days while it moves to the west of west-northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. This system is expected to cross into the central Pacific on Wednesday. It has a 20 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone by early next week, according to forecasts.

U.S. Senate candidate Colleen Hanabusa
comes to Ka`u Sunday.

For more information, see weather.gov.
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COLLEEN HANABUSA COMES TO PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER this Sunday, July 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The congresswoman who is running for U.S. Senate against Brian Schatz will present Special Congressional Recognition Certificates to Ka`u Rural Health Academy students. The presentation will be followed by a talk story with community members. The public is invited.

A poster is circulating showing Hanabusa with Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba, farmer and geothermal advocate Richard Ha, sponsored by Hanabusa for Hawai`i U.S. Senate. Her East Hawai`i campaign chair is former state Department of Agriculture chair Russell Kokubun.  
See hanabusaforhawaii.com for more on Hanabusa’s campaign.

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Red cinder is a prominent feature inside Pu`u o Lokuana.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosted the 34th annual Cultural Festival Saturday. The theme was Ka`u Hiehie I Ka Makani, which means Ka`u Regal in the Gales, referring to the multi-directional winds that cool the land in Kahuku.
Participants enjoyed hula kahiko and music, watched skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, tried their hand at Hawaiian crafts and tasted traditional Hawaiian foods. Performers included Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer and `ukulele artist Diana Aki, known as the Songbird of Miloli`i, Kumu Hula Mamo Brown and Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, falsetto singer Kai Ho`opi`i, kupuna hula by Haunani Medeiros and more.

The national park also offered two hikes during the festival, including the new Pu`u o Lokuana hike that took participants to the top of the cinder cone for breathtaking views of lower Ka`u.

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RANDY RUIS, OF OCEAN VIEW, IS RUNNING as a non-partisan candidate in state Representative District Five. He provided information about his views to the League of Women Voters.

Ruis, a teacher at Konawaena High School since 2003, taught Driver Education for many years. He said there are many transportation issues that he would like to address. Chief among them are roadside rest stations for the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park/Ka`u/Kona corridor.

“Residents and visitors have faced the challenge of locating a restroom while making the 96-mile drive to Volcanoes National Park, the number one attraction on the island,” Ruis said. “After passing the restrooms at Manuka Park, in either direction, there is not another restroom facility on the Belt Highway until Captain Cook or Wai`ohinu.” He said he believes that residents and tourists alike deserve clean, well maintained sanitary rest stations and that everyone will benefit from these added facilities. He added that the parking lot areas could serve a dual purpose as emergency landing pads for rescue helicopters, which he said is especially important for residents of rural Ka`u and South Kona.

Randy Ruis, candidate for state House
of Representatives, District Five

“Healthcare Services for our rural community are of primary importance,” Ruis said. “There has been talk about a new hospital for North Kona. It is important that services now offered at our hospital in Kealakekua are not discontinued, requiring residents to leave our district in order to receive medical treatment.”
Ruis said that, as a teacher, he is a supporter of public education and charter schools. He is a member of Hawai`i State Teachers Association and also supports organized labor and rights to negotiate fair contracts.
Ruiz can be contacted at randyruis@hotmail.com.
See lwv-hawaii.org.

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MEASUREMENTS FROM SPACE OF CARBON DIOXIDE on Earth could be helpful in detecting volcanic restlessness, according the latest issue of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. The article explains that volcanic CO2 is associated with magma supply, and volcanoes can release significant amounts of CO2 during large eruptions.
The article discusses the mission of the recently launched Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, to map distribution of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere, on a continuing basis, for at least two years. The mission’s chief goal is to gather information about Earth’s carbon cycle — a global-scale topic with many variables.

“In general, human activity and some processes of nature act as CO2 sources, pumping huge amounts of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, while other processes occurring in the oceans and on land act as sinks, removing it,” the article explains.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, at right, joins other Earth-monitoring
satellites. Photo from HVO courtesy of NASA

“Studies have shown convincingly that before the industrial age, human sources of CO2 were small, compared with the carbon-removing influence of vegetation, oceans and other natural processes. Modern carbon inventories indicate that the balance has been tipped the other way: we’re putting more Co2 into the air than Earth processes can practically remove.
“OCO-2 will attempt to unravel this mystery through its mapping of the amount and location of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere at an unprecedented level of precision and sensitivity. This feat, if accomplished, will produce a better quantitative understanding of regional CO2 sources and sinks.
However, the article says, “even if the OCO-2 mission is wildly successful, challenges will remain for applying these CO2 maps to volcanoes. Although the OCO-2 should, theoretically, be able to see fairly small CO2 concentration differences on the Earth’s surface, the detection footprint (as small as one square mile) is of the same order as the central crater of many volcanoes where CO2 is emitted. And once volcanic CO2 is released to the atmosphere, it begins to disperse and dilute, making it harder to detect.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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AFTER DARK IN THE PARK FEATURES HULA PERFORMANCES tomorrow from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Honolulu's Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, under the direction of kumu hula Pohai Souza, shares hula hula `auana. Also on stage are Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem, and Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui. Music is performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan.
The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend; topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
An overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.
For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

A year ago today, Longs Drugs opened in Pahala and remains the only free standing pharmacy in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

ACCEPTING PLANE TICKETS, HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD AND CAMPAIGN CONSULTING SESSIONS from a super Political Action Committee drew reaction this morning from one of the three Hawai`i County Council candidates who seek to serve Ka`u, the election coming up Aug. 9. Candidate Richard Abbett said that he would refuse such an offer from Pacific Resource Partners, a super PAC that lobbies for development on behalf of the Hawai`i Carpenters Union and the construction industry. Sitting council members Dru Kanuha, Greggor Ilagan, and Valerie Poindexter (who sent her campaign manager) accepted funding from PRP for an April 12 workshop on O`ahu, according to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning's West Hawai`i Today. Council candidate Tiffany Hunt accepted a consultation session from PRP on this island, which is valued at $421.96 on her campaign expenditure report. Maile David accepted consultation sessions from PRP valued an $1197.13, according to the campaign expenditure report.
David said she attended several consulting sessions with PRP on this island. She described them as "helpful," saying she was advised on "how to outreach, make time lines, schedule walking" in the community. She said she did not accept any airfare, hotel rooms or dining. "I run a clean campaign. In no way did I commit to any PRP positions. I would not involve myself in anything that would hurt my family and community," she said.

Richard Abbett said he will not take money from super PACs.
Photo by Julia Neal

Abbett said this morning, "I am taken aback that people took their money" and services. He said he would not accept airline tickets, hotel rooms, dining and training by a super PAC, even if campaign advisors urged him to "take the money" or the consulting services.
Said Abbett, "I don't have to ask someone else about my integrity. I don't need another person to determine my integrity. I would not take money for that reason." Abbett said that PRP wouldn't have asked him to "the training. I am not considered a political entity of value because I could not be influenced by the super PAC," he said. He contended that venues like super PAC training for candidates, "are not designed for discussion to produce creative solutions. They are to promote what they perceive to be in their members' interest."

"I do not take lip from people who want to influence me. I am resistant to it, for good reason." Abbett said that he understands that the union leaders involved in the super PAC "have a reason to lobby for their people to keep them working." He said, however, that in their desire to create near-term employment, union leaders sometimes are unable to see into the future when some projects could be damaging to employment years from now.

He noted that attempting to balance creation of jobs with a sustainable economy for local people can lead to political divisions. Abbett said that union jobs are not limited to traditional construction and manufacturing projects, like hotels, power plants and incinerators. He gave the example of construction and manufacturing jobs that could be created in the green industries sector. "New products and services could be created from our solid waste stream, including upcylced construction components made from discarded plastics, wood and metals," said Abbet. Jobs at a green industries park, contended Abbett, could be union and non-union with training opportunities and apprenticeships in the skilled trades of the unions. "This could create wealth from waste in our communities," he said.

Abbett also said that "solar, an industry that has already emerged and is leading the way," requires union-level skills in carpentry, electrical and metal working.

Pharmacist Leona Goda with clerk Donna Tsukamoto at
the Longs grand opening a year ago.
Photo by Julia Neal

According to the Cook Lauer story, "Some in Hawai`i County worry that now that the $5 billion Honolulu rail project is moving forward, PRP is concentrating its efforts on another big project on Hawai`i Island, a multimillion-dollar garbage incinerator that Mayor Billy Kenoi calls likely to be the largest public works project built on the island to date." See more at westhawaiitoday.com.

Council candidate Jim Wilson was unavailable to comment on this story.

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LONGS IS A YEAR OLD TODAY in Pahala. The CVS owned pharmacy opened on July 15, 2013 in the Pahala Shopping Center with a pharmacy and additional food, sundry and household items. Pharmacist is Leona Goda. Technicians are Jamie Gutierrez and Candrie Pascubillo. Clerk is Donna Tsukamoto. Office manager is Terri De Sa. Jeff Watts helps in front store. The store is constantly adjusting to fit the needs of the community, said De Sa. She said that Longs appreciates the community input.

Longs operated a pharmacy in Ka`u Hospital and was continually solicited to bring in more Longs items from the Hilo stores. With the closing of the restaurant at Pahala Shopping Center, Longs was able to renovate the space, with help from Taylor Built Construction and provide not only a Longs pharmacy but the larger store as well. Longs does not sell liquor, ice

cigarettes or fishing supplies and numerous other items found at the other two stores in Pahala.

Austin Yurong, an avid pig hunter in Ka`u
forests, lost his life to a traffic accident
over the weekend. Photo from facebook.

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POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR WITNESSES to the traffic accident near the corner of Ginger Blossom Lane and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Twenty-year old Austin Yurong, of Ocean View, died Sunday, following the one-vehicle accident Friday around 11 p.m. when he lost control of the pickup truck he was driving. It crashed into a lava embankment, veered back onto the highway, hit lava again and rolled twice, winding up on its tires in an upright position, according to police reports. Yurong was thrown from the vehicle. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital and transferred to Queens Medical Center on O`ahu where he passed away. Anyone witnessing the accident, which, according to police, may have been related to speedy driving and possibly alcohol, can call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, ext. 229. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HULA: AFTER DARK IN THE PARK TONIGHT, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, hosts Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, with kumu hula Pohai Souza. Also on stage is Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem. Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui will also perform. Music will be performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan. The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE is urged from the public as Ka`u Hospital hosts an annual public meeting of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend; topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
Covered in a presentation will be an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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HAWAIIAN FLAG DAY WILL BE CELEBRATED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Thursday, July 31. The event is free, but entrance fees apply. Hawai`i celebrated its first national holiday on July 31, 1843, when the Kingdom of Hawai`i was restored. Kamehameha II, Kauikeaouli, proclaimed, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `aina i ka pono," the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness, which today is the state motto. The ceremony will be from 10 a.m. to noon. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Science Camp of America students explored Kula Kai Caverns in Ocean View. Photo from Science Camps of America

SCIENCE CAMPS OF AMERICA this week wraps up its 18 days with Ka`u as base for teen programs called Land & Sea and Air & Space. The non-profit organization's founder Mike Richards, of O`ahu, said he chose the Big Island because it is "nature's greatest laboratory." He said he chose Ka`u because of its access to natural and manned laboratories for studying science, from the Ka Lae Coast where the students witnessed the onslaught of plastic garbage from the ocean and helped clean up the shoreline just east of the South Point boat ramp, to the NOAA weather station on Mauna Loa where John Barnes arranged a meeting with a visiting scientist.

Science Campers explored Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a talk by
Janet Babb. Photo from Science Camps of America

Shalan Crysdale, of The Nature Conservancy, gave a talk on water resources. Gary Gura, Ric Elhard and Victor Manongdo, of Kulakai Caverns, guided the students through the caves at Ocean View. Dr. Janet Babb, of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, gave a talk on the research at the Jaggar Museum.
Science Camp arranged for students to engage with U.H. Hilo Marine Science Department chair Jason Adolph and graduate students Ron Kittle and Derek Watts to sample nearshore
waters. At Imiloa, students, led by Puawai Rice, observed data sets for turtles tracked by radio tag, plotted on a global map. At Keck Observatory headquarters, Al Honey arranged a Skype visit to the Houston control center for the International Space Station.
With help from Mary Brewer, Science Camp students participated in the Fourth of July Parade in Volcano. At Gilligan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour, they studied fossils collected by Joe Iacuzzo, co-founder of Ka`u Learning Center with Kathryn Tydlacka.

Aaron De Los Santos holds a pele's tear up to his cheek. He won
a scholarship to Science Camps of America.
Photo from Science Camps of America

Science Camp was based at Pahala Plantation Cottages and received scholarships from the Olson Trust for two of its Big Island students. Participating students came from Na`alehu, Kohala, Puna, Maui, Kaua`i, O`ahu, Alaska, New York, California and Vermont. The camp cook, Debbi Lahav, came from Tel Aviv, Israel. Counselors came from O`ahu and California. Camp nurse came from O`ahu.
Richards said the team will be back next year at its Ka`u base at Pahala Plantation Cottages. For scholarship and contact information and more on the program, see http://sciencampsamerica.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I OUTDOORS INSTITUTE chose Ka`u as one of its laboratories for its teen camp this summer. Students joined the Ka`u Coast cleanup last weekend under the direction of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and Megan Lamson, during its 24-day Ahupua`a Environmental Science Camp. Its Ka`u base was Pahala Palntation Cottages.

Ahupua`a Environmental Science Camp chose Ka`u for
sessions for teens this summer.
Image from Hawai`i Outdoors Institute

Earlier in the summer, Hawai`i Outdoors Institute sponsored a Wind & Water camp. Hawai`i Outdoors Institute describes itself as "a non-profit experiential education program for teens. Located on the Big Island of Hawai`i, our mission is to foster a love of the outdoors in young people which inspires environmental stewardship and future leaders." One focus is the biodiversity of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. One of its slogans, by Albert Einstein, is: "Look deeper into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
The Ahupua`a course synopsis says: "Ancient Hawaiians lived by the ahupuaʻa system; dividing the islands into territories stretching from the mountains to the sea. Those living at high elevations harvested hardwoods used for tools and canoes. Those at mid elevations farmed and raised livestock. Those on the coast fished. Extended families shared with each other, and all their needs were met sustainably.
"Today, the Big Island is a living classroom with 11 out of 13 climate zones at our fingertips. It’s a laboratory of experimentation with wind and solar energy. Efficiently populated, there is ample room for sustainable agriculture. There is simply no place better to study the interconnectedness of life on this planet and how humans can make a difference."
The course included topics: Earth Systems & Resources, The Living World, Population, Land & Water Use, Energy Resources & Consumption, Pollution and Global Change. See more at http://hawaiioutdoors.org. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A TRAVELING SLAUGHTERHOUSE is in the planning by the Hawai`i Small Business Development Center, the Kohala Center and rancher Mike Amado who held a meeting at Na`alehu Community Center last Thursday. Among those who attended were Ka Lae cattle ranchers Tissy and Dean Kaniho; Barney Frazier of Waiohinu, who raises lambs and sheep; Ka`u Farmers Union United treasurer and County Council candidate Richard Abbett; Hawai`i Farmers Union United Big Island President Steve Sakala; and Earth Matters farmer Greg Smith who grows food in Ka Lae.

A mobile slaughterhouse would move from ranch to ranch and families could use the facility to process cattle they have grown or purchased on the hoof for beef. Booking a stationary commercial slaughterhouse for processing meat can often mean a long wait and a long drive for ranchers. The organizers are hoping to put together funding for two mobile slaughterhouse units on this island. Examples were given of one in use in Pudget Sound and another in Kansas.

A mobile slaughterhouse would move from ranch to ranch.
Photo from the USDA

The organizers have been working on a feasibility study and surveying ranchers. Melanie Bondera of the Kohala Center, Hazel Beck of Hawai`i Small Business Development Center, and rancher Amado made the presentation. Proposals to fund the mobile slaughterhouse included forming a cooperative to accept investments, grants and loans.
The group plans another meeting in Ka`u in the future. For more information, call Beck at 327-3680. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LIMITING THE NUMBER OF MOORINGS according to marine traffic and nearshore carrying capacity of bays in Hawai`i is a good example of natural resource management, said Rep. Richard Creagan, following the governor putting a halt to additional moorings at Keauhou Bay. Creagan said that Abercrombie "cut to the chase and said, 'I get it,'" when the small community at Keahou asked the governor to stop the addition of moorings at Keauhou Bay, which is used by commercial operations like Fairwinds boating tours. It is also a favorite bay of canoe paddlers, fishermen, surfers, swimmers and divers who had been asking for a moratorium on new moorings for some time. Abercrombie sent a letter to more than 1,000 people yesterday, announcing his decision. Many of them were petitioners opposing the additional moorings. The governor's letter said that "I want to assure you that additional moorings are not and will not be given consideration in any improvement plans for Keauhou Bay. The State will conduct an Environmental Assessment that will allow ample public input to determine what improvements are desired ....Hawai'i's environment is precious, and we will take care to hear everyone's view to ensure that we achieve balance." To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE is on the agenda this Saturday for public input as Ka`u Hospital hosts an annual public meeting of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. at 2 p.m. Topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community. There will be an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i. For more, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, June 5, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, June 28, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 29, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 30, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 3, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 4, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 5, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 6, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 7, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 10, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 11, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 12, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 13, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 14, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Kau News Briefs Wednesday, July 16, 2014