The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Christian Ogle is happy with his Aikido certificate, certifying graduation to a higher level. Photo by Julia Neal

“IT COULD GO LEFT, OR RIGHT, OR BOTH WAYS,” USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Steve Brantley said, referring to a map at a lava update meeting in Pahoa last night. County officials hold a meeting each Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria to keep residents informed about events related to the June 27 lava flow that continues to threaten the area.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist are unable to predict the direction of a new
lobe of lava upslope of Pahoa. North is to the right in this photo.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Brantley said because terrain in the area of a breakout above Apa`a Street is gently sloped, it is difficult to predict a path for the flow. The path of steepest descent to the right, or north, passes near the shopping center where Malama Market is located. The flow field is also getting thicker and wider as breakouts form, Brantley said. He reported that geologists exploring the area did not find any features that would block or impede lava if the flow continues.
Molten lava is no longer continuing to the original flow front, according to Brantley. “That’s why there are no breakouts there,” he said.
County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said the agency is considering reopening Pahoa Village Road, although it may have to be closed again if lava again moves toward it. However, “It’s difficult to close once it’s reopened,” he said.

Mayor Billy Kenoi said, “Our goal is to keep Pahoa a vibrant place that we can call home.” He also said he was looking forward to working with state Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Puna Rep. Joy Buenaventura, who were at the meeting, during the upcoming legislative session. “There’s a lot of activity up ahead,” he said. “Thank you all for having an aloha spirit of compassion and caring.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Rep. Joy Buenaventura
talk story at last night's lava update meeting in Pahoa. Ruderman,
owner of Island Naturals markets, offered water and snacks.
Photos by Ron Johnson

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HAWAI`I NOW CAN QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TEST for Ebola in-state. Previously, the state Department of Health needed to send patient samples to mainland laboratories to test for the deadly virus.

A few weeks ago, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Toby Merlin, Director of the Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Bill Gallo, Associate Director for Insular Area Support at the CDC, to discuss global challenges related to Ebola and the necessity for a properly equipped Hawai`i testing facility. They resolved to supply DOH with resources to test for Ebola, supporting DOH and medical personnel with a quicker testing turnaround time.
DOH’s Laboratories Division has received and validated the U.S. Department of Defense-developed, CDC-deployed real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test for 2014 outbreak-associated Ebola Zaire Virus.

“The safety and well-being of Hawai`i residents is my highest priority, and it’s important that our state be equipped with the resources needed to quickly and effectively test those who may be suspected Ebola patients,” Gabbard said. “Ensuring our medical professionals are given the tools they need to protect themselves, and to serve the public at large, is of the greatest importance, and I’m glad to see that we were able to bring this testing capability to our islands.”

An animated Mayor Billy Kenoi with Puna residents at
last night's lava update meeting.

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HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS APPLAUD THE JOINT announcement by President Barack Obama and People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping on the issue of climate change with an agreement to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by each nation.
“This announcement demonstrates bold leadership from the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and emitters of carbon emissions, and makes clear that we do not need to choose between the economy and the environment. Climate change is real, and we must address it,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “The opportunity for Hawai`i is that we are a leader in clean energy solutions, and we can share that expertise with others.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “The groundbreaking climate change and clean energy cooperation agreement … demonstrates the necessary leadership from the United States and China to continue addressing the global threat of climate change. The agreement recognizes that as the two leading producers of greenhouse gas emissions, the United States and China, must take short and long term measures to reduce the amount of carbon pollution and to encourage the development of clean energy. By jointly agreeing to specific goals which will reduce carbon emissions by 2030 at the latest, the United States and China are poised to significantly bolster renewable energy research and technology and foster a new industrial revolution fueled by clean energy.”
Together, the two countries account for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. President Xi Jinping’s announcement marks the first time China has ever committed to capping their greenhouse gas emissions.
Additional information on the agreement can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/11/12/us-and-china-just-announced-important-new-actions-reduce-carbon-pollution.

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Aikido skills shown by Alan Moores and Fresno Eder at Old Pahala Clubhouse, during graduation. Photo by Julia Neal

Aikido practitioners graduate under teacher
Alan Moores. Photo by Rich Ogle

AIKIDO STUDENTS GRADUATED to new levels of competence this week under the leadership of Alan Moores, who teaches at the Old Pahala Clubhouse at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Danny McMasters earned Fifth Kyu, Seth McMasters Fifth Kyu, Cyrus McMasters Fifth Kyu, Gloria Ornelas Fifth Kyu, Christian Ogle Fifth Kyu, Melinda Eder Fourth Kyu, Ciara Ortega Third Kyu, Kyle Calumpit Third Kyu, Kyle Pitcher Third Kyu and Fresno Eder Second Kyu.
Aikido is a peaceful marshal art in which students learn to defend themselves by avoiding and disarming the aggressor. It is considered good exercise for all ages and good training for the mind and body.

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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PREREGISTER for the Ka‘ū Floating Lantern Ceremony coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. sponsors the event that includes taiko drummers, local entertainers and community potluck. Suggested donation is $15. Call 928-0101.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Rep. Richard Creagan, Vice President, will update members on events at the HFUU Convention that took place at Waikiki Yacht Club on Nov. 6.

There will also be an update on the newly adopted state policy.
Members are encouraged to bring homegrown foods for the potluck dinner.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds its annual bazaar tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live entertainment, laulau, kulolo, baked goods, plate lunches, hotdogs and more.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder participates
in tomorrow's free concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE IS THE SITE of a free Hawaiian concert for the community, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainers include Keoki Kahumoku, Sonny Lim, James Hill, Ben Ka`ili, Peter deAquino, Brad Bordessa, Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt, Andy Andrews, Debbie Ryder and more. Donations accepted.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free programs this weekend. Tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku.
On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., a moderately difficult, one-hour, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana features its formation and various uses over time, plus a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH offer a Hula Kahiko Informance tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Yuen and Josiah are known for their informances blending storytelling, science, chant an hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in Volcano House’s lobby. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TUTU & ME HOSTS a Keiki Ho`olaule`a next Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. “It’s our way of saying ‘mahalo’ to the community for your support of our program throughout the years,” said site manager Betty Clark.
The event features games for keiki of all ages, including the Hawaiian game of konani, a photo booth, face painting and much more.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are invited to bring canned goods to be donated to the Food Basket.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

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

Landmarks threatened by lava in Pahoa are clear in this photo from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS two resolutions relating to Ka`u at its meeting on Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Council member Brenda Ford introduced both of them.
Resolution 566-14 urges the county Department of Parks and Recreation to create a plaque for the new gymnasium and shelters honoring Rep. Bob Herkes and Principal Laurence Capellas, Sr.

Laurence Capellas, Sr.

Bob Herkes

More than 20 Ka`u residents and former residents attended a meeting of the Council’s Committee on Public Works & Parks and Recreation on Thursday, Nov. 6 to support naming the facility after the two community leaders. Herkes worked on many issues, including public health, safety and welfare of the people of Ka`u. Capellas promoted education and sports activities for the children of Ka`u.
Resolution 590-14 would provide a grant to `O Ka`u Kakou for installation of a kiosk at Na`alehu Park developed by the Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee. The resolution calls for transferring $4,300 out and from the Clerk-Council Services Contingency Relief account for District Six and crediting the same to the Department of Parks & Recreation, Parks and Recreation Administration.
The kiosk will provide information to travelers about services available in the area including businesses, churches and recreation as well as history about Na`alehu Park.

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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in next week’s county government meetings at West Hawai`i Civic Center via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. Committees meet Tuesday. Governmental Relations & Economic Development meets at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks and Recreation, 10:30 a.m.; Finance, 10:45 a.m.; Human Services & Social Services, 11:45 a.m.: and Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 1:45 p.m.
The Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee considers Bill 318, which would establish provisions for protection of marine life that is harvested with the intent to sell for aquarium use. Protections include prohibiting withholding food from aquarium life for more than 24 hours, requiring ample water supply when transporting aquarium life and prohibiting transport of aquarium life in a manner that is likely to cause injury or death.
Any person violating these provisions would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.

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Wilbert Holck, second from left, is new executive director of HSTA.

WILBERT HOLCK HAS REJOINED Hawai`i State Teachers Association as its new executive director. Holck will be in charge of overseeing HSTA’s operations to ensure the organization is executing and fulfilling the mandates and direction of the HSTA board of directors.

“We are pleased to welcome Wilbert back to the HSTA,” said Wil Okabe, HSTA president. “His extensive union experience, political partnerships, community involvement and teaching background makes him a perfect fit as executive director. And we know he will represent our members well.”
Holck returns to the union from the Hawai`i Government Employees Association, where he served as the deputy executive director of field services. Prior to joining HGEA, Holck was deputy executive director and previously a UniServ director for HSTA, where he gained 24 years of union experience. Holck was also a teacher at Kaiser High School previous to working at HSTA.
“Wilbert has proven that he is the best candidate for this job,” said Al Nagasako, current HSTA executive director. “Having worked with him as my deputy executive director, I am confident that he will succeed in supporting our teachers and enhancing public school education for our students.”
Nagasako will remain with the HSTA through Jan. 5, 2015 during a transition period.
“I am honored to be back at the HSTA, where I called home for nearly 25 years,” said Holck. “Starting out as a teacher, it is nice to come full circle and be able to serve fellow members and advocate for quality education in Hawai`i.”
Holck’s appointment was approved by the HSTA board of directors on Oct. 25. His first day as executive director was Nov. 12, 2014.

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Most of the earthquakes near Ka`u during the last two weeks have been small.

WHILE MOST OF THE EARTHQUAKES in the Ka`u area over the last two weeks have been small, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck south of Volcano yesterday at 9:06 p.m. The most recent one, with a magnitude of 2.3, occurred at 10:55 this morning near Ho`okena in South Kona.

For more information and to report feeling an earthquake, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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BREAKOUT ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN AREAS upslope of the leading edge of the lava flow in Pahoa, report county Civil Defense and scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The closest active lava to Pahoa Village Road is approximately 0.4 miles upslope of Pahoa Village Road, near the Pahoa cemetery.
While the flow margin that covered some pavement at the transfer station remains stalled, two tiny surface flows are active near the fence. Another lobe of the lava farther upslope of the transfer station remains active and is approximately 200 yards above Apa`a Street. This lobe has widened over the past two days. In addition, scattered breakouts persist up to 1.7 miles upslope of Cemetery Road/Apa`a Street.
HVO geologists also observed an active breakout roughly three miles downslope from Pu`u `O`o that was burning a small area of vegetation yesterday.

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Malie Ibarra, next to her Angel Fish at Wailoa Center in Hilo,
won first place in the Youth Kahakai of Hawai`i Nei.
Photo from Tanya Ibarra

PAHALA RESIDENT MALIE IBARRA won first place in the Youth Kahakai division of the current Hawai`i Nei art exhibit at Wailoa Center in Hilo. Her Angel Fish is on display through Dec. 18.

Tanya Ibarra, of Pahala, has two pieces in the show, Naupaka Dreams and Baby Honu. Volcano artists include Lanaya Deily, Ira Ono, Mary Goodrich, Caren Loebel-Fried, Charlene Asato, Emily Herb, Elizabeth Miller, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams. Barnaby won first place in the Professional 2D division, Miller took first in Professional 3D, and Caren Loebel-Fried placed first in `Akiapola`au Professional.
Hawai`i Nei is an annual juried art exhibition featuring native species. This community-geared event is open to all residents of the Island of Hawai`i. Children and adults are encouraged to submit works of art featuring the plants and animals native to the island. The event seeks to raise awareness of Hawai`iʻs unique environment and increase participation in the arts. A portion of the proceeds generated by art sales during the exhibition go toward funding native species protection and management as well as environmental education programs.
Hawai`i Nei is a collaboration of several organization. Three Mountain Alliance is a watershed coalition working across private, state and federal lands to sustainably manage over one million acres for natural and cultural resources. The Natural Area Reserves System and the `Alala Project are both programs within the state Department of Land & Natural Resources working to protect the best of Hawai`i’s native ecosystems and species like the rare Hawaiian raven, the `alala. The Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center serves East Hawai‘i as a center of culture, arts, and information.

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THIS MONTH MARKS THE ANNIVERSARY of the International Space Station first manned in 1998, reports astronomer Lew Cook in his current article in The Ka`u Calendar. “It has been occupied continuously ever since,” Cook says. “As I mentioned last month, you can get lists of the visible passes from NASA. If interested, see http://spotthestation.nasa.gov, click on Sightings, then follow the prompts to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. You can also sign up for email notices of ISS passes over your area.”

Ka`u residents can learn about Pu`u o Lokuana at Kahuku tomorrow.
Photo from NPS

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT for the community, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, continues today until 4 p.m. with Keoki Kahumoku, Sonny Lim, James Hill, Ben Ka`ili, Peter deAquino, Brad Bordessa, Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt, Andy Andrews, Debbie Ryder and more. Donations accepted.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers a free hike tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. The moderately difficult, one-hour, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana features its formation and various uses over time, plus a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BEGINS next Saturday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Handmade ornaments, wreaths and other pieces spark visitors’ “inner elves.” A members-only party and reception takes place Friday, Nov. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The gallery is open daily, 9 a.m. to 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.

Keoki Kahumoku and crew wrap up the ninth annual workshop in Ka`u that offers scholarships for youth to be taught by masters of Hawaiian music. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NINTH ANNUAL KAHUMOKU WORKSHOP that brings together music students from around the world, Hawaiian music masters and local youth wrapped up yesterday. The student recital and concert featuring Sonny Lim, Moses Kahumoku, James Hill, the Abriga `Ohana and many more was held on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House.

Lopaka, with his classic hula, dances
with Erin Cole, of Ocean View.
Photo by Julia Neal

The Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, under Keoki Kahumoku, continues to mentor students of music in Ka`u throughout the year. To take classes or to donate, contact through Facebook or www.konaweb.com/Keoki.

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PUSHING LEGISLATION THAT HELPS HAWAI`I grow more of its own food and expands the market for value-added products will be the focus of Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the upcoming legislative session. Ruderman was recently named chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
Ruderman told Nathan Eagle, of Civil Beat, that he hopes the GMO issue won’t interfere with work in other areas. According to Eagle, Ruderman said he has no plans to introduce bills relating to GMOs because they have no chance of being passed. He said he is open to hearing GMO bills introduced by others after reviewing them and seeing if there is support from other senators.
He said he believes he can get certain bills passed at the committee level but isn’t overly optimistic that the legislation will make it much further.
“I don’t think it will be politically possible to make great strides,” he said.
Ruderman said his position as chair will make him “harder to ignore.”
See civilbeat.com.

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Peter DeAquino and Garrett Probst, Da `Ukulele Boyz

HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 100 top school districts leading the way in digital learning to participate in the first-ever National Connected Superintendents Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the White House.

Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi is among local school chiefs who will be recognized for their leadership in helping transition their districts to digital learning. The conference will bring together officials from throughout America to share with one other and the U.S. DOE promising approaches to using technology in classes.
“School districts across the country are helping teachers harness the power of technology to create personal learning environments for all students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “We want to make sure every child – whether he or she is in the inner city, in a rural community or on a Native American reservation – has access to knowledge and the chance to learn 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Legendary slack key player Moses Kahumoku, accompanied by Bob Knapp,
of Discovery Harbour. Photo by Julia Neal

In 2013-14, HIDOE launched the Access Learning pilot in eight schools with $8.2 million appropriated by the state Legislature. The program had a two-part rollout. First, professional development and devices went to teachers in the fall. Student device distribution and related learning followed in the spring.

The year-one evaluation of the project found that collaboration and communication in schools increased, school staff felt more efficient and effective, students found their work more engaging and more relevant, parents felt their schools were on par with private schools and technology helped teachers with instructional strategies for the Hawai`i Common Core.

The White House summit will be followed by a series of 12 to 15 regional summits that will focus on the digital progress at local school districts. The events will also include the unveiling of digital tools that facilitate incorporation of technology into short-term and long-range education planning.

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Slack key master Sonny Lim, accompanied by Brad Bordessa on `uke.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY’S current issue of Volcano Watch discusses potential hazards posed by the advancing lava flow in Pahoa.

“The most obvious hazard is flowing lava,” the article states. “The loss of property and services, associated fires and threat to community safety by the flow are primary concerns for emergency managers. The lava advance rate has been variable, ranging from negligible to nearly a quarter mile in a day. Planning for evacuations, alternate roads, and continuity of utilities and services becomes more difficult with the inconsistent timing of the lava’s progress.

“Currently, the June 27th lava flow is encroaching on residential areas and burning forests, pastures, roads, and other man-made structures and debris. The dense plume, which is frequently visible, is a mixture of volcanic and non-volcanic gases and particles. Although a less overt hazard, poor air quality downwind of the active lava flow can present challenges for some individuals.
“Sulfur dioxide gas, the main contributor to Hawai`i’s volcanic air pollution, or vog, is primarily released from actively degassing vents at Kilauea Volcano’s summit (Halema`uma`u) and East Rift Zone (Pu`u `O`o). However, a small amount of this pungent gas is also released from flowing lava. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, could be impacted by the low levels of sulfur dioxide if they are immediately adjacent to an active lava flow.

“When lava comes into contact with vegetation, burning plant material produces a complex mixture that includes carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gas, as well as various particulates. Vegetation can decompose in the hot environment beneath the surface of the lava, generating gases that can ignite and explode when confined in underground pockets. These explosions occur frequently around the June 27th lava flow.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva dances
for the pau hana concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

“The burning of manmade features, such as paved roads, creates toxic fumes. In the short term, molten asphalt fumes can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that workers exposed to asphalt fumes are at risk of developing headaches, rashes, cough and possibly cancer.
“If the June 27th flow continues its forward progress, lava could eventually reach the Pacific Ocean. If this happens, molten lava will react vigorously with the cold seawater, creating a large steam plume laden with hydrochloric acid. A 1990 study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health showed that near-shore hydrochloric acid concentration decreased tenfold over a distance of less than half a mile, so areas immediately downwind of an ocean entry would likely be most impacted.

“The hazards associated with gases and particles generated by flowing lava depend on the flow’s proximity, the items burned and how the wind directs and disperses the resulting pollutants. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are the most impacted by air quality hazards, and are advised to limit their exposures and monitor their responses closely.”
Emergency proclamations by Hawai`i County’s mayor and state governor paved the way for a Federal disaster declaration by President Obama that allows local government and qualified nonprofit organizations to access federal funds to help address emergency protective measures and hazard mitigation.

Toxic fumes are a hazard when lava burns asphalt.
Photo from USGS/HVO

Information on air quality impacts and health recommendations are available through the County of Hawai`i at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-related, the state Department of Health at health.hawaii.gov and the American Lung Association’s free helpline at 1-800-LungUSA. A wildfire smoke guide is available at www.arb.ca.gov. Information on local wind conditions is posted at weather.hawaii.edu and under “local graphics” at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages.

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Lois and Earl Stokes Photo from VAC

LOIS AND EARL STOKES OFFER TANGLED LEAVES, a Zentangle workshop, at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will share their technique for tangling on green autograph tree leaves with bamboo knitting needles. Patterns are scratched on the leaves of an autograph tree (Clusia Rosea) that grows near the ocean. When inscribing these leaves with a bamboo stick, a golden liquid and fragrance emanates from them.

“In a week the leaf turns brown, and beauty appears once again in the transformation. The process of watching a green leaf turn brown is a meditation in itself (which is so very Zentangle), said Lois Stokes.
Participants will also create Zentangle-inspired art and cards using autograph, eucalyptus and koa leaves in their dried state and adding color with black ink and markers.
The fee is $30 for VAC members and $35 for nonmembers. There is also a $10 supply fee. Light refreshments are provided. There are no prerequisites for this class.

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

Visitors from Brazil and the Netherlands have a friendly chat about the flow at the lava roadblock in Pahoa Town, which is otherwise open for dining and shopping. Photo by Julia Neal

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS met Saturday in Na`alehu to review the final roll out of the Ka`u Community Development Plan for community presentations in the New Year. About a half dozen members of the public attended.
The 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. marathon saw steering committee members going page by page through sections of the document. The steering committee members for the Ka`u CDP and their contact numbers are: Patti Barry, 937-3124; Bob DaMate, 497-0384; Ron Ebert, 928-0027; Leina`ala Enos, 929-9022; Michelle Galimba, 430-4927; Loren Heck, 939-9454; Eldridge Naboa, 936-2189; Marino Ramones, 928-8240; Simon Torres, Jr., 928-6103; and John Cross, 987-4229.

Ka`u CDP chart shows number of vacant lots throughout Ka`u.

After the meeting, committee member John Cross said, “I think we have an outstanding document, and the community will be surprised at how thorough it is.”
Patti Barry said there was agreement by committee members on most of the policies discussed. She said one member took exception with site-specific shoreline setbacks. The draft CDP calls for “establishment at the earliest stages of the land use planning and development process of setbacks either at one-quarter mile or as far as practicable from the shoreline using a science-based assessment and considering physical limitations of the property.”

According to Barry, the dissenting member said he thinks such restrictions are too high and would impede economic development. Barry said she thinks most people in Ka`u don’t want the district to look like Kona or Waikiki. She said she, as a realtor, wants development – “smart development.” She said her great-great grandfather, who was the first civil engineer for the territory of Hawai`i, developed a plan that would have limited near-shore development of Waikiki, but the plan was not implemented.

Luquin's in the the classic Akebono Theater building draws in restaurant-goers
with a musician. It is open for breakfast daily from 7 a.m. and remains open
until 9 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

Many projections and considerations for the future are being discussed. Among the topics is the need for infrastructure, including roads, schools, water and other utilities that would be required even if no additional land were permitted for development. Included in the document is the fact that 82.5 percent of 15,234 existing lots in Ka`u are vacant. If one dwelling were to be built on each lot that is already zoned for development, population of Ka`u would be multiplied fivefold.
All of the documents can be read at kaucdp.info.
The Steering Committee continues its discussion of the draft CDP at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited.

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EMPLOYEES OF PAHOA BUSINESSES, recently suffering from a downturn after the media blitz over the lava flow subsided and the town appeared to be off limits, say they appreciate that county Civil Defense provides the message in daily notices that Pahoa businesses are open. Pahoa is easily accessible.

"We are staying; we are open," says the sign at Pahoa Chiropractic, Therapeutic
Massage and Vitality Clinic. Photo by Julia Neal

Reina Kanakaoli, of Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant, said this morning that “people are still living, still moving around and doing the daily life every day” in Pahoa. Luquin’s is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Phillip Paolo and his staff at the Italian restaurant said yesterday that they are happy that Civil Defense is letting the community and visitors know that the town is open and welcoming locals and visitors.
Two visitors, one from Brazil and the other from the Netherlands, had a friendly conversation yesterday with a National Guardsman about the lava flow itself being off limits to the public. The guardsman told the tourists on their bicycles at the roadblock below that they weren’t alone in being held back from riding up to the edge of the lava. He said that he hadn’t even seen the lava flow.
Meanwhile, several blocks away, businesses in Pahoa were open on Sunday with workers emphasizing that the town is walkable and drivable. Should the shops and restaurants have to shutter, they will need all the income possible now to help pay for any relocation, they said.

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Pahoa Used Books buys, sells and trades.
Photo by Julia Neal

VOG AIR SCRUBBERS GO ON SALE TODAY. Students at Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences in Pahoa created the devices in response to poor air quality related to the continue lava flow that threatens their village. Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reported that the students used off-the-shelf items from the local ACE Hardware Store to build the units, and ACE will sell them, with some of the proceeds going to the school’s Science, Technology & Math program.

According to Nakaso, the scrubbers use fans to remove vog from air and neutralize the acidity with a compound similar to baking soda.
The vog scrubber is one of several innovations by the students. Others include protection for power poles similar to what Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is experimenting with, heat-resistant fabrics to allow cars to drive over lava that is still cooling and a water-cooled bridge to span lava-covered sections of road.
“We teach giving back, HASS STEM coordinator Eric Clause told Nakaso. “I also teach the kids, ‘You can work the problem — or you can let the problem work you.’”

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THIS IS AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK, the annual observance that honors students, teachers, education support professional, parents and community members who help students succeed.
AEW was born out of national concern over illiteracy and was first celebrated in 1921 with National Education Association and the American Legion as cosponsors. The overarching goal of AEW is to generate public awareness and support for education. Ka`u residents can be a part of the celebration and through NEA’s Raise Your Hand for Student Success program. Taking the pledge show support for quality public education for all of America’s children. 

The pledge reads: “ I pledge to Raise My Hand for every child in America to have access to quality public education, regardless of family income or where they live; all educators to be respected and treated as professionals and participate in key education policy discussions; parents, families, communities and educators to come together and create partnerships to foster environments that are conducive for student learning; elected officials to do their part to ensure adequate tools and resources for all schools, include educators in key policy discussions and make sure that students have access to a world class education—from pre-k and beyond; public schools to have smaller class sizes, up-to-date textbooks and safe and clean environments.
“Signing this pledge, I commit to being an advocate for great public schools for every student, and I will tell my relatives, friends and colleagues to ‘Raise Your Hand for student success.’”
See more at http://www.hsta.org/index.php/news/raise-your-hand-take-the-pledge#sthash.ETZBJ3Q8.dpuf.

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Ka`u resident Lui Sales' son Nainoa plays for the Lahaina Chiefs
on Maui. Photo from Lui Sales

NAINOA SALES, SON OF COUNTY FIREFIGHTER Lui Sales, who lives on Kama`oa Road and on Maui, plays for Lahaina Chiefs’ Peewee division who are the Maui champs.

The Chiefs play a statewide competition bowl game against an O`ahu team next week then head to Las Vegas in December to play another bowl game. Sales and the Chiefs have scored 18 touchdowns in the season with two games left.

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Tim Tunison leads an exploration of kipukas
Saturday. Photo from VAC

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS HIKERS through Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa volcano section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As a retired employee of Hawai`i’s National Park Service and life-long naturalist, Tunison has decades worth of experience actively managing and interpreting these special ecological areas of the park.
“We’ll get off trail in both kipukas, discuss their rich history and ecology, identify native plants seldom seen anywhere else on the island, and I will share much more about why they are the most beautiful forests that I have ever seen,” Tunison said.
He emphasizes geological characteristic of the sites that make the forests exceptionally unique: 8,000-year-old Mauna Loa lava flows covered by two-meter-deep, Kilauea-sourced volcanic ash. This accounts for the enormous stature of the native canopy trees — most notably Hawai`i’s rare soapberry. Although both kipukas were historically damaged by cattle, pigs and goats prior to them being managed by HVNP, recent decades worth of park-led invasive species removal and native plant recovery efforts has helped them dramatically recover.
Participants should be injury-free, in average physical condition and bring rain gear, closed-toe shoes, a brown bag lunch and at least one quart of water. The day begins at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, where carpooling to the sites will be arranged.
The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niualani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

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

Hannah's Makana `Ohana performs at the annual Kauaha`ao Congregational Church Bazaar in Wai`ohinu Saturday.
Photo by Debbie Wong Yuen

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE today considers a bill created by the Real Property Tax Stakeholders Task Force. Bill 317 phases out the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replaces it with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program.

Chase & Victor perform at the fundraiser.
Photo bny Debbie Wong Yuen

The purpose of the agricultural use assessment program, according to the bill, is to encourage continual and committed agricultural use of lands. The ordinance creates a three-year transition period to provide ample opportunity to implement the transition to the short-term agricultural use dedication program and to provide ample opportunity for those seeking to participate in the short-term agricultural use dedication program to make any necessary adjustments in their farming operations.
The requirements of the three-year short-term program parallel those of the existing ten-year dedicated agricultural use program. The ordinance does not propose any changes to the existing ten-year agricultural use dedicated program. Thereafter, those parcels not in a three-year short-term dedicated agricultural use program or the ten-year dedicated agricultural use program shall be assessed at market value.
According to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, the task force was concerned that property owners take advantage of the agricultural exemption without growing crops. “My objective is not to knock people out of the program, but to make it as fair as possible,” Council member Margaret Wille told Cook Lauer. “It’s not just that they’re on ag land, but doing agriculture.”
Wille said encouraging agriculture is important to making the island more self-sustainable.
Cook Lauer said the task force “is trying to strike a balance between ensuring the county has enough revenues and making it fair for all property owners without unduly discouraging people who want to make a living farming.”

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I FARMER UNION UNITED, including its Ka`u chapter, is developing its 2015 legislative agenda.

One item seeks to remove hemp from the list of Schedule One narcotics at the national Drug Enforcement Agency. U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard’s Special Assistant Rachael James said Gabbard would work toward this, as well as assist with Hawai`i’s hemp production if the federal Drug Enforcement Agency makes importing seed difficult.
HFUU plans to develop a working group with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to enhance communications with the Food & Drug Administration. The group asked that Gabbard help find funding from USGS for instream flow monitoring and rainfall monitoring. James said she would.
HFUU will promote farm-to-school programs. “We will be in negotiations with the state Legislature and Department of Agriculture to get farmers and schools paired up so that fresh fruits and veggies can be made available to Hawai`i school children,” said HFUU Vice President and Legislative Chair Simon Russell.
The group plans to resubmit On-Farm Mentoring legislation asking for block grants to qualified entities from state Department of Agriculture for purposes of training a new generation of farmers on location, with a certificate awarded after completion of the course.
A committee is being appointed to guide the Origin Products Act forward. HFUU member and Volcano tea farmer Eva Lee will chair this committee. OPA was authored to create a commission of farmers that will set standards and regulatory criteria for what is to be Brand Hawai`i. It is meant to create an incentive to farmers to grow local and retain sovereignty over what can be called Hawai`i-Grown, Russell said.

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Ka`u families can apply for free solar hot water systems at HCEOC's
Na`alehu office.

FREE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS are available for Ka`u low-income families. To qualify, a family of at least three persons with limited income must be using an electric hot water heater and have a HELCO account. Applicants can either be homeowners or have landlords who will approve the installation.

Those who qualify must be willing to participate in an energy conservation program and have not received a free refrigerator from HCEOC within the last 15 years (since 1999). Applicants must also have an energy audit of their home.

The program is jointly sponsored by Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council and Hawai`i Energy. HCEOC is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce poverty on the Big Island. Hawai`i Energy is the state’s ratepayer-funded energy conservation administrator.
It is the goal of the partners to install solar hot water systems as part of reducing electrical consumption by disadvantaged households.
In Hawai`i, heating water comprises 30 to 40 percent of the average home electrical bill.
For further information or to apply, call Mary Finley at 961-2681 Ext. 301, or contact Sheree Maldonado at 961-2681 Ext. 304 or smaldonado.hceoc@hawaii.rr.com.

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Kim Perrera sings with Elijah Navarro and Terrie Louis,
of Thy Word Ministries. Photo by Debbie Wong Yuen

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH held its annual bazaar over the weekend with 14 vendors and service organizations supporting the event. Musical groups, including performers Chase Cabudol and Victor Soma, Thy Word Ministries Praise Team and Hannah’s Makana `Ohana performed on the grounds of the church in Wai`ohinu.

TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a harvest-themed Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is being held as a way to thank local families and community partners for their support throughout the eight years we have been operating our no-cost program for keiki ages birth to five and their caregivers in Ka`u.
There will be keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
“Please come by and join the fun!” said Hawai`i South site manager Betty Clark.
Guests are invited to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

KDEN IS EXCITED TO BE WORKING with a talented cast for Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic tale Amahl and the Night Visitors. Taking on the role of Amahl is Emerson Aynessazian, who was last seen as the Nightengale in KDEN’s Once Upon A Mattress. Music and voice teacher Sherri Thal will play Amahl’s Mother. The Three Kings, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, will be portrayed by KDEN veterans Andy Colberg, Tim Oldfather and Ocean View resident Dick Hershberger. The part of the page will be played by Joy Sever. Members of the Volcano Festival Chorus and Hilo Community Chorus are Shepherds. They are Ocean View resident Arlene Araki, Bonnie Burke, Thais da Rosa, Roni Koscik, Maud Lawrence, Tanya Lee, Joanna Spangler and Violette Thomas. They will be joined by Music Director Chris Tomich. The Shepherd dancers are Stephen Bond, Jessie Coney, Nathan Ducasse, Elizabeth Mulliken and Briana Tucker-Archie. They will be choreographed by Carmen Richardson. The cast will be joined by an orchestra of 19 talented musicians under the baton of Armando Mendoza. Suzi Bond is director.

Amahl, a disabled boy who can walk only with a crutch, has a problem with telling tall tales, and his mother does not believe him when he tells her there is an amazing star “as big as a window” outside over their roof. His mother gets even angrier when Amahl tells her that a knock at the door is three kings come to visit them. The kings enter and tell them that they have come to find a king. Amahl’s mother sends him to fetch the shepherds to bring food for the kings as there is none in the house. Later that night, when Amahl’s mother tries to steal some of the kings’ gold to use to help her child, she is caught. When the kings offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, she returns it. Amahl offers his staff as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.
Performances are scheduled for Dec. 26, 27 and 28 and Jan. 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are $15 general, $12 seniors 60+ and students and $10 for children 12 and under. Presale tickets will be available in December at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods and the Most Irresistible Shop in downtown Hilo. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information or to make reservations, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

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 `Ohana Day is Saturday at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE yesterday postponed a bill created by the Real Property Tax Stakeholders Task Force that would phase out the non-dedicated agricultural use assessment program and replaces it with a short-term dedicated agricultural use assessment program.

Margaret Wille

The purpose of the agricultural use assessment program, according to the bill, is to encourage continual and committed agricultural use of lands. The ordinance would create a three-year transition period to provide ample opportunity to implement the transition to the short-term agricultural use dedication program and to provide ample opportunity for those seeking to participate in the short-term agricultural use dedication program to make any necessary adjustments in their farming operations.
According to Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, task force chair Margaret Wille said she’d taken the bill to the county Agriculture Advisory Commission, but several other council members expressed concern that few farmers know about it. Cook Lauer reported that the measure received little interest or testimony at several advertised task force meetings.
“This bill addresses an ag loophole and major concern that has been going on for 40 years and in my view … there was no political spine or will to take care of it,” Wille said. “You get in the program, you can sit there forever … we’re basically losing $28 million … everybody else’s taxes go up for that.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Patch Hawai`i offers child care options.

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS VOTED IN FAVOR of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, and the Senate passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 88 to one. The bill updates the 1990 CCDBG program, which provides federal funding to states to help parents afford child care while working or in job training programs. The measure now heads to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

“For some parents, not having access to quality child care means they can’t work to support their family. This legislation allows families to balance the need to work with being able to ensure the health, safety and development of their keiki,” Hirono said. “Each month more than 9,000 Hawai`i families rely on federally supported child care services that allow them to work or to acquire new job skills. Strengthening and renewing the CCDBG program is an important way to keep our families safe and strong, and I’m proud to vote in favor of this bill.”
Hawai`i parents and military families can search for child care options at www.patchhawaii.org.

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Hawai`i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HONORED Hawai`i County leaders Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira for their work in response to the June 27th lava flow in Puna. She has remained in close contact with the two leaders throughout the preparation and response process and will be questioning Oliveira today in a hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. 

“I want to take this opportunity to highlight two courageous leaders who’ve been the heart of a very strong, resilient community who face an uncertain future as the Kilauea lava flow continues slowly and steadily toward their homes, their businesses and their community,” Gabbard said on the floor of the House of Representatives. “Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira have shown incredible leadership not only in response to this, but also in response to Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Ana, and now for nearly five months, managing this slowly creeping lava flow threatening Pahoa.   All three of these natural disasters have been punishing on this community of Puna, whose residents continue to unite and show optimism even with this uncertain future. Billy and Darryl’s tireless work and strong leadership have kept people safe, informed and prepared, even as Mother Nature, through Madam Pele, runs her course. Mahalo to Mayor Kenoi and Chief Oliveira! We stand ready as your partners to support the community we both serve, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to them.”

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Leahi Kaupu

PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT Leahi Kaupu won in her age division of the regional NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition and is raising funds to attend the next round of competition. The regional event took place in October in Na`alehu. The upcoming event is on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego before a game between San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots. Kaupu would also participate in the game’s opening ceremony.

“This is an opportunity and experience for me to not only represent my family, the Ka`u Lions Pop Warner Association but also the Ka`u community,” Kaupu said. “This positive and rewarding experience will teach me important life lessons building self-esteem, perseverance and fair play.
If she wins the competition in San Diego, NFL will pay for her expenses to attend the National Competition later next month.
For more information or to make a donation, call Rienadan Kaupu at 217-5990.

TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a harvest-themed Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

ANNUAL MEETING FOR KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person. Dinner includes pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door.
The public is invited to learn more about the Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka`u annually, provides scholarships for students from Ka`u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu and assists in funding Ka`u Food Pantry.
For more information, call President Dallas Decker at 516-662-8789.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

Celeste Manuia Ha`o aboard Hokule`a. Photo from NPS

KA`U `OHANA DAY IS SATURDAY from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Recently returned from serving as an apprentice navigator aboard Hokule`a, Hilo-native Celeste Manuia Ha`o recounts her epic return to Faleapuna, her village of Samoa. Guided by the waves, winds, stars, and Ka Panana Hoku, the Hawaiian Star Compass, she navigated her way home using the knowledge of Hawaiian ancestors. Participants discover how, whether on sea or on land, they, too, can orient themselves and never be lost.
Sign up at 985-6019.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS HIKERS through Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa volcano section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach Park. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. sponsors the event that includes taiko drummers, local entertainers and community potluck. Suggested donation is $15. Call 928-0101 to register.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Although Pahoa is experiencing a respite from the June 27 lava flow, Kilauea continues to erupt, with activity at Halema`uma`u and Pu`u O`o. Photo by Peter Anderson

AT A HEARING OF THE U.S. HOUSE Natural Resources Subcommittee, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard discussed resilience of the Puna community in light of natural disasters hitting the area. “It’s been incredible how the community has risen to the challenge, and it’s really been through the leadership of (county Civil Defense) Chief Darryl Oliveira and Mayor Kenoi, who have really been at the heart of the readiness and preparedness that has occurred.”

U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard speaks before the House
Natural Resources Subcommittee about
challenges facing Puna.

Gabbard told the committee about Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences students, who, in response to gas emissions causing health problems to area residents, developed air scrubbers to filter vog out of homes.

Gabbard asked Oliveira via videoconferencing about federal assistance that he sees would be helpful to the community’s recovery. Oliveira expressed his gratitude for FEMA’s public assistance program that provides reimbursement to the county for construction of emergency access roads and to the state for relocation of students whose schools may be affected if lava hinders access. “Through the public assistance program we’re optimistic and hopeful that we’ll recover some of those costs and allow the local and state governments to then allocate additional resources to other much needed programs and projects,” Oliveira said.
He also mentioned the continued support of U.S. Geological Survey, the governor’s office and the National Guard. “We have more than adequate resources made available to us to continue to respond to the needs of the community,” Oliveira said.
Gabbard asked Hawai`i state Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito about residents in Puna facing potential nonrenewal of homeowners insurance and how the federal government could help. “Access to homes that may ultimately get cut off is of vital importance,” Ito said. “It would discourage people from abandoning their homes because Loss of Use in most policies only cover two weeks of alternate living expenses.”
Ito discussed the possibility of building a bridge, either pedestrian of vehicular, to allow access for buying groceries, taking care of basic living needs and getting to transportation that could take residents to work.

State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito
supports a federal natural catastrophe
program.

“We’ve done everything we can within the confines of the law to ensure that the insurance companies continue to renew policies. That’s our biggest concern. A federal natural catastrophe program would help as a backstop.”

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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS report that activity continues upslope of Pahoa, where the June 27 lava flow and associated breakouts have stopped. The scientists suggest that the lava tube feeding the lower part of the flow field may have been abandoned following onset of a large breakout from the tube near Pu`u Kahauale`a, just downslope from Pu`u `O`o.

KAINOA H. KAHELE-BISHOP, OF OCEAN VIEW, will serve up to 20 years in prison for first-degree robbery following an incident on South Point Road in January, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. The Hawai`i Paroling Authority at will set the minimum mandatory term Kahele-Bishop must serve before becoming eligible for parole. Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra also sentenced Kahele-Bishop to concurrenty serve up to five years for first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and five years for second-degree theft, along with paying $747.65 in fees and $958.16 in restitution.
Kahele-Bishop and Trinety Crapser, also of Ocean View, were arrested after Discovery Harbour resident Trudi Grentz alleged that Crapser, wielding a hatchet, attacked her when Crapser tried to start Grentz’s car. Kahele-Bishop removed items from the car and drove off with them.

Proceedings have been suspended pending a mental health examination for Crapser, who is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, third-degree assault, first-degree attempted unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and second-degree attempted assault.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY AGRICULTURE, WATER & Energy Sustainability Committee postponed a bill that would establish provisions for protection of marine life that is harvested with the intent to sell for aquarium use, reported Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawai`i Today. Protections include prohibiting withholding food from aquarium life for more than 24 hours, requiring ample water supply when transporting aquarium life and prohibiting transport of aquarium life in a manner that is likely to cause injury or death.

A Hawai`i County Council committee has postponed a proposal
that would protect fish harvested for aquariums.
Photo from wikipedia

Any person violating these provisions would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days or both.

According to Cook Lauer, council members said more scientific information is needed and that most said they would, if they could, favor a total ban on commercial aquarium fish collection.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS UNVEILED the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act, legislation that would reduce carbon pollution and generate as much as $2 trillion dollars over ten years.   “With this bill we can take control of our economic future,” Schatz said. “This is one of the most straightforward solutions to climate change and has growing support across the ideological spectrum. Republicans in the Congress are going to take some time to warm up to this proposal, but I am confident that they will listen to their consciences and their constituents, and join us on the right side of history.”
The American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act would require polluters to pay a fee for every ton of carbon pollution they emit. The fee would start at $42 per ton in 2015 and increase annually by an inflation-adjusted two percent. The price of the fee follows the Obama Administration’s central estimate of the “social cost of carbon,” the value of the harms caused by carbon pollution including falling agricultural productivity, human health hazards and property damages from flooding.

The fee would be assessed on all coal, oil and natural gas produced in or imported to the U.S. and cover large emitters of non-carbon greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide from non-fossil-fuel sources. The U.S. Department of Treasury would assess and collect the fee, working with the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Information Administration to ensure the best research methods and data are used.

A study from Resources for the Future, a non-partisan think tank, estimates that a carbon fee tracking the social cost of carbon would reduce carbon pollution by about 50 percent within a decade from the electricity sector alone. The electricity sector is the largest source of carbon pollution, emitting about 40 percent of annual emissions.   All revenue generated by the carbon pollution fee – which could exceed $2 trillion over ten years – would be credited to an American Opportunity Fund to be returned to the American people.

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TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament begins tomorrow and continues Saturday. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

Christmas in the Country begins Saturday. Photo from VAC

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BEGINS Saturday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Handmade ornaments, wreaths and other pieces spark visitors’ “inner elves.” A members-only party and reception takes place tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The gallery is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HIKERS LED BY BOTANIST Tim Tunison explore Kipuka Ki and Kipuka Pua`ulu forests in the Mauna Loa section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Pahala Dojo traveled to Kona to participate in International Karate League's Tournament of Champions. Photos from Cliff Field

CONSERVATION GROUPS HAVE SUED the National Marine Fisheries Service over a new rule allowing the Hawai`i-based longline fleet to fish beyond limits set by international agreements meant to protect bigeye tuna and other imperiled marine species.

The rule approved last month nearly doubles the agreed-upon 3,763-metric-ton quota on bigeye fishing for all U.S.-flagged fishermen by creating separate quotas for U.S. Pacific Territories and then allowing 3,000 metric tons from those quotas to be transferred to Hawai`i-based fishermen who neither fish in territorial waters nor land their catch in the territories. The Fisheries Service claims the rules are “technical administrative changes,” but conservation groups argue the rules violate U.S. commitments under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention, which are vital to prevent overfishing.

A new rule allows Hawai`i's longline fleet to fish for bigeye tuna

beyond limits set by international agreements.

“We’re not going to be able to solve the overfishing problem for bigeye unless all nations play by the rules,” said David Henkin, a staff attorney at Earthjustice. “The United States should be leading by example, not inventing a shell game to let the Hawai`i-based longline fleet continue overfishing.”

Bigeye tuna is a highly valued sushi fish, especially in Japan. According to Earthjustice, the latest stock assessment found that the fish is subject to overfishing throughout the Pacific. Currently at its lowest historical levels, bigeye tuna has been experiencing overfishing since the 1990s.

“The solution for saving bigeye tuna is not creating a new loophole so they can be fished even more,” said Catherine Kilduff, of the Center for Biological Diversity. “We need to be smart about protecting this valuable resource, or soon it’ll be gone.”

Longline fishers use thousands of dangling hooks on lines stretching up to 60 nautical miles long and 1,150 feet deep.

Marjorie Ziegler, executive director of Conservation Council for Hawai`i, said, “The Fisheries Service should be enforcing our international agreements, not looking for ways to continue overfishing a species that needs help. We are not only very concerned about the bigeye tuna, but also about the sea turtles, sharks and seabirds that are indiscriminately killed on longlines.”

Earthjustice is representing the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, Turtle Island Restoration Network and the Center for Biological Diversity in this action. The complaint is available at http://earthjustice.org/documents/legal-document/bigeye-tuna-complaint-11-20-2014.

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Ronald Williams, at left, today takes over for departing HTA

President and CEO Mike McCartney, at right. Photo from HTA

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS SUPPORT President Barack Obama’s executive order on immigration enforcement that would protect up to five million undocumented immigrants from deportation and increase border security. “This is a big step toward bringing millions out of the shadows to help strengthen our economy and our national security. Every single President since Dwight Eisenhower, Democrats and Republicans alike, has exercised executive action on immigration. President Obama is no different in this move,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, the only immigrant serving in U.S. Senate. “Last year the Senate passed a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill that I was honored to help shape. I will continue to fight for reforms that allow families to stay together and urge Congress to take action to fix our broken immigration system.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “For decades, our broken immigration system has separated families and forced millions to live in the shadows. That is why I was proud to help pass bipartisan immigration reform legislation in the Senate last year. But since then, House Republicans have refused to take up the bill and have offered no realistic solutions. I commend President Obama for taking measured steps to address our broken system. This will bring some welcome relief for the many undocumented families hoping to live the American Dream, but we need a permanent solution from Congress.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

RONALD WILLIAMS HAS BEEN APPOINTED by Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s board of directors as the agency’s interim president and CEO. Williams take over responsibilities effective today, following the departure of current HTA President and CEO Mike McCartney.

Francisco Villa compete in Kata during IKL's tournament in Kona

“Ron brings with him an incredible wealth of knowledge of the HTA and more than 30 years of experience in Hawai`i’s visitor industry,” said Aaron J. Sala, HTA board chair. “We are pleased that he could step in and ease the transition for the HTA as we search for a permanent president and CEO.”

Williams was appointed to the HTA board of directors in 2009 and served as board chair from 2010 through 2014. He is currently president and CEO of Atlantis Adventures.

“It is an honor to have been selected as the interim president and CEO during this transitional period,” said Williams. “I am committed to working with the HTA board and staff on maintaining the success of our tourism economy. On behalf of the HTA, I would like to extend a sincere mahalo to Mike McCartney for serving Hawai`i’s visitor industry and wish him well in his new position as he continues to serve the state of Hawai`i.”

Effective Dec. 1, McCartney will be chief-of-staff for Gov.-elect David Ige.

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PAHALA KARATE DOJO PARTICIPATED in the Tournament of Champions held in Kailua-Kona on Nov. 8. The tournament was held by the International Karate League, and dojos from across the state attended with over 120 participants. Competition included performance in kata, kobudo (weapons) and kumite (sparring), with numerous divisions representing different ages and ranks. Pahala Karate Dojo is part of the International Karate League. Many of its members participated and helped as judges and referees.

Maiki Cofer placed second in Kata and third in Kumite
in women's colored belt division.

Participating members included Brown Belts Francisco Villa, Jake Villa and Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy, who placed third in Brown Belt Kumite); Blue Belt Lentron Jara; Green Belts John Poetzel, Maiki Cofer, who placed second in Kata and third in Kumite in women’s colored belt division, Josiah Barrios, who placed first in Kata and second in Kobudo in Junior Green Belt Division, and Cheydon Kaluahine-Salmo; Purple Belt Ethan Biason, who placed third in Junior Kumite Division); and White Belts Cheska Aurelio, Kaiden Kaluahine-Salmo and Kailen Kaluahine-Salmo.
Sensei Cliff Field and Senpai Susan Field helped with ring management, judging and refereeing. The Pahala Dojo was honored with the attendance of Sensei and Senpai Field’s Sensei, Melvin Teshima, who was in attendance from Kaua`i.
The International Karate League is a traditional karate school and is registered in Japan. The headquarters are in Honolulu, and the Founder, Nishioka Shihan, was presiding over the tournament.
Pahala Dojo meets every Tuesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and is open to new students year-round. International Karate League is operated as a not-for-profit organization.

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TUTU AND ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL hosts a Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center today from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features keiki games and activities, a photo booth, free raffle, face painting and more. A lunch of chili with rice and fresh fruit will be served, and shave ice and popcorn will be provided by `O Ka`u Kakou.

In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Food Basket.
For more information or to donate goods or services for the raffle, call 929-8571.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament begins today and continues tomorrow. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, today’s food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tomorrow, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

ENGINEER’S ESTATE! 40-year collection of hand and power tools, tents, telescopes, bikes, household items, records, cameras, vintage violin and more. Over half of proceeds will benefit a well known local support service. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Hotdogs, coffee, and music.

Zeke Israel is a member of Volcano Village Artists Hui.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BEGINS tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The event features handmade ornaments, wreaths and other pieces. A members-only party and reception takes place today from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event begins at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, where participants carpool to Mauna Loa Strip Road.
Fees are $45 for VAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

VOLCANO ARTISTS HUI STUDIO TOUR & SALE begins a week from today on Friday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors meet Volcano Village Artists Hui members in their studios and see artwork in a wide variety of media. Maps are available at village businesses and at volcanovillageartistshui.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

It's time to nominate Big Trees to raise awareness of the importance of healthy trees and forests. Photo from DLNR

LINDA ROSEN IS THE NEW CEO of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp., which operates Ka`u Hospital and 12 other state-owned hospitals. She is a physician with a masters degree in public health and has worked in numerous positions for the state Department of Health. Lorin Eleni Gill, of Pacific Business News, reports that Rosen was a member of the board of HHSC, which faces a $48 million shortfall in the current fiscal year, for which it has petitioned the state Legislature for emergency funds. Rosen is currently director of the state Department of Health, appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in February of this year.

Linda Rosen, new CEO of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.
Photo from Office of Gov. Neil Abercrombie

“We’re very pleased that Dr. Rosen was able to join our organization because she brings a lot of skills sets and understanding of our challenges to the table,” said Carol A. VanCamp, chair of HHSC’s board. “Many of our hospitals work cooperatively with the Department of Health and with Dr. Rosen directly, and when she applied for the position, they already had the knowledge and understanding of her qualifications and experience. She really reached out while she was on the board to help in any way she could.”

See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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THE HOLIDAY SEASON MARKS THE BEGINNING of the annual Hawai`i Big Tree Competition. Sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and American Forests, the program focuses attention on the largest trees in each species as a way to raise awareness about the importance of healthy trees and forests. In 2014 Coco, a coconut palm in Hawai`i Kai, was crowned national Big Tree winner and National Ultimate Big Tree after several weeks of online voting.

This mamane in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
is on the National Registry of Big Trees.

One of Hawai`i’s biggest trees is the national champion koa, located in south Kona at the 8,089-acre Kona Hema Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy in Na`alehu. The koa is 115 feet tall with a circumference of 343.3 inches and a crown spread of 93.3 feet. The koa was nominated in 2012.
Species eligible for nomination are Koa, Lama, Wiliwili, `Ohi`a ha, `Ohi`a ai, Koki`o ke`oke`o, Ma`o hau hele, Aloalo, Kawa`u, Kolea lau nui, Olopua, Papalakepau, Nenelau, Lonomea, Mamane, A`e, Wauke, Niu, Hau, Manele and `A`ali`i. To replace a current champion, the challenging tree must have more total points. Total points equals trunk circumference in inches plus height in feet plus one-quarter average crown spread in feet.
To nominate a tree, contact Hawai`i Big Tree coordinator Kylee Ah Choy at 808-587-0164 and provide the tree height, trunk circumference and average crown spread. Also, provide the tree’s specific location (GPS coordinates are helpful).
For more on the Hawai`i Big Tree Program see dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/info/big-tree/. For more on the National Big Tree Program, see www.americanforests.org/bigtrees/bigtrees-search/.

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U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD and a colleague have introduced legislation to recognize #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, kicks off the holiday giving season with a global day dedicated to charitable giving and volunteerism to follow the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The #GivingTuesday resolution recognizes that philanthropy and charitable giving knows no party divide, as giving has the ability to transcend any differences of political ideologies and has the power to unite people across boundaries.
“There are too many things that cause divisions within our communities, but one thing that can bring us together toward a common goal is that of giving to others and making a positive impact on their lives,” Gabbard said. “We should always be looking for opportunities to serve others and give generously of our time and resources to worthy causes. Giving Tuesday is a great way to raise awareness of our responsibility to serve others before ourselves and give back to our communities. I encourage everyone to embrace these values and the spirit of Giving Tuesday.”

Now in its third year, #GivingTuesday is a worldwide movement with over 16,000 U.S.-based partners that celebrates the power of giving in all its forms. Launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, this worldwide movement harnesses the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities and celebrates the power of giving in all its forms.
For more information, including background, partner information, tools and updates, see www.givingtuesday.org.

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THE NEW HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL takes charge on Monday, Dec. 1. A final meeting of the previous Council is scheduled for 9 a.m., and the new Council has its first meeting at 3 p.m.

New County Council member Maile Medeiros David plans to meet with constituents
after taking office Monday, Dec. 1. Photo by Julia Neal

Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford turns over her responsibilities for District Six to newly elected Maile Medeiros David. Medeiros David, of Captain Cook, was elected in the August primary election in, winning a majority against candidates Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano.
Medeiros David said she will be traveling throughout the district in December and looks forward to hearing from citizenry about all the issues.
“I also want to wish everyone Happy Holidays as I begin the next two years as your member of the Hawai`i County Council,” she said.

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THE KOHALA CENTER, WHICH IS DEVELOPING recommendations and solutions to overcome barriers faced by Hawai`i’s value-added food producers, invites the public to provide feedback about recommendations on homemade food operations in Hawai`i that were developed by several members of the Hawai`i cottage food industry group in response to a legislative mandate. These recommendations propose a new regulatory framework for homemade food operations.

In developing the recommendations, the industry group was guided by the following principles: food safety is essential; education and training are important means of achieving food safety; proper product labeling is necessary; permits can help promote regulatory compliance; local food production is integral to Hawai`i’s economic development and food security; and Hawai`i Department of Health requires sufficient resources to implement laws and regulations.
The industry group also acknowledged state and federal mandates to increase local food production, including:

Hawai`i’s Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy, which notes that replacing just 10 precent of the food Hawai`i currently imports would amount to approximately $313 million dollars remaining in the state’s economy (Office of Planning, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism); and
The United States Department of Agriculture’s allocation of $27 million in competitive grants to support local food efforts such as food hubs and local processors.

The industry group designed the recommendations to minimize risk of foodborne illness through training, sanitary guidelines, proper product labeling and permits.

In order to mitigate the challenges facing value-added food producers in Hawai`i, the group proposes recommendations for a new regulatory framework for homemade food operations in Hawai`i, defined as an enterprise that produces – in a home or farm kitchen that conforms to the building code of the county in which the kitchen is located – allowable foods for sale to the public. Regulations applicable to homemade food operations would not apply to temporary food establishments.
See www.surveymonkey.com/s/cottage-food-survey for more information and to comment.

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KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is a week from today on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach Park features taiko drummers, local entertainers and a community potluck. $15 is the suggested donation.
Call sponsor Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament continues today. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, today’s food drive continues until 2 p.m. with the last game beginning at 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The event features handmade ornaments, wreaths and other pieces.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Keiki got to have pictures taken with the friendly Thanksgiving scarecrow during Friday's Ho`olaule`a sponsored by Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

ALLOWING MODULAR AND MOBILE HOMES could help with a predicted housing shortage should lava cut off roads into lower Puna, according to some real estate professionals. Currently, mobile homes are illegal.

One option, Day-Lum Properties’ Nancy Cabral told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, is to change regulations that prevent use of modular homes, which could be set up quickly during an emergency. She said group of real estate professionals and housing advocates is trying to offer solutions to the county and state.
“We’re just trying to get the ball rolling and start the thinking process,” she said. “If we start now, maybe we’ll have something in six months.”
In Hilo, the rental market remains “very, very tight,” Cabral told Callis. Even in Pahoa, rentals continue to be occupied, though there is turnover, she said. She said people may not be able to find rentals in Hilo because they are limited, and some people are willing to stay in their Puna rentals and see what happens with the lava flow.
“We didn’t expect that,” Cabral told Callis. “We were anticipating people moving out and having long-standing vacant units.
“There’s not enough (housing) period,” Cabral said. “That’s just the fact; there’s not enough.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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With no lava flowing within a few miles of Pahoa Village Road, officials
plan to reopen it this week. Map from county Civil Defense

ALONG WITH THE LAVA FLOW FRONT that threatened their town remaining stalled, Pahoa residents may have something else to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Reopening of Pahoa Village Road will be initiated starting tomorrow and may take a few days to complete, reported county Civil Defense. Utility crews will begin removing protection placed around utility poles, and this work will require the road to remain closed while equipment is operating in the area.

The road was closed to non-residents between Apa`a Street and Post Office Road on Oct. 26 as the lava flow approached it but has remained stalled 480 feet from the road since Oct. 30. It could be closed again if flows return to Pahoa.
Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that while access to Apa`a Street, which lava crossed on its way toward Pahoa, will remain restricted, Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira said the county is considering establishing a lava viewing area at Pahoa’s transfer station, where lava entered the property but then stalled.
While the June 27 lava flow does not pose an immediate threat to Puna communities, it is still active 3.6 and further upslope of Apa`a Street.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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A toddler enjoys shave ice while decorating paper bags
for the holiday season. Photo by Julia Neal

TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL held its annual Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center on Friday. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate the unique, high-quality early childhood educational program Tutu & Me provides for free and to invite eligible families to enroll. “We serve families with keiki from birth to five years of age and their caregivers – whether that be mom, dad, Tutu, aunty, uncle or a friend,” said site manager Betty Clark. “An integral part of our program is a cultural component; Hawaiian language and Native Hawaiian values are incorporated into our curriculum on a daily basis.

Tutu & Me offers classes from 8:30 am. to 10:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Tuesday and Thursday at Pahala Community Center.

Funding for the program administered by Partners in Development Foundation in part comes from Native Hawaiian support organizations.
For more information, see pidf.org or call 929-8571.

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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE WARNING the public about IRS scams designed to obtain personal and financial information or to persuade the recipient to wire money to the impostors.

Face painting and crafts keep keiki entertained at Tutu & Me's ho`olaule`a.
Photo by Julia Neal

A Kona man reported that he received a call on his cell phone from a man claiming to work for the Internal Revenue Service. The caller told the victim that he owed back taxes and instructed him to go to a specific drug store and purchase four Western Union vouchers for $500 each and then provide the caller with the voucher numbers. He told the victim to stay on the line with him until he bought the vouchers.
When the victim became suspicious and said he was going to call the police, he was told he would be arrested if he hung up. The victim hung up anyway and immediately received another call. His caller ID showed the incoming phone number as 326-4646, which is the number of the Kona police station. When the victim answered his phone, the caller told him the police were on their way to arrest him.
The victim drove to the Kona police station to determine if the call was legitimate and learned that it was a scam. Criminals can purchase an app for their cell phone that sends a false caller ID number.
A second victim reported that he received a similar call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The victim suspected the call was bogus and hung up the phone. The IRS imposter called back and told the victim that he didn’t appear to be taking the problem seriously, and that he needed to confirm that he was the right person. The caller then asked the victim for his name, date of birth, Social Security number and bank account number.
Police urge the public not to comply with instructions or divulge any information if they receive a call from someone claiming to represent the IRS.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD is sponsoring bipartisan legislation to give the President temporary authority to directly arm the Kurdish Peshmerga in the fight against ISIL and other Islamic extremists. Currently, U.S. military aid is being dispersed solely through the Iraqi central government, which so far has not supplied the Kurds with the equipment they need.   “The Kurdish Peshmerga are courageously fighting to destroy ISIL. They are the primary offensive force fighting against ISIL on the ground and are doing so with inadequate weapons and resources. We should be doing everything we can to get them the heavy weapons and equipment they need to support their fight to eliminate our common enemy,” Gabbard said. “This bipartisan legislation will help level the playing field for this fighting force, which is vastly outgunned and mostly using outdated light weapons. Systemic changes need to occur within the structure of the Iraqi government, but we cannot wait; we must stop routing these weapons through a still dysfunctional Shiite-led central Iraqi government, which has thus far withheld necessary support to the Peshmerga, and provide equipment and heavy weapons directly to the Kurds. Their needs are urgent. We cannot waste any more time, as ISIL continues to grow, increasing the threat to the United States and our partners.” 

Gabbard has consistently and strongly supported arming the Kurdish Peshmerga with heavy weapons and armored vehicles, and met yesterday with the Kurdish Regional Government Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa and Dr. Fuad Hussein, President Barzani’s Chief of Staff, expressing her full support and commitment to increasing direct U.S. military aid to the KRG. 
The legislation establishes as the policy of the United States to provide direct assistance to the Kurdistan Regional Government to combat ISIL, identifies Iraqi Kurds as a reliable and stable partner of the United States, recognizes that the Peshmerga are the official security force of the Kurdistan Regional Government, organized in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution, emphasizes that ISIL is a significant terrorist threat which may employ more than 4,000 captured heavy weapons, 1,500 armored vehicles, and 50 long-range artillery pieces and aintains existing Congressional oversight of significant arms transfers.
The legislation sunsets after three years, in recognition of the emergency nature of this authority.

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Tutu & Me prepares for last year's Pahala Christmas Parade. Organizing
for this year's parade in the works. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PLAN to participate in outdoor activities a week from today on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Kahuku Palm Trail Hike, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit, is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail that provides one of best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
A Forest Work Day is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village with botanist Tim Tunison. Call 967-8222 for more information.

PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is organizing for Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m., winding its way around Pahala town from the old armory to the hospital and back to Holy Rosary Catholic Church for refreshments. Organized for some 35 years by Eddie Andrade, the parade features, floats, walking groups, tractors and classic cars, choirs, Filipino community groups, public officials, churches, schools, members of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, Santa giving out candy and much more. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf

Reconnecting Kalapana to Ka`u via Chain of Craters Road could cost $12 to $15 million. Photo from National Park Service

HAWAI`I COUNTY TAXPAYERS ARE SPENDING about $14.5 million as a result of the June 27 lava flow that continues to be a concern to Puna communities.

West Hawai`i Today reports that most of the money is going to construction costs for emergency access roads. The county is hoping for reimbursement from the federal government.
Rebuilding Chain of Craters Road where it was buried by past lava flows could cost $12 to $15.5 million. The project would connect communities in lower Puna to Ka`u and the rest of the island, if lava crosses other roads and emergency routes on its way to the ocean. According to the story, Chain of Craters Road is expected to be complete in early December.
Another $3 million was spent to open Government Beach Road to connect Railroad Avenue between two subdivisions.
Officials hope to reopen parts of Pahoa Village Road that had been closed because of threating lava in time for Thanksgiving. The flow front remains stalled about 480 feet above the road.

See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Thirty Meter Telescope has launched its THINK Fund for Hawai`i
Island students. Image from tmt.org

THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE HAS LAUNCHED The Hawai`i Island New Knowledge Fund to better prepare Hawai`i Island students to master Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and to become the workforce for higher paying science and technology jobs in Hawai`i’s 21st century economy. TMT’s founding gift of $1 million marks the beginning of construction on astronomy’s next-generation telescope on Mauna Kea.

TMT’s THINK Fund initiative benefits Hawai`i Island students pursuing STEM endeavors with an annual contribution of $1 million over its existing 19-year Mauna Kea sublease with the University of Hawai`i-Hilo. Two Hawai`i foundations were selected by TMT, Hawai`i Community Foundation and Pauahi Foundation, to administer THINK Fund distribution in scholarship and grant-making platforms. The two independent foundations are defining their award criteria and decision-making process.
The Thirty Meter Telescope initiated dialogue on formation of THINK Fund in 2008 by asking a group of community volunteers to outline the mission, vision, purpose and implementation strategy of an education fund benefitting Hawai`i Island students. The organizing committee that developed TMT’s THINK Fund structure was comprised of Hawai`i Island residents.
“After years of THINK Fund planning and reflection, the aspirations of dedicated community members are being realized with TMT’s first annual $1 million contribution, set in motion by the start of our construction phase,” said TMT Community Affairs Manager Sandra Dawson. “As a mother of two teachers, I am so pleased with THINK Fund’s potential to furnish Hawai`i Island students with an easier path to reach for the stars. TMT’s THINK Fund initiative will not only help Hawai`i Island students with the tools to excel in STEM areas and the channels to get into college, it can also provide students with the means to get through college.”
The organizing committee determined that scholarships, grant making and establishment of an endowment would ensure sustainability of improving educational opportunities for Hawai`i Island students in STEM disciplines. It further recognized that an emphasis be given to improving opportunities for STEM education for Native Hawaiian students, not as an exclusive preference, but focusing on addressing needs of Hawai`i’s host culture.

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NACF President/CEO T. Lulani Arquette

NATIVE HAWAIIAN ARTISTS ACTIVE in fields of dance, music, traditional and visual arts are invited to apply for a new fellowship from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.

“This opportunity will support the creation of new works by Native Hawaiian artists nationwide,” said NACF Program Officer Andre Bouchard. Panels will review online submissions this winter, and in spring 2015, we’ll announce the awardees.”
Fellowship awards include support ranging up to $20,000 per artist, and artists who apply need to be able to supply documentation of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
While the nonprofit Native arts foundation has offered national fellowships of this amount each year since 2011 to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artists and culture-makers, this is the first fellowship created exclusively to support Native Hawaiian artists. A partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and support from the Leonard and Rose Freeman Family Fund of the Hawai`i Community Foundation allowed the foundation to offer this new fellowship.
“We extend gratitude to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Freeman family for helping us make this new fellowship a reality,” said NACF President and CEO T. Lulani Arquette.
Interested persons must submit online applications by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at your.culturegrants.org.

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RICHARD HA, OWNER OF HAMAKUA SPRINGS Country Farms, has an entry on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com that has a holiday lesson.
“Let me tell you something really interesting I learned from my Uncle Sonny Kamahele, who had twenty acres in Maku`u, in Puna on the Big Island,” Ha writes. “He had a rare kipuka there with soil that was ten feet deep, no rocks or anything. There was a spring in one corner of his property.
“Just out of college with an accounting degree and lots of ideas about business, I looked at his land and wondered if he would lease me ten acres to grow bananas. I scratched my chin and thought about how I could grow 35,000 pounds per acre, maybe 300,000 pounds a year taking into account turn around space, on those ten acres.

Richard Ha

“And yet on the other ten acres, Uncle Sonny was making his living with just ten or twenty hills of watermelons, with maybe four plants on each hill. People would come from miles around to buy his watermelons, and that provided him with enough income to support himself and to send money to his wife and son in the Philippines.
“Here’s the lesson I learned from him: It’s not about how big your farm is. Your business is successful if it supports your situation. I learned a lot from Uncle Sonny, but I think that’s the most important thing I learned from him.
“That’s what I always look at when I visit a farm. Not how big it is, or how much money it makes, but how it operates, and whether it solves the problem it is trying to solve.
“Here’s why I’m telling you this right now. We have a real energy problem looming. I think the situation with oil is very serious, and there are definitely going to be winners and losers in the world. We need to position ourselves to be winners, and it’s going to take all of us, big and small.
“How are we going to feed Hawai‘i?
“Every one of us is going to play a role in it – from the largest farmers to the small folks growing food in their backyard. Do you remember in the plantation camps, especially the Filipino camps, how the yards were always planted with food? Beans, eggplants, the whole thing. I don’t see it so much anymore, but we can do it again.
“We are lucky on the Big Island. We’re not crowded, and everybody has room to grow food. You know how you can tell we have plenty space? Everybody’s yard is too big to mow! We have the ability to do this.

“It’s going to take all of us. It’s not just about any one of us, it’s about all of us, from the biggest to the smallest.
“I’m lucky to have had Uncle Sonny to learn from when I was younger. I spent a lot of time with him, and I got a real feeling for how he made decisions, which was old style.

“His lifestyle was a real connection to the past, too. His lawn and the whole area were always immaculate. The grass was always mowed; practically manicured. He lived pretty close to the old ways with a lot of remnants from the past. He had a red and green house that had stones from down the beach to put the pillars on, and lumber over the dirt floors. He built beds on those floors and then had five or six lauhala mats on the beds to sleep on, instead of mattresses; old style. There was a redwood water tank.
“He listened to the county extension folks, and I learned from that, too – to pay attention to the people who know something.
“But one of the most important things I learned was that your business, big or small, is a success if it supports your particular situation.”
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THE SECOND ANNUAL ISLANDWIDE CRÈCHE FESTIVAL, featuring more than 100 nativity sets from around the world, takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. both Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Ka`u Ward, 95-5682 Mamalahoa Highway in Na`alehu. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free event. For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is Saturday at Punalu`u Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER invites Ka`u residents to its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday at 1 p.m. “We are still accepting donations and looking for more volunteers to fill in to make this a wonderful holiday for our community,” said OVCA president Fortune Otter.
To sign up, call 939-7033.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Kilauea Military Camp invites Ka`u residents to vote for their three favorite decorated cottages beginning Friday.
Photo by Dave Berry

MEGAN LAMSON, MARINE DEBRIS PROJECT COORDINATOR for Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, which holds many Ka`u Coast Cleanups, last week joined a group of delegates from three different countries in Natori City, Japan for a Symposium on Floating Articles and Debris Resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Lamson was the official representative for Hawai`i at the symposium led by the Japan Environmental Action Network, a small nonprofit organization that has been working to clean up Japan’s coast for the past 25 years. Thirteen presenters from Japan’s government agencies and non-government organizations and representatives from Canada, Washington State and Hawai`i shared their experiences with a group of about 60 participants. Azusa Kojima, secretary-general and director with JEAN, said the purpose was to “exchange information regarding marine debris and natural disasters. We are helping to educate people about tsunami/disaster awareness and recovery in similar coastal areas that could face these types of problems.”

Megan Lamson, back row, third from right, and other delegates visit an amamo
(sea/eel grass) restoration site outside Ogatsu, Ischinomaki led by representatives
with Sea Beautification Society. Photo by Kate Le Souef/Vancouver Aquarium

Lamson said, “If we listen to the stories from our elders and our Pacific neighbors, we may be able to escape such a tragedy here at home. For that reason, we collectively urge you to go home and discuss your emergency plan for hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, etc. with your family, and most importantly, to stick to your plan. In addition, we hope that, by collecting debris from around the Pacific Basin and showing a deep respect for some of the tsunami driftage objects recovered, we will continue to emphasize how connected we all truly are.
“Marine debris and tsunami driftage items can link lives from around the globe. At this symposium and over the coming months, participants hope to reconfirm their common objectives with their partners across the Pacific Ocean to reduce marine debris inputs into oceans and waterways (and our reliance on single-usage products) and to remember the lives that were lost and share emergency planning strategies with coastal communities.
“This trip to Japan has been an intense, emotional and inspirational journey that has connected us with our neighbors across the Pacific. Returning home to Hawai`i Island, I am bringing with me an immense feeling of gratitude and respect for all of the memories that may be linked to each of the foreign debris items that we collect along our shoreline.

“Together with hundreds of volunteers, Hawai`i Wildlife Fund has been removing marine debris items from our shores that originated in Alaska, California, Canada, Korea, Japan, China, Russia and other countries for over a decade. While we will continue to do this in order to protect native wildlife, the debris from Japan will be carefully inspected in the hopes that we may return more objects to their original owners.”
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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say lava could enter a different
path of steepest descent, shown by blue lines.
Map from USGS/HVO

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SCIENTISTS at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory express gratitude for the stall of the lava flow near Pahoa in the current issue of Volcano Watch, titled HVO Looks Ahead While There’s a Break(Out) in the Activity.

“Without lava flows posing immediate threats to the community, recent changes have afforded us an opportunity to catch our collective breaths. The changes, however, have also ushered in a new phase of uncertainty about where these renewed surface flows will head.
“Lava is currently breaking out of the tube at several locations, as well as migrating down the lava tube system. How far the lava will travel through the existing lava tube is not yet known, but based on flow activity in previous years, it is unlikely that lava will reoccupy the tube to the lowest part of the flow near Pahoa.
“The farthest point at which lava breaks out of the tube and forms a surface flow could become the new flow front in the coming days. On the other hand, any of the existing upslope breakouts, such as the one near Pu`u Kahauale`a, could eventually capture much or all of the lava supply and become the new active front. In either case, the new active flow front will chart its own path downslope, which may or may not follow the route that the earlier part of the June 27th lava flow followed.
“New breakouts from the tube are often forced to flow along the margin of the existing flow due to that flow’s inflated and elevated surface, thereby widening the overall flow field. In some cases, this can cause the breakout of lava to head in a new direction and enter a different steepest-descent path, commonly shown by blue lines on HVO maps of the flow.
“The recent upslope breakouts and subsequent interruption in lava supply to the flow front are typical aspects of pahoehoe lava flow behavior, and the sequence is similar to events repeatedly observed for earlier flows from Pu`u `O`o. Major interruptions can happen multiple times during the lifespan of an individual pahoehoe flow.
“The recent stalling of flows near Pahoa is good news in the short term, but the ongoing breakouts from the June 27th lava tube clearly indicate that the flow is still active and remains a potential hazard to downslope communities. While it is unclear how far lava will be able to reoccupy the tube or where renewed surface flows might head, HVO and HCCD continue to monitor the flow closely with helicopter overflights, field work, satellite imagery and other techniques.”

Hana Dragons and Ka`u Trojan wahine basketball teams spent last weekend
on a food drive and playing in a tournament in Pahala.
Photo by Jennifer Makuakane

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov for this and other Volcano Watch articles and daily lava flow updates.
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WAHINE TROJANS SCORED BASKETS and brought in food for the needy at their tournament Friday and Saturday. Players met their goal by collecting over 200 pounds of non-perishable food items to donate to the local Food Basket during last weekend’s tournament that drew players from Hana, Maui and Kealakehe in Kona.
Hosting teams from Hana and Kealakehe on Friday night, Ka`u Varsity scored 39 points to take down Kealakehe Varsity, who made 35 points. Hana Varsity racked up 31 points to beat Ka`u JV, which scored 19 points.
On Saturday, Kealakehe beat Hana Varsity, Ka`u Varsity beat Hana Varsity, and Kealakehe JV overcame Ka`u JV.
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PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER’S annual Rubberband Turkey Shoot takes place tomorrow from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to all ages.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA Army officials are opening several training areas from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. for bird hunting on Thanksgiving Day and bow hunting on Friday.
On Thanksgiving Day, training areas 1-4, 9-16 and the Keamuku Training Area will be open for shotgun hunting of birds only. Use of shotgun slugs is not permitted.
The same areas will be open for bow hunting Friday. Hunters are allowed one pig, one goat and one sheep, in keeping with state bag limits. Shooting sheep with blue collars is not permitted.
For more information, call PTA’s Hunter’s Hotline at 969-3474, see www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta and click on the Hunting tab, or refer to instructions on the hunting pass.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER invites Ka`u residents to its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday at 1 p.m. Volunteers are still needed to help make the event successful.
To sign up, call 939-7033.

Family Values by Elizabeth Miller, a member of Volcano Village
Artists Hui.

VOLCANO ARTISTS HUI STUDIO TOUR & SALE is this Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors meet Volcano Village Artists Hui members in their studios and see artwork in a wide variety of media. Maps are available at village businesses and at volcanovillageartistshui.com.

THE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE at Kilauea Military Camp in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins Friday and continues through Dec. 31. The public can judge cottages decorated in holiday lights by KMC employees and vote for their three favorites. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is Saturday at Punalu`u Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

THE SECOND ANNUAL ISLANDWIDE CRÈCHE FESTIVAL, featuring more than 100 nativity sets from around the world, takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Ka`u Ward, 95-5682 Mamalahoa Highway in Na`alehu. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free event.
For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Friday is the deadline for public comments on proposed regulatory changes geared toward helping food producers overcome barriers to business growth and expansion. Photo by Jolene Koi

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS ARE PREDICTING a banner year despite the coffee berry borer pest taking a bite out of the crop. Ka`u Coffee Mill predicts it will harvest some 200,000 pounds from its young orchards, compared to 100,000 pounds last year, said mill manager Lou Daniele.

Gloria Camba, here with Bong Aquino, reports coffee farmers
receiving good prices. Photo by Julia Neal

Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba said farmers are receiving good prices from many independent buyers and brands developed by farmers and brokers who need to supplement their own production and buying contracts.
Finding enough coffee pickers has been a challenge, with coffee growers looking for housing for picking crews coming in from Kona.
Another worry for the farmers is the lack of land security. After nearly two decades of working the Cloud Rest and Pear Tree farms, farmers find that the land is for sale and being marketed with the coffee lands as the major value. The coffee acreage was set up with the county planning director for subdivision and sale before the developers who bought it from C. Brewer were foreclosed on by Lehman Brothers Holdings, from whom they borrowed $40 million.
Former Naniloa Hotel operator and Volcano House operator Ken Fujiyama said he has been doing some due diligence talking with farmers on behalf of new investors interested in buying the coffee farms that are part of 5,800 acres being sold.
Many of the Ka`u Coffee farmers’ leases expired during the past year. A number have arranged to farm on some of the land off Wood Valley Road owned by Olson Trust.

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Existing cesspools that will not need to be upgraded upon sale
of property are in green, and existing cesspools that will need
to be upgraded are in red. Map from DOH

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS REVISED its draft cesspool rules in response to public comment.

On Sept. 1, DOH proposed revisions to its Wastewater Systems Rules to update the regulation of cesspools. DOH extended the public comment period by 15 extra days and conducted five public hearings on the Neighbor Islands and the agency received and reviewed over 230 public comments.
The rules will require only cesspools that most affect human health and water quality to be upgraded upon sale of a property. Only cesspools that are near a public drinking water well and those within 750 feet of the shoreline, a stream or a wetland will be affected. This rule would govern 19,793 cesspools out of a statewide total of about 88,000, or 22 percent of all cesspools in Hawai`i. This reduces the properties covered by the upgrade requirement by 78 percent compared to the original rule draft.
To assist homeowners with the expense of upgrading old cesspools to modern septic systems, DOH will offer grants to eligible homeowners to install modern treatment systems near public drinking water wells and zero-interest loans to lower income homeowners for cesspools near streams or the ocean. Higher income households will be eligible for two percent interest loans to upgrade their cesspools.
If a property cannot accommodate a new septic tank and leach field system, DOH will allow exemptions from the upgrade requirement.
DOH will extend the period for completing the cesspool upgrade to within one year from sale, rather than the originally proposed six months.
In addition, DOH is clarifying that cesspool upgrades will not apply to property transfers such as times when no money is exchanged during property conveyances between family members.
DOH is also now proposing to allow individual septic systems in new residential subdivisions with single family homes on lots of an acre or larger.

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THE EXCITING ENERGY FUTURE is the title of a blog entry by Henry Curtis, director of Life of the Land.

“It is an exciting time to be alive,” Curtis writes. “So much is happening. There are so many possibilities. The world is changing before our eyes. We can be part of the change.
“The first great transition occurred when nomadic people settled down and developed agrarian societies… .

“The second great transition involved the use of largely stationary sources of fossil fuel. Whale sperm oil, coal and kerosene could be collected in one place and used in another place. Coal was used in ships and trains, but it was bulky and required manpower. This was the First Industrial Revolution (c. 1750).
“During the 1800s Europe and North America became urbanized. Cities served as industrial hubs. They were crowded and noisy. Suburbs developed, followed by congested roads and over-crowded public transport systems.

Henry Curtis

“The third great transition relied on mobile forms of fossil fuel. Electricity could travel great distances in electric grids. Gasoline could power internal combustion engines which enabled long-distance travel. This was the Second Industrial Revolution (c. 1870).
“The modern economic society was enabled by movable forms of fossil fuel. Cities and urban communities exist as a direct result of movable forms of fossil fuel… .
“We are in the middle of several additional transitions: the computer age, the information (Internet) age, the global warming awareness age, the renewable energy age and the nanotechnology age.
“The threat of climate change is forcing society to switch from fossil fuel to renewable energy. That is compounding the threat to the electric grid.
“Amory and Hunter Lovins wrote Brittle Power for the military some 35 years ago. The book pointed out how the largest machine in the world – the electric grid – was inherently vulnerable to collapse.
“The use of intermittent wind and solar – needed to fight global warming – has added instability to the grid.
“Three major sets of paths have developed.
“The first is sort of the status quo, business-as-usual approach. Giant electric utilities which have not changed in a hundred years will suddenly reinvent themselves, will build and control giant Smart Grids relying on new telecommunication systems, vast computer systems, big data, complex algorithmic programs and dynamic policies.
“The second is the giant monolithic dinosaurs with archaic dumb grids will provide backup to sophisticated smart micro-grids and smart building-level nano-grids built and operated by a new wave of cutting edge entrepreneurs.
“The third approach asserts that solar and battery prices are falling, energy efficiency is growing, nanotechnology is changing industry and that buildings will be able to reliably generate and consume all of their power needs on their own.
“Which system is more reliable, more cost-effective and more resilient? Which will be so in five years, 10 years and 20 years?
“The dominant paradigm states that the first approach will win. Meanwhile, traditional utilities are losing customers each year to the second and third paths.”

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THE KOHALA CENTER’S RURAL and Cooperative Business Development Services team is seeking public comments on proposed regulatory changes that would impact homemade food operations in Hawai‘i. The proposed recommendations and solutions are geared toward helping Hawai`i’s value-added food producers overcome barriers to business growth and expansion.

The Kohala Center encourages interested parties to review the recommendations and provide feedback at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cottage-food-survey.
The deadline to provide public comment is this Friday, Nov. 28.

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PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER’S annual Rubberband Turkey Shoot takes place today from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to all ages.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER invites Ka`u residents to its annual Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow at 1 p.m. To offer help during the event, call 939-7033.

`Ohi`a, Chain of Craters Road, by Mary Goodrich, a member
of Volcano Village Artists Hui.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN VIEW artists’ studios and see artwork in a wide variety of media during Volcano Village Artists Hui’s Studio Tour & Sale Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps are available at village businesses and at volcanovillageartistshui.com.

CALLING ALL BAKERS! Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hold their holiday fundraiser Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1943 Pukeawe Circle, Volcano Golf Course, off Pi`i Mauna Drive. They will be selling baked goodies and poinsettias, but need more baked goods.
Bakers are asked to deliver goodies to the pick-up station between Volcano Store and Post Office on Friday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Call 808-987-3703 for directions.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is Saturday at Punalu`u Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS’ Ka`u Ward hosts the second annual islandwide Crèche Festival, featuring more than 100 nativity sets from around the world, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The address is 95-5682 Mamalahoa Highway in Na`alehu. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free event.
For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

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

Add caption

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

College student Tiare Lee Shibuya and her partner Bradley Llanes are two supporters of Ka`u Learning Academy
among those who perform weekends at Gilligan's Cafe, which hosts an anniversary celebration Saturday, Dec. 13 and rolls
out applications for the 2015 school year. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY, a tuition-free, public charter school, has announced that it will accept applications beginning in December for open enrollment lottery for school year 2015-2016, which begins in August for grades 3 to 6. Classes will be held at the old Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse, now operated as Gilligan’s Café to benefit the school.
Unlike traditional public schools, KLA will provide an individual education plan for every student, allowing each to work at their own ability level, said Kathryn Tydlacka, founder and executive director, who has nearly 20 years of experience in public and private education and holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. “KLA holds high academic expectations and also offers electives such as theatre arts, agriculture, computer, art and music,” she said.
Transportation and lunch will be provided to KLA students. Enrollment meetings will be held throughout the district starting in January. “We want to thank a number of local residents and private foundations that have made significant monetary contributions to the charter school. It is a testament to KLA’s strong academic plan that it was the only charter school applicant approved for 2015 under Hawai‘i’s tough new charter school law,” Tydlacka said. For more information and to enroll a child, see www.kaulearning. com or call 213-1097.

Aaron DeLos Santos supports Ka`u Learning Academy as a regulae host at
Gilligan's Cafe. He is seen here at Science Camps of America this summer.
Photo from Science Camps of America

Tydlacka also said that Ka‘u Learning Academy thanks patrons of Gilligan’s Café for continued support every Friday and Saturday night. Founders of KLA opened Gilligan’s in December of 2013 as a nonprofit business to help fund the school.
The one-year anniversary celebration will be Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy food and live music all day, along with craft and info booths, a silent auction, giveaways and other surprises. Musicians include Solomn & Tiger, Lucky Lizardz, `Ukulele Boyz and Mark Chopot.
KLA enrollment applications and information will be featured. For Gilligan’s menu, music line-up and location, see www.bigislandgilligans.com.

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A FEDERAL MAGISTRATE RULED AGAINST HAWAI`I COUNTY’S NEW GMO LAW yesterday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren stated that county law is preempted by state law, a decision similar to the one he handed down, preventing Kaua`i County from regulating pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms. Pro GMO companies and citizens groups are also challenging a GMO moratorium that passed in a Maui referendum on Nov. 4.
An analysis by Civil Beat stated yesterday that the decision deals “another blow to Hawai`i’s growing movement against genetically modified organisms. Judge Barry Kurren ruled Wednesday that Ordinance 13-121 is invalid because it is fully preempted by state law and partially preempted by federal law.
“The lawsuit, filed in June by several Big Island farmers and flower growers, along with a national trade organization representing the biotech industry, challenged the Hawai`i County ordinance that banned genetically engineered farming with the exception of existing crops.
“The lawsuit is one of several filed over the past year challenging county regulations of the state’s $243 million seed industry. Less than two weeks ago, Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences filed a lawsuit to overturn Maui County’s new moratorium on GMO farming.”
Civil Beat pointed out that “In Wednesday’s decision, Kurren argued that although the state does not specifically regulate genetically modified crops, Ordinance 13-121 still conflicts with the work of state agencies.
“He said the state Department of Agriculture and state Board of Agriculture comprise a ‘comprehensive statewide framework’ governing plants that may ‘injure or harm agriculture, the environment or public health.’
‘Clearly, the state legislature intended this network of the HDOA, the HBOA, and the advisory committee to have extensive and broad responsibilities over agricultural problems spanning the various counties to form a coherent and comprehensive statewide agricultural policy,’ he wrote.

Maile Medeiros David (center) will be sworn into the County Council seat for Ka`u
on Monday. She attended Ka`u Plantation Days this Fall and plans to
meet farmers, business owners and other constituents in December.
Photo by Julia Neal

‘In light of the comprehensive statutes and the network designed to address statewide agriculture problems, the Court concludes that the legislative intent for an exclusive, uniform and comprehensive state statutory scheme on the precise subject matter addressed by Ordinance 13-121 preempts the County’s ban on genetically engineered organisms.”’ See more at civilbeat.com.

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COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER ELECT MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID will be sworn into office to serve Ka`u, Volcano and South Kona on Monday, Dec. 1 at noon in Hilo. The ceremonies for all nine council members for Hawai`i County who are each elected for two-year terms will be held at the Ah Fook Chinen Civic Auditorium and the public is invited.

Master of Cermonies will be Sherry Bracken, of Hawai`i Public Radio. The Honorable Judge Ronald Ibarra will administer the Oath of Office and Mayor Billy Kenoi will deliver the keynote speech. The event is free to the public.
David said she will visit with community groups, farmers, small business owners and other constituents throughout her County Council District 6 during December. She replaces County Council member Brenda Ford who was unable to run again due to term limits. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Pahoa Village Road reopened yesterday along the half mile that was closed during
the lava threat, now providing easier access to local businesses. Photo by Julia Neal

THE HALF- MILE SECTION OF PAHOA VILLAGE ROAD, which had been closed in expectation of a lava flow, reopened at noon yesterday. Lava, which flowed down to the edge of the village, taking out one house, part of a cemetery and part of the county trash transfer station, reached as close as 430 feet from the road on Oct. 30.

The lava flow, which started June 27 upslope at Pu`u O`o, has since slowed, hardened and became inactive near the town. Some Pahoa businesses closed in fear they would be destroyed, but others remained open despite some visitors and residents keeping away from them.

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A FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER IS TODAY AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER at 1 p.m. It is open to all Ka`u residents. To offer help during the event, call 939-7033.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI hosts its annual Studio Tour & Sale tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artwork on sale represents a wide variety of media Maps are available at village businesses and at volcanovillageartistshui.com.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts a holiday fundraiser Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1943 Pukeawe Circle, Volcano Golf Course, off Pi`i Mauna Drive. Featured are baked goodies and poinsettias.

KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is Saturday at Punalu`u Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

A CRECHE FESTIVAL with more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world, is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Na`alehu Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. The Ka`u Ward hosts the second annual islandwide event. The address is 95-5682 Mamalahoa Highway. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free holiday festival. For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

THE KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is next Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door. The public is invited to learn more abut The Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka‘u, provides scholarships for students from Ka‘u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na‘alehu, and assists in funding Ka‘u Food Pantry. Memberships with a listing in The Directory are $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

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

Colorful kabucha grown on he hillsides of Ka`u at farms and family gardens. Photos by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION, which has a new Ka`u Chapter, sent out a Thanksgiving message yesterday from its president describing a movement with leaders who have “spoken and stood up for Aloha `Aina and Malama `Aina in their representation of ecological practices in growing agricultue here in Hawai`i.” Farmers Union President Vince Mina writes that the eight chapters statewide focus on regular membership meetings clebrating “the growing, harvesting and preparation of locally produced food, coupled with legislative, educational and collaborative initiatives, with an intention to support an abundant and resilient agricultural system here in Hawai`i Nei."
Mina writes that Farmers Union Vice President and legislative chair Simon Russell “has been building with our legislators to educate and advocate for infrastructural support for existing and new family farmers to be able to produce a consistent food supply for our islands."

Popcorn from a Ka`u farm above Pahala.

Mina also states that “Since our values align with ecological, restorative and regenerative practices in growing our agricultural future, we must also grow our organization in order to be recognized as a viable farming organization as bills and resolutions go through the legislative process." He also points to Farmers Union members' involvement in a food summit at the 2015 Hawai`i State Legislature on Jan 5.

"FARMERS CAN BE RELATIVELY WEALTHY IN HAWAI`I," writes Simon Russell, Vice President and Legislative Chair for Hawai`i Farmers Union United. The opinion piece was carried in Civil Beat earlier this week. It states:
“Prior to the Great Mahele and the abolition of the ancient Kapu system (a very effective land use regime), family farming was the only economy in Hawai`i. People lived on the land, and they lived off the land. Some of us would like a return to that concept, and in that process, build a food secure Hawai`i.
"We as a society should take the wisdom of the ancestors from this special place many of us call home, and use it to our advantage. The ahupua’a and aha moku systems worked to feed the population, and today, one does not have to look too hard to see Hawai`i imports 50 percent of the kalo we consume.

Peppers, from yellow to orange and red.

“Consider, dear reader, what that says about the priorities of our political establishment. One half of one percent of our agriculture production (measured in dollars) is in kalo (Taro) production. According to the Taro Task Force there are about 600 acres of Kalo production in Hawai`i including subsistence and commercial production as well as at cultural sites. In 1880 there were around 30,000 acres of kalo production. Cost of living, and availability of land and water are the primary cause of this sad paradigm. We can do better, and we will.
‘“The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer’ has never applied to society at large as it does today. Farming is considered a loss leader across the state in many agri-tourism business models. This need not be the case, with some political leadership and hard work; the family farmer can have a prosperous future in our beautiful island chain.
“Let’s take a brief look at the Webster’s definition of wealth: 'A large amount of money and possessions [or]: the value of all the property, possessions, and money that someone or something has.'
“To me that is a shallow definition, as the cleanliness of the environment has a component of wealth in it, the way you feel when you wake up in the morning (Your health and vitality) have intrinsic wealth factors, and of course your ability to care for and house your family also does.
“But what about income thresholds? Are they a true measurement of a person’s wealth? In this writer’s opinion, the answer is no.
“Humans need to redefine what the meaning of wealth is, if we would like a future we all can live with. Stuff does not equal wealth. If a person is very contented, loves where they live, has no debt and is able to care for their family in every material sense of the word, then I ask you, dear reader, do you think that person to be relatively wealthy?
“What I propose is to generate a statewide consensus in support of agriculturalists living on the land, rent free and debt free, being empowered to grow the food Hawai`i needs grown.
“As a farmer, I can say that the concept of relative wealth intrigues me, and believe that this idea should be explored by society at large. Measuring wealth in U.S. dollars is not working out so far.
“Hawai`i should undergo a race to the moon type support for local agriculture (think back to the John F. Kennedy administration), that keeps as much of its capital in the Hawai`i economy as possible. It should not be overly subsidized (like commodity crops are today), as that is subject to failure in the long-term, but it should be supported by public and private sector entities in a coordinated and well considered way.

Vine ripened tomatoes grown in Ka`u.

“Agriculture lands have a recent history of regulatory abuse in Hawai`i, so regulators need all the staff they can get to prevent known and obvious abuse, and maintain the credibility of the farmers that will feed us when we give them the tools to avoid the pitfalls that are preventing this economic sector from realizing its full potential today.
“What I propose is to generate a statewide consensus in support of agriculturalists living on the land, rent free and debt free, being empowered to grow the food Hawaii needs grown. What if a farmer could lease a piece of land for free, live on it, have all of the organic matter they needed, as well as spend minor amounts of cash (>$1,000/year) on biological farming inputs, and share a facility to process and distribute the output? How many people in the state would commit to living in this way, sort of like the old ahupua’a system, but with a 21st century twist? Inquiring minds want to know. In essence, those ideas are at the core of the Hawai`i Farmers Union United legislative package for 2015.
“With adequate public and private support our fragile agriculture sector can blossom when it is asked to support institutional consumers, i.e. military, schools, hospitals and other large scale customers. When we can get our farmers growing at scale using regenerative techniques that enrich the land, by always putting fertility back in, food production will get to a point that market demand will begin to drop the price of locally grown foods, then the possibility of price parity with cheap imports will be more likely and the average person will begin to buy local. The key is to make it affordable for people to farm here in the most expensive place in the USA.
“Personally, I almost never have a disposable income, it takes everything I have to raise my family and pay my bills, but I have no debt. As a farmer, I look forward to being part of growing long-term food security for the state of Hawai`i by being an active component in the robust network of regional food systems we are currently building. This food system hinges on the crucial element that is the capability of the farmer to build equity in a farm that is leased for life, with the ability to pass it on to their heirs, or the ability to liquidate it for the value of the equity investment made, as the maintained value would be documented.
“Pride of ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. Without ownership, where is the incentive to malama ‘aina? Why not just extract the fat of the land and move on to other land once soil fertility is depleted? Add chemicals when nutrients are depleted, and spray for pests, when plant health declines and nature attempts to remove the weak from the gene pool.

Red ribbed chard with its many nutrients.

“The answer is there are other ways to do agriculture, ones that utilize the forces of nature to accelerate plant and animal health, require less imported inputs and cost next to nothing. The catch is that they are hands-on methods; the farmer needs to be there every day, living on the land to live off the land.
"A sure way to get a majority of farmers to care for the land is to give them lifetime leases of it. Oversight from the owner/Land Trust who enforces production thresholds and monitors agricultural non-compliance would be standardized. Owner farmers will have the incentive they need to make the right choices for the future, maintain their investment, and leave it better for the next generation. Tennant farmers do not have these types of incentives.
"What I am talking about here is called an agricultural land trust, and it will own large chunks of ag lands and leases to farmers for life. We all know that farming is not super profitable in the monetized sense of say, a Morgan Stanley or Citibank, but we can all agree that it is a necessary and elementary component in a sustainable economy, and it creates a lot of jobs. The beauty of this agricultural model is that it creates housing for low income people as well. In our pricy housing market, this is a real political winner with the people, and a great incentive to grow some food.
"Be a part of our agricultural future, be wealthy in ways that you may not have considered before, join the Hawaii Farmers Union United for a solutionary and sustainable approach to building food security across the state, join us in creating the 21st century ahupua’a system.
"We are in a time where we have the ability to put robots on mars, but in Hawaii, for economic reasons, it is increasingly difficult to get a farmer in the field. Let’s make the changes needed to incentivize farming, and bring food security to Hawai’i Nei.
"The (relatively) wealthy family farmer needs to be nurtured, supported and honored. When this is the case, we can grow the new agriculture paradigm and have the sustainable food production with regional food systems that stabilize local economies in rural areas all across the state. Food security will then be a reality. For now it is a dream, so let’s wake up and make it happen!" See more at www.hawaiifarmersunionunited.org.

FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER drew about 250 people yesterday to enjoy the traditional meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casseroles and a variety of desserts. Ocean View Community Association President Fortune Otter said that 30 volunteers put together the celebration, with many monetary and food donations. OVCA will host a Keiki Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.. with a visit from Santa Claus, food, gifts and activities. Free to all.

Ocean View Community Association President Fortune Otter with her father, son and
daughter at yesterday's Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo from OVCA

TODAY IS THE START OF THE ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI Studio Tour & Sale. The opportunity to visit artist studios and to purchase for the holidays is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artwork on sale represents a wide variety of media Maps are available at village businesses and at volcanovillageartistshui.com.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts a holiday fundraiser tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1943 Pukeawe Circle, Volcano Golf Course, off Pi`i Mauna Drive. Featured are baked goodies and poinsettias.

THE ANNUAL KA`U FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY is tomorrow at Punalu`u Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to remember loved ones by decorating floating lanterns that are released into the waters of Punalu`u. Meet at the pavilions. Registration is available through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. at 928-0101.

A CRECHE FESTIVAL with more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world, is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Na`alehu Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. The Ka`u Ward hosts the second annual islandwide event. The address is 95-5682 Mamalahoa Highway. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free holiday festival. For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID will be sworn in to represent Ka`u, Volcano and South Kona on the County Council on Monday at noon in Hilo at the Ah Fook Chinen Civic Auditorium. Mayor Billy Kenoi will be keynote speaker. The public is invited.

THE KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is next Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door. The public is invited to learn more abut The Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka‘u, provides scholarships for students from Ka‘u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na‘alehu, and assists in funding Ka‘u Food Pantry. Memberships with a listing in The Directory are $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

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

Ka`u Gym & Shelter is one of the largest gyms connected with a public school in the state, with more than 22,000 square feet of
hardwood playing floor and designed to withstand a category three hurricane. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NEW KA`U GYMNASIUM & SHELTER is gaining the reputation for being one, if not the largest gyms in the state that is connected with a public school. The 42,000 square-foot facility will be operated by the County of Hawai`i for Ka`u High School and the intermediate and elementary schools on the campus in Pahala.
Specialists are installing some 22,000 feet of maple for the hardwood gymnasium floor, the roofing is nearing completion and the plastered exterior taking on its final beige coloring with green roof and trim. The facility, which will also serve as a disaster shelter, drawing $16.7 million in state and federal funding, has been hardened by filling all of the masonry blocks rather than leaving many of them hollow. It is designed to withstand a category three hurricane. While the new gym and activities rooms will be able to hold more than 1,900 people as a regional disaster shelter, two of the activities rooms, holding a maximum of 317 people will have vog filtration and one of them, holding 192 people will be air-conditioned, according to the plans for the facility.

Gold shovels broke ground on Oct. 3, 2012 for the Ka`u Gym & Shelter.
Photo by Julia Neal

Groundbreaking was held Oct. 3, 2012, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie and other state and county officials on hand, including the late Bob Herkes who served for many years representing Ka`u and Volcano in the Hawai`i State Legislature. The County Council and county administration are considering naming the shelter for Herkes, who lobbied for the gym and many health related initiatives in Ka`u. The gym is slated to be named for former principal Laurence Capellas, who was known for starting many of the athletic programs in Ka`u, from eight-man football to building the swimming pool.
Kamehameha School volleyball coach and former County Council member Guy Enriques, along with Principal Sharon Beck, lobbied for the new gym during his council term. He said yesterday that he looks forward to the gym’s completion and plans to help organize volleyball tournaments to draw athletes to Ka`u from around the island, state and beyond. A possible economic contributor to Ka`u’s economy, the gym will seat some 1,000 people and will be set up to be available for concerts, festivals and other activities. It will also expand and improve the ability for the school’s athletic department to host games on regulation size playing courts. Its size will accommodate multiple courts for basketball, volleyball and other sports, while the current gym, built in the 1930s will remain available for play.

Artist studios in Volcano Village are open today and tomorrow from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TODAY IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, a time promoted around the country as the alternative and addition to yesterday’s busy Black Friday. Small Business Saturday focuses on visiting and supporting local shops and getting to know the owners. One event today, and continuing tomorrow is the Volcano Village Artists Hui’s annual sale and tour of studios. Maps are distributed at Volcano stores and shoppers can go from artist home to artist home in Volcano Village. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow.

Participating artists are: Eric Wold with high fired functional pottery, stoneware and porcelain jewelry; Pam Barton with fiber work; Zeke Israel with raku, jewelry and cards; Randy Sutton with raku; Norman Carby with jewelry, giclee prints and cards; Ira Ono with fine arts and gifts; Elizabeth Miller with metal repousse', prints, paintings and sculpture; Tim Freeman with pit-fired volcano landscape vessels; Margaret Barnaby with woodblock prints; Lisa Louise Adams with quilts, paintings, pottery and books; Mike and Misato Mortara with hand blown art glass; Nash Adams-Pruitt with lampworked glass and ceramics; Mary Goodrich with photographs; Cynee Gillette-Wenner with ethnic textiles clothing and accessories; Scott Mitchell with antique, ethnic and contemporary jewelry; Emily Herb with pottery and sculptural clay vessels and Debra Serrao with paintings, prints and cards.

COUNCIL WOMAN ELECT MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID will be sworn in to represent Ka`u, Volcano and South Kona on Monday at noon in Hilo at the Ah Fook Chinen Civic Auditorium. Mayor Billy Kenoi will be keynote speaker. The public is invited. David grew up in a South Kona coffee growing family and said she will visit with coffee farmers in Ka`u to discuss their future after she takes office next week. She has worked on land preservation along the coast in Kona, helping with the establishment of beach parks and protection of fishponds and other native Hawaiian cultural sites.

The floating lantern ceremony takes place today at Punalu`u from
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

THE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY to remember loved ones who have passed away is from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Punalu`u Beach Park. The public is invited to decorate floating lanterns that are released into the waters of Punalu`u. Meet at the Punalu`u Beach Park pavilions. The ceremony has been sponsored by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. since 2011.

A CRECHE FESTIVAL with more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world, opens its doors for everyone today from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also on Sunday at the Na`alehu Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. The Ka`u Ward hosts this second annual islandwide event at the Mormon Church at 95-5682 Mamalahoa Hwy. The crèche festival also offers live instrumental and choir music and activities for children. For more information, call ‪895-0491‬‬.

Hana Hou Christmas with a sitting with Santa is this
Thursday in Na`alehu. Photo by Tamryn Fyvie

THE ANNUAL HANA HOU KEIKI CHRISTMAS party is this Thursday, Dec. 4 at Hana Hou restaurant in Na`alehu. The annual event, sponsored by Drake and Pattie Fujimoto with volunteers from O Ka`u Kakou and donations from many businesses and community members, features a visit with Santa, a feast for all and gifts for the keiki. It begins at 4 p.m.

THE KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is next Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door. The public is invited to learn more abut The Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka‘u, provides scholarships for students from Ka‘u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na‘alehu, and assists in funding Ka‘u Food Pantry. Memberships with a listing in The Directory are $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY with unique holiday wreaths for sale at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues through Sunday, Jan. 4 . Handmade ornaments by local artists, artist demonstrations, book signings are features. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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

Lanterns with their messages for those who have passed fill a pond at Punalu`u yesterday at sunset. Photo by Julia Neal

HURRICANE SEASON ENDS IN KA`U today, leaving months of threats, damage and heavy weather events. The eye of Iselle came ashore at the Kamahame hawksbill turtle preserve at 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 8. The power of Iselle’s leading edge dashed Puna, then circled back on Ka`u, slamming Wood Valley as mauka-makai winds laid down thousands of macadamia and coffee trees, destroyed a bridge on Wood Valley Road and broke huge albizia, silver oak and eucalyptus trees onto roads. At least one tree fell on a resident’s car. Wood Valley residents, cut off from Pahala, reported deafening thunder and lightning. Wood Valley roads were impassable for days, and residents lost power and water. Shelters opened in Pahala, and the county delivered water to farms and homesteads. Electricity was restored nearly a week later.

Hurricane Ana created spectacular sites as streams fell over cliffs
between Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

Beach parks reopened after a day of caution. Schools, medical clinics, community centers, banks and credit unions were closed as county and state road crews cleaned up remnants of trees and debris and as Hawaiian Electric Light Co. attempted to restore electricity.
Hwy 11 reopened Friday evening after floodwaters receded at low-lying Kawa between Punalu`u and Honu`apo. The detour used for most of the day was the old sugar cane haul road between Na`alehu and Pahala along the mountainside. One Pahala resident described it as somewhat daunting with gorges, waterfalls and new waterways cut by Iselle, but also incredibly beautiful.
Following Iselle was powerful Hurricane Julio, which passed north of the state. Before Iselle, Genevieve threatened the islands but ended up staying to the south as she moved northwest.

After forming in the central Pacific, Tropical Storm Ana gained strength and became a category-one hurricane as it approached Hawai`i Island south of South Point Friday, Oct. 17. While spared of strong winds due to the center of the storm being about 115 miles from South Point, Ka`u got pounded with rain for hours.

Ka`u took a direct hit from Tropical Storm Iselle as she came ashore.
Image from Weather Underground

The constant downpours flooded Hwy 11 in the Kawa area, filled streams – some to overflowing – and created waterfalls in the mountains above Hwy 11 and in Wood Valley. The falls are so intermittent that some tumble without names. One resident said one of the waterfalls was Kawaileleonuuanu, and another identified one as Hilea.
Wood Valley residents were once again cut off when water covered the road at the Kapapala Ranch intersection. A tree branch on Center Road fell across electric lines, taking out power to some homes in the valley.
Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm on Ka`alaiki Road reported 5.5 inches of rain. “Thank God for no wind,” said owner Merle Becker. “Trees are heavy with cherries and a little bent over from all the rain, but we got through it.”
On Friday night a rain gauge at Kapapala Ranch showed rain falling at two to three inches per hour as bands or precipitation from the storm reached the slopes of Mauna Loa, with heaviest amounts from Volcano to Pahala and Wood Valley. National Weather Service reported that Kapapala recorded 7.5 inches in a 24-hour period.
Legend was that a hurricane would never come on shore on the Big Island, the big mountains pushing them away and spinning them off to places like Kaua`i, which has seen the most hurricane devastation in the past half century. Hurricane Flossie in 2007 seemed to prove the point. She hung off the cliffs of Ka Lae and spun herself out, never hopping up onto the island. Iselle, however, once a category four, blew straight ashore on the Big Island, slightly weakening from a hurricane to a tropical storm just before landfall.

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie participated in groundbreaking for Ka`u's Gym & Shelter
alongside Ka`u High School students. Photo by Julia Neal

TODAY IS GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE’S last day on the job. Gov.-elect David Ige takes over as Hawai`i’s highest elected official tomorrow.

During a confirmation ceremony on the steps of Pahala Plantation House in December 2010, Abercrombie said he knew from early in his campaign when he stood on those same steps that change was coming. “I am merely a catalyst,” he said. “It’s nothing – I’m a bridge, I’m a means - a vehicle,” stated the governor.
He said we all have in our hearts the vision of Pupukahi Kehola Moa: “United we will move forward for Hawai`i Nei. That is what we are going to do, starting here today in Ka`u,” he said.
“The duty of the kia`aina is to protect Hawai`i,” said Abercrombie. He called his visit to Pahala “a happy day. Yes. There are tears in my eyes. I can’t help it. I am so grateful,” he said, stating that for the first time in his life he understands in his na`ao (his gut) what the word humble is supposed to mean. “Every breath I take will be for Hawai`i. Everything we do together will be for Hawai`i and for each other. Lokahi. All will be pono,” he promised.
“Everything will blossom in Ka`u. All of the hopes and dreams of Ka`u are going to come to fruition,” he promised. “We are going to make it happen,” he said.

Russell Kokubun, Dwight Takamine, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and former Lt. Gov.
Brian Schatz at Pahala Plantation House in December 2010.
Photo by Julia Neal

“All of us in the canoe, paddling together, to reach the shore…. We will not let you down: Imua Hawai`i, Imua Ka`u,” he proclaimed.
Abercrombie worked to get the Ka`u Gym & Shelter funded and built. When he found out about the groundbreaking being scheduled, he said he thought of it as “no big deal,” meaning that, “I didn’t give a second thought to getting up at 4:30 a.m. this morning” to fly from O`ahu and come to Ka`u” for the important event. This is the beginning of Hawai`i’s future.”
Following his mandate of not having an O`ahu-centric cabinet, Abercrombie chose Volcano resident Russell Kokubun to lead the state Department of Agriculture. He was followed by Hilo Native Scott Enright becoming chair of the Board of Ag when Kokubun left.
Both Kokubun and Enright worked on funding to restore old plantation water tunnel systems in Ka`u for a new use – irrigation for ag. They were formerly used for transporting cane down flumes to the mills.
Abercrombie appointed the late Bob Herkes to Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s board of directors after legislative district boundaries changed and Herkes lost the Senate election to Russell Ruderman, of Puna.

New buildings for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences are a go after Abercrombie released $618,000 to be used for planning, architectural, permitting and engineering fees for construction of 15 new classrooms, a new restroom and a multi-purpose building on the old Keakealani Outdoor Education Center campus on Haunani Road in Volcano Village. The school has a 60-year lease from the Department of Education.

Ella Louis remembers her late husband Ralph.
Photo by Julia Neal

Abercrombie appointed Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to the state House of Representatives following the resignation of Rep. Denny Coffman. “Richard’s diverse experience as a physician, researcher, farmer, Peace Corps volunteer and educator will contribute greatly to his service to the people of Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said.

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FLOATING LANTERNS SET SAIL on Punalu`u shoreline yesterday at dusk. Decorated with art and messages, the rafts and their candles carried thoughts for loved ones who passed away. Tiny boys remembering their late father and a daughter remembering a mom who lived nearly a century were among those who participated in a ceremony sponsored by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, its founder Jessie Marques and its president Donna Kekoa. Money raised from donations for the floating lantern ceremony will go to nursing scholarships, said Marques.

KRHCAI’s stated purpose “is to support and promote community empowerment, capacity building, collaborative partnerships and a healthy community by focusing on Health, Education, Research Opportunities and Economic Sustainability.”

Participants at the ceremony received dinner and tools to decorate their floating lanterns. The ceremony began at Punalu`u in 2011, and plans are to continue next year. Participants represented the hearts of Ka`u from every cultural background. Music and praise came from Demetrius Oliveira, Keoki Kahumoku and friends.

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

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI’S annual sale and tour of studios continues today until 4 p.m. Maps are distributed at Volcano stores, and shoppers can go from artist home to artist home in Volcano Village.

Jessie Marques, left, started the Floating Lantern Ceremony
at Punalu`u in 2011. Photo by Julia Neal

A CRECHE FESTIVAL with more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world continues from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Na`alehu Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Ka`u Ward hosts the second annual islandwide event. Along with the crèche display, the event features live music performed by local musicians and choir and activities for children. Visitors are welcome to the free holiday festival. For more information, call ‪‪808-895-0491‬‬.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED AS MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID gets sworn in to represent Ka`u, Volcano and South Kona on Hawai`i County Council tomorrow at noon at Ah Fook Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Mayor Billy Kenoi is keynote speaker.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door.
The public is invited to learn more about the Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka`u, provides scholarships for students from Ka`u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu and assists in funding Ka`u Food Pantry. Memberships with a listing in The Directory are $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

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's new Gov. David Ige, who takes the oath of office today, says he wants to increase food production in the state.
Map from Ka`u CDP

DAVID IGE TAKES THE HELM as Hawai`i’s eighth governor today. He and Lt. Gov.-elect Shan Tsutsui take the oath of office at 12 p.m.

Ige’s website at davidige.org gives an overview of what the new governor will work to accomplish. One of the areas he considers important is agriculture.
“Agriculture is critical to self-sufficiency and food security,” Ige says. “Instead of continuing to import 90 percent of our food, we need to take steps to produce more food locally. However, under the (Abercrombie) administration, more than 2,000 acres of irrigated, prime agricultural land have been taken out of cultivation, and the number of farmers has declined. We are committed to making farming and local food production a thriving industry.

According to Ige’s Agriculture Action Plan, he wants to:

More information about today's gubernatorial inauguration is available
at davidige.org.

Develop a long-range plan to increase local food production from the current 10 percent to at least 20 percent by the end of the decade. The plan would include identification of lands for production of flowers and nursery products, for raising livestock and for developing bio-fuels. This plan would be used to guide decisions for irrigation and other infrastructure;
Provide more low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers;
Identify and preserve up to 200,000 acres of prime agricultural land to increase food production;
Establish agricultural parks statewide to accommodate small family farms;
Improve monitoring of transported agricultural goods to prevent introduction of invasive species;
Ensure sufficient funding for state pesticide officers who monitor, regulate and enforce the use of restricted-use pesticides in order to protect the health and welfare of our residents; and
Work with Hawai`i’s U.S. Congressional delegation to enact a federal law to require GMO labeling.

At a coffee hour in Pahala hosted by Marion Villanueva, David Ige
said he supports family farms and organic farming.
Photo by Julia Neal

“The public has the right to know what they are consuming, but there is a need for consistency across states that only the federal government can ensure,” according to Ige. “A federal law will avoid hurting local farmers, food manufacturers and distributors, who would incur added costs of complying with a state labeling law. I would support a state GMO labeling law only if there were no adverse economic impacts on local farmers, food manufacturers and distributors.

At a coffee hour in Pahala during his campaign, Ige said, “Ag can be a thriving industry.” He supports small family farms and organic farming.
Ige also expressed interest in trying to help with the issue of land security for Ka`u Coffee farmers, who could possibly lose the land where their award-winning coffee is grown. Many of the farmers’ leases on land provided after sugar production ceased about 18 years ago have expired, and the land is currently up for sale. He said he will talk to some of the farmers in the near future.
Regarding biofuel production, Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton told Ige, “One of our biggest concerns is the cost of energy.” She told Ige that a biofuel project here would have resulted in higher electric rates. Ige said, “I couldn’t get that project,” but that he recently met a farmer who is producing biofuel that he says is cheaper.

Ige states on his website that his track record shows support for farmers and agricultural diversification that puts land into crops, produce, livestock and biofuel such as funding for the following:

$750,000 for loans to farmers growing food locally;
$5.5 million for watershed protection to be executed by the Department of Land & Natural Resources; and
$26 million for irrigation systems, rivers and dams.

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`Ama`ama is closed today through March 31.

`AMA`AMA (STRIPED MULLET) SEASON is closed from today through Tuesday, March 31, 2015. “`Ama`ama are about to enter their peak spawning season, which increases their vulnerability to fishing pressure,” said William J. Aila, Jr., Department of Land & Natural Resources chairman. “The annual winter closure is designed to help the fish reproduce successfully and protect the species from overfishing.”

Violations of size or season restrictions can result in fines of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, plus up to $100 for each fish taken. In addition to criminal penalties, an administrative fine of up to $1,000 per violation may be assessed by the department.
“We ask the public’s kokua in complying with the closed season,” Aila said. “While it’s DLNR’s job to protect our marine resources, everyone shares in the responsibility to take care of important fish species like `ama`ama to ensure their survival into the future.”
Copies of statewide fishing regulations for `ama`ama and all other marine species are available at all Neighbor Island DLNR-Aquatics offices.
Fishing regulations can also be found on the division of aquatic resources’ website at hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.
To report fish catch size or net violations, call 808-643-DLNR (643-3567).

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Deep Seven bottomfish are a) `ula `ula koa`e, b) `ula `ula, c) kalekale, d) `opakapaka,
e) `ukikiki, f) hapu`u and g) lehi. Image from DLNR

THE WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERY Management Council, State Division of Aquatic Resources and Federal NOAA Fisheries Service will hold public meetings on potential Main Hawaiian Islands Deep-Seven bottomfish fishery rules and regulations and changes to minimum size limits for the sale of ahi.
Bottomfish measure considerations will include options for non-commercial fishery daily bag limit, creating a market grace period during which seafood dealers and markets can sell deep-seven bottomfish after a fishery closure and changes to the state bottomfish restricted fishing area closures and reporting grids.

Workshops will feature interactive booths on state bottomfish reporting requirements, standardizing and improving catch and effort reporting, volunteer non-commercial reporting, federal non-commercial bottomfish permit and reporting, ahi science and minimum size considerations and community fish aggregation device voluntary reporting.

Meetings on Hawai`i Island are on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria and Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.

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THE ANNUAL HANA HOU KEIKI CHRISTMAS party is this Thursday, Dec. 4 at Hana Hou restaurant in Na`alehu. The annual event, sponsored by Drake and Patty Fujimoto with volunteers from `O Ka`u Kakou and donations from many businesses and community members, features a visit with Santa, a feast for all and gifts for the keiki. It begins at 4 p.m.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is Thursday, Dec. 4 at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door.
The public is invited to learn more about the Chamber, which publishes The Directory for Ka`u, provides scholarships for students from Ka`u, hosts the annual art contest and selection for The Directory cover at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu and assists in funding Ka`u Food Pantry. Memberships with a listing in The Directory are $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY with unique holiday wreaths for sale at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues through Sunday, Jan. 4. Handmade ornaments by local artists, artist demonstrations, book signings are features. See volcanoartcenter.org.

Naupaka Dreams, by Pahala resident Tanya Ibarra, is on display
at Wailoa Center in Hilo.

KA`U AND VOLCANO ARTISTS have works on display in the Hawai`i Nei exhibit that continues at Wailoa Center in Hilo through Dec. 18. The annual juried art exhibition encourages children and adults to submit works of art featuring plants and animals native to the island. The event seeks to raise awareness of Hawai`iʻs unique environment and increase participation in the arts. A portion of the proceeds generated by art sales during the exhibit go toward funding native species protection and management as well as environmental education programs.

Pahala resident Malie Ibarra won first place in the Youth Kahakai division. Tanya Ibarra, also of Pahala, has two pieces in the show. Volcano artists include Lanaya Deily, Ira Ono, Mary Goodrich, Caren Loebel-Fried, Charlene Asato, Emily Herb, Elizabeth Miller, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams.
The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Wednesday mornings.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Mayor Billy Kenoi said he wants to work with Ka`u's new Hawai`i County Council member Maile Medeiros David and her supporters,
including Bobby and Phoebe Gomes, who attended the inauguration yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID became Ka`u’s Hawai`i County Council member yesterday. She and eight other members took their oaths of office at Ah Fook Chinen Auditorium, where Mayor Billy Kenoi was keynote speaker. Kenoi encouraged the council members to work with his administration and told them his team is available whenever the council needs help.

Maile Medeiros David became Ka`u's new Hawai`i
County Council member yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

Kenoi told The Ka`u Calendar that he wants his administration and the County Council to work together like at team in a “double-hulled canoe, with everybody paddling in the same direction.”

“We’re pursuing the great enthusiasm, the great joys of serving our beautiful Hawai`i Island, and at the end of the day, we’re going to agree, we’re going to disagree, but we no need be disagreeable. Our community deserves our very best, and no less,” Kenoi said.
Kona council member Dru Kanuha is chair, and Hamakua council member Valerie Poindexter is vice chair. Stewart Maeda continues as clerk.

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GOV. DAVID IGE INTRODUCED HIMSELF “and the path ahead filled with hopes and dreams—that are not new but go back generations” during his inauguration speech yesterday. “To truly understand why we stand at this point in history, and more importantly, to determine where it is we want to go, we must first remember where we came from,” he said.

Ige described his journey as extending from previous generations. “I stand here today — in the shadow of my parents’ and grandparents’ accomplishments — because of their willingness to sacrifice and look to my future,” he said. “And so I say to them, and to my mother who is watching us from the hospital today, with the greatest humility: ‘Okage sama de. All that I am, I am because of you.’
“We have an opportunity to chart a new tomorrow. We have an opportunity to fulfill longstanding hopes and dreams. We have an opportunity to make Hawai`i a place we are proud to call home because it is our home.

“But for now that’s all it is: an opportunity. Before us are the challenges that those opportunities present. We still have to do the hard work to reach our goals and realize our dreams. For government that means nurturing a sustainable economy that will allow us to put a roof over our heads, feed our families and take care of our basic necessities.”

Ige said issues such as the lack of affordable housing, homelessness and hunger are greatly diminished when the economy is healthy.

Gov. David Ige

He mentioned other issues he will be working on, including looking at new ways to empower schools, improving health care, helping kupuna live independently and with dignity, stewarding the environment, increasing alternative energy, diversifying agriculture and increasing government’s transparency and accountability.
“What has always defined us is our aloha—for each other and for others,” Ige said. “That’s truly who we are. That is the ultimate gift from our host culture and one that we give to each other each and every day.
“Hawai`i has never been about ‘I.’ Rather, it has always been about ‘us’ — all of us.”
Ige said, “As leaders, our job is to engage people so that they will want to participate in this grand experience in self-governance. Our job is to help people take ownership of the process of electing their government. As leaders, our job is to inspire others and not discourage them.
“I will be asking every member of my administration, from clerk to department head, to keep this in mind as they meet with all who come to our door, and to always remember: This is not their house; this is not my house; and to, e komo mai, welcome home all who come.
“When people take ownership of their government, when they are engaged in governance, when they thoughtfully and honestly discuss issues — good things happen.
“As I prepare to take over the reigns of your government, I ask each of you to join me in the process of governing. I ask you to find your voice and use it to not only choose your elected officials but to shape the issues that will shape our lives.

“I ask you to help me with the heavy lifting that I cannot do alone.
“Join me in dreaming the dreams, setting the path and doing the hard work necessary for the sake of all of us in Hawai`i.
“And so I say to you, my friends, I look forward to working with all of you—to make good things happen.

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and my sincerest aloha to all,” Ige concluded.

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LAVA THAT CONTINUES TO FLOW IN PUNA was 2.7 miles from the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Hwy 130 this morning. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s overflight yesterday mapped a narrow finger of lava that has broken away from the western edge of the flow field and that is moving to the north at rates of several hundred meters per day. Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that the flow had advanced 400 yards since yesterday.

A new flow front in Puna is reaching an area it could take one of two paths,
or both, according to HVO scientists.
Map from Hawai`i County Civil Defense

The flow is nearing a point where several lines of steepest descent nearly converge. According to HVO scientists, it is not clear which path it will eventually follow until the flow reaches this area.
Pahoa Marketplace, with Malama Market, Lex Brodie’s Tire Co., Ace Hardware and several other businesses and services are in one of the possible paths. Another path takes it toward the housing subdivision of Hawaiian Paradise Park.

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR KA`U HOSPITAL Charitable Foundation expresses heart-felt thanks for all the many ways the public has supported Ka`u Hospital in 2014.
The board announces a new way to support the Hospital as it starts to build a new in- and out-patient Physical Therapy Program. By making purchases through Smile.Amazon.com, 0.5 percent of every purchase will go toward this program.
Set up an Amazon account and note your password; proceed to smile.amazon.com and there will be a prompt to list your charity of choice, which must be fully typed in: Kau Hospital Charitable Foundation.

Ka`u residents can help Ka`u Hospital by shopping at smile.amazon.com.

You will receive a confirmation that all purchases you make with Amazon will now be made through smile.amazon.com. Bookmark this site per their instructions on your browser.
Shoppers will always see smile.amazon when using Amazon. Checks will be sent directly to Ka`u Hospital.
For their support this year, KHCF sends special thanks to Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Red Hat Ladies of Ka`u, Ka Lae Quilters, Ka`u Golf Group, Bank of Hawai`i Foundation, Monty Richards Hawai`i Island Community Award, community members who have purchased cookbooks, T-shirts and have made donations and gifts to hospital staff and residents.
For more information, email KauHCF@gmail.com.

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A slide presentation about the Nepal Foundation takes place Sunday.
Photo from Mary Carroll

MARY C. CARROLL, KA`U RESIDENT and Honorary Consul of Nepal, presents a free program about the Nepal Foundation on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. A question-and-answer session and light refreshments follows.

Those who make a tax deductible donation of $50 per person or more to the Nepal Foundation are invited to attend a Christmas reception immediately following the program at 95-4667 Hawai`i Belt Road between milepost 59 and 60. Make checks payable to the Nepal Foundation and send to Mary C. Carroll, PO Box 654, Na`alehu, HI 96772 by Dec. 4.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS party is Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. in Na`alehu. Previous announcements in Ka`u News Briefs of it being this Thursday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. are incorrect.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Santa is looking for participants to join the Pahala Christmas Parade Sunday, Dec. 14. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, with its Hawai`i Island office in Ka`u, has acquired a 922-acre conservation easement along the Saddle Road above Hilo, a site that includes a 200-acre kipuka with a disappearing stream and a diverse ancient forest.

Suzanne Case, at right, The Nature Conservancy's Hawai`i executive director,
at dedication of the kipuka obtained for preservation. Photo from TNC

The Conservancy is partnering with the University of Hawai`i-Hilo, Hawai`i Island watershed partnerships and the parcel’s landowner, The Hawai`i Conference Foundation, to conserve, manage and interpret the site. It will continue to serve as an outdoor ecology laboratory for University students and others.
According to TNC, the property has a remarkable native diversity of plants, birds and insects, along with a stream that pops up from underground, runs through the kipuka, and then disappears underground again.
“It is in good enough shape that we can remove the invasives and make a quick, significant difference,” said Jody Kaulukukui, The Nature Conservancy’s director of land protection. “It is low, rugged and mossy. It has a majestic stand of native loulu palms and other ancient forest trees. Our hope is that it will serve as one of the few easily accessible sites where school and community groups can reconnect with a Hawaiian forest.”
The kipuka will account for part of the 15,000 acres that The Nature Conservancy manages on Hawai`i Island through fee ownership or conservation easements. With its partners, the Conservancy protects some 200,000 acres across the state.
“What’s special about this parcel is that it’s such beautiful forest, so full of native species, and so accessible. We’re viewing this as a real opportunity to protect native forest in partnership with the landowner, the University, the watershed partnerships and the people of east Hawai`i,” said Suzanne Case, the Conservancy’s Hawai`i executive director. “It is a partnership that will leave a legacy for future generations.”

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DBEDT will administer the GEMS program.

A NEW LINE ON HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. bills starting this month will finance the state of Hawai`i Green Energy Market Securitization program. A corresponding reduction of the monthly Public Benefits Fund surcharge, collected to pay for the state’s conservation and energy efficiency programs, means most customers will likely see little net change on their electric bills. For a typical residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours a month, the green infrastructure fee will be $1.29 per month.

The new line item, titled Green Infrastructure Fee, will appear under the listing of Current Charges: Electric Service beginning with December 2014 monthly Hawai`i Electric Light Co. bills.
As required by law and authorized by Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission, all residential and commercial customers will pay the Green Infrastructure Fee. The new fee will enable the state to borrow $150 million for its GEMS program. The state Department of Business, Economic Development will initially administer GEMS. The program will make low-cost loans so green infrastructure improvements are more affordable and accessible for customers who cannot afford upfront costs or cannot qualify for other financing.
The GEMS program will initially focus on clean energy investments so customers can take advantage of green initiatives such as photovoltaic systems, energy storage, advanced inverters and energy monitoring devices.
To learn more, see http://energy.hawaii.gov/testbeds-initiatives/gems or call 808-586-2407.

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Nani Coloretti

NANI COLORETTI, WHO GREW UP IN HAWAI`I, is Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 68-28, Coloretti is now the highest-ranking Filipino-American in the Obama Administration.

Coloretti’s most recent position was as Assistant Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of Treasury, a position she has held since November 2012. From 2009 to 2012, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget at Treasury. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Coloretti worked in the San Francisco Mayor’s office from 2005 until 2009, most recently serving as Budget Director. Previously, Coloretti served as the Director of Policy, Planning, and Budget for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families from 1999 to 2005.
Coloretti is a recipient of the National Public Service Award, the Public Policy and International Affairs Achievement Award, the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Federal 100 Award.
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development will gain an outstanding, well qualified Deputy Secretary in Nani Coloretti,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “This is a proud moment for Hawai`i and the Filipino-American community. Nani not only brings strong leadership experience, but the ability to inspire the next generation of Filipino-American leaders in Hawai`i and across the country. I am proud to call Nani a friend, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role.”  
Sen. Mazie Hirono said,   “We are proud that Nani is now the highest-ranking Filipina-American in the administration. “HUD Secretary Castro told me that Nani’s role, as his right hand, is critical to implementing his vision which includes providing affordable housing and much needed infrastructure. Nani’s dedication to public service and her wealth of experience give me confidence in her ability to do an excellent job. I look forward to working with her.”

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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER is Thursday at Gilligan’s Restaurant in Discovery Harbour at 6 p.m. Dinner is $15 a person for pizza or spaghetti, salad and dessert. Beverages include beer, wine or soda. Money will be collected at the door.
Membership with a listing in The Directory 2015 is $35 and will be accepted at the meeting.

KOHALA PERFORMS A HOLIDAY CONCERT Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Advance $15 tickets are available at Volcano Kilauea Kreations, Kilauea General Store and Kilauea Kreations II in Hilo. $20 at the door.
Crater Rim Café offers casual dinner before the concert. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

Shizuno Nasu presents Dancing to the Moon Saturday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

DANCING TO THE MOON, A VISUAL SOUND movement performance and art collaboration, takes place Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Dance performers are Shizuno Nasu, Jenn Eng and Rieko Inoue. Sound and music is by Joe Okuda. Art includes painting by Susumu Sakaguchi and sculpture by Stephen Freedman.

Shizuno says of her work, “On the last full moon of the year, my dance will be a song in praise of life. I am dancing with life itself, expressing the magnificent drama, fleeting and precious! Spirit and nature can be seen in the movement of wind, the stark land of Pele and the interweaving energies of opposites.”

Tickets are $12 for VAC members and $15 for non-members. Call 967-8222.

VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS PRESENTS ITS FREE annual gift to the community Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN presents old favorites and modern arrangements. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

Pahala Holy Rosary Church members participate in the annual
Pahala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS party is Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. in Na`alehu. Previous announcements in Ka`u News Briefs of it being tomorrow, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. are incorrect.

The annual event, sponsored by Drake and Patty Fujimoto with volunteers from `O Ka`u Kakou and donations from many businesses and community members, features a visit with Santa, a feast for all and gifts for keiki.

PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE IS SET for Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. Floats, walking groups, tractors and classic cars, choirs, public officials, schools and more wind their way through Pahala from the armory to the hospital and to Holy Rosary Church for refreshments. Everyone is welcome. To sign up, call 928-0808.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS OFFERS a free Christmas Concert after Pahala Christmas Parade. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday Dec. 14 at Pahala Plantation House. It features Ka`u `Ohana Band, Halau Hula O Ka `Imina Na`auao Kahiko and a sing-along with Ka`u Community Chorus. Potluck refreshments are welcome.

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