The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Ka`u schools, including Na`alehu Elementary, participated in the Hawai`i District Science and Engineering Fair at `Imiloa in Hilo.
Photos by Robert Bowman

KA`U STUDENTS SHOWED THEIR PENCHANT for science and engineering with over 30 participants joining the Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair in both the junior and senior research divisions. The fair was held at `Imiloa and is a stepping stone to the state Science & Engineering Fair.

Pahala School participants register at the science fair.

Ka`u High senior, Jennifer Tabios, walked away with several prizes, including best in the physics and astronomy category for her project, the Relation Between Viscosity, Surface Tension and Temperature. Under guidance of teacher Ted Brattstrom, Tabios also won Sierra Club Moku Loa Group’s Dr. Don Worsencroft Award and $50 cash, TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo telescope, Best in Astronomy/Astrophysics Award and a Mauna Kea experience, a certificate from American Meteorological Society and the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional award.
Brattstrom’s students Chloe Gan and Jenny Mauricio-Henriquez, both sophomores, won best in the energy and transportation category, the Eccentric Scientist: Off the Beaten Path-Outside the Box Award and $50 cash and two prizes from Hawai`i Electric Light Co. including the Outstanding Renewable Energy Project of $100 and the Best in Engineering and/or Environmental Science Award and $50 cash.

Rayncin Salmo-Grace explains his project to a judge.

Gissele Corpuz and Brandi Louis, juniors also under the tutelage of Brattstrom, won best in the earth and planetary sciences category with their project called Waves: Speed and Depth. The pair also won the Basic Science and Engineering Award of $100 and a certificate.
Sophomores Janslae Badua and Masen Dacalio, mentored by teacher Chayanee Brooks, won the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award and certificate with their chemistry project When Science is Sweet: Growing Rock Candy Crystals.

Best in Behavioral & Social Sciences category went to Charisma Felipe and Pete Dacalio, sophomores in Brattstrom’s class, who submitted the project How Music Affects Human Efficiency.
In the junior research category, three Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade students received prizes. Deansen Grant-Breithaupt, mentored by teacher Amberly Keohulua, submitted a behavioral and social sciences project, How the Body Reacts to Stress and Relaxation, and won the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award and $50.

Rio Chopot and Izaia Pilanca-Emmsley's project was Soda Rust Remover.

Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters, taught by teacher Nellie Davis, won the TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo Telescope for their physics project, a take on Newton’s Balloon Car.
Other Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade submissions chosen to represent their classes included Chesatie Kai’s Acid Egg Bath and Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley’s and Rio Chopot’s Soda Rust Remover. Duke Moniz-Ducosin submitted an engineering project using alternative energy to power a fan and pencil sharpener, which he called The New Generation. Kaulana Aipia-Dolan and Tiane Kuahiwinui entered the energy and transportation category with their project the Solar Heat Oven, comparing efficiency of two solar oven designs.

Five projects from Pahala Elementary, guided by teacher Molly Larnie, won the Pahala School science fair and also advanced to participate in the district fair. In the electrical and mechanical engineering category were the following projects: Delson Dacalio and Preston Pua-Queja – Cooking by the Sun; Shacy Davis, Bernadette Ladia and Elysa Abellera – Wind Turbine Design Inquiry; Rebecca Kailiawa and CeAndra Kamei – Solar Hot Water Heating; and Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager – Making a Battery. Micah Polido-Kalili, Arniel Libunao and Paul Sanchez entered the energy and transportation category with their project titled Hawai`i Energy Use.

Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager presented Making a Battery.

Other projects representing Ka`u High, guided by either Brattstrom or Tishanna Ben, included entries in the behavioral and social sciences category by Benly Bolaoen and Julia Chavez – Essential Oils: Real or Fake? and Rowland Flores and Evan Manoha – Gumcentration. Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered to enter their Bottled Water Filter project in the environmental management category, and Rayncin Salmo-Grace was chosen to enter his project, The Essential Solution, in the plant sciences category.
All representatives were treated to a planetarium show, received a free science fair T-shirt and a certificate of participation. Donna Kohara, Science & Engineering Fair Steering Committee member, said, “In my 10-plus years of working on science fairs, this is the first year that both Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary participated.” Ted Brattstrom kicked off Ka`u High’s participation in 2009, and the school has been a part of the fair ever since. Kohara said that science fair participation for Ka`u schools has increased thanks to interest from administrators and teachers.

Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered on a water filter project.

Kohara advised students interested in participating in next year’s science and engineering fair to begin thinking of questions and problems to investigate and possible solutions. She said, “Start early, and start thinking of what could be.” She mentioned that some students are already starting on their projects for 2016.
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THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE on Tuesday will review a proposal from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture to expand the designated coffee berry borer infested area to encompass the entire island of O`ahu. The board’s designation of O`ahu as a CBB-infested area will authorize the PQB to implement quarantine measures to restrict movement of coffee and other CBB hosts to prevent further spread of CBB to uninfested areas. According to HDOA, the quarantine is necessary to prevent further spread of CBB to other islands.

Solar hot water heating was CeAndra Kamei and Rebecca Kailiawa's project.

If the board approves expansion of the designation, movement of green coffee and other CBB hosts between infested areas will require a permit.

Treatment, as well as inspection by HDOA Plant Quarantine inspectors, is also required. For unroasted coffee beans, acceptable treatments include fumigation, freezing and heat.
Rules are available at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/4-72-HAR-2012.pdf.
Ka`u residents can submit testimony to HDOA Biological Control Section Chief Darcy Oishi at darcy.e.oish@hawaii.gov or 1428 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96822.

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KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN, who serves as Senate majority leader, has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land & Natural Resources. Ching is Vice President, Community and Government Relations, for developer Castle & Cooke Hawai`i, where he supports the organization’s real estate, agricultural and renewable energy initiatives.

Deansen Grant-Breithaupt describes his project to a judge.

“After meeting with Carleton Ching to discuss his nomination, I have determined that Mr. Ching is the wrong choice for Director of DLNR. Although he is personally likable, he does not have the experience, background or expertise to lead this department. He simply is not qualified for the job.”
Green also said, “We need a Director of DLNR who has a proven record of fighting to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources, not a career lobbyist for the development industry who has a record of calling for the elimination of cultural and environmental protections.
“This nomination is the wrong choice for Hawai`i, and we should not move forward with it. I call on Gov. Ige to withdraw this nominee and offer the Senate and the people of Hawai`i a nominee for Director of DLNR who has a proven record of protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources.
“The future of Hawai`i depends on the choices we make now.”

The Water & Land Committee considers Ching’s nomination on March 11. The public can testify at capitol.hawaii.gov. Bill number is GM 514.

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Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters studied Newton's balloon car.

FROM THE SUMMONS OF ART opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patti Pease Johnson’s exhibit of silk, clay, pastel and watercolor creations explores colors and shapes of Hawai`i’s splendor. A reception takes place at 5 p.m. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting tomorrow at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL SIGN UP for next Saturday’s Sanctuary Ocean Count. Volunteers count and monitor humpback whales at various coastal sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See sanctuaryoceancount.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Before leaving USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, scientist Mike Poland shares his discoveries at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from HVO

CREWS HAVE FREED AN ENTANGLED WHALE of lines and a buoy. The whale had been circling Hawai`i Island, and a rescue planned for Monday had to be cancelled when the whale moved into rough and inaccessible waters near South Point, reported Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today.

A crew works to disentangle a humpback whale from fishing line and a buoy.
Photo from R. Finn of NOAA

“We decided to stand down and be patient and wait for the weather,” Ed Lyman, large whale entanglement response coordinator for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, told Yager.
Lyman and two others used an inflatable watercraft to get close to the whale. With knives on a long pole and a cutting grapple, they removed nearly all of the entangling gear and expect the remaining line to be shed as a wound on the whale heals.
According to Yager, the agency contacted the fisherman who owns the gear. “It’s about figuring out what’s going on, so we know the best thing to do,” Lyman said. “I’ve worked with fishermen, and I know that, if we can get the information to them, they will incorporate it.”
Ka`u residents who see a distressed whale can report it to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Hotline at 888-256-9840.
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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill primary and alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public input into sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary management.
“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”

Three primary seats are business commerce, commercial shipping and whale watching. Alternate seats are Native Hawaiian, Hawai`i County and commercial shipping.
Alternates attend meetings when primary members are not available and assume a seat if a primary member resigns. All candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations and views regarding protection and management of marine resources.
Established in 1996, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The council is composed of government and non-governmental seats for a total of 53 representatives who serve on a volunteer basis, represent a variety of local user groups, the general public and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.
Applications are due March 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact council coordinator Shannon Lyday at Shannon.Lyday@noaa.gov, 808-725-5905 or http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Completed applications should be submitted to Inouye Regional Center, Attn: NOS/HIHWNMS/Shannon Lyday, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
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Rep. Richard Onishi

Rep. Richard Creagan

FUNDING FOR LITTLE FIRE ANT management is advancing at the state Legislature. The House Agriculture Committee passed HB 1403, introduced by several legislators, including Ka`u’s Reps. Richard Onishi and Richard Creagan. The bill mandates that the state Department of Agriculture establish a little fire ant Pesticide Treatment Coupon Pilot Project on Hawai`i Island. The project would distribute coupons redeemable for appropriate pesticides at suppliers or vendors within Hawai`i County at no cost to individuals who have reported and verified to the department the presence of LFA on their property within the county. Each coupon would be valid for a one-year supply of the department’s recommended treatment plan.

DOA would also create a map indicating all LFA sites in the county by using all its available data, including verified reports of LFA sites. The maps would be updated periodically and made available on the department’s website.
Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Onishi said the state needs to do more to help Big Island residents. “We saw what happened with the coqui frogs and the fact that there was no program for homeowners until later,” Onishi said. He said the bill would help county efforts to create a larger buffer zone around neighborhoods and park facilities.
Information about LFA is available at littlefireants.com.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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THE FOOD BASKET WANTS TO CONNECT hungry customers to Ka`u farms’ fresh produce. The Food Basket’s islandwide Community-Supported Agriculture program is looking for more locally grown produce to supply customers’ food boxes. Local greens, fruits, squashes, root crops and other interesting crops will be considered.
Contact The Food Basket’s Hilo office at 933-6030. For more information about The Food Basket, Hawai`i Island’s Food Bank, see hawaiifoodbasket.org.

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Lei making is the subject of a contest and exhibition. Photo from DOFAW

KA`U LEI MAKERS CAN ENTER KAULUWEHI, a juried lei art contest and exhibition celebrating native species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawai`i Island. Kauluwehi features three main categories including kahiko (traditional style lei), `auana (contemporary lei), and lei hulu (feather lei). The kahiko category features several subcategories, each showcasing a particular material such as leaves, flowers or fruit and seed of a plant. The `auana category moves away from the traditional style of lei making by incorporating recycled materials, synthetic materials and exotic plant materials.

Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and complexity or effort put into it. Amateur and professional lei artist of all ages are invited to enter.

The contest and exhibition are sponsored by Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai`i Island Natural Area Reserves, Three Mountain Alliance and Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center.
For more information and to enter, go to dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE URGING the public to be aware of hazardous conditions at roadside memorials. Nighttime vigils are particularly dangerous because of limited visibility by passing motorists, who might not see mourners or their parked vehicles until the last minute. Participants are encouraged to limit vigils to daytime hours.
Visitors to roadside memorials should be alert to the close proximity of moving vehicles and should park their own vehicles safely out of the way of passing traffic. Motorists are asked to exercise extra caution in the vicinity of roadside memorials.
“While the Police Department understands that roadside memorials can be part of the grieving process, we encourage everyone to exercise caution and common sense to avoid any additional tragedy,” Chief Harry Kubojiri said.
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KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting today at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.

Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

TOP 10 INSIGHTS ABOUT WORKING at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: One Scientist’s Perspective is the topic at this week’s After Dark in the Park program.
Mike Poland, a scientist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, has spent the past 10 years studying volcanic and earthquake activity across the Hawaiian Islands. He came to HVO in 2005 to focus on deformation, changes in the shape of a volcano prior to and during an eruption, but quickly realized that monitoring volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa requires teamwork and innovation – two things in which Hawaiian Volcano Observatory specializes.

Poland will soon return to USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Washington, where he was stationed prior to HVO. Before he goes, he shares what he has discovered over the past decade about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the scientists who work at HVO.
The free program takes place Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island is seeking state funds for a program to improve health and nutrition of members in Ka`u and other districts.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND is submitting requests for state Grant-In-Aid funding for the Hua Ola Project. Hua Ola is an out-of-school physical activity and seed-to-table capacity building initial implementation project to serve youth members of BGCBI’s clubs. Meaning both “Seeds of Health” and “Wellness Results,” Hua Ola will build the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits leading to lifelong health for participants. The focus of the project is on prevention to solve the current obesity epidemic in Hawai`i that is particularly acute on the Big Island. The goal is to increase BGCBI’s capacity to fulfill its targeted healthy lifestyles outcome.

Objectives of Hua Ola include establishing afterschool fitness and nutrition education programs with hands-on and minds-on gardening and seed-to-table components. Hua Ola would also host quarterly family nights at the clubs that would include healthy seed-to-table meals and fitness activities while highlighting project learning experiences and extending the project’s impact to families.

“Every year we see more and more need for quality out-of-school programs for Big Island youth and dwindling resources to keep these much needed services available. We are also seeing a strong need for opportunities for youth to learn about and adopt healthy lifestyles,” said Chief Professional Officer Zavi Brees-Saunders.
Out of a total of $265,000, the organization is requesting $150,000 for its clubs in Ka`u and Puna.
The club has been in contact with all Big Island senators and representatives and all members of Senate Ways & Means and House Finance Committees.
“We would greatly appreciate your support of these requests for these much needed opportunities for Big Island youth,” Brees-Saunders said. Residents can let their state legislators know of their support at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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STATE SENATE WATER & LAND Committee meets Wednesday to consider a bill that would allow agricultural tourism uses or activities, including certain overnight accommodations, conducted in conjunction with a bona fide farming operation in the agricultural district. SB 1073 defines bona fide farming operations as having been in operation for not less than two years and receiving the majority of their annual gross income from sale of agricultural products grown by the farming operation on the property for which an agricultural tourism use is proposed.
The bill has already passed the Senate Tourism & International Affairs and Agriculture Committees.

DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria

In his testimony, state Ag Board Chair Scott Enright said the Ag Department “strongly supports this measure that allows bona fide farmers the opportunity to generate additional income by offering agricultural tourism activities including overnight accommodations. Under this measure, agricultural tourism and overnight accommodations would be allowed if they are clearly secondary and accessory to ‘bona fide farming operations’ and requires the counties to enact ordinances to regulate it.”

Luis Salaveria, Director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, said, “Supporting agricultural tourism and the offering of overnight accommodations as part of an agricultural tourism operation is fully consistent with the promotion of economic development advocated by this department and contributes to the goals of increased food security and food self-sufficiency for the state of Hawai`i.”

Ka`u resident and Hawai`i Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi said the organization supports the intent SB 1073.
“We support the strong position of ensuring that agricultural tourism operations are subordinate to bona fide agricultural operations,” Manfredi wrote. “We continue to believe that other loosely related activities that merely use agriculture as a justification belong in the rural district. Moreover, counties should be encouraged to move in this direction, thereby protecting agricultural lands. This measure also seeks to define ‘bona fide farming operations’ to insure that agricultural tourism operations are subordinate to legitimate agricultural production.

“We believe that the details of agritourism is a Home Rule issue, and we request that the requirement that a county adopt ordinances regulating agricultural tourism operations remain in statute. Counties may differ in their opinions of what they allow. This should be duly respected and falls within the purview of county zoning code.”
Public testimony is due by 2:45 p.m. tomorrow to be included at the hearing. See capitol.hawaii.gov.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH will receive $9.43 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support programs for pregnant mothers and families with young children.
“A child’s development is more critical in the first few years of life than at any other time,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “These funds will provide more Hawai`i families with access to in-home visits from nurses and social workers, ensuring parents have the support they need for their child’s healthy development.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “The steps we take to support our youngest keiki often create a foundation for success in school and in life. These grants will be paid back many times over, as families who participate in home-visiting programs enter school better prepared. I was proud to vote to create the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grants as part of the Affordable Care Act and am pleased that Hawai`i families continue to benefit from this valuable program.”
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “This grant … will help working families in Hawai`i by providing the resources necessary to improve child health in a cost-effective way. By funding local home-visit programs, we are helping families prevent child injuries, reduce emergency department visits and improve economic self-sufficiency. The programs sustained by this DHHS grant promote the well-being of our keiki.”
The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program supports pregnant women and families with children up to five years old. Hawai`i Department of Health first received an MIECHV grant in 2010. It was used to establish the Hawai`i Home Visiting Network, which is made up of ten community-based organizations that offer various home visiting programs.
Hawai`i Department of Health will use the funds to provide voluntary home visits to low-income parents to learn about health, child development, school readiness and referrals to other services.
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Lei making demonstrations take place Wednesday. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientist Mike Poland shares what he has discovered over the past decade about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the scientists who work at HVO, at After Dark in the Park tomorrow. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

RANGER NOAH GOMES SHARES THE TRADITIONAL skill of lei making Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Free; park entrance fees apply.

Shelving at Island Market will be sold at auction Thursday.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONDUCTS A VOG SURVEY at Ka`u Farmers Market Wednesday. She is studying ways people protect themselves from vog and how those methods relate to official advice. For more information about her research, see https://www.face-book.com/groups/421925067973152/.

ISLAND MARKET IN NA`ALEHU holds an auction Thursday at 10 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. Equipment in the store is being sold before the store’s official closure on Saturday. Items range from meat-processing equipment and shelving to an antique safe and fork lift.
A sale of grocery items continues through Saturday.

For more information, see http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/for/4901673180.html.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Recycle Hawai`i is raising funds to continue its islandwide outreach and education programs. Photo from Recycle Hawai`i

RECYCLE HAWAI`I IS FUNDRAISING to reach $60,000 by April 25 to continue its Outreach and Education Programs. The funds will be allocated as follows: $10,000 for Zero Waste School Presentations to students and teachers K – 12; $10,000 to hold the 10th Annual Art of Recycling School Competition, an islandwide exhibit of art made from recycled materials by K – 12 students; $25,000 to continue Composting is Recycling, Too! education workshops offered monthly throughout Hawai`i Island; $15,000 for Recycling InfoLines, a 24/7 answering service for the east and west sides of Hawai`i Island where callers can get answers to their recycling questions; Hawai`i Island Recycling Guide, a complete listing of local recycling services, updated regularly, widely distributed and available on the organization’s website; Recycle Hawai`i website upgrade, to better provide recycling and educational resources, news, articles and notice of events; and Zero Waste community event support and training.

The above list is ordered by priority, and funding below the goal will be allocated accordingly. Extra funds will be used to continue programs into the next fiscal year. All funds raised can also serve as matching funds to garner grants.
No donation is too small, and all amounts are greatly appreciated. The organization is also open to help from professionals familiar with website development and fundraising activities other than online crowdsourcing.
Contribution are accepted at indiegogo.com/projects/zero-waste-for-recycle-hawai-i#home, recyclehawaii.org/memberdonate.html and Recycle Hawai`i, PO Box 4847, Hilo, HI 96720. Make checks payable to Recycle Hawai`i.
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Ka`u Mountain Water System Hike is one event in this year's
Ka`u Coffee Festival. Photo by Jesse Tunison

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HAS STARTED statewide and national promotion of the annual event. Public Relations expert Fern Gavelek, who promotes many events on the Big Island, sent out the first press release today entitled Ka`u Coffee Festival Perks with 10 Days of Activities and subtitled Java-Jumping Fun April 24-May 3, 2015.

“Ka`u, Hawai`i Island – The seventh Ka`u Coffee Festival celebrates its award-winning brew and rural regional heritage with a host of events to satisfy the coffee lover in you. Java-jumpin’ fun starts percolating April 24 and culminates the weekend of May 2-3 with a sprawling ho`olaule`a on Saturday and the laid back informative “Ka`u Coffee College” on Sunday.

“Serving as an economic stimulus for the heritage Ka`u region, the festival is supported by the County of Hawai`i Department of Research & Development, Hawai`i Tourism Authority and Hawai`i Department of Agriculture. Some events are free, while others require a nominal fee and reservations. All activities feature the exceptional flavor and aroma of Ka`u coffee and the people and place that produces it:

“On Friday, April 24, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Pa`ina & Open House at historic Pahala Plantation House featuring music, hula, food and house tours. Corner of Maile and Pikake in Pahala. Hosted by Pahala Plantation Cottages, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce and The Ka`u Calendar newspaper. Free, donations accepted for Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Fund. www.kaucoffeefest.com, www.pahalaplantationcottages.com. 808-928-9811.

“On Saturday, April 25, the annual Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant showcases the crowning of Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry 2015. Visit www.KauCoffeeFest.com as details become available.

This year the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest categories are
pupu, entree and dessert. Photo by Julia Neal

“On Saturday, April 25, 2 p.m. The free Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest hosts a cooking competition at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Entries are accepted in pupu, entree and dessert categories. All recipes are made with Ka`u coffee. Free coffee tasting. Find contest entry info at www.kaucoffeemill.com or call Lisa at 808-928-0550.

“During the week visit Ka`u coffee farms. Enjoy the scenic and historic beauty of Ka`u, Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Honu`apo fishponds, the cliffs of Ka Lae – the southernmost place in the U.S., and the nearby Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Ka`u. Visit www.kaucoffeefest.com for participating coffee farms and accommodations.

“On Wednesday, April 29 explore flume systems of the sugarcane era and development of hydroelectric power on a Ka`u Mountain Water System Hike in the Wood Valley rainforest 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Limited to 30, $40 includes lunch. Visit www.kaucoffeemill.com or phone 808-928-0550.

“On Friday, May 1 enjoy Coffee & Cattle Day 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee farm. Find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 fee includes an all-you can eat buffet. Visit www.aikaneplantation.com or phone 808-927-2252.

Aikane Plantation hosts Coffee & Cattle Day on Friday, May 1.
Photo from Aikane Plantation

“On Friday, May 1 observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau at Ka`u Star Gazing, 5:30 –10 p.m. $35 with refreshments and shuttle transportation. Sign up at www.kaucoffeemill.com or call 808-928-0550.

“On Saturday, May 2 tantalize your taste buds at the friendly Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a, with a full day of local music, hula, food booths, local crafts, keiki activities, educational displays, coffee tastings and farm/mill tours headquartered inside and out of the Pahala Community Center. Festival entry is free; Ka`u Coffee Experience offers guided coffee tastings 9:30 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Farm tours with shuttle transport are 9:30 and 11 a.m., plus 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m., $20. Call 808-929-9550 or visit www.KauCoffeeFest.com.

“On Sunday, May 3 learn about the coffee industry at the Ka`u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. The Coffee College hosts educational seminars and a reverse trade mission. Free, donations appreciated. Call 808-929-9550 or www.KauCoffeeFest.com.

“Founded in coffee traditions hailing to the 1800s – plus the hard work of former sugar plantation workers – Ka`u coffee burst onto the specialty coffee scene by winning numerous coffee quality awards. These accolades highlight the unique combination of people and place that makes Ka`u coffee a favorite across the globe. The festival’s mission is to raise awareness of Ka`u as a world-class, coffee-growing origin.

“Ka`u Coffee Festival vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and festival updates, visit www.kaucoffeefest.com, follow Ka`u Coffee Festival on Facebook and @kaucoffeefest on Twitter, or call 808-929-9550.”

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Sen. Mazie Hirono

Sen. Brian Schatz

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS yesterday commemorated the re-designation of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The re-designation was included in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and signed into law by the President in December 2014.

“I was honored to serve in Congress with Sen. Inouye and was proud to call him a friend,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “His deep understanding of the strategic importance of Hawai`i and the Pacific region will live on through this important part of his legacy. Additionally, Sen. Inouye’s record of bettering Hawai`i and our nation and the importance he placed on forging and strengthening relationships over a lifetime in public service is something we work to continue. Naming the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies after Sen. Inouye is appropriate and honors him for exceptional service to our country.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “No one understood the strategic importance of Hawai`i to our national security better than Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. As an early and strong supporter of the Center, he knew that Hawai`i was key to our nation’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a fitting tribute to Sen. Inouye’s legacy of service to Hawai`i and our country.”
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USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientist Mike Poland shares what he has discovered about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes at After Dark in the Park today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

Dr. Claire Horwell

RANGER NOAH GOMES SHARES THE TRADITIONAL skill of lei making tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Free; park entrance fees apply.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONDUCTS 10- to 15-minute vog surveys at Ka`u Farmers Market tomorrow. She is studying ways people protect themselves from vog and how those methods relate to official advice.

ISLAND MARKET IN NA`ALEHU holds an auction Thursday at 10 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. Equipment in the store is being sold before the store’s official closure on Saturday.
For more information, see http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/for/4901673180.html.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

A large breakout from the flank of Pu`u O`o continues to pour lava onto the Puna landscape. More breakouts are also active downslope. Photo from USGS/HVO

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY IS MOVING FORWARD, with the charter school planning to begin classes for 65 third- through sixth-grade students on July 29 at Discovery Harbour Clubhouse, according to Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today. Another 35 home-schooled students will get support from the school.

Kathryn Tydlacka

To raise funds for the school, KLA organizers have been operating Gilligan’s Café at clubhouse. KLA plans to build a more permanent structure at Discovery Harbour within two years. It also has plans to offer kindergarten through eighth-grade classes as well as have another school in Ocean View.
KLA will have a “highly academic focus,” Tydacka told Cook Lauer, because Ka`u students typically are among the lowest-performing in the state.
“They’re still failing a whole lot of kids,” Tydlacka said, referring to Hawai`i Department of Education. “We already know that most of them are going to be behind.”
KLA seeks Windward Planning Commission approval to operate at the clubhouse, which is in the state land use agricultural district. The meeting takes place Thursday, March 5 at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Public testimony is welcome.
For more information about the school, see kaulearningacademy.com.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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A RECENT LARGE LAVA BREAKOUT from the flank of Pu`u O`o that continues to be active is part of the June 27 flow and not a separate event, according to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, who handles public information and education outreach for HVO. Video of the breakout filmed by Mick Kalber is available at bigislandvideonews.com.

David Corrigan, of Big Island Video News, reported that Babb described the breakout as a “pulse” of lava and said that if a change were to be caused by a breakout, “we would normally expect to see it within two days.”
Babb explained to Corrigan that when lava first breaks out of an inflated flow, it can do so with some impressive vigor, but “the impressive vigor is often short-lived – until the next breakout.”
According to HVO, breakouts continue in both downslope and upslope flow areas. One along the north margin of the stalled flow tip approximately one mile from Hwy 130 is sluggish and has not advanced since Monday.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Hawai`i County Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira

INTERNET, PHONE AND CELLULAR SERVICE will be more reliable once a 22-mile gap in the island’s ring of fiber optic cable from Pahala to Volcano is closed. At a Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, Civil Defense chief Darryl Oliveira said Hawaiian Telcom, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. and the county are working closely together to find a way to close the gap, reported Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today.

The gap from Volcano to Pahala causes blackouts when there is a break in the cable elsewhere on the island, which has happened twice recently.
The estimated $6 million project would require running cable through the national park.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY has selected Ormat to provide an additional 25 megawatts of geothermal energy for Hawai`i Island. The decision follows a review of bids submitted as part of a competitive bid process. The next step is to begin contract negotiations with Ormat, with an agreement to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission for approval.

Ormat supplies HELCO with up to 25 MW of energy at Puna Geothermal Venture.
Photo from Ormat

“We have continued to pursue ways to increase our use of renewable energy and lower costs to our customers, while also ensuring reliable service,” said Hawai`i Electric Light Company President Jay Ignacio. “Ormat was selected based on numerous criteria, including attractive pricing, technical design and capability, financial soundness, as well as commitment to resolving all environmental issues and to working with our Hawai`i Island communities.”
According to HELCO, geothermal technologies provide renewable, controlled dispatchable energy and firm capacity that allow it to schedule and control output from the geothermal plant to its islandwide grid. Firm energy sources like geothermal support the integration of intermittent renewable resources, such as wind or solar, while maintaining reliable service for Hawai`i Island customers.
A draft geothermal request for proposals was issued in early November 2012. The PUC also selected an independent observer, Boston Pacific Company, to monitor and advise on all steps of the competitive bidding process to ensure that the process is fair and adheres to the PUC Framework for Competitive Bidding.
Ormat currently supplies up to 38 MW of energy to HELCO through Puna Geothermal Venture, and more than 47 percent of electricity on Hawai`i Island is already generated from renewable resources, including hydro, wind, distributed solar and geothermal.
According to Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Ignacio declined to say where the new plant would be located, citing a non-disclosure agreement. He did confirm, however, that it would be in East Hawai`i.
Ormat was one of six bidders for the new contract that proposed projects in Puna. Ignacio told Callis that because none of the bidders offered to build plants in West Hawai`i, where power use is highest, HELCO cut the proposed expansion in half.
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Hawai`i PUC Chair Randy Iwase

RANDY IWASE IS THE NEW CHAIR of Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission. The state Senate voted unanimously to approve Gov. David Ige’s choice to replace Mina Morita, who resigned last month after four years as chair.

Iwase, a lawyer and former state legislator, told Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, that the top three cases he would be dealing with are the purchase of Hawai`i Electric Co. by NextEra Energy, the importation of liquefied natural gas and organizing the PUC.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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HAWAI`I SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE considers bills related to agriculture tomorrow. SB375 would authorize growing industrial hemp for certain purposes under specified conditions. It appropriates funds for Department of Agriculture staff to assist in registration of industrial hemp growers and seed testing.
“The Legislature finds that mankind has cultivated hemp as a source of food and fiber for thousands of years,” the bill reads. “Modern production methods have utilized hemp’s oilseed to make high-grade food and beauty products. The stalks produce fiber and cellulose for everything from automotive parts and fine clothing to building materials and fuel.”
SB 376 establishes and appropriates funds for the Hawai`i farm-to school-program and two farm-to-school coordinator positions.
The program’s goal is to “improve the health of children through the support of school gardens, health and nutrition education, agriculture and the procurement of locally grown foods for school meals and snacks. A successful farm to school program can increase students’ physical activity, school meal participation and preference for fresh fruits and vegetables and improve academic achievement and student behavior.”
The vast majority of testimony received so far by the state Legislature is in favor of the bills. Ka`u residents can testify at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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Mycologist Zach Mermel

ISLAND MARKET IN NA`ALEHU holds an auction tomorrow at 10 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. Equipment in the store is being sold before the store’s official closure on Saturday. A sale of merchandise continues through Saturday.

For more information, see http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/for/4901673180.html.

MUSHROOMS IN THE LANDSCAPE is the title of a program tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Nialani Campus in Volcano Village. Hawai`i Island mycologist Zach Mermel discusses how to use fungi to restore degraded environments. The lecture is free, and donations are appreciated.

PATTI PEASE JOHNSON, WHOSE ART is currently on exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery, teaches two workshops next month. The first is Experimental Watercolor, Saturday, March 7 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Johnson guides students in creating paintings on hot press paper using pre-broken glass to spark creativity.
Soft Pastel Still Life workshop takes place March 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. when Johnson shares her knowledge of color, composition and correcting problems. Participants begin with a set-up still life using charcoal on newsprint to get the flow of arm movements to keep loose, and they’ll complete a 10x12 inch project.
Another of Johnson’s workshops this month, Paint Your Own Silk Scarf, is full.
The workshops, held at VAC’s Niaulani campus in Volcano Village, are open to both beginning and intermediate students.

See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information and to register.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf

Ka`u residents can learn how to use fungi to restore degraded landscapes when Zach Mermel presents Mushrooms in the Landscape today at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Photo from VAC

HAWAI`I COUNTY PROPERTY VALUES rose for the second year in a row. Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported that values are three percent over last year and that they rose seven percent in 2014.

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

According to Cook Lauer, the increases are allowing the county to put together a no-frills budget without having to increase property tax rates. County revenue from property tax bills will increase as values go up.
“We are thankful that we have some increase,” Mayor Billy Kenoi told Cook Lauer. “A lot of that will go toward absorbing fixed costs.”
Kenoi’s administration is finishing its draft budget to be submitted to County Council Friday, which has until June 30 to pass it or have it automatically go into effect July 1.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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FOLLOWING THREE CONSECUTIVE record-breaking years, Hawai`i Tourism Authority anticipated that visitor arrivals and expenditures would begin flattening in 2015. In comparison to last January, arrivals dipped less than 4,000 visitors (-0.6 percent), and total expenditures dropped to $1.4 billion (-2.5 percent). These slight declines resulted from a reduction in international air seats (-0.9 percent) and the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in January.
Despite softening travel from international markets, additional airlift from core U.S. markets (+9.2 percent) helped to maintain arrivals from the U.S. West (+3.9 percent) and U.S. East (+0.8 percent) markets in January. This included increased air capacity to the neighbor islands, which contributed to continual growth in arrivals and expenditures.
HTA continues to engage its airline partners in co-op opportunities and discussions on maintaining and stimulating travel demand and distribution to all Hawaiian Islands, especially with current lower fuel costs.
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Apple Pay is coming to Bank
of Hawai`i debit card holders.

SOON KA`U BANK OF HAWAI`I CUSTOMERS will be able to use their bank-issued debit cards with Apple Pay.  Customers using iPhone 6 can pay in stores without swiping cards and in apps without entering payment and contact information. A single touch of a ﬁnger using Touch ID completes the transaction.  With Apple Pay, instead of using actual debit card numbers, when customers add their cards, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored. When they make a purchase, the Device Account Number alongside a transaction-speciﬁc dynamic security code is used to process payment. Actual debit card numbers are never shared by Apple with merchants or transmitted with payment.
In addition, paying with Apple Pay is private, as cashiers never see customers’ names, card numbers or security codes.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY JOINED Jose Diaz-Balart on MSNBC’s The Rundown to highlight her own immigration story and stress the importance of comprehensive immigration reform.

Sen. Mazie Hirono discussed immigration on The Rundown yesterday.
Image from Office of Sen. Hirono

“As an immigrant myself, my mother brought me to this country, escaping a terribly abusive marriage in Japan, and she had a vision for a better future for her children, and that is something that so many immigrants, millions of immigrants who came to this country and who are here now hope for also. So what I would like to see is comprehensive immigration reform, much like we passed in the Senate months and months ago.”

Hirono also continued to urge the House and Senate to come together to pass a clean appropriations bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security before funding runs out at the end of this week.
“We need to have both the House and the Senate vote on a clean bill because for the Senate to send a clean bill, and the House is just going to put back the kind of amendments that brought us to this particular situation, is not going to advance the dialogue. So, what we need to send, both the House and the Senate, is a clean bill for the President to sign. And then we need to debate and pass comprehensive immigration reform that we have been calling on the House to do for over a year. It is really the ball being in Speaker Boehner’s court right now.”

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KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is fighting proposed air travel fees. Gabbard yesterday testified before the House Committee on the Budget to state her opposition to a component of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 that would increase air travel fees.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

“The increased fee would have a major negative impact upon the residents who work and live in Hawai`i,” Gabbard said. “With no interisland railway, highway or ferry system, our residents have no other choice but to fly between islands. Air transportation is an essential lifeline for people in finding a job, starting a small business, going to see a doctor and visiting family and friends.
“The doubling of the security fee has already had a noticeable impact. For example, the lowest base fare for flying from Honolulu to Maui is $54.33. The taxes and increased security fees escalate the price of the ticket by 25 percent. Another increase would only heighten the burden on our residents as they carry out the everyday responsibilities of life.”
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THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR STATE COMMISSION on Water Resource Management is now accepting applications for one open position on the Commission. The Nominating Committee will review applications and send the names of not less than three qualified individuals to the governor, who will nominate one person for the vacant position. The term of the new appointee will begin upon the vacancy after the governor selects from the list of applicants.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. The term for this position will begin on July 1, 2015 and expire on June 30, 2019.
The Commission has jurisdiction and final authority over matters relating to the State Water Code (Hawai`i Revised Statutes Chapter 174C). The governor appoints five of the seven members through the Nominating Committee. The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources serves as the Chairperson of the Water Commission, and the Director of the Department of Health serves as an ex-officio voting member.
State law requires that each member have “substantial experience in the area of water resource management.” Commission members serve a four-year term without pay, although certain expenses such as travel are reimbursed. Applications and resumes may be sent to Nominating Committee  Commission on Water Resource Management,  1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 227  Honolulu, HI 96813
Applications should be postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 17.
Applicants will be interviewed between March 23 and March 31.
To apply online, visit the Hawai`i Boards and Commissions website at http://boards.hawaii.gov/apply/apply-for-a-board/. More information may be found on the Commission’s website at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/aboutus/commission/.

Kumu Hula Ab Valencia
Photo by Dino Morrow

HAWAI`I ISLAND MYCOLOGIST ZACH MERMEL presents Mushrooms in the Landscape today at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Nialani Campus in Volcano Village. Mermel discusses how to use fungi to restore degraded environments. The lecture is free, and donations are appreciated.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents hula kahiko Saturday. Na Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu perform at 9:30 a.m., and Kumu hula Manaiakalani Kalua with Akaunu begin at 10:30 a.m.
Typically held on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, hula halau from across Hawai`i have been invited to perform in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) near the gallery. This special site was realized through the vision of the late Edith Kanaka`ole, kumu hula of Halau o Kekuhi.

The kahua hula is located a short walking distance from the gallery in an area known as Ka`auea. This sacred spot affords the kumu (master) and haumana (student) a pristine view into Halema`uma`u, the home of volcanic deity Pelehonuamea.
See volcanoartcenter.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

The vent at Halema`uma`u opened during Jim Kauahikaua's tenure as USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's Scientist-in-Charge. Kauahikaua is stepping down to focus on research at the observatory. Photo from USGS/HVO

JIM KAUAHIKAUA, SCIENTIST-IN-CHARGE at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, is stepping down on March 8 but will stay on to conduct research. HVO announced his decision in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

Kauahikaua joined HVO as a geophysicist in 1988 to study magnetic, gravity and electrical resistivity of Hawaiian volcanoes and techniques to assess lava flow hazards and quantifying lava flow emplacement. He became HVO’s 19th Scientist-in-Charge on Oct. 3, 2004, the first of Hawaiian ancestry.

“Since 2004, Jim has overseen substantial changes in HVO’s volcano and earthquake monitoring technologies and capabilities,” the article states. “A notable challenge successfully managed by Jim was HVO’s use of $3.1 million provided by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Many improvements were accomplished through that one-time boost in funding, but most importantly, HVO’s monitoring networks were expanded and made completely digital. Redundant telemetry paths were also added to ensure consistent and near-real-time connectivity between HVO and the more than 100 field-based monitoring instruments on Hawai`i’s active volcanoes... .”

Jim Kauahikaua Photo from HVO

The article describes Kauahikaua’s duties and accomplishments during the past 10 years. “Jim coordinated HVO’s response to a number of significant volcanic and seismic events on the Island of Hawai`i. These include the 2004 – 2005 Mauna Loa unrest, the 2006 destructive Kiholo Bay earthquake and, on Kilauea, the 2008 explosive opening of the summit vent within Halema`uma`u Crater and the 2011 Kamoamoa fissure eruption, in addition to the ongoing East Rift Zone (Pu`u `O`o) eruption. Jim’s expertise on lava flow emplacement and hazards served HVO well when Kilauea lava re-entered Kalapana in 2010 – 2011, as well as when lava flowed northeast from Pu`u `O`O toward Puna communities – first in 2007, then in 2013 – 2014 (Kahauale`a flows) and again with today’s still-active June 27th flow.
“Responding to natural hazards is often a multi-agency effort, and Jim strengthened existing relationships and forged new ones between HVO and other federal, state and county agencies. As Scientist-in-Charge, he worked closely with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai`i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai`i County Civil Defense and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to support interagency cooperation and collaboration.
“A notable milestone of Jim’s tenure as Scientist-in-Charge was HVO’s centennial celebration in 2012. He guided plans for an HVO open house, attended by more than 1,400 Hawai`i residents and visitors, and supported HVO staff involved in organizing an international gathering of volcanologists focused on the study of Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes. Jim also co-authored The Story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – A Remarkable First 100 Years of Tracking Eruptions and Earthquakes to commemorate HVO’s history.
“Jim champions HVO’s outreach and communication efforts, often leading the charge to increase public awareness of Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes. He participates in community outreach events, writes numerous Volcano Watch articles each year, presents countless public talks and personally answers many of the askHVO emails.”

The article quotes Kauahikaua’s boss, Director of USGS Volcano Science Center Tom Murray: “HVO’s achievements under Jim’s leadership have been remarkable. Just responding daily to the eruption is a full-time task, but Jim has also accomplished many goals related to long-term improvements to HVO … and enhancing ties to the community. What’s best for the community, for HVO, and for the staff were his priorities. He’s been great to work with.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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HAWAI`I’S ECONOMY IN 2015 WILL LOOK a lot like last year’s, according to a report by University of Hawai`i’s Economic Research Organization. It said tourism will see only marginal gains, but steady labor market improvement will continue, and there will be moderate income growth. While not all damage from the past recession has been repaired, by many measures, economic activity in the state is returning to normal.

According to the report, a major threat to Hawai`i’s economy is potential downsizing of military personnel in the state. “The potential cuts are large enough that they would take a measurable chunk out of the overall economy, not to mention much larger adverse impacts on local communities,” the report stated.
The forecast is available at uhero.hawaii.edu.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS HOLDING House Speaker John Boehner responsible to send a clean Department of Homeland Security bill to President Obama. Funding for DHS is set to expire today. The President has said he will veto any policy riders that undo his executive action on immigration.

“Despite the fact that the House has put us on the brink of shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, I’m hopeful after this morning’s vote (passed the Senate) that Congress will send the President a clean bill to fund DHS,” Hirono said. “But now, it is in Speaker Boehner’s hands. It is up to Speaker Boehner to end this manufactured crisis and pass this clean full-year funding bill through the House. Our national security is at stake. If the House fails to get a clean DHS funding bill to the President’s desk by midnight, most of the 200,000 DHS employees across the country, including nearly 2,000 based in Hawai`i, will be furloughed or forced to work without pay.

“Furthermore, the many furloughs at DHS headquarters will mean that FEMA disaster assistance grants will not be processed for those affected by Hurricane Iselle and the lava flow on Hawai`i Island. It is reckless and irresponsible to shut down a federal agency charged with protecting all of us.
“I urge Speaker Boehner to avoid pursuing a short-term continuing resolution that only passes the buck for a few more weeks. A short-term continuing resolution doesn’t fix this problem and only leads to continued uncertainty for our homeland security efforts. It’s time that the House join the Senate in passing a clean DHS funding bill and sending it to the President’s desk.”
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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY’S EFFORTS to stop customers from installing rooftop solar are illegal, according to Robert Harris, of the Alliance for Solar Choice. TASC recently called on Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission to end the utility’s efforts. According to Harris, HECO’s utilities on Hawai`i Island and Maui recently started issuing letters to customers stating they cannot interconnect to the grid with rooftop solar systems unless the Public Utilities Commission agrees to eliminate net energy metering.

“This is a classic abuse of monopoly power,” Harris said. “Utilities can’t deny service to customers in order to force policy changes that benefit themselves.”

Benjamin Acasio

Harris called net energy metering, which allows utility customers to offset part their power bill but not earn money, “the bedrock principle of solar power in the United States.”
“HECO can’t compete with rooftop solar,” he said, “so they’re trying to force changes to preserve an outdated business model. This is why the PUC exists; to protect consumers from the unlawful and monopolistic tendencies of utilities.”

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THE MOST RECENT EDITION of Hawai`i Island’s Most Wanted, Crime Stoppers’ television program, highlights a 38-year-old Ka`u man wanted for abuse.

The program asks for help in locating Benjamin Acasio, of Na`alehu, who is wanted for abuse. He is described as six-feet-two-inches tall, 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a red Acura two-door sedan with white rims.
Police ask that anyone with information call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential. Crime Stoppers does not tape record phone calls or subscribe to caller ID.
Hawai`i Island’s Most Wanted is a project of Crime Stoppers Hilo, Inc., a partnership of the business community, the media and the police. It was inspired by the national TV show, America’s Most Wanted. The program airs on Na Leo O Hawai`i Community Television Channel 54 on Sundays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. It also airs intermittently on Channel 53.
The new episode begins airing today.
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Fishhooks from Wai`ahukini Photo from Bishop Museum

HO`OMAKA HOU RESEARCH initiative, a collections-based research program by Dr. Mara Mulronney, archaeologist with The Bishop Museum, offers a free presentation today at 6 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
Fishhooks from the Pu`u Ali`i and Wai`ahukini Rockshelter sites, which were excavated by Bishop Museum archaeologists from 1953 to 1959, will be on display.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents hula kahiko tomorrow. Na Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu perform at 9:30 a.m. Kumu hula Manaiakalani Kalua with Akaunu begin at 10:30 a.m. The hula platform is a short walk from the gallery.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

The search is on for the next Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry, with the pageant scheduled for Sunday, April 26. Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva (back center) and Miss Peaberry Madison Okimoto (front center) join other pageant participants who received education scholarships last year. Photo by Julia Neal

MAYOR BILLY KENOI HAS SUBMITTED HIS BUDGET to the County Council, which has until June 30 to pass it or have it automatically go into effect July 1.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

“This proposed budget represents our departments’ best efforts to meet the needs of our growing community in a timely and fiscally responsible fashion,” Kenoi said in his budget message as reported by Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawai`i Today. “Our economy is in a state of gradual recovery. We believe our investments in infrastructure, renewable energy and parks and recreation are critical to the future of Hawai`i Island.”
The budget keeps taxes and fees at current levels while allotting funds for federal and state mandates. A $1 million increase goes to federal mandates for transportation services for the disable, and a 1.2 million increase funds medical benefits for retired county union members.
Most of the $17.8 million total increase goes to employee contracts negotiated at by the state. The raises are implemented throughout the system, including over $4 million for police and over $6 million for the Fire Department.
Estimated income reported in the budget includes $7.4 million in property taxes, $3.1 million from federal and state grants, $1.2 million from charges for services and $3.6 in carryover from the current year.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION will not respond to Hawaiian Electric Company’s request for approval of a lower buy-back rate from customers with rooftop solar systems. Under HECO’s current net energy metering program, customers can use their solar systems to lower their electric bills by selling energy back to the utility.

PUC Chair Randy Iwase
Image from KITV4

The decision is part of an agreement regarding HECO’s delays in approving applications for grid-connected rooftop systems. HECO claimed in the past that connections had to be stopped based on safety issues. Last month, HECO said it had found that increasing capacity by as much as 250 percent would still be safe.

PUC Chair Randy Iwase told Brenton Awa, of KITV4 News, that the commission “‘has its hands on HECO’ and reminded the energy giant that it needs to keep its customers ‘best interest’ in mind.”

Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis told Awa that the PUC “stepped in and did the right thing.”
Leslie Cole-Brooks, of Hawai‘i Solar Energy Association, told Awa, “It’s really good news. We should see improvement. These customers that have invested money in our green energy infrastructure should get to move forward.”

See kitv.com.
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HAWAI`I’S ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE its stable growth in 2015 and beyond, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s first quarter 2015 Statistical and Economic Report.

Luis P. Salaveria

“We are happy to see that our labor market has fully recovered from the 2009 recession, and in 2014 we had an historical high level of civilian labor force, civilian employment and payroll job count. Our unemployment rate was the sixth lowest in the nation,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “2014 was a record year for visitor arrivals as well. With the strong growth in the U.S. economy, we expect our visitor industry to continue to grow in 2015, especially in the U.S. markets.”
In 2015, the U.S. economy is expected to grow by 3.2 percent, a rate which has not been seen since 2005. This growth will likely encourage more Hawai`i visitation by U.S. visitors, the report states.
As a result of lower price levels due to slow growth of inflation, consumers are expected to have more purchasing power in 2015, which can be translated into an increase in real income if income as measured by nominal dollars remains unchanged. According to the report, lower inflation is resulting in lower prices for gasoline, apparel, household furnishings and supplies.
Real personal income is expected to grow by 2.8 percent, and real gross domestic product is expected to grow by 3.1 percent in 2015. This economic growth rate for Hawai`i is similar to the economic growth rate projected for the nation in 2015.
DBEDT expects healthy economic growth to continue into the future, projected to be at 3.0 percent in 2016 and 2.9 percent in 2017.
See dbedt.hawaii.gov.

Anjulie Larson, with Chair Lee McIntosh,
won a Chamber scholarship last year.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS for Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarships is Friday, May 1. High school seniors and adults seeking to re-enter the educational system are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to write an essay about how their educational experience will benefit Ka`u. Preference will be given to those who intend to remain in or return to Ka`u and live here.

Scholarship money can be used for all college and vocational training and will range from $250 to $1,000. Visit kauchamber.org to download the application form. Call Lee McIntosh at 929-9872 with any questions.

THE SEARCH HAS BEGUN for the New Miss Ka`u Coffee. On Sunday, April 26, Miss Ka`u Coffee & Miss Peaberry Pageant will be held at Pahala Community Center. To sign up for the Miss Ka`u Coffee competition, contestants must be 17 to 24 years of age. For Miss Peaberry, contestants must be seven to nine years of age.
Contenders will display their talents, intelligence and grace in four categories: Talent, Public Speaking, Gown and Sportswear. The pageant involves training in dance, stage performance, fashion, poise and knowledge to celebrate the Ka`u Coffee industry.
Practices begin a week from tomorrow on Sunday, March 8 at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
The Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant also raises scholarship money for the young women and girls.
To enter, contact chair Gloria Camba at 928-8558 or director Nalani Parlin at 217-6893. Applications are available at www.kaucoffeefest.com.
To donate to the scholarship fund, contact Julia Neal at 928-9811.
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`O Ka`u Kakou Treasurer June Domondon, President Wayne Kawachi and Ka`u
High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala congratulate St. Joseph's Manato Fukuda
and Ka`u High's Buddy Flores on winning the half-court basket challenge
during Homecoming. Photo from Nalani Parlin

KA`U HIGH’S BUDDY FLORES and St. Joseph’s Manato Fukuda both made challenging half-court shots on Homecoming night held Feb. 13. Since last year, OKK has sponsored a half-court basket contest during basketball season to support Ka`u High’s athletic department. Interested contestants put in their names at select basketball games, and participants are drawn to compete. For each shot made, OKK donates $500 to Ka`u High Athletic Boosters Club to be used to support expenses for any Trojan sporting team. Both winners also won $20 Wal-Mart gift certificates.

Principal Sharon Beck was also put to the half-court test but did not make the shot. However, as she exited the court, she threw an over-hand shot and made the basket much to the surprise of the crowd.
June Domondon said the coincidence was so great that OKK decided to donate an extra $1,000 for Beck’s unexpected basket. This brings the total half-court donations this year to $2,000. Last year, contestants earned the Booster Club $3,000 with a total of six baskets.
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KA`U RESIDENT TONY BOY ANDRADE is an enthusiastic member of the Hawai`i Drag Racing League. Andrade started racing back in 2012 when he and his father built his 1968 Chevy Nova in their family shop South Side Repair Services from the ground up and named it It's About Time. The Hawai`i Drag Racing League has monthly races at the Hilo Drag Strip. The races are held by veteran racer Mr. Keith Aguiar, his family and many friends.

Ka`u's Tony Boy Andrade races his 1968 Nova, named It's About Time.
Photo from the Andrade family

Andrade said his dragster is the “quickest true stock chassis 1968 Nova on the Big Island.” His fastest time is 11.1 seconds in a quarter mile. “Racing is a good stress release. It’s an expensive sport, but something worth getting into.” He said this sport needs to be in a safe environment, on racing tracks that are supervised and cared for.

Andrade encourages Ka`u residents to make the drive to Hilo to support his sport. An event takes place next weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8.
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DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONTINUES here vog survey a week from today on Saturday, March 7 at Ocean View Swap Meet. She is researching how residents protect themselves and how those methods relate to official advice. Surveys take 10 – 15 minutes. Ka`u residents can also share their vog stories at https://www.facebook.com/groups/421925067973152/.

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

A state House of Representatives bill calls for HHSC facilities, including Ka`u Hospital, to return to centralized, rather that regional, control. Photo by Julia Neal

DAN BRINKMAN, INTERIM REGIONAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for East Hawai`i Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp., which operates Ka`u Hospital, has submitted testimony to the state House of Representatives opposing a bill that would reconsolidate HHSC operational administration and oversight by eliminating regional system boards. In 1996, a task force recommended establishment of regional boards of directors, but, according to HB 1112, “the Legislature finds that the decentralization of personnel, purchasing and other administration functions to the four regions … caused inefficiencies that are detrimental to the financial stability of the system, operational effectiveness and employee morale.”

HHSC's East Hawai`i Regional Interim
CEO Dan Brinkman

According to Brinkman, the East Hawai`i Region opposes elimination of regional system boards. “We believe that the intent of Act 290 (which created regional boards) has been realized in East Hawai`i,” he testified. “Our highly engaged regional board, composed of professional experts and community leaders, has driven substantive and positive changes in the delivery of our region’s healthcare. We have modernized our systems, including installing a highly efficient and cost effective electronic medical record system, increased our revenues, controlled our expenses and have greatly improved quality and the patient experience.

  “We also believe that each region is unique in its geography, demographics, business environment, types of operations (acute vs. long-term care) and the size of its business. While there is merit to the idea that decentralization has not been successful in all regions, recentralizing imposes a ‘one size fits all’ remedy and neglects the fact that some regions have greatly benefited from community control. Additionally, the primary cause of the public hospital system’s poor condition is not its organizational structure but due to the imposing outside forces of declining reimbursements, increased cost of healthcare (i.e. supplies, medicine, employment) and the unique challenges of providing ‘safety net’ care for communities that are geographically dispersed, socio-economically challenged and aging.
  “Our solution for East Hawai`i is one of service-oriented local partnerships with other healthcare providers, especially those on the Big Island. We are seeking predictable and sustainable funding of our safety net mission and coverage of collective bargaining costs. The stability that is offered by these measured steps will give the region’s board the resources to succeed in maintaining and improving the region's operations.
  “HD 1112 HD2 removes the Regional Boards and places all authority and decision making with the Corporate Board. While this is intended to produce improvements in efficiency and accountability, there are potentially adverse disruptive consequences that should be considered, most significantly the loss of community support, ‘ownership’ and direction. We respectfully request the opportunity for further discussion regarding East Hawai`i and HHSC’s function and governance, rather than a wholesale removal of the current structure.”

Ka`u had a bumper crop of coffee this
season. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

House Committees on Health, vice-chaired by Ka`u’s Rep. Richard Creagan, and Labor & Public Employment passed the measure. Finance Committee hears it Tuesday at 11:05 a.m.
More testimony and the opportunity to testify are available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony is due by 11:05 tomorrow to be included in the hearing.
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HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT and Ka`u resident Chris Manfredi credits this year’s bumper crop of Ka`u Coffee and increase in acreage planted to “the very solid foundation built in establishing Ka`u as a premium coffee growing origin,” reported Carolyn Lucas-Zenk in West Hawai`i Today. Lucas-Zenk listed the Ka`u Coffee Festival, international awards consistently won every year and increased familiarity with Ka`u Coffee as contributing to success of the regional products.
In contrast to this year’s large harvest, a report from the Department of Agriculture and National Agricultural Statistics Service Pacific Regional Field Office claims that state coffee marketings are down four percent from last season. Manfredi told Lucas-Zenk the statistics are based on those reporting and may be inaccurate if not all farmers participated. Lucas-Zenk also said Manfredi has been trying to get officials to revalue crops using green been values instead of parchment, which, according to the story, would bring it into alignment “with the rest of the world.”
According to Lucas-Zenk, Manfredi said one of the challenges that continues to exist for Ka`u Coffee farmers is “matching the absorption rate of coffee produced and developing markets.”

See westhawaiitoday.com.
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The second of three Sanctuary Ocean Counts of humpback whales
took place yesterday. Photo from wayfaring.info

MORE THAN 889 VOLUNTEERS GATHERED data from the shores of Hawai`i island, O`ahu and Kaua`i during the second event of the 20th Anniversary Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.

The count, conducted three times per year during peak whale season, is a shore-based census that provides snapshot data on humpback whales. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey.
Volunteers collected data from 55 sites statewide. A total of 105 whales were seen during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day’s count.

In Ka`u, volunteers at Ka Lae reported 10 whales during this time period, with more sightings throughout the count. Whale sightings at Punalu`u began at 10:30 a.m. and continued through 12:15 p.m.
Weather conditions were highly variable. Several sites were canceled due to heavy rains, whereas other sites enjoyed sunshine and calm seas.
“For 20 years, the Sanctuary Ocean Count has proven to be a fun volunteer activity for residents and visitors,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “It also provides important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands that we use to better understand and protect this important species.”

Ka`u's County Council member
Maile Medeiros David

Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location is available at http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/.
The final Sanctuary Ocean Count for 2015 is scheduled for March 28. Interested volunteers may register online at http://sanctuaryoceancount.org.
Additional information is available at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov, or volunteers may call 808-725-5917. Volunteers are required to register prior to participating. Registration closes one week prior to the event date.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL, meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m., hears the final reading of a bill that would require Planned Unit Development applications to be reviewed and acted on by either the Leeward or Windward Planning Commission, depending on properties’ locations. Currently, only the Planning director has to approve PUDs, and public notice follows the decisions. Decisions can be overturned by the Board of Appeals and the Third Circuit Court.
Council committees meet Tuesday, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:45 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10:30 a.m.; and Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.
All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
Ka`u residents can also participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
Agendas for all meetings are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Project Vision returns to Ka`u this week with free screenings.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and take a short walk to Whitney Vault, where Jaggar conducted research. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PROJECT VISION RETURNS TO KA`U this week with free vision screenings, Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Hours both days are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for keiki and adults.
Call 929-8571 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf or
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u residents can provide testimony regarding a state House bill that would appropriate funds to research methods for control of the macadamia felted coccid, which is damaging crops throughout Ka`u and Hawai`i Island. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS RETURNED from Washington, D.C., where he attended the National Governors Association Winter Meeting and met with various federal officials and business leaders.

Gov. David Ige

“Meeting with the other governors was a valuable experience,” Ige said. “We were able to discuss issues affecting the states and share best practices that lead to innovative solutions.”
Ige was part of a panel discussion on Homeland Security and Public Safety where the focus was on Congressional action related to funding the Department of Homeland Security.
“Funding for the Department of Homeland Security was a priority for all of the governors,” Ige said. “If the funding is not approved, much of the work will continue at great personal cost to the frontline personnel who would have to report for duty without being paid. In addition, a lapse in funding will have a real impact on FEMA’s ability to ensure that a wide range of emergency personnel have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safer and more secure.”
The governors conducted two formal working sessions with President Obama and had dinner at the White House. Ige also attended a signing ceremony with members of Hawai`i’s Congressional Delegation and representatives of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i and the Japanese American Citizens League.
“Visiting the White House and meeting with President Obama, not once but several times, was a highlight,” Ige said. “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Oval Office signing ceremony designating the Honouliuli Camp a National Historic Monument.”
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Sen. Brian Schatz

THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION has set rules that protect free expression and innovation on the Internet and promote investment in the nation’s broadband networks. According to the Commission, the “strong, sustainable rules, grounded in multiple sources of legal authority … ensure that Americans reap the economic, social and civic benefits of an Open Internet today and into the future.”

Sen. Brian Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, said,   “I congratulate Chairman Wheeler and the FCC on a deliberative process which has led to the adoption of open Internet rules tailored for the 21st century. While I do not yet know all the details of the FCC’s proposal, it is clear that they contain three essential elements: no blocking, no throttling and no paid prioritization. These critical elements will ensure a level playing field so that a free and open Internet continues to thrive in the future. I am pleased the FCC has voted to enshrine these principles into formal protections.

“I will continue to review the details of the rules as they are made available. If we can find bipartisan consensus that legislation is still necessary to codify robust open Internet rules, I will work with the FCC and my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to ensure that any legislation protects the FCC’s flexible and forward looking authority to prevent future forms of discrimination that could threaten Internet openness.”

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State Department of Ag Chief Scott Enright

HAWAI`I HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE on Wednesday considers a bill that would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with UH CTAHR, to research and develop methods for prevention and treatment of macadamia felted coccid.

Hawai`i Department of Agriculture Chief Scott Enright testified that “the macadamia felted coccid is an insipid pest that can cause severe damage to macadamia nut trees and hurt our macadamia nut industry. It is vital to develop new methods to prevent the spread of this pest and limit the damage that it will have on the macadamia nut industry.”
Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association President John Cross said, “We have seen and unfortunately have experienced the especially devastating effects of this pest islandwide but especially so in the Ka`u region. This pest is one of most virulent, aggressive and damaging alien pests I have witnessed in the 20 years since leaving the sugarcane plantations.”
Bonnie Schoneberg, Director of Research Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P., with an office in Pahala, said, “The macadamia industry isn’t solely comprised of large companies; in reality many of the farms in Hawai`i are small growers that depend on their macadamia harvests and value added products for survival. Treatment options are already scarce to non-existent for large growers. When you consider the resources available to small growers, there are even fewer options. If realistic and economical treatment options aren’t discovered, many of the small farmers will be powerless to save their trees and will likely lose their means of income.”
More testimony and the opportunity to testify are available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony is due by 1:30 p.m. tomorrow to be included at the hearing.
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Dean Curran, fifth-grade teacher at Na`alehu School, won a National Milken
Educators of Hawai`i Teacher of Promise Award. Photo from Nalani Parlin

NA`ALEHU FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER Dean Curran is the National Milken Educators of Hawai`i annual Teacher of Promise Award winner for the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa educational complex area. Schools submitted nominees of teachers who have already made outstanding contributions in the classroom in just a few years of service. Hailed as the Oscars of Teaching by Teacher magazine, Milken Educator awards have been given at the state level since 1987.

A Teach for America recruit, Curran moved to Ka`u last year from rural Massachusetts. He graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in political science and journalism but always harbored a passion for teaching. “I had so many teachers in my life that made a difference for me and steered me in the right direction. I want to do the same for our kids,” Curran said.
Curran co-teaches students with and without disabilities in an inclusive setting with teacher Karen Wallace, a special education teacher. Curran said that he enjoys working with students who may have experienced difficulties in school. “I want to show them that they can do it and push themselves further,” he said. Curran said that he hopes to add a special education credential to his license.
Joining TFA, which places new teachers in traditionally underserved schools, became a turning point in Curran’s life. “I could stay with family or go some place completely different, but I was determined to go where I was needed or where I thought I could make an impact,” he said. The TFA program allowed Curran to earn his teaching license through an affiliate program with Johns Hopkins University. Curran is now pursuing his Masters degree while continuing to teach full-time.

Ocean View Community Center offers videoconferencing of Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings tomorrow and Wednesday.

At Na`alehu, Curran said he has encountered “overwhelmingly positive and collaborative experiences,” which has spurred forward his zeal for teaching. He added that the staff and administration have been very supportive. “It’s like a family,” he said.
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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in county government meetings this week.

Hawai`i County committee and full Council meetings are available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
Council committees meet tomorrow, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:45 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10:30 a.m.; and Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.
Hawai`i County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Agendas for all meetings are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow
and every other Tuesday. Photo from KDEN

DURING A WALK INTO THE PAST tomorrow, Ka`u Resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and take a short walk to Whitney Vault. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PROJECT VISION RETURNS TO KA`U this week with free vision screenings Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Hours both days are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for keiki and adults.
Call 929-8571 for more information.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I SEA GRANT College Program holds free community workshops this week to give residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6  from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7  from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchases in Na`alehu.
Photos from Hawai`i Pacific Brokers, LLC

KA`U ROYAL HAWAIIAN COFFEE & TEA, LLC has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu. Project Manager Louis Leong said the hui is grateful for being welcomed into the community of Na`alehu and looks forward to helping to contribute to Ka`u’s economic growth and support of Ka`u’s small farms and small businesses. We hope to enhance the success of the nearly two decades of work by Ka`u Coffee farmers who have built a new economy after the closing of Ka`u’s sugar industry. We also envision a complementary Ka`u Tea industry becoming as successful,” he said, noting that other crops are also being considered.

Land recently purchased by Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. extends
from Na`alehu toward Wai`ohinu.

“We may lease some of the farmland to local farmers that fit into our overall plans. We will announce more details on this subject in the near future,” Leong said. He also announced that Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea has engaged Elite Agri Services of Na`alehu as the local representative. Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services, can be reached at 808-938-3230.
Leong said that plans not only include expanding coffee and adding tea and other agriculture, but also adding a coffee mill, tea processing establishment and visitor center along Hwy 11. The property is located on the mauka side of Na`alehu in the area behind Ace Hardware and extends into the hills and along Hwy 11 on the Wai`ohinu side of the village.
Leong said that through “responsible and sensitive management of 1,600 acres at Na`alehu, we plan to be direct contributors to the community. We will become involved with scholarships and support of local organizations as we immerse ourselves into Na`alehu as an integral part of the economy.”
The company’s first community donation was to support the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund and The Directory.
Leong is vice president of HPL Development, of San Mateo, CA, a partner in Island Paradise Investments, which is building a $75 million-plus, 17-story senior housing building in the Ala Moana district on Kalakaua Ave. near the convention center. Called Kalakaua Gardens, it is expected to provide 46 skilled nursing beds, 106 units for assisted living and 32 “memory care” units. The project could be completed by 2016.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. David Ige

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A SUPPLEMENTAL emergency proclamation yesterday that extends the emergency period for the lava flow that threatens Puna.

“The state stands ready to support Hawai`i County in its response to the lava flow,” said Ige. “This extension of the emergency proclamation aids current monitoring and response and recovery efforts. The lava isn’t going to just go away, and we need to work together to ensure the community’s health and safety.”
The extension suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes. Copies of the proclamation text can be found at http://www.scd.hawaii.gov/Proclamations.htm.
A request to expand the Presidential Disaster Declaration to include debris removal and permanent work to repair eligible government and private nonprofit infrastructure damaged by the lava flow was submitted in early February.
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LEGACY LAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the Department of Land & Natural Resources on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program, is accepting applications for two vacancies.
The Legacy Land program provides state grant funding to state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect lands having value as watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.
The program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
There are currently vacancies for a member of a statewide agricultural association and a member who is knowledgeable about native Hawaiian Culture. At least one of the two new members must be from Hawai`i Island.
Applications may be submitted online to the Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
Interested applicants may find more information regarding the program at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and can contact the Program Coordinator with questions at 586-0921.
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The evening includes inspiring youth speeches from Hawai`i Island Club members, cocktails, entertainment, silent and live auctions, dinner, awards and celebration of honored guests.
The Youth of the Year Award is presented to the club’s most outstanding member. Candidates are selected based on yearlong efforts in areas of leadership, academic achievement and community service. They are also evaluated on public speaking and essay writing.

Scholarships are awarded to youth who participate in the competition, and each of them will serve as spokespersons for the Club in the coming year. The Youth of the Year winner will compete with other Club members on state, regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly meet the President of the United States.
In Pahala, the club currently provides safe facilities and positive activities including homework help, healthy living practices and character- and leadership-building to more than 50 youth. The Na`alehu/Ocean View club is on hiatus.
To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The Vision Van arrives in Ka`u for free screening tomorrow and Thursday.

WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED by Project Vision for free vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center.

Call 929-8571 for more information.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County Council’s meeting tomorrow.
The meeting is available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center and live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

WORKSHOPS THIS WEEK GIVE KA`U residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6  from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7  from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explore the largest petroglyph field
in Hawai`i Sunday. Photo by Lanaya Deily

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its next Sunday Walk in the Park on March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Led by Pohai Montague-Mullins, this month’s 1.5-mile round-trip walk takes explores the largest petroglyph field in Hawai`i.
Walk participants will see hundreds of ancient symbols carved into lava over countless generations. Montague-Mullins will share stories to help connect viewers to the Hawaiian people who created these images.
The walk is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit organization in order to attend. Annual memberships, $30 for individuals and $45 for families, come with a variety of benefits.
To register, contact Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf or
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

A state House bill that would privatize Maui County's state-run hospitals could indicate the future of Ka`u Hospital. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL SISTER HEALTH CARE CENTERS, Maui Memorial and Kula and Lana`i Community Hospitals, could be peeled off from the state hospital system, according to a Kevin Dayton story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
The state House Finance Committee yesterday approved HB 1075, which would authorize the Maui regional system of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. to enter into an agreement with a private entity to transition one or more of its facilities into a new private Hawai`i nonprofit corporation. Hawai`i Pacific Health, which operates hospitals on O`ahu and Kaua`i, would take over the Maui hospitals, as well.
Terms of the transition include continued employment for no less than six months for current employees who fill qualifications of Hawai`i Pacific Health.

Randy Perreira

The terms also call for continued subsidies “pursuant to a subsidy schedule in which the guaranteed maximum annual subsidy shall not exceed the 2014 fiscal year subsidy and may be lowered based on operating performance.” Also, for the first ten years, the state would jointly fund capital expenditures with Hawai`i Pacific Health.
In testimony supporting the bill, HHSC CEO Linda Rosen said, “The involvement of a private nonprofit entity has been identified and recommended by several previous studies, including the requested report to the Legislature delivered in 2010 by Stroudwater Associates. …
“Allowing experts in the healthcare industry to assume more of the responsibility for healthcare in our state can allow precious government dollars to be spent for other needed services. Support of this measure can optimize access to high quality healthcare services and thus contribute to the general economic growth of our state.”
Randy Perreira, executive director of Hawai`i Government Employees Association, expressed concern to Dayton. He said the bill “would obligate taxpayers to pay operating losses and construction costs for a private operator for years to come.” He also said he is concerned about job losses for the union’s employees at the hospitals. "We’re their advocates, and the fact that so far there has been no promise of any job security beyond six months is very troubling,” Perreira said.
See staradvertiser.com.
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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES HAVE BEEN honored for work in applying research and development by the Electric Power Research Institute, an independent, nonprofit national organization that works to improve electric service to utility customers.

The award honors “exceptional efforts to document research case studies in conjunction with the EPRI Smart Grid Demonstration Projects” by Hawaiian Electric’s Grid Technologies Manager Darren Ishimura, Smart Grid Program Manager Shari Ishikawa, Project Manager Demetrio Bucaneg and Maui Electric’s Renewable Energy Projects Director Steven Rymsha.
The EPRI gives awards annually to those who have led technology transfer efforts on behalf of their companies and the electric utility industry at large. For 2014, Technology Transfer recognition went to 46 individuals from 29 electric power companies.
“The Smart Grid research and development led by these engineers promises significant benefits to customers of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light Company, including better service, faster repairs and more control over their bills,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric vice president for corporate planning and business development. “Another benefit of a modern smart grid will be to help us maintain reliable service for all customers as we integrate more low-cost renewable energy, like wind and solar, which will reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on expensive imported oil.”
Hawaiian Electric Companies plan to deploy Smart Grids across Hawai`i Island, Maui County and O`ahu in the next few years, pending filing of a full program application and approval from the Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission.
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HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has approved all 28 parties that requested to participate in its investigation of NextEra Energy’s purchase of Hawaiian Electric Companies. NextEra had filed memoranda in opposition to all parties except Hawai`i and Maui Counties, the state Office of Planning and the state Energy Department.

The state PUC has accepted Hawai`i County's request
to intervene in the HECO/NextEra merger.

“The commission finds that it is in the public interest to ensure that a broad spectrum of interests are represented in the proceeding,” the decision stated. “Moreover, the commission observes that it has, in the past, granted intervention in investigatory and policy proceedings. Consistent with these conclusions, the commission finds, based on its review of the motions to intervene, and any opposition thereto, that each of the … entities has demonstrated that its property, financial and/or other interests are or may be affected if the proposed transaction is approved, and that each of the entities can assist the commission in developing a sound record.”

NextEra’s based its opposition to many of the applicants on possible attempts to broaden the issues or to unduly delay the proceeding. The commission stated that it will reconsider any interveners participation “if, at any time during the course of this proceeding, the commission determines that any intervener is attempting to unreasonably broaden the pertinent issues established by the commission in this docket, is unduly delaying the proceeding, or is failing to meaningfully participate and assist the commission in the development of the record in this docket.”
Interveners are Hawai`i County, Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative, Renewable Energy Action Coalition of Hawai`i, Tawhiri Power, Paniolo Power, Puna Pono Alliance, Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative, Hawai`i Water Services Company, Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club, Maui County, Hawai`i Solar Energy Association, Friends of Lana`i, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Ulupono Initiative, The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC), Life of the Land, AES Hawai`i, Blue Planet Foundation, Sun Power, Hawai`i PV Coalition, Hawai`i Gas, Hawai`i Renewable Energy Association, Sierra Club, Sun Edison, Hina Power Corporation, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, state Office of Planning and state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

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HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION DENIED a motion by a coalition of seven groups and two individuals asking the commission “for a deferral of merger proceedings until the Public Utilities Commission defines Hawai`i’s energy needs and fashions a merger policy that defines the public interest.”

The entities are Life of the Land, Big Island Community Coalition, Puna Pono Alliance, Friends of Lana`i, Community Alliance on Prisons, Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club, I Aloha Moloka`i, Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton and Maui College Professor Richard Mayer.

Black Belt Francisco Villa, Jr., center, with Cliff Field (Sensei)
and Susan Field (Senpai) Photo from Cliff Field

According to Brian Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, the PUC ruled that matters addressed by the petition “have been rendered moot” by its decision to move ahead with its review of the proposed acquisition.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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FRANCISCO VILLA, JR. SUCCESSFULLY TESTED for his Black Belt rank in karate on Feb. 20. Villa has been training in International Karate since 2009 when the dojo first opened in Pahala. International Karate League is a traditional Shorin Ryu style karate that was founded by Walter Nishioka Shihan.
IKL trains every Tuesday and Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. It is open to enrollment year-round.
For information about the league, call Cliff Field at 333-1567.

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Ka`u High boys volleyball team warmed up for tomorrow's season opener
at Christian Liberty's pre-season tournament. Photo from KHPES

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS are beginning. The tennis team travels to Kea`au today for a match at 2 p.m., and boys volleyball team’s regular season begins tomorrow, hosting Kea`au at 6 p.m.

WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED by Project Vision for free vision screenings tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.
Call 929-8571 for more information.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY seeks Windward Planning Commission approval tomorrow to begin teaching classes at Discovery Harbour Clubhouse, which is zoned open by Hawai`i County and is in the state land use agricultural district. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Public testimony is welcome.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN GET IMPORTANT information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance at workshops this week. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
Workshops take place Friday at Ocean View Community Center  from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  and Saturday at Na`alehu Community Center  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

While land adjacent to Honu`apo is back on the market, the owner hopes the community can find funding to purchase it.
Photos from Hawai`i Pacific Brokers

THE HILLSIDE TO THE SOUTH OF HONU`APO lookout and some four miles of land above the coastline are up for sale again. The 1,363 acres is listed by Hawai`i Pacific Brokers for $11.5 million. The listing describes the land:

“Located between Whittington Beach Park and Na`alehu Village, the Kaunamano Ranch offers approximately four miles of ocean frontage including a small rocky beach. Incredible ocean sunrise and coastal views all the way to Volcano National Park. Property currently provides excellent pasture for livestock. The ranch consists of nine separate Lots of Record, has subdivision potential and County Water commitments.”

Kaunamano Ranch includes almost four miles of ocean frontage.

Ka Ohana O Honu`apo, which partners with the county in managing the public park adjacent to the parcel, has been working to purchase the section closest to Honu`apo and Whittington Beach Park through the county’s Two Percent funding set aside through property tax revenues and additional funding from other sources.
Alexandra Kelepolo, of Hawai`i County Finance Department’s Property Management Division, said she sent a letter to Charlie Anderson, who represents owner E.W. Moody, saying the county is no longer pursuing the purchase at Honu`apo in the near future. Instead, it is concentrating on buying 3,000 acres along the coast, makai of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. She said that the Honu`apo property remains on the list and could be purchased in the future either in its entirety or a portion of it.
Anderson said the owner of the property is hoping that the community could rally to find funding to preserve it. The parcel closest to Honu`apo is 700 acres, he said.
The county has been working with Trust for Public Lands to partner with private, state and federal entities to preserve land in Ka`u.
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Ka`u Hospital Administrator
Merilyn Harris

THE FUTURE OF KA`U HOSPITAL is not affected by proposed legislation that would privatize Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. state-run hospitals in Maui County. “Our Board of Directors has been very clear in expressing the view that privatization is not the solution for the East Hawai`i Region (of HHSC),” Ka`u Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris said. “They prefer to look at other options within our island to collaborate and partner with so that we can operate as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of our local communities. For example, our region is very interested in finding ways to achieve further efficiencies by joining efforts with Kona and Kohala, which comprise the West Hawai`i Region of HHSC.

“To date, we have been very successful in controlling costs while growing and improving our services, but we cannot exist without some funding from the state as over 76 percent of our patients are covered by either Medicare or Medicaid, neither of which covers the full cost of care. We’re very proud of the fact that we are safety net facilities because we believe that care should be available for everyone, but it sure is challenging.
“We’re asking for help from the state to fund the collective bargaining increases and the 10 percent increase in the cost of the employee benefit package that was passed into law last year. We’re also asking for support for the Primary Care Training Program in Hilo that provides a residency program for primary care physicians.
“We know so well in Ka`u how hard it is to find and retain good primary care providers, so this is an especially important program for us.
“Also, there is a bill before the Legislature to fund the installation of photovoltaics in our three facilities. Since the air conditioning and filtration was installed in our hospital, our energy costs have risen substantially, so this is a key issue as well.”
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One of Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737-800 jets carries passengers between Kona
and San Diego beginning today. Photo from Alaska Airlines

DIRECT SERVICE BETWEEN KONA and San Diego begins today. Alaska Airlines Kona Station Manager Peggy Nakagawa told Chelsea Jensen, of West Hawai`i Today, that flights are available Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “We are excited to have this new route on board, and we look forward to flying all of our passengers to the mainland,” Nakagawa said.

Big Island Visitors Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch told Jensen, “This just isn’t a San Diego flight, this is the first time that the San Diego market has had a direct flight into Kona. It’s huge for both markets.”
The new route is in addition to Alaska Airlines’ four other direct flights between Kona and other west coast cities.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I’S THOUSAND FRIENDS HAS LAUNCHED a campaign against the nomination of Carlton Ching to head the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. The opinion piece being circulated depicts Ching, in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser cartoon, as the fox in the hen house.

According to the campaign, if confirmed to lead DLNR, Ching will have the ability to make recommendations to the Legislature on what laws should be changed, decide if a board permit is required for uses in the conservation district, decide if a public hearing is required on an application for changes to and/or uses of conservation land, decide if conditions of a permit are being met, decide if a lessee is causing immediate danger to human or marine life or the environment and direct a suspension of commercial activities and not respond to an application within the required 180 days, allowing the requested use to be automatically approved.

Sen. Josh Green opposes Carleton
Ching as head of DLNR.

The campaign lists past actions by Ching that it claims disqualifies Ching for the position:

supported the Public Lands Development Corporation and opposed its repeal,
opposed constitutionally guaranteed Native Hawaiian access and gathering rights by filing an amicus brief in opposition to Public Access Shoreline Hawai`i,
supported reducing the state Land Use Commission’s oversight of agricultural land from the current oversight of 15-plus acre parcels to oversight of parcels 50-plus acres in size,
successfully lobbied to reduce historical review by state Historic Preservation Division,
fought to reduce critical habitat designations,
opposed requirement that landowners provide lateral access along the coastline and
has worked to weaken Chapter 343 Hawai`i’s EIS requirement.

East Ka`u’s Sen Russell Ruderman sits on the state Senate’s Water and Land Committee, which is tasked with hearing testimony on the appointment next Wednesday, March 11.
The Committee on Water and Land would like to hear from as many individuals as possible. Testimony can be submitted before or on the day of the hearing at capitol.hawaii.gov. The campaign also suggests submitting testimony at wtltestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov before March 11 or at capitol.hawaii.gov/login/login.aspx on March 11. Testimony not submitted 24 hours before the meeting may not be included in time for the hearing.

Last month, west Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green, who serves as Senate majority leader, asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Ching as head of DLNR.

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Catchment system workshops are available in Ka`u tomorrow
and Saturday. Photo from ARCSA

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN GET IMPORTANT information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance at workshops tomorrow and Saturday. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
Workshops take place tomorrow at Ocean View Community Center  from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  and Saturday at Na`alehu Community Center  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

Dr. Claire Horwell

ALOHA FRIDAY CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS are held each Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Volcano Art Center Gallery’s porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tomorrow is `Ukulele with Wes Awana.
These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai`i, Department of Research and Development and Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Park entrance fees apply.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONTINUES her vog surveys Saturday at Ocean View Swap Meet. Horwell is researching how residents protect themselves and how those methods relate to official advice. Surveys take 10 to 15 minutes.

A WORKSHOP ON EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLORS takes place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patti Pease Johnson guides students in creating paintings on hot press paper using pre-broken glass to spark creativity. Register at 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

A ranger leads a hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Sunday.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY WON unanimous approval of the county Windward Planning Commission to begin teaching classes at Discovery Harbour July 29 for the 2015-2016 school year. At the meeting yesterday, founder Kathryn Tydlacka told commissioners the academy plans to use the golf course clubhouse for three years and would then move to Lehua Court in Ocean View, according to Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. She also said two other sites, one in Discovery Harbour and one in Ocean View, are available if Lehua Court isn’t built in time.

Discovery Harbour's Golf Course Clubhouse has been approved as a schoolhouse
for Ka`u Learning Academy.

Requirements imposed by the commission include removing alcohol and terminating bar operations at the clubhouse, where KLA currently operates Gilligan’s Café as a nonprofit to raise funds for the charter school. School operators must also install a fire alarm, which Tydlacka said they are prepared to do, although it would add to the cost.
Documents submitted to the commission by KLA included a petition of support signed by area residents and a letter of support from Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS in its public schools as a result of its systemic reforms, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education monitoring report. USDOE yesterday provided Hawai`i’s Department of Education its Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Monitoring Report with across the board ratings of “meets expectations.”

Kathryn Matayoshi

“The progress that Hawai`i has made in its educational transformation is incredible. Much credit goes to the state’s educators and school leaders for showing tremendous courage and doing the hard work to improve outcomes for all students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “From instituting afterschool and summer enrichment programs at the state’s lowest performing schools to providing toolkits and resources to help teachers smoothly transition to the state’s new, higher academic standards, Hawai`i is a model for the rest of the country. I congratulate the state for its accomplishments, and I hope the state continues its leadership in improving outcomes for all students."
Beginning School Year 2013-14, DOE was granted its ESEA flexibility waiver, which resulted in Hawai`i’s new school accountability and improvement system, the Strive HI Performance System. Strive HI replaced many outdated requirements of the No Child Left Behind law with meaningful benchmarks aligned with goals of the DOE and Hawai`i State Board of Education Strategic Plan.
“A critical step in our transformation was getting approval for multiple measures of success, so that recognition and supports can be tailored to the needs of Hawai`i’s students, educators, and schools,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The amount of change that has taken place has not been easy. There have been bumps in the road, and we’re still making adjustments based on ongoing feedback from teachers and principals. However, this report validates our strategic direction and our momentum in keeping Hawai`i public schools on an upward trajectory.”
Among achievements highlighted in the report was establishment of the CAST system. CAST, or Complex Area Support Teams, were created to assist schools in planning, resources, staffing and support to the six Priority Strategies. These strategies are the DOE’s academic focus within the Strategic Plan for measurable progress.
In addition to the work of CAST, the report pointed to state achievements in its data collection mechanisms to “evaluate and revise its project implementation across all principles of ESEA flexibility based on multiple sources of data.”
The report also made recommendations to strengthen the impact of recent changes to the use of the Tripod Student Survey in the Educator Effectiveness System. Work on the recommendations is already underway.
“Teachers and principals play a critical role in ensuring that we have a performance system that supports success,” Matayoshi said.

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REBECCA KAWEHI INABA IS THE NEW HEAD of Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development, replacing Laverne Omori, who retired. Hawai`i County Council unanimously approved Mayor Billy Kenoi’s appointment Wednesday.

Rebecca Kawehi Inaba

Inaba founded Mokulele Airlines as well as several other companies. She is also involved with many community organizations, including Daniel Sayre Foundation, Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation, Ulumau Leadership Series and Hawai`i Community Foundation. She is also a Life Plan Program mentor at Kealakehe High School.

“I realized I couldn’t tell our mayor no,” Inaba said about her nomination. “This is a gift, and there is something I can do to help.”
Ka`u’s County Council member Maile Medeiros David said, “In the time that I have known you, you have made me so proud to be … born and raised on this island… . I really am so humbled by your success and everything you do for this community. I thank the mayor, and because I know all the good things you are definitely capable of doing, I really look forward to the 22 months (left in Kenoi’s tenure) to work with you.”
R&D Department oversees several programs.
Agriculture Program provides facilitative leadership to public and private sectors to support sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and other natural resources.
Business and Community Economic Development Program facilitates development of a sustainable economy that enhances residents’ standard of living of and economic viability of businesses.
Energy Program develops and initiates energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects based on renewable energy resources.
Big Island Film Office promotes and supports film production, expands infrastructure to sustain production and builds a supportive climate between business, government, community and filmmakers on Hawai`i Island.
Tourism Program provides active leadership to strengthen and enhance Hawai`i Island’s visitor industry.
Information Resources Program collects, maintains and disseminates statistical, reference and program information to county and state agencies and the general public.
“It’s not a big department, but it’s an important department,” Kenoi said.

See more about the county’s Research & Development Department at hawaiicounty.gov.

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During the March on Selma 50 years ago, marchers, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
worn lei presented by Rev. Abraham Akaka. Photo from Hawai`i News Now

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TRAVELS TO ALABAMA to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday this weekend. Tomorrow, Hirono will join civil rights leaders, President Obama and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Hirono plans to present flower lei to civil rights leaders commemorating the march, just as Rev. Abraham Akaka did for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965.

This is Hirono’s second trip to Selma to commemorate Bloody Sunday; she previously went in 2009.

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WORKSHOPS ON RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS take place today at Ocean View Community Center  from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  and tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONTINUES her vog surveys tomorrow at Ocean View Swap Meet. Horwell is researching how residents protect themselves and how those methods relate to official advice. Surveys take 10 to 15 minutes.

Pu`u Loa Petroglyph field is the site of this month's Sunday Walk in the Park.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

PU`U O LOKUANA PROGRAM TAKES PLACE Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on this short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK explore Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs led by Pohai Montague-Mullins Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration is required at 985-7373

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its monthly Mongolian BBQ Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Diners choose from an array of veggies and proteins for chefs to wok up. $.85 per ounce. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u High's Cameron Enriques helped the Trojan boys volleyball team win the season opener.
Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography

CHRISTINA NEAL TAKES OVER FOR JIM KAUAHIKAUA as Scientist-in-Charge of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tomorrow. Neal comes to Hawai`i from Alaska, where she spent almost 25 years working as a USGS geologist with the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

From 1983 to 1989, Neal was on staff at HVO. Her work included monitoring Kilauea during the early years of its ongoing East Rift Zone eruption, as well as Mauna Loa during its 1984 eruption. As part of the Big Island Mapping Project, Neal mapped the summit of Kilauea, resulting in the Geologic Map of the Summit Region of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i. She also mapped Kilauea’s Southwest Rift Zone for the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge
Christina Neal Photo from USGS HVO

In 1990, Neal moved to Alaska to work at the newly created AVO in Anchorage, where she monitored and studied a number of Alaskan volcanoes and their eruptions. Working on remote Alaskan stratovolcanoes is not for the faint-hearted – steep-sided, glacier-covered volcanic mountains are hazardous even when not erupting.
Neal also investigated eruptive histories and hazards of several volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands. She was particularly interested in the physical processes of explosive eruptions.
In 1998, Neal accepted a two-year assignment in Washington, D.C., as the first USGS geoscience advisor to the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, a USAID unit responsible for coordinating U.S. government responses to disasters overseas. She oversaw and initiated programs in geohazards mitigation, advised OFDA on responses to geologic disasters and served as liaison between federal agencies, academics and non-governmental organizations that work on natural hazards mitigation. She also traveled to Thailand, Nepal, Ecuador, Colombia and Kazakhstan to review or assist with the implementation of hazard mitigation programs.
When Neal returned to AVO in 2000, she resumed her work as a geologist. With colleagues, she strengthened the Alaska-based interagency response system for volcanic eruptions and coordinated AVO’s eruption monitoring and crisis response efforts with Russian counterparts. She is also internationally recognized for her efforts to reduce the risk of volcanic ash to aviation in the North Pacific and globally. As part of an NSF-funded multi-disciplinary team, Neal recently helped install the first volcano monitoring equipment on the long-active Cleveland volcano in the Central Aleutians.
In addition to geologic work, Neal was Chief of Staff and Deputy Regional Director for the USGS’ Western Regional Office in 2009 and 2010 and Acting Scientist-in-Charge at AVO in 2010.
Over the years, Neal has maintained ties to HVO. In 2012, she helped with HVO’s 100th Anniversary Open House, and in October 2014, she spent two weeks at HVO assisting with monitoring efforts and community meetings as Kilauea’s lava flow moved toward Pahoa.
Tom Murray, Director of the USGS Volcano Science Center, which oversees all five USGS volcano observatories, said he was thrilled when she accepted the post as HVO’s leader. “Tina brings to the HVO Scientist-in-Charge position the required broad scientific background, strong communication skills and eruption response experience, including much work with various communities at risk,” he said. “I know that both HVO and the communities that it serves will be in good hands going forward.”
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Volcano Fine Electronic Cigarettes Vice President
Scott Rasak

HAWAI`I HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has followed Hawai`i County’s lead in passing a bill that would ban the sale or furnishing of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, to anyone under 21 years of age. Hawai`i County’s ban went into effect July 1 of last year.

“Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States,” according to testimony from the state Department of Health. “Nationally, nearly 1,000 youth under the age of 18 become regular smokers daily, and almost one-third of them will die from it.” The department shared statistics from 2013 Hawai`i Youth Risk reports that in the state of Hawai`i, 10 percent of high school youth, or 4,400 youth, currently smoke, and 15 percent of young adults aged 18 to 24 years (19,400) are also current smokers.

“Tobacco companies heavily target young adults through a variety of marketing activities because they know it is a critical time period for solidifying nicotine addiction,” the department said.
In testimony opposing the bill, Volcano Fine Electronic Cigarettes Vice President Scott Rasak said, “Over the years that we have been in business in the state, we have provided a product that tens of thousands of customers use every day to greatly reduce their use or quit smoking altogether. This has improved the lives of smokers and ex-smokers in the state. The removal of secondhand smoke has helped non-smokers as well and has cut down on the amount of butt discard in our community.”
Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan, Vice Chair of the House Health Committee, was one of HB 385’s introducers.
To follow progress of this and other bills, see capitol.hawaii.gov.
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Kevin Kodama

HOTTER WATER INDICATES EL NIÑO has arrived to Hawai`i, according to National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. Mike Halpert, deputy director of the center, told Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, “A number of weather models agree El Niño will continue through the summer and that “El Niño has the potential to increase hurricane activity in the Pacific.”

Kevin Kodama, of the National Weather Service in Honolulu, attributed recent dry weather and high surf to El Niño.
El Niño conditions occurred during busy hurricane seasons in Hawai`i’s past, including 1992, the most active hurricane season on record, when Iniki caused major damage on Kaua`i. Last year, when the most named storms since 1992 formed in the Eastern Pacific, was also an El Niño year, with record sea surface temperatures being recorded. Currently, Hawaiian waters are one to 3.6 degrees above normal.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND is holding an online auction raising funds to support its programs for island youth. The auction ends Monday, March 16, with new items recently added. Categories include Antiques & Art, Gift Certificates, Health & Fitness, Music and Tickets & Travel. See biddingowl.com/BoysGirlsClubBIYOY.
BGCBI holds its third annual Youth of the Year Banquet & Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The theme is Inspiring Youth, and participants can dress as what they wanted to be when they were young.
To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
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KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS won their season opener Thursday, hosting Kea`au. Varsity won in three straight games, 25-15, 25-20 and 25-18. Junior Varsity also won 22-25,25-12 and 15-12.
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Spring Break Art is coming to Volcano Art Center. Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS SPRING BREAK ART from March 17 to 20. There will be art and crafts for children grades 2 through 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus.

Artists Ken Charon and Patricia Hoban will teach drawing and painting, and there will be crafts and art classes with instructors Dina Kageler, Lanaya Deily and Marsha Hee.
It’s the second year VAC has offered this program, and it seems to be a huge success for parents and their children. As one parent said, “My four girls, and myself, thoroughly enjoyed the spring break art class! Everything my girls did was fresh and new to them. My children really liked doing the variety of art projects and meeting other kids and new teachers.”
There are no fees, but enrollment is limited. To register or for more information, call 967-8222 or see www.volcanoartcenter.org.
This program is being made possible through a grant from Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Ka`u residents are invited to hike with a guide to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana
tomorrow. Photo bny Michael Szoenyi

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK explore Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs led by Pohai Montague-Mullins tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration is required at 985-7373.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its monthly Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Diners choose from an array of veggies and proteins for chefs to wok up. $.85 per ounce. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Direectory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Mark Takai shared lei greetings with others commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. Photos from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

THIS WEEKEND MARKS 50 YEARS since marchers attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., were brutally beaten as they demonstrated for voting rights. Called Bloody Sunday, the event occurred on March 7, 1965, when state troopers and county posse attacked 600 unarmed marchers with billy clubs and tear gas. Marchers were on a 50-mile trek to Montgomery to protest discriminatory requirements and practices that disenfranchised most of the millions of African Americans across the South since the turn of the century.

A contingent from Hawai`i joined marchers in Selma
50 years ago.

Yesterday, Sen. Mazie Hirono, joined by Rep. Mark Takai, commemorated the event by presenting lei to those gathered at the bridge. A contingent from Hawai`i did the same 50 years ago, carrying a sign that read, “Hawai`i knows integration works.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Today is about remembering those brave marchers who on Bloody Sunday 50 years ago faced deep prejudice and perilous danger for the sake of a cornerstone of freedom – the right to vote – without which there is no democracy. Beyond remembering, we recognize that the trail they blazed in principle and fortitude is yet incomplete and calls to us for its completion. Let us honor their memory by rededicating ourselves to equal voting rights for all, defeating voter suppression wherever it festers and ensuring that freedom’s ring reaches everyone in America.”

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Audrey Hidano

AUDREY HIDANO IS GOV. DAVID IGE’S choice to serve as Deputy Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

Hidano has experience in government leadership positions and in the private sector. She has twice served as Deputy Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and most recently as Deputy Director at the Department of Transportation.
Hidano co-founded Hidano Construction, Inc., a general contracting company that specializes in residential and light commercial construction, and is co-owner of Rim-Pac, Inc. a construction company that specializes in solid surface work. She began her career as a public affairs analyst for Verizon.
Hidano is active in a number of business and community organizations including Nuuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board, Nuuanu YMCA, the Hawai`i Employer-Union Benefits Trust Fund and the Building Industry Association. She is a graduate of Honolulu Business College and McKinley High School.
“Audrey Hidano is an experienced government leader who also understands what it takes to make a small business successful and a community thrive,” Ige said. “She is a team player, and I know she’ll make a positive difference.”
“It’s an honor to be able to continue to serve the people of Hawai`i,” said Hidano. “I look forward to working with the dedicated employees in the department on behalf of the public.”
Hidano’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS MADE APPOINTMENTS to the Department of Health. Lynn Fallin is Director of Behavior Health. Fallin has over 25 years of extensive experience in executive level policy and administration in health, education and human services. She has served under four governors in cabinet positions in two states – Hawai`i and Oregon. From 2011 to the present, she has served as Deputy Director of the Behavioral Health Administration at DOH. From 2003 to 2010, she served as Executive Director of Ho`okako`o Corporation, an education-focused nonprofit. She served as a Policy Advisor in the Office of the Governor from 1999 to 2002, Executive Director of the Oregon Commission on Children and Families from 1995 to 1998, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services from 1991 to 1994 and Director of the Governor’s Office on Children and Youth from 1986 to 1991.

Lynn Fallin, state Director of Behavior Health

Fallin serves on a number of national and local boards and commissions and has been recognized nationally and locally for her leadership by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, National Governors Association Zero to Three, Hawai`i Community Foundation Pono Program and National Association for the Education of Young Children Hawai`i Chapter.
Danette Wong Tomiyasu is Deputy Director for Health Resources. She most recently served as Chief of Family Health Services Division at DOH, overseeing statewide public health surveillance, systems, programs and policy development for Maternal and Child Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Primary Care and Rural Health and Oral Health. Wong Tomiyasu previously served as Chief of the Chronic Disease Management and Control Branch from October 2001 to August 2011. She also served with the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health for 10 years overseeing critical school health and nursing services for the Seattle Public Schools.
Wong Tomiyasu received a Masters of Business Administration in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound in Washington.
Terry Byers has been appointed Director, Executive Office on Aging. Byers brings more than two decades of experience in public health, most recently in DOH as Chief of the Maternal and Child Health Branch. She has also been Chief of the Office of Health Care Assurance and has served in various capacities in the state Office of Rural Health, Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development, Office of the Director and Healthy Hawai`i Initiative.
Prior to joining DOH, Byers was vice president of the Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, a nonprofit representing Hawai`i’s healthcare providers including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies and hospices, as well as community based providers.
Byers, an alumna of University of Hawai`i at Manoa, began her career in public service as a staff member for Sen. Spark Matsunaga in Washington, D.C. She then served as Sen. Daniel Akaka’s health policy advisor for 12 years before returning home in 2002.
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Ka`u High's Shavon Mello-Waiwaiole took fourth in the state wrestling
tournament yesterday. Photo from KHPES

KA`U HIGH SENIOR WRESTLER Shavon Mello-Waiwaiole took fourth in the state tournament yesterday.

In her first match at the tournament, Mello-Waiwaiole pinned her opponent in 17 seconds to move on. Down 8-3 in the second period of the next match, she did a reverse to pin her opponent for the win. Although she dropped her semi-final match, she wrestled Big Island Interscholastic Federation champ Ebony Ayers in consolation bracket and pinned her for fourth place.

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`IMI PONO NO KA `AINA, the free environmental education and outreach program for Three Mountain Alliance, is now accepting applications for its 2015 Summer Student Enrichment Program.
This fun and rewarding program focuses environmental stewardship, natural and cultural history of Hawai`i Island and emphasizes learning through scientific and cultural practices. Students must be in grades six through 12 when applying.

Each session is two weeks long, with two three-day camp trips. Session One is from June 8 through June 19; Session Two, June 29 through July 3.

“This is a great summer program for kids,” said Megan Lamson, of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund. “HWF has worked with this group for years now, and it an outstanding mentorship program for our youth.”
There will be local pickups available in Ka`u.
Interested parents can contact Lahela at 333-8241 or imipononokaaina@gmail.com for more information.
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SENIOR ID CARDS, for residents ages 60 and over, are available tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pahala Community Center and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Call 928-3100 for more information.

KA`U ARTISTS CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN two workshops at Volcano Art Center next weekend. Patti Pease Johnson shares knowledge of color, composition and correcting problems during her Soft Pastel Still Life workshop, Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A two-day Stained Glass workshop is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Claudia McCall teaches basic techniques, including glass cutting, foiling, soldering and completing with patina and polishing compound.
See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information and to sign up.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Aloha Bluegrass Band, with Keoki Kahumoku and friends, will raise money for children's education workshops with a concert at Na`alehu Methodist Church on Sunday, March 22. Photo by Julia Neal

BRAD HIRATA IS LEAVING KA`U HOSPITAL to become Food Services Manager at Kealakehe High School. “He is very private and doesn’t want any fanfare at the hospital,” said hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris, “but we want to say how sad we are that he is leaving.”

“In the 11 plus years that he has been here, he has made such a difference,” Harris said. “He has made outstanding meals for our patients/residents and staff, but more than that, he has been a constant force for good – always wiling to go out of his way to help. He truly demonstrates the aloha spirit, and we’re all going to miss him.”

Brad Hirata Photo from Merilyn Harris

The hospital is looking for his replacement as Food Services Manager II. Required experience includes participation in menu planning, food and supply purchasing, quantity cooking, fiscal record keeping and supervision of kitchen assistants, including cooks. Experience in food service management may be gained in commercial ventures such as restaurants, hotels, airline food services, as well as schools, hospitals and correctional institutions.
Substitutions of training for experience are allowed. See hilomedicalcenter.org for more information.
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THE STATE SENATE ON WEDNESDAY at 10 a.m. takes up Gov. David Ige’s controversial nomination of Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land & Natural Resources. In advance of the public hearing on Wednesday, the Senate asked Ching to answer questions and submit a resume to provide residents with information on his background.
Ching’s resume states that he is Vice President of Community and Government Relations for developer Castle & Cooke Hawai`i. Returning in 2003, he also was previously employed by Castle and Cooke in the real estate development section. He represents the company in various community, public and governmental strategic planning, policy and outreach covering issues related to areas of residential, commercial, agricultural, resort and renewable energy operations and developments on O`ahu, Lana`i and the Big Island.
Ige’s announcement of Ching’s appointment stated, “Stewardship of Hawai`i’s unique resources is one of the most critical tasks of the state government, and Carleton Ching has the heart, knowledge and skills to lead the Department of Land & Natural Resources. No one understands better the complex issues this department handles and how to balance the need of our environment and our residents.”

The Senate asked Ching to describe his experiences prior to his nomination where he dealt with any of the issues DLNR handles and how he balanced the needs of the environment and residents in each of those experiences.
“Heading the community and government relations for Castle & Cooke has provided me exposure to and familiarity with a range of land management and stewardship responsibilities and issues,” Ching responded. “Castle & Cooke and its sister Company Dole Foods Hawai`i are not just developers, since only a relatively small portion of their landholdings are held for development. Castle & Cooke and Dole landholdings (until recently) have included over 88,000 acres of land on Lana`i, most of which is conservation and agricultural land, and large agricultural and conservation acreage on O`ahu.”

Ching listed many land management programs he has been involved in, including critical habitat areas established on Lana`i, water resource and game management, conservation easements, watersheds, wind and solar farms, leasing of ag lands and designating acreage as Important Agriculture Lands.
“These experiences provide a baseline of land stewardship practices, issues, public policy, community engagement, understanding, legislative process and management,” Ching said. “This perspective will assist me in the much bigger scope and responsibilities of DLNR’s mission.”
Ching’s resume and answers to more questions are available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
The public can also provide testimony on GM 514 before 10 a.m. tomorrow to be included in Wednesday’s hearing.
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Jodi Leong

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS ANNOUNCED members of his communications team. Ige tapped former television anchor/reporter Jodi Leong to be his Press Secretary and Deputy Director of Communications.

Yasmin

Leong has served as Director of Communications at University of Hawai`i since 2012. Prior to that, she spent 21 years in local television news starting at KITV in 1991 as a producer, reporter and weekend co-anchor. In 2000, Leong moved to KHNL where she was weeknight co-anchor. She returned to KITV in 2006 as a reporter and later helped launch the inaugural weekend morning newscast.

Leong graduated from Castle High School before attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst College and the University of Hawai`i, where she earned a B.A. degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science.

Yasmin Dar joins the communications team as the governor’s Digital Media Specialist. Yasmin spent the last six years in television news as an anchor, reporter and producer. She recently moved back from Eugene, Oregon where she anchored the evening news. Prior to that, Dar was KITV Morning Show’s traffic anchor and Social Media Reporter. Dar will design, develop and deploy a two-way environment online to connect the governor with his constituents.
Dar is a graduate of Aiea High School and University of Hawai`i at Manoa. She graduated with a B.A. in biology and an M.A. in Communications.
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Sen. Brian Schatz is calling for the FCC to maintain an open Internet.
Image from Office of Sen. Schatz

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ CALLS FOR AN OPEN INTERNET in an article published by Huffington Post on why net neutrality is critical for innovation, economic and intellectual freedom and a thriving Internet. This month the Federal Communications Commission is poised to adopt rules to ensure that an open and robust Internet continues. Schatz believes these rules must contain three essential elements: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization.

“Why has the Internet worked so well? Because it’s a level playing field,” Schatz said. “Everyone has an equal opportunity to compete, to succeed or to fail, to put one’s best ideas or products forward and let the chips fall where they may.
“Through a free and open Internet, an excellent idea or an individual can beat a powerful established institution. A scrappy student can challenge the status quo and come up with an innovation to change the world. Almost any citizen with an Internet connection can be heard across the globe and drive millions toward change.

“But we need rules to make sure that in the battle of content – of music, of ideas, of games, of apps, whatever – it is a fair fight, and that winners and losers are determined by the quality of the content and nothing else… .

“But without clear net-neutrality protections, companies could alter their incentives and business practices. In order to maximize their bottom line, providers may give preference to Internet traffic from companies willing to pay more for faster delivery. Internet Service Providers would be able to charge Internet companies for better, faster access and impede others.”
See schatz.senate.gov.
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THE NEW KA`U ALOHA FORUM IS HOSTING its second event this year in less than two weeks. Featuring Keoki Kahumoku and the Aloha Bluegrass Band, it will be held at Na`alehu Methodist Church Sunday, March 22, with pupus at 5 p.m. Program is from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All proceeds are being donated to the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies. Suggested donation for tickets is $20, and seating is limited. One lucky ticket will win a brand new `ukulele.
Tickets are available at Ka`u Realty in Na`alehu and Pahala Plantation Cottages Office in Pahala. Make checks payable to Center for Hawaiian Music Studies and mail to Woodley White at PO Box 44, Na`alehu, 96772 or RSVP to Woodley@easystreet.net or 854-9483.

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

Mauna Loa snowman photo taken years ago along the road to the weather station, with Mauna Kea in the background. Several feet of snow could fall on the summits this evening and tomorrow morning. Photo from NOAA

FORMER HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR CHRIS YUEN is a nominee for the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. According to the background statement released this morning by Gov. David Ige, Yuen is a resident of Ninole and serves on the Board on an interim basis. He held BLNR’s Hawai`i County seat from 1990 to 1998. He serves the advisory councils for the Laupahoehoe and Puuwaawaa Experimental Tropical Forest. Since 1995, Yuen has owned and managed The Family Farm, Inc., a 20-acre certified organic farm supplying local markets with bananas, lychees and rambutans. From 2000 to 2008, he was Hawai`i County’s planning director. He has also served as the County’s deputy corporation counsel and practiced law as a private attorney.

Chris Yuen

“With significant work experience as a planner, attorney and farmer, Chris brings a balanced and insightful point of view to the Board table,” said Ige. “Hawai`i will greatly benefit from his commitment and passion to our communities and his willingness to serve.”
Yuen received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a juris doctorate from UH William S. Richardson School of Law.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to continue serving on the board,” said Yuen. “I look forward to the deliberations of the Board and making decisions today that will shape the future of our state.”
Ige announced two other nominations to BLNR today – all of them subject to state Senate approval.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Keith “Keone” Downing is an expert waterman and respected big wave rider. Downing is the son of big-wave pioneer George Downing, one of Hawai`i’s major figures in modern surfing. Keone, along with his sister Kaiulu, run the family-owned business which is also Hawai`i’s oldest surf shop, Downing Hawai`i. He continues in the lasting legacy of the Downing family through his commitment to and advocacy on behalf of ocean conservation, a statement from the governor says, pointing to his long-term involvement with the nonprofit group Surfing Education Association, which “shows his dedication to the preservation of Hawai`i’s oceans coral reefs, waves and beaches. Keone’s unparalleled knowledge of local waters will be an asset to the Board of Land and Natural Resources,” said Ige. “I know he will be a voice for the community.”

Downing graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1975 and earned a degree in commercial art from California College of the Arts. He went on to design logos for surf industry giants Quiksilver and O’Neill.
“I’m humbled to be nominated for this position,” said Downing. “It is an honor to be asked to preserve our natural and cultural resources for future generations.”

Keith "Keone" Downing

Ulalia Woodside, who has been serving on the Board on an interim basis since last year, lives in Waimanalo and is currently the regional asset manager for natural and cultural resources at Kamehameha Schools’ Land Assets Division. Prior to this, Woodside worked at Wilson Okamoto Corporation, The Hallstrom Group and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Ulalia Woodside

She serves as a steering committee member for Hawai`i Green Growth and is the indigenous representative for the Landscape Conservation Cooperative National Council. She is a former commissioner for the Natural Area Reserves System Commission and a former executive council chair for the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative.
“Ulalia has extensive experience managing Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources, and she provides a valuable perspective on the Board,” said Ige. “I am pleased that she has agreed to continue to serve on the Board.”
Woodside received bachelor’s degrees in political science and Hawaiian studies, along with a certificate in Hawaiian language, from UH Manoa. She is also a kumu hula, having completed the `uniki rites of her family’s genealogical hula traditions.
“I am honored to be asked to continue to serve on the board and am committed to preserving Hawai`i’s natural resources,” said Woodside.
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RESPONDING TO HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S use of two percent funds without approval from the Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission, the commission yesterday changed rules on which properties can be placed on the priority list for purchase. Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported that properties now must have no less than 50 percent of criteria points to be placed on the list.
County Council has twice passed resolutions to purchase lands and then asked the commission to prioritize them.
Ka`u’s former Council member Brenda Ford was one of several who suggested the county use litigation or executive accounts funds instead of those in PONC. “We have an act of misfeasance by the county that we’re trying to cover up by a misuse of PONC funds,” Ford said at the time, as reported by Cook Lauer.
According to the story, Deputy Corporation Counsel Bill Brilhante told the Council that, because the commission is only advisory, the Council has authority to spend the money.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Thresher sharks are being studied for possible inclusion in the Endangered
Species Act. Photo from Friends of Animals

THRESHER SHARKS, COMMON TO HAWAIIAN WATERS, may be listed as either endangered or threatened following a study by National Marine Fisheries Service. The service announced the 90-day finding for a petition to list the common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) as either endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act either worldwide or as one or more distinct population segments identified by the petitioners, Friends of Animals.

“We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the species worldwide,” NMFS said. “We find that the petition fails to present substantial scientific or commercial information to support the identification of DPSs of the common thresher suggested by the petitioners, and, as such, we find that the petitioned action of listing one or more of these DPSs is not warranted.” NMFS will initiate a review of the status of the common thresher shark and is soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.

According to the petition, the species is subject to overutilization due to commercial, recreational, scientific and educational purposes.

The public is invited Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee's
meeting Thursday. Photo by Carrie Berry

Historically, common thresher sharks were primarily caught in the drift gillnet fishery established off the West Coast of the United States, which targeted the species in the late 1970s. The fishery had shifted its focus to a swordfish fishery by the mid-1980s due to economic drivers but also to protect pupping female thresher sharks. Since that time, common thresher sharks have only been targeted secondarily or caught incidentally in the drift gillnet fishery there. The petition also states that in addition to broad commercial harvest of the species, direct catch related to the shark fin trade has resulted in population decline. Indirect catch is another category of overutilization identified by the petition, which states that post-release mortality may be high in the species. The petition identified recreational fishing as another category of overutilization.
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KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

STAFF MEMBERS FROM HAWAI`I PACIFIC Parks Association share their knowledge and love of ulana niu, coconut weaving, tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE to register for Spring Break Program to be held Monday through Friday, March 16 to 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Grades one through six register with Nona at 928-3102. Fee is $20.

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEETS MONDAY, March 30 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Email Ralph Gaston ralph@rustyshawaiian.com for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park operates the Youth Ranger Program in conjunction with the park. The two entities won the 2015 Partnership Award for Public Lands Partners. Photo by Jesse Tunison

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY in Hawai`i is the target for 2045, according to two bills that moved between chambers at the 2015 Hawai`i State Legislature before tomorrow’s crossover deadline.

Kathryn Mykleseth, of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, interviewed Gov. David Ige yesterday to discuss his energy goals. According to the story in print, online and on video, Ige “laid out his vision to wean Hawai`i off fossil fuels Tuesday, listing the increased use of batteries with solar systems, the short-term use of liquefied natural gas and the reduction in incentives paid to solar owners as changes he’d like to see.”

Gov. David Ige

He told the Star-Advertiser that he agrees with setting a goal of 100 percent renewable energy but did not provide an exact date for reaching that mark, saying he wants targets that are “aspirational but not out of touch with reality.”
“Concerns that I have as governor and that we will ensure through the process, the regulatory review process, is really that the community’s and the public’s interest is exercised and examined,” Ige said in an exclusive interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Ige said he considers batteries as key to renewable energy. “We see battery prices dropping all the time,” he said. “There is significant interest and investment in that. That will allow us to move forward with the renewables.”
Ige told Mykleseth that the state needs to encourage battery use with solar systems. “We need to encourage investment in them and figure out how we can get them into the grid,” he said.
Regarding LNG, Ige said he sees it as a bridge fuel during the transition to renewables. “LNG does offer the opportunity to reduce costs in the near term, but it is still an imported fossil fuel.”
However, Blue Planet Foundation Executive Director Jeff Mikulina said, “We don’t want to be addicted to another fossil fuel that doesn’t service our interest in a low-cost, low-carbon future. No one has articulated what that bridge looks like.”

Changing net energy metering is another important factor in Hawai`i’s energy future, according to Ige. Through NEM, customers with rooftop solar connected to the grid can sell excess energy to the utility. “We do need to make adjustments,” Ige told Mykleseth. “We’ve changed … the power purchase agreements, and it does make sense that we look at changing the net energy metering. The challenge is how do you deal with people who have made the investments previously and what is fair to them and how do you get equity amongst all the new people coming on line?”

Regarding the merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. with NextEra Energy, Ige said, “We have started and initiated this path to a renewable future, so we want to make certain that the acquisition, or the proposed acquisition, really doesn’t hamper or deter from our long-term commitment to 100 percent renewable future for the electric utility.”

See staradvertiser.com.
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State Sen. Josh Green

STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN’S BILL regarding health impacts of pesticides is advancing at the state Legislature, having been passed on to the House of Representatives for further consideration. SB 1037 calls for the state Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a program relating to disclosure of pesticide use.

The department would develop a standardized form that pesticide users would fill out and turn in to the department to report pesticides used in the preceding month. For each use, the report would include the pesticide’s trade name, federal and state registration or permit number, commercial product name, active and inert ingredients and gallons or pounds used; the method, date and total quantity of each application; the geographic location of each application, by address and tax map key number; and the total acreage and area size where the pesticide was used.
See capitol.hawaii.gov to read the bill and testimony as well as provide testimony.
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SENS. MAZIE HIRONO AND BRIAN SCHATZ, joined by Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski, have introduced legislation that would exempt Hawai`i, Alaska and communities that rely on essential air service as subsidized by the U.S. Department of Transportation from the increase in air travel fees included in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2013. This exemption would protect interisland flights in Hawai`i and intrastate flights in Alaska from increased air travel fees, which have more than doubled from $2.50 to $5.60 per enplanement.
“Raising air travel fees puts an unfair burden on the people of Hawai`i for whom air travel is essential, and I will continue to oppose such increases,” Hirono said. “Hawai`i residents and visitors have no real alternative to commercial interisland flights to meet their everyday transportation needs, from flying to receive health care, visit family or on business. As a result, the increased passenger fee has a real effect on Hawai`i families and small businesses that aren’t felt in other parts of the country. This bipartisan legislation that I also introduced last year ensures that people in Hawai`i and Alaska are shielded from higher fees, particularly for air travel within our states.”
Schatz said, “Air travel is a necessity, not a luxury in our island state. Rising TSA fees put an unfair burden on Hawai`i residents who depend on air travel for work, health care and to visit family. Our legislation recognizes our geographic realities and would exempt Hawai`i and Alaska from unfair travel fees.”
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Youth Ranger Fernando Ramangmou trains for search
and rescue missions through a program with funds
raised by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National
Park. NPS photo by David Boyle

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park received the Association of Partners for Public Lands 2015 Partnership Award for Public Lands Partners.

According to APPL, the Public Lands Partners Award recognizes “an exemplary partnership for a stunning achievement to protect and preserve our public lands and enhance the experiences of their visitors and users.” The award is presented in tandem to both the nonprofit and agency partners for their shared achievements.
“We rely on the support of our Friends group, which is vital to the success of many park programs, including the Youth Ranger Internship Program, now in its sixth year, and the upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival in May,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “It is wonderful to be recognized for such a positive and essential partnership,” she said.
Because of the partnership, nearly 140 high school students in Ka`u and Puna have landed paid internships in the park since 2010, and thousands of island residents, visitors and schoolchildren will be able to participate with scientists in discovering the unique biodiversity of the park.
The organization’s mission is to support the park in the protection, preservation and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations. It has raised more than $700,000 for the national park since 2009.
“We are honored to share this award with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park,” said Elizabeth Fien, Executive Director of FHVNP. “We have a very collaborative partnership that exemplifies the way nonprofits should work with public land agencies.”
The APPL Partnership Awards celebrate the best in public lands partnerships, recognizing individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and the enrichment of visitors.
For over 35 years, APPL has served as the national voice for nonprofit public lands partners and has strengthened its membership through education, information sharing and representation. Its membership is comprised of nonprofit organizations whose missions embrace a vibrant future for the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
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KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Café in Discovery Harbour. Topics include a review of the organization’s mission, a legislative update and, tentatively, a guest speaker on marijuana legislation.

For more information, email Marla Hunter at
ekenuifarm@aol.com.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Big Island encourages Ka`u residents to attend its third annual Youth of the Year Banquet & Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The theme is Inspiring Youth, and participants can dress as what they wanted to be when they were young.
To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Hawai`i County Schools will benefit from more that $10.6 million in federal Title 1, Part A grants for 2015-2106.
Photo of Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY WILL RECEIVE MORE than $10.6 million in U.S. Department of Education Title I, Part A grants for school year 2015-2016.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

Title I grants to local education agencies provide financial assistance to school districts for services that improve the teaching and learning of children at risk of not meeting academic achievement requirements. Based on a variety of factors such as per-pupil expenditures, poverty and population estimates, Title I Grants are targeted to help students who reside in high concentration areas of children from low-income families.

Sen. Brian Schatz

Preliminary allocations per counties in the state are as follows: Hawai`i County, $10,653,162; Honolulu County, $29,380,200; Kaua`i County, $2,054,375; Maui County, $4,925,038. Final allocations are expected to be released by the U.S. Department of Education in June.
“Our keiki deserve a high-quality education, and the opportunity to gain the tools and skills that will best equip them for success and a bright future,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “Strong schools and good teachers can help break the cycle of poverty that trap many families, but only if they are given the resources and support needed to empower students. We owe it to our next generation of leaders to give them every opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they come from or their socioeconomic status.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, said, “Investing in our children’s education is one of the best ways to help them reach their full potential. But too often, schools in underserved communities lack the necessary resources to make that happen. This funding will give schools across Hawai`i the resources they need to help our children succeed.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “When I came with my mother from Japan to Hawai`i as a small child, I enrolled in Hawai`i’s public schools without knowing any English. If it were not for my teachers and my mother’s high expectations, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I know firsthand that quality education opens the door to opportunity, and it is critical that our schools have essential resources to ensure success. Investing in our keiki is the best investment we can make, and these funds will help our public schools and students most at need.”
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TESTIFIERS REGARDING CARLETON CHING’S nomination to head the state Department of Land & Natural Resources addressed the state Senate Water & Land Commission yesterday, and after more than four hours of listening and 2.5 hours of questions, the committee recessed and will reconvene this afternoon to consider Gov. David Ige’s choice of Ching.
Ching works for Castle & Cooke, one of the largest developers in the state. He served on the board of the Building Industry Association and the Land Use Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to promote the interests of the development industry.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, a member of the committee, asked Ching why LURF supported weakening requirements for environmental reviews and eliminating the state Land Use Commission, according to Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat. Ching replied, “I never understood that LURF was trying to reduce EIS law.”
When committee Chair Laura Thielen asked Ching why LURF supported the Public Land Development Corporation, Ching said he personally didn’t support the PLDC. He described LURF as “very macro.”
Ching said, “The executive director (of LURF) has a lot of latitude in taking positions.”
In a Facebook post after yesterday’s hearing, Thielen voiced her concerns about the nominee: “I am taken aback by the fact that the nominee says he was not familiar with any of the positions to gut all zoning and land use regulations, including supporting the PLDC, that were taken by the lobbying group (for) which he was Vice President or President on the Board of Directors for the past decade,” Thielen said.

“It seems irresponsible for someone who was on a Board of Directors for nearly a decade to be completely unfamiliar with repeated lobbying positions taken by his employee over that entire period of time… .
“But the most discouraging part to me was that he didn’t understand that the very development permits that he supported eliminating are the exact permits that our Supreme Court ordered the State and counties to make sure that traditional and cultural gathering rights are protected, and public rights to access public beaches are protected.
“If you don’t have these permits, then there is no way to ensure that coastal developments can’t cut off access to shoreline for surfing, gathering, swimming, or spiritual refreshment for our many residents who are jammed into lower-rent housing in our inland areas.”
“And he called these issues “details.”
“He had no knowledge of the seminal Hawai`i cases where the Courts held our beaches are public lands, which means every one of us has the right to access them. He had no knowledge that native Hawaiians have extra constitutional rights for traditional and cultural access.”
Today’s meeting is live-streamed at capitol.hawaii.gov. Click on broadcasts.

See civilbeat.com.
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Sen. Josh Green

A STATE SENATE BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE health insurers, mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment has moved to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Ka`u’s Sens. Josh Green, chair of the Health Committee, and Russell Ruderman introduced SB 791.

The bill calls for each individual or group accident and health or sickness insurance policy issued or renewed in the state to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism to the policyholder and individuals under eleven years of age covered under the policy.
Requirements would not apply to accident-only, Medicare, Medicare supplement, student accident and health or sickness insurance, dental-only and vision-only policies or renewals of six months or less.
Progress of this and other bills can be tracked at capitol.hawaii.gov.
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KA`U HIGH GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM WON its first game in three years yesterday. The Trojans beat Hawai`i Prep 12-8. Sheri Lynn Freitas got 10 hits; Aysha Kaupu, three; Kehaulani Ke and Alysha Gustafson-Savella, two each; and Shyann Flores-Carvalho and Staysha Ault, one each.
Analei Emmsley-Ah Yee won the game with a Grand Slam in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The team travels to Kealakehe tomorrow for a game at 3 p.m.

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Entry forms are available at kaucoffeefestival.com.

KA`U COOKS CAN NOW ENTER Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest. Applications are available to download at kaucoffeefestival.com. The free cooking competition takes place at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday, April 25. Entries are accepted in pupu, entree and dessert categories, with all recipes made using Ka`u coffee.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Café in Discovery Harbour. Topics include a review of the organization’s mission, a legislative update and, tentatively, a guest speaker on marijuana legislation.
For more information, email Marla Hunter at ekenuifarm@aol.com.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Big Island encourages Ka`u residents to attend its third annual Youth of the Year Banquet & Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The theme is Inspiring Youth, and participants can dress as what they wanted to be when they were young.
To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.

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