The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Ways to limit material going into Hawai`i Island landfills advanced at Hawai`i County Council committees yesterday.
Photo from University of Hawai`i Environmental Studies Department

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES yesterday advanced ways to limit material going into landfills. The Finance Committee approved Resolution 126-15 calling for solicitation of contracts for up to $2.4 million annually to turn green waste into mulch at county landfills in East and West Hawai`i.
The resolution calls for the mayor to enter into a four-year contract, with the option of two one-year extensions, to provide organics diversion, treatment of mulch for invasive species, a compost demonstration project and to expand organic diversion programs to the composting operation.

Bobby Jean Leithead Todd

Preventing the spread of little fire ants and other invasive species could add as much as $600,000 a year to mulching operations.
Nancy Cook Lauer, of Stephens Media, reported that the county will also test a method of killing little fire ants using a process to further reduce pathogens. PRFP uses heat created as organic matter breaks down to kill the ants.
“We see this as a step in the direction of a compost operation,” said Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale.
A 2009 study found organic matter accounted for 114,000 tons, or 54 percent, of waste in Hilo landfill. Increasing the green waste program would give residents a local mulch option and increase landfills’ lifespans.

After being proven, the technology could expand to other regions of the county.

The County Council Environmental Management Committee moved Bills 32 and 33 to the Environmental Management Commission.
Bill 32 would require the Environmental Management director to implement a partial pay-per-bag fee program for refuse to be landfilled, allowing each household and business one 33-gallon bag of refuse per week to be landfilled without any bag fee.
Bill 33 would prohibit disposal of compostable or recyclable material at any county landfill or transfer station as of Jan. 1, 2018. It would also establish additional requirements and fees for commercial haulers with regard to the disposal of compostable or recyclable materials.
According to Cook Lauer, Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd said the pay-as-you-throw concept is a recommendation of the 2009 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, but a plan to allow each household one free bag of garbage a week would be difficult and expensive to implement.
Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale said charging for garbage would be an incentive for people to limit how much they throw.
Kohala's County Council member Margaret Wille said the county currently spends $28 million for solid waste programs. The cost rests on the shoulders of the property owners through their taxes, and there is no break for those who reduce their waste and recycle their recyclables, she said.
Wille said dumping more garbage at Pu`uanahulu would lower the tipping fee and save the county money that could be used for other garbage projects. Currently, the landfill handles about 290 tons per day, she said. An increase to 300 tons per day, would save the county $60,000 to $70,000 a month, she said.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com and westhawaiitoday.com.

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Hawai`i Department of Ag asks poultry owners
to be vigilant about avian influenza.

COMMERCIAL AND BACKYARD POULTRY and bird owners need to be vigilant because of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 along the Pacific migratory bird path.

Hawai`i Department of Agriculture encourages bird and poultry owners to institute and maintain good biosecurity measures, including good sanitation practices and making sure their birds do not come in contact with other wild and migratory birds.
The strain circulating is a mix of the highly pathogenic Asian and low pathogenic North American strains and has been found in wild birds and in a few backyard and commercial poultry flocks. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people from the current strains of HPAI to be low.
Poultry and bird owners in Hawai`i who notice high mortality in their poultry or birds should contact HDOA, Division of Animal Industry at 808-483-7106 to report their losses.

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Sen. Josh Green

ALTHOUGH A BILL INTRODUCED BY KA`U’S state Sen. Josh Green relating to health impacts of pesticides made it to the House of Representatives for consideration, it did not received a hearing before a legislative deadline.

SB 1037 called for the state Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a program relating to disclosure of pesticide use.
The department would have developed a standardized form that pesticide users would have filled out and turned in to the department to report pesticides used in the preceding month.
Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reported that Sen. Jill Tokuda expanded the bill to include all farms rather than only large farms as originally targeted to reflect concerns about the environmental impact of large companies.
According to Hofschneider, Rep. Clift Tsuji did not schedule a hearing because he had already considered two similar proposals and was concerned about the bill’s broad application to all farmers.
See civilbeat.com.

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Fire Chief Darren Rosario

DO RULES LIMITING EMPLOYEES’ discussions of internal affairs limit their freedom of speech? Nancy Cook Lauer examines the issue in West Hawai`i Today. Cook Lauer reported that Capt. Sean Sommers is under investigation by Hawai`i County Fire Department. He received a letter from Fire Chief Darren Rosario saying he violated department rules when he criticized it and the fire chief in a March 19 interview on Hawai`i News Now.

The rule states that “no member shall publicly criticize or ridicule the department, its policies or the members … when such action tends to impair the good order or efficiency of the department, interferes with the ability of officers to maintain discipline or it’s made with reckless disregard for truth or falsity.”
According to Cook Lauer, the chief wrote, “It is alleged that you have violated the aforementioned rules and regulations of the Hawai`i Fire Department with your televised media interview, which aired statewide on Thursday, March 19, 2015.”
Hawai`i News Now interviewed Sommers about suspension of two West Hawai`i battalion chiefs.
“This is exactly the reason you don’t hear from other personnel in the fire department,” Sommers told Cook Lauer. “They fear retribution, and I don’t blame them. … I truly am risking everything right now.”
Honolulu attorney Jeff Portnoy, who specializes in First Amendment issues, said that, in general, he thinks the rules go too far. “Government employees do not lose their First Amendment rights to speak out about what they believe is wrongdoing they believe is not being appropriately handled by those in authority,” Portnoy said. “To me, these Hawai`i Fire Department rules go way too far in trying to stifle appropriate criticism, and at least on the surface are too general and appear to attempt to keep any criticism of the department from public scrutiny.”
Battalion chiefs Steve Loyola and Ty Medeiros were suspended in November. Loyola told Hawai`i News Now they were suspended for criticizing how Rosario was running the department. A 24-year employee of the department, he told Hawai`i News Now morale is at an all-time low, and 25 people have quit the department during the past three years.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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Sen. Brian Schatz

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION YESTERDAY announced the United States’ commitment to reduce carbon pollution by 28 percent over the next ten years in an effort to combat climate change.

“Today’s commitment by the Administration … is critical to our fight against climate change,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. President Obama has laid out a bold and viable plan that will put us on a path to stabilizing the climate. The historic commitments from China and emerging economies such as Mexico to cut carbon pollution have shown us that American leadership on climate change has a real global impact. These targeted goals give us unique opportunities to strengthen our economy, improve public health and leave a better world for our families and our children.

“Our global partners committed to reducing carbon pollution should know that just last week the U.S. Senate passed an amendment stating that climate change is real, caused by humans and that we should take action to cut emissions. I and many of my colleagues in Congress are dedicated to supporting the President’s Climate Action Plan and ensuring that the United States is able to not only follow through, but build on the commitments made today.”

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KA`U HIGH BOYS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM overpowered Christian Liberty Academy in three straight sets yesterday. Scores were 25-14, 25-9 and 25-12.

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Kolea lau nui choked by ginger.
Photo from NPS

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN HELP REMOVE invasive Himalayan ginger tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sweet sounds of native honey creepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required. Interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information. The hike is around a one-mile, moderate round-trip into Kilauea caldera down the Halem`auma`u trail, leaving from Kilauea Visitor Center. The hike involves walking over rough uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path, with up to a 400-foot elevation change.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Krystalynn Gascon won the $1,000 Buy Local It Matters drawing, sponsored by state Department of Agriculture and Ka`u Coffee
Festival in 2014. The campaign is renewed for 2015, leading up to the May 2 Ho'olaulea at Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

NAVY WAR GAMES IN HAWAIIAN AND CALIFORNIA WATERS were inaappropriately approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service, according to a federal judge, who this week ruled on a lawsuit brought by the Conservation Council for Hawai'i and the Natural Resources Defense Council and argued by Earthjustice attorney David Henkin.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway issued a ruling on Tuesday saying National Marine Fisheries failed to comply with multiple requirements of the Marine Mammals Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act when it approved the Navy's plan. The judge concluded that the Navy failed to support its contention that the military exercises would have "negligible impact" on marine life. She also said that the Navy should have considered alternative places and times for its military exercises in order to better protect marine life.
The Navy's own study predicted that war games - with impacts mainly from explosives- could kill 155 whales and dolphins a year off Hawai`i and Southern California, through collateral damage. The Navy also expects more than 2,000 serious injuries per year to marine life in Hawaiian and Southern California waters.

The judge noted that the Navy estimates that bottle nose dolphins
could suffer eight deaths a year in Big Island waters and
wrote two deaths would be too many.

The judge concluded that National Marine Fisheries Service was willing to accept the Navy killing some marine life at a rate affecting their potential to survive. She gave the example of Big Island waters where bottle nose dolphins live, contending that allowing even eight deaths a year was too many and that only one death a year would be allowable if they are to survive here.
She took issue with the Navy making plans to protect humpback whales by avoiding certain places at certain times, but not making similar plans for other marine species.
U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Mark Matsunaga defended the Navy's practices, issuing a statement saying, "The Navy has been training and testing in the Hawai`i and Southern California ranges for more than 60 years without causing the harm alleged by the plaintiffs in this case."
Earthjustice contended that the judge understands that the Navy doesn't need "every square inch" of waters covering more than the area of all 50 U.S. states. Henkin stated, "The Navy can fulfill its mission and, at the same time, avoid the most severe harm to dolphins, whales and countless other marine animals by simply limiting training and testing in a small number of biologically sensitive areas."

See more at www.nrdc.org. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WIN $1000: BUY LOCAL IT MATTERS. Businesses are lining up and area residents starting to visit them for the Buy Local It Matters cross-promotion sponsored by Ka'u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture.
Visit Kaucoffeefest.com for more details. See updates on where to collect receipts and business cards for the drawing during the May 2 Ka'u Coffee Festival Ho'olaulea at Pahala Community Center. Visiting as many local businesses as possible between now and the Ho'olaulea increases chances to win the Buy Local It Matters $1000 award at the festival. Winner must be present at time of drawing on May 2 to collect the prize.

Among participating companies are: Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., Ali'i Hula Hands (Punalu'u Bake Shop), BEI, Big Island Candies, Crop Production Services, Hana Hou Restaurant, Hawa'i Coffee Association, Hawai'i Coffee Co., Isla Custom Coffees, GreenPoint Nurseries, Ka'u Coffee Mill., Ka'u Farm and Ranch Co., Ka'u Local Products, Ka'u Royal Coffee (R&G Store in Pahala), Ka'u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, Kona Transportation, Moon & Turtle Cafe, OK Farms, Orchid Island Auto Center, Pacific Quest, Pahala Plantation Cottages, ProVision Solar, Inc., Punalu'u Bake Shop, Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee (Na'alehu and Kino'ole Farmer's Market), Sustainable Island Products, Wiki-Wiki Mart and xpedx.
See frequent updates and map at kaucoffeefest.com.
Buy Local, It Matters campaign aims to encourage residents to support Hawai'i businesses. It particularly focuses on agriculture, encouraging conscious decisions to purchase locally grown farm products. The campaign was created by University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawai'i Farm Bureau Federation and Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. As a community service, Hawai'i Medical Service Association sponsors printing a Buy Fresh – Buy Local Seasonality Chart on availability of local produce. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tensions are high as the TMT blockade on Mauna Kea as participants expect to
face arrest today. Photo from Big Island Video News

ARRESTS ON MAUNA KEA may take place today, according to Big Island Video News, which is covering an attempted blockade by activists who say they believe the construction of telescopes and other facilities by universities, governments and other research entities on the top of the volcano is an environmental, cultural and religious offense. "Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea are planning to make a stand Thursday, despite the threat that they will be arrested by Hawai`i County police should they choose to block construction crews from access to the summit," Big Island Video News reports. "Things were quiet on Wednesday, the calm before the storm. Many of the self-described protectors of the mountain expect today to be the day of reckoning. Police already informed them what would happen if they do not stand aside. Many indicated they would not, and are prepared to be arrested for their cause. The story reports Lanakila Mangauil, one of the protesters, saying:

“I go to stand at the foot of my kupuna mauna.To protect my tutu mauna from machine welding, greed fueled industrial brutality. I will stand for what is Pono. No laws of corrupt man will enslave my heart and keep me from fallowing my na`au.”
"The world is shifting, consciousness is growing, honor is being recognized in those who follow the righteous path and not false honor to those who simply follow instructions. Our stance for the Mauna has already begun to ripple across the world, I work for that ripple to carry our message of true aloha."
See more at: http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/04/02/mauna-kea-blockade-situation-intensifies/#sthash.vqX0B4vI.dpuf

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KA`U WAHINE TROJANS SOFTBALL fell to the Kea`au Cougars yesterday at the Pahala ballpark. Ka`u made one run while the Kea`au Cougars rallied up 17 runs. Keahaulani Ke made the only hit for Ka`u. The Cougars hit 13 with Erleen Oguma and Ranchell Bernobis scoring home runs. The next game for the Wahine Trojans will be on Saturday, April 4 at Honoka`a at 3 p.m. Other upcoming sports for this week are Boys Volleyball on Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m. at Honoka`a, Judo at Kea`au on Saturday, April 4 at 9 a.m., Track and Field at Kamehameha Schools on Saturday, April 4 at 9 a.m.

HO`OMALU KA`U HOLDS A DINNER DANCE, Spice Up Your Spring, on Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.
“Come join us for a sumptuous spread of spicy and saucy Asian, Mexican and American foods, dance to the music of Full Tilt, the best dance band in Ka`u, drink beer and wine by donation, and enter your name in our lucky number drawing for great door prizes,” said Lehua Lopez. Tickets are $20 each.
Buy tickets by calling 929-8526, or see Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market tomorrow and on Wednesday, April 8.

Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chip invite you to join us at CroKDEN

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network hosts CroKDEN: an Afternoon Tea and Croquet Tournament on Sunday, April 19, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Maluhia Guest House in Mauna Loa Estates, Volcano. The event raises production funds for the upcoming annual summer musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I.

CroKDEN will feature a variety of teas to sip, goodies to nosh, all while enjoying the tournament. The Grand Prize for the Croquet Tournament is a Body Glove Cruise for two. There will be a silent auction featuring dinners, adventures, artwork and jewelry. Walter Greenwood will entertain on the piano. KDEN encourages the wearing of big hats and finest afternoon tea attire.
KDEN is a 501(c)3 non profit community theater organization formed in 2002 by experienced community organizers and artists based in East Hawai`i. This summer’s musical will involve approximately 75 people onstage, in the orchestra pit, backstage, and in the front of the house.
Tickets for CroKDEN are $40, ($75 for couples). Reservations can be made by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Hawai`i's wiliwili tree is battling Missouri's eastern burningbush to get to the championship round of the 2015 National Big Tree Competition. Ka`u residents can vote. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has extended the deadline one more month to Sept. 30 to complete all discovery and file all testimony in the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy. Ulupono Initiative, Hawai`i Gas, Paniolo Power Company, AES Hawai`i, SunEdison, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1260, Hawai`i Renewable Energy Alliance and the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism had asked that the deadline be changed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 30.

The commission also set other dates in the docket’s timetable. April 13 is the deadline to receive direct testimony of the utilities in supporting of their application, and interveners must respond and deliver their direct testimony by July 20.
The Consumer Advocate has until Aug. 10 to provide responses and direct testimony, while applicants must respond to interveners and the Consumer Advocate by Aug. 31.
Once the commission has received and reviewed the prefiled testimony pursuant to the above schedule, the commission will issue a further order concerning hearing dates and related matters.

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THIRTY-ONE PERSONS WERE ARRESTED YESTERDAY after blocking access to construction workers who were en route to the summit of Mauna Kea to begin work on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Hawai`i County Police made 12 arrests. “During the arrests, our officers practiced the Hawai`i Police Department’s core value of compassion,” said Assistant Chief Henry Tavares, who oversees police operations in East Hawai`i.

Gary Oamilda

Earlier in the week, police were in communication with protesters opposed to the telescope, informing them that they had the right to protest peacefully and asking for a peaceful resolution and cooperation in keeping the roadway open. At that time, police informed the protesters that anyone who blocked the public road leading to the construction site would have to be arrested.
The arrests began at approximately 8 a.m. and were still in progress at noon. Among individuals taken to Hilo Police Station for processing and then released after posting $250 bail was Ocean View resident Gary Oamilda.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources also took action “to preserve and protect public safety and public access on Mauna Kea,” according to a statement from interim Chair Carty Chang.
“We are working with the University of Hawai`i and the Thirty Meter Telescope project to ensure that the Mauna Kea summit road remains clear for workers, and to ensure access to Mauna Kea for other public use,” Chang said. “Persons expressing their views may peacefully protest if not blocking the road. Anyone impeding public safety or public access will be arrested.”
In addition to enforcement action by Hawai`i County Police, DLNR enforcement also arrested eight adults who were obstructing the road for disobedience to police officers, and another eleven adults were arrested for trespass after refusing to leave the TMT construction site at the summit. The arrests were peaceful, and there were no injuries or medical issues.
DLNR will be working closely with its partners to monitor the situation.
“We regret that police action had to be taken to enable our legal access to the project site,” stated Thirty Meter Telescope Project Manager Gary Sanders. “TMT respects the rights of everyone to express their viewpoints. We also respect the laws of the State of Hawai`i and the seven-year public process and authority that granted us permits to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in the Maunakea Science Reserve’s Astronomy Precinct. Like most people in the community we truly believe that science and culture can coexist on Maunakea as it has for the past 50 years along with other public uses.”

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Sen. Russell Ruderman

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN was named the State of Hawai`i Small Business Person of the Year, 2015 by the U.S. Small Business Administration Hawai`i District Office. Along with awardees in eight other categories, Ruderman was honored by colleagues on the Senate and House floor.

The award was given to Ruderman as President and Founder of Island Naturals, a group of natural and organic food stores known for its commitment to quality and creativity. Established in 1997, Island Naturals now employs 150 people at three locations in Kona, Hilo and Pahoa.
The SBA was founded in 1953, largely as a response to the pressures of the Great Depression and World War II. It has since delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
The Hawai`i District Office, under leadership of District Director Jane A. Sawyer, oversees the delivery of SBA’s programs throughout the state, the Territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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HAWAI`I’S WILIWILI TREE HAS MADE IT to the Final Four and is competing against Missouri’s Eastern Burningbush in the 2015 National Big Tree Competition. Ka`u residents can help move Hawai`i into Monday’s championship round by voting.
Missouri’s eastern burningbush measures 41 feet high, 106 inches in circumference and 36 feet in crown spread. Hawai`i’s wiliwili is 40 feet high, 187 inches in circumference and covers 42.5 feet in crown spread.
To vote before the 4 a.m. deadline tomorrow morning, go to ‪#‎Wiliwili‬‪#‎BigTreeMadness‬ or https://www.facebook.com/AmericanForests?fref=nf.

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

What's in Your Ocean? by Na`alehu School fifth-graders
for Recycle Hawai`i's Art of Recycling competition.
Photo from Recycle Hawai`i

RECYCLE HAWAI`I CONTINUES ITS FUNDRAISING to reach $60,000 by April 25 to continue its Outreach and Education Programs.

While the development of the organization has been largely funded by contracts with Hawai`i County’s Department of Environmental Management, the recent loss of one of those contracts, worth $100,000, has brought its zero waste outreach and education programs to a halt, compelling them to launch this fundraising campaign.
Over the past nine years, RH’s Art of Recycling project has attracted 4,500 participants, with 1,650 of them being student artists. This program encourages everyone involved to appreciate the inherent value of commonly discarded items as a means to promote ingenuity and respect for resources. For many of the students involved, the competition is a formative experience that allows them to re-imagine wasteful practices they are exposed to on a regular basis.
Since its inception in 2004, Composting is Recycling, Too! home composting and vermiculture workshops have brought experts in the recovery of discarded organic materials to teach islandwide participants how to turn food scraps, food contaminated paper and yard trimmings into valuable soil amendments. In addition, a total of 4,050 Earth Machines were distributed to schools and households, providing the potential to divert up to 405,000 tons of materials from the landfill. Based on the cost to purchase and distribute these units, RH said the cost of processing these materials is $5.50 per ton, a $79.50 savings per ton on what it costs the county to landfill.
RH’s Zero Waste Initiative assists community event organizers who collaborate with vendors and attendees to create a waste-free event by installing and managing sort stations that protect the value of discarded items. Over the years this hands-on diversion method has achieved an average 90 percent diversion rate.
No donation is too small, and all amounts are greatly appreciated. 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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Hikers to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana are rewarded with a breathtaking
view of lower Ka`u. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

LAWFUL HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT meets tomorrow at Miloli`i. Naliko Kahoali`i Markel, Minister of Interior of The Lawful Hawaiian Government, discusses the movement. For more information, call 238-0428.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN LEARN about Pu`u o Lokuana and various uses of this grassy cinder cone in the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. The one-hour moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top offers a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT holds its next meeting at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office in Pahala on Thursday, April 16 at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 937-1056.

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_April2015.pdf.

The draft Ka`u Community Development Plan, which is now available for public review, considers options regarding protection of the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Julia Neal

THE DRAFT KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, which is now available for public review, discusses protecting the Ka`u Coast from development.

The Steering Committee is considering options for Policy 29, which reads:
“Site-specific shoreline setbacks shall be established at the earliest stages of the land use planning and development process either 1) at 1,320 feet (1/4-mile) or 2) as far as practicable from the shoreline using a science-based assessment and in consideration of the physical limitations of the property. The science-based assessment shall consider:

A regional, landscape perspective;
Viewplane and line-of-sight analysis, toward the sea from the state highway nearest the coast and along the shoreline;
Shoreline public access;
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail corridor;
Cultural and historic resources;
Coastal hydrology, including drainage ways, springs, anchialine pools, and wetlands;
Coastal ecosystems, including native, endemic, and threatened species and other sensitive coastal and near shore species;
Coastal erosion rates;
Geologic appraisals;
Projected sea level rise;
Flooding and flood zones, including storm surge inundation;
Subsidence.”

Other options being considered are to eliminate Policy 29 entirely; remove the ¼-mile setback requirement; remove “1,320 feet (1/4-mile)” and replace with “a distance to be determined with community input;” or reconsider comprehensively all sections pertaining to coastal development to determine how best to achieve the related community objectives.
Two of four identical speak-outs take place a week from today on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. They are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP they are interested in, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback.
Next month, on May 9 at 1 p.m., a discussion at Na`alehu Community Center will focus on coastal management.
The draft CDP is available at kaucdp.info and local libraries and community centers. Comments and feedback are welcome through June 1.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Peter Apo

“THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE is at a flash point,” Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Peter Apo wrote on Thursday, the day when 31 people were arrested when protesting construction of the telescope.

“The monetary value of Mauna Kea viewing time is astronomical,” Apo wrote. The first telescope was built in 1968, and now there are 13. The University of Hawai`i charges fees for use of the telescopes. The average rate, according to Apo, is $1 per minute, and UH pays the state $1 per year to lease the land.
“The long-standing overtly contentious face-off between Native Hawaiians and the University of Hawai`i’s aggressive advocacy of maximizing Mauna Kea as a premier site for astronomical observatories is heading into its most serious period of conflict,” Apo wrote.
“Over the years, the state has failed in its trust responsibility to Hawaiians in the management of the growth of the observatories on Mauna Kea.
“This developing crisis will be an interesting test of leadership for the governor, the university, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the astronomy community.
“I get the same feeling about the character, commitment, and high-stakes nature of this protest movement that I had during the early days of the stop the bombing of Kaho`olawe movement. In that case, Native Hawaiians took on the entire military industrial complex of the United States, and the rest is history.”
Following the arrests, Apo called for a 30-day moratorium on construction and for Gov. David Ige and UH President David Lassner to assemble a group of leaders to reassess the state's oversight of the ceded lands.
See peterapo.com.
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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists compare the current lava flow on Kilauea with the one that covered Kalapana in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

“To the casual observer, lava that recently flowed into the outskirts of Pahoa might look a lot like the lava that grazed the village of Kalapana in November 1986 and completely overran it in 1990,” the article states. “In fact, these Kilauea flows were significantly different in most aspects that affect how far and how fast lava moves downslope.

“Theoretically speaking, the surface extent (how far) and advance rate (how fast) of lava is regulated primarily by three factors: eruption rate; lava temperature and, therefore, ‘crystallinity,’ at the time of eruption; and topography (slope of the land). Crystallinity refers to the abundance and types of phenocrysts (crystals that grow in magma before it erupts to the surface) and micro-phenocrysts (minute crystals that grow in a lava flow as it advances and cools) in lava.
“Olivine, the first mineral to grow in magma as it rises into Kilauea’s summit reservoir system, crystallizes at a temperature below 1,215 degrees Celsius (2,219 degrees Fahrenheit). At lower temperatures, below 1,150 degrees Celsius (2,102 degrees Fahrenheit), the minerals pyroxene and plagioclase also crystallize along with olivine.

Pahoehoe that flowed through Kalapana, left, were hotter, more fluid and faster
moving than the lava that threatened Pahoa in October. Photos from USGS

“When lava is erupted, micro-phenocrysts of plagioclase and pyroxene form within the molten rock as it flows over the ground and cools. As crystallinity increases, the flow becomes more viscous (pasty) and eventually stalls and solidifies.
“From 1986 to 1992, lava flows were erupted from Kupaianaha, an active vent less than seven miles from Kalapana. During that time, eruption temperatures ranged from 1,155 to 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,111 – 2,138 degrees Fahrenheit), and the lava contained few olivine crystals, about 0.04 inches in size.
“Lava tubes from Kupaianaha carried lava down the steep southern flank of Kilauea. These tubes enabled efficient delivery of 300,000 –400,000 cubic meters (390,000–520,000 cu yds) of lava per day to the coastal plain at temperatures of 1,145 – 1,160 degrees Celsius (2,093 – 2,120 degrees Fahrenheit).
“At those temperatures, the tube-fed flows that reached Kalapana were still relatively fluid and crystal-poor. This resulted in the fast-moving pahoehoe sheet-flows that quickly spread through Kalapana and covered the black sand beach at Kaimu Bay in 1990.
“In contrast, the June 27th lava flows erupted from the northeast flank of Pu`u `O`o are moving down the crest of Kilauea’s East Rift Zone toward Pahoa, more than 12 miles away. Since 2011, eruption rates have been estimated at about 175,000 cubic meters (230,000 cu yds) per day, the lowest sustained rate in over 30 years of eruption, and the eruption temperatures have been 1140 – 1145 degrees Celsius (2,085–2,095 degrees Fahrenheit).
“The June 27th lava flows contain a mix of olivine, plagioclase and pyroxene phenocrysts, often as crystal clusters 0.04 – 0.2 inches in size. In contrast, the higher temperature Kalapana flows contained only olivine phenocrysts.
“Despite its cooler temperatures and lower eruption rates, the June 27th lava flow traveled nearly twice the distance of the 1986 and 1990 Kalapana flows. But, the Kalapana flows were cut short when they flowed into the ocean, so how much farther they could have traveled is not known.
“As with the abrupt termination of the 1986 Kalapana-bound flows, the leading edge of the June 27th flow stagnated when lava was tapped to supply pahoehoe breakouts at higher elevations near Pu`u `O`o. The relative contribution of lava temperature, crystallinity, eruption rate, and topography to this stagnation is now the subject of ongoing research. Whether additional lava will advance farther than the distance the June 27th flow has already reached remains to be seen.

“Based on our recent analyses of the June 27th lava flow, current eruption conditions do not favor a Kalapana-like scenario in which broad sheet-flows inundate large swaths of land. However, we must keep in mind that eruption conditions — for instance, eruption rate, lava temperature, and vent location — can change unexpectedly. Because of this, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kilauea and will notify the public of any significant changes in the eruption.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Easter with a brunch and Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow.

Brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Crater Rim Café features beef pot roast with gravy, honey-glazed ham, omelet station, sweet bread French toast, ice cream sundae bar, beverages and more. Cost is $16.75 for adults and $8.50 for children six to 11 years old.
Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and under begins at 9 a.m. in the `Ohi`a Room. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 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.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its monthly Sunday Walk in the Park a week from today. The four-mile round-trip hike explores Kilauea Iki Crater. Non-members can join the nonprofit organization in order to attend. Photo by Elizabeth Fien

A MAGNITUDE-4.5 EARTHQUAKE STRUCK near Kailua-Kona this morning at 3:23 a.m. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center determined that no damaging tsunami was generated. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the earthquake caused no detectable changes on the active volcanoes on Hawai`i Island.

This morning's 4.5-magnitude earthquake near Kailua-Kona
was the strongest one in the region since November 1969.
Map from USGS/HVO

According to Wes Thelen, HVO’s Seismic Network Manager, the earthquake was centered about 10 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona at a depth of six miles. A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes/.
The USGS “Did you feel it? website (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi/) received more than 150 felt reports within two hours of the earthquake. Most of these reports were from the west side of Hawaiʻi Island, which is consistent with the depth of the earthquake. Only light shaking (Intensity IV) has been reported. At these shaking intensities, damage to buildings or structures is not expected.
As of 7 a.m., no aftershocks of the earthquake had been recorded. A magnitude-3.3 earthquake, which occurred near Hawi approximately three hours before the magnitude-4.5 earthquake, was unrelated.
HVO reported that, during the past 30 years, there have been 23 earthquakes in this same area offshore of Keahole Point with magnitudes greater than 3.0 and depths of three to nine miles. Today’s event is the largest earthquake recorded in the area since a magnitude-4.6 earthquake in November 1969.
Earthquakes at this depth off the west coast of Hawai`i Island are typically caused by abrupt motion on the boundary between the old ocean floor and the volcanic material of the island and are not directly tied to volcanic activity.
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawaii and eruption updates, see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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PROTECTING AGRICULTURAL LANDS and open space is the topic of a section of the draft Ka`u Community Development Plan, now available for public review.

This section calls for protecting agricultural land and open space from non-agricultural development with the CDP Land Use Policy Map, a prohibition on increased residential density and limits on Special Permits, lots sizes and variances. It also prioritizes stronger farm dwelling regulations and tax incentive programs, use of transfer of development rights and land bank programs, State Important Agricultural Land designations and expedited lot consolidation in existing rural subdivisions.

Lands surrounding Wai`ohinu are proposed as Extensive Agriculture
and Important Ag Lands. Map from Ka`u CDP

Intents of the policy are to conserve and protect agricultural lands; preserve the agricultural character of Ka`u, including open space preserved by agricultural land; make vacant lands in urban areas available for residential uses before additional agricultural lands are converted into residential uses; limit development of agricultural land to agricultural uses, discouraging speculative residential development and urban encroachment; prevent rezoning of agricultural lands to parcels too small to support economically viable farming units; maintain open space and rural character of the Ocean View, Mark Twain and Green Sands areas, including continued inclusion in the State Land Use Agricultural district (not Rural), except in the areas in Land Use Policy Map urban categories; and discourage intensive development in areas of high volcanic hazard.
Two weeks from today, on Sunday, April 19, residents can attend speak-outs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center. Two more take place this Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The informal drop-in listening sessions are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP they are interested in, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback.
Residents can also submit feedback online or in writing by email, fax, or mail.
For more information, and to read the full draft document, see kaucdp.info. Copies are also available at local libraries and community center.

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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE WARNING SHOPPERS not to leave handbags unattended in shopping carts. Since February, police have received several reports of elderly female shoppers who had purses removed from shopping carts at various stores in Hilo while the shoppers’ backs were turned momentarily. The thefts are being actively investigated.
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section said it only takes seconds for someone to snatch a bag out of a cart while the shopper is turned away to select an item from a shelf.
“We are advising women to keep their handbags on their person while out in public to avoid being a target of theft,” Esteban said. “Often, the theft of a handbag can lead to additional crimes, such as unauthorized use of a credit card and identity theft.”
Police encourage anyone who is the victim of a purse snatching to report it immediately by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

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Brian Gascon helped the Trojans slay the Dragons Friday.
Photo by Taylor Sport Photography

KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS made Friday’s journey to Honoka`a worthwhile, winning their matches against the Dragons. Varsity won in three straight sets, 25-14, 25-20 and 25-21. JV also won in two sets, 25-13 and 25-15.

“Both teams did an awesome job,” said booster Pam Taylor.

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RANGERS SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE and love of the traditional art of musical bamboo nose flutes Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents its monthly Mongolian BBQ Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 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. 967-8356

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of volcanic processes occurring within the vent, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support future After Dark in the Park programs.

HO`OMALU KA`U HOLDS A DINNER DANCE, Spice Up Your Spring, a week from today on Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.

Menu items include Asian, Mexican and American foods. Full Tilt provides dance music. Lucky numbers are drawn for door prizes. Tickets are $20 each. Buy tickets by calling 929-8526, or see Lehua Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market on Wednesday.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its next Sunday Walk in the Park a week from today on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Led by volcanologist Cheryl Gansecki, this month’s four-mile hike explores Kilauea Iki Crater. Participants should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop along the walk.
Kilauea Iki Trail begins on the crater’s forested rim. The trail descends 400 feet through the rain forest, with native birds flitting through the canopy, onto the crater floor. Hikers cross the still-steaming crater, past the gaping throat of the vent that built Pu`u Pua`i cinder cone, and ascend the far rim. Of interest on the hike are forest plants, birds, insects, the 1959 lava lake, steam vents and cinder and spatter cones.
The hike 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 call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, see 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.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Tomorrow's After Dark in the Park program gives an update on Kilauea's summit eruption. On March 6, wispy gas emissions allowed clear views of the lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater. The thin crust over the lava lake was seen moving slowly to the southeast with no spattering. Photo from USGS

KAHUA OLOHU MAKAHIKI GROUNDS in Na`alehu are number 11 on the priority list of properties to consider purchasing for preservation. The county Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission said in its report to Mayor Billy Kenoi that it is a culturally important site with a potential long-term goal of using it to re-institute Hawaiian cultural games during the traditional Makahiki season. Most of the parcel is within an area known to be the site of traditional gaming fields and Makahiki grounds. The locations of very few Makahiki grounds are known; this site has been positively identified as being a famous bowling (`ulu maika) and dart sliding (pahe`e) field.

Kahua Olohu Makahiki Grounds in Na`alehu are number 11 on county's list
of properties to consider for preservation. Image from PONC

The State Historic Preservation Division has recognized that the site is significant under multiple criteria.
According to PONC’s report, the property is for sale, and “owners are anxious to work with the county to assist in its acquisition.” Owners James and Elizabeth Weatherford said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.

The property is described in Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”
The property is surrounded by the proposed 1,363-acre preserve known as Kaunamano.
According to realtor Diana Prentiss, “It is worth noting that most, if not all, of the other properties on the priority list will have a higher – in some cases, much higher – price than Kahua Olohu. So, this site, while being culturally highly valuable, is, at the same time, relatively inexpensive compared to other sites being considered.”
Now that the site has been placed on the priority list, the next step is for a resolution to be approved by Hawai`i County Council. Interested residents can contact Ka`u’s County Council member Maile David at 323-4277 or maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov to urge her to introduce a resolution.
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Nedward Ka`apana, center, with brother Ledward at right, cousin
Dennis Pavao at left and mother Regina (Tina) above.

FAMED HAWAIIAN MUSICIAN NEDWARD KA`APANA died over the weekend. He was born on Aug. 25, 1948 in Pahala and spent much of his youth in Kalapana. Ned and his twin brother Ledward Ka`apana became the recording artists of the ten Ka`apana offspring. They formed the trio Hui `Ohana with their late cousin Dennis Pavao just out of high school during the renaissance of Hawaiian music in the 1970s.
Their most famous songs include Sweet Lei Mokihana, Lei Nani, `Ulupalakua, Silver Strings, Pua Lillehua (Koula), Nani Waimea, Love Song of Kalua, Aloha le O Wai`anae, Nake Pueo, Poni Aloha, Nanakuli, Maui Chimes, U`i Lani, God Bless My Daddy/Mom and Pua Maeole.

Community organizer Ana Kailiawa Cariaga, of Pahala, remembers the Ka`apana brothers’ mother Regina Ka`apana, famous in Ka`u and beyond for her beautiful voice “like Genoa Keawe.” Mama Tina, as she was known, sang on her sons’ 1974 album Ke Kolu. Her portrait fills the "O" on the cover's Hui 'Ohana name. The twins' father, George Ka`apana, was known for his slack key guitar playing.
More than a dozen years ago, Hawai`i Economic Opportunity Council, led by Cariaga and Darlyne Vierra in Pahala, invited Nedward and George Kahumoku, Jr. to come to Pahala and play for a youth program at Pahala Plantation House. It was the first time that many Ka`u people had been invited to Pahala Plantation House, the former home of numerous sugar plantation managers, Cariaga recalled. Since then, it has become a gathering place for many local families, music, hula and educational groups, with Led Ka`apana and George Kahumku, Jr. teaching and performing at the annual Keoki Kahumoku workshop each November. It is also the site of Ka`u Plantation Days, which is organized by Vierra, who heads up the sponsoring organization, Ka`u Multicultural Society.
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Students from Keonepoko and Pahoa elementary schools visited Pahoa Transfer
Station to see effects of lava that displaced them from their schools.
Photo from Hawai`i DOE

KEONEPOKO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, part of the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa Complex Area, will reopen for the 2015-2016 school year now that lava is no longer an immediate threat to the area.

In late October 2014, Hawai`i Department of Education closed Keonepoko Elementary in response to the rapidly advancing lava flow when it was determined then that the lava would be crossing Hwy 130. DOE built a temporary facility in Kea`au High School’s lower parking lot and adjusted classroom assignments for students and staff within the complex area.
Recently the lava flow changed in threat status from warning to watch. Hawai`i County Civil Defense has informed the DOE that, based on the most current information available, the lava is no longer headed toward Pahoa.
“Many families were affected by our contingency plans to safeguard access to education, and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding through all of it,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We now have a ton of details to work out before making any official announcement on dates or assignments, however it is important to let families and staff know where we stand. The decision to reopen Keonepoko Elementary extends beyond just the facility. We want to be very thoughtful about our approach.”
Decisions affecting employees will be made in consultation with Hawai`i State Teachers Association, Hawai`i Government Employees Association and United Public Workers Union. In upcoming weeks, principals in the complex area and DOE administrators will map out a course of action. The DOE is aiming to have details solidified by May to provide families ample time to plan for upcoming chool year.
Complex Area Superintendent Chad Farias said, “We continue to evaluate what all possible futures might be for the education of children within Puna and are thinking not just about the current situation, but how to provide quality education to all of the families in our area for years to come.”
The DOE will provide more information to its staff and the public once it is available.
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The draft Ka`u Community Development Plan is now available
for public review. Photo by Ron Whitmore

WAYS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL management facilities are covered in the recently released draft Ka`u Community Development Plan.

The CDP prioritizes expanded wastewater systems, the new transfer station in Ocean View, improvements to the recycling area in Pahala and green waste drop-off and mulch pick-up sites.
Regarding wastewater, the draft calls for extending the primary collection lines in Pahala and Na`alehu so that infill development projects can connect to wastewater systems built for new subdivisions to the county systems.
Along with building a transfer station in Ocean View, the draft prioritizes adding green waste drop-off and mulch pick-up sites, with strict control of invasive species, pests and disease in consultation with residents, farmers and vector control experts.
Four identical speak-outs on the draft Ka`u CDP are coming up. Two this Saturday, April 11 are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
On Sunday, April 19, residents can attend from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
Residents can also submit feedback online or in writing by email, fax, or mail.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Volunteer Will Hardy plays the bamboo nose flute. Photo from NPS

MUSICAL BAMBOO NOSE FLUTE demonstrations take place 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.

CHEFS WOK UP AN ARRAY of veggies and proteins at Kilauea Military Camp’s Mongolian BBQ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $.85 per ounce. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption, including an overview of volcanic processes occurring within the vent, tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support future After Dark in the Park programs.

LA`AU LAPA`AU: MEDICINAL PLANTS is the topic Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ka`ohu Monfort shares her knowledge and love of native plants used by Hawaiians to nourish and heal. Participants see and touch a variety of medicinal plants.

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_April2015.pdf.

A green sea turtle basks on the shore at what appears to be an abandoned hawksbill turtle nest at Kamehame, managed by The Nature Conservancy. TNC Hawai`i Director Suzanne Case, who oversaw acquisition of this and other sites for preservation in Ka`u, is Gov. David Ige's nominee to head the Department of Land & Natural Resources. Photo by Will Olsen/Hawksbill Recovery Project

SUZANNE CASE, DIRECTOR OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY for the state of Hawai`i, is Gov. David Ige’s new nominee to head the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

A 28-year veteran of The Nature Conservancy, Case has served as its Executive Director in Hawai‘i since 2001. She oversees a program of 76 staff, 16 preserves totaling 53,000 acres and an annual operating budget of $11 million, working in native forest, coastal and marine conservation, directly and through partnerships, on six main Hawaiian Islands.

Suzanne Case

Case is a seasoned negotiator with the old sugar plantations and more recent land investors in TNC’s efforts to preserve pristine forests and other natural environments. In Ka`u, she oversaw acquisition of the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch addition to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and TNC’s purchase of some of the most pristine native forests in Hawai`i. Purchasing Kamehame, the hawkbill turtle nexting site below Pahala, is another one of Case’s accomplishments. She also located TNC’s Hawai`i Island offices in Ka`u.
During her years at The Nature Conservancy, Case has overseen acquisition of eight Hawai`i preserves, Palmyra Atoll, new national wildlife refuges at Hakalau on the slopes of Mauna Kea and at O`ahu Forest, as well as creation of watershed partnerships for forest management throughout the state, growth of networks of local communities working to restore their near-shore marine resources and implementation of large-scale projects to remove invasive algae from reefs and coastal areas.
Case co-created Ke Ho`olono Nei, a Hawaiian song about loss and stewardship of native Hawaiian forest birds, and Maoli No, a free educational DVD of Hawaiian songs, chants and stories developed by The Nature Conservancy in 2003 for the Year of the Hawaiian Forest on the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Hawai`i forest reserve system.
From 1987 to 2002, Case served as TNC Legal Counsel for the Conservancy’s Hawai`i Program, the western United States and internationally in the Asia/Pacific Region.
Case was born in Hilo and grew up in Hilo and Honolulu. She attended Wai`akea-Kai Elementary School, Keaukaha Elementary School and Punahou School, where she was the first female student body president. She attended Williams College and Stanford University, graduating with honors. She received her law degree from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, San Francisco, where she was a member of the Hastings Law Journal. She practiced real estate transactions law at the law firm of Pettit & Martin in San Francisco from 1983 to 1987.
Case in the sister of Ka`u’s former U.S. Rep. Ed Case and cousin of Steve Case, founder of AOL.
Ige’s announcement follows his withdrawal of Carleton Ching, Vice President of Community and Government Relations for developer Castle & Cooke Hawai`i, as his first nominee for the position. The withdrawal came just prior to the Senate vote when polling indicated that the Senate would have rejected the nomination.
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The draft Ka`u Community Development Plan prioritizes flood prevention
and safety improvements along district roadways. Photo by Julia Neal

ENHANCING KA`U’S ROADWAY NETWORK is one of the topics considered in the draft Ka`u Community Development Plan, now available for public review.

The draft CDP discusses road connectivity, prioritizes flood prevention and safety improvements along Wood Valley Road and Mamalahoa Highway and guides road improvements in Mark Twain and Green Sands subdivisions.
The CDP addresses the Community Objective to establish a rural transportation network, including roadway alternatives to Hwy
11, a regional trail system and an interconnected transit system.
It calls for all subdivision in the Ka`u CDP planning area, including condominium property regimes and planned unit developments, to conform to connectivity standards of the Hawai`i County Code.
It instructs the county to install culverts and construct drainage channels and other related improvements as necessary to prevent flooding of roadways and other areas; improve safety on Wood Valley Road, possibly including posted speed limits, lane markers and stop signs; make intersection improvements at Pikake, Koali and Wood Valley Roads; continue to maintain roads-in-limbo in coordination with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and shoreline public access plans; and remove the Na`alehu bypass from the General Plan transportation map.
The draft asks the state Department of Transportation to continue improving Mamalahoa Highway, realigning where necessary and prioritizing shoulder safety, particularly for bicyclists, including on the stretch of highway between Honu`apo and the Ka`u Police Station. It asks DOT to address community concerns about preservation of trees and stone walls along the highway when implementing the Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan in Na`alehu.
Ka`u residents have four opportunities this month to view displays about parts of the CDP they are interested in, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Two this Saturday, April 11 are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
On Sunday, April 19, residents can attend speak-outs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
Residents can also submit feedback online or in writing by email, fax or mail.
Copies of the draft Ka`u CDP are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.
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Construction at the Thirty Meter Telescope site is on hold.
Image from tmt.org

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS CALLED A TIMEOUT on construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff reported that University of Hawai`i and Office of Hawaiian Affairs officials today agreed to stop work at the summit of Mauna Kea for about a week. “We agreed there would be value to have some further dialogue on Mauna Kea,” Ige said. “I do know it’s a significant project, and this will give us some time to engage in further conversations with the various stakeholders that have an interest in Mauna Kea.”

Protesters who consider the site sacred have been converging at the site since late last month, at times blocking vehicles that were trying to reach the summit to begin work on the telescope. Last Thursday, county and state officials arrested 31 of them.
See staradvertiser.com.

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Matt Patrick Photo from USGS/HVO

THIS EVENING’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program presents an update on Kilauea’s summit eruption. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick’s update includes an overview of volcanic processes occurring within the vent.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support future programs.

TICKETS FOR SPICE UP YOUR SPRING, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., are available from Lehua Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market tomorrow. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.
Menu items include Asian, Mexican and American foods. Full Tilt provides dance music, and lucky numbers are drawn for door prizes. Tickets, $20 each, are also available by calling 929-8526.

KA`OHU MONFORT SHARES HER KNOWLEDGE and love of native plants used by Hawaiians to nourish and heal tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants see and touch a variety of medicinal plants.

Bamboo stamping demonstrations take place Thursday. Photo from NPS

`OHE KAPALA DEMONSTRATIONS take place Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association share the traditional art of bamboo stamping. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday at 5 p.m.at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Agenda items include an update on the Na`alehu Park kiosk, communications from the state Scenic Byway Committee, location of proposed lava flow signs and concrete at overlook signs.

For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

BOOTH SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE for Kauaha`ao Congregational Church’s fundraising bazaar on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The charge for a vendor booth is $10 for a 10’ x 10’ space. Vendors need to bring their own tables, chairs, tents and generators if power is needed. Vendors can sell anything except hot food/plate lunches.
For more information and to reserve a space, individuals and school and sports groups can call Walter Wong Yuen in the evening at 928-8039.

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_April2015.pdf.

An endemic nene feeds on indigenous naupaka kahakai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Public registration is now open for the two-day BioBlitz species count in the park next month. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

WHETHER TAX BREAKS WOULD BE for any Ka`u residents is unclear under a bill in the state Legislature that seeks to reduce the financial burden to homeowners who are hooking up to sewage treatment systems. Homes in Pahala and Na`alehu that are served by old plantation gang cesspools are in neighborhoods where owners will be required to pay to hook up to new county sewage systems once they are built. However, the bill as written gives priority for tax credits to owners of houses whose cesspools affect public drinking water wells or are within 200 feet of shorelines, streams and wetlands. Both Na`alehu and Pahala are far way from the ocean and Pahala`s well and drinking water tank are above the town.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

The Senate Ways & Means Committee approved HB 1140 yesterday. According to Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, a member of the committee, said he supports the tax credit being given in cases where the state mandates conversion. However, Ruderman expressed concern about placing the burden to upgrade sewage treatment on his Puna constituents right now. “The fact it affects Puna so much and it’s been such a difficult year, I have real concerns,” he said. “Long range, it’s the right thing.” The EPA requires many cesspools to be switched to expensive septic systems or sewer systems.
See westhawaiitoday.com.

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DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES chair nominee Suzanne Case gave an idea of what it could mean to have the DLNR run by someone who comes to the job with a strong conservation ethic. In an interview with Pacific Business News reporter Duane Shimogawa, published this morning, Case, nominated yesterday by Gov. David Ige to oversee state lands, told PBN, “I view DLNR work as important to the state to protect our natural and historical resources.”

The Nature Conservancy Executive Director Suzanne Case, at right
is Gov. David Ige's nominee to head DLNR. Photo from TNC

She also told Shimogawa, “I think, generally, the important areas of focus are stewardship of our natural and historical resources... . We need to make sure that our public and conservation lands and waters are properly set for success for future generations.”
Case has worked with The Nature Conservancy for 28 years. The organization has its Big Island offices in Ka`u and manages the Kamehame hawksbill turtle nesting area, Kaiholena and other preserves in this and other districts. TNC has worked closely with DLNR on various endangered species, resource protection and invasive species projects in Ka`u.
A hearing on her confirmation before the Senate Water and Land Committee is expected next week.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OFFICIALS have addressed what they call inaccurate claims that have been made recently. Construction at the summit of Mauna Kea is on hold while Gov. David Ige discusses the situation with officials from University of Hawai`i and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Protesters have been blocking access by construction workers, and 31 of them were recently arrested.

A group of sign wavers opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea
interacted with motorists along Hwy 11 below Pahala yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

“The most common (inaccurate claim) is that TMT is a danger to the Maunakea aquifer and drinking water on Hawai`i Island,” TMT officials stated. “Comprehensive research by expert hydrologists confirms that TMT and the existing 13 telescopes pose no such danger. Furthermore, TMT is designed to be a zero waste discharge facility with all waste securely transported off the summit. There is also very little precipitation above 8,000 feet, and the observatories are located well above that at the top of Maunakea at 14,000 feet.

“Another claim is that TMT did not meet the eight criteria for a conservation district use permit issued by the Hawai`i Board of Land & Natural Resources in 2011. The Third Circuit Court ruled that TMT did meet the criteria by being consistent with state laws governing the districts, not causing substantial adverse impact to existing natural resources, being compatible with the surrounding area, preserving the existing physical and environmental aspects, not subdividing or increasing the intensity of the land use and not being materially detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. State regulations specifically identify astronomy as a permitted use in the Maunakea Science Reserve.”
See tmt.org.
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PUBLIC REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the National Park Service’s and National Geographic’s two-day BioBlitz species count, part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Biodiversity & Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16.

To be part of a scientist-led inventory team, participants must register online at nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz. Participation on inventory teams is limited, and spots will be filled on a first-come basis. Children ages eight and older, accompanied by adults, may participate in the free inventory opportunities.

Keiki examine insects with an entomologist in Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

Themed I ka nana no a `ike(By observing, one learns), the BioBlitz is part scientific endeavor, part outdoor classroom excursion and part celebration of biodiversity and culture. It will bring together more than 150 leading scientists and traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners, more than 750 students and thousands from the general public. Together, they will be dispatched across the park’s 333,086 acres to explore and document the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rain forests of Kilauea volcano.
“We are honored to host BioBlitz 2015,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “BioBlitz provides an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and cultural practitioners to discover, count and add to the park’s species list; to explore the interconnectedness of plants, animals, Hawaiian people and our daily lives; and to protect this amazing biodiversity and rich culture in our park.”
In connection with the BioBlitz opportunity, the park is moving its 35th annual Cultural Festival from July to May this year and expanding it to include biodiversity. At the two-day festival, visitors will discover how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards, embodying I ka nana no a `ike principles that continue today. The Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture — and to learn how to join their efforts. The festival is free and open to the public.

The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz is the ninth in a series of 10 BioBlitzes co-hosted by National Geographic and the National Park Service at different national parks across the country, leading up the National Park Service centennial in 2016.
“Each year, the BioBlitz evolves,” said John Francis, National Geographic’s vice president of Research, Conservation and Exploration. “Last year we moved away from paper data sheets and used smartphones and the iNaturalist app to photograph, identify and map species finds, adding more detailed information to both Park Service and international species databases. This year, we are going to build on that and blend technology with Hawaiian culture. This exciting, holistic approach will enhance our appreciation for the amazing resources in this breathtaking park and establish a more complete model for scientific exploration in Hawai`i and around the globe.”

A longtime partner of the National Park Service, the National Geographic Society helped draft legislation to establish the Service in 1916. It has given many grants to create and sustain national parks across the United States and has extensively covered the parks in its media for nearly a century.

The BioBlitz program is the latest successful collaboration between the two partners. The first BioBlitz took place in 2007 at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Smaller-scale events take place throughout the year at various national parks across the country. For more information, see nature.nps.gov/biology/biodiversity/.
To learn more about BioBlitz and the festival, see nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call 800-638-6400, ext. 6186. For more information about the park, see nps.gov/havo.

Halau Hula O Leonalani, with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, dances at Punalu`u Beach
and will perform twice this week at Merrie Monarch. Photo by Julia Neal

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PAHALA HALAU AND MUSICIANS are headed for performances at Merrie Monarch Festival this week. Halau Hula O Leonalani, with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, perform at Prince Kuhio Plaza during Merrie Monarch Festivities at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and again at Hilo Civic Auditorium on Saturday at noon. Pahala hula dancers are joined by their hula sisters from Okinawa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan and O`ahu. They are accompanied by Demetrius Oliveira and friends. Halau Hula O Leonalani will also perform Saturday, May 2 at the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Agenda items include an update on the Na`alehu Park kiosk, communications from the state Scenic Byway Committee, location of proposed lava flow signs and concrete at overlook signs.
For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

Keiki learn how to make `ohe kapala, Hawaiian bamboo stamps, with Park
Ranger Rebecca Carvalho. NPS Photo by Jay Robinso

STAFF FROM HAWAI`I PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION share the traditional art of bamboo stamping 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.

LEI MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS take place Friday in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai, Patti Kaula demonstrates a variety of traditional techniques including haku, kui, hipu`u and hilo styles.
Master lei maker Randy Lee celebrates Merrie Monarch with lei making at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Ka`u residents line Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park in opposition of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be built on the
summit of Mauna Kea. Photos by Ron Johnson

A`OLE TMT; ALOHA `AINA was the message sent by about 40 Ka`u residents who gathered along Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park and waved signs in opposition of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be built at the summit of Mauna Kea.

“Enough is enough,” was the message of several sign-wavers, referring to the thirteen telescopes in operation on Mauna Kea.

Lehua Lopez

“We have enough telescopes to find the truth of the cosmos up there,” said Lehua Lopez, “but cosmological truth is also contained in the mountain of Mauna Kea. Destroying portions of the mountain by building another telescope destroys portions of the culture.”
Mel Davis said Mauna Kea is a temple sacred to the Hawaiian people. He said he hopes officials reconsider building the telescope and “hear people’s voices.” He suggested that funds allocated for construction of the facility instead be used for infrastructure on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary projects.

Ka`u residents used signs and flags to voice their opposition
to the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Pu`u Davis said the project was like “the Tower of Babel coming out of Mauna Kea.”
Ku`uipo Dacalio asked, “Why build telescopes to look into space? Use the money to fix what’s in front of our face.”
Gov. David Ige yesterday put the project on a one-week time-out following a week of protests and 31 arrests on the mountain. “My active engagement at this point is understanding and having dialogue with many stakeholders and organizations that care about Mauna Kea from all perspectives,” he told Timothy Hurley, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Kaho`okahi Kanuha, one of those arrested, told Hurley, “I am not quite sure our people have seen a movement like this in their lifetime, and I think it’s a testament to the fact that our people have been ignited and are ready to move forward and resolidify ourselves throughout the world as a people and a country.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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A Na Hoku Hanohano finalist this year, Bolo performs
at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2.

HAWAIIAN MUSICIANS WHO teach and perform at Keoki Kahumoku's Hawaiian Music & Lifestyle workshops at Pahala Plantation House are finalists in the 38th annual Na Hoku Hanohano awards.

Albums by Bolo, Ledward Ka`apana, and Jeff Peterson are three of five finalists in the Instrumental Album of the Year category. Bolo was nominated for his album `ekahi, Ka`apana for Jus’ Cruzin’ and Peterson, along with Riley Lee and Kenny Endo, for Island Breeze.

Ka`apana is also a finalist Favorite Artist of the Year.
George Kahumoku, Jr. is a finalist for Slack Key Album of the Year, with his Seeds of Aloha.

Bolo returns to Ka`u to perform at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2.

Na Hoku Hanohono awards are presented on Saturday, May 23.
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Ka`u companies can apply for booth space at Japan's largest
international trade show. Photo from Hawai`i Food
Manufacturers' Association

KA`U COMPANIES INTERESTED IN MARKETING their Hawai`i-made products can apply for booth space in the Hawai`i Pavilion at the 80th Tokyo International Gift Show. The show Sept. 2 – 4 is the largest international trade show in Japan with over 2,500 companies marketing gifts, consumer goods and accessories to over 200,000 domestic and international buyers.

Exhibitor space, offered by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, is limited, and a participation fee will be charged. Final acceptance for participation is subject to DBEDT approval.
The deadline to submit all required items is Thursday, April 30. See http://invest.hawaii.gov/exporting/80th-tokyo-international-gift-show/.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO AND DEPUTY SECRETARY of Agriculture Krysta Harden traveled to Hawai`i Island yesterday to visit with the agricultural community including floriculture, papaya and macadamia nut representatives and PBARC on the future of agriculture in Hawai`i. They also met in the Puna community to discuss the importance of infrastructure and the impact of invasive species. Hirono and Harden also received a briefing on the lava flow.

Tomorrow, Hirono and Harden return to Hawai`i Island to hear from Kona coffee producers and meet with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at Kona International Airport.

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The 2014-2015 Miss Ka`u Coffee Peaberry Court and Miss Ka`u Coffee
Amery Silva (back center) will ride through Hilo in the Merrie
Monarch Parade Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

MISS KA`U COFFEE CONTENDERS will ride in the Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday throughout Hilo. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. The Miss Ka`u Coffee court will be carried in two coffee farmer trucks provided by Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee and Ka`u Royal Coffee. One will carry Miss Ka`u Coffee princesses along with reigning Ka`u Coffee Queen Amery Silva. The other will carry the reigning Miss Peaberry Madison Okimoto and princesses Calaysa Koi and Shanialee Silva.

Miss Ka`u Coffee pageant is Sunday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, and the new Miss Ka`u Coffee will reign over a week of Ka`u Coffee Festival events and other community and Ka`u Coffee promotional programs throughout the year.

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KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR DENISHA NAVARRO signed a letter of intent yesterday for an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Pierce College Raiders in Tacoma, WA.

Serving as student body president, being a member of the National Honor Society and playing multiple sports, Navarro knows what hard work and dedication is. After nine years of training and practicing, she said she is thrilled to receive the scholarship.

Surrounded by supporters, Denisha Navarro, in Raider Basketball T-shirt, signs
her letter of intent for an athletic scholarship from Pierce College.
Photo from Jennifer Makuakane

Immediately after her final basketball season, Head Coach Cy Lopez, Jr. received a phone call from Pierce’s recruiting coach asking about Navarro. He had many great things to share after coaching her at varsity level for the past three years. Days later, they reviewed a video of Navarro and requested a visit from her. This past spring break, Navarro went to the campus to show her skills, see if this is what she wants and where she wants to live for the next four years. At the end of her trip, the coaches decided they’d like to offer her a scholarship. Navarro said the hospitality of the coaches and players she met, the facility, the campus and the education the college had to offer helped with her decision.
“I intended to move to Washington after high school with or without an athletic scholarship so I could make a better life for myself and to get a good education,” Navarro said. “Getting to play college ball at the same time is a privilege and bonus. On my trip, I loved the city life and how different it was compared to Hawai`i.”
Navarro is planning on getting her associates degree in diagnostics and health. She plans on transferring to Seattle University to get her bachelor’s degree in athletic training.
“My passion has always been sports, and I’ve been inspired by our school’s athletic director, Kalei Namohala. After shadowing and learning from her this past year, she has become one of my role models and someone I look up too.”
Navarro also said that her basketball coaches, Cy Lopez, Jr., Jennifer Makuakane and April Jara, have made a big impact in her basketball career and life.
“My coaches have helped me out a lot throughout the past three years, especially this year,” Navarro said. “Not only with basketball but helping me prepare for my future and life after high school. My cousin Staysha has also been a big inspiration in my life. She has helped motivate me to be a better player and is probably the toughest on me and keeps me going.”
Navarro leaves for Washington in July to start her journey. She hopes to come back to Hawai`i and be an athletic trainer for one of the high schools in the state.

Jennifer Makuakane contributed to this story.

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Lei styles on display at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo by Jay Robinson

LEI MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS take place tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Master lei maker Randy Lee celebrates Merrie Monarch with lei making at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai, Patti Kaula demonstrates a variety of traditional techniques including haku, kui, hipu`u and hilo styles.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

TWO OF FOUR SPEAK-OUTS on the recently released Ka`u Community Development Plan take place Saturday. The events are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP that interest them, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs. Keiki activities will be available so that parents are free to learn and talk story.

This Saturday’s events are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
On Sunday, April 19, two more are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
A video at youtube.com/watch?v=AaPrTuIELD8&feature=youtu.be provides a short orientation about the draft CDP. Additional information is available at kaucdp.info.

A guided hike Saturday focuses on Kahuku's human history.
Photo from NPS

A GUIDED 2.5-MILE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT hike Saturday over rugged terrain at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit focuses on the area’s human history. People and Land of Kahuku takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch with book signings Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Caren Loebel-Fried and David Kawika Eyre.
Call 967-8222 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_April2015.pdf.

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

Hula sisters at dawn on Punalu`u Beach today prepare to travel to Hilo to perform at Merrie Monarch festivities this afternoon at Prince Kuhio Plaza and tomorrow at Ah Fook Chinen Civic Center. Halau Hula O Leionalani is comprised of dancers from Japan, Okinawa, O`ahu and Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. DAVID IGE DISCUSSED HAWAI`I ISLAND ISSUES during a Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. According to Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, Ige said he is working on a plan to double local food production, “which would in turn create a local economy of associated services and investments,” instead of sending billions of dollars out of state each year on goods made elsewhere.

Na`alehu residents protested TMT Wednesday
on Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park.
Photo by Ron Johnson

In response to questions about construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, Yager reported Ige saying, “You can rest assured that all previous agreements and decisions will be honored.”
Ige said he has “done a lot of listening to get a 360-degree view of the project,” and will continue to listen during the one-week timeout he called for following continued protests and arrests at TMT’s construction site. “It’s really about listening and finding a way for discovery and sacred sites to coexist on a very important asset,” Ige said.
Regarding his choice of Suzanne Case to head the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Ige said she has the qualities of leadership that will serve her well. “She’s smart; she’s collaborative; she’s a great listener,” he said.
According to Yager, Ige said he wants department chiefs who are “great leaders” and responsive to the public. “She believes the community is part of the solution,” Ige said.

See westhawaiitoday.com.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED his nominations to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Office of Information Management and Technology. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Linda Chu Takayama

Linda Chu Takayama has been tapped to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She is currently executive director of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. She also maintains a law practice specializing in regulator and governmental affairs, health, insurance and corporate business law. She has previously served as deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and was formerly the Hawai`i insurance commissioner. She also served on the governor’s Subcabinet Task Force on Healthcare Reform to update Hawai`i’s unique Prepaid Health Care Act and to assist President Clinton’s early efforts on health care reform. As chair of Hawai`i Foodbank for the past 20 years, Takayama has worked with DLIR’s Office of Community Services which administers programs providing services to the needy including the distribution of food.
“Linda has a deep understanding of many of the regulatory matters that are routinely handled by the department,” Ige said. “I am confident that she will support the well-being of our workers and promote good labor-management relations.”

Todd Nacapuy

Ige chose Todd Nacapuy to be the state’s chief information officer and lead its Office of Information Management and Technology. Nacapuy is currently senior technical account manager responsible for all Premier Commercial services for Microsoft in Hawai`i. Prior to this, he was a senior infrastructure specialist for EDS, where he was responsible for monitoring and optimizing all Web services within the Navy and Marine Corps network for the Pacific. While there, he was responsible for architecture and implementation of a 65,000-user network into the Navy and Marine Corps network.
“Todd has the right mix of technical and business skills to upgrade the state’s technology infrastructure,” Ige said. “Under his leadership the office will continue to identify modernization projects that are in process across the various state agencies. He will immediately focus on a few that have broad or significant impact. My commitment to an enhanced IT system is based in my strong desire to improve public access to government services that will ultimately result in improved public trust in state governance.”
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THE DRAFT 2015 STATEWIDE Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available for public review. The plan is updated every five years to assess Hawai`i’s outdoor recreation trends, needs and priorities. It also provides direction for the state’s recreational future and allows Hawai`i to remain eligible to receive funds for outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grants program administered by the National Park Service.

The draft 2015 statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available
for public review. Camping is popular at Kawa. Photo by Julia Neal

Using priorities for outdoor recreation identified in the comprehensive recreation plan, the National Park Service selects projects to receive conservation funding that best meet Hawai`i’s recreational needs and help resolve recreational conflicts.
A 14-page summary of the SCORP findings and strategic plan, as well as the full draft SCORP document with appendices, can viewed at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/.
Public comments are due by April 30 and can be submitted by email or in writing to ccullison@pbrhawaii.com or  PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc.  Attn: Catie Cullison, AICP 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650  Honolulu, HI 96813-3484.

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CU Hawai`i has a new website.

CU HAWAI`I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION has a new website. Ka`u residents can do their banking online at the website. It also describes types of saving and checking accounts, loans and electronic and other services available to members. The colorful Moola Moola newsletter, of interest to keiki, is also on the website.

A new mobile app is also available. Use requires enrollment in CU Hawai`i’s online banking program.
See cuhawaii.com.

KA`U JUNIOR RANGERS ARE ENCOURAGED to “Find Your Park” as National Park Week begins. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park encourages keiki to connect with their national park and World Heritage Site by becoming a Junior Ranger on Saturday, April 18 – Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites.
The fee-free weekend and programs kick off National Park Week, April 18-26. This year’s theme, Find Your Park, celebrates the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park also celebrates its centennial in 2016.

Junior rangers discover the rain forest in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

A Junior Ranger station with handbooks and park information will be set up at Kilauea Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaggar Museum observation deck. Keiki who complete an interactive junior ranger handbook will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate and be sworn in as a National Park Junior Ranger.
Saturday is also International Monuments and Sites Day, which marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and was the first World Heritage Site in Hawai`i. The state’s other World Heritage Site, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, was inscribed in 2010, and representatives from both sites will share information at the Junior Ranger station.
“Our Junior Ranger programs are a perfect way for families to discover their World Heritage Site and national park together,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “As the park approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016, our most important goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. Every keiki who becomes a junior ranger helps ensure the future of their national parks, which serve as the model for heritage sites worldwide.”
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KA`U’S DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is the topic at two speak-outs tomorrow. Residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP that interest them, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs, and keiki activities will be available so that parents are free to learn and talk story.

The events are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
Copies of the draft document are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.

A GUIDED 2.5-MILE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT hike tomorrow over rugged terrain at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit focuses on the area’s human history. People and Land of Kahuku takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dietrich Varez'
Pele & Hi`iaka

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch with book and print signings this weekend. Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caren Loebel-Fried and David Kawika Eyre are on hand for signings. On Sunday, Dietrich Varez signs his prints.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its Sunday Walk in the Park April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cheryl Gansecki leads this four-mile hike for exploring Kilauea Iki. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration required. Call 985-7373.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR Spice up Your Spring, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center. Tickets for the event on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are $20.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 929-8526.

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_April2015.pdf.

Miss Ka'u Coffee Amery Silva, surrounded by 2015 candidates Jennifer Tabios, Joyce Ibasan, Maria Miranda and
Louise Vivien Santos, in today's Merrie Monarch parade in Hilo. Photo by Lori Obra

KA`U RESIDENTS REVIEWED THE DRAFT Ka`u Community Development Plan at Na`alehu Community Center this morning during the first of four speak-outs. The open houses consist of displays covering agricultural lands; coastal areas and Punalu`u; mauka forests; Pahala and Wood Valley; Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu and Green Sands; Discovery Harbour, Mark Twain and South Point; and Ocean View.

Ka`u residents discuss a display with Ka`u CDP staffer. Photo by Ron Johnson

“I do I think it really is a great set of ideas generated from the community,” said Shalan Crysdale, “and specifically for our mauka forests.” He said the CDP contained excellent ideas about the need for increased access to forests for cultural and subsistence hunting purposes as well as for protection of watersheds.
Longtime resident and former sugar plantation supervisor Iwao Yonemitsu said his areas of interest are agriculture and mauka forests and that he enjoyed reviewing the displays on those topics.
Several Ka`u residents encouraged their friends and neighbors to attend upcoming speak-outs. Many said the information helped them understand the draft and inspired them to study it more.
Another speak-out is scheduled for today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. On Sunday, April 19, two more take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
Listeners and recorders are on hand to document comments. There is no formal testimony at the speak-outs, and keiki activities are available for parents to be able to view the displays and talk story.
Copies of the draft document are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.

Dr. Virginia Pressler

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IN A UNANIMOUS DECISION, MEMBERS of the state Senate have confirmed Dr. Virginia Pressler as Director of the Department of Health.

“She’s a powerful advocate for those who need health care,” Ka`u’s said Sen. Josh Green, chair of the Senate Health committee. She’s been very close and embedded to the work we do here on coordinated care, always focusing on those who need it the most. She has extraordinary chops on taking care of women and women’s health issues. There was not a single person who came and testified before us who didn’t glow about Dr. Pressler, who is an extraordinary candidate.”
The confirmation marks the return to DOH for Pressler. From 1999-2002, she served as deputy director for Health Resources Administration. She was in banking before starting in cardiovascular research at Queen’s Medical Center.
Pressler was a private practice physician and associate professor of surgery before becoming vice president at Queen’s Health Systems. She also was president and CEO for HMSA’s Premier Plan, Queen’s Health.
Most recently, she served as the executive vice president and chief strategic officer at Hawai`i Pacific Health.
“I am honored and humbled to be able to serve the state once more,” said Pressler. “We have lots of exciting opportunities to improve the health of everyone in the state.”

Ka'u Coffee farmers Leonard Castaneda, Lori Obra, Gloria

Camba and Bong Aquino with Miss Ka'u Peaberry Madison Okimoto

and Princess Calaysa Koi in the Merrie Monarch Parade in Hilo.

The full Senate also confirmed Keith Yamamoto as Deputy Director of DOH. Yamamoto continues his service in the position he has held since 2011.
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MISS KA`U COFFEE CANDIDATES AND THE MISS PEABERRY COURT rode in the Merry Monarch Parade today in Hilo, while Halau Hula O Leonalani, of Pahala, danced at the civic auditorium. Ka`u Coffee Festival is ten days of events, beginning Friday, April 24, with programs at ranches, farms and homes and Ka`u Coffee Mill, with the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant on Sunday, May 26. the Ho`olaule`a day of entertainment, food and coffee tasting on Saturday, May 2 and Ka`u Coffee College on Sunday, May 3, all three at Pahala Community Center. See www.kaucoffeefest.com and The Ka`u Calendar newspaper for a schedule.

Aftermath of the tsunami in Hilo, where the tsunami caused 61 deaths.
Photos from USGS

APRIL IS TSUNAMI AWARENESS MONTH, and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory remembers past tsunamis to hit Hawai`i Island in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

“April 1 marked the 69th anniversary of the 1946 tsunami that devastated the Island of Hawai`i, causing widespread damage and taking 159 lives,” the article states. “To honor the people lost in the 1946 and subsequent tsunamis, the state of Hawai`i proclaimed April to be Tsunami Awareness Month – a time to focus attention on preparing for and taking action to mitigate the impacts of future destructive tsunamis.
“The 1946 tsunami was generated from a large earthquake in the Aleutian Islands, thousands of miles north of Hawai`i. The Aleutian Islands are located along the northern extent of the Ring of Fire, a tectonically and volcanically active region that circles the Pacific Ocean. Because Hawai`i is located in the middle of the Pacific, we are uniquely exposed to tsunamis originating from large earthquakes anywhere around this Ring of Fire.
“y within the area where the earthquake slip occurred.

“In Hawai`i, we consider an event like the April 1, 1946 Aleutian earthquake a tele seism (distant earthquake). Likewise, we can refer to the accompanying tsunami as a tele-tsunami (one that originates from a source usually more than 1,000 km, or 600 mi, away). “In addition to concerns about tele-tsunamis, Hawai`i also faces the threat of local tsunamis generated by earthquakes that occur on or near the island. In 1868 and 1975, Hawai`i experienced deadly tsunamis associated with large local earthquakes centered on the island’s southeastern coastline. In both cases, the fatalities occurred close to where the tsunamis originated—essentially within the area where the earthquake slip occurred.

“Seismic waves travel through Earth faster than water waves cross the ocean. Using this knowledge, Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, pioneered forecasting tsunamis in Hawai`i in 1922. Results of his predictions in 1923 and 1927 were mixed, but in 1933, after identifying a tele seism from Japan, Jaggar and his colleagues agreed that a tsunami was possible and issued warnings to Hilo and Kona. People heeded these warnings and moved out of harm’s way prior to the arrival of the tsunami, so no lives were lost.

The town clock of Wai`akea stopped at 1:04 a.m. when the biggest wave
of the 1960 Chilean tsunami struck Hawai`i. The clock, still showing
that time, now stands as a monument to the tsunami.

“In May 1960, a tsunami produced by the largest earthquake ever recorded – a magnitude 9.5 quake that ruptured a 1,000-kilometer- (600-mile-) long section of Chile’s coast – devastated Hilo and took thousands of lives throughout the Pacific region. This disaster prompted the global community to establish the International Tsunami Warning System in 1965.
“Today, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on O`ahu provides warnings for Pacific basin tele-tsunamis to coastal populations throughout the Pacific. When a large, tsunami-producing earthquake occurs, PTWC’s principal goal is to locate the earthquake and forecast the tsunami behavior with adequate time to issue warnings to potentially affected areas. The farther a tsunami has to travel, the more time there is between the warning and arrival of the tsunami.
“In 1946, the tsunami generated by the Aleutian earthquake – some 3,700 km (2,300 mi) from Hawai`i – took slightly less than five hours to cross the ocean and reach Hawaiian coastlines. In 1960, the devastating tsunami from the Chilean earthquake – roughly 10,900 km (6,800 mi) from Hawai`i – took about 15 hours to strike Hilo. While the Aleutian earthquake and tsunami provided less warning time, those hours of advance notice can be critical and do afford people an opportunity to evacuate.
“Tsunamis produced by local earthquakes are quite different because their travel distances are much shorter. Rather than taking hours to cross the ocean, locally-generated tsunamis can strike Hawaiian shorelines within minutes. In these cases, survival depends on being aware and taking quick action. For instance, if you feel a strong earthquake while at the beach, you should immediately move to higher ground—a tsunami wave can come ashore before warning sirens can alert you to the potential danger.
“You can learn more about tsunami awareness and preparedness in“Surviving a Tsunami—Lessons from Chile, Hawaii, and Japan” and “Hawaii Tsunami Preparedness and Safety Information”. For additional information about Tsunami Awareness Month and tsunami safety, visit these websites: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service “TsunamiReady,” and the International Tsunami Information Center.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch tomorrow, when Dietrich Varez signs his prints.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR Spice up Your Spring, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center. Tickets for tomorrow's event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are $20.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 929-8526.

FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS will be performed at Na`alehu Community Center Monday morning in front of Na`alehu Community Center beginning around 9:30 am.
Everyone with young children is welcome.
Anyone with keiki birth to five years of age is invited to visit Tutu and Me’s program at the community center from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 am.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rangers and staff marched in yesterday's Merrie Monarch Parade, along with a representative from Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, nonprofit supporting partners, the Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo by Jon Christensen

OCEAN VIEW AND OTHER KA`U RESIDENTS attended a speak-out on the draft Ka`u Community Development Plan at Ocean View Community Center yesterday. They reviewed displays focusing on different areas of the district and how, for each location, the CDP achieves objectives set by Ka`u residents. Objectives covered at the speak-out were advancing sustainable conservation and settlement patterns; protecting and enhancing natural and cultural resources; strengthening infrastructure, facilities and services; and building a resilient, sustainable local economy.

Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Creagan, at right, talks story with
Ka`u CDP recorder Josh. Photo by Ron Johnson

To advance protect and enhance natural and cultural resources on agricultural lands, for example, the CDP guides stewardship of ag lands and watersheds to minimize nonpoint source pollution and advocates for funding for ag land conservation programs and the local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Challenges to meet this objective, according to the CDP, are that, during heavy rains, there is significant runoff from ag areas and that there are no watershed management plans in place in Ka`u.
One Ka`u resident said his main concern for ag in Ka`u is vast tracts of land being used to grow products that are not intended for local consumption.
A week from today, on Sunday, April 19, Ka`u residents have two more opportunities to review displays about the CDP and have their feedback recorded when two more speaks-outs take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
There is no formal testimony at the speak-outs, and keiki activities are available for parents to be able to view the displays and talk story.
Copies of the draft document are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.
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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS ANNOUNCED her support of Hillary Clinton for President. Clinton announced her candidacy today.
“Hillary Clinton has fought her entire life to create opportunity and prosperity for American families, small businesses and individuals,” Hirono said. “While we grew up in different places, Hillary and I come from similar backgrounds and understand from our own personal experiences the everyday struggles that families in Hawai`i and across the country face. Both of our mothers experienced tremendous hardships that shaped our values and determination to fight for children and families. As Hawai`i’s first female U.S. senator, I understand how important it is for a woman to finally break the ultimate glass ceiling and win the White House.
“Our country needs Hillary’s tenacious leadership now more than ever. While we hear that our economy has recovered from the worst economic collapse in our lifetimes, too many hardworking middle-class families aren’t feeling the benefits of that recovery. All too often, everyday Americans feel like the economy and government policies favor the rich and well connected.
“Hillary would make a remarkable president. I look forward to this campaign and will do everything I can to send Hillary to the White House.”
Clinton said in her announcement, “Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times. But the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top. Everyday Americans need a champion. And I want to be that champion. … So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote. Because it’s your time, and I hope that you’ll join me on this journey.”
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Park Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane and Student Conservation
Association intern Christa Sadler as a hoary bat celebrate Merrie Monarch
in Hilo. NPS Photo

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK rangers and staff celebrated Merrie Monarch by participating in yesterday’s festival parade. A representative from Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, nonprofit supporting partners, the Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park joined them.
To celebrate the opening of National Parks Week, the park waves entry fees this Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19.

LIFE OF THE LAND DIRECTOR Henry Curtis discusses electric utility cooperatives at ililanimedia.blogspot.com.
“An electric cooperative or municipal utility or a privately owned micro-grid can work in Hawai`i, according to Curtis. “They could replace parts of the Hawaiian Electric Co. empire. But there are at least three major caveats that must be carefully thought about.
“The number one mistake to make is to insist that the idea is good and will work merely because you considered it. Or that talking to others will make it happen. The world is full of dreamers. Persistence is needed to achieve anything.
“The number two mistake to make is to insist that each of the five HECO islands must come up with an identical solution for replacing the monopoly. Each island has different resources, different histories, different levels of
community involvement in energy policy, and quite frankly, different financial resources available to them. …
“Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative is in the minority of electric cooperatives, along with some Alaskan and Native American electric cooperatives, in that they own both generation and distribution. Most cooperatives own only transmission and distribution systems. “Traditional cooperatives buy their electricity in part from generation cooperatives jointly owned by several distribution cooperatives.
Most cooperatives in the U.S. are powered by coal, seek cheap rates, are governed by fairly insulated boards and have little oversight.
“The board that forms a cooperative is not going to be running it. This is similar to the role played by the NextEra team currently operating in Hawai`i. They are here to sell it. They are backed by outsiders who have the financial power to pull it off. For now, current HECO managers will run it. But none of them may be handling the day-to-day operations in the very near future.
“A local cooperative needs a team that can make the transition: a lawyer, an investment banker, a merger specialist, an accountant, etc. Without these key people in place no one will fund the transaction. …
“The number three mistake is too assume that everybody is in the same car or at least heading to the same place, but just at different speeds. For example, HECO and NextEra state that they are aligned. Mere statements do not make it true. Among opponents of the shareholder utility model are a number of people, organizations and institutions with very different goals.
The new entity must acquire the utility grid or build their own grid. In either case they will need initial approval from the Public Utilities Commission. Many are faulting NextEra for not presenting a plan.
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TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE at the door for Spice up Your Spring, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center. Tickets for today’s event at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are $20.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 929-8526.

FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS will be performed at Na`alehu Community Center tomorrow morning in front of Na`alehu Community Center beginning around 9:30 a.m.
Everyone with young children is welcome.
Anyone with keiki birth to five years of age is invited to visit Tutu and Me’s program at the community center from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds its fundraising bazaar, this Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For $10 vendor booth space, call Walter Wong Yuen evenings at 928-8039.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village opens a week from today. Seven artists exhibit paintings, objects and installations through May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 Sun, p.m. Opening reception Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 967-8222

SENIOR ID CARDS ARE AVAILABLE tomorrow between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. For ages 60 and over.
Call 928-3100 for more information.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday during A Walk into the Past at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to take the short walk to the underground Whitney Vault 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/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Eva Lee, of Hawai`i Tea Co., processes her harvest. Ka`u residents interested in growing tea can join a discussion tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaualani Campus in Volcano Village. Photo from VAC

BETTER OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT-ISSUED credit cards is being hotly discussed at county and state levels and in the media. This comes after reports in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald by Nancy Cook Lauer that Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi used his county credit card, called a pCard (purchasing card), for personal charges, including a surfboard and bar tab. Kenoi and the county finance director said the mayor reimbursed the county, usually on a regular basis, although some reimbursements came after Cook Lauer’s stories. County Prosecutor Mitch Roth has deferred to state Attorney General Doug Chin to review the matter, and Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Civil Beat have called for Kenoi’s resignation over using the credit card for non-government purposes.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

An audit of state employee pCards calls for more scrutiny of their use throughout government. The mayor’s pCard is overseen by the county finance director. Both the finance director who recently retired and the new finance director said they alerted the mayor regarding personal expenses being inappropriate even though he reimbursed the county for them.
According to a Cook Lauer story in today’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Hawai`i County Clerk’s office keeps control of Hawai`i County Council members’ pCard use. “The Clerk’s Office does a really good job making sure our pCard use is strictly for county business. We have pretty good checks and balances with the Clerk’s Office,” Council Chair Dru Kanuha told Cook Lauer. “We do keep a pretty strict policy when it comes to saving taxpayers’ money.”
According to Cook Lauer, procedures include requiring that travel be approved in advance, flights be at coach rates and motel rooms at standard rates. Receipts are required, and, if lost, duplicates must be notarized. Council members have options of receiving flat per diem rates of $90 for in-state travel or $145 daily for out-of-state travel or accruing charges. Also, the per diem must be requested in advance and reimbursed if charges are accrued instead.
After County Clerk Stewart Maeda disputed some travel charges by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, the two parties “kind of mutually agreed to cancel her card,” Maeda told Cook Lauer.
Wille said, “I don’t feel like I was abusing anything. I certainly didn’t go and buy things that were personal expenses.”
In its call for Kenoi to resign, Civil Beat’s editorial board wrote, “Though most public employees take seriously their responsibilities with these cards, in an environment of lax or inconsistent oversight, the potential for misuse increases with every new pCard assigned. Unlike old purchasing processes where prior approval was required, pCard use is only examined after the purchase. As Kenoi demonstrated, absent a whistleblower, it’s possible in some cases to get away with flagrantly inappropriate purchases for years.
“Kenoi has been a charismatic and popular mayor with a larger-than-life personality; prior to this matter, he had been discussed as a potential candidate for higher office. Holding him accountable for any criminal violations likely will now be Chin’s responsibility, with the county ethics board and legislative auditor focused only on potential administrative violations.
“As those investigations go forward, Kenoi would be well advised to resign. His public reputation might recover following an act of contrition that has meaning and lasting consequences. A failure to meet such a standard would rightly deepen character concerns that are already widespread among Big Island voters in the wake of the past two weeks’ explosive stories.
“Unlike love and aloha, making amends does come with a cost. Kenoi’s willingness to pay it may determine whether he is ultimately afforded one of life’s other virtues: forgiveness,” the Civil Beat board of editors wrote.
Kenoi said he has turned in his pCard and taken full responsibility for his mistakes.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com, civilbeat.com and staradvertiser.com.

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TMT would use a laser guide star system.
Image from tmt.org

THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE TEAM informed Gov. David Ige that it will postpone construction until next Monday, April 20.

“I thank TMT for its willingness to be respectful and sensitive to all of Hawai`i – its special people, its sense of place and its unique host culture,” Ige said.
TMT has also launched an informational microsite at www.MaunakeaandTMT.org.
The microsite provides background on the project, gives answers to most frequently asked questions and provides a listing of what TMT considers to be “some balanced news stories.”
Categories of questions with answers include cultural, environmental, community impact, financial, compliance, history of community outreach and science.
Questions in the cultural category include: “What is TMT doing to protect Maunakea’s cultural resources? Are there archaeological features on the TMT site? Are the lands on which TMT sits ceded lands? Does TMT have support from the Hawaiian community? Why can’t TMT be put in place of one of the existing telescopes?”
In the environmental category, questions are: “Will TMT have an impact on the aquifer? What other environmental considerations are being made by TMT?”
A community impact question addressed is, “How will the project benefit the Hawai`i community?”
Financial questions are: “How will TMT be funded after construction? What is TMT paying for lease rent? What are the estimated annual operational costs for TMT? How many jobs will be created to operate TMT?”
The microsite also answers questions about compliance. “Was TMT’s Environmental Impact Statement approved? Does TMT have all necessary permits to proceed? Does the TMT project meet the eight requirements for building in a conservation area?”
TMT also explains what has done in terms of community outreach and explains why the telescope should built, from a science perspective.
See answers to some of these questions in future Ka`u News Briefs.
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Ka`u's Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Richard Creagan with project assistant
Robin Smith at the Hawai`i Industrial Hemp Research Project.
Photo from Sen. Ruderman's facebook page.

LAWMAKERS REPRESENTING KA`U attended this past Friday’s blessing and seed planting ceremony for the Hawai`i Industrial Hemp Research Project on O`ahu. Hemp is being re-introduced as an emerging industrial industry that can employ Hawai`i’s latitude and climate as the center for breeding to recover and reconstitute hemp varieties.

Sen. Russell Ruderman said hemp was once a mainstay of our nation’s agricultural industry in the past. “One of our founding father, Thomas Jefferson, believed that ‘hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country,’” Ruderman said.
“Robin Smith will be one of those leaders who changes the world for the better, and I’m happy to know this remarkable young man,” Ruderman said. “He’s assisting Dr. Harry Ako in the hemp pilot project and is a great ambassador for the project.”
A bill at the state Legislature calling for research of industrial hemp has passed through required House and Senate committees and awaits a final vote.
Hawai`i Farmers Union United Vice President Simon Russell submitted testimony in favor of the bill. “Farmers should not have to wait years for permission to grow hemp,” Russell said.
“Under current U.S. law, hemp is legal to grow for research purposes. It has some 25,000-plus known uses and will create jobs. There is much research to do, and farmers need to start doing it, and the sooner the better if you please.
“Our producers will have a multi-year hybridization process to go through to develop viable hemp seeds for our various micro-climates across the state. Waiting more years is not going to be helpful, as there are a number of U.S. states and many countries around the world growing hemp for industrial purposes. The U.S. competition for hemp production is on, and Hawai`i’s farmers have not even approached the starting line.
“Hemp is a good animal feed. Poultry farmers will benefit from this crop. Hemp seeds are a large part of commercially available bird seed. Hemp is good for revitalizing the soils as well, so crop diversity and soil health will be positively impacted if this proposed legislation passes.”
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THE KA`U COMMUNITY ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM is recruiting participants. The program is a pilot project of Luzviminda Banez Miguela, a Hawai`i Community College Nursing Instructor who is also coordinator and ambassador for the National League Of Nursing. She is also a student in Nursing Practice at University of Hawai`i – Manoa. The project, supported by American Lung Association, will begin in August.

Ka`u residents can participate in tomorrow evening's public hearing on county
budgets through videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

For more information, email miguellb@hawaii.edu.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS A PUBLIC HEARING on county budgets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. The council reviews the operating and capital improvement project budgets.
Council committees also meet tomorrow: Housing Agency, 9 a.m.; Governmental Relations & Economic Development, 9:30 a.m.; Human Services & Social Services, 10 a.m.; Planning, 10:45 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 11:15 a.m.; and Finance, 1:30 p.m.
Although the budget hearing is not streamed live, most of the committee meetings are. See hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger becomes Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
founder Thomas Jaggar tomorrow. Photo from KDEN

Agendas are also available there.
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KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow and every other Tuesday during A Walk into the Past at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to take the short walk to the underground Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

KA`U RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN GROWING tea and those who have begun propagation are invited to a lively discussion tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. On hand will be Eva Lee, of Tea Hawai`i, and Robert Best, from Esparto, CA, discussing his experience in tea propagation. Free; donations are encouraged.

For more information, call 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_April2015.pdf.

Volcano Art Center screens Ka Hana Kapa, a documentary about the history of kapa in Hawai`i and the complex process of kapa making, Thursday evening. Photo from VAC

A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW THE COUNTIES to add their own general excise tax on top of the four percent state tax has been approved by state House and Senate committees. HB134 would reauthorize counties’ ability to establish .5 percent surcharges on the state general excise tax for a limited time period, with the surcharge to be effective from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 1, 2027, if adopted. It would also allow counties that have already established a county surcharge on state tax to extend that surcharge to Dec. 31, 2027. The bill would limit use of surcharge revenues by counties that have already established a county surcharge on state tax to capital costs.

If the bill passes, Hawai`i County would be authorized to use the surcharges received from the state for operating or capital costs of public transportation, systems, including public roadways or highways, public buses, trains, ferries, pedestrian paths or sidewalks or bicycle paths; and certain expenses in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

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Doug Chin

HAWAI`I ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN’S office, at the request of Hawai`i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth, will investigate Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of his county-issued purchasing card, or pCard.

“In discussions with the county prosecutor and Hawai`i County Police Chief Kubojiri, we have concluded an independent investigation may guard against an appearance of conflict under these circumstances,” Chin said. “I appreciate Prosecutor Roth and Chief Kubojiri for their cooperation and support of the law enforcement community.”
Facts learned during the course of the investigation will determine whether the attorney general’s office pursues or recommends criminal charges, administrative discipline or no further action.

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DOES THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE respect and fit in with Native Hawaiian culture? Organizations and individuals are trying to answer that question while a timeout on construction at the summit of Mauna Kea continues.
TMT organization answers to frequently asked questions at maunakeaandtmt.org:
“What is TMT doing to protect Maunakea’s cultural resources? TMT is committed to a new paradigm of development on Maunakea founded on integrating culture, science, sustainability and education. The TMT project understands the importance of archaeological and cultural sites found on Maunakea and takes their protection very seriously. From the very beginning, TMT and its planners have focused on the protection and preservation of Maunakea culture and landscape. In the 2000 Maunakea Science Reserve Master Plan, the northern plateau in Area E was identified as the area chosen for the next observatory location because of its lack of archeological, cultural or biological impact. The plan also noted the concerns from Native Hawaiians that no more development on the summit of Maunakea and its pu`u should be considered and that these cultural areas need to be protected.
“Are there archaeological features on the TMT site? Maunakea is a mountain of rich ancestral history for the Hawaiian people. To help preserve and safeguard the most sensitive areas of the summit where cultural and spiritual practices are conducted, a decision was made about 15 years ago to prohibit observatories from being built at these highly visible and sensitive areas at the summit, or on pu`u at the summit, of Maunakea. Because of this, and a continued desire to be as respectful to the land as possible, great care was taken in identifying a location for TMT to have minimal impact archaeologically and environmentally. The selected site has no archaeological shrines or features, no endangered plants, no endangered bugs and no burials.

Visualization of the TMT site provided by tmt.org.

“Are the lands on which TMT sits ceded lands? Mauna Kea Science Reserve is designated as conservation land. The MKSR is also ceded land held in trust by the State of Hawaii. By Hawaii state law, one identified use for conservation land is astronomy.
“Does TMT have support from the Hawaiian community? TMT understands and is sensitive to the cultural significance of Maunakea. That is why it has engaged the Hawaiian community throughout its seven-year process. Counted among its supporters has been the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. TMT has also consulted with Kahu Ku Mauna, a volunteer community-based council whose members are from the Native Hawaiian community.

“That said, TMT respects everyone’s personal opinions and right to protest in a peaceful and civil manner.
“Why can’t TMT be put in place of one of the existing telescopes? TMT would be much more visible if placed at the site of one of the existing telescopes on the summit ridge. Also, such a site would require a large amount of grading. The specific site for the TMT project on Maunakea was selected because it is not visible from any of the places that people consider the most sacred on the mountain and because there are no archeological finds, ancient burials or endangered native flora or fauna in the immediate area, and because a suitable site can be developed without a lot of grading.”
Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Peter Apo, who called for a moratorium on TMT construction following the arrest of 31 people at the site, said at peterapo.com: “My cautiously stated hope, absent any intent of spiritual insult, is that there may be some cultural vetting process to consider the evolution of our spirituality. A spiritual thought process that would, rather than consider the telescope as an injury to Mauna Kea, view this instrument as an extension of that spirituality directly connecting us to the celestial bodies and the very stars themselves.

OHA trustee Peter Apo

“For centuries, seeking such knowledge has been so fundamental to our cultural credentials as an enlightened people. As a matter of growing our body of native wisdom, it would seem compelling that we consider how we might play an active role in the opportunity of the century to see back to the origins of time and contribute to the world’s understanding of our global existence as the family of man.

“Perhaps I go too far with my hope and aspiration that we can find a way to turn spiritual disaster into spiritual opportunity. If I offend, e kala mai, please forgive.
“At the end of the day we cannot leave the field of play without expending every last drop of effort to forge a symbiosis of science and culture in a linking of arms toward making the world a better place. We are Hawai`i, and we will find a way.”

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS A PUBLIC HEARING on county budgets today at 5 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. The council reviews the operating and capital improvement project budgets.
County Council’s regular meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Kona is also streamed live. See hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets Thursday at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala.
For more information, call Jeff McCall at 937-1056.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets Saturday at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Cafe in Discovery Harbour. New members are encouraged to attend. For more information, email gailandgreg@mac.com.

VOLCANO ART CENTER presents Ka Hana Kapa Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The film documents the history of kapa in Hawai`i and follows the complex process of kapa making from start to finish. Ka Hana Kapa is the story of kapa making in Hawai`i, as told by dedicated kapa practitioners and their students who have given new life to this intricate cultural practice.

The evening begins with the screening of the newly released documentary film followed by a forum with kapa artists from the Volcano community: Pam Barton, Bernice Akamine and Caren Loebel-Fried.
The event is free, and donations are appreciated.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S SPRING JAZZ SERIES continues on Saturday with Keahi Conjugacion. She will join the VAC Jazz Ensemble: musical director Jr. Volcano Choy, Reggie Griffin on guitar, Brian McCree on bass and Bruce David or Bo Wade on drums.

Conjugacion is a Na Hoku Hanohano Hawai`i Music Award and Grammy-nominated international jazz recording artist. She has traveled the globe doing tours throughout the U.S., Asia and Europe. Conjugacion has a distinct musical personality made up of spontaneity and freedom mixed with a reverence for the music of Hawai`i and the bluesy stylings of classic singers she loves so much, such as Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn.
Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members ($18 non-members) and for the evening show are $18 for VAC members ($20 non-members).
Future guest artists for the series include Jimmy Borges and Gabe Baltazar.
Purchase tickets online and have them held at Will Call on the day of the show, or pick them up any day before the show at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Administrative Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Three Mountain Alliance's summer student enrichment programs bring students from all of Hawai`i Island to Ka`u. Applications for this years programs are due Friday. Photo from `Imi Pono no ka `Aina

MAYOR BILLY KENOI SAID HE will cooperate in the state attorney general’s investigation of personal charges on his county-issued purchasing card. “I respect the decision by the Department of the Attorney General, and will cooperate fully as the process unfolds,” Kenoi said. “I remain committed to the people of Hawai`i Island and to my responsibilities as mayor,” Kenoi said. “I deeply regret the pain that this investigation will cause to my family and to the fine people of our community. I do not anticipate making further public statements regarding this matter.” Kenoi used the county credit card for some personal expenses for which he reimbursed and plans to reimburse, he said. The purchases were reported initially by West Hawai`i Today newspaper.

Former Mayor Harry Kim

Hawai`i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, who serves as a member of Kenoi’s Cabinet, asked state Attorney General Doug Chin to take the case to avoid any conflict of interest.
As the investigation opens, various scenarios are being discussed in media, including Kenoi’s resignation, a recall election and impeachment. If Kenoi decides to resign, Managing Director Wally Lau would take his place until voters choose a new mayor in a special election.
Under the Hawai`i County Charter, the mayor can be recalled or impeached if enough qualified residents sign a petition. Impeachment requires valid signatures of two percent of registered voters in the last general election. For a recall election, a number of signatures equal to or greater than 25 percent of all votes cast for mayor must be gathered.
Former Mayor Harry Kim told Keoki Kerr, of Hawai`i News Now, that it’s too early for him to consider impeachment as an option. “He (Chin) has made the public announcement that he will proceed, and I will put my trust in that,” Kim said. “If there is wrongdoing, he will find; if there is not, he will find. I do put my faith in government. I know that’s not a right time to say it because of what we’re talking about, but I still do."

See hawaiinewsnow.com.

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NATIVE HAWAIIAN ASTROPHYSICIST Paul Coleman, of the Institute of Astronomy at UH-Manoa, gives his views on the Thirty Meter Telescope in MANA magazine.

Paul Coleman

According to Coleman, TMT is “really trying to be a neighbor rather than a landlord. They really want to be a part of the islands and the people and its cultures. They have committed to a million dollars a year for workforce development. This is completely different from the other million a year that they are giving to just Hawaiian programs. They are really looking to build more local people for positions that are going to become available at the TMT, and that means helping (the students) get through college, offering assistance and setting up summer research (for them) with top-notch scientists and continue to get more and more (local people) interested and involved in a possible future with them. It’s a great thing. If you’re running a big project, you want local-grown people running that project because it makes more sense. I’m very proud of the fact that this is something that is a part of Hawai`i and we can make it even more a part of us. It’s something that we can all be proud of.”

Coleman also explained financial misconceptions about the project. “I think the biggest misconception of the public is that millions of dollars are being made on Mauna Kea by these telescopes and that’s why the University of Hawai`i is so interested in doing it because it’s making so much money, and that’s not true. …
Coleman explained that UH does not charge for viewing time. “The whole model for the telescope is that you invest in building the telescope and then, depending on the amount you invested into building it, you’re allowed a certain amount of viewing time forever as long as the thing is running,” he said. “There are some telescopes out there that are owned by private corporations that charge money, but we don’t charge. In fact, it’s kind of interesting because for the observers that are granted time at a telescope, the telescope will actually provide them with money for travel, especially if you’re a student. So (TMT on Mauna Kea) is in no way a money-making proposition. I should say that the business of the one-dollar lease is, at first, they were trying to bring high tech into Hilo to help overcome the devastation brought on by the tsunami in the ‘60s. The one dollar (lease) was actually enticement to come ... so, that dollar (lease) has always been a slap in the face, but it’s not really a slap in the face when you know historically where it came from."
See more at welivemana.com.

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THE STATE SENATE HAS PASSED 135 House bills that address areas of domestic violence, beach protection, education, public safety, energy and a number of other measures aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of the residents of Hawai`i. A total of 197 bills have passed third reading by the Senate and will be returning to the House. A majority of the bills will go into conference committees where House and Senate conferees will convene to settle differences between each body’s drafts and negotiate a final amended version.

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Malian Lahey

KA`U SPECIALTY COFFEE owner Malian Lahey is asking agriculture producers for comments and concerns that they would like her to present as a member of a panel on agriculture at the Hawai`i Democratic Convention.

Comments on Lahey’s facebook page include Hester Farm asking Lahey to speak about allowing streetside vending for small farmers.
Marla Hunter, a member of Ka`u Farmers Union United, suggested, “Proposing that we farmers work with the hydroelectric power people might be a good match. Let’s be there when water conservation and energy use from hydroelectric is discussed or considered.
Simon Russell, vice president of Hawai`i Farmers Union United, said, “It would be good to replace diversified agriculture in state statute with the USDA definition of sustainable ag. Diversity is too subjective of a term, as is sustainable, unless specifically defined.

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EARTH PATRIOT: ORIGINS, a project of Earth Patriot Productions, will be published a week from today to celebrate Earth Day. The book is a new young adult novel written by Howard Shapiro, former Recycle Hawai`i Education Director, in collaboration with Hawaiian culture and language consultant Leilehua Yuen and artist-musician Bolo, who will perform at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, May 2.

Howard Shapiro, Bolo and Leilehua Yuen
collaborated on Earth Patriot: Origins.
Photo from Howard Shapiro

Earth Patriot: Origins is about the beginnings of a Hawaiian super-hero who incorporates into his life the best of traditional Native Hawaiian culture with that of modern society. It also speaks about the importance of `ohana and addresses environmental issues including climate change, GMOs and land and water rights. Appropriate for grade six through 12 readers, the novel promotes values and principles such as respecting cultures around the world, caring for others in need, respecting knowledge and wisdom of ancestors and using one’s creative talents to inspire others.
For a preview, see earthpatriotproductions.com/news.html, call 985-8725 or email earthpatriots@gmail.com.
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APPLICATIONS FOR THREE MOUNTAIN ALLIANCE’S free `Imi Pono no ka `Aina Student Enrichment program are due Friday. Two sessions are scheduled beginning June 8 and June 29.

During each two-week program, students travel to natural areas across Hawai`i Island and meet with natural resource managers, research scientists and cultural practitioners. Through hands-on activities, service projects, journals and other sense-engaging lessons, students learn about and appreciate the natural and cultural history of island ecosystems and leave with a sense of place and responsibility.
Students must be in grades six through 12 when applying. For more information, see threemountainalliance.org/students or contact Lahela Camara at 333-8241 or imipononokaaina@gmail.com.

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Former Chamber President Dallas
Decker presented a scholarship to
Benjamin Houghton last year.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP applications are due 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. See kauchamber.org to download the application form. Call Lee McIntosh at 929-9872 with any questions.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala.
For more information, call Jeff McCall at 937-1056.

VOLCANO ART CENTER presents Ka Hana Kapa tomorrow from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The film documents the history of kapa in Hawai`i and follows the complex process of kapa making.
A forum with kapa artists from Volcano follows the screening.
The event is free, and donations are appreciated.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets Saturday at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Cafe in Discovery Harbour. President Greg Smith encourages new members to attend.
For more information, email gailandgreg@mac.com.

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_April2015.pdf.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park opens National Park Week with free entry Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Peter Anderson

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE on Human Services and Social Services approved distribution of $1.5 million to county nonprofit agencies Tuesday. The committee received 137 eligible applications requesting more than $5.5 million. Last year, 103 organizations requested slightly more, while the budgeted amount was the same.

Maile David

Ka`u Council member Maile David, who chairs the committee, said, “Although amounts requested by organizations far exceeded recommended award amounts, all applicants expressed their understanding and conveyed their determination to continue providing services to supplement the needs of our island communities and increasing population.
Ka`u nonprofits receiving funds include Boys & Girls Club, $10,000 for Out-of-School Fitness for Life in Pahala; Ho`omalu Ka`u, $3,000 for a native dry-land plants workshop; Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, $25,000 for Ka`u Rural Health Academy; and `O Ka`u Kakou, $20,000 to be divided equally among its Family Fun Fest, Ka`u Coffee Trail Race and `Ohana Day, Ka`u Sanitation Program and Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u.
Except for Boys & Girls Club, these organizations did not receive grants from this funding source in the past two years.
Other nonprofits with a presence in Ka`u include Bay Clinic, which received $35,000 for its mobile health unit; Big Brothers Big Sisters, $7,000 for one-to-one mentoring; The Food Basket, $20,000 ensuring capacity for East and West Hawai`i; Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council, $20,000 for drop-out prevention program and $35,000 for its transportation program; Hawai`i Meth Project, $5,000 for meth prevention youth outreach; and Hui Malama Ola Na `Oiwi, $3,000 for 15th annual Ladies Night Out, $10,000 for its cancer program and $35,000 for Kokua Hali Health transportation.
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SOME FACEBOOK AND OTHER ONLINE comments on media reports are calling for public reporting of county credit card use by all four county mayors in Hawai`i. This follows the focus on Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of the card and his reimbursement history, which is being published by media outlets after Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported that Kenoi used his card for personal charges.
Cook Lauer today reported that comparison of campaign spending reports with county credit card statements showed that Kenoi “has mixed political activity with his county business at least twice since taking office.” One charge was for a meeting with a market research and political polling firm. Another involved hosting a campaign fundraiser on the same day that he was in Honolulu for government-related meetings and a press conference.
According to Cook Lauer, Kenoi spokesman Peter Boylan said in an email response to questions, “Due to the ongoing inquiries, we are not going to comment further on this matter.”

See westhawaiitoday.com.
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Sen. Brian Schatz

THE U.S. SENATE HAS PASSED Sen. Brian Schatz’s motion to instruct budget conferees to include in their final report language affirming the need for legislation to ensure that all legally married same-sex spouses have equal access to Social Security and veterans’ benefits they have earned. The motion passed by voice vote.
Speaking on the Senate floor prior to the vote, Schatz said, “Imagine a veteran who served his country for decades, fighting for equality and freedom around the world. He gets married in a state that allows gay marriage. If he is permanently disabled from his service, his spouse is eligible for veteran spousal benefits.
“They have earned these benefits.   But if they move – if they drive over the border from Florida into Georgia, for example, they lose those benefits.   The same scenario applies to our seniors and their right to Social Security spousal benefits.   
“Why does this happen? Simply because the federal right to these benefits happens to be defined in law with respect to the state of residence, rather than the state of celebration of the marriage.   In other words, eligibility for these benefits is based on where you live, not where you got married.   So, we have one federal right and two unequal outcomes based on the person’s residence.
“This is the definition of unequal treatment under the law.   No one is denying that Americans earn their Social Security and veteran’s benefits regardless of whether they are gay or straight. …
“This is not an ideological proposal. This is about treating veterans, disabled Americans and our seniors equally – no matter where they live or what their sexual orientation may be.”
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Sen. Mazie Hirono

TODAY, SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CO-INTRODUCED the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, a measure that would strengthen Social Security for generations to come and improves benefits for all Americans by restoring fairness to Social Security contributions. By ensuring those at the very top of the income ladder pay into Social Security at the same rate as most Americans, this legislation would extend the system’s solvency at a time when nearly two-thirds of retirees rely on Social Security for a majority of their income. The legislation also restores accuracy to the cost-of-living adjustment formula and ensures that benefits of all retirees keep pace with inflation.

According to Hirono, currently, most Americans contribute 6.2 percent of every paycheck they earn to Social Security, while a corporate lawyer earning $400,000 pays an annual rate of just 1.71 percent and a CEO earning $2 million pays an annual rate of just .003 percent.
“Social Security is one of the cornerstones for the middle class, and literally a lifeline for millions of seniors,” Hirono said. “But right now, those at the very top of the income ladder pay a lower share of their income into Social Security than the rest of Americans. That’s not fair for middle class families in Hawai`i or anywhere else. Our proposal would make sure all workers pay the same rate and would improve benefits for seniors.”

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KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets today at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala.
For more information, call Jeff McCall at 937-1056.

VOLCANO ART CENTER presents Ka Hana Kapa this evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The film documents the history of kapa in Hawai`i and follows the complex process of kapa making.
A forum with kapa artists from Volcano follows the screening.
The event is free, and donations are appreciated.

Greg Smith is president of Ka`u Farmers Union United. Photo by Ron Johnson

JACKPOT HUNTING TOURNAMENT is Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Pahala. Cash prizes go to biggest boar, sow and laho`ole and longest tusk. For more information, call Cameron at 808-646-1316

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets Saturday at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Cafe in Discovery Harbour. President Greg Smith encourages new members to attend.
For more information, email gailandgreg@mac.com.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S SPRING JAZZ SERIES continues on Saturday with Keahi Conjugacion and the VAC Jazz Ensemble.
Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members ($18 non-members) and for the evening show are $18 for VAC members ($20 non-members).
Purchase tickets at volcanoartcenter.org.

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK WEEK, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees Saturday and Sunday, and Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds a fundraising bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call Walter Wong Yuen evenings at 928-8039.

KA`U DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN SPEAK-OUTS continue Sunday. Ka`u residents can view visual displays about the CDP, discuss strategies with people familiar with it and provide feedback at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.

The plan is available for public review at local libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info.

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_April2015.pdf.

New efforts are under way to complete legal contracts and renovation of Ka`u's old sugar plantation water system. Photo from state Department of Agriculture

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT elected new officers yesterday evening and learned of new efforts to complete legal contracts and renovation of the old sugar plantation water system between Kapapala Ranch, Wood Valley, the stretch between Pahala and Na`alehu and into Wai`ohinu. Government contracts and approvals are necessary since all water, under Hawai`i law, belongs to all the people of Hawai`i. Ka`u farmers and ranchers have been meeting for a decade toward this goal.

John Cross, who was re-elected President of the Ka`u Ag Water Cooperative District, said the purpose of the cooperative is to restore and ensure that the water is shared, not stolen from the old plantation system. In addition to Cross, who works for Edmund C. Olson Trust and helped develop Ka`u Coffee Mill, new officers are treasurer Kapapala rancher Lani Cran; secretary Jeremy Buhr, who seeks ag water for the Green Sands community; and vice president Ron Self, who is an attorney and farmer representing Wood Valley Water Cooperative.

Water tunnels and water rights between Kapapala and Wai`ohinu.
Illustration of KAWCD

The water, coming from old horizontal shafts dug into the side of Mauna Loa volcano more than a century ago, will be used for agriculture, all agreements promise. The cooperative is seeking a memorandum of agreement with the state Agribusiness Development Corp., which seeks an agreement with the state Water Commission under the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.
The Agribusiness Development Corp., in turn, is expected to sign an agreement for the cooperative to manage water distribution.

Reporting to the cooperative will be representatives for each major water source with their own cooperative or other entity, formed by agriculturalists to manage water use and distribution systems.

State Department of Agriculture chair Scott Enright called into the meeting and said that surveys of some of the water systems have been accepted by DLNR and that he will work on finalizing memoranda of agreement. Ka`u’s County Council member Maile David also called in to listen to the meeting and said she wants to help the farmers and ranchers with their need for ag water.
Also attending was Melanie Bondera, representing The Kohala Center, which is offering grant-funded sessions on conflict resolution to help prevent any future problems between water users, the groups and government agencies. She said there is also funding to help organization of cooperatives for each management area, though some groups might form a different type of organization, like limited liability corporations. It is up to each management area group to decide what type of organization to form, Bondera noted.
The meeting was attending by numerous other ag stakeholders in Ka`u, including Bonnie Schoneberg, of Royal Hawaiian Orchards; Tyler Johansen, a rancher and representative of Royal Ka`u Coffee & Tea, LLC; Jeff McCall, a farmer and Ka`u farmland owner; Joel LaPinta, who represents Lehman Brothers Holdings and its 5,300 acres, including Moa`ula and Pear Tree coffee lands; rancher Steve Baczkiewicz; coffee farmer Brenda Domondon; Malian Lahey, of Ka`u Specialty Coffee; and Bill Savage, who advocates for Ha`ao Ag Water Co-op.
It was the first meeting of the Ka`u Ag Water Cooperative District since February 2014. Cross described it as very productive.
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Ka`u CDP speak-outs Sunday feature posters explaining what the plan calls
for and how to implement those items.

One subject covered in the Ka`u CDP is expansion of parks and recreation facilities. It prioritizes the Kahuku Park Community/Senior Center, Gym and Shelter, swimming pools in Na`alehu and Ocean View and skate and ATV parks. The plan recommends that a Ka`u “Friends of the Park” group collaborate with the county Department of Parks & Recreation to develop and manage skate parks and an ATV track/course.
The plan is available for public review at local libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. Also at the website are speak-out posters and handouts. Just like the speak-out stations, they are arranged by place – Pahala/Wood Valley, Na`alehu/Wai`ohinu/Green Sands, Discovery Harbour/Mark Twain/South Point, Ocean View, Coastal Areas/Punalu`u, Agricultural Lands and Mauka Forests.

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Mauna Kea: Under Siege examines the controversy over telescopes
on the mountain. Photo from `Oiwi TV

MAUNA KEA: TEMPLE UNDER SIEGE is the title of a documentary produced by Na Maka o ka `Aina that explores varying viewpoint regarding telescope development on Mauna Kea, where protesters continue to express their views during a moratorium on construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

“Although the mountain volcano Mauna Kea last erupted around 4,000 years ago, it is still hot today, the center of a burning controversy over whether its summit should be used for astronomical observatories or preserved as a cultural landscape sacred to the Hawaiian people,” the producers said.

For five years, producers captured on video the seasonal moods of Mauna Kea’s summit environment, the richly varied ecosystems that extend from sea level to alpine zone, the legends and stories that reveal the mountain’s geologic and cultural history and the political turbulence surrounding efforts to protect what producers referred to as the most significant temple in the islands, the mountain itself.
Many speakers on the program are not identified. Here are some comments by Hawaiians:
“Mauna Kea’s the first-born to us. That’s where our roots start. That’s where our island begins. … That mountain is the first for everything we have.”
“Pristine conditions on Mauna Kea’s summit have drawn astronomers from throughout the world to build telescopes on our temple.”
“Great science; wrong mountain. Go someplace else.”
“They (astronomers) look to the stars while trampling everything at their feet.”
Kealoha Pisciotta said, “What our ancestors knew, we are still learning today, and so we want these sites to be protected.”
Manu Alili Meyer said the controversy “is a perfect example of a clash of cosmologies.”

The 50-minute program is available at http://oiwi.tv/oiwitv/mauna-kea-temple-under-siege/.
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Native Kamehameha butterfly on `ama`u fern.
Photo from NPS

NEARLY 100 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with the upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on May 15 and 16. Themed I ka nana no a `ike (“By observing, one learns”), the BioBlitz is a celebration of biodiversity and Hawaiian culture. It will bring together more than 150 leading scientists and traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners, more than 750 students and thousands of visitors and residents. Together, they will be dispatched across the park’s 333,086 acres to explore and document the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rain forests of Kilauea volcano.

Volunteers are needed to make the two-day event a success and are encouraged to sign up for one or both days by May 1. Many volunteer opportunities are available, including festival assistants, set-up and break-down, and data entry. Opportunities that require park knowledge and a bit of training include inventory site managers and assistants and school liaisons to greet arriving school buses. Traffic directors are also needed and require four hours of advance training provided by the park.
“It’s always great to be part of something spectacular and fun,” said volunteer coordinator Kupono McDaniel. Lunch will be provided, and every volunteer will earn an exclusive Dietrich Varez-designed T-shirt to commemorate their participation, he said.
For more information, contact McDaniel at 985-6015, or email kupono_mcdaniel@nps.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JACKPOT HUNTING TOURNAMENT is tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Pahala. Cash prizes go to biggest boar, sow and laho`ole and longest tusk.

For more information, call Cameron at 808-646-1316.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Gilligan’s Cafe in Discovery Harbour. President Greg Smith encourages new members to attend.
For more information, email gailandgreg@mac.com.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds a fundraising bazaar tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call Walter Wong Yuen evenings at 928-8039.

LAWFUL HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT will hold education classes tomorrow from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse on Maile Street.

For more information, call Aloha Lani Cermelj at 896-9201 or Anna Cariaga 928-8909.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S SPRING JAZZ SERIES continues on tomorrow with Keahi Conjugacion and the VAC Jazz Ensemble.
A matinee begins at 4:30 p.m., with an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members ($18 non-members) and for the evening show are $18 for VAC members ($20 non-members).
Purchase tickets at volcanoartcenter.org.

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK WEEK, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees tomorrow and Sunday, and Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

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_April2015.pdf.

Cathloic Youth Day came back to Pahala yesterday and today after a decade of other locales around the island. Parish youth from
throughout Hawai`i county joined in for an overnight stay, community service, celebration, education and praise.
Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY CREDIT CARDS are coming under media scrutiny for more than use by the mayor's office. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser requested and received the history of county credit card used by the head of the the county water department. The newspaper reported this morning that "The manager for Hawai`i County's Department of Water Supply billed the county more than $7,000 for post-meeting lunches with board members over two years, raising concerns that Hawai`i island taxpayers have been picking up the tab to have public issues discussed in private."

Quirino Antonio

"A department spokeswoman said no official business was discussed during the lunch meetings, which have been held at public expense because the department 'is appreciative of the service and value the Water Board members provide as volunteers with substantial responsibilities,'" the Advertiser story reported.
The Advertiser story stated that "Quirino Antonio, the Department of Water Supply's manager and chief engineer, regularly used his county-issued purchasing card — or pCard — to buy lunch for the Water Supply Department's nine board members and staff primarily at the Hilo Yacht Club and Kona's Bite Me Fish Market following monthly board meetings. Antonio is also in charge of overseeing the Department of Water Supply's pCard expenditures, according to the State Procurement Office."
The Advertiser review of pCard receipts from the county Department of Water Supply showed $7,366.03 in expenditures described as "Water Board Meeting,""Water Board Luncheon Meeting in Kona" and "Water Board Luncheon" from January 2013 through January 2015. The newspaper pointed out that "luncheons were not announced to the public, even though the Water Board describes them as meetings."
According to the Advertiser, the average bill cost the county $294.64 with lunch bills at the Hilo Yacht Club averaging $339.35. The most expensive charge on the county water chief's pCard "was the $921.87 lunch bill at the Hilo Yacht Club following the Department of Water Supply's meeting on Dec. 13, 2013. His pCard records list only eight people who attended the lunch. But Kanani Aton, the department's spokeswoman, who is listed as one of the eight people in attendance, wrote in an email that the lunch honored 'employees of the quarter, retirees, and outgoing board members with a buffet style meal.'
"Asked to explain the discrepancy, Aton wrote in a subsequent email that a problem with the spreadsheet of Water Supply pCard expenditures cut off other names," reported the Advertiser.
The story quotes Dan Mollway, former executive director of the state ethics commission, saying such purchases raise concerns over whether Water Supply board members discussed board matters in violation of Hawai`i's sunshine law. Mollway also questioned the propriety of the department head with the pCard monitoring pCard use, particularly since Antonio made most of the expenditures.
"The rule should be that someone else should oversee it to avoid temptation or overuse," Mollway told the Advertiser.
The water department spokesperson told the Advertiser that liquor was never purchased and board matters were not discussed at the county funded lunches. She also attempted to justify buying lunches. "Some members have to travel substantial distances, involving hours worth of travel times (to and from) in addition to the board meeting duration," Aton wrote to the newspaper.
Several news services around the state are asking local government officials for records of pCard use, the interest coming after West Hawai`i Today reported on non-county expenditures by Mayor Billy Kenoi on his pCard, for which he has reimbursed the county. See more at www.staradvertiser.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Earth Matters Farm will be the site of a soils day on May 3 and a talk by Hawai`i Farmers Union United Preisdent Vicne Mina on May 23.
Photo from Earth Matters

KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED meeting today featured State Rep. Richard Creagan who gave an update on the activity at the 2015 Hawai`i State Legislature. During the meeting held at Gilligan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour, Creagan said a cottage industry bill, which would allow producers to use their home kitchens instead of a certified kitchens, looks like it will pass. The bill limits the amount of sales that could be received for products made in home kitchens.
A bill concerning medical marijuana dispensaries may make it easier for Ka`u residents to fill medical marijuana prescriptions. Creagan said this bill too may pass.
Creagan, who also serves as vice president of Ka`u Farmers Union United, also said that he sees agriculture as a rainbow that includes all the people who produce agriculture, from those who just have one fruit tree, to those with backyard home gardens and those with farms and ranches in the full spectrum. He said farmers markets can integrate agriculture from the smallest to largest producers.
Ka`u Farmers Union United president Greg Smith mentioned several upcoming events. The Farmers Union will sponsor a booth at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaulea on Saturday, May 2, promoting memberships and locally produced food products. Volunteers can call him to help. On Sunday, May 3 there will be a soils day at Earth Matters farm on South Point and Kamaoa Roads. Topics will include how to create healthy soil and saving seeds. On Saturday, May 23, Earth Matters hosts a potluck at 11 a.m. following a meeting at 10 a.m. when Vince Mina, the statewide Farmers Union United president will speak. Cal 939-7510.
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KA`U DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN SPEAK-OUTS continue Sunday in Pahala and Discovery Harbour. Ka`u residents can view visual displays about the CDP, discuss strategies with people familiar with it and provide feedback at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.

Hawaiian cultural practitioners have been staging gatherings on Mauna Kea in
the face of approved construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Photo from Protect Mauna Kea

CONSTRUCTION ON THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE on top of Mauna Kea will be delayed further, according to a statement from Gov. David Ige. this morning. He said that "leadership informed me that constructin will continue to be postponed." He also stated that it is his understanding that "TMT followed an almost seven-year planning and permitting process, which included public hearings and community input. Following this process, project permits were issued. The TMT team is legally entitled to use its discretion to proceed with construction." The bofernor waid thta "I understand that not everyone will agree with this and recognize and respect their right to appeal through the court system.
"We have used this time to listen and learn about Maunakea from various stakeholders. I learned about other issues that need our attention to create and implement a better plan for the stewardship of Maunakea. This may include: Decommissioning and removing older telescopes and facilities to restore the summit; reducing the level of activity on the summit; and integrating culture and science."
Ige said that his administration will work with University of Hawai‘i, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the community "to actively pursue these outcomes."

The delay came after protesters set up camp on Mauna Kea and attempted to block construction vehicles, with some arrests made. Protesters contend that the mountain is sacred and being desecrated by continued development of astronomy facilities. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK WEEK, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees through Sunday, and Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT OPENS TOMORROW at Volcano Art Center's Niualani campus. with seven artists. Opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. with a performance by dancer Shizuno Nasu and Rhiannon. Artists are Susumu Sakaguchi, Kenji Misawa, Ken Charon, Sonja Henrixson, Shingo Honda, Ryosaku Miyasaka and Stephen Freedman. The exhibit runs through May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Banners from parishes around the island were displayed at
Catholic Youth Day in Pahala.

CATHOLIC YOUTH DAY came to Pahala yesterday and today with teen boys and girls offering community service, and experiencing education, organization and celebration. The events were held at Holy Rosary Church and Pahala Plantation House with accommodations at Pahala Plantation Cottages and the Old Pahala Clubhouse. The youth groups marched though the village with banners and slogans like Don't Be Afraid. They visited long term residents of Ka`u Hospital and the medical staff. Parishes included St. Theresa's, St. Joe's, Holy Rosary and many others.

Representatives of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry came from Honolulu with their vision to help young people by "encouraging full, active, and responsible participation in the life and mission of the Church." OYYAM provides leaership training and community building skilss education and retreats and opportunities to participate in World Youth Day.

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Chinese investors in 1600 acres mauka of Hwy 11 in Na`alehu enjoyed the breeze at Punalu`u and a lu`au where they met local
coffee farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS MET OWNERS of the new Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, LLC yesterday at a Punalu`u lu`au held by former county councilman and beach house owner Jim Dahlberg. Dahlberg helped broker the 1,600-acre sale to the hui for lands on the mauka side of Na`alehu in the area behind Ace Hardware and extending into the hills and along Hwy 11 on the Wai`ohinu side of the village.

Jim Dahlberg, second from left, with Barry Flanagan to his right,
the HAPA band and Keoki Kahumoku, left, provided a Punalu`u
concert yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

Project Manager Louis Leong said plans include growing coffee, adding tea and other agriculture and building a coffee mill, tea processing establishment and visitor center along Hwy 11. Today the Chinese investors are touring Ka`u Coffee farms, mill and other agricultural operations in Ka` u, led by their new local representative Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services. Johansen can be reached at 808-938-3230.
The welcoming party featured famed Hawaiian musician Barry Flanagan and his band HAPA. Sitting in was Keoki Kahumoku, whose uncle Moses Kahumoku played with Flanagan years ago. The music provided a surprise for Punalu`u beachgoers.
Some members of the investment group said they plan to return for the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on May 2 and have contributed to the Miss Ka`u Coffee and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship funds.

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SIMON RUSSELL, VICE PRESIDENT of Hawai`i Farmers Union United, is a gubernatorial candidate for the state Board of Agriculture.
“New agricultural technologies, methods and innovations will emerge to give humans an agriculture system that has never been so productive, and Hawai`i can lead the way,” Russell said. “Hawai`i BOA can be an enabler, and I would like to help make it happen.

“We must take a good look at what the future will be like for our keiki. They should be able to live in a place that is food secure and resilient with regards to the economy, environment and community.”

Gov. David Ige chose Simon Russell as a member
of the state Board of Agriculture.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 2:45 p.m. For public testimony to be included, the Legislature must receive it by 2:45 p.m. tomorrow. Go to capitol.hawaii.gov and reference GM718.

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AFTER PASSING BOTH STATE LEGISLATIVE BODIES, Ka`u Sen. Josh Green’s bill requiring health insurance companies to pay for autism treatment goes to a conference committee this week. “As far as health policy goes … this is the most important bill of the year,” Green told Maria Riker, of Civil Beat. He said thousands of children in Hawai`i with autism don’t get treatment.
Green told Riker that unlike with previous bills regarding insurance coverage for autism, he worked with health insurance providers on the bill. “I don’t want to alienate anyone, I want everyone to work as partners,” Green said. He said most private insurance companies in the state are not opposed to providing coverage.
In order for coverage to be provided, insurance premiums may increase by $28 per year by 2019, according to Civil Beat.
SB 791 provides access to state Department of Health and Department of Education services, pharmacy services, psychological care and habilitative and therapeutic services.
The Legislature accepts public testimony at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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Dan Ahuna

“WHEN WILL DECISION-MAKERS LEARN that this type of political gaming will no longer fly in today’s age of instant information accessibility?” Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Dan Anuha asks in a Civil Beat commentary about the continuing controversy on building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. “I applaud the young warriors for stepping up. I applaud them for their tenacity and perseverance, and am proud to support their efforts.

“This struggle also has another component. Balanced growth and development.
“This generation has been raised reading and hearing about the adverse environmental impacts of unchecked growth of industry and development. They have a different set of priorities than the past couple generations — mainly, that the bottom-line benefit of such projects shall not be based solely on monetary profit, but that social and cultural margins must also be accounted for.
“Thus, the emphasis is to focus on sustainable growth and investment in clean projects that minimize environmental and cultural impacts while maximizing social benefit.
“There is lacking in this current project the social benefit element for Hawai`i. A few hundred temporary construction jobs and less than 150 permanent jobs, none of which are guaranteed to local residents, are not worth the impending uproar that this project will cause.

“Let us utilize this opportunity for engagement to re-examine our growth models and find creative ways to invest manpower, as well as finances, into industries that truly benefit our Hawai`i, that respect its people and culture and allows Hawai`i to be a world leader in sustainable growth.
“Mauna a Wakea is a global spiritual icon that represents mana and pono, not only for kanaka maoli, but for all native indigenous peoples around the world.
“The largest geological feature on our planet has become the focal point for all peoples to unite.”
See civilbeat.com.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees today to celebrate National Parks Week. Also, Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

Map from Ka`u CDP

KA`U DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN speak-outs continue today. Ka`u residents can view visual displays about the CDP, discuss strategies with people familiar with it and provide feedback at Pahala Community Center until 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.

According to the draft, the preferred settlement pattern in the planning area is based on a CDP Steering Committee-driven analysis of the region’s settlement patterns, build-out capacity relative to population projections, related General Plan policies and alternative future patterns for growth. That preferred pattern is to prioritize infill residential and commercial development in Pahala, Punalu`u, Na`alehu, Discovery Harbour and Ocean View.
The plan calls for maximizing use of existing and planned infrastructure; limiting development on shorelines to protect ecological resources, archaeological sites, people and facilities from coastal hazards; preserving viable agricultural lands, open space and viewscapes by allowing only agriculture, ranching and related economic infrastructure and rural development in rural lands; preserving historic sites and buildings and encouraging construction of new buildings in character with Ka`u’s architectural distinctiveness and rural sense of place; and managing growth to protect people and facilities from lava hazards.

Once the existing infill potential is largely met, existing settlements could be expanded in ways that maximize use of existing infrastructure and facilities and that create compact, walkable, mixed-use town/village centers.

Keoki Kahumoku returns to Pahala Plantation House to participate in the first event
of this yea's Ka`u Coffee Festival, the Pa`ina Open House. Photo by Julia Neal

The plan is available for public review at local libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT OPENS TODAY at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani campus. with seven artists. Opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. with a performance by dancer Shizuno Nasu and Rhiannon. Artists are Susumu Sakaguchi, Kenji Misawa, Ken Charon, Sonja Henrixson, Shingo Honda, Ryosaku Miyasaka and Stephen Freedman. The exhibit runs through May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays, except for today's opening at 5 p.m.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS begin Friday with a Pa`ina Open House Kickoff Celebration at Pahala Plantation House from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy Jr. Volcano Choy jazz and Keoki Kahumoku Hawaiian music and hula by reigning Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Sliva. Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.
Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public plus live entertainment. To enter the recipe contest, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.
Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant takes place a week from today at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Tickets are $10. Call Pageant Chair Gloria Camba at 928- 8558.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva, with her crown, joins Ka`u Coffee pageant chair Gloria Camba (center) in showing the 2015 candidates Ka`u Coffee orchards. At left are Jennifer Tabios and Maria Miranda. At right are Louise Vivien Santos and Joyce Ibasan. They will make an appearance at the kick-off celebration for ten days of Ka`u Coffee festival this Friday evening at Pahala Plantation House. The pageant is Sunday at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Nalani Parlin

LAST STRETCH FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING for the Miss Ka`u Coffee program is this week, wrapping up Friday night at Pahala Plantation House with a kick-off celebration for ten days of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Supporting Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarships with more than $5,900 raised to date are Olson Trust; CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union; Ka`u Royal Coffee & Tea, LLC; Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee; Pacific Quest; Bobby Tucker Family Trust; Ka`u Chamber of Commerce; Francisco Lobos, of Bio Eco Hawai`i; Punalu`u Bake Shop; Ka`u Specialty Coffee; Sen. Russell Ruderman; Sen. Josh Green; Rep. Richard Creagan; Rep. Richard Onishi; County Council member Maile David and Damian Eatinger. To donate, call Elijah Navarro at 928-6471.
The kick-off event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates Joyce Anne Ibasan, Maria Miranda, Louise Vivien Santos and Jennifer Tabios will make an appearance. Jazz great Jr. Volcano Choy and Keoki Kahumoku and friends will provide entertainment. Reigning Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula. Refreshments will be provided. For more on the Ka`u Coffee Festival, see www.kaucoffeefest.com.

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Speak-out at Pahala Community Center yesterday featured recorders taking ideas
from area residents to consider for incorporation into the Ka`u Community
Development Plan. Photo by Julia Neal

THE PAHALA SPEAK-OUT for the Ka`u Community Development Plan presented community and planner ideas for the future of the village and surrounding conservation and agricultural lands. Proposed general plan amendments would increase the amount of urban land within Pahala village to accommodate places where there has traditionally been or could be urban use in the walkable community. Displays also showed community comments. Some Pahala ideas include encouraging variances to maintain town character, prioritizing rural street standards and historic streetscape on Kamani Street and community-based efforts to retain town character and document local history.

Pointing to unique culture, an objective in the draft Ka`u Community Development Plan is to “establish and enforce standards for development and construction that reflect community values of architecture, beauty and distinctiveness.”
Several comments regarding local planning and agriculture reflected differing views on farm land. One community member said that farmers should be allowed to live on farm land. Another said that housing on farm land could introduce speculation and make land too expensive for real farming, contending that the Pahala model of living in town where there is childcare and facilities with farmers owning homes and going out from the village to farm is already a good model.

Read the CDP at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community centers. Comments are accepted by June 1.
Special sessions will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Na`alehu Community Center. Agriculture is the topic at 9 a.m., with coastal management covered at 1 p.m.

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Betty Clark walked for babies on Saturday
and is still nearing her fundraising goal.

WALK FOR BABIES drew Betty Clark, of Honu`apo, to Hilo on Saturday to raise money. This was the second time she has participated as an individual walker, not affiliated with a company or group. “As you may be aware, my daughter was born prematurely, weighing in at just 2.2 lbs. (one kilogram), with a birth defect, so there is a special place in my heart for families facing similar circumstances,” Clark said.

The March of Dimes has been working for many years to prevent premature births and to support and educate pregnant and new mothers.
See Clark’s donation page at marchforbabies.org/Kaimiloa to learn more and make a donation to help her reach or exceed her goal of $500.

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HAWAI`I’S HUMPBACK WHALE POPULATION and nine other distinct populations around the world are no longer endangered, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
Today, NOAA Fisheries proposed to reclassify humpback whales into 14 distinct population segments under the Endangered Species Act, providing a more tailored conservation approach for U.S. fisheries managers. According to NOAA, protection and restoration efforts over the past 40 years have led to an increase in numbers and growth rates for humpback whales in many areas.
The humpback whale is currently listed as endangered throughout its range. The proposed rule finds that ten of those 14 populations, including Hawai`i do not warrant ESA listing.
While commercial whaling severely depleted humpback whale numbers, population rebounds in many areas result in today’s larger numbers, with steady rates of population growth since the United States first listed the animal as endangered in 1970.
Also under the proposal, two of the other four populations would be listed as endangered, and the remaining two would be listed as threatened. If the proposal is finalized, the humpback whale populations that would no longer be listed under the ESA would remain protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
“The return of the iconic humpback whale is an ESA success story,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “As we learn more about the species – and realize the populations are largely independent of each other – managing them separately allows us to focus protection on the animals that need it the most.”

Hawai`i's humpback whale population is no longer endangered, according to NOAA.
Photo from NOAA

Approximate locations of proposed humpback whale distinct population segments are: West Indies, Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa, Western North Pacific, Hawai`i, Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Gabon/Southwest Africa, Southeast Africa/Madagascar, West Australia, East Australia, Oceania, Southeastern Pacific and Arabian Sea.
The two populations proposed as threatened – the Central America and the Western North Pacific – at times enter U.S. waters. Two other populations that do not enter U.S. waters – in the Arabian Sea and off Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa – would remain listed as endangered.
NOAA Fisheries is opening up a 90-day public comment period for this proposed rule. During this time, NOAA Fisheries welcomes public comments and any new information to ensure that its final determination is based on the best available scientific and commercial information.
The public can submit comments, information or data on this document, identified by the code NOAA-NMFS-2015-0035, by email at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-NMFS-2015-0035 or mail to Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For general information on humpback whales, see: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/humpback-whale.html
To read the proposal’s Federal Register notice, go to: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-09010.pdf.

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Scott Enright continues as head of state DOA.
Photo from Gov.'s Office

IN A UNANIMOUS DECISION, state senators confirmed Scott Enright as chair of the Department of Agriculture.

Enright has served as DOA director since January 2014 and deputy director for the previous two years.
Enright serves as national chair of the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture and has extensive knowledge of bioenergy fuel stock and broad experience in land use planning and policy as it pertains to agriculture in Hawai`i.
“We’re impressed with the fact that Mr. Enright enjoys support from every sector of agriculture, from large-scale industries including biotech to small farmers and the organic farming community. This ability to relate to and support all kinds of farmers is exactly what we need in Hawai`i today,” said Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, chair of the Senate Agriculture committee.
Enright said, “It’s wonderful to be able to work with Gov. Ige as he moves to make Hawai`i’s diversified agricultural economy and food sustainability a success.”
The Senate also confirmed Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser as deputy chair of DOA.
Shimabukuro-Geiser is a third generation descendant from a farming family on Maui. She has both bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees in agriculture and has 30 years of experience in farming.

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HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS Anchialine Pool Restoration Workdays Wednesday and Thursday at Ho`onoua.
For more information and to sign up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public plus live entertainment. For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

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