The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

An owner of Ka`u Coast property at Pohue Bay plans to build a house at the district's only white sand beach.

AN OWNER OF KA`U COAST PROPERTY at Pohue Bay plans to build a house there. “Mr. Geoff Palmer is proposing to develop a single-family home for his private use on a property he owns … under a company called Nani Kahuku `Aina,” Keli`i Kapali, planner for PBR Hawai`i & Associates, wrote in a letter to Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan. The company is seeking input from Creagan “as to whether the proposed Palmer Residence may have an impact on any of your existing or proposed projects, plans, policies or programs that we should consider” as the company prepares an Environmental Assessment, Kapali said.

The Palmer Residence would be in State Land Use Conservation District.
Map from PBR Hawai`i letter to Rep. Richard Creagan

The home site is within the State Land Use Conservation District Resource Subzone. According to Kapali, the house site will be designed in conformance with Conservation District rules related to single-family residential design standards, which limit developable area to 5,000 square feet. Design will include independent electricity, water and wastewater system.
Kapali said the home site will be within an area of less than five acres and near the shoreline of the parcel that contains 16,500 acres. Previous plans for the property included a hotel, condominiums and a golf course in a development called Kahuku Village.
In March 2014, owners’ representative Michael Reyes told The Ka`u Calendar, “While we have not taken any affirmative steps to move this (development) forward, we have not officially withdrawn the application, either. There are also no pending discussions with any federal or local government agency regarding the disposition of the property at this time. So basically, we are in a holding pattern and are treating the asset as a longer-term investment.”
Also in March 2014, Hawai`i County Planning Department announced that the County Council authorized the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations to acquire all, a portion of, or a conservation easement for the 16,000 acres around Pohue Bay.
PBR Hawai`i requested that Creagan reply by July 24.
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MAUNA KEA PHOTO GUILD has issues with state-proposed rules that would limit access to areas of the mountain. The road to the summit has been closed since June 24, when Thirty Meter Telescope opponents blocked it with strewn rocks and rock structures to prevent construction crews from reaching the summit.
“As photographers we support open access to Mauna Kea, access that has been legally protected for the people of Hawai`i,” a statement from the group says. “We post pictures as a show of support to protect our right to perform photography on Mauna Kea.
“Newly proposed rule changes by DLNR will prevent access to Mauna Kea at night between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., the very time that photographers visit the mountain to photograph the stars. These proposed land management practices also ban camping and the use of backpacks, which photographers use to carry their equipment.

Photographers, including Alan M. Lakritz, who took this photo, have issues
with proposed rules that would limit access to Mauna Kea.
Photo from Mauna Kea Photo Guild's Facebook page

“Poorly written and lacking in necessary specifics, there are long-term and far reaching economic consequences to these new guidelines that have not been fully considered. While the proposed rule changes may have been aimed at one segment of society, they fail to consider the impact on a broader audience. Many Big Island photographers have spent years honing their skills and purchasing specialized equipment to photograph the night sky from atop Mauna Kea. Their work is displayed in museums and galleries all over the world and enriches the lives of millions of people who cannot travel to Mauna Kea personally.
“In addition, organizations from across the globe use photography from atop Mauna Kea to educate and inspire young and old alike about the wonders of our Universe. These organizations hire local photographers to take these images that are then shared in a multitude of countries and viewed by millions of people.
“To deny access to Mauna Kea at night deprives photographers from being able to do their job and earn an income. It also prevents society at large, both here in the U.S. and around the world, from appreciating the unique wonders of the nighttime sky that can only be seen from atop Mauna Kea.
“We call upon all people who favor full access to join the our cause or create their own organization to advocate. This may include, but is not limited to recreationists, businesses, traditional worshipers, and astronomers.
“The passage of these proposed new rules will set a precedent that is unacceptable to anyone that appreciates the art of photography and the inspiration of education.”
Board of Land & Natural Resources will consider the rules at its regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. on O`ahu. The meeting will be streamed live at olelo.org.
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Ka`u's Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee won HCA top honors last year.
Photo from Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands

THE 20TH HAWAI`I COFFEE ASSOCIATION Conference and seventh Cupping Competition is July 16-19 at Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Offering a full lineup of informative activities, the annual event attracts statewide coffee industry growers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers.
The gathering is also open to the public.
The conference includes workshops covering coffee quality, chemical compounds in green coffee, label compliance, quality control of roasting and packaging, cupping and eradication of the coffee berry borer. Also on tap are legislative updates and reports from a host of agencies, including Hawai`i’s Department of Agriculture, UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource, Hawai`i Agricultural Research Center, Synergistic Hawai`i Agriculture Council and Hawai`i Farm Bureau.
Other activities include an expo, silent auction, coffee farm and processing tour, plus election of HCA officers. Winners of the cupping competition are announced Saturday at a dinner headlined by TV business reporter Howard Dicus.
The annual cupping competition is an evaluation of coffee based on flavor, aroma, mouth-feel, acidity, sweetness and aftertaste. Last year, a panel of judges, using standardized blind procedures, cupped a field of 82 Hawai`i entries hailing from eight districts. Top honors were given to Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands, of Ka`u, Aloha Hills Kona Coffee and Maui Grown Coffee.

Jonithen Jackson, of Ocean View, stars in The Land of Eb.

For more information and to register, see www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/Events.
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JONITHEN JACKSON, OF OCEAN VIEW, stars in a fictional account about the Marshallese situation. The Land of Eb will be shown July 30 on PBS.

“Living in the stark volcanic landscape of one of the most remote Hawaiian communities, Jacob, an immigrant father and grandfather, struggles to provide for his large family,” reads the synopsis at thelandofeb.com.
“When Jacob overhears a cancer diagnosis from his doctor, he keeps the news to himself, foregoing treatment in favor of working to pay off his property which he plans to pass down once he’s gone. As Jacob’s search for work becomes more desperate however, he enters into a dubious agreement with a coffee farmer who promises him the money he needs.
“His sickness getting worse and the new job beginning to fall apart, Jacob is left with few options. Sensing his own end, Jacob turns a small video camera on himself and begins to record his story — and that of his people, the Marshallese.
“A hauntingly beautiful affirmation of family, The Land of Eb brings full circle the consequences of man’s destructive nature and lasting effects of the nuclear age with the honor and dignity of love tinged with hope.”
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY co-introduced the bipartisan All Students Count Amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act. The amendment would better highlight the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander students by requiring school districts with more than 1,000 AAPI students to report disaggregated data by the major race categories in the Census, such as Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Native Hawaiian and Samoan.

Image from KDEN

“The Hawai`i Department of Education is already a national leader in collecting and using detailed AAPI data to best use resources and help high-need students improve. As we’ve seen in Hawai`i, this detailed data is critical to help educators, parents, and communities ensure that each and every child receives the support they need.”
The amendment requires school districts to collect and publicly report data on the major AAPI subgroups so that teachers, parents, principals, policymakers, and community organizations can target support to the students who need it most.

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KDEN PRESENTS THE KING AND I beginning tomorrow. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through July 26. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door.

Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited.

For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U RESIDENTS INTERESTED in becoming Red Cross volunteers can attend a meeting today at 7 p.m. at HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office.
For more information, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

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_July2015.pdf.

Waters surrounding Hawai`i are heating up and fueling tropical storms that are churning north and south of the state. Map from Weather Underground

STORMS CONTINUE TO CHURN in the Central Pacific north and south of Hawai`i, fueled by the oceans warm waters. To the north, Ela has weakened into a post-tropical remnant low due to strong south-southwesterly wind shear as it tracks west. Two other tropical depressions to the south are gaining strength as they move west of the state but are expected to weaken in the next few days, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

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A SEARCH FOR A MISSING DIVER led to the discovery of his body yesterday at Punalu`u.
At 8:15 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a missing diver in waters off Punalu`u Boat Ramp. Fire Department personnel searched by land, air and water. At 5:22 p.m., 60-year-old Robert Furtado’s body was found floating about 300 yards offshore from Ninole Bay and Punalu`u Pavilions.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
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Shoreline setback policy is a topic of the Ka`u Community Development Plan.

YESTERDAY’S KA`U NEWS BRIEF about the owner of property at Pohue Bay planning to build a house there generated many comments on Facebook. Here are several.

Saydi Llanes: “Sick I tell you, just sick.”
Gennifer Medeiros Shibuya: “Ugh. This just makes me sick. Their sick! No build!”
Lora Olson: “What about beach access?”
Lisa Edwards: “Bad move. Very bad bad bad decision.”
Larry Cush: “The owner should work with the state and/or national parks or a land trust to save this unique and irreplaceable property. The petroglyph site, aqualin ponds and undeveloped site make this area a gem worthy of National Monument status. The owner is in a position to do the right thing for Hawai`i.”
Kapono Lena Hayden: “No build!”
Cherub Akin: “I hope they will share their road with beach goers. It sure would be nice to have a white sand beach in Ka`u.”
Kallie Barnes: “The very rare and endangered Hawksbill Turtle nests here! Undoubtedly the lights from a structure would interfere with this! It would be very sad to see this area developed; it’s an absolute gem.”
Rena Higgins: “What about the turtles? Will this affect them?”
Shoreline setback policy is a topic being given more attention by Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee. In its draft form, the CDP says, “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.” Options being considered are to eliminate this policy 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.
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`Opihi are much more abundant on uninhabited Hawaiian islands.
NPS Photo by Larry Basch

RESEARCHERS ABOARD THE POLYNESIAN double-hulled sailing canoe Hikianalia and modern research vessel Searcher have returned from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, where they conducted `opihi monitoring, and offered mele (chants) and ho`okupu (gifts) to honor the islands.

“It was amazing to have such a dedicated group of people willing to participate in all aspects of this expedition,” said Hoku Johnson, NOAA expedition coordinator. “This was the first time researchers specifically collaborated on projects that have cultural, scientific and management benefit for Papahanaumokuakea and beyond.”
Chris Bird and Patricia Crockett, researchers with Texas A&M University, continued their years of research on `opihi, making some interesting findings.
“It appears that Nihoa is the ‘Fort Knox’ of `opihi in terms of genetic diversity,” Bird said. “This is significant because `opihi populations in the Monument could be more resilient to human-derived effects like ocean acidification and disease outbreaks than populations in the Main Hawaiian Islands.”
This ongoing research continues to provide managers with insights into how to make better-informed management decisions concerning `opihi harvesting in the Main Hawaiian Islands.
“After six years of conducting research on `opihi in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, it is apparent that there are 99.9 percent more `opihi on the shorelines of the Monument than those of Oʻahu,” Bird said. “On O`ahu there is an average of one `opihi per square meter, versus an average of 100-200 `opihi per square meter in the Monument. Working in Papahanaumokuakea continues to provide insight into what a healthy shoreline should look like.”
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Dr. Jim Kauahikaua, accompanied by his wive Jeri Gertz received
his award in Washington, DC. Photo from USGS

DR. JIM KAUAHIKAUA RECENTLY RECEIVED a Citation for Meritorious Service, the second highest U.S. Department of the Interior honor award that can be granted to a career employee. The award is in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions in the field of volcano hazards for the USGS and his leadership of U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Known to many on the Island of Hawai`i as Dr. Jim, Kauahikaua was, for many residents, the patient, calm, and steady face of HVO during last fall’s threatening lava flow in lower Puna, HVO personnel wrote in the current issue of Volcano Watch. This was acknowledged in the citation, which states that “his expertise is potentially lifesaving for residents on Hawai`i Island” and that his leadership has proven invaluable during responses to natural hazards.
The citation further commends Kauahikaua for his work strengthening relations between HVO and other Federal, State, and County agencies, which has improved interagency coordination during periods of elevated volcano and earthquake activity… .
When lava flows inundated the Kalapana community in 1990, he became interested in lava flow dynamics and mitigating volcanic hazards in Hawai`i. He has since developed tools for lava flow hazards assessment and methods for quantifying lava flow emplacement that have been utilized during Kilauea Volcano's ongoing East Rift Zone eruption, including the recent advance of lava toward Pahoa.
In October 2004, Kauahikaua was named HVO’s 19th Scientist-in-Charge – the first of Hawaiian ancestry. The Meritorious Service Award citation notes that, as Scientist-in-Charge, Kauahikaua “guided HVO through significant changes in monitoring and communication technologies, volcanic and earthquake activity, staff reorganization and makeup, and scientific and public outreach activities, leaving HVO well-prepared to tackle 21st Century challenges.”
After serving as HVO’s Scientist-in-Charge for more than 10 years – one of the longest terms in the observatory's history – Kauahikaua rotated back to his former position as an HVO research geophysicist in March 2015. He is now happily focused on scientific investigations that had to be put on hold during the past decade, when his time and attention were effectively consumed by administrative and managerial responsibilities.
Tina Neal, who succeeds Kauahikaua as Scientist-in-Charge, notes the extremely high regard that HVO holds in the global science community, both in terms of scientific accomplishment and public service. “It is an honor to inherit leadership of such a beloved and talented organization within the Hawai`i Island community, and I give Jim much credit for that,” she said.
In response to the award bestowed upon him, Kauahikaua said, “HVO couldn’t have accomplished so much these past 10 years without the support of the entire HVO staff, a team of highly dedicated individuals. Together, we have accomplished some amazing things, and now, with Tina’s leadership, we will do even more.”
Congratulations, Dr. Jim! The DOI Meritorious Service Award is well-deserved recognition for your years of service to the USGS and HVO.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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One of Kahuku's free programs this weekend is a guided hike to Pu`u O Lokuana.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend.

Pu`u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Participants learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. Tomorrow, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
A guided hike of Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Call 985-6011 for more information.

THIS SUNDAY’S WALK IN THE PARK is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided by botanist Tim Tunison, this four-mile round-trip hike explores Mauna Loa Trail. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; others may become members in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373 for more information.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Expansive vistas abound on tomorrow's Palm Trail hike at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit.
NPS Photo by Mark Wasser

AFTER MORE THAN EIGHT HOURS of public testimony, Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources voted 5-2 last night to approve a 120-day emergency rule pertaining to access to Mauna Kea.

BLNR member Chris Yuen

“We need the tools to keep order on the mountain,” said at-large board member Chris Yuen, former Hawai`i County Planning Department chief. “It’s sad that it has come to this point.”
Hawai`i Island board member Stanley Roehrig also voted in favor of the rule, saying it was for the safety of everyone, including rangers. O`ahu member Ulalia Woodside and Maui member James A. Gomes voted a`ole.
The action follows blockades on the summit access road by people and rocks placed to restrict access by crews attempting to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
According to the rule, no person shall at any time possess or control in the restricted area any of the following items: sleeping bag, tent, camping stove or propane burner.
The rule also limits times access is available to the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., unless the person is transiting through the restricted area on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road or is lawfully within or entering or exiting an existing observatory or a facility operated by the University of Hawai
The restricted area is defined as any lands in the public hunting area that includes the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and one mile on either side of the road.
As used in this rule, the term transiting means operating, or being a passenger in, a motor vehicle travelling at a reasonable and prudent speed and having regard to the actual and potential hazards and conditions then existing.
The board declared that there was “imminent peril to the public health or natural resources.”
Roehrig pointed out that persons wanting to access the area can apply for special permits. He also said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case is open to setting up an area to be used for protests.
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GMOS, ZEALOTRY AND LEGISLATIVE OVERREACH is the title of a recent blog post by Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation President Chris Manfredi, a Ka`u resident, at hfbf.org.
“This is my first HFBF blog post, one that is overdue,” Manfredi wrote. “I hope to be doing more of these.

HFBF President Chris Manfredi
Photo by Julia Neal

“What better occasion than the turning back of the GMO ban on Maui, the last of three? Like on Kaua`i and Hawai`i Island, a federal judge invalidated the de-facto GMO crop ban on the grounds that growing these crops is already governed at state and federal levels. County attempts to regulate in this area are thereby preempted.
“Never mind that the ballot initiative was flawed from the get-go. Never mind that the counties have no resources nor expertise to enforce these ordinances. Thankfully, our system of government with its three branches and built-in checks and balances protects us from zealots – or is at least designed to. The proponents of these measures never let the facts nor scientific evidence get in the way of their ideology. Lawmakers that supported these measures were wrong to pass flawed bills that overreached their authority – and that’s a shame.
“When elected representatives follow, rather than lead it hurts the citizenry. I hope they realize that by supporting measures so extreme they essentially punted their legislative roles to the judiciary, eroding their own power and influence. Such a waste of time and resources, chasing paper tigers and strawmen. Imagine if this time and energy was applied to actual problems.
“We saw what happens at the state house too, when two Big Island senators were relieved of their committee chairmanships by proposing and supporting measures so extreme that they were shown the door by their colleagues. They diminished their own influence, and thereby did a disservice to the citizens that employ them. Question: When is it OK for an Ag committee chair to oppose farmers? Answer: Never. And so it goes. Smart politicians understand the difference between campaigning and governing. Once elected they ought to remember they need to represent all of their constituents.
“Well, this is a big win for farmers, not just in Hawai`i, but across the globe. We’re sick of the uncertainty placed on our businesses by zealots. We’re tired of being demonized by demagogues armed with propaganda and driven by political and financial agendas that create nothing but hot air, wasted time and wasted opportunities.
"Maybe now we can put distractions aside and focus more on what’s really important: raising and caring for the plants and animals that nourish a society,"Manfredi wrote.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE WARN THE PUBLIC about a telephone scam from persons claiming to be from the Department of Water Supply.
The individuals call Water Supply customers and threaten to shut off their water service because of what they claim are past-due water bills.
According to the DWS, the calls are fraudulent and an attempt to gain access to credit card or other financial information.
Residents are advised that if they receive such a call, they should report it to the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Members of the community also may call DWS at 961-8050 to file an additional report.
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Frances Kai`Hwa Wang

THE COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION and Community Service at the University of Hawai`i-Hilo will conduct a one-day workshop entitled Jumpstart Your College Application Essay next Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in UCB 113. The cost is $50.

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, a writer, speaker, activist and multicultural educator at the University of Michigan, and author of Where Lava Meets the Sea – Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawai`i, will conduct the course described as “a college application essay boot camp.” Students will employ timed writings and discussion to inventory their high school experiences, analyze various college application and scholarship essay questions, write a good first draft and discuss editing techniques. Participants should bring a laptop, notebook, pen and application questions of the colleges/scholarships to which they want to apply.
For more at (808) 974-7664 or email ccecs@hawaii.edu.
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AS A MARK OF RESPECT for the late former Lieutenant Governor and state Senator Nelson Doi, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawai`i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai`i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset tomorrow.
“Nelson Doi was a pillar of his community on Hawai`i Island and a dedicated public servant who laid the foundation for and helped to improve the entire state. He was a trailblazer and committed leader who left behind a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of Hawai`i, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Doi ‘Ohana and their many friends,” Ige said.
Born in Pahoa on News Years Day in 1922, Doi served in the Hawai`i Territorial Senate for 14 years. He then entered the judicial branch in 1969, serving as judge of the Third Circuit Court for five years. In 1974, Doi began a four-year term serving as the Lieutenant Governor. Doi died on May 16.
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FNVNP members explore Mauna Loa Trail tomorrow.
NPS Photo by Gerad Dean

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON GUIDES tomorrow’s Sunday Walk in the Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This four-mile round-trip hike explores Mauna Loa Trail. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; others may become members in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers a guided hike of Palm Trail tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U CELEBRATES OBON SEASON with services Monday at Pahala Hongwanji at 3 p.m. (928-8254) and Na`alehu Hongwanji at 6 p.m. (966-9981).

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_July2015.pdf.

How do we view Kilauea? is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from NPS

KA'U HIGH GRAD PETER CABREROS became the new warden at Hawai`i Community Correctional Center on Wednesday after serving the state Department of Public Safety for more than 40 years. A son of plantation workers, he talked to Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett about his teen years in Ka`u influencing his decision to become a corrections officer.

In a story in this morning’s Tribune-Herald, Cabreros said he hung out at the local gas station. “All the police officers used to come there and service their cars. I got to know all of them,” Cabreros told Burnett. “And I used to raise hell with my Camaro and my dirt bike. And they told me, ‘Peter, before you get into trouble, there’s an opening at the jail. I’ll write a letter for you." So I applied and did the interview. … They showed me a copy of the letter later on. The whole Ka`u police department signed off on the letter.”

Ka`u High grad Peter Cabreros is warden at HCCC.
Photo from Hawa`i Department of Public Safety

Before being named warden, Cabreros was Chief of Security at HCCC. He took over as acting warden in January of upon retirement of the previous warden. Cabreros has been with the Department of Public Safety since February 1975. He started as a corrections officer and worked his way up through the ranks to Chief of Security in 2002.
As Chief of Security, Cabreros was responsible for planning, directing and administering overall security operations. He also served as a member of the institutional management staff and participated in the creation of institutional security policies and procedures. Chief of Security also acts in the capacity of warden in their absence.
“Peter is a valuable asset to the department and is a committed corrections professional,” said Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. “He brings many years of corrections experience with him to this new position, and I have no doubt HCCC will benefit by his leadership.”
Cabreros oversees a staff of 180. He told Burnett there are currently about a dozen corrections officer openings, and he’s hopes to hire about five or six from the guard recruit class.
“I tell each recruit on the first day I meet them, being a corrections officer takes a special person,” Cabreros told Burnett. “It’s about commitment, about dedication, about integrity, about sacrifice. With our line of work, we work 24/7, holidays, weekends. I tell them all, ‘When your family’s out there celebrating these holidays and special occasions, somebody’s gotta work.’”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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KULANI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY HELD a special Makahiki celebration and graduation ceremony Friday for 45 inmates who received completion certificates from Hawai`i Community College.

HCC offered three educational programs for inmates at Kulani from March through June 29. The programs offered were facilities maintenance, Hale Mua o Kulani and sustainable horticulture. Through these programs, inmates learn real-world job skills that they can use once they leave. The completion certificate is also a document they can show to HCC if they chose to continue their education with the college.

Kulani inmates who participated in educational programs graduated Friday.
Photo from Hawa`i Department of Public Safety

The facilities maintenance program included 270 hours of carpentry and masonry. Participants ihad to demonstrate their understanding of rough construction techniques and principles, identify and recognize green construction practices, use appropriate industry methods and techniques to safely operate hand and power tools to measure and cut materials. They also had to apply the relevant use of materials, tools, equipment and procedures to perform basic building repairs.
In the masonry class, they learned about concrete materials and techniques, demonstrated the use of equipment and tools for placing concrete, identified tools and equipment used in performing masonry work and incorporated leadership skills including communication, motivation, team building, problem solving and decision-making skills.
The Hale Mua o Kulani Program emphasized Hawaiian culture. The class included conversational Hawaiian language, Hawaiian values in the workplace, imu cooking, paniolo (livestock ranching), Hawaiian `ukulele and Pahu drum carving. Participants cooked a pig in an imu at Kulani for their Makahiki lunch.
The sustainable horticulture production program included classes on identification of native Hawaiian plants and a series of introductory classes on agriculture, soil science, plant nutrition and composting.
There are currently 195 inmates housed at Kulani. Inmates housed there are within a year of release.
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CUTBACKS IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES in Hawai`i, including Ka`u, lead to increased risk to communities and unfair treatment of those with mental problems.
State psychologists contend the problem may grow “as a result of staffing shortages and an overall breakdown in Hawai`i’s mental health system," according to an investigative story by Kristen Consillio in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
“The psychologists and clerical staff in the Health Department’s Courts and Corrections Branch have filed an internal complaint about shortages they say are resulting in serious consequences for mentally ill defendants and the community,’ the story reported.
Daryl Matthews, a forensic psychiatrist who has worked by contract with the state, filed his own complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice concerning civil rights violations of defendants awaiting mental health evaluations. He told the reporter, “It’s outrageous what’s going on. It’s horrible.”

Reneau Kennedy

According to Matthews, defendants are being kept in jail for “grossly inappropriate, unconstitutional lengths of time,” leading directly to their “egregious harm,” Consillio reported.
The story gave an example of a man killed by police on O`ahu. He was drunk and refused to get out of his vehicle when ordered by police, after they perceived he was attempting to run into the police car. He was without care, waiting for mental health evaluation.
“It’s an essential component of government that is not getting attention,” Reneau Kennedy, a private-practice psychologist who was the Health Department’s forensic chief, told Consillio. “You've got competent professionals who are crying for help asking for more staffing, and it’s not being addressed.”
Mark Fridovich, administrator of the department’s Adult Mental Health Division, told Consillio, “It’s a very serious situation, but I don’t think it’s a public safety concern. There’s been a backlog. We’ve been monitoring the backlog and are very concerned about it.”
According to the story, the Health Department is using psychologists from other branches to help with the backlog while working to fill four vacant positions.
See staradvertiser.com.
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KA`U FARM BUREAU MEMBERS can contact Chris Manfredi, of Na`alehu, with their concerns to relate to congressional leaders. As president of Hawai`i Farm Bureau, Manfredi is headed to Washington, D.C. this week for American Farm Bureau Federation’s Council of Presidents meetings. “I’ve scheduled several meetings with our Congressional delegation while I’m there,” he writes on Hawai`i Farm Bureau’s blog. “The Government Affairs Committee collaborated with ag industry stakeholders on an issue paper. If you want a copy, or have a particular issue you want me to emphasize, please email me at chris@hfbf.org.”
Another contact for input is Ka`u Farm Bureau President Brenda Iokepa Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com. See more at hfbf.org.
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KA`U CELEBRATES OBON SEASON with services tomorrow at Pahala Hongwanji at 3 p.m. (928-8254) and Na`alehu Hongwanji at 6 p.m. (966-9981).

Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua Photo from Kalua's facebook page

AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK TUESDAY, Manaiakalani Kalua and historian Philip K. Wilson present a deliberative discussion on Klauea’s place in Hawaiian culture and the history of science, and where the two perspectives intersect and encounter one another.
Kalua is a kumu hula and faculty member of I Ola Haloa, Center for Hawai`i Life Styles, at Hawai`i Community College. Wilson is professor of History at East Tennessee State University and has been a visiting professor at University of Hawai`i at Manoa. One of his interests is Hawaiian history, comparing the significance of the volcano Kilauea during the nineteenth century from the perspectives of naturalists, missionaries and native Hawaiians.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Sponsored by Hawai`i Council for the Humanities and University of Hawai`i-Hilo. $2 donations support After Dark programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Participants in Science Camps of America's Land and Sea session studied Hawai`i Island's geology earlier this month.
Photo from Michael Richards

A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT in Ocean View is on the agenda of a meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile Medeiros David plan to attend.

In March 2013, Ka`u News Briefs reported that photovoltaic installations were planned for Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, according to Jeremy Staat, of Ohana Solar Power, LLC. Staat said at the time that his company had invested $10 to $12 million in fee-simple properties in Hawai`i, technology and proposals to the electric utilities. He said he was waiting for approvals from the state Public Utilities Commission and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. for the Ranchos project.  Staat said his company planned solar on three islands and owned 20 lots in Ranchos. Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Solar Hub Utilities showed that building permits were issued for all 20 lots in early 2012.

Jeremy Staat, of Ohana Solar Power, LLC

Company names currently involved in the project include Solar Power Holdings, Solar Power, Inc., Solar Hub and Solar PV Projects.

According to Sandi Alexander, of Ocean View Community Association, Hawaiian Electric Light Co. announced at a community meeting a month ago that it plans to build a 10-megawatt substation across Hwy 11 from Ocean View Market to handle power coming from the two-acre solar arrays to be built on three-acre lots.
During the meeting, residents expressed concerns about having solar arrays spread throughout the residential area, possible bulldozing of old-growth `ohi`a on the lots, heat generated by solar panels and possibility of theft, since developers have no plans for monitoring of their equipment. Residents also asked if the development would limit the amount of net-energy metering, where surplus energy goes back to HELCO to lower electricity bills, available to residents.
Alexander said the purpose of the meeting is to try to come to some consensus about what residents want regarding the project.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL on Mauna Kea yesterday arrested an individual for criminal property damage after she allegedly struck the vehicle of an Office of Mauna Kea Management ranger with her own car. The individual allegedly drove up to a ranger and two sheriffs at 2:30 a.m. and argued with them for not allowing her to ascend the mountain. She then advanced her car into the OMKM rangers vehicle, causing minor damage. No one was injured.
The incident follows the state Board of Land & Natural Resources’ implementation of emergency rules restricting access on Mauna Kea from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
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Science Campers visit Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Photo by Michael Richards

THE SECOND SESSION of this year’s Science Camps of America based at Pahala Plantation Cottages continues through July 18. According to founder Michael Richards, the Big Island of Hawai`i is the ideal location for experiencing the air and space sciences and the world’s greatest laboratory for Earth science.

Air and Space Camp gives students the chance to learn about Earth’s atmosphere and climate and about space. Participants visit observatories and the centers where astronomers work. They also learn how scientists study concentrations of substances in the atmosphere, see alternate energy development in action and gain a better understanding of climate change and how to be better prepared to participate in solutions to challenges they will face.
During Land and Sea Camp, the focus was on volcanoes (geology) and the ocean (oceanography). Students visited Kilauea, the world's most active (and easily studied) volcano. They saw footprints in hardened ash that are over 200 years old, along with one of the world’s greatest mineral collections and beaches made entirely of minerals. They learned not just about the events that take place in the natural world but experienced first-hand how they affect plants, animals and humans.

For next year, Science Camps of America offers scholarships to local students. For more information, see sciencecampsamerica.com.
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Crews make repairs to Solar Impulse II on O`ahu.
Photo from solarimpulse.com

SOLAR IMPULSE TWO IS GROUNDED on O`ahu. During the record-breaking oceanic flight of five days and five nights (117 hours and 52 minutes) from Japan, the solar-powered airplane suffered battery damage due to overheating. The damage to certain parts of the batteries is irreversible and will require repairs and replacements that will take several weeks to work through.

Solar Impulse’s crew does not see the possibility for any flights before two or three weeks at the earliest. The next leg of its around-the-world journey will take it to Phoenix, AZ. Regular updates will follow at solarimpulse.com.

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SEN. MAZIE K. HIRONO WILL PARTICIPATE in the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee. NDAA is an annual bill that lays out the Department of Defense’s budget and strategic plan for the military in the next year.
Both the House and Senate have passed different versions of NDAA. Under the Constitution, Congress has to agree on the same text of a bill in order to send it to the President for signature. Conference Committees serve as a way for the House and Senate to reach agreement on legislation which must then be passed again by both the House and Senate. As an NDAA conferee, Hirono will collaborate with members of the Senate and House to come to a bipartisan and bicameral compromise on the nation’s military spending.
“The NDAA should reflect the United States’ national security priorities by supporting our men and women in uniform, sustaining a 21st century fighting force and investing in long-term initiatives like the Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific,” Hirono said. “As a conferee, I will work to see that Hawai`i continues to play a vital role in these efforts. I continue to be concerned about the impact of the sequester, which harms our economy and our national security. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to address these issues and find bipartisan solutions that will keep our military strong.”
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Pele and Hi`iaka by Avi Kiriaty

AVI KIRIATY EXHIBITS KUMU PELE at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, July 18 through Aug. 23. This exhibition of original paintings and prints will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public; park entrance fees apply. A special opening reception with the artist is on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gallery.

Kiriaty was born in Israel, the son of a dabbling artist, and spent his youth as a keen observer of nature and people. He met his wife on a kibbutz and soon after moved to New Hampshire where they had their first child. Soon after, the budding family moved to the South Pacific in search of a warm, peaceful place amid nature. The original plan was that Hawai‘i would be one of the stops along the way, but upon arrival they couldn’t resist the beauty they experienced and decided to stay. They spent the first year on Kaua`i, where Kiriaty experimented for a time with oil painting. From there he moved to the Hamakua. His son was born on an old Hawaiian homestead there. Kiriaty then moved to the Puna rainforest and began to live the life of an artist. His first works were sold at Hilo Farmers Market, where his wife had been selling tie-dyed T-shirts. Kiriaty included a few works for sale and to no one’s surprise, they were an immediate success.
Since that time, Kiriaty has continued to capture the Hawai‘i landscape and his observations of its people in joyful paintings and prints. For a deeper study into Polynesian culture, Kiriaty and his family traveled to 19 different islands in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, and his work has been profoundly influenced by the journey. One example is Kiriaty’s unique collection of Storyboards. Throughout the South Pacific many cultures create Storyboards as a form of art that documents their oral tradition and their cultural history. They have been made in many different forms, including woodcarvings and tapa cloth designs. Kiriaty has developed his own style of Polynesian storyboard using oil paint on linen canvas. The texture, and partially the style, of these works is similar to that of his lino-block prints. His daughter works with him in the studio on these pieces in an apprentice fashion, filling in the layers at his direction. This working relationship has developed a line of paintings that have a unique style while still being clearly Avi Kiriaty originals.
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Philip K. Wilson

OBON SEASON SERVICES take place today at Pahala Hongwanji at 3 p.m. (928-8254) and Na`alehu Hongwanji at 6 p.m. (966-9981).

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tomorrow is How Do We View Kilauea? Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and historian Philip K. Wilson discuss Kilauea’s place in Hawaiian culture and scientific history, and where the two perspectives intersect and encounter one another. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
$2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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_July2015.pdf.

A photo showing SPI's ground-mounted solar arrays, which the company plans to install on lots makai of Hwy 11 in Ocean View, is on the company's website, enspisolar.com.

THE COMMERCIAL SOLAR PROJECT proposed in Ocean View has drawn a petition resisting the plan. A meeting on the issue is scheduled for this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

A Petition to Stop Industrial Solar in residential Ocean View is being circulated in the community by an ad hoc group of residents. It says, “We, the undersigned, are opposed to the introduction of industrial-scale solar PV power generation into Ocean View subdivisions, as exemplified by the plan of SPI-Solar to install over 30,000 panels on 26 lots in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, Kulakai View Estates and 21-acre lots between these two subdivisions, located in Ka`u District, Hawai`i County. Our concerns include safety, property values, views and quality of life.”
Dominic Lopez, project manager, wrote in an email to a Ranchos resident that “Solar Hub and SPI will be installing ground-mount solar PV on 26 sites throughout the Ocean View area. Each site will roughly be using two acres per site. Each site will have 1,172 panels per site.”
During the June 17 meeting, a map presented by the solar developers showed 18 lots in Ranchos and eight 21-acre parcels on the western edge of Ranchos, all makai of Hwy 11. The larger parcels would be leased from the Doolittle Trust.
Sandra Shelton, a resident of Ranchos, said she and other residents have a personal concern that large stands of `ohi`a trees will be cut down and that homes will become surrounded by industrial solar.
Other companies involved with the project include Ohana Solar Power, LLC, Solar Power Holdings, Solar Power, Inc., Solar Hub and Solar PV Projects.
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Ka`u Learning Academy plans to begin classes on July 29.
Photo from bigislandgilligans.com

LAST WEEK, HAWAI`I’S CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION approved recommendations of charter commission staff to extend the deadline for Ka`u Learning Academy to meet opening requirements.

By this Thursday, July 16, KLA must provide the commission with either copies of Certificate of Occupancy, satisfactory fire inspection report and necessary building permits or a letter from a county department that has jurisdiction stating that the facility is safe for students and staff and that the school is allowed to operate in the facility. KLA must also provide evidence that its governing board intends to hire key leadership positions. Also, its Pre-Opening Assurances document must be signed and certified by all governing board members.
Because the commission will not meet before the deadline, the commission has given its executive director authority to determine if the school is compliant and able to open. Classes are scheduled to begin at Discovery Harbour’s golf clubhouse on July 29 and follow the public school calendar.
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UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I REOPENED the access road to Mauna Kea summit yesterday. It had been closed since June 24, when opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope blocked access with rocks scattered on the road.
“The state seeks to provide safe access to Mauna Kea summit by all lawful users,” Gov. David Ige said. “Unfortunately, the destructive actions of several individuals temporarily rendered the mountain road unsafe since June 24. I am pleased UH has reopened the road following its damage assessment and repairs.”
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Lance Mizumoto is new chair of Hawai`i's Board of Education.
Photo from UH

LANCE A. MIZUMOTO is Gov. David Ige’s choice for Board of Education Chairmanship. Ige’s appointment is effective immediately.

Mizumoto has 25 years of experience with financial institutions in Hawai`i. Currently he is president and chief banking officer of Central Pacific Bank, where he oversees the organization-wide strategic direction and management of all lines of business, including commercial banking, commercial real estate, retail banking, residential mortgage and wealth management. Previously, he served in various capacities of increasing responsibility at Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawai`i and International Savings and Loan. He serves on the Chamber of Commerce board and is a member of the Chaminade University’s Board of Regents.

“Lance is committed to creating a better future for Hawai`i’s students,” Ige said. “He believes that focusing on students and empowering principals, teachers and staff is the best path to success in our public education system. He is committed to school-based decision making. Lance will be a collaborative leader, one not afraid to tackle the tough issues that get in the way of student achievement.”
Mizumoto said, “I appreciate the confidence and support of Gov. Ige. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and continuing the efforts to improve public education in Hawai`i.”
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Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke about renewable energy solutions
at a Senate committee hearing. Image from youtube.

THIS MORNING, SEN. MAZIE HIRONO spoke about the importance of finding renewable energy solutions for island states and communities like Hawai`i at a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on Islanded Energy Systems in Alaska, Hawai`i and the U.S. Territories. Hirono heard from stakeholders from Hawai`i, Guam, Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the unique challenges of meeting energy needs of island communities.

“It’s incredibly important that we are holding this hearing on island energy systems,” Hirono said. “The people of Hawai`i understand the unique challenges that come with living on our islands, but our energy challenges loom especially large. Families and businesses in Hawai`i are well aware that they face the most expensive energy costs in the country.”
Witnesses at the hearing included Hawai`i State Energy Office Administrator Mark Glick and Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia`aina.
Hawai`i currently meets 21 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources, and has pledged to increase that goal to 100 percent by 2045.
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INDIVIDUALIZED CAREER ACHIEVEMENT NETWORK begins a program this month at Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council’s facility in Na`alehu behind the community center.
The iCAN program offers preparation to achieve the National Career Readiness Certificate, academic planning and personal advising, a clear transition plan for further education, resume and cover letter preparation, job search and interviewing skills and classes to improve reading, writing, math, computer skills and workplace skills
The course is 10 weeks or 120 hours. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is no cost for participants 18 to 64 years of age.
For more information, contact Jay Ihara at 934-2700 or jihara@hawaii.edu.
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Chip Fletcher

CHIP FLETCHER, ONE OF THE NATION’S foremost experts in climate change and its effects on coasts, will be the featured speaker on Friday, Aug. 14 at `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Environment Hawai`i celebrates its 25th anniversary with a dinner, live music by JazzX2 and a silent auction featuring works by local craftspeople and artists from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fletcher will speak on the topic, Climate Crisis: Review and Update. He is associate dean for academic affairs and full professor at the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology at the University of Hawai`i-Manoa. Books he has authored include Living on the Shores of Hawai`i and Climate Change: What the Science Tells Us.
For more than 25 years, Environment Hawai`i has brought its readers environmental investigative reporting in the state, as attest its many awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. The monthly non-commercial newsletter is supported by subscriptions and donations from readers.
Reservations are needed by Tuesday, Aug. 11. Cost is $65 per person.
For more information, call 934-0115, email ptummons@gmail.com, or see http://www.environment-hawaii.org.
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THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK this evening at 7 p.m. is How Do We View Kilauea? Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and historian Philip K. Wilson discuss Kilauea’s place in Hawaiian culture and scientific history, and where the two perspectives intersect and encounter one another. The program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
$2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

Tom Peek is author of Daughters of Fire. Photo from VAC

TOM PEEK PRESENTS Writing on the Wild Side Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Participants tap the power of intuition to explore their creative minds and discover their unique voice. Social media correspondents, bloggers, storytellers, journal writers and poets will find Peek’s stimulating techniques and exercises empowering. Learn to silence your inner critic and unleash your expressive potential in this fun, fast-paced and provocative writing workshop. No previous writing experience needed.
Call 967-8222 to register. Fee is $75 or $65 for VAC members.

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_July2015.pdf.

Ka`alaiki Road is used by farmers, ranchers, visitors and trucks hauling heavy loads. Photo by Julia Neal

REPAIRING KA`ALAIKI ROAD from Makino about three miles above Na`alehu all the way to the old Pahala garage is an effort by ranchers and farmers Al Galimba and Phil Becker. Galimba said they are working with County Council member Maile Medeiros David to use some of her contingency funds and seeking other private and public donors. Commitments are coming in through money, equipment and labor from Taylor Built Construction, Wally Andrade, Forest Solutions, Kuahiwi Contractors, Edmund C. Olson Trust, Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., Bishop Estate and The Nature Conservancy. “Pacific Quest gave us the first $2,000 check, and we set up a special account at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union for the fundraising,” Galimba said.

When Hwy 11 shuts down, Ka`alaiki is the emergency road, and it needs repair.
Photo by Julia Neal

The road is an old sugar plantation cane haul road, left without funding for its care when Ka`u Sugar Co. shut down in 1996. It is used by the public, especially during emergencies when Hwy 11 is closed. It is being cared for by those who drive it. “It is one of the roads in limbo with not much public funding since there are not many houses along its 12-mile stretch. However, the county did pay for, through the Roads in Limbo program, for repaving the first three miles from Na`alehu,” Galimba explained.
“We hope that the community and the county will come together again to make repairs along the other nine miles,” Galimba said. “In real need are repairs at the gulch crossings where water has damaged road surfaces and created huge potholes.” These roads are used by macadamia and coffee farmers, ranchers and families with horses and a small number of cattle. Increasingly, visitors are traveling the road for its views of the coast, the mountains and “the beauty of Ka`u,” Galimba said.
It is the only emergency route when Kawa floods or a range fire crosses Hwy 11. Without Ka`alaiki Road, Ka`u’s only 24-hour Emergency Room, which is located in Pahala, would be inaccessible from Na`alehu when Hwy 11 is closed. It is also used as a heavy equipment haul road because some of the bridges along Hwy 11 are weak and need replacement. “There is a definite need to maintain Ka`alaiki Road and its bridges,” Galimba said.
Checks can be made to Mauka Road Repairs and mailed to Phil Becker, PO Box 698, Pahala, HI 96777 or Al Galimba, PO Box 643, Na`alehu, HI 96772. For more information, call Galimba at 938-7472 or Becker at 808-927-2252.
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Owners of this Ranchos lot plan to build a ground-mounted solar array there.
Photo by Sandra Shelton

OCEAN VIEW-AREA RESIDENTS CONCERNED about a proposed solar project makai of Hwy 11 urge interested parties to attend tomorrow’s meeting at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Creagan, County Council member Maile Medeiros David and Gov. David Ige's representative Susan Kim are expected to attend, along with Ka`u Community Development Planner Ron Whitmore.

“This is a golden opportunity to impress representatives and officials who really matter,” said Ann Bosted. She listed goals for the meeting in a letter to neighbors:

“Have a large crowd attend. Please come and bring your friends and neighbors.
“Impress upon them that we really do not want solar farms in our neighborhoods. This is very important.
“Ask them to change whatever laws allow this.
“Ask them to change Ranchos and other makai subdivisions from Agricultural to Rural zoning. This is essential if we are to stop this project and other undesirable projects from coming in. At the moment anybody can set up a hog farm in the middle of Ranchos. If we were zoned Rural, we can do more with our land. It will be easier to establish small businesses, including B&Bs and restaurants. The Ka`u Community Plan has already decided that HOVE (mauka of the highway) should be zoned rural, even though there are no power lines to upper HOVE. Ranchos and other makai subdivisions have good roads and power to all lots. Changing the zoning will not change your property taxes. If you want to be taxed as ag, you have to produce ag products.
“Concede that solar power is desirable, but big projects should be on big lots, not broken up into small parcels to fit through loopholes in the law. Communities should be able to veto large projects in their neighborhoods.”

Bosted asked that those wishing to speak do so clearly, concisely and to the point and stay on subject. She also suggested writing out a small speech ahead of time and delivering it clearly.
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Solar Impulse pilot Andre Borschberg with Solar Impulse on O`ahu
Photo from solarimpulse.com

ALTHOUGH SOLAR IMPULSE PERFORMED WELL on its record-breaking oceanic flight from Nagoya, Japan to Hawai`i, the solar-powered airplane piloted by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg will stay in Hawai`i until early spring 2016.

Following the longest and most difficult leg of the around-the-world journey, which lasted five days and five nights (117 hours and 52 minutes), Solar Impulse will undergo maintenance repairs on batteries due to damages brought about by overheating.
According to Borschberg, during the first ascent on day one of the flight from Nagoya to Hawai`i, the battery temperature increased due to a high climb rate and an over-insulation of the gondolas. While the Mission Team was monitoring this very closely during the flight, there was no way to decrease the temperature for the remaining duration as each daily cycle requires an ascent to 28,000 feet and descent for optimal energy management.

The University of Hawai`i, with support from the state Department of Transportation, will host the airplane in its hangar at O`ahu's Kalaeloa Airport. Post-maintenance check flights will start in 2016 to test new battery heating and cooling systems. The mission is scheduled to resume in early April from Hawai`i to the mainland.

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Gov. David Ige

LIMITED ACCESS TO THE SUMMIT of Mauna Kea is now in place following Gov. David Ige’s signing of an emergency rule. The Board of Land & Natural Resources last week approved the rule that limits usage of the road between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The rule, which also restricts nighttime activity and camping on the mountain, is in effect for 120 days.

“My administration believes firmly in the right of free expression,” Ige said regarding opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope that blocked the road beginning on June 24. “At the same time, we cannot let some people (to) put others at risk of harm or property damage. This temporary rule helps strike that balance. I respectfully ask everyone using the road to exercise caution and obey the law.”
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GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY VETOED eight bills and sent his statements of objections to the house and senate leadership.
HB540 would extend authority of University of Hawai`i to maintain separate accounting and financial management system. “The University of Hawai`i believes, and I agree, that this measure contains provisions that violate the Hawai`i state constitution regarding autonomy for University System management over university finances,” Ige said.
HB553 would allow UH graduate student assistants employed by UH to collectively bargain their wages, hours and other terms. Ige said these concerns can and should be addressed internally.
SB105 would require estimated future debt service for proposed capital improvement projects to be included in budget documents submitted to the Legislature. Ige’s rationale for vetoing this bill is that it would be difficult to implement given the uncertainty of capital finance markets.
SB218 calls for clarification in the order of succession to the lieutenant governor’s office. Ige said the existing order of succession is adequate and appropriate and that these changes might leave a gap in succession that would be difficult to address in a state of emergency or disaster.
SB265 changes wording in statute from “promoting prostitution in the first degree” to “sex trafficking.” The state Attorney General and three of four county prosecutors advised Ige that this bill may result in fewer prosecutions for these types of crimes. Ige asked the state attorney general and county prosecutors to propose a bill that would allow for prosecution of the full range of prostitution and sex trafficking offenses.

SB349 would repeal ethanol facility tax credit and establish a five-year renewable fuels production tax credit. The state attorney general advised Ige that the definition of qualified taxpayers doesn’t allow for companies outside of Hawai`i to be qualified. “This potentially violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could subject our state to potential litigation,” Ige said.

SB569 would increase the dollar threshold with respect to property or services, for theft in the second degree, from the current $300 to $750. County prosecutors advised Ige that increasing the threshold for felony theft would eliminate the deterrent effect within retail markets.

Noe Noe Kekaualua

SB1324 provides authority for Employees’ Retirement System to make direct payments of benefits to a non-member former spouse of a member on order of court judgment, order or divorce decree. Ige said this can be accomplished without state law by working with the Employee Retirement System Board and administration.
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NOE NOE KEKAUALUA presents Hula Arts Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Aloha Friday free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from of Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development and Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Park entrance fees apply.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, presided over two Obon services in Ka`u Monday. More services and
Bon Dances take place at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo and around the island this weekend. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES bill became law following Gov. David Ige’s signing of HB321 (Act 241) yesterday. The law establishes a licensing system for the dispensaries.
“I support the establishment of dispensaries to ensure that qualified patients can legally and safely access medical marijuana,” Ige said. “We know that our challenge going forward will be to adopt rules that are fair, cost effective and easy to monitor. The bill sets a timeline. We will make a good faith effort to create a fair process that will help the people most in need.”
The law also prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers; allows the legal transport of medical marijuana in any public place, under certain conditions by qualified patients, primary caregivers or owners/employees of medical marijuana production centers and dispensaries.
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Williamson Chang

THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OPPONENTS are challenging emergency rules pertaining to access to the summit of Mauna Kea, according to an Associated Press story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The rules, approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources last week, went into effect after Gov. David Ige signed them on Tuesday. They limit access between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and prohibit camping equipment in the area.
Representing two opponents, Williamson Chang filed a petition yesterday with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources seeking to repeal the rule, saying that it prevents TMT opponents from legally exercising their rights to peacefully protest.
According to reporter Timothy Hurley, state Attorney General Douglas Chin’s office is reviewing the petition.

See staradvertiser.com.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES provided answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency rules limiting access on Mauna Kea:
What is the restricted area?  This is defined as any lands in the public hunting area that includes the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and one mile on either side of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road.
When are you not permitted in the restricted area?  You cannot enter or remain in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Exceptions are for transiting through the restricted area on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road or while lawfully within or entering or exiting an existing observatory or a facility operated by the University of Hawai`i.

What does transiting mean?  This means driving or being a passenger in a vehicle traveling at a reasonable and prudent speed and having regard to the actual and potential hazards and conditions.
What types of gear are restricted?  It is illegal to possess or use sleeping bags, tents, camp stoves or propane burners in the restricted zone.

Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road has limited access between
10 p.m. and 4 p.m. Photo from University of Hawai`i

Is hunting illegal in the restricted area?  No, as long as it is done following all existing state laws regarding hunting on public lands. However, under previously existing rules, hunting is only allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, which does not fall between the restricted hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Can you protest and exercise free speech on Mauna Kea during the emergency rule period?  Yes, as long as it does not otherwise violate existing laws. Protesters may not obstruct the lawful movement of authorized vehicles and personnel on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and are not allowed in the restricted area during the nighttime closure hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., except as provided for in the rule.
Can people engage in customary and traditional practices in the restricted area?  Yes, as long as these practices are not conducted between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Exceptions can be approved by the Chairperson of the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources.
Is stargazing permitted on top of Mauna Kea?  Yes, as long as you are not in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. As indicated above, remaining on the mountain during these hours is currently prohibited.
Can I go to the top of Mauna Kea?  Yes, either by traveling with an authorized tour company or on your own, subject to the restrictions in the rule. Please be aware that much of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road is gravel with sharp corners, steep drop-offs, and fast-changing weather conditions. Four-wheel drive is recommended for travel on the road at higher elevations. You may not be in the restricted area during the closure hours of 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. (subject to the exceptions noted above). Please check with the Office of Mauna Kea Management before starting your trip to learn about any special conditions. (808) 933-0734
Can the road be closed during additional hours?  Yes, if the University of Hawai`i, Office of Mauna Kea Management deems that natural or man-made conditions or hazards pose a threat to public safety, it has the authority to impose additional road closures.
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Randy Cabral discussed challenges facing the macadamia industry on KITV.

RANDY CABRAL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT of Operations at Royal Hawaiian Orchards, has retired. His last working day was this past Monday. Cabral is a leader in the development of macadamia, having worked in ag at the company, its predecessors, including ML Macadamia, and other previously related firms for more than 41 years.

“We sincerely appreciate Randy’s contributions to Royal Hawaiian Orchards during his long tenure. Randy is certainly a leader in the Hawai`i agriculture industry, and I sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Scott Wallace, President & CEO of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P.
Cabral is vice president of the statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau and owns a small ranch in Ka`u where he raises horses.
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STUDENTS AT KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge, Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo announced yesterday. Meals are provided under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2015-2016 school year.
KLA plans to begin classes in grades three through six on July 29 and follow the public school calendar.
For additional information, contact Ka`u Learning Academy, Attn: James Pickett, Meals Program, PO Box 809, Na`alehu, HI 96772. Call 808-498-0761 or email kaulearning@gmail.com.
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New Horizons spacecraft has reached Pluto and is sending data and photos
back to Earth. NASA photo from Lew Cook

“DO YOU RECOGNIZE WHERE THIS IS?” asks astronomer Lew Cook, author of Stars Over Ka`u for The Ka`u Calendar. “It is an satellite shot of the mountains of Pluto! Taken by the New Horizons spacecraft as it whizzed by at 31,000 miles per hour, this picture shows mountains that look as if they were formed recently, at least on the geologic time scale. This is part of the treasure trove of information coming from over three billion miles away. The radio signals take 4.5 hours from the time they leave the spacecraft until we receive them here on earth.

“There will be a steady stream of data over the next year and a half coming from this piano-sized craft as it downloads the data and pictures it has taken. Why so long? Because of the weakness of the transmitter and the three billion miles the signal must travel.”
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A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT in various Ocean View areas is on the agenda of a meeting today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Owners of parcels in Ranchos plan to install two-acre solar arrays on three-acre lots scattered throughout Ranchos and more on additional lots in neighboring locations. Sandy Alexander, president of Ocean View Community Association, said Hawaiian Electric Light Co. also has plans to build a 10-megawatt substation on Hwy 11 across from Ocean View Market to receive electricity generated by the project.
Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile Medeiros David plan to attend.

NOE NOE KEKAUALUA presents Hula Arts tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Bon Dances like this past one at Na`alehu Hongwanji continue
around Hawai`i Island this weekend.

AN OBON SERVICE WAS HELD at Pahala Hongwanji on Monday, followed by a second service at Na`alehu Hongwanji, overseen by Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, where an Obon service at 6 p.m. and Bon Dance at 7 p.m. will be held tomorrow and Saturday evenings. Other services at 6 p.m. with Bon Dances at 7 p.m. this weekend will be at Honoka`a Hongwanji and Kona Hongwanji, both on Saturday.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u's County Council member Maile Medeiros David and state Rep. Richard Creagan, sitting at left, were among those listening to Ocean View-area residents during yesterday's meeting about a proposed solar project makai of Hwy 11. Photo by Julia Neal

SOLAR FARMS AT HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS, a project apparently sold to Chinese investors, received a bashing at Ocean View Community Center last night. The founder of South Point U-Cart, Stan Troeller, who provides propane and home improvement and construction equipment, supplies and services in Ocean View, said the project is an example of “a large corporation blindsiding a little subdivision.”

Native lama trees are found on lots proposed for ground-mounted solar arrays.
Photo from Native Plants Hawai`i

The investment group has purchased and arranged to use numerous agricultural house lots by clearing and covering them with solar panels. Hawai`i Electric Light Co. plans to build a substation in Ranchos and buy the electricity from the company.
Concerns coming from many speakers included probable loss of archaeological sites, mature `ohi`a trees and the endangered native lama tree, also called Hawaiian ebony or Hawaiian persimmon, as lots are bulldozed. Another issue: loss of opportunity for Ranchos and other Ocean View residents to install solar to sell power to HELCO, should the project take up all the capacity for the utility to receive solar energy into its system in the neighborhood. Residents talked about losing the residential feel of the community should numerous lots be cleared, fenced and covered with panels. Some houses would be bordered by solar farms and their fencing. They talked about traffic associated with the project damaging roads they work hard to maintain themselves. Community security is another issue. Some said it is a certainty that thieves will steal solar panels, fencing and copper in the remote locations.

When asked whether anyone could come up with any redeeming value to the community from the project, one person said perhaps fewer power outages. When asked if residents have a problem with power outages, no one raised a hand. When asked how many people opposed the project, most raised a hand. Any benefit to local residents? Another called out, “Not unless we sell our souls.” Several stated that the project would not provide local jobs or any discounts in electric rates.

Most residents found no redeeming value in the proposed solar project.
Photo by Julia Neal

The group talked about signing up an attorney. West Ka`u state House of Representative member Richard Creagan said he would look onto the Public Utilities Commission’s role in the issue and would speak to the governor this morning. He said he would look into whether the number of lots and land area to be used for the solar project taken as a whole would trigger an Environmental Assessment requirement and also the idea of finding other, state land for the solar project. He said the situation is an example of unintended consequences of policy aimed at making Hawai`i more self-sustaining in energy production. He said to change the law that allows such projects in housing areas would take years, “like turning around a big ship.”
The Dolittle estate, adjacent to Ranchos, was also mentioned as a place with more than 400 acres with permits that would allow felling `ohi`a and lama trees and covering it with solar panels.
County Council member Maile Medeiros David encouraged Ocean View and Ranchos residents to organize and said she would look into ways for the community to have more input in such situations. Since solar is allowed on ag land, and Ranchos is zoned ag, it is an allowable use, even though the community is considered residential by its occupants. If the county had required the project to go before the Planning Commission, “you would be entitled to a contested case," the council woman said, promising to look into the issue at the county regulatory level.
Ocean View resident Ralph Roland said that if communities were allowed to incorporate in Hawai`i, these issues could be handled locally. He predicted more problems on the horizon from outside decision-making.
Ocean View Community Association offered a place to meet, and committees were formed to study the issues and come up with an action plan. Acting Ocean View Community Association President Sandi Alexander said the biggest problem “is that we found out only recently about how far along the project had come without involvement of the community. We don’t want this coming into the community without our input.”
Anyone wanting to be involved with the issue can call Ocean View Community Association at 939-7033.
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Ka`u public schools are preparing for opening day. Photo from KHPES

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPEN SOON. Ka`u Learning Academy in Discovery Harbour has scheduled its inaugural opening for Wednesday, July 29 for grades three through six. At Na`alehu Elementary, pre-k through sixth grade starts on Thursday, July 30. In Pahala, school begins for student preschool, kindergarten, seventh and ninth grades on Friday, July 31. Grade eight and all other classes in Pahala start school on Monday, Aug. 3.

Pahala and Na`alehu classes start at 8 a.m. Ka`u Learning Academy classes start at 8:45 a.m.
Call the Pahala public school campus at 928-2088, Na`alehu at 939-2413 and Ka`u Learning Academy at 808-213-1097.
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PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIFORM PICK-UP has been scheduled for Pahala and Na`alehu Schools in communities around the district.
For the Pahala campus, students choose between black and white T-shirts for ninth through 12th grades and maroon and grey for pre-k through eighth grade. In addition to the T-shirt, students are able to wear shorts, long pants or skirts of their own to complete their uniforms for school.

On Saturday, July 25, Ka`u High, Intermediate and Elementary school uniforms that were pre-ordered will be available at Ocean View Market from noon to 2 p.m. and Na`alehu Shopping Center from at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In Pahala, uniforms will be distributed at the campus office starting Monday, July 27, weekdays until school begins. Some extras are available for those who did not pre-order. The cost of each T-shirt is $7 for most sizes. Double- and triple-XL cost $8.50.
For Na`alehu Elementary School, students choose T-shirt colors between Kelly green, lime green and goldenrod. Cost is $7, $8.50 for double- and triple-XL. Pick-up is at the school office weekdays starting July 25.
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School meals include a variety of foods. Photo from Hawai`i DOE

PUBLIC SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES for Ka`u have been announced. The charter school, Ka`u Learning Academy, provides free breakfasts and lunches. In other public schools, for students pre-k through eighth grade, lunch price is $2.50. For ninth- through twelfth-graders, lunch costs $2.75. For students on a reduced price program, lunches will be 40 cents.

Breakfasts for regular students pre-k through eighth grade will cost $1.10. For ninth- through 12th-graders, breakfast will be $1.20. The reduced cost breakfast is 30 cents.
For breakfast and lunch, bottled water costs 60 cents each. Milk is free for the first carton; each additional costs 50 cents. Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m. at Na`alehu, 7:20 a.m. at Pahala and 8 a.m. at Ka`u Learning Academy.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS COMPLETED ACTION on bills the state Legislature sent to him. Ige signed 239 of the measures and vetoed eight. Four bills became law without Ige’s signature.
HB541 requires each University of Hawai`i campus to prepare an operations plan to be reviewed by the President and VP for Budget and Finance and CFO of UH for each fiscal year.
SB1092 repeals or reclassifies various non-general funds in accordance with the Auditor’s recommendations in Auditor’s Report Nos. 14-05 and 14-13.
SB1297 amends the cigarette tax and tobacco tax law by changing the amount allocated to the trauma system special fund and establishing maximum dollar amounts that shall be distributed among certain non-general funds after June 30, 2015.
SB118 requires and appropriates funds for Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, with assistance of DOTAX, to study the impact of real estate investment trusts in Hawai`i.
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People & Land of Kahuku explores the area's human history.
NPS Photo by Julia Espaniola

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend.

Participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The one-hour program takes place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
People and Lands of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information, call 985-6011.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

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

Hula Halau and other works by Avi Kiriaty are on display at Volcano Art Center Gallery, with an opening reception today
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Image from Volcano Art Center

DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS has been awarded a Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant totaling $8.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to build affordable homes, make renovations and provide housing support for Native Hawaiian families. Hawaiian Homes owns more than 40 lots in Discovery Harbour, land mauka of Hwy 11 above Punalu`u, land in the Ka Lae, South Point area and land in Wai`ohinu.

“This funding in the past has helped more than 1,400 low-income Native Hawaiian families build safe, secure homes and neighborhoods,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “Increased affordable homeownership has positive effects in our community on many levels. Since NAHASDA was enacted 18 years ago, preschool enrollment and proficiency rates in reading and mathematics have increased among Native Hawaiian children. Additionally, crime rates in the Native Hawaiian community have decreased, and health care disparities such as diabetes and heart diseases have been reduced. This grant will continue to build strong communities in Hawai`i for generations to come.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This investment will help DHHL build and maintain affordable housing units across Hawai`i, educate families about buying and financing a home, and offer loan assistance to make it easier for Native Hawaiian families to realize the dream of homeownership. The Native Hawaiian community continues to face unique challenges when trying to access affordable housing, and that is why funding programs like the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program are critical to reversing long-standing housing inequality.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Access to affordable housing is a key to building strong communities. However, too many Native Hawaiian families struggle to finance their first home. Investments in home ownership and access to affordable housing are investments in Hawai`i’s future, and this funding will help DHHL’s beneficiaries pursue the dream of having a place to call home. In addition to meeting this responsibility, I will continue working with federal stakeholders to raise home affordability for all of Hawai`i’s families.”
DHHL’s NHHBG planned activities for FY2016 include more than 300 rental and homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiian Families, as well as funding for community health and safety promotion, rehabilitation assistance and energy saving investments for existing homeowners, and lending subsidies for homebuyers.
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Snow limited access to Mauna Kea yesterday. Photo from East Asian Observatory

PLAINTIFFS HAVE FILED ANOTHER LAWSUIT attempting to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea.

Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that two residents challenge University of Hawai`i’s authority to grant subleases on Mauna Kea because it is crown land that was owned by the Hawaiian monarchy and transferred to the United States following annexation. According to Callis, plaintiffs argue that the state doesn’t have authority over the land, UH’s lease incorrectly refers to the property as demised land, and subleasing the land is a violation of the Hawai`i Homestead Act of 1920.
Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara scheduled a hearing for Sept. 18. UH, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Office of Mauna Kea Management filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit that will be heard Aug. 19.
While an emergency rule approved by BLNR and signed by Gov. David Ige continues to limit access to summit, tour companies that offer stargazing on Mauna Kea say their operations are back to normal.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Jim Alberts, of HECO.

NEARLY 70,000 ROOFTOP SOLAR photovoltaic net energy metering applications have been approved to install or interconnect across O`ahu, Maui County and Hawai`i Island, according to Hawaiian Electric Co. Since committing in October 2014 to clear a backlog of about 2,800 pending NEM applications, HECO has approved more than 15,000 applications to install or interconnect.

“Rooftop PV is an important option for many of our customers and a key part of the mix of renewable resources we need to meet our state’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045,” said Jim Alberts, HECO senior vice president of customer service. “We’re working hard to provide our customers with options that support the continued growth of solar energy in ways that are safe and reliable while ensuring fair treatment for all customers.”
As of July 15, a total of 69,330 rooftop solar NEM applications have been approved to install or interconnect by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light Company.
“We’ve worked closely with the PV industry and manufacturers of solar equipment to make improvements that help customers install rooftop solar systems safely and reliably,” Alberts said.
Alberts said Hawai`i utilities have 20 times the national average in PV installed per customer.
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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. and Time Warner Cable, Inc., the parent company of Oceanic Time Warner Cable, LLC are seeking approval of indirect transfer of control of Oceanic’s six cable television franchises statewide pursuant to the merger transaction between Charter and TWC.
The application to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Cable Television Division includes a request for approval of the proposed financing mechanism needed to complete the proposed transaction. According to Charter and TWC, the proposed merger will result in new jobs and investments, a faster Internet experience at a better value and increased innovation and quicker rollout of advanced video technology, among other public benefits. In addition, Charter and TWC state that they are committed to, among other matters, protection of a “free and open Internet,” investment in infrastructure and customer service and a broadband program for low-income consumers.
Under federal law, the Cable Television Division has 120 days from filing the application and all information required by the terms of the franchise agreement or state law to review the application and issue a decision. If no action is taken within the 120-day period, the application will be considered approved, unless an agreement is reached to extend this deadline.
“We will thoroughly review the application and all related information regarding the proposed transaction to determine if it’s in the public interest,” said Cable Television Division Administrator Ji Sook “Lisa” Kim.
Cable Television Division will issue information requests and/or clarification questions, as applicable, and seek input and comments from Cable Advisory Committee members and the general public. For this, Cable Television Division will hold a CAC meeting and statewide public hearings, details of which will be announced in the following weeks. Information regarding the proposed transaction will be made available online at cca.hawaii.gov/catv/.
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Ka`u residents can donate backpack for schoolchildren.
Image from overstock.com

HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT IS AGAIN participating in a backpack drive for children who cannot afford to buy them. As in previous years, all police stations around the island will double as drop-off points for persons interested in helping children in need. Backpacks may be dropped off until Aug. 30.
The main police station in Ka`u is on the Volcano side of Na`alehu at 95-5624 Mamalahoa Hwy. Call 939-2520.

Backpacks have been identified as the most requested non-food item for charities in Hawai`i. The donated backpacks will be distributed to children at women’s shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities around the Big Island.
This is the seventh consecutive year the Police Department has worked in partnership with HOPE Services Hawai`i, formerly known as the Office of Social Ministry, which provides a continuum of homeless and transitional programs from outreach to emergency shelters, including permanent supportive housing placements.
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KUMU PELE opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This exhibition of original paintings and prints by Avi Kiriaty will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 23. The exhibit is free; park entrance fees apply.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues this evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT the People and Lands of Kahuku on a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes of the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park near South Point Road, tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information, call 985-6011.

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_July2015.pdf.

Alexandar Calumpit's AC Ka`u Coffee placed first in Ka'u and second in the statewide Creative Division
at Hawai`i Coffee Association's cupping contest. Photo by Julia Neal

ALEXANDER CALUMPIT, of Pahala, took first in Ka'u and second statewide with his AC Ka`u Coffee in the Creative Division cupping contest held yesterday by Hawai`i Coffee Association. Leo Norberte was the top Ka`u Coffee in the statewide Commercial Division with his JN brand.

Alden Calumpit is one of two brothers who
returned home to help their family grow
Ka`u Coffee. Photo by Julia Neal

Up early and working in Ka`u, far from banquets, speeches and politics of the coffee conference in Kona, Calumpit and Norberte were thrilled to hear this morning that their coffees earned such high honors.
Calumpit has been involved with Ka`u Coffee since early days at Pear Tree, where he farmed for five years starting in 1998. It was a family affair that he gave up in a labor shortage when his two sons moved to Las Vegas in 2003. Upon their return, however, Alexander, now 70, and sons Alden and Allan, in their 40s, started farming coffee on Olson Trust land on the edge of Wood Valley, growing their enterprise to care for both a five-acre and a seven-acre coffee farm.

Only three years into the new venture, the Calumpits wholesale their Ka`u Coffee. Their major buyers are Rusty’s Hawaiian and Olson’s Ka`u Coffee Mill.
They call their coffee AC. The A stands for Alexander and children Alden, Allan, Alpha and Arlene, as well as the mother’s nickname, Anching. With the statewide win, said Alexander and Alden, they may think of marketing their own brand of Ka`u Coffee. Like many of the coffee farmers, the Calumpits have been successful enough to own their own home in Pahala and drive from the village each day to work on the farms.

John Cross, Olson Trust land manager, described Calumpit’s operation as “a model farm.”
In the Creative Division, which is designed for small, specialty lots of coffee, Calumpit scored 85.5 points, just behind Hula Daddy of Kona. Other Ka`u Coffees in the top 20 included Lorie Obra’s fourth-place finisher with 85.4 points, her 11th place with 84.6 and 18th place with 83 points in three separate entries of Rusty’s Hawaiian that was all grown at Cloud Rest. Leo Norberte’s JN Coffee took tenth place with 84.7 points with the beans grown at Cloud Rest. Gloria Camba and Bong Aquino’s Ka`u Royal Coffee from Pear Tree scored 83.4 points to take 17th place.
The top three coffees from Ka`u were Calumpit’s AC Coffee, Rusty’s Hawaiian from Obra, and Norberte’s JN.
In the Commercial division, Norberte’s JN Coffee from took first in Ka`u and fifth statewide with a score of 83.1, the coffee grown on Olson Trust land. Ka`u Coffee Mill on Olson land took seventh with a score of 82.5 and 15th with a score of 80.
The conference, held over the last three days at King Kamehameha Kona Marriott Courtyard, included technical talks on fighting the coffee berry borer pest and creation of a cold, canned Hawaiian coffee by a major Japanese drink manufacturer.
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Hunting at PTA is on hiatus.
Photo from PTA

HUNTING WILL BE ON HIATUS at Pohakuloa Training Area for approximately three weeks as Army staff focus on enhancing U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa’s hunting program.

The hiatus runs through Aug. 3.
“We’re taking a look at the recent hunting activity and assessing how it may affect our long-term management goals. This break is a part of those efforts,” said John Polhemus, game manager, USAG-Pohakuloa.
Hunting opportunities at PTA differ from other public hunting areas because availability depends on military training schedules, which can change from week to week.
“We aren’t able to offer a traditional season over the course of several months, so having a better understanding of the animals’ short-term responses to hunting pressure and finding the right balance between applying and removing pressure is important to maintaining a sustainable program,” Polhemus said, adding that he appreciates the hunting community’s understanding during the short break.
Army officials anticipate resuming hunting Aug, 8-9, pending training area availability. The Army opens areas at PTA for hunting most weekends; however, hunting is subject to military training needs.
For the latest information, call PTA’s Hunter’s Hotline at 969-3474 or visit garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta and click on the Hunting tab.
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HAWAI`I NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGERS have time to implement conservation strategies to protect the state’s unique bird species from further decimation by avian malaria, according to researchers at U.S. Geological Survey and University of Wisconsin-Madison. They said an increase of mosquito populations and their range is expected by mid-century, putting previously protected bird species at high risk.

I`iwi and other Hawaiian birds are increasingly at risk of avian malaria.
NPS Photo by Paul Banko

Climate changes during the second half of the century will accelerate malaria transmission and cause a dramatic decline in bird abundance, according to the researchers. Different temperature and precipitation patterns produce divergent trajectories where native birds persist with low malaria infection under a warmer and dryer projection, but suffer high malaria infection and severe reductions under hot and dry or warm and wet futures.
Similar climatic drivers for avian and human malaria suggest that mitigation strategies for Hawai`i have broad application to human health.
Michael Samuel, of the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, told Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “We knew that temperature had a significant effect on mosquitoes and malaria, but we were surprised that rainfall also played an important role. Additional rainfall will favor mosquitoes as much as the temperature change.”

See staradvertiser.com.

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THE CURRENT ISSUE OF VOLCANO WATCH describes several alarms available to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists to keep them aware of Kilauea’s status.

HVO’s Swarm Alarm counts earthquakes occurring in a certain region of the volcano — say, Kilauea’s summit area — within the past hour. The system automatically notifies our monitoring group if the number surpasses the threshold set by HVO’s seismologist. This is because an unusual cluster of earthquakes could signal a change in the volcanic system that may lead to a new outbreak of lava.

Another alarm system monitors the slope of the ground using electronic tiltmeters. Slow changes in tilt are not unusual as the volcano adjusts in response to magma shifts within shallow reservoirs. However, if more rapid changes are detected, a computer program sends texts to notify us that it’s time to take a closer look at what else is happening.

The appearance of new lava on the floor of Pu`u `O`o triggered an alarm
on May 7 that sent this thermal image to HVO geologists.

HVO deploys thermal cameras that look into the Pu`u `O`o crater. These cameras take fresh pictures every two minutes, and, if a hot spot fills more than five percent of the images, send us a text message with an embedded image. Upon receiving such a message, we check other data (including more recent webcam images) to see if lava is filling or overflowing the crater.
HVO also uses Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) thermal imagery to look for elevated ground temperatures in areas other than at Kilauea’s summit and on the Pu`u `O`o lava flow field. If elevated temperatures are found, a computer program sends a text message with an embedded image to HVO geologists so that the situation can be further investigated.
Alarms have long been used at HVO, but they have certainly evolved from their low-tech origins. During the early episodes of Kilauea’s ongoing East Rift Zone eruption, HVO scientists wanted to know exactly when lava began spilling out of the Pu`u `O`o crater, which usually indicated the onset of lava fountains. This was in 1983, years before the advent of webcams! So, HVO staff had to lug a heavy and ungainly spool of copper cable over rugged lava flows and across the spillway where lava would first flow down the side of Pu`u `O`o. Using this cable, a steady voltage was radioed back to HVO, and when readings from this electronic tripwire were suddenly interrupted, we knew lava had broken the circuit.
We now have far more sophisticated ways to trigger alarms when the status of Hawai`i’s active volcanoes changes. As instrumentation and computer technology advance, even better techniques for triggering and evaluating volcano alarms will no doubt evolve.

Aikido instructor Alan Moores
Photo by Julia Neal

In addition, we will continue to fine-tune algorithms specifically for each volcano and each type of data stream to minimize false alarms. Perhaps someday an expert program will synthesize all the different datasets to present a preliminary interpretation. Until then, human intervention is essential to evaluate and validate the information. Even in the middle of the night. Ping!
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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MONDAY IS FULL OF FITNESS PROGRAMS for Ka`u residents. Pahala Pool offers public recreational swim from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Adult lap swim is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. See more hours at hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation or call 928-8177.

Exercise for Energy takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center with DVD instruction. Participants bring their own band, ball and mat. Free with donation of non-perishable food. Also Wednesday. For more information, call Judy Knapp at 939-8149.
Zumba Fitness is at 5:30 p.m. at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Volcano with certified instructor Linda Fanene. Also Thursday. Call 990-3835.
Certified Zumba instructor Erin Cole teaches Zumba from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Also Thursday. Contact her at 938-4037.
Aikido with Alan Moores begins at 6 p.m. at Old Pahala Clubhouse. Also Wednesday. Moores can be reached at 928-0919 or artbyalan2011@gmail.com.

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

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and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Hawai`i students may have opportunities to visit and learn about Solar Impulse during its extended stay on O`ahu.
Photo from solarimpulse.com

TWO HYDROGEN FUELING STATIONS planned at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will be the first to serve the public on Hawai`i Island, according to an Associate Press story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The park will use two 25-passenger buses to shuttle visitors from Kilauea Visitor Center to Thurston Lava Tube.

Mitch Ewan, systems program manager for Hawai`i Natural Energy Institute, told reporter Kathryn Mykleseth that the first station for shuttle buses in the park would be complete by the end of September, with another in October. Ewan said adding the stations will help the deployment of hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel in Hawai`i. He told Mykleseth the institute has seen a lot of interest from automobile dealers.

Hydrogen produced on Hawai`i Island will fuel
buses in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Map from HNEI

The state’s goal is to cut use of fossil fuels for ground transportation by 70 percent by 2030. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has listed hydrogen-powered vehicles as one alternative that would help reach that goal.
See staradvertiser.com.
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ARE BEING considered as partial compensation for Solar Impulse’s use of University of Hawai`i’s hangar at Kakaeloa Airport on O`ahu. During its record-breaking flight from Japan, the solar-powered planes batteries suffered damage, and the crew expects it to be grounded until April.
Vassilis Syrmos, vice president for research and innovation at UH system, told Shiwani Johnson, of Pacific Business News, that plans are to organize lectures and seminars. He said all types of students can learn from the Solar Impulse venture.
“On one hand you have the technology,” Syrmos said. “It is a miracle of technology, and students can learn from that. But, the most important thing is that it shows that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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KA`U SCHOOLS AND NONPROFITS can apply for funding to plan, develop, implement and evaluate eligible Safe Routes to School infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. A call for applications from Hawai`i Department of Transportation is available at http://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices/9f11c1fc2155a8984be67ac1ac281c3e.

SRTS is an international effort to increase safety and promote walking and bicycling to and from school.
Eligible recipients of funds to be used for SRTS projects are limited to state, local and regional government agencies, including schools and school districts, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients of SRTS federal funds will be responsible for all aspects of project implementation.
Eligible SRTS projects and activities directly support increased safety and convenience for students in grades K-8 to walk and/or bicycle to and from school. In addition, all projects that use SRTS federal funds shall comply with applicable federal, state and local provisions.
Applications must be received by Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. at Department of Transportation, Highways Division  Traffic Branch, Attn: Tara Lucas,  601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 602 , Kapolei, Hawai`i 96707 .

For more information on the SRTS federal program in Hawai`i, see http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/srts/.
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KEY FUNDING TO SUPPORT Neighbor Island tourism at Hawai`i airports is part of the agriculture appropriations bill for fiscal year 2016 passed by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill also includes funding requested by Sen. Brian Schatz for food safety and invasive species control.

Sen. Brian Schatz

Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to increase funding by $1 million for agricultural inspection stations like those at neighbor island airports, making it easier for travelers to move through the agricultural inspections process.   “Without agricultural inspection stations at our neighbor island airports, tourists would be forced to claim the bags in Honolulu, get them inspected, and then recheck them before boarding their flights home,” Schatz said. “This funding makes it easier to ensure visitors and residents alike have a better experience traveling through our airports.”  
Key funding in the agriculture appropriations bill sought by Schatz includes   $27.9 million for Airport Agricultural Inspections. In Hawai`i, this program funds federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Kaua`i, Maui, O`ahu, and Hawai`i Island. It is critical to conduct inspections at Neighbor Island airports so that passengers can directly connect to flights to the mainland, Schatz said.  
The bill also includes a $45 million increase for food safety. “Recent listeriosis outbreaks caused by contaminated vegetables have shown that there is still much to be done to protect the nation’s food supply,” Schatz said. “That is why Congress passed the 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act. This funding would help implement FSMA so that food in supermarkets is safe, while at the same time helping local farmers and food manufacturers understand and comply with the new requirements.”  

Another $92 million helps control invasive species. This funding, which the Appropriations Committee increased by $2 million this year, provides resources for the Wildlife Service Program in Hawai`i, Guam and the Pacific Islands for protection of agriculture, public and private property, natural resources and human health and safety posed by wildlife, including invasive species and feral animals. A key part of the operations program is to prevent movement of brown tree snakes from Guam to Hawai`i and the U.S. mainland.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD RECEIVED the Friend of the National Parks Award from the nonpartisan, nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. The award recognizes Gabbard’s support of national parks during the 113th Congress.

NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks Award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues. This year, NPCA tracked votes for three national park-related bills in the Senate and five in the House of Representatives. To receive the award, senators needed to vote in favor of national parks on at least two scored bills and representatives on at least three scored bills. Gabbard supported all five bills.
“Hawai`i is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and diverse national parks, from the awe-inspiring nature of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai`i Island to the incomparable story of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka`i,” Gabbard said. “I’m humbled to receive this award as a Friend of the National Parks and will continue to work to foster educational opportunities and promote protections for Hawai`i’s unique natural beauty and cultural resources.”
NPCA President and CEO Clark Bunting said, “It’s an honor to recognize Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for supporting our national parks on the floor of the House during the 113th Congress. As the 114th Congress works on policies and funding levels impacting our national parks, I look forward to working with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to ensure national parks have safe roadways, are well maintained and have the resources they need to thrive for their upcoming centennial.”

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger as Thomas Jaggar
Photo from NP

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A WALK INTO THE PAST FEATURES living history presenter Dick Hershberger dressed in period costume and bringing back to life Thomas A. Jaggar. Jaggar founded Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and was a prominent figure in the history of volcanology, the study of volcanoes. The program takes place in the Whitney Vault, a 16-by-12-foot underground laboratory that still has original seismograph equipment. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

Call 985-6011 for more information.

RANGERS FROM HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park share the uses and cultural importance of native and Polynesian introduced plants Wednesday from 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai. Participants engage in this hands-on event and leave with treasured `ike (wisdom) and a handmade Hawaiian craft of their own.
Call 985-6011 for more information.

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

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and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Hawai`i County Environmental Management Committee is considering a bill that would impose fees on bags of refuse thrown out at transfer stations, such as this one in Wai`ohinu. Photo from Hawai`i Zero Waste

A PARTIAL PAY-PER-BAG FEE PROGRAM for refuse to be landfilled is on the agenda of Hawai`i County’s Environmental Management Committee meeting this week. The program allows each household and business one 33-gallon bag of refuse per week to be landfilled without any bag fee.

According to Bill 32, introduced by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, its purpose is to reward those who separate their recyclables and compostables from landfill refuse.

Margaret Wille

Thom Randle, Chair of the county Environmental Management Commission, said the EMC supports the intent of this bill to prevent recyclables and compostables from entering the landfill. He said that successful implementation by the Department of Environmental Management would require an increase in the department’s budget for both personnel and equipment. The DEM Solid Waste Division is preparing an analysis of funding necessary to successfully implement the program.
Randle said distribution logistics are “challenging, complicated and costly.” He also pointed out that multiple bag distribution locations would be required, as well as a system to document and monitor tags. He also said options to purchase bags at local businesses should be pursued.
EMC suggested that additional bag costs be set at $4 per 33-gallon bag, and that 15-gallon bags should not be considered. However, if 15-gallon bags are desired, cost of $2 per bag should be set.
Randle said options for automated monitoring of residential use of transfer station should be researched. One suggestion is for use of remote scan devices similar to toll booth monitoring/billing systems. Residents utilizing transfer stations would be tracked and billed a cost when usage exceeds once per week. Randle said such a system would greatly simplify monitoring and enforcement, reduce requirement for additional personnel and preclude requirement for special bag/tag purchase.
EMC also emphasized that recycle, reduce and reuse education efforts should be funded and increased to maximize different media sources and opportunities. The committee also suggested expanding HI-5 redemption programs to include additional recyclables to further incentivize diversion and recycling.
“Rewarding for recycling rather than penalizing for not recycling would be preferable,” Randle said.
Environmental Management Committee meets Thursday at 3 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
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OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy is coming from Gov. David Ige and state agencies, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Craig T. Kojima reported that Ige yesterday recommended that the state Public Utilities Commission reject the deal. “When we first met with NextEra, we were very clear that we had serious reservations about its proposal,” Ige said in a statement to the Star-Advertiser. “Those reservations remain, and if anything, are stronger today.”

Ige said, “We are committed to a 100 percent renewable future, standing alone among the 50 states in the nation in that action. We need an electric company that sees Hawai`i as the center of its work and the opportunity we represent as one of the greatest moments in history for any utility. We have not seen that in this proposal.”
The state Office of Planning and Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism filed documents with the PUC stating that the merger “should not be approved,” Kojima said. The office said NextEra has not provided information about possible societal benefits of the deal. “There remain questions or uncertainty on issues such as commitments to corporate giving, impacts to employees/employment/labor, corporate governance and community values,” the office said.
DBEDT is concerned that NextEra has not proven that it has internalized local issues into its decision making processes. “The applicants have not shown that the proposed transaction is in the public interest. Thus, the commission has the authority to reject the proposal without further consideration,” DBEDT said. “The applicants had the burden of proof and were either unable or unwilling to submit a proposal that satisfied that burden.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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AVERAGE RETAIL GASOLINE PRICES in Hawai`i have fallen 1.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.33/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 355 gas outlets in Hawai`i. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.76/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Hawai`i during the past week, prices yesterday were 100.7 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 2.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 3.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 81.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.
“After areas of the West Coast saw hikes at the pump, things are finally beginning to cool with gas prices declining in all but 15 states versus last week,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “While California, Arizona and Nevada all saw price increases versus a week ago, the tide turned late in the week when prices peaked and now are moving lower again… . With oil nearing $50/bbl, there’s a very good possibility that by mid-fall, gasoline prices could fall under $2/gallon in a growing number of states.”

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Lauren Moriguchi

LAUREN MORIGUCHI IS DIRECTOR of the Executive Office on Early Learning, appointed by Gov. David Ige. She will coordinate early childhood education services currently offered within the public school system and will guide policy around the expansion of early childhood education through collaboration with legislators and the governor.

Moriguchi was born and raised on O`ahu and has worked in education for more than 15 years. She has served as an educational specialist at the state Department of Education, a preschool teacher, special educator, resource teacher, mentor teacher and educational specialist at both the district and state levels.
Moriguchi works with Special Olympics Hawai`i and has been instrumental in developing the structure for the Young Athlete’s program, which provides children 2.5 to seven years of age with a developmentally appropriate learning environment for children and parents while providing leadership skills to middle and high school students.
A graduate of the University of Idaho, Moriguchi received her bachelor’s degree in Child, Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on early childhood, and a minor in Aging Studies. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Curriculum Studies with an emphasis on early childhood.
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INCREASED ACCESS TO TELEMEDICINE for Medicare patients is the goal of new legislation Sen. Mazie Hirono is fighting for. The bipartisan Telemedicine for Medicare Act is a bill that would allow Medicare patients to seek care from Medicare doctors across state lines through telemedicine services.

“As our country confronts a looming physician shortage, those of us in Hawai`i are already feeling the pain of a lack of access to medical care in rural and underserved communities,” Hirono said.

A`ali`i is valuable as a component of lei.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

“Hawai`i residents often are forced to drive for hours to see their physician or spend thousands of dollars to fly to O`ahu and the mainland to seek care from a specialist. For seniors, these long travel times are difficult and even impossible. The TELE-MED Act will help to eliminate the financial and physical stress of seeking quality medical care by allowing seniors access to Medicare-participating physicians from the convenience of their home or local doctor’s office.”
The TELE-MED Act is supported by the Health IT Now Coalition, the Healthcare Leadership Council, the U.S. Chamber, Verizon and the Parkinson’s Action Network.

RANGERS FROM HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park share the uses and cultural importance of native and Polynesian introduced plants tomorrow from 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai.
Call 985-6011 for more information.

OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS SOLAR SUBSTATION, planned by Hawai`i Electric Light Co., is the subject of a steering committee meeting on Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The substation is designed to support solar farms on more than 20 lots in the community.

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_July2015.pdf.

KDEN has added another matinee to its final weekend of performances of The King & I. Photo from KDEN

KA`U COULD BE A PIONEER in the use of hydrogen fuel for transportation. Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported that the county Agriculture Advisory Commission yesterday discussed using excess power from Edmund C. Olson Trust’s proposed hydroelectric plant to create a hydrogen filling station.

At full capacity, Keaiwa reservoir holds almost 13 million gallons of water.
Photo by Julia Neal

Cook Lauer called the project “a model for private-sector self-sufficient water and energy projects on agriculture land countywide.”
Chair Tim Richards said at the meeting, “Ka`u is a place where, if you just add water, you can grow anything you want.”

The Keaiwa reservoir, the source of water for Olson’s coffee farm and proposed hydroelectric plant, was damaged in the 1983 earthquake, leaving cracks about halfway up the side of the nearly 13-million-gallon structure.

Olson Trust land manager John Cross told Cook Lauer, “We’re working with the Department of Land & Natural Resources on an acceptable repair plan to return the reservoir to its originally designed capacity.” The reservoir currently can hold five million gallons of water but could generate much more electricity if full.
According to Cook Lauer, original plans to produce enough electricity to run the Ka`u Coffee Mill and use the excess to power 400 homes in Pahala fell through when Hawai`i Electric Light Co. told Olson he would have to pay about $1 million to upgrade power lines along Wood Valley Road.
Another option is to use the power to replace propane burners at the mill, creating a 100 percent green energy operation. “It would be exciting to have this powered completely by water,” Cross told Cook Lauer.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Maile David submitted a resolution to provide $15,000 in contingency relief funds to `O Ka`u Kakou for community outreach and engagement activities that promote agricultural tourism. David’s request states that the goal is to “increase economic contribution of the visitor industry of Hawai`i Island and promote quality experiences for visitors and residents alike.”

Hawai`i County Council meets Friday at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. The meeting is also streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY and NextEra Energy responded to Gov. David Ige’s and state agencies’ opposition to the proposed merger of the two utilities.
“We recognize that this proposed merger is a very important matter for our customers, our communities and the state at large,” HECO president and CEO Alan Oshima said. “The PUC review is an ongoing process that provides an opportunity to address and answer questions or concerns. As more information is provided throughout this process, we feel strongly that others will also conclude that this partnership with NextEra Energy will result in significant benefits for our customers and for Hawai`i’s leadership in clean energy.”

NextEra spokesman Rob Gould told Cindy Ellen Russell, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “NextEra Energy and the Hawaiian Electric Cos. believe that this merger truly is in the best interest of the state of Hawai`i and, in particular, Hawaiian Electric’s customers. We have made commitments to employees, community causes and for the establishment of a local independent advisory board, and we will listen to and work with all stakeholders to achieve what’s best for the state of Hawai`i and Hawaiian Electric’s customers.
“We are optimistic that as the regulatory process continues, we will find more common ground and further demonstrate the strong public-interest benefits of this merger.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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Marti Townsend

THE SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAI`I PRAISED Gov. David Ige for publicly announcing his opposition to the NextEra-HECO merger. “We 100 percent agree with the governor on the NextEra takeover,” said Marti Townsend, Director of Sierra Club’s Hawai`i Chapter. “Hawai`i is leading a revolution in renewable energy that requires local leadership that is committed to serving the needs of Hawai`i’s energy customers. NextEra is just not on the same page with the rest of Hawai`i.”

Sierra Club’s testimony submitted to the Public Utilities Commission on Monday highlights in detail how NextEra’s business philosophy and culture as practiced in Florida run in what the Townsend called “the exact opposite direction of Hawai`i’s statewide commitment to clean energy.”
According to the Sierra Club, NextEra:

“Demonstrates no experience or accomplishments in renewable energy, but relies predominantly and increasingly on LNG and secondarily on nuclear energy, neither of which will achieve Hawai`i’s 100 percent renewable by 2045 goal.
Aggressively campaigns against customer-side clean energy, including energy efficiency and customer renewable systems.
Focuses decision-making on revenue loss to the utility, rather than total benefits and costs to all customers and society.
Lacks experience or accomplishments in solar energy; less than one percent of its capacity is from solar energy, and 0.01 percent of its 4.7 million customers have rooftop solar.
Perpetuates the lack of market competition by opposing customer options for third-party solar providers, eliminating customer solar incentive programs and circumventing competitive bidding for its proposed utility solar projects.
Continually opposes customer energy efficiency, recently gutting energy efficiency goals and programs to almost nothing.
Fails to use advanced metering infrastructure to support customer options and value such as innovative rate designs and distributed energy resources.
While restricting and eliminating customer options to manage their energy usage and bills, pursues massive utility-side investments like costly and risky nuclear plants and automatically passes the costs onto its ratepayers.
Dominates the political arena through extensive spending on lobbying and political contributions, and revolving door relationships.
Pushes through controversial projects and revenue increases over the strong objections of the Office of Public Counsel, Florida’s counterpart to Hawai`i’s Division of Consumer Advocacy.
Actively engages in the political arena where the commission’s authority is undermined and even commission members are replaced.”

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and five other lawmakers hosted a press conference
to encourage members of Congress to vote no on the DARK Act.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

TODAY, U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD and other colleagues condemned the industry-driven Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, also known as the Deny Americans the Right to Know Act. This legislation would overturn state laws requiring labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms.

According to Gabbard, although 90 percent of Americans support the labeling of food containing GMOs, there is no federal policy in place to label such foods. Three states – Vermont, Maine and Connecticut – have passed laws requiring GMO labeling, and over 30 states have considered similar legislation, including Hawai`i.
The bill would preempt states’ laws on GMO labeling and codify the current system of voluntary labeling. In addition, the bill would require the Food and Drug Administration to allow “natural” claims on food products containing GMOs.
Gabbard said sixty-four countries around the world already require the labeling of GE foods, including all the member nations of the European Union, Russia, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand.
“Almost 90 percent of the American people want to know what’s in their food,” Gabbard said. “The DARK Act would roll back steps taken by a majority of states and counties, including communities in Hawai`i, to better inform people about the ingredients in the food they eat. This bill takes away a basic consumer right for people to know what’s in their food and undermines local control. This bill is bad for transparency, consumer rights and democracy and should be defeated.”

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DUE TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO KDEN’s production of The King and I, a Saturday matinee has been added to this final weekend of performances. The show, which stars Norman Arancon as the king and Jeanette Gilbert as Anna, plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Tickets for the Saturday matinee are by reservation. Advance sale tickets for Friday and Saturday evenings and the Sunday matinee are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods and The Most Irresistible Shop. Call 982-7344 for reservations or more information.

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

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and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Kumu hula Bobo Palacat with Hula Halau Na Pua Ha`aheo `o Kona perform Saturday. Photo from Volcano Art Center

HAWAI`I COUNTY AND TAWHIRI POWER, which generates electricity with windmills at South Point and sells it to Hawai`i Electric Light Co., oppose the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy. As intervenors in the Public Utilities Commission’s examination of the deal, the two entities submitted testimony to the PUC this week.

William Rolston, energy coordinator at the county Department of Research and Development, testified for the county. “Whether admitted or not by incumbent utilities, a revolution has begun with individuals taking their energy destiny in their own hands,” Rolston said. “The death spiral for the Vertically Integrated Investor-Owned Utility seems to have started already, particularly in a region such as Hawai`i, where extremely high prevailing electricity rates provide sufficient ‘headspace’ for alternatives to deliver more favorable economics and a more desirable ‘value package’ to consumers. The electric utilities are seeing decreasing demand year after year, in large part due to their high prices, and are holding tightly to the mechanism called Decoupling that ensures their business model will persist even with these imminent warning signs.”

Tawhiri Power, which operates windmills at South Point, opposes
the proposed merger of HECO and NextEraEnergy.
Photo by Peter Anderson

As an example of “individuals taking their energy destiny in their own hands,” Rolston noted that “our Ka`u residents are extremely self-sufficient and survive many interruptions of power, including, for example, when they have been regularly cut off from help due to steady rains that led to flooding, cutting off road access to any outside assistance.”
Rolston pointed out what he considers a lack of trust of many Hawai`i residents toward outside entities. “Most communities are wise enough to let each newcomer know, especially in tight-knit communities (such as those that comprise the Island of Moloka`i, Island of Lana`i, the areas of Puna and Ka`u, as well as many others) that they have heard all the promises before. Rightfully, they are suspicious as they have years of experience with failed promises from outsiders and even the HECO companies themselves.”
Rolston also said, “There is significant lack of transparency with this transaction in terms of ‘what, how, when things will be done.’ Further, the ratepayer is not guaranteed any cost reductions. Therefore, if the commission decides to approve the merger, it must include ... conditions to protect the public interest.”
Tawhiri is concerned that the merger as currently formulated may severely impact its interests. “The application … does not contain any provisions or commitments that the applicants will ensure adequate protection of current long-term power purchase agreements with independent power producers, said Steve Pace, president of Apollo Energy Corp., the managing member of Tawhiri, which has a PPA that expires in 2027. “Without such mechanisms, independent renewable energy producers like Tawhiri must consider the possibility of losing its PPA subsequent to the Change of Control of the Hawaiian Electric Companies. Additionally, the proposed Change of Control has no assurances that Tawhiri will not risk incurring substantial loss of revenues because of increasing curtailment of energy deliveries to the utilities because of either significant load migration or uncontrolled growth of affiliates.
“The application for the proposed Change of Control does not present any means for preventing continued shrinkage of HECO Companies loads, specifically the load of Hawai`i Electric Light Company, Inc. This is a very serious problem that exists today. Even worse, the Application seems to be endorsing the HECO Companies’ plans to triple investments in Distributed Energy Resources without any sound planning or consideration of the commission’s inclinations. Without sound planning and consideration of the Commission’s inclinations, DERs will syphon away customer loads from utility-scale renewables which will result in a negative impact to Tawhiri.

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DLNR Chair Suzanne Case
Photo by John DeMello

THE FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM, administrated through Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, is accepting applications for conservation acquisition assistance to protect important working forest lands from the threat of conversion to non-forest uses.

The program works with private landowners, state and county agencies and conservation nonprofit groups to promote sustainable, working forests. Roughly 58 percent of the land in the state is privately owned. According to DLNR, millions of acres of privately managed, working forests nationwide have been lost or converted to other uses in the last 10 years, with millions more that are projected to be at risk in the next decade. Hawai`i is not an exception to this trend.
“With the help of land trusts and conservation-minded landowners, we have been able to protect our important forest resources, preserve forest health and watersheds, shelter endangered species and safeguard our culturally important sites,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case.
More than two million acres of threatened private forests in the U.S. have been protected under the Forest Legacy Program, of which 45,000 acres have been protected in Hawai`i. DOFAW is currently working on projects that will protect an additional 5,000 acres of important forested watershed lands through the establishment of conservation easements.

Conservation easements are a relatively new conservation tool that allows a landowner to retain ownership of the restricted title to their property while providing permanent protection from development or unsustainable uses. Often, this economic opportunity provides landowners with an alternative to selling their land to development companies. Conservation easements are strictly voluntary to enter into, and the restrictions are binding to all future owners in perpetuity.

“The national Forest Legacy Program is very competitive with only a few dozen projects funded by the U.S. Forest Service each year,” Case said. “Hawai`i always puts in strong projects that compete well in this national program.”

Norman Arancon as the King of Siam
Photo from KDEN

The Hawai`i Forest Legacy Program has identified forest lands throughout the state as important and in need of permanent protection. More information about this status can be found in the state’s Assessment of Needs at (http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/forest-legacy/). The Hawai`i program accepts both fee title and conservation easement acquisitions. Fee title acquisitions are voluntary and can provide landowners with the knowledge that their property will be managed and owned in perpetuity by the state of Hawai‘i.

The deadline for the next round of applications to the program is Aug. 17. Applications can be found at the website above and should be submitted to Irene Sprecher by email. Landowners and nonprofit entities who are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Sprecher at 808-587-4167 or by email at Irene.M.Sprecher@Hawaii.gov to discuss their property and interest in the program.
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FINAL PERFORMANCES OF KDEN’S summer production of The King and I take place this weekend. Showtimes are tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door.

Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER PRESENTS HULA Saturday. Kumu hula Bobo Palacat with Hula Halau Na Pua Ha`aheo `o Kona perform from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loke Kamanu and `ohana share Na Mea Hula on the gallery porch from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S SUMMER Jazz In The Forest concert series continues on Saturday with a Miles Davis Tribute Concert and Island All-Star Jazz Jam. The evening at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village features the Jr. Volcano Choy VAC Jazz Ensemble jamming with various jazz stars of the Big Island. Performances are at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for matinees are $15 for VAC members ($20 non-members) and for the evening shows are $20 for VAC members ($25 non-members).
A Wine and Beer Room is open to enjoy before and after the concert. Ticket holders can purchase Volcano Red Ale and Mauna Kea Pale Ale from Mehana Brewing Company as well as wine before each performance.
Also, an area has been set aside for dancing.
Tickets are available through tomorrow at volcanoartcenter.org, VAC’s Administration Office, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Basically Books in Hilo. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets may be picked up at VAC's office today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or held at Will Call on Saturday.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

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

No charge to dump trash at Hawai`i County transfer stations, including Pahala, following Environmental Management Committee hearing public testimony yesterday. Photo from Hawai`i Zero Waste

A PROPOSAL TO PAY TO THROW out trash got dumped by Hawai`i County’s Environmental Management Committee yesterday. Kohala County Council member Margaret Wyle introduced a bill to charge residents $1 per 33-gallon trash bag, with one bag free per week. After hearing public testimony mostly opposing the bill, Wille withdrew her proposal. Ka`u News Briefs received many comments on Facebook regarding the measure after reporting about it on Tuesday.

Barney Maliki: “Weren’t property taxes put in place to provide for public services such as trash disposal, roads, public facilities, etc? Now they raise taxes plus want the people to pay additional fees for the exact things we are already paying the taxes for! The county and state need to take a step back and reevaluate their annual operating budgets. … Watch how much trash will end up on the roadways then. I think I’ll just do like the old days and set up a burn barrel so all the neighborhood can smell my burning trash. And if I get complaints, that’s too bad; that’s my pulehu pit. So then the county will make a bill against pulehu barrels.”
Larry Cush: This is a flawed proposal and will only increase the throwing of trash where it doesn’t belong. It would be better to put the money into making recycling easier and increase access to transfer stations. Dumb plan, the county could pay people to bring trash and recycles to transfer station and save more money. This cost should come from property taxes and perhaps sales tax.”
Irene Perrigo Eklund: “I don’t mind paying, but many just won’t pay, and our island will be covered in garbage. Also, we have enough hoarders, some will just hold onto the garbage on their lots. Not a good thing.”
Momi Maikai: I can see more people dumping everywhere except at the dump. Office of Environmental management loses all credibility! Charge for rubbish? Maybe she shouldn’t be on the council.”
Don Hatch: “We already have a problem with people dumping their garbage on the side of the road, even when they can drop it off for free at the transfer stations. If we charge them to drop off their refuse, then we will have a bigger problem. This is simply another expense that will trash our neighborhoods. I know several people that pick up their neighbor’s trash and take it to the transfer station for them. Some are doing it to make their life easier, and others are doing it because their neighbors are elderly and can’t do it for themselves. All this will do is give the Waste Management folks additional staff and increase Hawaiian cost of living.
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PUC Commissioner Lorraine Akiba

HENRY CURTIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Life of the Land, reported thoughts of Public Utilities Commissioner Lorraine Akiba regarding the future of utility companies on his blog at ililanimediamedia.blogspot.com. Life of the Land is one of many organizations that submitted testimony to the PUC in opposition to the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy. Akiba made the remarks at a National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners conference in New York City.

“Success for us would be if we are able to get the utilities of our state to function as utilities of the future in terms of being energy services management companies and seeing customers as their active partners and giving those customers choice and empowerment,” Akiba said.
“One of the things that distinguish Hawai`i and because we are an island grid ... we have to row together. We can’t be throwing each other off the canoe and the canoe’s going to capsize and everybody goes down in the ocean.
“So a collaborative process is what we’ve been focusing on. Technical working groups with stakeholders, advocates and all the folks that have to be at the table.
“And sometimes I think at the commission we feel like we are the adults on the playground or sometimes we’re the referee at the ultimate fighting championship. Depending on the day, our staff comes back and reports to us on the success of our various collaborative working groups.
“I think collaboration is important for a small state like ours with the kind of utility structure we have, and so therefore that the process becomes ingrained, so that utilities no longer have to have us monitoring that dialogue but can actively engage in that dialogue with third parties, who help them deliver their services to customers, and (with) customers themselves. Then we can really have achieved that change, and they will be operating as utilities of the future.”
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Mee Moua

THE WHITE HOUSE HAS APPROVED a new policy to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their children – an initiative that Sen. Mazie Hirono has long been fighting for. Since her election to the U.S. House in 2006, Hirono has pushed to end the visa backlog and expedite the visa process for the children of Filipino World War II veterans, including introducing the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act in the House in the 110th, 111th and 112th Congresses while Sen. Daniel Akaka introduced the same legislation in the Senate. In the Senate, Hirono worked with the Hawai`i delegation to introduce the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act in the 113th Congress on a bipartisan basis and then successfully included it in the Senate-passed Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. This year, Hirono again reintroduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act on a bipartisan basis with the Hawai`i delegation and has continued pushing for its passage. Hirono has been working with advocates and colleagues on finding an Administrative solution to reunite the families of Filipino World War II veterans. Prior to the White House announcement, Hirono sent a letter to the President requesting that he take action by granting the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans parole while they wait in the visa backlog.

“This is a day to celebrate,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “Even though the U.S. government promised Filipino World War II veterans U.S. citizenship in recognition of their service and contributions to America, it took more than 50 years before they actually received citizenship. Until now, the inhumanely long visa backlog has separated them from their children and denied them the opportunity to live together in the United States. We are grateful to the Obama Administration, and appreciate Sen. Hirono and other members of Congress for their leadership in elevating this issue so that our veterans can be reunited with their families and receive the love and care they need during their golden years. It’s long past time the United States made good on its promise, and we hope U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will implement this as soon as possible.”
Jane Clement, president of the Congress of Visayan Organizations Foundation, said “Sen. Hirono has consistently been by our side as we’ve fought to unify the families of Filipino WWII veterans. It has been an emotional, decades-long ordeal. We appreciate her work in both the U.S. House and Senate, and we are especially grateful to Pres. Obama for utilizing his executive powers to provide expedited processing for the children of Filipino WWII veterans. We will now do all we can to ensure families are aware of this new development and that they have the support needed to help file the appropriate applications and have the necessary documents to finally bring their families together.”
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Jazz in the Forest presents a tribute
to Miles Davis.

FINAL PERFORMANCES OF The King and I take place tonight through Sunday. The show plays tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Tickets for tomorrow’s matinee are by reservation. Advance sale tickets for evenings and the Sunday matinee are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.

Call 982-7344 for reservations or more information.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST PRESENTS a tribute to Miles Davis and Island All-Star Jazz Jam tomorrow at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Jr. Volcano Choy and VAC Jazz Ensemble jam with various jazz stars from the Big Island. Performances are at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for matinees are $15 for VAC members ($20 non-members) and for the evening shows are $20 for VAC members ($25 non-members).
Tickets are available through today at volcanoartcenter.org, VAC’s Administration Office, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Basically Books in Hilo. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets may be picked up at VAC's office today until 5 p.m. or held at Will Call tomorrow.

KUMU HULA BOBO PALACAT and Hula Halau Na Pua Ha`aheo `o Kona perform tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loke Kamanu and `ohana share Na Mea Hula on the gallery porch from 9:30 a.m. to 1 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.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u painters can refine their oil techniques at next weekend's workshop with Vicky Penny-Rohner. Photo from Volcano Art Center

THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HELD a blessing and reopening of the Volcano Recycling & Transfer Station on July 21 after $1.15 million in renovations and improvements.

Blessing of the upgraded Volcano Transfer Station
took place Tuesday. Photo from Hawai`i County

The transfer station now accepts trash, green waste, scrap metal, white goods (appliances) and mixed recyclables. HI-5 beverage container redemption will be available in August. The transfer station’s redesigned traffic flow encourages recycling and makes it easier for residents to drop their trash and recyclables. Future plans for the facility include a reuse center to drop unwanted items.
The county’s Department of Environmental Management accepts household waste and recyclables at 22 recycling and transfer stations islandwide. Locations and hours are available at HawaiiZeroWaste.org.
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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES LAUNCHED a free online tool to make shopping for rooftop PV easier. WattPlan helps customers considering rooftop solar to estimate electric bill savings based on their electricity use, current rates and available rebates and tax credits. Customers may also compare outright purchase to financing side-by-side to understand the long-term impact on household budgets. Customers of Hawai`i Electric Light Company can find this tool at hawaiianelectric.com/WattPlan.

“We want to increase rooftop PV sustainably and provide customers options and tools to manage their electric bills. Solar power is good for customers and good for the state, so we want to help people make informed decisions,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric Co. senior vice president of customer service.

WattPlan gives customers an individualized estimate for the address where they’d like to install rooftop PV. It can estimate how much of their own energy use a PV system would supply, bill savings and carbon footprint reduction.

In addition, WattPlan allows customers to compare estimated costs for paying for their PV system with cash, a loan or a lease agreement. WattPlan will analyze lifetime costs for a PV system and estimate when a customer will break even on their investment in solar power.

Hawai`i leads the nation in the integration of rooftop PV, with more than 20 times the national average. Nearly 70,000 rooftop PV applications have been approved across O`ahu, Maui County and Hawai`i Island.

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DLNR officer speaks with Thirty Meter Telescope
opponents. Image from Na`au News Now

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & Natural Resources staff have filed three notices with a group of people on Mauna Kea who oppose the Thirty Meter Telescope. The notices reiterated emergency rules in effect following road blockades that prevented crews from reaching the summit to begin construction. The rules limit hours that the summit road is open and prohibit certain camping equipment.

Videos of the events are available on Na`au News Now’s Facebook page. In one, a member of the hui tells a DLNR officer that the tent erected on the site is under the jurisdiction of the Lawful Hawaiian Government and is, therefore, exempt from the emergency rules.
Enforcement of the rules has not occurred.
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HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists provide details on the status of the June 27th lava flow in the current issue of Volcano Watch. The flow threatened Pahoa earlier this year but stalled before crossing Hwy 130.

During the past four months, the June 27th lava flow, named for the date in 2014 that it began erupting from Pu`u `O`o on Kilauea Volcano's East Rift Zone, has consisted of small surface pahoehoe flows scattered across a broad area within eight kilometers (five miles) of Pu`u `O`o, the scientists report. These flows are fed by countless leaks or lava breakouts from the main lava tube. All of the leaks start within about six km (four mi) of Pu`u `O`o; the tube beyond this distance became completely inactive in March 2015.
Some surface flows are also being fed from a second, much shorter tube that began forming when the original tube ruptured near its source on Pu`u `O`o and sending a lobe of lava toward the northeast on February 21. This younger lobe advanced across older parts of the June 27th flow, and even over the main tube.

Leaks from June 27th lava tubes have nearly buried the Pu`u Kahauale`a cone,
with only the very top visible in the bottom photo. Photos from USGS/HVO

The location of the main tube is relatively well-known based on thermal (infrared) imagery acquired during many helicopter overflights during the past year, but the path of the second tube is complex and difficult to locate. The many overlapping breakouts immediately north of Pu`u `O`o have obscured its thermal “signature” in the images.
By spawning so many short-lived flows over a large area, the leaky nature of the tubes means that no single flow has been able to capture the volume of lava needed to develop into a sustained, rapidly advancing flow similar to the June 27th flow late last year.
At any one time since late March, the combined surface area of the active flows – leaks from the tubes – has varied between about 3.6 and 5.3 hectares (nine and 13 acres)! Total surface areas of the active flows are calculated using a thermal (infrared) camera and specialized software to stitch together the images and total the hottest areas. The “active” flows are assumed to have surface temperatures greater than about 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). Earlier thermal studies of pahoehoe lava flows erupted from Pu`u `O`o indicate that this temperature threshold represents lava flows that were emplaced within about the previous five hours.
This pattern of activity continues to be good news for the Puna District of the Island of Hawai`i. There is no immediate (weeks) or short-term (months) threat of inundation of residential areas from the current series of flows. The breakouts, especially the one that began February 21, were the main reason the lower part of the June 27th flow became completely inactive in March.
Currently, active lava flows are far upslope from the tips of the June 27th flow that reached as far as 23 km (14.3 mi) from Pu`u `O`o and repeatedly threatened to inundate residential areas, businesses, electric and communication utilities and Highway 130. For now, the breakouts are mostly filling in low areas on the June 27th flow and only slowly widening and thickening the flow field.
How long might this pattern last?
Veteran volcano watchers accustomed to more than 32 years of changes at Pu`u `O`o know well that the current pattern of lava-flow activity will not last. When and how the activity will evolve is, of course, not known at this time, but a change in the erupting vent on Pu`u `O`o – its geometry or location – would likely result in a change in the flow activity or direction.
In the meantime, keep up to date with the activity at Pu`u `O`o and Kilauea’s summit on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website, where updates are posted each morning at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php. This update is linked to maps and photographs that are posted following each overflight made by HVO scientists to assess the current activity.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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Final performances of The King and I are today and tomorrow.
Photo from KDEN

FINAL PERFORMANCES OF KDEN's production of The King and I take place today and tomorrow. Showtimes are today 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Advance sale tickets are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.
Call 982-7344 for reservations or more information.

VICKI PENNY-ROHNER TEACHES Oil Painting on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Cost for the two-day workshop is $100 or $90 for VAC Members.
Students learn to mix colors, use different media to achieve various effects and learn to layer color to bring depth and luminous richness to their work. Throughout the two days, students learn to create form using values and light, and recognize, understand and apply the elements of design and composition to improve their work. The class will focus on a still life. Penny-Rohner’s emphasis is on light and color and individual attention to students to help them loosen up and get satisfying results.

Students will need a small canvas, paints and brushes. A supply list will be provided.
See volcanoartcenter.org or 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_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u's County Council member Maile Medeiros David presented `O Ka`u Kakou with a Certificate of Merit. Photos from OKK

`O KA`U KAKOU RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT from Hawai`i County Council on Friday. Council member Maile Medeiros David listed OKK’s many accomplishments and activities, including student scholarships, an annual keiki fishing tournament, quarterly senior bingo luncheons, provision of portable restrooms at South Point and Punalu`u boat ramp, maintenance of six miles of Hwy 11 and Ninole Loop Road, invasive species cleanup at Punalu`u lagoon, restoration activities, yard maintenance, home repairs, installation of safety equipment for Ka`u senior citizens, maintenance of eight historical cemeteries, assistance to other nonprofits, schools and community organizations with fundraising events, and manpower for the Ka`u Coffee Festival and Hana Hou Restaurant’s annual keiki Christmas party.

OKK members received lei from Hawai`i County Council.

“You folks do a lot!” David said. “Quoting from a grateful recipient, ‘I was so touched by the generosity and kindness of your organization. In a world where only bad news captures the headlines, it’s good to be reminded that there are such beautiful souls who give selflessly of their time and energy to help others.’
“So your mission to improve the quality of life in rural Ka`u, your spirit of volunteerism and aloha, in giving of yourselves through leadership, collaboration, hard work and fostering economic development opportunities exemplifies those important components for building healthy communities through unity and working together.
“On behalf of Hawai`i County Council, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unselfish acts of kindness and extraordinary contributions to your community and the people of Hawai`i.
OKK President Wayne Kawachi said, “I am honored; I am proud to receive this award. More so, I am proud of our members who unselfishly spend many, many hours working in the community.”
Secretary Nadine Ebert said, “I want to thank the county for all the support we receive, and it is through the support of the community, and of course all of our wonderful members, that we are able to do the things that we do.” OKK also received $15,000 from the council for its continuing efforts.
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Kathryn Matayoshi

TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PROGRAM makes sense in Hawai`i, the state Department of Education is implementing a U.S. Department of Agriculture pilot program this school year that allows all students at seven public schools to receive free meal service. The Community Eligibility Provision program allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to everyone even if they do not qualify for the free or reduced lunch reimbursement. DOE will look at a range of costs and benefits associated with the program, including financial and administrative costs and savings and impact for schools and students. Based on its evaluation, DOE could expand the program to more schools, including those in Ka`u.

The CEP program has been adopted by jurisdictions around the country. “One major factor in the future of the program is the high cost of a meal in Hawai`i compared with much lower rates around the country,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to participate in this pilot that could undoubtedly benefit families in need.”
To qualify for CEP, a district, grouping or school must have a minimum of 40 percent or more of its students eligible for free or reduced meal through the National School Lunch Program.
Currently, DOE pays an average of $5.50 a meal, including food costs, labor, utilities, etc. The USDA reimburses the state $3.85 for students who qualify for a free meal and $0.40 for those paying for a meal. DOE charges $2.50 for elementary school meals for a total of $2.90 in recouped cost for the state.
Under the program, all students in CEP school would qualify for the higher $3.85 reimbursement. While the seven schools will no longer be collecting meal monies and ensuring accounts have sufficient funds, families will be required to provide information for data collection.
“The schools were chosen so that the Department can analyze how families and students in a single island community … respond to the program, while also giving officials the chance to study the impact of individual schools in separate and distinct districts on O`ahu and Hawai`i Island,” Office of School Facilities and Support Services Assistant Superintendent Dann Carlson said.
For more information about CEP, see bit.ly/HawaiiCEP.
DOE’s School Food Services Branch has a web-based site that provides families at schools that are not in the CEP program with the option to submit applications for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits online. For more information, see HawaiiPublicSchools.org.
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Michael Champley

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONER Michael Champley detailed recent energy efficiency trends in Hawai`i during the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners conference in New York City.

According to Henry Curtis, Executive Director of Life of the Land, Champley said, “In 2004 the average residential use ... was around 700 kilowatt-hours ... per month. In 2014 that was down to 500. So it dropped around 30 percent in energy use per customer.”

Champley stated that renewable energy use has “dropped oil use with respect to generation by about 23-24 percent.”
Curtis reported that rooftop solar energy accounts for 22 percent of average renewable energy produced but can account for 42 percent of renewable energy production during specific parts of the day.
Champley said that for Hawai`i to achieve its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 will require technology changes and a fair amount of storage.
Champley also gave his thoughts on the status of rooftop solar in Hawai`i.
“Exponential growth in customer solar PV installations occurred without fully understanding consequences,” Champley said, pointing out that high electricity rates, state tax policy, solar leasing and declining solar costs drove growth.
“Demand for rooftop solar outpaced utilities’ ability to effectively manage customer PV interconnection queue and integration issues, created a boom-bust cycle for PV,” Champley said.
He said the current approach to distributed solar PV “is not sustainable nor market-based.”
He also said the utilities must “harmonize needs of two distinctive groups of utility customers” by providing customer choice and enabling utilities to serve non-distributed energy resource customers at reasonable costs.
Champley conluded that utilities, customers and solar industry will need to adopt new business models.
See ililanimedia.blogspot.com.
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TO CELEBRATE THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz co-introduced the Stop Errors in Credit Use and Reporting Act that would make it easier for consumers to identify and correct errors in their credit reports and hold credit reporting agencies accountable.

“At every opportunity, Republicans have tried to dismantle the historic consumer protections that Dodd-Frank created, but consumers deserve better,” Schatz said. “We should do more to protect consumers – starting with their credit reports. Credit reports are used for everything from buying a home to getting a job. But today millions of consumers have damaging errors in their reports which can be difficult to correct. Our bill will help people correct errors on their credit reports and hold reporting agencies and data furnishers accountable for their mistakes.”
Credit report errors can lower consumers’ credit scores, leading to higher interest rates and costs for consumers. In addition to financing, credit reports are increasingly used by employers and can determine whether or not someone can get a job. In 2012, the Federal Trade Commission found that one in five consumers had an error on at least one of their credit reports, and one in twenty had an error that was significant enough to downgrade them into a lower credit tier.
The SECURE Act would make changes to the credit reporting industry that would make credit reports more accurate, give consumers information they need, protect children from identity theft, give regulators better tools for enforcement and give consumers legal remedies.
The legislation is supported by Consumers Union, the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), the National Association of Consumer Advocates, U.S. PIRG and Consumer Action.

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KDEN’S FINAL PERFORMANCE of The King and I is this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 982-7344 for reservations or more information.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Although a tropical depression tracking toward Hawai`i Island is growing, forecasters expect it to lose strength before arriving.
Map from NHC

RESEARCH IN COFFEE BERRY BORER management is opening new paths in pest control, according to a story in the Economist, and it could be coming from the gut. Researchers have found that, while caffeine is toxic to most insects, coffee berry borers have bacteria that shield them from harmful effects of caffeine by destroying it before it can be absorbed through the bugs’ gut linings.

Unlike other insects, coffee berry borers have a natural
tolerance of caffeine.

Researchers hope to create bacteriaphages that would kill the bacteria, allowing caffeine to migrate into other parts of CBBs and kill them.
In one experiment, researchers led by Eoin Brodie, of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Fernando Vega, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sterilized pests’ guts and place them through an entire life cycle lasting 44 days. They reported that population dropped by 95 percent and that those that survived had trouble moving from larva to pupa stages.
“Many plants use poisons to protect themselves from insects,” researchers said. “Being able to circumvent these natural insecticides is an important part of becoming abundant enough to constitute a pest. It is possible other agronomists who have been seeking to understand how critters do this have been looking in the wrong place – i.e., at the critters themselves, rather than among the bacteria in their guts.”

See economist.com.
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Members of a group on Mauna Kea show documents delivered by DLNR.
Image from Na`au News Now

NA`AU NEWS NOW ON FACEBOOK is providing daily updates from the summit of Mauna Loa, where a group is holding vigil in opposition to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope despite state emergency rules in place that limit camping supplies and access to the summit. On yesterday’s video entry, one person held up a list of rules and pointed out that one of the documents had no official state seal or signatures. The text on the entry states that, “While most of our kia`i were out doing morning pule, DLNR stopped by our aloha `aina checkpoint to serve one of our protectors a couple of frivolous documents while again being reminded of the rights and laws that protect us as kanaka maoli, Hawaiian Nationals, and religious and cultural practicioners here on our sacred Mauna. Mahalo nui for the commited support. We love you guys!”
According to an entry this morning, DLNR today served a paper along with the emergency rule changes. “Looks like they are incompetently suggesting that a bunch of frivolous state laws may apply to our vigil here to protect our mauna,” the entry states. “If this doesn’t convince you of the level of shear dysfunction the defacto state and its agencies operates at, maybe the fact that they still haven’t addressed the mounting piles of fecal matter, from unaccommodated visitors and tourists, littering our critical mamane habitat will.”

See facebook.com/pages/NAAU-News-Now.
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HAWAI`I IS FACING OF SHORTAGE of translators who speak English and languages of Compact of Free Association nations, including the Marshall Island, Palau and Micronesia. According to an Associated Press story by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, court requests for translation services “have soared due to an influx of migrants” from these nations.

On Hawai`i Island, a case is currently delayed because of a defendant’s right to hear the proceedings “in the Marshall Island’s tongue,” Sinco Kelleher said. The man is accused of shooting a woman and a police officer.
“The Pacific Island languages are a really hard one,” Debi Tulang-De Silva, program director of the state Judiciary’s Office on Equality and Access to the Courts, told Sinco Kelleher. “It’s really difficult to find qualified interpreters in those languages.”
The story states that Republic of Marshall Islands Consulate in Honolulu estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 people in the state speak Marshallese. The total number of COFA citizens is estimated at 20,000.
For more information about translation opportunities, see http://www.courts.state.hi.us/services/court_interpreting/court_interpreting.html.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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A LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEM MORE THAN 1,900 miles east-southeast of Hilo has acquired enough persistent deep convection near the center to be upgraded to a tropical depression, according to the National Hurricane Center. TD Eight-E has a well defined circulation center and inner-core wind field. Although the depression is a sheared tropical cyclone, a Dvorak satellite classification also justifies upgrading the low to a tropical depression at this time.
The NHC model guidance expects the tropical cyclone to move toward the west-northwest for the next 72 hours or so due to a strong deep-layer ridge locate to its north.
The cyclone is not expected to intensify much due to persistent moderate northwesterly vertical wind shear and the cyclone moving over marginal sea-surface temperatures after 72 hours.
There will also likely be occasional intrusions of drier and more stable air, which lies just to the north of the forecast track, into the cyclone. However, the well-established southerly low-level inflow of unstable air should help to maintain enough convection to keep this system as a tropical cyclone throughout the forecast period.
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ONE IN EIGHT CHILDREN IN HAWAI`I LIVE in poverty, according to KIDS COUNT data. University of Hawai`i reported Ivette Rodriguez Stern, of the University of Hawai`i at Manoa Center on the Family, saying, “We have more children in poverty now, more children living in high-poverty neighborhoods, and over a quarter of our children living in families where parents lack secure employment.” That’s over 40,000 children – worse than in 2008, at the height of the recession. The mainland is also seeing worsening child poverty.

UH’s numbers are from the 2015 KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which presents data on education, health and family and community as well as economic well-being.
Stern said that three of the four economic conditions tracked have worsened since 2008. The only one that improved was the share of children living in households with a high housing burden, where more than 30 percent of household income goes for housing. Despite this improvement, Hawai`i still has the fifth-worst high housing burden rate in the nation. In general, Hawai`i’s high cost of living makes the poverty burden worse.
Living in poverty can also worsen other outcomes for kids, UH reported. “Research shows that growing up in poor and low-income households can have long-lasting effects on children’s learning, health and earning potential as adults,” said Marianne Berry, director of UH's Center on the Family.
Income boosters can help change outcomes for children. “The good news,” Berry pointed out, “is that when we invest in the right strategies and policies, we can make a difference for kids.” Stern said, “Studies show that boosting low family income by just a few thousand dollars can really make a difference in changing outcomes for children, especially early in childhood.” She suggests that a state Earned Income Tax Credit would bolster effects of the successful federal EITC to provide those critical dollars.
High-quality and reliable early care and education programs targeting low-income families can also minimize achievement gaps caused by poverty.
The Data Book, which ranks each state on overall child well-being, shows Hawai`i is right in the middle, 24 out of 50. There have been some gains in education, with steady improvements in reading and math proficiency rates and in on-time high school graduation. However, Hawai`i is still near the bottom third among states in education. Health conditions – percent of low-birthweight babies, children without health insurance, child and teen deaths and percent of teens who abuse substances – have remained somewhat stable since 2008, and Hawai`i has the second-smallest share of children without health insurance. Hawai`i is also relatively high among states in the area of family and community well-being, 11 out of 50.
See aecf.org/resources/the-2015-kids-count-data-book and hawaii.edu.news.
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TODAY, U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD commemorated National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire agreement signed on July 27, 1953.
“Today our nation honors the 5.7 million American men and women who served during the Korean War era,” Gabbard said. “We pay tribute to 407 service members from Hawai`i who made the ultimate sacrifice. The service and sacrifice of our Korean War veterans will never be forgotten.”
Gabbard is a cosponsor of H.R. 1475, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act, and H.Con.Res. 50, a bill that would establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery for service members who died or who are missing in action, unaccounted for or died on the Korean peninsula after the Korean War armistice was signed.
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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meets tomorrow at 10 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church. Call 929-9910 for more information.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u Community Development Plan Steering Committee holds five topic-focused meetings next month. Map from Draft Ka`u CDP

A SERIES OF TOPIC-FOCUSED Steering Committee meetings has been scheduled to review community feedback and make preliminary decisions about revisions to the Draft Ka`u Community Development Plan.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, topics are Town Infill and Agricultural Subdivision.
At Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Steering Committee will discuss Ocean View Development and Special Permits.

Coastal Development and Management is on the agenda of one of next
month's meetings. Image from Draft Ka`u CDP

Coastal Development and Management are on the agenda Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
Discovery Harbour Community Center hosts a discussion about development in that area on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Steering Committee returns to Na`alehu Community Center on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., when the topic is Economic Development.
Meeting ending times are approximate, and other meetings may be scheduled as needed. Agendas and more information about the meeting topics and format will be shared as the dates approach. Steering Committee meetings are open to the community, and public testimony is welcome.
The CDP Planning Team plans to provide materials in advance of each meeting that bring into clear focus public input, critical issues and alternative strategies related to each topic, said Planner Ron Whitmore. Each meeting will be actively facilitated to help the Steering Committee consider trade-offs of different strategies. It is hoped that each meeting will conclude with preliminary decisions by the Steering Committee about CDP revisions.
A Steering Committee is also scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 starting at 5:30 at the Na`alehu Community Center to make final recommendations for CDP revisions and adoption. Before that meeting, a summary of all CDP revisions being considered will be made available.
Summaries of feedback received during the March-June public review period are available in the CDP Input section of the project website, kaucdp.info.
Steering Committee members or Community Planning Assistant Nalani Parlin are available to answer questions. Contact information is available on the website.
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Gov. David Ige announced members of his Leadership Team on Homelessness.
Photo from Office of the Governor

GOV. DAVID IGE’S NEWLY FORMED Leadership Team on Homelessness is tasked with finding short-term and long-term solutions as state and federal governments work together to address the issue in Hawai`i.

The leadership team includes Gov. Ige, state Sen. Jill Tokuda, state Rep. Sylvia Luke and designees of U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono.
“The underlying issues that lead to homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, cannot be resolved quickly,” Ige said. “Meanwhile, we cannot wait for a comprehensive, long-term solution. There are measures we can take and will take immediately.”
The leadership team will identify and assign parcels of land to be used for creation of temporary shelters in one or two communities; implement measures to transfer residents of homeless encampments to shelters; work with service providers to establish protocols to assess shelter residents for financial, physical, mental health and other needs; and determine costs and obtain funding to meet these objectives.
The leadership team will also consult with law enforcement leaders, nonprofit organizations and other interested parties to assist with implementing short-term objectives.
In addition, as a result of the team’s discussions and findings, legislation may be introduced in January 2016 to fulfill unmet or unfunded needs and services.
“The Legislature understands the gravity of the situation and the need to pull all executive and governmental agencies to the table in an effort to execute and implement solutions that can be replicated in communities across the state,” said Tokuda, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Ige said, “This isn’t just another committee. This team is making a commitment to work together to find solutions now. There is something important going on. We are the people responsible for the public’s welfare. This team is meeting face to face to address homelessness, and we are going to hold each other accountable.”
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard discussed TPP
on the House floor. Image from C-SPAN

REP. TULSI GABBARD REITERATED her frustration with lack of transparency in the Trans-Pacific Partnership in a speech on the House floor today. TPP trade ministers from the 12 participating nations begin private meetings in Ka`anapali, Maui today, where they are expected to conclude negotiations on the deal that will impact 40 percent of the world economy. Protesters will gather at the Westin Hotel on Maui tomorrow at 12 p.m. to voice objections on the secrecy of this deal and the potential impacts it will have.

“Not only were the American people shut out of this trade deal when Congress passed fast-track authority legislation,” Gabbard said, “these negotiations continue as we speak in a shroud of secrecy, with the American people reliant on sites like WikiLeaks as they seek information about how this agreement will impact us.
“The people of Hawai`i and all Americans are rightfully concerned about how this trade deal will impact our jobs, our families, our economy, our environment and our nation’s sovereignty. We, the American people, deserve to know what’s in this deal and to have a say in what happens. How can a genuine public debate occur on a deal as monumental as this when no one knows what’s in it? It is hard to imagine a deal more demanding of transparency.
“People from Hawai`i and around the world are gathering tomorrow on Maui to protest this secret deal. They are sick and tired of multinational corporations benefiting on the broken backs of working-class Americans, and they will not stop until their voices are heard.”
Gabbard, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, has repeatedly called for transparency in TPP negotiations and voted against granting the Administration “fast-track” Trade Promotion Authority earlier this year. While Congress passed TPA, she has called for increased protections for domestic workers displaced by trade, including Trade Adjustment Assistance.
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TD8E may become a tropical storm before dissipating on its way to Hawai`i.
Map from National Hurricane Center

TROPICAL DEPRESSION 8E continues its voyage toward Hawai`i Island but is expected to dissipate before arrival, according to the National Hurricane Center. Models show no or minimal strengthening, but the official forecast still allows for the system to become a tropical storm sometime during the next 24 hours.

North-northwesterly shear that is currently affecting the depression is expected to decrease gradually after 12-24 hours. Then, the cyclone will also be moving into a drier air mass, further limiting its strength.
A subtropical ridge continues to steer the depression west-northwestward, but the cyclone is expected to turn westward later today and maintain that trajectory.
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Susan Scott

OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS SOLAR SUBSTATION, planned by Hawai`i Electric Light Co., is the subject of a steering committee meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The substation is designed to support solar farms on more than 20 lots in the community.

AUTHOR AND MARINE BIOLOGIST Susan Scott discusses her adventures sailing on her 37-foot sailing vessel to Palmyra and her work there on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Her experiences are the subject of her book Call Me Captain.
Scott will also discuss her artwork made from marine debris collected during her work on Midway. Scott said Palmyra and Midway are “book-end” atolls both significant to Hawai`i’s past and present.
Scott writes a weekly column called Ocean Watch for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and has written six books about nature in Hawai`i.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 9, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 10, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 11, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 12, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 13, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 16, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 17, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 18, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 19, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 20, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 23, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 24, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 25, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 26, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 27, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 28, 2015