The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

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

A CONTROVERSIAL POLICY IN THE DRAFT Ka`u Community Development Plan was on the agenda at Ka`u CDP Steering Committee’s meeting in Ocean View Saturday. Policy 20 calls for exploring the feasibility of establishing a redevelopment area, plan and agency to comprehensively address community challenges in nonconforming subdivisions such as Mark Twain, Green Sand and Ocean View. If community-based redevelopment strategies are feasible, the policy calls for county-provided technical assistance to communities and organizations pursuing those strategies.

Ka`u CDP Steering Committee members Ron Ebert and Patti Barry discusses
policies with Ka`u residents at Ocean View meeting. Photo by Ron Johnson

Some Ocean View residents have considered Policy 20 to be an imposition by the county to change the nature their area, where many residents enjoy a private lifestyle in upper reaches of the subdivision. In his testimony at the meeting, Rell Woodward said there is no community support for redevelopment. “Ocean View will not depend on the county for infrastructure; we expect little county interference. We do things ourselves,” he said. Ralph Roland said Ocean View is so unique that you “can’t plan this place using formulas. We don’t need the county trying to upgrade us to Kona.”
Ka`u CDP Project Manager Ron Whitmore said the actual purpose of the policy is to preserve Ocean View’s ag land and rural character. He said the county has never had plans to make people move from their remote homes into more concentrated, urban areas.
Objectives of the policy are to encourage future settlement patterns that are safe, sustainable and connected. CDP documents say, “They should protect people and community facilities from natural hazards, and they should honor the best of Ka`u’s historic precedents: concentrating new commercial and residential development in compact, walkable, mixed-use town/village centers, allowing rural development in the rural lands and limiting development on shorelines.”
Potential advantages stated in relation to the objectives are that the policy provides new opportunities to preserve ag land and rural character and to increase safety and improve hazard mitigation.
Whitmore pointed to Puna as an example of an area without such a policy, where unmanaged growth created a situation in which residents must travel to Hilo for many goods and services.
Whitmore also said the policy does not prohibit commercial uses in upper areas of Ocean View. He said businesses such as convenience stores could apply for special use permits and be considered case-by-case, with residents able to be involved in the process.
Options considered at the meeting were to leave the policy unchanged, exclude Ocean View from the policy or delete it. Whitmore said that if Ocean View is excluded, future opportunities to preserve ag land and the area’s rural character may not be available.
The Steering Committee meets tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss public comment and proposed CDP revisions regarding Coastal Development & Management.
See kaucdp.info for more information, including how to contact committee members.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY OFFERS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE on the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy, according to Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis.

In its testimony to the Public Utilities Commission, the county stated that “we believe the Merger Docket may not provide enough frame to discover concrete evidence from the Applicants on ‘how we will get there,’ ‘how much it will cost’ and ‘what is the best business model that ensures and enables maximum benefits in the public interest.’”
The county concluded that there is “inadequate information in the record to determine whether the merger is in the public interest.”
To understand whether the proposal is in the public interest, the county said,“We must decipher which of the proclaimed benefits from the Applicants are real and deliverable as a result of the Merger and those that could be obtained by the HECO Companies through some other means, such as by internally through better practices.”
Offsetting the benefits are risks, Curtis said and quoted the county: “We also must decrypt the real risks that come from this Merger and predict the trajectory of these risks, and possibly find some way of mitigating negative consequences — including the very real possibility that preferred solutions may be ‘crowded out.’”
Curtis said, “Hawai`i has far higher penetration levels for intermittent wind and solar energy resources than any other modern grid. As a result, HELCO’s system operators are world-class leaders in integrating renewables onto the grid and handling grid disturbances. HELCO System Operators could teach a lot to NextEra.”
Relating to HELCO’s knowledge, the county testified, “NextEra offers nothing specific regarding how the companies will be operated post-merger. Isolated Island Grid systems are very different than interconnected electric utilities on the mainland, and although NextEra desires that it wants to improve reliability, it most likely lacks an understanding on how to achieve it here. NextEra has not conducted any independent analysis of the HECO Companies electrical systems and claims it can’t get the answers it needs until after the merger is completed. NextEra asserts that the HECO Companies offers reliable service but NextEra will offer more reliable service.”
According to Curtis, “the County is concerned that the 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standards by 2045 might be sending the wrong message.” Curtis quotes county testimony that it may lead to “a tidal wave of projects … that have dubious technical merit and frightfully dubious economics.”
See ililanimedia.blogspot.com.
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Pacific longline fishermen have already caught this year's quota of bigeye tuna.
Photo from World Wildlife

THE ANNUAL BIGEYE TUNA QUOTA of 3,502 metric tons in the Western and Central Pacific and the 500 metric ton quota in the Eastern Pacific have been fished by longliners, and the fisheries are closed to large boats earlier than expected, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

A story in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald reports the closing of Hawai`i waters is earlier than usual. Journalist Ivy Ashe quotes Eric Kingma, international fisheries coordinator for the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, saying that about 20 percent of Hawai`i’s longline fleet is no longer able to fish for bigeye.
“You’re impacting fishermen, one, and the Hawai`i seafood market,” Kingma said. “You’re reducing supply, but (also) potentially the quality of the fish. The impact to consumers is usually increased prices.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS meetings at Council Chambers in Hilo this week. Committees meet tomorrow, with Governmental Relations & Economic Development meeting at 9 a.m.; Environmental Management, 9:30 a.m.; Public Works & Parks and Recreation, 11 a.m.; and Finance, 1 p.m. Environmental Management Committee continues its discussion of a bill that would limit county use of herbicides.
The full council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Meetings are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings. Agendas are available on the website.
Na`alehu State Office Building offers videoconferencing as a means to testify without traveling to Hilo.

PERFORMANCES OF A WALK INTO THE PAST take place tomorrow and every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The program features living history presenter Dick Hershberger dressed in period costume and bringing back to life Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply.
Call 985-6011 for more information.

Ka`u girls volleyball teams start regular season action tomorrow.
Photo from KHPES

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL regular season starts tomorrow. Junior varsity and varsity teams travel to Honoka`a for matches beginning at 6 p.m.

ADVOCATS OFFERS a spay and neuter clinic Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

HULA AND HAWAIIAN MUSIC are featured Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with Hilo-based Halau O Mailelaulani under the direction of kumu hula Mailelaulani Canario.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Community feedback and potential revisions related to coastal development are on Ka`u CDP Steering Committee's agenda for a meeting today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Image from draft Ka`u CDP documents

LEINA`ALA ENOS, CHAIR of Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee, explains the CDP process to countywide readers in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald today. Enos told Ivy Ashe that committee members continue after nearly eight years “because many of us are very passionate about the process and what the outcomes can mean to our community. … The end result is a document that hopefully our community is going to be proud of because they had a lot of say about it.”

Leina`ala Enos

Enos told Ashe that the committee welcomes more input from the community as the process reaches its final stages. “If (people) look at the document and see something — or don’t see something — we would still like people to be part of the whole process and let us know,” Enos said.
The committee’s series of topic-focused meetings continues today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center, focusing on community feedback and potential CDP revisions related to Coastal Development. Background information is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-18-2015-steering-committee-meeting/CoastalDevInfoPacket.pdf/view.
The meetings are designed to quickly bring the committee and others present up to speed and focused on key issues and decisions. Members of the public in attendance will be able to participate in a review of the trade-offs associated with alternative CDP strategies and revisions. Public comment on agenda items is welcome.
For more information, contact Steering Committee members or Community Planning Assistant Nalani Parlin. Contact information and the agenda are available at kaucdp.info.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Photo of burglary suspect from Hawai`i
Island Police

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ask for the public’s help in identifying a person wanted in connection with a burglary complaint that occurred on a property located on the 2800 block of Anuenue Drive in Ocean View.

On Friday, Aug, 14 between 1:50 p.m. and 2:05 p.m., an unidentified person entered the property without permission and removed a green acetylene torch with cylinder, a red Honda generator and a red 10-gallon metal gas container. The suspect may have been operating a lifted, older model white Toyota extra cab pickup truck with large off-road tires. Images of the suspect and the truck he was driving were captured on surveillance video.
Police ask anyone with information about this case or the identity of the person in the photo to call Officer James Lorenzo at 939-2520 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
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A NEW PACIFIC ISLANDS CLIMATE STORYBOOK created by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other partners details community experiences in addressing impacts of a changing climate in Pacific Island countries. The storybook reflects broad community engagement over a two-year period and incorporates experiential knowledge and scientific data. With emphasis on the vital need for climate early warning, the stories highlight the use of or need for climate services to increase community resilience to a changing climate.

In American Samoa, for example, lessons learned from a devastating drought considerably lessened the impacts of a later, even more severe drought. In Vanuatu, a guidebook and innovative animation are translating science from climate early warning systems into useable strategies for farmers and others especially vulnerable to climate variability. Planting taro deeply, for instance, allows roots to better reach water reserves.
The stories are an outcome of an extensive dialog process that joined those developing climate products and services for the Pacific Islands with those who will actually use the information to plan and adapt.
The storybook incorporates technical material, process guides and activities that were used to conduct dialogues and build the stories. It conveys an approach that is easy for decision-makers to understand and apply, and may serve as a model for governments and other organizations that seek to engage communities in adapting to a changing climate.
See http://pacificislandsclimate.org/storybook/Pacific_Islands_Climate_Storybook.pdf and http://pacificislandsclimate.org/csstories/.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, A MEMBER of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, supports the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that regulates Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Congress is currently considering the plan announced recently by Pres. Barack Obama.

“Since receiving President Obama’s proposed deal to end Iran’s nuclear program, I have attended and participated in classified briefings, meetings and hearings with national security and foreign policy experts, with supporters and critics of the deal, with military leaders, with ambassadors and representatives of the other five nations involved in the negotiations and with my constituents,” Hirono said. “After careful consideration, particularly weighing the risks involved in Congress approving or rejecting the deal, I have concluded that supporting this agreement means that Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which was on the verge of success, will be disabled for many years. The agreement requires Iran to affirm that ‘under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.’ This section of the agreement will enable the U.S. and the international community to take appropriate action, including military action, should Iran violate this unequivocal pledge.
“My support of this plan of action stems from the following points:

Iran is currently on the verge of successfully developing numerous nuclear bombs. This agreement, with its stringent inspection regime, will halt Iran’s development of nuclear weapons by requiring Iran to give up its capacity to produce nuclear weapons.
If Iran fails to meet the restrictions this agreement provides, sanctions can be put back into place or ‘snapped back.’ The U.S. and our international partners retain the ability to use military action if Iran seeks to obtain a nuclear weapon in violation of this agreement.

“A rejection by the U.S. of this deal will not bring our partners back to negotiate another deal. In fact, at a recent meeting of leaders from our partner nations, I specifically asked the Ambassadors to the U.S. from China, the United Kingdom and Russia whether their countries would come back to negotiate again should the U.S. walk away from the deal. They unanimously said, ‘No,’ that there was already a deal – the one before Congress.
“While this agreement is not perfect, it has gained broad national and international support, including 29 top American nuclear scientists, of which six are Nobel laureates. This agreement is the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear weapon program.
“At the same time, this deal does not solve all the concerns we have about Iran’s activities, particularly, Iran’s support for terrorism. I will support increased efforts, along with our allies, to counter Iran’s destabilizing and malign actions within and outside the Middle East.”
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ADVOCATS OFFERS a spay and neuter clinic tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. The meeting is streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings. Agenda is also available on the website.

Na`alehu State Office Building offers videoconferencing as a means for Ka`u residents to testify without traveling to Hilo.

Halau O Mailelaulani performs tomorrow. Photo from NPS

HULA AND HAWAIIAN MUSIC are featured tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with Hilo-based Halau O Mailelaulani under the direction of kumu hula Mailelaulani Canario.

Free; park entrance fees apply.
For more information, call 985-6011.

KA`U EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL BEGINS regular-season play on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Kohala. Due to a lack of eligible players with three days of conditioning and 10 days in pads, the team had to cancel its preseason game against Hilo Junior Varsity this Friday, according to Athletic Director Kalei Namohala.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Portions of the Ka`u Coast are critical monk seal habitat under new federal rules. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COAST SHORELINE SETBACKS continue to be undecided in the Ka`u Community Development Plan. After much input from residents and discussion among CDP Steering Committee members last night, members voted on a motion regarding setbacks, but it did not receive a necessary majority. According to CDP documents, “the affirmative vote of a majority of voting members shall be necessary to take any action.”

Ka`u residents discuss options regarding shoreline setbacks with Ka`u CDP
Steering Committee members. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Members present voted on a motion by Michelle Galimba to place the setback at a minimum of 1/4-mile or a distance determined by a science-based assessment. Galimba made an exception of Punalu`u, where the distance would be determined with community input, she said. Galimba said the policy is still open for more discussion and that her motion was to help the process “move forward.”
The majority of residents at the meeting testified in favor of some form of setback. Retired oceanographer Phil Sharkey said he presently cannot access areas at Pohue Bay to research hawksbill turtles.
Lehua Lopez Mau said almost everyone she has spoken with approves setbacks and that plans by Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo for pavilions and a small structure at Honu`apo would be acceptable under the CDP.
John Replogle said he was speaking for the “fish, reefs and people yet to come” to Ka`u. He said he spoke to many people who favor setbacks, which would “keep Ka`u their place” where they can walk on the coastline, unlike other shores in the state. He said he recognized that some residents are against setbacks, but, “in the end, it will be good, and they will be happy.”
Chris Manfredi said he does not support houses on the Ka`u Coast but questions the CDP’s definition of development. “The devil is in the details,” he said. He said setbacks could affect parks, trails and other public uses.
Guy Enriques questioned the appropriateness of setbacks, especially at Punalu`u, where past nearshore development has provided employment for local residents. “We have some opportunities here to do some really good things,” he said. Enriques favored site-specific setbacks that would be individual to different locations rather than a “blanket” setback for the entire Ka`u Coast.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A system in the Central Pacific could become a tropical depression.
Map from NOAA

AS HURRICANE SEASON CONTINUES, a broad area of nearly stationary low pressure about 915 miles south-southeast of Hilo could slowly develop into a tropical depression during the next couple of days. According to Central Pacific Hurricane Center, formation chance is 60 percent.

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THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS INCORPORATED input from Hawai`i into new rules aimed at further protection for the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal by focusing protection on areas most important for foraging, pupping and resting, including some portions of the Ka`u Coast. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Services recently finalized the rule that identifies coastal areas in the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat. This was in response to a petition by a local advocacy group, KAHEA, the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance and two other environmental organizations. Hawaiian monk seals face extinction and are one of most endangered marine mammals in the world with about 200 monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands.
“Hawai`i has a responsibility to protect our natural and cultural heritage, Department of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case said. “A part of that is making sure that our very special, unique, native Hawaiian monk seals have safe places to thrive. It is a shared responsibility among the people, the state and the federal government. Monk seals are protected under state and federal law even without critical habitat, and this habitat rule will not impact most activities, like swimming, surfing, boating, fishing and gathering.

This monk seal was born in Ka`u in 2013. Photo by Julie Steelman

“We look forward to enhanced state and federal co-management of monk seals throughout Hawai`i. Critical habitat helps manage federal activities to avoid habitat destruction. Most fishermen and other ocean users will never even notice this rule has been implemented. Critical habitat designation is an important tool in the larger effort to recover this valued native species, found nowhere else in the world.”

While the final critical habitat rule identifies areas on most of the Main Hawaiian Islands, NOAA reduced the area from its initial proposal. Marine water protections have also been tailored to include the key for aging depths on the sea floor, rather than all surface waters. Activities most likely to require some modifications include dredging, coastal construction, water pollution permits and military activities.
A resolution adopted unanimously by the Legislature this year directs DLNR to strengthen rules governing protection of indigenous marine wildlife, particularly spinner dolphins, marine mammals and sea turtles and to increase collaboration with federal partners on rules related to spinner dolphins, marine mammals and sea turtles.
Critical habitat designation does not make lands federal, restrict public access or forbid activities or developments. It identifies areas where federal government projects must give extra consideration and minimize destruction and degradation of the coast.
“Protecting coastal and marine habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal is also good for Hawai`i’s people, culture and economy,” said Marjorie Ziegler, executive director of Conservation Council for Hawai`i. “The critical habitat rule does not restrict public access — people can still swim, surf, snorkel, fish and gather.”
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Ocean View resident and math and science enthusiast Madalyn McWhite-Lamson
urges Ka`u fifth-grade girls to register for GEMS. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS ARE INVITED to attend the annual Girls Exploring Math and Science program at Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Registration forms will be sent to public and private schools on Aug. 24, and the deadline for forms to be postmarked is Sept. 25. This event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education and research. This annual day of discovery features hand-on workshops and exhibits led by local women volunteers who work in math- and science-oriented careers and who show the girls how they use math, science and technology in their daily work. The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster confidence of girls in these fields, as well as provide positive female role models. It may also stimulate a girl’s interest in a new career goal. As many as 30 girls from Ka`u have attended in previous years.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is $20 per girl. Scholarships are available, and no girl will be turned away for financial reasons. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. Girls should register early to get their first choice of workshops.
For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS opened their regular season in Honoka`a yesterday. Junior Varsity lost 2-1 in a hard-fought, three-set match. Honoka`a Varsity took two straight sets to win on their home court, 25-20 and 25-8.

Ka`u hosts Laupahoehoe Friday at 6 p.m.
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ADVOCATS OFFERS a spay and neuter clinic today until 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

EVENTS AT OCEAN VIEW Community Center tomorrow include Family Reading Night at 5 p.m. and OVCA Board Meeting at 6 p.m. Call 939-7033 for more information.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA`U meets tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. Call 929-9731 or 936-7262 for more information.

KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym tomorrow. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. The Summer League started in July with six men’s teams and four women’s teams. Playoffs leading up to the championship games wound up Monday.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.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.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

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.

HHSC East Hawai`i facilities, include Ka`u Hospital, are in preliminary acquisition talks. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL AND OTHER FACILITIES in Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i region are discussing possible acquisition with Adventist Health. The California-based company operates Castle Medical Center on O`ahu and 19 other hospitals, 230 clinics and several home health agencies on the west coast and in Hawai`i, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

“There actually have been no discussions up until this point,” Rita Waterman, of Adventist Health, told reporter Kristen Consillio. “The initial conversation is taking place later this week, so it’s very preliminary discussions at a very exploratory stage. Any number of scenarios are possible, so I wouldn’t begin to characterize it at this stage. There are a number of different working relationships, and lots of different arrangements are being created. This is not particularly unique because it’s happening all across the United States.”
HHSC’s East Hawai`i regional CEO Dan Brinkman told the Gomes that Adventist is the first organization that has contacted the East Hawai`i hospitals about public-private partnership options.
“Our finances have been shaky. The fundamental issues that caused that have not been resolved,” Brinkman said. “We’re very concerned there will be additional deficits in the coming years.”

Maile David

East Hawai`i Region laid off 87 employees this year in the face of a $7 million budget deficit.
See staradvertiser.com.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL YESTERDAY approved a resolution to amend Hawai`i County’s general plan, in accordance with the general plan comprehensive review process, relating to geothermal resources development. The resolution calls for the relevant Hawai`i County Planning Commission to have authority to regulate future geothermal development in Hawai`i County subject to state law. The resolution also states that additional development of geothermal resources should mitigate impacts to people by use of best available control technology and that additional development of geothermal resources that are not part of the previously approved production facilities should avoid urban areas zoned for residential use.
Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Ka`u County Council member Maile David drank water that one of many testifiers allegedly brought from a geothermal well or spring. “I’m doing this for me and my family because I respect my culture and I cannot refuse a gift,” David said. “I was taught that.”
Callis said other council members “politely declined or didn’t respond.” He also said David didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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A TROPICAL DISTURBANCE 685 MILES south-southeast of Hilo has developed sufficient persistent deep convection around a closed circulation to be considered a tropical depression. This is the sixth tropical cyclone in the Central North Pacific basin for the 2015 season. Tropical Depression Three-C is moving over very warm water. It is expected to become a hurricane in about two days south-southwest of the main Hawaiian islands.

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AS KA`U COFFEE PICKING SEASON BEGINS, statewide statistics from last year show record prices for Hawaii-grown coffee, but growers produced fewer beans and made less money. According to Andrew Gomes, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that growers received an average of $6.70 per pound, but the total for the season fell four percent from last year’s record amount.
The report also said progress is being made in controlling coffee berry borers but warned that the pest still threatens the industry.
See staradvertiser.com.
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HVNP Chief Ranger John Broward

JOHN BROWARD IS THE NEW Chief Ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He will direct visitor and resource protection for the 333,086-acre park.

Broward has served the National Park Service since 1983 and has an extensive background in search-and-rescue, helicopter management, incident command and emergency medical response, in addition to visitor and resource protection. He first volunteered as an archaeological technician for Biscayne National Park in Florida before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in archaeology. He moved on to Everglades National Park, where he worked as a fee collector, a wildland firefighter and a law enforcement ranger. He spent several years as a backcountry area ranger at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon before becoming a law enforcement ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2001.
Since 2001, Broward worked his way up the ranks as the park’s emergency operations and search-and-rescue coordinator and eruption crew supervisor. He also worked as the supervisory law enforcement ranger and has served intermittently as Acting Chief Ranger.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the National Park Service volunteer program,” Broward said. “Volunteering is how I got my foot in the door, and that door opened up into a lifelong career,” he said.
Broward emphasized that planning ahead and preparation are the most essential elements to a great visit to a national park.
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WHILE SEVERAL STATE AGENCIES OPPOSE the purchase of Hawaiian Electric by the NextEra company out of Juno Beach, FL, one state agency is asking that NextEra hand out no-layoff notices during the first four years, should it buy the company.
Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, reports this morning that Mark Glick, administrator for the state Energy Office, recommended that the state Public Utilities Commission increase workforce commitments proposed by NextEra from two years to four years.
See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is willing to run for vice president next year, according to Ryan Kazmirzack, of the Garden Island newspaper on Kaua`i. “The question that I’ve always asked myself is, where can I be in a position to make the most positive impact? That’s what motivated me to run for office at 21,” Gabbard answered in response to a question asked during an address to Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce. Gabbard said no one has asked her to run for vice president.

See thegardenisland.com.

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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO co-introduced the Middle Class Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically Act, a bill to increase access to affordable post-secondary education for low- to moderate-income students. The bill would address the significant loss in value of Pell Grants by adjusting them for inflation, reinstate year-round Pell Grants, and increase the number of eligible semesters to 15.
“As college tuition increases across the country, students and families are struggling to make ends meet,” Hirono said. “Unfortunately, the Pell Grant program has not grown at the same rate as rising college tuition. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on Pell Grants, and those students deserve to know they can count on Pell Grants to help pay for college, regardless of their schedules, work or family commitments. Investing in education is one of the best investments we can make to grow our middle class.”
According to the state Higher Education Executive Officers Association and the College Board, the burden of paying for college has shifted to students as tuition continues to increase and state funding continues to decrease. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on the Pell Grant, and more than 1,600 students used year-round Pell Grants before they were cut in 2011.
The Middle Class CHANCE Act will support students by increasing the individual maximum award to $9,140, bringing the maximum amount to the average in-state tuition costs at public four-year institutions; restoring year-round Pell Grants, allowing students to receive additional Pell dollars for courses taken during summer or intercession; and allowing Pell Grant recipients to use awards for 15 semesters instead of the current 12 semesters.
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Paul and Jane Field invite Ka`u residents to join Stewardship at the Summit.
Photo from NPS

KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym today. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m.

DURING STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, volunteers help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from trails. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and the lehua flower Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on this easy, one-mile or less walk.
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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u Plantation Days is organizing for the October event. Kupuna who studied under the late Edna Aguil continue their hula tradition as part of the annual festivities at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS IS ORGANIZING for Saturday, Oct. 17 to celebrate the multicultural evolution of the community and the history of sugar, ranching and dairy, and diversification into macadamia, coffee and food farms.
Interested persons and volunteers are invited to planning meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Sept. 10; Thursday, Sept. 24; and Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Pahala Community Center and Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the old sugar manager’s house.
Sponsored by Ka`u Multicultural Society, led by Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka, Ka`u Plantation Days will be held on the grounds of the old sugar plantation manager’s manor, Pahala Plantation House.
It begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 with an opening pa`u parade, with representatives of ranches and farms on horseback, foot, car, truck and float. Flower lei-bedecked riders and horses represent each island. Clyde Silva emcees the parade. At the old manager’s house, families with roots in Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino, Samoan, European and other traditions present their memorabilia, dress, dance and foods. It will be the first year with Samoan dance, Vierra said.
Sponsors include `O Ka`u Kakou and Pahala Plantation Cottages.

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Tropical Storm Kilo, 435 miles south of South Point, is on its way past Ka`u.
Map from NOAA

TROPICAL STORM KILO, 435 miles south of South Point at 11 a.m., is expected to stay south as it passes Hawai`i Island today and tonight, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The forward speed of the cyclone is forecast to diminish significantly with a gradual turn toward the north-northeast, with the most recent track showing it heading directly to Kaua`i.

The storm will strengthen into a hurricane Monday morning, CPHC reported. Kilo is moving over very warm water, and easterly shear winds, which often help destroy tropical storms, are expected to slowly weaken later today and then remain rather weak.

In advance of Kilo’s possible landfall in the state, Gov. David Ige today signed an emergency proclamation making Major Disaster Funds available for disaster relief.

CPHC said the U.S. 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron will begin flights into Kilo this evening and will continue to do so at 12-hour intervals until further notice, providing insight into Kilo’s structure and intensity.

Another tropical storm, Loke, is southwest of Hawai`i and not expected to impact the state.
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Merilyn Harris

KA`U HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR Merilyn Harris provided more information regarding Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s preliminary talks with Adventist Health, which initiated a conversation about possible acquisition of East Hawai`i Region facilities. Ka`u Hospital, Hilo Medical Center and Hale Ho`ola Hamakua had to cut $7 million from East Hawai`i Region’s budget this year, resulting in over 80 staff layoffs across the region and some service reductions.

“Fortunately for Ka`u Hospital, we did not lose any permanent positions, but the financial stresses on our facilities are considerable,” Harris said, “and we are very worried about the future because the road ahead is going to be even more financially challenging, and the health care needs in our community continue to grow. Ka`u Hospital is great evidence of that as our hospital and clinic have been busier than ever.
“Our Board has to look at all the potential options, and that includes evaluating any prospective strategic alliance that would ensure our ability to sustain our services. …. The fact that you are seeing these reports in the news is evidence of the fact that the leadership of the East Hawai`i Region of HHSC wants our staff and community to be confident that our Board is being open and transparent about all considerations.”
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Ka`u's organic coffee farmers are urged
to contact their certifier regarding
use of Mycotrol O.

KA`U ORGANIC COFFEE FARMERS who use Mycotrol O to control coffee berry borers should contact their certifier immediately, according to University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service Agent Andrea Kawabata. After next Friday, Aug. 28, it is highly likely that use of Mycotrol O, which contains Beauveria bassiana, will be prohibited on certified organic farms.

A few options for repellency and control of CBB still exist. Surround WP Crop Protectant and Garlic Barrier are for repellency, and Pyganic Crop Protection EC 5.0 is for direct contact. Unlike Beauveria products, Pyganic does not persist or continue to kill after initial contact with the beetle. The beetle must be contacted directly to kill.
“We would like you to be prepared and informed about this situation,” Kawabata said. “Please talk to your certifier to better understand how this ruling by Organic Materials Review Institute will affect you.”
Information has also been posted at http://hawaiicoffee.weebly.com/educational-events-and-announcements.html.

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NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION Fisheries’ recently completed Draft Main Hawaiian Island Monk Seal Management Plan is now available for public comment.
NOAA developed the draft plan through a participatory process, reflecting ideas and input from experts, partners, stakeholders and communities, including outcomes from workshops and other meetings held to discuss monk seal management issues. The agency chose to continue the participatory process by voluntarily including a public review before finalizing the plan.
While this plan will be a living document and may be updated to reflect changing ecological and social conditions, the target for finalizing this version is Sept. 30.
The plan is available for public review and comment through Sept. 9. Download the plan at http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/Library/PRD/Hawaiian%20monk%20seal/Draft_HMS_Management_Plan_FNL.pdf.
Submit comments to monkseal@noaa.gov.
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Woodley White builds `ukulele in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE BIG ISLAND `UKULELE GUILD’S annual exhibit opens Friday, Oct. 2 at Wailoa Center in Hilo at 5 p.m. The formal opening features live music, pupus and a drawing for a free `ukulele. The exhibit features builders from across the island including Ka`u builders Woodley White, Dennis Lake, Rodney Crusat and Dave Stokes. It also features other invitational pieces from woodworkers across the island, including furniture, sculpture and turned bowls. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 30. The exhibit was hailed as the best attended show of 2013.

The public is invited to join in the fun for the formal opening and to see the show throughout the month and to vote for their favorite `ukulele for the People’s Choice Award. The public is also invited to join in `ukulele kanikapila on Saturdays, Oct. 3 with Alan Hale and Oct. 17 with Keoki Kahomoku from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 10, members of the `Ukulele Guild lead demonstrations for the public.
Big Island `Ukulele Guild was started in 2001 and has 50 members. Its primary focus of the guild is to promote `ukulele making by sharing information between builders. Many of the members build as a hobby, while about ten percent build professionally. Any interested person can become a guild member. The guild meets four times a year at varying locations across the island to share food, kanikapila and a presentation on some aspect of `ukulele building.
For more information about the, contact coordinator Dave Stokes at 989-8890 or visit BigIslandUkuleleGuild.org.
For more information about Wailoa Art Center, call 933-0416.
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VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are Saturday in Volcano Village. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; and 5K, 8 a.m. Keiki Runs begin at 10 a.m. All events start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.
Food and entertainment make the day fun for everyone.

See volcanorainforestruns.com.

A program about `ohi`a lehua takes place tomorrow. Photo from NPS

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 lehua tree and the lehua flower tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Visitors identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this easy, one-mile or less walk.
Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Runners and families are invited to the second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run next month. Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography

CONCERNED ABOUT INSUFFICIENT RESPONSES to its information requests, Hawai`i’s Division of Consumer Advocacy is calling for the Public Utilities Commission to issue subpoenas to Hawaiian Electric Industries and NextEra Energy executives. In documents filed with the PUC this week, Consumer Advocate Jeffrey Ono noted that because PUC rules in the docket pertaining to the $4.3 billion merger of the utilities do not provide specific procedures or guidance related to taking depositions, he requests that subpoenas be issued “to require the attendance of (NextEra Energy Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer) James L. Robo and (HEI President and Chief Executive Officer) Constance H. Lau for deposition upon oral examination.”

Jeffrey Ono

Ono had requested documents provided to HEI by financial advisor J.P. Morgan that he believes would help establish “a complete record upon which to render recommendations and determinations.” The applicants responded that the documents contain “confidential and proprietary information that is subject to non-disclosure provisions.”
Ono suggested that if the applicants believe there is a valid reason to withhold or redact data and information sought, applicants could provide it without redaction as “confidential and restricted information.”
“Without the choices and input made by Mr. Robo with respect to the acquisition of the Hawaiian Electric Companies by NextEra, it is impossible to fully assess the factors considered by NextEra to proceed with its acquisition of the Hawaiian Electric Companies,” the Consumer Advocate wrote.
According to Ono, “Ms. Lau possesses knowledge and information that only she can know and possess concerning the circumstances, events, rationale, and reasoning that resulted in NextEra’s decision to acquire the Hawaiian Electric Companies.”
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Ross Williams is HVNP's new Fire Management Officer

ROSS WILLIAMS IS THE NEW Fire Management Officer for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He oversees fire management operations for the Pacific Island Park network, which includes 12 national parks in Hawai`i, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa.

Williams previously served as deputy fire staff for Gifford Pinchot and Mt. Hood National Forests in Oregon and has 34 years of experience working in integrated aviation, fire and fuels programs throughout the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies and Great Basin areas. He helped develop the Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood volcano coordination plan and has collaborated with numerous federal, state, local and private organizations.
In his new position, Williams will again coordinate fire management with partner agencies, including Hawai`i County Fire Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry & Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Williams hit the ground running since arriving in Hawai`i this summer and has already mobilized crew and resources to assist with the Kawaihae wildfire, which burned more than 4,650 acres earlier this month. He also directed fire crew and resources from Hawai`i and American Samoa to assist with mainland fires and recently led a weeklong training for fire recruits in American Samoa.
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Kilo has moved past the Hawai`i Island, but may impact the state next week.
Map from NOAA

KILO IS NOW 405 MILES southwest of South Point, having passed by Ka`u last night. Although the tropical depression has been struggling to organize, Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that the environment appears conducive for strengthening. The forecast track takes Kilo over warm sea surface temperatures and relatively weak shear. It is expected to become a tropical storm tomorrow morning and then a hurricane Tuesday as it tracks toward Kaua`i.

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RUNNERS AND FAMILIES ARE INVITED to Ka`u Coffee Trail Run next month. The three events of the run on Saturday, Sept. 19 are drawing local families and competitors from around the state and around the world, from as far away as Germany.

The keiki- and kupuna-friendly 5K takes participants through macadamia orchards and coffee fields around Ka`u Coffee Mill, which is located along Wood Valley Road above Pahala. The 10K follows the 5K course onto a moderately challenging grade to higher elevations into the forest. The half-marathon climbs through the `ohi`a forest to an elevation of 3,100 feet. The race features a staggered-gun start, with the Half Marathon beginning at 7 a.m.

OKK sponsors the annual
Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.

To register, go to okaukakou.org or to race360.com/21357. Race-day registration begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 6:30 a.m.
This is second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou. OKK spokesperson Nadine Ebert said that “all proceeds will remain in Ka`u to support all the projects for keiki and kupuna, schools, community groups and organizations that look to us for assistance.”
OKK recently finished with its School Tools project to furnish items needed by new preschool and kindergarten school students to start their educations at Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary Schools. OKK also recently spruced up the roadside along Hwy 11 between mile markers 52 and 60. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono recently recognized OKK with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and County Council member Maile David gave OKK special recognition at the July 24 council meeting.
Ebert said, “We also want to invite all family and friends to come and enjoy the entertainment and then get a head start on Christmas gifts by stopping by the silent auction. We have many fun gift certificates and nice gift ideas.”
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Sensei Alan Moores teaches Aikido in Pahala.
Photo from Alan Moores

LOCAL SENSEI ALAN MOORES will attend a four-day Aikido seminar in Hilo over the Labor Day Weekend to receive instruction from Morito Suganuma eighth degree black belt. Moores intends to bring back what he learns and share it with Pahala Aikido Club.

“There are only a handful of these masters in the world at this level, and this event will be an incredible learning opportunity,” he said.

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HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U Cultural Festival returns to Pahala Oct. 1 through Oct. 3. Public events include Hawaiian music, hula and honoring families with a kukui ceremony and ho`okupu, as well as classes in hula and other Hawaiian cultural practices such as lei making and lauhala weaving.
Halau come to Pahala from Lana`i, O`ahu and several areas of Japan, including Tokyo and Okinawa. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, a student of the late George Na`ope, and her husband Kawehi started the festival on Lana`i and brought it with them to Pahala when they moved here.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, Mark Yamanaka will perform at a fundraiser dinner for the nonprofit Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, which works with challenged youth though agriculture and traditional Hawaiian skill building. The concert, with Yamanaka, a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano winner, famous for his songwriting and falsetto, will be held on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Call 315-7032 for reservations.

Tahitian dance from Lana`i honored the photo of the late
George Na`ope, mentor of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder,
during last year's cultural festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

An opening pule for the Cultural Festival will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, on Plantation House grounds, followed by a kukui ceremony at a special ahu where local residents are invited to honor ancestors. Halau, families and individuals are invited to participate in presenting ho`okupu.
Two nights of sharing hula and music will be presented manuahi, free, to the public on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 after 4 p.m. ceremonies. Skylark, Demetrius and Keaiwa and Ryder family musicians will entertain along with other headliners to be announced. Those performing include Kamehameha School Hula Ensemble; Halau Hula O Leionalani members from Pahala; Kumu Hula Sammi Fo and her Halau Kahoku Kauhiahionalani, of Ocean View; and Ka `Imia Na`auao Kahiko from Ka`u School of the Arts, with Kumu Hula Marsha Bolosan.
From afar come Halau Hula O Ke Anuenue and Halau Hula Ho`omaikai`i.
Musical groups Times 5, Southside Serenaders and Makanau will perform.
Saturday workshops, most of them free, begin at 8 a.m. They include hula, lauhala and coconut weaving, lei making and `ukulele. Sign up at 315-7032. Local crafters and community service and educational organizations are welcome to sign up for space for the two days of events. Call 315-7032.
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IN KA`U HIGH SPORTS, girls volleyball teams were triumphant at their first home matches yesterday. After losing the first game, Junior Varsity fought back to beat Ehunui in a three-set thriller 17-25, 25-20 and 15-5. Varsity took Laupahoehoe in two sets 25-18 and 25-21. The teams host Makualani Wednesday.
Cross-country is at Christian Liberty today for a preseason meet. The regular season begins next Saturday at Hawai`i Prep.
Eight-man football also begins next Saturday with Ka`u traveling to Kohala.
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Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent are topic
of a guided walk tomorrow. Photo from NPS

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit.

Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS’ 14th annual Community Potluck is tomorrow. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to Pahala Community from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a day of fun, food and live music.
The theme is Back to the Future. All attendees will be going back in time to their high school days to celebrate their sixteenth birthday. The Class of 1958, celebrating their 75th birthday, is donating a cake with 16 candles.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.

Volcano Rain Forest Runners race toward the camera. Photo by Jesse Tunison

Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda greets a runner.
Photo from Maria Miranda

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS Half Marathon results are in. Billy Barnett, of Volcano, once again won the men’s division. His time was 1:18:49. Kathleen O'Neil, of Honolulu, took first in the women’s division with a time of 1:23:28. Other finishers from Volcano were Noe McMahon, 1:37:36; Marta Kaproni, 1:38:01; Mia Van Kralingen, 1:43:50; Bruce Simmerman, 1:45:47; Shawn Mishler, 1:50:43; Alex Wood, 1:50:44; and Bill Greineisen, 2:59:02. Eldridge Naboa, of Volcano, finished with a time of 3:20:58.

See future Ka`u News Briefs for more race results.

ONE OF KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN’S priorities during the next legislative session will be a new Hawai`i State Hospital. “Everything emanates from a new facility,” Green told Nathan Eagle, of Civil Beat. “If we do this, we’ll be able to treat people in a very professional, dignified way. If we don’t, we’re going to be back with the violence.”

The current facility on O`ahu, which houses patients with mental illness, has been plagued with violence for decades. New designs would provide clear lines of sight and create a safer and more secure environment.
Funding of $165 million for design and construction would come from general obligation bonds.
“It’s long overdue,” Green said. “It’s a big ask, but it’s for all the districts in the state and all the families in the state. There’s no shortcut to health care.”
See civilbeat.com.
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A NEW WAY TO DOCUMENT CORAL HEALTH could help scientists understand why there is increased coral bleaching and reef death in Hawai`i. An Associated Press story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser describes high-definition, 360-degree panoramic photos to monitor coral over time. Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, research fellow at University of Queensland who works on the survey crew, said technology like Facebook’s facial recognition is also employed to identify and study coral.

Along with increased tropical storms, El Nino is contributing to coral bleaching
in Hawaiian waters. Photo from XL Catlain Seaview Survey

Images from Hawai`i, the Great Barrier Reef, Maldives and other locations are uploaded to Google Street View. It is part of the XL Catlain Seaview Survey. See http://catlinseaviewsurvey.com where scientists proclaim, “Our oceans are changing. Coral reefs are a clear visual indicator of this change – we’ve seen a 40 percent loss of corals around the globe in the last 30 years alone.”

AP reports that “scientists working with the team say they are concerned about how much coral off the coast of Hawai`i already is beginning to bleach, especially because it’s the second such event in two years.” The article explains, “Coral bleaching occurs when ocean water temperatures rise and cause the coral to lose key nutrients, turning the normally colorful organism white. If bleaching recurs or is severe, experts say the coral will die. Reefs off the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands suffered a rare bleaching event in 2014, and experts say when corals don’t have time to recover from one bleaching they are less likely to survive subsequent events.”
Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, chief scientist for the project and director of Global Change Institute at University of Queensland, told AP, “Unfortunately, from now on the extra heat is going to be quite damaging, and this is where the mortality of the corals goes up.”
The AP story says that “extensive coral bleaching is expected again this year in Hawai`i because of record hot weather in the region, a strong El Nino weather pattern and what scientists call ‘the blob,’ a large area of hot water not directly linked to El Nino that is moving westward from the mainland.”
Malia Chow, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s superintendent of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, told AP, “What sort of surprised me is how many corals have already started to bleach.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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Rain from Kilo, heavy at times, is reaching Ka`u.
Map from NWS

KA`U IS FEELING THE EFFECTS of Tropical Depression Kilo, now 680 miles south-southwest of South Point. A flash flood watch continues until 6 p.m. tomorrow because an unstable and very moist air mass remains across the island. This tropical moisture interacting with island terrain will produce localized, intense and slow-moving heavy rains that may lead to flash flooding.

Flash flooding is very dangerous. Campers and hikers should consider rescheduling their outing to a time when weather is expected to be more favorable. It does not have to be raining locally for flash flooding to occur. Never drive into areas where water covers the road.
Kilo is expected to strengthen to hurricane status as it move north on a forecast path that currently takes it west of Kaua`i.
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THE OVERFLOWS OF HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER are discussed in Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s current issue of Volcano Watch.

“In early 1918, visitors swarmed to Kilauea Volcano to see a splendid show,” scientists write. “The molten lake in Halema`uma`u had been rising, and the pit was almost full. Soon lava spilled over the crater rim onto the floor of Kilauea’s summit caldera, destroying part of an automobile road, as well as the visitor viewing area near the rim.

“In this week’s featured photograph, Isabel Jaggar, wife of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Director Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., stands near the edge of Halema`uma`u on the morning of the first overflow. To her left is a wooden A-frame constructed in 1911 to suspend a cable across the crater for taking lava samples and temperature measurements. The next day this old landmark was surrounded by lava and burned. To the right of Mrs. Jaggar, portions of the congealed lava crust have been thrust high above the caldera floor.

“With the hot lava so accessible, hundreds of volcano watchers flocked to the area to take photos and meet Pele up close. In the weeks that followed, the overflow destroyed many sites on the caldera floor that tourists had frequented in the past. Volcanic features with fanciful names such as The Devil’s Picture Frame were covered by lava, and this was just the beginning.

The overflow of Halema`uma`u Crater on Feb 23, 1918. Photo from HVO
by Thomas Jagger from HVO Record Book courtesy of Bishop Museum

“Over the next three years, as the magma column at Kilauea rose and fell, the lava lake in Halema`uma`u repeatedly overflowed and flooded the caldera floor.
“For decades, tourists had singed post cards at hot cracks known as the Postal Rift. In April, 1919, lava poured out of the Postal Rift, and by November, this flow had reached the bluff below the Volcano House, burying the trail that led from the hotel to Halema`uma`u Crater. By the end of 1919, most of the old volcano landmarks in the summit caldera were gone.
“Such overflows of Halema`uma`u were common in the past. Since 1868, large infusions of magma had filled the pit and had flooded the caldera floor many times. On each occasion, the lava lake later receded as magma drained away, reopening the home of Pele, only to have the pit gradually refill as the cycle started over.
“Sporadic overflows continued until March of 1921, when lava from Halema`uma`u and an adjacent cone flowed through a gap in the south caldera and into the Ka`u Desert. Since then, Halema`uma`u Crater has never overflowed again. While many eruptions have occurred in Kilauea Caldera since the 1920s, almost a century has passed and Halema`uma`u remains only partially refilled.
“What caused this change in the behavior of Kilauea? One answer is that Halema`uma`u doubled in diameter during the explosive eruption in 1924, so it takes more lava to fill the crater. But, that’s not the most important part of the story.
“Changes in the rate of magma supply to the volcano and in the geometry of the plumbing system that carries magma from the summit into the rift zones have kept the floor of Halema`uma`u far below the rim. For the crater to fill to overflowing, the magma supply would have to increase and remain high, or conduits to Pu`u `O`o and other areas on the rift zones of Kilauea would have to constrict.
“In other words, an overflow of Halema`uma`u Crater will require a substantial increase in magmatic pressure at the summit of Kilauea. We see no signs that Pele has such a house cleaning planned any time soon, but if and when she does, it will be a spectacular display.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS’ invite everyone to bring a favorite dish to their 14th annual Community Potluck today at Pahala Community until 5 p.m.

Development at Discovery Harbour is the topic at Ka`u CDP Steering
Committee's meeting Tuesday. Map from South Point Investment Group.

ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED TUESDAY at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to celebrate Founder’s Day.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee’s topic-related meetings continue this week. The committee reviews community feedback and makes preliminary decisions about revisions to the draft CDP.

Meetings are Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center to discuss development in that area and Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. when the topic is Economic Development. See kaucdp.info for information and how to contact committee members.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u High and Pahala alumni invited the entire community to dine during their 14th annual potluck yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH AND PAHALA ALUMNI REUNITED during the Admissions Day long weekend. They held class parties at restaurants and homes with the grand finale venue at Pahala Community Center on Sunday themed Back to the Future.

Clement Hirae flew in from Boston and visited his alumni
friend Cullen Buyuan. Photo by Julia Neal

Jeanette Howard, at 92, was likely the eldest
alumna on hand. Photo by Julia Neal

Alumni fed the community and presented music from Just in Case, Uncle Ernie and Makanao. The Pahala kupuna hula group shared dance.
Alumni came from afar. Clement Hirae flew in from Boston, and Brenda Akamu flew in from Missouri. The eldest of the alumni on hand was likely Jeanette Howard, 92, of Punalu`u.
Alumni planned for their next gathering at California Hotel & Casino on June 24, 2016. The Class of 1959, with committee members Chair Noel Kawachi, Priscilla Obado, Elaine and James Murakami, Donald Iida, Carol Andrade and Vince Damazo, have been organizing the Vegas trip for 17 years, with all Ka`u alumni invited. They are turning over this logistics role – “We spoiled the people,” said Obado – to the class of 1966. Those interested in the next Vegas reunion can contact new Chair Gary Ota at 808-622-0100 or gso1040@aol.com.
Chair of the annual Pahala Admissions Weekend reunion is James Yamaki, an avid collector of Ka`u High and Pahala School stories and memorabilia, who can be reached at 969-6828.

Heavy rain continues to come ashore around Hawai`i Island.
Map from NWS

Finance Chair for the reunion is Richard Fujioka. Fujioka took time out during the reunion festivities to visit for the first time since 1958 his family’s former place of business, Ka`u Meat Market in Pahala, now called Ka`u Market House, to see the original store counter and other memorabilia.

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AS OF 11:30 A.M., Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that Hwy 11 near the Whitington Beach Park is closed to all traffic due to heavy runoff and flooding. The road closure extends from Punalu`u to Na`alehu. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and to use alternate routes if possible. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning effective through 2 p.m. this afternoon.

A Flash Flood Watch continues until 6 p.m. today because an unstable and very moist air mass remains across the island. This tropical moisture interacting with island terrain could produce localized, intense and slow-moving heavy rains that may lead to flash flooding.

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

OF THE MORE THAN 600 PARTICIPANTS at Saturday’s Volcano Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, 120 were from out of state and 100 from other Hawaiian Islands. Keiki also had their own special 100- and 200-yard dashes sponsored by Kilauea Lodge.

The next generation of Volcano Rain Forest Runners prepares for yesterday's
100- and 200-yard dashes. Photo from Sharron Faff

Shona McCulloch, of Nepean, CA won the 10K with a time of 35:38. Kailua’s Eri MacDonald won the men’s division at 35:42. Other 10K finishers from the local area and their times are Ella Johnson, Volcano 49:21; Meggie Olson, Na`alehu 51:51; Maxwell Mitchell, Volcano 51:57; Amy Kuhar, Volcano 58:30; Anne Farahi, Volcano 1:12:45; Casey Baker-Fien, Volcano 1:12:53; Maiki Cofer, Ocean View 1:14:56; and Marilyn Brown, Volcano 1:23:27.
Winners of the 5K were Coday Ranfranz, of Kailua-Kona at 18:43 and Phoebe Wyatt, of Hilo at 23:08. Other 5K finishers from the local area were Haven Fisher, Volcano 21:54 (1st in age category); Toby Johnson, Volcano 25:03; Megan Denny, Pahala 25:31 (1st in age category); Robert Peck, Volcano 26:24; John Broward, Hawai`i National Park 28:05; Justin Denny, III, Pahala 29:24; Paul Udac, Na`alehu 30:47; Frank Bonaccorso, Volcano 31:43; John Poetzel, Ocean View 32:50; Jane Patton, Volcano 33:35; Angela Green, Ocean View 35:09; Justin Denny, Pahala 36:44; Molly Denny, Pahala 37:53; Marta Lepes, Volcano 38:20; Bryan Everett, Volcano 39:25; Robin Stratton, Ocean View 39:38; Jade Thomas, Volcano 40:25; Macy Orr, Hawai`i National Park 41:48; Liam Fien, Volcano 41:49; Paula Tailon, Na`alehu 43:08; Maesaka Kieran, Volcano 43:23; Nancy Chaney, Volcano 49:26; Jeanette Goss, Hawai`i National Park 49:55; Bill Hamilton, Hawai`i National Park 49:57; Kanani Rivera, Volcano 51:25; Liam Orr, Hawai`i National Park, 54:47; Travis Wood, Volcano, 54:59; Tim Orr, Hawai`i National Park 55:22; P. Montague-Mullins, Volcano 56:11; Ku`ulei Kekuewa, Volcano 57:35; Elizabeth Fien, Volcano 58:06; Lisa Canale, Volcano 58:27; Irma Ockerman, Volcano 58:39; Christine Woods, Ocean View 1:01:40; Philip Gordon, Hawai`i National Park 1:11:24; and Nadia Vogel, Hawai`i National Park 1:11:39.

Hawai`i Youth Challenge Academy students, here with Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria
Miranda, volunteered and participated in the 5K. Photo from Maria Miranda

“A big mahalo goes out to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped in making this event be such a successful community day,” said race Director Sharron Faff. “A very special mahalo goes to Hawai`i Youth Challenge Academy for bringing 71 youth to be both volunteers and Color Guard presenting flags for the opening ceremonies and to have 23 run in formation while doing cadence in the 5K. A very special sight to see. Special thanks also goes to Miss Ka`u Coffee, Maria Miranda, for starting the races and putting the medals on the 69 Half Marathon Triple Crown participants – runners who completed the Hilo, Kona and Volcano Half Marathons in 2015.”
Sponsors of the annual event include Volcano Art Center, Cooper Center, County of Hawai`i, Nutrex/BioAstin, Volcano Rotary Club and local businesses.
Next year’s event will be on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, celebrating the National Park Service Centennial. Keep up to date with all the news about the 2016 event on Facebook/volcanorainforestruns.com and at www.volcanorainforestruns.com.

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

NA`ALEHU RANCH LANDS purchaser Louis Leong and one of his investment groups is expected to open a 17-story Kalakaua Gardens senior living community across from Hawa`i Convention Center on O`ahu in March.

Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. owners, who recently bought 1,600 acres
extending from Na`alehu toward Wai`ohinu mauka of Hwy 11, expect to open
a 17-story senior living community on O`ahu in March.

Leong and his Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, LLC is also working on long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu. The land has mauka frontage along Hwy 11 toward Wai`ohinu and extends up the hillsides. The hui is planning for coffee, tea and other crops as well as a coffee mill and visitor center along the highway. The local contact is Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services.
On O`ahu, Pacific Business News reporter Loren Eleni Gill wrote this morning that the $75-million Honolulu project “will offer 164 independent and assisted living suites, 49 skilled nursing facility beds and 23 beds in memory care.”
She quoted Steve Nawahine, manager for Kalakaua Gardens, saying that 150 to 200 employees will be hired, “with 20 management-level positions, 80 in-care and support staff jobs and 60 positions in dining, housekeeping and support staff.”
Leong’s San Francisco, California-based Island Paradise Investments is the developer for the Kalakaua Gardens project designed by Architects Hawai`i Ltd, San Francisco-based Swinerton Builders as general contractor. Interior design is overseen by Philpotts Interiors.

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

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS begins organizing today. Interested parties are invited to the first meeting for the October 17 event tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED TOMORROW at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to celebrate Founders Day.

Ka`u CDP Steering Committee discusses Discovery Harbour tomorrow.
Map from draft Ka`u CDP

Meetings are tomorrow, Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall to discuss development in that area and Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. when the topic is Economic Development.
Background information that has been prepared to inform and guide tomorrow’s meeting is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-25-2015-steering-committee-meeting/DHinfopacket.pdf/view.
Based on community input and related analysis, the Steering Committee will consider CDP revisions that preserve the residential area in Discovery Harbour; allow small, neighborhood-scale commercial uses on the gateway parcels (Kahiki and Wakea); and if Subdivision Covenants are amended to allow it, allow for small-scale resort development on the gateway parcels.

The public is welcome to provide testimony during the meeting.
See kaucdp.info for information and how to contact committee members.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY of `ukulele, the world-famous instrument that plays a significant role in contemporary Hawaiian music, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers share their knowledge and love of the Hawaiian culture and teach how to play a simple tune on the `ukulele. Participants leave with a new skill and treasured `ike (wisdom) to share with their hoa (friends) and `ohana (family).
Free; park entrance fees apply. 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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/kaucalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Hurricane season continues to be busy across the Pacific Ocean, with another tropical storm heading, Ignacio, heading toward Hawai`i. Map from Weather Underground

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE’S Flash Flood Watch for Hawai`i Island remains in effect. Due to unstable weather conditions and very moist air, the flash flood watch will continues until 6 p.m. tonight.

Currently heavy rains and occasional thunder and lighting can be expected across all areas of the island.

Another tropical storm could impact Hawai`i next week. Map from NOAA

All major highways and roadways are open at this time, however motorists are advised to drive carefully and be prepared for hazardous conditions to include ponding and runoff and to anticipate traffic delays.

As other weather systems develop and approach the state, the Civil Defense Agency will provide information updates on those possible threats.
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TROPICAL STORM IGNACIO has formed in the Eastern Pacific and is expected to become a hurricane on its way to the Central Pacific. At 11 a.m., National Hurricane Center forecasters said a southern track over warm water could cause the storm to intensify and become a hurricane tomorrow night. Although it is heading toward Hawai`i, it is still too far away to know if the state will be in its path next week.
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AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE CO. recently added Aikane Plantation Tea Co. to its line of offerings, introducing a Ka`u-grown Hawaiian mamaki tea developed by Lynn Hamilton, of Pahala, and the late Roy Helbush, of Ninole-Wailau Homestead between Pahala and Na`alehu.

The late Roy Helbush's family helped Merle Becker, of Aikane
Plantation Coffee Co., at Made in Hawai`i. Stephanie, Roy's
daughter-in-law, and granddaughters Alyson and Katie
helped introduce a mamaki tea line co-founded by Roy
and Lynn Hamilton. Missing from photo are Roy's son
Tyler Helbush and Phil Becker, who also promoted
Ka`u products. Photo from Merle Becker

Aikane’s mamaki line was featured at the Made in Hawai`i show in Honolulu during Admission Day weekend where a record crowd of 45,000 filled Blaisdell Auditorium. Merle Becker, of Aikane, said that Roy Helbush’s son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren helped her and Phil Becker work the show and that Aikane coffees and mamaki tea sold out. She said Aikane handed out almost 6,000 samples of Ka`u coffee to those interested in Hawai`i products.

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USING LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS to create electricity would delay the state’s move toward renewable energy, Gov. David Ige said yesterday. Kathryn Mykleseth, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, reported Ige saying, “Any time and money spent on LNG is time and money not spent on renewable energy.” Ige signed a bill in June requiring the state to use 100 percent renewable energy for electricity by 2045.
Ige’s comments follow announcements by Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawai`i Gas that they plan to import LNG from the mainland instead of importing oil from foreign countries.
LNG will no longer save us money,” Ige said. “The capital plans of those wishing to import LNG are anything but small. LNG is a fossil fuel. LNG is imported.”
HECO spokesman Darren Pai told Mykleseth, “We agree with Gov. Ige that any use of LNG should not result in development of major costly infrastructure that will impede our renewable energy progress. We are evaluating delivering LNG in (special shipping) containers to our generating stations on a transitional basis, an approach that requires minimal island infrastructure.”
Mina Morita, former chairperson of Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission, said LNG  “has a really important role as a transition fuel to get to 100 percent (renewable). I am very concerned with this kind of announcement because we do want to get to our goal, but now it is a whole lot harder and, I believe, much more expensive (without LNG).”

Two of Hawai`i’s environmental advocacy groups, Sierra Club and Earthjustice, commended Ige’s comments.   “Gov. Ige is right: using fossil fuels for electricity in Hawai`i does not make good economic sense, say nothing for the huge cost it levies on our natural environment and public health,” Sierra Club of Hawai`i Director Marti Townsend said. 
Sierra Club, represented by Earthjustice, opposed HECO’s fracked gas proposal when it was first proposed in 2013.    After the PUC rejected HECO’s 2013 proposed plan, HECO filed another plan in August 2014 again dependent on LNG as a bridge to more renewable energy.   
“Fracked gas is a bridge to nothing but more debt, pollution and heartache,” Townsend said. 
In its bid to take over HECO, NextEra supported HECO’s fossil gas plan and has committed to help make it happen, according to Earthjustice.   “HECO and NextEra want to make a quick buck off of huge LNG investments and get us hooked on another imported fossil fuel,” Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake said. “That’s exactly the kind of short-sighted, profit-driven thinking that gave us the highest electric rates in the nation. We support Gov. Ige’s ‘sanity check,’ which puts the public interest before private profits and keeps Hawai`i on the right track to a 100 percent clean energy future.”

U.S. Rep. Gabbard praised Hawai`i Island's renewable-energy innovations.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

See staradvertiser.com.
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ON HAWAI`I ISLAND THIS WEEK, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard delivered remarks in support of clean energy technology at the dedication ceremony for the Makai Ocean Engineering Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant, then toured the Kona facility with its engineers and operators.  

“Hawai`i’s abundant and diverse natural energy sources make our state an ideal location for innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector,” Gabbard said. “Kona hosts the world’s largest operational ocean thermal energy conversion plant, which represents the potential that exists for a secure and energy-independent future for Hawai`i. This project displays what can happen when you have a successful public-private partnership that will serve as a model for clean energy technology worldwide.”
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HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS REACTED to Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s use of a derogatory term describing children who are born in the United States to undocumented parents and his recent clarification of his use of the term, saying he was referring to Asian immigrants instead of Latinos.

Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Jeb Bush’s comments regarding the children of Asian immigrants are derogatory and offensive. He should immediately retract his statements and apologize to the Asian community for his insensitive behavior.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono, an Asian American, said, “Really, Jeb? This is still remarkably offensive and out of touch, regardless of which group you’re referring to. Let’s refocus our immigration debate on what really matters: comprehensive immigration reform.”
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ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED TODAY at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to celebrate Founders Day.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee meets today from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall to discuss development in that area. The committee reviews community feedback and makes preliminary decisions about revisions to the draft CDP.
Background information that has been prepared to inform and guide tomorrow’s meeting is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-25-2015-steering-committee-meeting/DHinfopacket.pdf/view.
The committee also meets Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to discuss economic development in Ka`u.
The public is invited and welcome to provide testimony during the meetings.
See kaucdp.info for information and how to contact committee members.

Learn how to play and history of the `ukulele tomorrow. Photo from NPS

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY of `ukulele tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers teach how to play a simple tune on the `ukulele.

Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 985-6011 for more information.

WEDNESDAY IS GAME NIGHT at Discovery Harbour Community Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring a snack to share, and enjoy playing games and great conversation. For more information, call Sheri (last name not provided) at 929-9258.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

The state has imposed a quarantine on intrastate movement of `ohi`a material to prevent the spread of `ohi`a wilt, which causes rapid browning of affected tree crowns and death. Photos from UH-CTAHR

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee discussed development at Discovery Harbour at their meeting yesterday. The committee preliminarily agreed to, on the CDP land use policy map, change the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide map category from Rural to Low Density Urban for the subdivision, except the golf course. The LDU category is defined to include residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and convenience-type commercial uses. Overall residential density may be up to six units per acre.

Discovery Harbour's classification would change from Rural to Low Density
Urban under a proposed CDP policy. Map from Ka`u CDP

CDP Project Manager Ron Whitmore explained that the LUPAG map in the County General Plan is a broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. It indicates the general location of various land uses in relation to each other.

Discovery Harbour’s 824 house lots, many of them built on years ago, are classified Ag by the state and zoned for one-acre ag lots by the county. However, the lots are much smaller than one-acre ag zoning allows. Each is 15,000 square feet, an exception made years ago.
“This CDP policy would not change zoning (Ag-1a for the house lots and Open for the ‘gateway’ lots), the state land use district (Agriculture), or the General Plan (Rural) in Discovery Harbour,” Whitmore said. “Uses that are not permitted in the SLU Ag district would still require either a Special Permit or a rezone. The change proposed last night would indicate community support for uses that are consistent with the LDU category – residential, community/public uses and neighborhood-scale commercial. County zones and their permitted uses that are consistent with the LDU category include single-family residential and low density, multi-family residential or residential-commercial mixed use.”

The committee meets again this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss economic development in Ka`u. The public is invited and welcome to provide testimony.
More information about the Ka`u CDP is available at kaucdp.info.

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Ignacio could reach Ka`u late Monday as a hurricane. Map from NOAA

KA`U IS NOW IN TROPICAL STORM IGNACIO’S cone of uncertainty, according to the National Hurricane Center. The path could change and move to the north or south, forecasters said. The current track shows Ignacio becoming a hurricane within 24 hours and reaching Hawai`i late Monday.

The storm continues to strengthen with plenty of tightly curved bands around the center and an impressive outflow pattern. The environment appears favorable for further intensification with light-to-moderate shear and warm waters for the next several days.

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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ACTION in Volcano has lead to an arrest, Hawai`i County Police Department reported.

A 39-year-old man has been charged with trespassing and several drug offenses following action by a Neighborhood Watch member and other area residents who observed suspicious activity.

At about 12:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, a resident observed an unknown man enter her property for the third time in several days and look into her house. The same man had been observed by several neighbors to be suspiciously walking onto other properties, and his photo had been circulated in the neighborhood.

Upon learning of this latest incident, neighbors contacted their Neighborhood Watch representative, banded together, searched for the suspicious man and located him. After confronting him as a group, they called the police, who arrived 10 minutes later.

Kehaulaniokekai Ching

Police obtained consent to search a five-gallon bucket the residents had seen the man carrying when they confronted him. The bucket contained a clear plastic bag with meth residue, a cut straw with meth residue, 2.6 grams of dried marijuana and two unspent bullets.
Kehaulaniokekai Ching, who has no permanent address, was arrested and taken to the Hilo police cellblock, where he was charged Monday with trespassing, promoting a dangerous drug, promoting a detrimental drug and possessing drug paraphernalia and ammunition. His bail was set at $5,500. He remained at the cellblock pending his initial court appearance yesterday.
Police encourage members of the public to become involved in Neighborhood Watch groups and immediately report suspicious activity.

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ALTERNATING LANE CLOSURES at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s entrance station begin today. A project to replace window frames in both entrance station booths result in closures for the next two weeks.
The project is tentatively scheduled for completion on Thursday, Sept. 3. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians entering the park should anticipate delays between noon and 10:30 p.m. for the duration of the project.
Dates and times are subject to change, and the public will be notified if changes are necessary.

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HAWAI`I BOARD OF AGRICULTURE approved an interim rule that imposes a quarantine on intrastate movement of `ohi`a plants and plant parts, including flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, cuttings, untreated wood, logs, mulch, greenwaste and frass (sawdust from boring beetles) from Hawai`i Island. Transport of such items may be only conducted with a permit issued by the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture. The interim rule will be in force for one year.

The reason for the emergency quarantine measure is `ohi`a wilt, also known as rapid `ohi`a death, a deadly fungus that is attacking `ohi`a trees in East Hawai`i. `Ohi`a wilt was first noticed in 2010 in Puna. In 2014, the fungus was identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata by researchers at the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Daniel K. Inouye Agricultural Research Service. In 2014, it was estimated that the disease covered approximately 6,000 acres from Kalapana to Hilo and exhibited tree mortality rates of more than 50 percent. Currently, it is estimated to infest about 15,000 acres. So far, the disease has not been found on other islands. It is not known how the disease entered the state or where it came from.

Cross-section of an infected `ohi`a shows characteristic dark staining
of sapwood caused by Ceratocystis.

“We don’t have all the answers about how the disease is transmitted,” said Scott Enright, Chair of Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “However, the urgency to stop its spread is very clear. `Ohi`a makes up 50 percent of our native forests and watershed – resources that we just cannot risk losing.”
It is suspected that the fungus enters plants through wounds. It causes the crowns of the `ohi`a to turn yellow and brown within days to weeks followed by death of the tree. The fungus also causes dark, nearly black, staining in the sapwood along the outer margins of the trunks.
The interim rule will also restrict movement of soil from Hawai`i Island beginning in January 2016. Island nurseries were concerned that a restriction on soil from Hawai`i Island would hurt agricultural businesses. Although spores of the disease were found in soil, the delay was imposed to further research whether soil is able to transmit the disease and to develop testing protocols and treatment options for soil.
Any person who violates the rule may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100. The maximum fine is $10,000. For a second offense committed within five years of a prior conviction under this rule, the person or organization shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $25,000.
Interim rules are valid for only one year and are meant to address emergency situations, which gives the department time to develop more permanent rules.
More information on `ohi`a wilt may be found at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/reportingohiawilt/ and http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/disease/ohia_wilt.html.

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HAROLD BRACKEEN III WILL JOIN Hawai`i’s homeless programs office on Sept. 1. He will assist with administration of state and federal grants for shelters, outreach and other program activities. Brackeen is currently a program specialist with the Department of Human Services, Social Services Division. Prior to joining DHS, he was a housing director at Alternative Structures International and also served as a program coordinator with Hale Kipa, a program serving Hawai`i’s youth.
The governor welcomed Scott Morishige, MSW, who officially moved into the governor’s office and began his duties as the governor’s coordinator on homelessness on Monday, Aug. 24.

Kaipo AhChong teaches lei making Friday.
Photo from VAC

“The only way to solve homelessness in Hawai`i is to invest in our team and build the state’s capacity in targeted ways,” Gov. David Ige said. “Both of these men bring solid skills and experience to the task, and they will work with our partners to help meet the challenges our communities face.”

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ALOHA FRIDAY PRESENTS lei making with Kaipo AhChong from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VA CENTER FOR VETERANS is open tomorrow and every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. For more information, call David (last name not provided) at 329-0574.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

This morning, Ka`u's County Council member Maile David joined crew members making Ka`alaiki Road safer to use when Hwy 11 is closed. Photo from Office of Maile David

EDMUND C. OLSON TRUST II and Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources are establishing a public access route to the Ka`u Forest Reserve.

The public vehicular access route will soon be established along three miles of road along the lower boundary of the forest reserve that spans over 61,000 acres on the southeastern slopes of Mauna Loa. It will make areas of the reserve more accessible for public use, which includes hunting, recreational opportunities, cultural uses, personal gathering and educational programs and activities.

More access to Ka`u Forest Reserve for hunting
and other activities is on its way. Map from DLNR

To be known as the Olson Forest Access, establishment of this route was accomplished through a collaborative effort by the Ka`u community, local hunters, private landowners, public land managers and natural resource conservation partners.
The route was formally agreed to on June 22, when Olson signed a memorandum of agreement with DLNR Chair Suzanne Case to establish it over lands owned by the Edmund C. Olson Trust II.
DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife won competitive grants to establish the public access route from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Improvement Program and the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting Heritage Partnership.
Other key partners who will be involved include Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, Kuahiwi Contractors, Three Mountain Alliance Watershed Partnership, The Nature Conservancy; Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the County of Hawai`i Game Management Advisory Commission.
These partners will install fencing, signage and roadway improvements along the public access route and provide ongoing maintenance in accordance with the MOA.
The public will be able to use the access after DOFAW secures access over the initial segment of the route from DLNR’s Land Division and after project partners complete planned infrastructure improvements.
A permit will not be required for entry; however, DLNR rules may require a permit or license for certain activities within the forest reserve. For more information about the Olson Forest Access, including volunteer opportunities, contact Nohea Ka`awa, at 808-333-7497.

Providing public access is called for in DLNR’s Ka`u Forest Reserve Management Plan (2012) which can be found at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/files/2013/02/Kau_FR_Mgnt_Plan_2012.pdf. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Crew members fill potholes on Ka`alaiki Road.
Photo from Office of Maile David

CREWS ARE REPAIRING KA`ALAIKI ROAD. Residents and visitors use the upper road when Hwy 11 is closed, which happened again this week when flash floods closed the highway between Na`alehu and Pahala.

Ka`u's County Council member Maile David provided money from contingency funds to help with the repairs.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY HAS BEGUN TO EXPEDITE some building permits. Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that new processes and additional staff are cutting wait times. Review of building permits now begins at the Planning Department instead of Public Works, and applications are pre-screened to see which ones can be approved quickly.

Public Works Director Warren Lee, speaking to members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai`i, said that for applications found to be easy, such as some home additions and solar panels, the goal is to complete the review within two days. Two weeks is the goal for intermediate ones. Complex, faulty or incomplete applications could take up to 48 days to review.

Hurricane Ignacio could impact Hawai`i next week.
Map from NOAA

“People shouldn’t be frustrated for the time it takes for different county agencies to talk to each other,” Mayor Billy Kenoi told Callis.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HURRICANE IGNACIO IS NOW IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC and 1,150 miles east-southeast of South Point. As of 11 a.m., the eighth tropical cyclone in the Central Pacific for this season is expected to reach Hawai`i Monday evening. According to Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the storm will become a major hurricane with winds higher than 110 miles per hour before weakening. However, it will still have hurricane force winds when in the vicinity of Hawai`i.

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THIRTY METER TELESCOPE is on Hawai`i Supreme Court’s docket today. The case challenges the building permit issued by the state to build the telescope on conservation land. Appellants are Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, Clarence Kukauakahi Ching, Flores-Case `Ohana, Deborah J. Ward, Paul K. Neves, and Kahea: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance. They filed the case against the state Board of Land and Natural Resourcese, Department Of Land and Natural Resources, Suzanne Case, in her official capacity as chair of the BLNR and Director of DLNR, and University of Hawai`i at Hilo.

Hawai`i Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in a case contesting
construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

The circuit court previously affirmed BLNR’s issuance of the permit. According to court documents, appellants appealed the circuit court’s decision to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, arguing that the trial court was wrong and reversibly erred when it found that BLNR’s approval of a Conservation District Use Permit prior to the contested case hearing did not warrant reversal; the circuit court was wrong and reversibly erred by affirming BLNR’s approval of University of Hawai`i-Hilo’s CDUA and the reliable, probative and substantial evidence failed to support the findings and conclusions that the eight criteria of applicable Hawai`i Administrative Rules were met and such conclusions were wrong; the circuit court was wrong and reversibly erred when it found that the CDUP was subject to a sufficient management plan; and the circuit court was wrong and BLNR failed to meet its legal and constitutional obligations in properly identifying and determining the scope of the valued, cultural, historical and natural resources in the petition area; in determining the impact on these resources by the proposed land use in the conservation district; and in failing to take feasible actions to protect such resources by improperly delegating its duties and obligations.

Before the ICA issued an opinion, appellants applied for transfer of this case to the case to the Supreme Court, and the court accepted.

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George Szigeti

JULY WAS THE STRONGEST MONTH for visitor arrivals on record, bringing 816,345 visitors (+5.6 percent) to the state, who contributed $1.4 billion (+4.0 percent) in spending. This helped to push spending to $9 billion (+3.6 percent) for the first seven months of the year, contributing $958.17 million in state tax revenue, an increase of 3.6 percent percent year-over-year.

“The growth we have been experiencing is keeping us on track for another milestone year for Hawaii's visitor industry,” said George Szigeti, President and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority. “While the growth is not as significant as in previous years, we are still projecting to reach new records in spending and arrivals for 2015.
“While our U.S. West and Oceania markets have been doing particularly well, we remain cognizant of global economic uncertainty as we move forward. A slowing of China’s economy and fluctuations in the domestic and international stock markets, coupled with the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, could impact both our domestic and international visitor arrivals and spending trends. We continue to work with our global market contractors to adjust our marketing efforts in response to these economic factors.”

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Ka`u `Ohana Band members come from throughout the district,
Photo from Lisa Archuletta

KA`U `OHANA BAND PLAYS at Ocean View Swap Meet Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The band is comprised of musicians 14 years of age to over 80 with instruments ranging from flute, clarinet, oboe and trumpet, to rain stick, drums, a siren and a thunder machine.
The `Ohana Band is conducted by Lisa Archuletta, of Ocean View, who conducts the West Hawai`i County Band. Those interested in joining can come to Ocean View Community Center on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Holiday season concerts are planned. Call 808-936-3849.

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ALOHA FRIDAY PRESENTS lei making with Kaipo AhChong from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KA`U is the topic when Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee meets Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited and welcome to provide testimony.
More information about the Ka`u CDP is available at kaucdp.info.

THE SUMMER JAZZ IN THE FOREST concert series concludes on Saturday with special guest Pauline Wilson joining Jr. Volcano Choy and the VAC Jazz Ensemble.

Wilson is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist whose sultry voice has been heard alongside many of jazz’s greats. In 1979, she received a Grammy Award for her duet, Friends, with Goerge Benton on the In Harmony album.
Wine and Beer is available for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert, and an area has been set aside for dancing,
Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members. For the evening show, prices increase by $5.
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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalenar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u Coffee growers, including Gloria Camba, Joan Obra, Lori Obra and Trinidad and Francis Marques, show Ka`u's County Council member Maile David and state Rep. Richard Creagan their farms. Photos from Trinidad Marques

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT of Water Supply is decreasing its Power Cost Charge on customer bills from $2.32 to $1.85 per 1,000 gallons of water used. The PCC is applied to each 1,000 gallons of water used by each customer to account for fluctuations in the cost of energy needed to operate the water system. The PCC is one part of the total water bill.
For an average residential customer using 20,000 gallons of water in a two-month period, the change will decrease costs by $9.40 over the two-month billing cycle, or $4.70 per month.
A public hearing regarding proposed PCC changes was held in Kona on Aug. 25 before the Water Board.
Under rules adopted by the Water Board in 2009, the PCC can be adjusted every two months.
As Hawai`i Island’s largest customer for electrical power from Hawai`i Electric Light Co., DWS continually looks for ways to optimize operations and energy use. In partnership with Hawai`i Energy, the department contracted an independent private consultant to summarize current energy reduction efforts as well as make future recommendations.
The report highlighted aggressive leak detection, development of renewable energy sources and use of premium efficiency motors and discount HELCO rate schedules as some of the most effective ways the department has reduced energy use. Also mentioned were suggestions in terms of energy management practices, energy supply, conservation and operational measures, as well as possible funding options.
“Reduction in energy use is a priority to the Department of Water Supply,” said Keith Okamoto, Manager-Chief Engineer of the Department. “This report identifies what is working and recommends further actions that make sense financially and operationally.”
The entire report is online at www.hawaiidws.org.
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Hurricane Jimena in the Eastern Pacific is following Hurricane Ignacio, now
in the Central Pacific. Map from East Asia Observatory Weather Page

TWO HURRICANES EAST OF HAWAI`I are heading west. The center of Ignacio, 855 miles east-southeast of South Point at 11 a.m., is forecast to skirt Hawai`i to the north on Monday, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Jimena, now a Category Two Hurricane in the Eastern Pacific, continues to intensify rapidly and could become a Category Three Hurricane tonight, National Hurricane Center reported. It is expected to cross into the Central Pacific Tuesday and could impact Hawai`i later in the week.
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`AINA KOA PONO, which proposed a Ka`u biofuel farm and a refinery that was to be located on what is now coffee lands on Olson Trust property, remains on the state’s list of top energy projects, according to a recent story in Hawai`i Tribune Herald. The AKP proposal was turned down twice by the Public Utilities Commission and would have taken large tracts of land out of ranching and other farm use. AKP was in contract with the electric company to sell biofuel at a reported $200 a barrel. Oil now sells for much less.
See the story on the energy list at hawaiitibune-herald.com.
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Two earthquakes identified as red dots rattled Ka`u this morning.
Map from USGS/HVO

SMALL QUAKES JIGGERED KA`U this morning. At 10:05 a.m., a 2.3-magnitude microquake was felt in Pahala, the epicenter being .5 miles north of Pahala. The quake was .6 miles deep.

At 9:24 a.m., a microquake of 2.0-magnitude registered 5.6 miles north-northeast of Na`alehu at a depth of .1 mile.

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DUE PROCESS WAS A FOCUS of Hawai`i Supreme Court justices who yesterday heard oral arguments regarding construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea. Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reported that the justices grilled attorneys for the state about issuance of a permit for the project before a contested case hearing was completed.
According to Hofschneider, the state Board of Land Board & Natural Resources issued conditional approval of a permit in 2011 that asked the university to wait until after the contested case hearing before starting construction. Also, the conditional permit came before the state had begun the contested case hearing process.
“Justice can perform its function in the best way only if it satisfies the appearance of justice,” Justice Sabrina McKenna said. “Justice must not only be done, but manifestly seen as done.”
Justice Richard Pollack said Land Board rules don’t say anything that would have allowed it to revoke the permit if the state had lost the contested case hearing.
Justice Paula Nakayama said that nothing in the Land Board’s rules allows a preliminary decision. “Do you think the process that BLNR followed here furthers public confidence in the system?” she asked.
See civilbeat.com.
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Ka`u Coffee growers discussed options regarding purchasing land where they established a new industry almost 20 years ago.

KA`U COFFEE FARMS, founded almost 20 years ago when displaced sugar workers were given licenses to establish a new industry when the C. Brewer sugar company was shutting down in Ka`u, received a visit from County Council member Maile David and Rep. Richard Creagan yesterday. In the beginning stages of this season’s harvest, farmers were able to show the lawmakers their healthy orchards of Ka`u Coffee that have been winning international awards for years.

The lawmakers learned of the farmers’ quest for long-term land security for their farms as they no longer have leases and younger members of the community are starting to show an interest in getting into the business. The property has been for sale by Lehman Bros. and is in escrow with a Colorado land investment company.
The land where the farms are located was approved years ago by the county planning director for a Project Unit Development which would allow subdividing them into smaller than 20-acre coffee estates. Whether the current coffee growers would be able to the afford them is of great concern to the farmers.
Several farmers talked about the possibility of the farmers themselves buying the land as a group, with help from government, private partners and/or nonprofit organizations.

Ka`u CDP calls for increased economic opportunities.

Later in the day, many of the farmers met with Creagan, Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Richard Onishi to discuss their purchasing options and a license agreement that is being negotiated with a Colorado company in escrow to buy the land from Lehman Brothers.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KA`U is the topic when Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee meets tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

The focus of this meeting will be potential revisions to the draft CDP based on public input. The meeting will be actively facilitated to help the Steering Committee consider the trade-offs of alternative strategies for achieving Community Objectives. It is hoped that the meeting will conclude with preliminary decisions by the Steering Committee about CDP revisions. The preliminary decisions will be considered as part of final Steering Committee recommendations at a future meeting. The meeting is open to the community, and public testimony is welcome.
Background information prepared to inform and guide the meeting is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-29-2015-steering-committee-meeting/EconDevInfoPacket.pdf/view.
More information about the Ka`u CDP is available at kaucdp.info.

THE ENDURING WILIWILI opens tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit features artwork of Andrea Pro, Margaret Barnaby, Lisa Louise Adams, Kathy Molina and John McCaskill, who together make up the Pacific Island Printmakers. Wiliwili is one of Hawai`i’s threatened species, a flowering tree that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Image from VAC

For the exhibition, the printmakers partnered with Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to reforesting a lowland dry forest preserve that is home to several endemic and indigenous plant species including iconic trees such as the wiliwili and the uhiuhi. The artists went into the field where they studied and sketched the few remaining wild wiliwili trees firsthand.
“This exhibition is a great example of community partnerships – three separate organizations all with one shared goal, to build awareness and conservation efforts of the wiliwili trees,” gallery manager Emily Weiss said. “I find it very exciting to see five different perspectives of one subject matter.”
In the Hawaiian language, wiliwili means “repeatedly twisted” and refers to seedpods that twist open to reveal the seeds.
The Enduring Wiliwili is on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning through Oct. 4. Park entrance fees apply.

THE SUMMER JAZZ IN THE FOREST concert series concludes tomorrow. Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members. For the evening show, prices increase by $5.
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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Hurricanes surround Hawai`i, with Ignacio expected to arrive by Monday and Jimena following later in the week.
Map from Weather Underground

KA`U IS UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WATCH as Ignacio, currently a Category Four Hurricane, approaches the area, bringing an increased potential for tropical storm conditions. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center at 11 a.m., the chance for tropical storm conditions ranges from 29 to 51 percent. There is potential for sustained winds to reach tropical storm force of 39 miles per hour as early as tomorrow night.

Swells generated by Ignacio will begin to arrive along east and southeast facing shores of Hawai`i Island later today and increase to 15 to 20 feet tomorrow through Monday. Surf will be large and potentially life-threatening later this weekend and early next week. Some coastal inundation of low-lying areas is expected, especially at high tide.
Total rainfall amounts of two to four inches, with isolated maximum amounts near six inches mainly in areas of higher terrain, are possible in the watch area.
It is vital to not focus on the exact forecast track; forecast movement, direction and speed are only estimates. Even small errors in the track can mean major differences in where the worst conditions will occur. Damaging effects can extend far from the center.
A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the possible arrival of tropical storm force winds, which make continuing outside preparations dangerous. A watch is the time to prepare. Do not wait until it is too late.

Although Ignacio is expected to track north of Hawai`i, officials urge
everyone to prepare for tropical storm conditions. Map from NOAA

Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Heed the advice of local officials, and comply with any orders that are issued. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten.
Loose objects such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other items should be secured or stored indoors. Have supplies on hand and be ready for power outages.

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GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY SIGNED an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Ignacio. National Weather Service has advised that even though Ignacio’s track is still highly uncertain, the system has the ability to cause widespread damage across the state.
The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the Legislature for disaster relief for the entire state. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at state and federal levels, along with the ability to suspend certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.
“We thank Gov. Ige for his support during this crucial time and are taking advantage of this pre-landfall period to ensure that we are as best prepared as possible,” said Vern Miyagi, Executive Officer of Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency. “With our whole state engulfed in the cone of uncertainty, we ask the public to continue their preparedness efforts and monitor news media for the latest updates regarding Hurricane Ignacio.”
The cone of uncertainty presents the probable track of a tropical cyclone and the area over which the center is most likely to pass. The path of the cone can be extremely unpredictable, and the center of a storm can fall anywhere within that cone.
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“THE STATE OF HAWAI`I IS LIKELY to extend the operations of the Hawai`i Health Connector through October 2016 for $3.3 million, the health insurance exchange’s officials announced Friday at its board of directors meeting.” This is the report from Pacific Business News, which covered the meeting.

The Connector also received confirmation that the federal government would provide $2.8 million support “marketplace assister organizations” — the Connector’s nonprofit partners that assist the community in signing up for health insurance, such as Ka`u Rural Health Community Association. KRHCAI has promoted and helped people sign up for government-sponsored health insurance at many community gatherings and at its offices next to Pahala Library.
In May, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services informed the Connector that federal funds were no longer available to support its long-term operations. The Connector has been unable to generate sufficient revenues to sustain operations.

See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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A POSTER CONTEST for the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology is open until this Monday, Aug. 31 with the theme Kulaiwi: Repositioning our Identity in the Present.

Dr. Keao NeSmith described the Oct. 9-11 annual conference, saying it “examines the role of identity within the work of archaeology.” He said archaeology is an essential part of “people’s desires to know about themselves and their surroundings more intimately as they examine their own family histories.”
“Kulaiwi centers the thinking of people everywhere on their ‘piko,’ the focal point of what connects them to their identity. There is a direct correlation between this knowledge and how one formulates and reformulates their definition of themselves. The work of archaeology, therefore, is access to not only our past, but ourselves today.”
The conference will be on Kaua`i. The poster winner will receive a one-year Society for Hawaiian Archaeologists individual membership and have their poster design, printed and distributed to all SHA conference participants.
Designs must be 18 x 24 inches in size and have either a portrait or landscape orientation. Selection of the winning design will be based on composition and thematic interpretation. Submit entries electronically to Regina K. Hilo, Archaeology Week kako`o, at archaeologyweek@hawaiianarchaeology.org. For more information, email kananakahilo@gmail.com.

CAMP GOOGLE TEACHING MATH AND SCIENCE WITH HAWAI`I VOLCANOES will remain online past the summer holidays and throughout the school year. The virtual field trip into nature for kids, 7-12, was launched in late July and is available free, online at https://camp.withgoogle.com/. After finishing the camp, kids can earn virtual badges.
The camp received statewide attention this morning through a feature story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. See staradvertiser.com. See more on Camp Google’s launch at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2015/07/kau-news-briefs-wednesday-july-29-2015.html.
Google engineers partnered with National Geographic Kids, NASA, Khan Academy and National Park Service for content about nature, space, oceans and music. The exploration of Hawai`i’s volcanoes takes youth into nature through a 12-minute video called What Will You Find in the Wild?
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judy Knapp and Liz Stabo offer treats from Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee's
mobile kitchen. Photo from Judy Knapp

IN CELEBRATION OF FIVE YEARS of business in Ka`u, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee owner Judy Knapp will offer weekly specials throughout September and a Celebration Party on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, door prizes and giveaways.

The mobile cafe serves hot and cold beverages along with sweet treats every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn between Na`alehu Methodist Church and CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union on the mauka side of Hwy 11.
Since first opening, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee’s menu has expanded to include a few non-caffeinated drinks, including “freshly squeezed Ka`u Limeade, fruit smoothies and our newest creation: Ginger-Lemongrass Limeade Crush. Perfect for this hot summer!” Knapp said. According to Knapp, popular caffeinated options include Ka`u coffee, lattes, mochas and Killer Chillers. Knapp said she doesn’t have any plans of moving to a storefront anytime soon, but it is her dream. That, “or getting a second espresso wagon – or winning the lottery!”
Knapp said she is “still loving (working in Ka`u). Such a wonderful mix of people and cultures, and coffee brings them all together!” She estimates that 60 percent of her customer base resides in the Ka`u district. Knapp rejoices in the “happy looks on visitors’ faces when they pull up after a long day at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and still have the drive back to Kona.” She said she still has repeat customers from years ago who “have returned to the island and make it a point to stop for coffee!”

The Enduring Wiliwili opens today. Image from VAC

Knapp contributes much of her business’s success with visitors to press coverage, which “has made Ka`u much more recognizable throughout the world. Many tourists ask specifically for Ka`u, rather than Kona, coffee.” She said she “proudly serves Ka`u coffee from Miranda’s Farm.”

As business has increased, Knapp found herself needing an extra pair of helping hands. She now has Liz Stabo, “my whatever-it-takes co-worker,” Knapp said. “We’ve worked together over two years, and she pushes me forward when I’m dragging.”
When asked for advice for other entrepreneurs in the community, Knapp said to “plan as well as you’re able, jump in feet first, and hold onto your dream. Prepare to ride out the first year, and then watch it grow.”

THE ENDURING WILIWILI opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit features artwork of the Pacific Island Printmakers.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Hurricane Ignacio was 235 miles east of South Point at 11 a.m. Map from Weather Underground

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee met yesterday to discuss the draft plan’s section on economic development. After much discussion and testimony by residents, the committee decided to make no changes to the draft document regarding economic development, Project Manager Ron Whitmore said.
According to CDP documents, “the vast majority of public comments related to economic development were supportive of or in alignment with the Draft CDP strategies. They emphasized the need for jobs and strategies for growing various sections – agriculture, renewable energy, health care, community tourism, retail – and the need for workforce development and strategic collaboration.”
More information is available at kaucdp.info.
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Hawaiian waters are under a tropical storm warning. Map from CPHC

HURRICANE IGNACIO WAS 435 MILES east of South Point at 11 a.m. and moving northwest, skirting by Hawai`i Island.

Although Ignacio’s forecast track is north of Hawai`i Island, a tropical storm watch remains in effect. Based on the latest forecast, there is little chance for hurricane conditions, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Also, the chance for tropical storm conditions currently ranges from 11 to 26 percent. This represents a general downward trend since the last forecast.
Although the latest forecast is for sustained winds to remain below tropical storm force of 39 mph, only a small change in the track of Ignacio could result in higher winds.
Total rainfall amounts of two to five inches, with isolated amounts near six inches mainly in areas of higher terrain, are possible.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for waters surrounding Hawai`i.
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ENERGY GOALS OF GOV. DAVID IGE were the focus of an hour-long interview with Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Bruce Asato on Friday. Ige has set a goal for Hawai`i to use 100 renewable sources of energy to generate electricity by 2045. He also has recently stated his opposition to the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy.
“We are looking for a partner in the electric utility that really embraces 100 percent renewable and, I think, more importantly, changing the business model from the traditional electric utility to what would work in a fully distributed generation renewable future,” Ige told Asato.

Ige wants to move from centralized power generation to distributed generation.
Image from Fresh Energy

Ige said distribution should be the role of an electric utility, not generation. In his vision, power would be generated by renewable sources such as solar installations on rooftops and farms developed by entities other than utilities.
“I’m not anti-HECO. I’m pro-partner,” Ige said. “This environment, with the state setting aggressive policy, we would like to find a utility partner that wants to be part of that environment.”
Ige also is opposed to importing liquefied natural gas as a bridge fuel to 100 percent renewable sources. According to Asato, Ige listed reasons for his opposition as major capital investments needed to build LNG infrastructure, the fuel’s distraction from the state’s 100 percent renewable goal and the impact of the regulatory review process on residents.

“We could find a way to defer unnecessary investment in existing oil-based power plants and refineries and really focus investments and new investments in renewables,” Ige said. “That is a better course to take than transitioning over and then transitioning again. There may be a fuel savings, but by bringing in LNG, we are bringing in capital investment that would have to be recovered. The capital investments required were too high, and the regulatory permitting process would take years. It makes the window for LNG serving as a transitional fuel shorter and smaller as we move forward.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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Josh Stanbro Photo from Kanu Hawai`i

JOSH STANBRO, who was the lead negotiator in a successful community effort that placed some 400 acres at Honu`apo into public domain, has been named an Omidyar Fellow for 2015. The fellowship program was created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.

Stanbro led Trust for Public Land in Hawai`i during fundraising and negotiations for Honu`apo. An attorney, he is now program director for environment and sustainability at Hawai`i Community Foundation.
The other fellows for 2015 are Vince Baldemor, executive athletics director, Hawai`i Pacific University; Blair Collis, president and CEO, Bishop Museum; Catherine Awakuni Colon, director of Hawai`i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Pualani Enos, executive director, Hui Malama Learning Center; Scott Higashi, executive vice president, Locations, LLC; Pamela Joe, partner, RevoluSun and president, RevoluSun Solar Corp. Inc.; Jack Kittinger, director, Conservation International’s Hawai`i program; Betty and Gordon Moore, Center for Science and Oceans; Robert Lietzke, principal, Booz Allen Hamilton; Dawn Lippert, director, Energy Excelerator; Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawai`i; David Oyadomari, executive vice president, Bank of Hawai`i; William Pieper, vice President BarclayCard US; Jennifer Walker, vice president of legal and business development, Hawai`i Medical Service Association; and Beth Whitehead, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, American Savings Bank.
The Hawai`i business and nonprofit leaders make up the fourth cohort of the Omidyar Fellows program. They’ll participate in a 15-month leadership development program starting in October. Several members of the latest cohort are past members of Pacific Business News’ Forty Under 40 program.

See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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Trojans take to the field for their season opener.
Photo from KHPES

THE SCORE WAS CLOSE AT HALFTIME, but Kohala ran away with the football in the second half at Ka`u High Trojans’ first eight-man game of the season. Catching a pass from Kamaehu DeRamos, Kainalu Medeiros-Dancel scored a touchdown to close the second quarter at Ka`u 6, Kohala 7.

Kohala ran in three more touchdowns in the second half. Final score: Ka`u 6; Kohala 28.
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KA`U HIGH FOOTBALL COACH DuWayne Kainoa Ke welcomed West Hawai`i Today reporter J.R. Groote recently to do a story on the team. The coach said he was amazed at the professional respect that the sportswriter showed to the Trojans, not even stepping onto the field before he gained permission.
Following the Trojans winning the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship last year, Ke told De Groote that it’s not all about winning. “There are a lot of schools that want to win. But for us, it’s about having fun — win or lose,” Ke said. “If a kid can come out here and have fun, they’re a winner in my book.”
Ke told De Groote that although many of this year’s players are new, “if the kids are disciplined and listen, we will do just fine.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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GOOFUNDME IS THE CALL of the Ka`u High School cheerleading squad, which has set up a gofundme.com/kaucheer campaign to raise money for shoes and all that goes with outfits to support Trojan teams at sports events.

The squad, supporting the first eight-man football game for the Trojans yesterday, is in its second year following Ka`u High going without a cheerleading squad for several years. Last year, Trojan cheerleaders raised funds for uniforms through a bake sale and Valentine’s grams. According to the gofundme.com/kaucheer description by Jessica Elizabeth-Rose Carroll, the squad says, “We need to add a few more uniforms; the members need shoes and pompoms.” Because lack of funding prevented Ka`u cheerleaders from attending camp this summer, “We’d like to access some stunting and gymnastics training opportunities here on-island and start saving funds for camp next summer!”

Ka`u High's cheerleading squad is fundraising online.

The campaign statement says that squad members “live in a rural area on the Hawai`i Island, over an hour’s drive from any larger metropolitan area. Nearly 85 percent of the students in the area qualify for free or reduced lunch. Therefore, it is difficult for squad members to come up with the funds to cover the costs associated with participation on their own. Any support you can give is greatly appreciated!”

The Trojan squad says that “cheerleading teaches important life values such as preparation, dedication and working together as a team, and cheerleading produces active, engaged citizens. According to a survey conducted by Varsity Brands, a company that runs cheerleading camps and makes uniforms, cheerleaders were more likely to hold a leadership position in their school or community. Therefore, by supporting the squad, you are also supporting these young men’s and women’s future success!”
To contribute, see gofundme.com/kaucheer.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Does Van Gogh's Starry Night remind you of digital depictions of hurricanes going by Hawai`i? Media outlets see similarities.

VAN GOGH’S STARRY NIGHT is being circulated through social media and on Hawai`i News Now broadcast as an image that harmonizes with digital depictions of the hurricanes going by the Hawaiian Islands. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu is expected to pick up responsibility of reporting on Jimena Tuesday afternoon as it moves closer and Ignacio moves off to the northwest.

Social media and Hawai`i News Now are comparing patterns of Pacific storms
to Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Hurricane Ignacio threatened Hawai`i Island earlier but is tracking to the north of the state. Hurricane Jimena is behind Ignacio but expected to make a turn to the north before reaching Hawai`i.

Another disturbance is developing to the east of Ignacio.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS two resolutions introduced by Ka`u’s Council member Maile David this week. The council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.

David is proposing an amendment to Hawai`i County’s General Plan relating to the principles of the ahupua`a system. David’s Resolution 256-15 calls for the General Plan to apply values, philosophy and geographical features of the ahupua`a system as a land use model to regulatory decisions and government programs, fulfilling sustainability goals and land use policies with consideration for resource management.

Maile David

David’s Resolution 258-15 proposes another amendment to the county’s General Plan relating to roadway access in Ka`u during times of flooding. David wants the county to investigate potential solutions to prevent the closure of Hawai`i Belt Road due to flooding, including improving, acquiring and maintaining alternate routes.
A communication document from David states, “During times of heavy rainfall, flooding along the Hawai`i Belt Road in the Ka`u District still occurs whereby streams in the area often exceed the capacity of existing bridges and culverts and flood the roadway, resulting in temporary closure of the Hawai`i Belt Road; and such road closures severely impair access to the district of Ka`u from surrounding areas and to essential services and shelters.”

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet tomorrow at Council Chambers in Hilo, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks and Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Finance, 10 a.m.; and Governmental Relations & Economic Development, 1 p.m.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
All meetings are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
Agendas are also available on the website.
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A PROPOSED OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS project that would cover 26 lots with solar panels is the topic of a story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today. Bret Yager wrote that “Ka`u residents angered by a massive solar energy project are changing county law to prevent another of its kind from landing in a residential area.”

Rep. Richard Creagan

The change refers to Ka`u Community Development Plan policy that would require such projects to apply for a special permit at the county level. Currently, state allow allows these projects on ag land even if it is mostly residential, which is how many of the county’s nonconforming subdivisions are zoned.
“The state figures ag land is ag land, but they just didn’t consider the big, nonconforming subdivisions,” Loren Heck told Yager.
Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan said, “The state law was so broad and unrestricted, it was unfortunate. The devil was in the details, and we didn’t put in the details.” Creagan told the reporter that O`ahu Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, has committed to revisiting the law.
Sandy Shelton, a Ranchos residents who has collected hundred of signatures from neighbors opposing the project, told Yager, “Solar companies should be required to take a holistic approach that protects the residents and the ecology of the area.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.

“WHAT HAPPENS TO LAVA FLOWS after they enter the ocean?” Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists ask in the current issue of Volcano Watch. “Does lava continue to flow exactly as it did on land, or does it behave differently after it enters the ocean?”
The scientists explain, “The availability of high-resolution bathymetry off the coasts of volcanic islands like Hawai`i allows us to get a peek at flows that have continued to advance under water. Geologists studying recent lava flows in the Azores, a volcanic island chain 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) west of Portugal, could easily distinguish the underwater extent of lava flows that had originated on land. They found that the flows behaved differently underwater, primarily due to rapid cooling by water and by buoyancy of the advancing flows.
“Water can cool the surface of a lava flow more efficiently than can air, so lava flowing in water develops a solidified skin very rapidly. However, when the crust reaches moderate thickness, it insulates the lava flow interior just as well as it does in air. This results in flows stalling after advancing short distances below the surf zone, pressurizing (or inflating, like pahoehoe flows) and advancing farther through multiple breakouts. The most common form was dubbed ‘dendritic,’ because multiple breakouts occurred along a broad flow front, several of which branched again.

“Lava flows also become buoyant underwater. The flows don’t float because their density is still greater than the density of seawater, but they flow more slowly. This is because upward buoyancy forces partly counteract the downslope pull by gravitational forces.

Steaming water marked the offshore course of lava entering the ocean
on June 2, 1950. Photo from USGS/HVO courtesy of U.S. Air Force

“The combination of buoyancy and enhanced cooling slows lava flows moving offshore along the sea bed, thereby causing them to pressurize and thicken.
“High-resolution bathymetry is also available for several offshore areas of the Island of Hawai`i, and we are looking for these same effects on lava flows that entered the ocean north of Kailua-Kona on the west side of Hawai`i. The Hu`ehu`e and Ka`upulehu lava flows from Hualalai volcano entered the ocean along this coastline, as did the pahoehoe and `a`a branches of the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow. Despite the fact that these flows are tens of kilometers long on land, their submarine lengths are less than six km (3.8 mi).
“Interpretations from recent lava flows in the Azores seem to also be true in Hawai`i. For example, the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow advanced over 50 km (31 mi) to the sea in eight days, based on eyewitness accounts; however, the flow appears to have advanced only about two km (1.2 mi) offshore even though it remained active for months.

“In the South Kona District, some high-resolution bathymetry exists, but coverage is spotty, so we rely on other evidence for how far recent flows advanced underwater. Just like on land, the slope of the ground over which lava moves affects its speed, with lava flowing faster over steeper slopes. Offshore slopes along the northwest coast of the Island of Hawai`i are 50–100 m (164–328 ft) deep at one km (0.6 mi) from the coast. Much steeper topographies are encountered south of Ho`okena in South Kona; depths there are around 500 m (1,640 ft) at a distance of one km (0.6 mi) from the coast.
“In 1919 and 1950, Mauna Loa lava flows in South Kona rushed downslope about 20 km (12 mi) to the ocean and continued to flow into the ocean for weeks. While the ocean entries were active, steam was observed rising from the ocean surface 0.8 to five km (0.5–3.5 mi) offshore, with many fish killed in the vicinity. Notably, several of the fish were varieties never seen before. Later study by ichthyologists confirmed that these deep-sea creatures probably came from depths of about 1,000 m (3,300 ft), suggesting that the flow may have advanced 2–4 km (1.2–2.4 mi) offshore in both cases to reach those depths.
“The slowing of lava flows as they enter the ocean may help explain some aspects of lava delta development and, more broadly, volcanic island development. When lava next enters the ocean in Hawai`i, we may be able to use this information to better assess the extent of any hazards the lava delta and underwater lava flow pose to visitors and near-shore boat traffic.”

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS have a busy week. They play Makualani today, St. Joseph tomorrow and Parker Friday, all at 6 p.m. on their home court. Tonights’ matches were rescheduled from an earlier date.

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

Dick Hershberger takes participants on A Walk into the Past
tomorrow and every other Tuesday. Photo by Ron Johnson

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The living history program features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger bringing back to life Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of the study of volcanoes. Free performances are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Mules and horses are important in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's search and rescue operations. Here, stock manager Jordan Barthold holds Sparkles with a rescued visitor astride during a rescue in July. Photos from NPS

MULES AND A HORSE TRANSPORTED two injured hikers suffering from dehydration to safety last week in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Barthold and first responder TJ Magno head down Keauhou
Trail last Thursday.

The Hilo couple had planned to hike to a remote coastal campsite but was not prepared for the intense heat, lack of shade and rough terrain. They didn’t have hiking sticks, and their water filters broke. On the morning of Aug. 27, they started to hike out on Keauhou Trail. Both turned their ankles and were unable to continue. They called the number on their backcountry permit, and a team of mules and first responders was dispatched.
The exhausted couple was located, and park mule Dozer and horse `Ohi`a calmly transported them to safety, while Sparkles and Clyde hauled their backpacks.
It wasn’t the first rescue for these hardy stock animals. In mid-July, Sparkles carried an O`ahu man from Keauhou Trail to safety. The man, in his 60s, was separated from his group and became dehydrated and fatigued on the grueling eight-mile hike.
Although the stock team and the first responders saved the days, both incidents were preventable, said Park Ranger Jack Corrao.
“It’s extremely important to be prepared when going into the backcountry, or on any hike,” Corrao said. “Have plenty of water, four quarts per person per day, and make sure your water filter works. Never get separated from your group. Know your limits.”

A detailed checklist of safety tips is provided with all backcountry permits and is on the park website at nps.gov/havo.

Park mules perform a variety of important duties in the 333,086-acre park. They are strong, sure-hoofed and are able to carry heavy loads over uneven terrain, said stock manager Jordan Barthold. They were vital to the recent replacement of the wooden boardwalk at Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs. The mules are also used to transport equipment to the Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtle crew and haul waste from pit toilets in coastal campgrounds, among other duties.

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NEXTERA ENERGY’S PLANS FOR ITS MERGER with Hawaiian Electric Industries include a package of 85 commitments, of which more than 50 are new, that the companies said would accelerate achievement of Hawai`i’s goal of an affordable, 100 percent renewable energy future by 2045. The companies filed the commitments with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission yesterday.

Eric Gleason

In the first five years following the close of the merger, the companies said customer savings would be nearly $465 million and economic benefits would be approximately $500 million. They also said customers would benefit from NextEra’s ability to accelerate the development of more modern grids through deployment of smart meters, including time-of-use rate options, as well as improvements to overall service, reliability and performance. In addition, NextEra Energy reinforced its commitment to the communities served by Hawaiian Electric and the state of Hawai`i by pledging to maintain HEI’s current levels of charitable giving for at least 10 years and to keep Hawaiian Electric locally managed.
“Our expanded set of commitments is a clear reflection of the thoughtful input we have received from many key stakeholders, including the governor and the Consumer Advocate,” said Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawai`i, LLC. “We fully embrace Hawai`i’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and believe this partnership represents the best path forward to achieving this goal – the most ambitious of its kind in the nation. … We will continue to listen, learn and constructively engage with stakeholders and communities throughout the state – including Gov. Ige and his administration – as we respond to questions and present our vision to the PUC.”
Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric’s president and chief executive officer, said, “In NextEra Energy, we have a partner whose corporate values closely align with our local values to do what’s best for customers and our communities. NextEra Energy has underscored this with a substantial set of commitments to the state of Hawai`i.”

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Hawai`i DLNR will hold public meeting about new rules proposed
for harvesting sea cucumbers. Photo from DLNR

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE RULES to manage the harvest of sea cucumbers from state waters will be considered at yet-to-be-scheduled, statewide public hearings. Following the mass taking of sea cucumbers on Maui and O`ahu earlier this year, Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources imposed an emergency rule that took effect on June 26 prohibiting all take and possession of sea cucumbers from state waters. This rule has a 120-day time limit. The purpose of proposed permanent rules is to provide more long-term management of the sea cucumber fishery to ensure resources will not be overharvested.

The new rules would prohibit commercial harvest of sea cucumbers for consumption purposes, defined as “for food, medicine, or any other use whereby the sea cucumber is killed.” Commercial aquarium collection of sea cucumbers would be allowed, subject to restrictions.
The proposed rules also allow the general public to take up to five sea cucumbers per person per day for personal, non-commercial use. They can be viewed at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/ under the “Announcements” section.

A Pahala neighborhood is working to eradicate
little fire ants. Photo from HDOA

The Division of Aquatic Resources will issue a formal notice when public hearings are scheduled.

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LITTLE FIRE ANTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED at some houses on Huapala Street in Pahala. Royal Hawaiian Orchards is working with residents to control and eradicate them.

The pest in considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. Their painful and irritating stings cause long-lasting, itchy rashes or welts. Ants crawl in pets’ fur and sting soft tissue, including their eyes. As a result, pets suffer high rates of skin irritation and tropical kerytopathy, a clouding of the corneas that resembles cataracts.
For more information from Hawai`i Ant Lab, see littlefireants.com or call 315-5656.

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A PEACOCK AND A CRANE JOIN PLANETS as some of the objects visible in Ka`u’s night skies, according to astronomer Lew Cook, who writes a monthly column for The Ka`u Calendar.

Pavo's brightest star is named Peacock. Photo from wikipedia

“Appearing in the southern sky this month are several constellations that are poorly known by those of us in the northern hemisphere,” Cook wrote. “The reason is that Pavo, the peacock, is one that can’t be seen by anyone north of 34 degrees latitude. The brightest star in the constellation is named Peacock! Also, there in the vicinity is Indus, which is considered an American Indian. It is little known and has few bright stars. It was created by 1598 based on star charts drawn by Dutch navigators who sailed the southern oceans in the 16th century.

“The constellation Grus can be visualized as a long-necked bird flying up out of the southern horizon. This bird is a crane, which can be seen nesting on top of the chimneys in Europe. These cranes winter in Africa and migrate northward in the northern hemisphere’s spring. We have no cranes in Hawai`i. On the mainland, there are red-headed Sandhill Cranes and a few Whooping Cranes remaining.”

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KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS won their matches hosting Makua Lani yesterday. Varsity lost the first game 23-25 but recovered to take the next two 25-11 and 25-13. JV only needed two sets to win 25-18 and 25-15.
The teams host St. Joseph today at 6 p.m.

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KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a meeting Saturday, Sept. 19 at Earth Matters farm at the corner of Kama`oa and South Point Road at 10 a.m. Rep. Richard Creagan will talk about plans for the 2016 Legislature and his field trips on issues. Membership is not required to attend. Call 443-3300.

A walking tour of Volcano's historic homes is
coming up. Photo from VAC

WANT TO GET A PEEK into some of Volcano’s historic homes? A tour led by architect and historian Boone Morrison will provide insight into the history of some of the early families and businesses that helped shape modern-day Volcano. This historic buildings walking tour takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12, and includes lunch after the tour.

To reserve space, email volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call 967-7366. The tour, sponsored by Volcano Community Foundation with support from Volcano Art Center, begins with a 9:15 a.m. check-in.

WEDNESDAY IS GAME NIGHT at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. On the first Wednesday of each month, a potluck begins at 5:30 p.m.; bring a favorite dish for six. Fun, games and great conversation begin at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call 929-9258.

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF is the topic of Patti Pease Johnson’s workshop Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Each participant paints an 8’ x 53” scarf using three colors of their choice, which will create many more colors on the silk. This workshop is a way to enjoy the instant results of dyes while creating unique pieces of artwork.

Cost is $60 and $54 for VAC Members plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginning and intermediate artists are welcome.
To register, call 967-8222.

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

Keiki hike Kilauea Iki Trail as part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Every Kid in a Park program. Photos from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK invites all fourth-grade students to visit the park for free as part of the White House’s new Every Kid in a Park program. Starting today, fourth-grade students can now go to www.everykidinapark.gov to complete an activity and obtain a free annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.

Young park visitor Ethan displays the new Every Kid in a Park
free pass for fourth-graders and enjoys the Exploring the Summit
hike with Ranger Alakea Bidal

“Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has a long tradition of connecting keiki and classrooms to the volcanoes, Hawaiian culture and native plants and animals in their backyard,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Now we can expand the invitation by offering free entry to local and national fourth-graders and their families for free and connect the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates to the park as we enter our 100th year.”
Children who visit the park can participate in lots of fun and engaging ways like earning a Junior Ranger badge, going on a ranger-guided program, signing up for a Kahuku `Ohana Day and much more.
To receive free passes, fourth-graders can visit the Every Kid in a Park website and play a game to access their special Every Kid in a Park pass. They and their families can then use the pass for free entry to national parks and other federal public lands and waters across the country from now through Aug. 31, 2016. The website also includes fun and engaging learning activities aligned to educational standards, trip-planning tools, safety and packing tips and other important and helpful information for educators and parents.

Fourth-grade educators, youth group leaders and their students across the country will also participate in the program through field trips and other learning experiences.
The goal of the program is to connect fourth-graders with the great outdoors and inspire them to become future environmental stewards, ready to preserve and protect national parks and other public lands for years to come. The program is an important part of the National Park Service’s centennial celebration in 2016, which encourages everyone to Find Your Park.
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With interior walls gone, a water tank in the backyard is visible from the front yard
of this home in Ocean View destroyed by fire this morning. Photo by Daryl Lee

FIRE THAT DESTROYED A HOME and melted a car in Ocean View this morning was kept from spreading to other properties by “the heroic, amazing job” of firefighters, next-door-neighbor Jordan Anger said. Anger, who was at his home about 150 feet from the burnt structure, said he could feel the heat from the blaze.
Hawaiʻi Island police have initiated an arson investigation in connection with the fire.
In response to a 6:02 a.m. call, police arrived at a house fire on the 92-8800 block of Reef Circle Mauka, where firefighters were on the scene. Damage to the structure was estimated at $175,000.

According to Anger, he witnessed a female renter of the home throwing lighted barbeque igniters into an exterior hallway and boxes full of clothing into the flaming home. He said she assaulted a firefighter, was handcuffed by police and taken away in an ambulance.
A police investigation determined that the fire had been set intentionally. Police arrested the occupant, 36-year-old Emily Smith, on suspicion of first-degree arson.

Anger said he videotaped the incident to provide to police for their investigation.
Other occupants of the home were gone at the time of the fire, Anger said.
Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continue the investigation.
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NO ONE WAS INJURED when a sports-utility vehicle crashed into a school bus carrying students this morning in Ocean View.
In response to a 6:42 a.m. call, Ka`u officers determined that the bus was traveling south on Princess Ka`iulani Boulevard when an SUV traveling west on Lehua Parkway and operated by a 42-year-old man ran a stop sign and broadsided the bus. Twelve school children, ages 13-17, and a 50-year-old male driver were on board the bus.
The crash caused substantial damage to both vehicles.
The case is classified as a traffic accident.
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SIERRA CLUB AND EARTHJUSTICE said NextEra’s rebuttal filed with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission on Monday in support of its merger with Hawaiian Electric Industries “falls short.”

Isaac Moriwake Photo from Earthjustice

“For all the criticism the takeover proposal has received, NextEra’s response is very underwhelming,” said Isaac Moriwake, the Earthjustice attorney representing Sierra Club before the PUC. “They quote some bigger dollar figures, but they still have no plan or vision that fulfills Hawai`i’s needs.”
This is NextEra’s first filing since Gov. David Ige announced his opposition to NextEra’s proposed takeover and plans to import fossil gas to meet Hawai`i’s electricity needs. “This was their last chance to step up and answer all the criticism, and they fell flat,” Moriwake said. “They still haven’t addressed the fundamental problems of the takeover, including the loss of local control and jobs and how their old-fashioned monopoly just doesn’t fit the future direction for Hawai`i.”
Marti Townsend, Director of Sierra Club of Hawai`i, said, “We have waited months for this response. Concerned residents, industry leaders, stakeholders across the state have been waiting to see how NextEra would respond to all the criticism, and we received nothing but more unsubstantiated, unrealistic promises.”
In their rebuttal, NextEra relies on fossil gas, which the Sierra Club said is inconsistent with the state’s 100 percent renewable law. “It’s not believable for NextEra to say they fully support 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, while at the same time calling for the state to invest millions in fracked gas,” Townsend said.
Sierra Club said NextEra continues to rely on buzzwords over actual substance, quoting a passage from their Transaction Commitments: ‘The Hawai`i Corporate Responsibility Report will include a detailed description with relevant metrics addressing the progress NextEra Energy is making in operating as a Hawai`i business, including the Hawaiian concepts of Kuleana, Malama Pono and Aloha... .’
“NextEra’s response demonstrates to me just how little NextEra either understands or is willing to address the concerns expressed by Hawai`i’s residents,” Townsend said. “They just don’t seem to get it: this is not about empty promises of more money with a few Hawaiian concepts sprinkled in.”
The PUC is hosting public listening sessions across the Hawaiian Islands to gather the public’s perspective on NextEra’s proposal to take over Hawaiian Electric Industries.
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Kathryn Matayoshi

HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi Hawai`i received an overall rating of “Exceeds Expectations” from the Board of Education for the second consecutive year.

The BOE agreed that improvement in student achievement is critical and still remains the highest priority for the department.
Matayoshi received the highest rating of “Exceptional” in 2013. The BOE evaluation is based on her overall management abilities and attainment of performance objectives and program accomplishments.
“As the new chairman of the BOE, I look forward to working with the superintendent on ways to help our students advance in the face of an ever-changing world and increasing the level of empowerment of our teachers and administrators,” said BOE Chairman Lance Mizumoto.
“We fully understand that student success must climb,” Matayoshi said. “It has taken a lot of focused effort at all levels in our department to implement systemic change across the system in the last couple of years, from standards and assessments to differentiated teacher and school supports. I appreciate the Board’s acknowledgement of the progress being made. The Board’s rating is not only reassuring but a testament to our employees, students and families who work hard every day in reaching targets for the success of schools and our public school students.”

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KA`U VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM won at home again yesterday. The Trojans trounced St. Joseph in the first game, 25-8, then St. Joseph was able to climb out of the hole to win a close second game 21-25. The third game was once again Ka`u’s, with a score of 25-11.

The girls try for their third win in a row Friday, hosting Parker at 6 p.m.
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Kahuku `Ohana Day includes making kukui nut tops and free lunch.
Photo from NPS

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE to sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day: Hu Kukui and be included in the free lunch count. Children of all ages and their families are invited to learn how to make their own hu kukui, or Hawaiian top, with native kukui nuts on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. Park rangers demonstrate, then keiki compete to see whose top spins best.

Register at 985-6019.

CONTROL OF COFFEE BERRY BORER using Intergrated Pest Management practices is the topic of a free workshop this Saturday, Sept. 5 at Pahala Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Luis Aristizabal conducts the workshop. Aristizabal was raised on a Colombian coffee farm and worked as an Extension agent with coffee farmers in Colombia. He is now an entomologist at University of Florida.

Hands-on activities at a coffee farm follow a potluck lunch.
The Kohala Center sponsors this workshop. All coffee farmers are invited.
Call Ann Fontes at 987-7448 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar/September2015.

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

A guided hike of Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday offers panoramic views of Ka`u.
NPS Photo by Michale Szoenyi

THE FOOD BASKET, HAWAI`I ISLAND’S food bank, has received a $10,000 donation to help combat hunger in Ka`u and Puna. Rotary Club of South Hilo presented a $10,000 check to En Young, Executive Director of The Food Basket, on behalf of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc.
“The Rotary Club of South Hilo feels very honored to have partnered with the Weinberg Friends Program, allowing our club to designate a charity to receive Weinberg support,” Rotary President Kim Arakawa said. “Caring for our community through good works is a cornerstone of what Rotary is all about. Our club members are so grateful to be able to be a part of helping ensure our families, kupuna and keiki are not only fed, but also nourished.”

The Food Basket accepts a big check to help distribution in Ka`u and Puna.
Photo from The Food Basket

The donation will go toward several community food drops that will include a wide variety of perishable and non-perishable items, including foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seasonal produce and a selection of non-perishable items from The Food Basket’s inventory.
“The Food Basket is really trying to expand our offerings, and it is donations like this that will make sure that we can develop and maintain our high quality of service to the community,” Young said.
While the specific dates and location have not been finalized, The Food Basket expects food drops will happen on Saturdays in early October.
For more information, see www.hawaiifoodbasket.org or call 808-933-6030.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE on Tuesday moved forward bills regarding ethics and use of county purchasing cards.
Changes to Hawai`i County’s Code of Ethics received a positive recommendation in a 5-4 vote. Ka`u’s council member Maile David voted in favor of the bill introduced by Kohala council member Margaret Wille.
Bill 37 adds campaign purposes to the Code of Ethic’s prohibited uses of county property. The bill also adds a provision that places a $50,000 limit on any county contract for goods and services with a county officer or employee or a business where an immediate family member of a county officer or employee has a controlling interest in the business.
The bill also revises provisions for the ability of county officers and employees to represent private interests in legal actions and proceedings against the county or appear on behalf of private interests before any agency of the county.
Bill 78 places stricter controls on use of county-issued purchasing cards. The bill would require written requests for authorization to use the cards and as well as documentation as to the requests’ public purposes.
The action follows Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of his card at bars in Honolulu and to buy personal items.
The bills now go to the full council for consideration.
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OCTOBER 1 IS THE DEADLINE for Ka`u residents to share their knowledge about Ninole and Hilea for a cultural impact assessment. Cultural Surveys Hawai`i, Inc. seeks information in connection with the Ninole Stream Bridge and Hilea Stream Bridge replacement project, which would improve safety and reliability of the timber bridge through rehabilitation or replacement, addressing bridge width, load capacity, railing and transitions.
Information gathered will be used to assess potential impacts to the cultural resources, cultural practices and beliefs identified as a result of the planned project. CSA seeks information on general history and present and past land use of the project area, knowledge of cultural sites, knowledge of past and ongoing traditional gathering practices in the project area, cultural associations of the project area, referrals of kupuna or elders and kama`aina who might be willing to share their cultural knowledge of the project area and the surrounding ahupua`a lands, and any other cultural concerns the community might have related to Hawaiian cultural practices within or in the vicinity of the project area.

Respondents’ feedback will be summarized for a cultural impact assessment and added to the appendix. In addition, respondents must understand and agree that their `ike (knowledge) and mana`o (thought) will be available to the public.
Call 808-262-9972 or e-mail mliborio@culturalsurveys.com.
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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN APPLY for two vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member commission appointed by the governor to advise the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program.   The commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year.

The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The commission’s primary duty is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.

There are currently vacancies for a member of a statewide agricultural association and a member who is knowledgeable about native Hawaiian Culture  . Applications may be submitted online to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.

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The TOTUS Awards are coming up in November.
Photo from TOTUS

KA`U TEA PRODUCERS are invited to enter TOTUS, the first national tea competition specifically for USA-grown tea. The Tea of the United States Awards are open to all tea farms, researchers and beginning growers whose tea-crop origin is cultivated in U.S. soil. Producing states can gain global recognition by participating in this national competitive program juried by an international industry panel. TOTUS promotes origin pride and identifies tea production making significant contributions in domestic agriculture and innovative trade.
The TOTUS Awards will be held Nov. 4 on Hawai`i Island and hosted by Hawai`i Tea Society in partnership with Volcano Art Center, The Kohala Center, Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council and Hawai`i Farmers Union United.
“We hope that the TOTUS Awards 2015 will encourage those who have pioneered U.S. tea farming to gain national recognition for their uniquely crafted teas and further educate consumers supporting domestic tea agriculture,” said TOTUS Executive Director Eva Lee. “Those of us in Hawai`i who are propagating, growing, farming and processing tea will continue to expand production contributing to our local economies raising support from county, state and federal agencies.”

Categories are White, Green, Oolong and Black Tea. Commercially producing winners receive cash awards, and other winners receive certificates.
For more information about deadlines, rules, entry fees, and how to apply, see totus1awards.com.
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THE THIRD ANNUAL VOLCANO WINERY Harvest Festival will be held at Volcano Winery on Pi`i Mauna Drive on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants enjoy an evening of fun for a good cause. Admission includes two glasses of Volcano Winery wine, a souvenir wine glass, vineyard tours, dancing and food offerings from local vendors.
Live music by the Mahilani House Band & Friends will get toes tapping with up-tempo Hawaiian and world-roots tunes. Heavy pupus will be provided by a variety of Big Island restaurants including The Rim Restaurant at Volcano House, Café Ono, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Kilauea Lodge, Lava Rock Café, Café `Ohi`a, Papa`a Palaoa Bakery, Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee, Thai Thai Restaurant, Tuk-Tuk Thai and others.
All proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences’ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs.
Tickets are limited and always sell out. Advanced purchase is required; $40 for adults (21+) and $20 for keiki (2-21). Tickets are available in Volcano Winery Tasting Room, by phone at 967-7772, online at www.volcanowinery.com or at the Volcano Farmers Market.

A GUIDED HIKE OF PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park takes place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 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.

A workshop Saturday pertains to Integrated Pest Management practices for CBB.

Call 985-6011 for more information.

CONTROL OF COFFEE BERRY BORER using Intergrated Pest Management practices is the topic of a free workshop this Saturday at Pahala Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hands-on activities at a coffee farm follow a potluck lunch. All coffee farmers are invited.
Call Ann Fontes at 987-7448 for more information.

A PLANNED ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION is the subject of a meeting at Ocean View Community Center on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Hawai`i Electric Light Co. recently announced plans to build a substation along Hwy 11 to support a proposed solar project in Ranchos.

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