The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Longs Pharmacy opens with a blessing for the public at 8:30 a.m. Monday at Pahala Shopping Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

LONGS PHARMACY opens on Monday, becoming the first pharmacy in Ka`u outside of clinics and the small Ka`u Hospital pharmacy. It is located in Pahala Shopping Center between Bank of Hawai`i and Pahala Post Office. A pharmacist will be on duty. Other items to be offered for sale in this apothecary-style Longs will include beauty and health care products and snacks. Local contractors on the project have included Taylor Built Construction Company, Inc.
The public is invited to a blessing Monday at 8:30 a.m.

Nurse practitioner Susan Field will move
from teaching at UH-Manoa to practicing
at Ka`u Rural Health Clinic.

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER Susan Field will join Ka`u Hospital Rural Health Clinic’s staff on Aug. 1 to replace Debra Kettleson, who is transferring to Hilo Medical Center cardiology clinic. Ka`u Hospital administrator Merilyn Harris said, “It was really important that we find someone who was not only well qualified on paper but also somebody who would be very caring and willing to go the extra mile for her patients like Debbie did. Susan Field fits the bill.”

Field is a highly skilled nurse practitioner with over 12 years of experience working in clinic settings in Idaho, Hilo, Ocean View, Moloka`i and Lana`i. She is an assistant professor of nursing in the University of Hawai`i at Manoa’s Nurse Practitioner Program. Field teaches supervision for nurse practitioner students throughout the Big Island.
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Field worked as a registered nurse in a variety of roles, including house supervisor in a 250-bed hospital in Idaho and director of Emergency Services in a rural community in Colorado.
Field is a resident of Ka`u and lives within six miles of the hospital and clinic. In the community, she is a photographer, plays tennis and teaches karate. She is known to many as “Suz.”

INTERVENTION INTO HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO’S FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN is a suggestion by Life of the Land. The document was recently submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission. Life of the Land writes that the plans “call for expanded geothermal, importation of liquified natural gas, smart meters, Hu Honua and `Aina Koa Pono. The plans include virtually no community input nor any discussion on externalities. The PUC is establishing a window of opportunity for potential intervenors to enter the regulatory proceedings. Being a party means being able to file written requests for information to the HECO companies, responding to any questions asked of your group, being able to submit written testimony of witnesses, etc.”

Life of the Land is providing a description of using the PUC website for e-filing and e-notification and a guide to creating a motion to intervene. “There is no reason that Big Island interests should have only one community group intervening,” said Life of the Land executive director Henry Curtis.
See lifeofthelandhawaii.org.
The five-year action plan can be read at hawaiianelectric.com/IRP.

HIKING REGISTRATION FEES for vehicles passed a final County Council vote this week with the only opponent being Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford. Last Wednesday, the Council passed the hikes with a vote of eight to one. Registration for cars, trucks, vans and buses will increase $5 to $12 depending on the class of vehicle. For most vehicles, the tax will go up from 75 cents per pound to $1.25 per pound.
Ford said her objection was based partly on the additional $2.8 million expected to be generated by the hike in vehicle registration and taxes going into the county fund. “There is no way for us to know where this tax increase is going to go and what it is supposed to do,” she said, according to a Tom Callis report in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald on Wednesday. Proponents of the hike promised that it would go to improve roads. The mayor is expected to sign the bill to raise the fees and taxes.
Another hike to raise money for transportation began Monday with higher public bus fees. The fee to ride the Hele-On Bus went from $1 to $2. Seniors, students and the disabled who previously rode the bus for free now pay $1. Keiki five and under still ride for free.

Hokule`a, sailing past Volcano in June, is expected to be at Miloli`i later this month.
Photo courtesy of Polynesian Voyaging Society

HOKULE`A IS EXPECTED back on the Big Island soon. The Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes Hokule`a and Hikianalia were last at Kalae on June 16 before sailing from South Point to Maui, Kaho`olawe, Lana`i and most recently Moloka`i. Hokule`a and Hikianalia are expected to sail into Miloli`i later this month, where a program for restoration of fishing village canoes is planned. See www.hokulea.org.

At Miloli`i, the Lawai`a Fishing Camp for youth is being held this weekend by Pa`a Pono Miloli`i, Kua O Ka La Pubic Charter School, Hau`oli Ka Mana`o Congregational Church, Kalanihale Educational nonprofit and Ho`oulu La Hui.

THE 33RD ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is taking place today until 3 p.m. The fee-free day is focused on interpretation at Kahua Hula at Ka`auea – the hula platform near Volcano Art Center inside the park. The theme is Ka `ike o ke keiki: i ka nana a `ike; i ka ho`olohe no a maopopo; i ka hana no a `ike, which means: The learning of the child; by observing, one learns; in listening, one commits to memory; by practice one masters the skill.

Diana Aki, here with Keoki Kahumoku at Pahala Plantation House,
performs at today's Cultural Festival at Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park. Photo by Julia Neal

Enjoy hula kahiko and music with Keiki o Halau o Kekuhi, Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, Hula Halau Ke `Olu Makani o Mauna Loa, Leabert Lindsey, Ben Ka`ili and Diana Aki.
Watch skilled practitioners demonstrate art and learn to beat kapa, weave lauhala hats, sew a feather lei, create a native garden and use plants as medicine.
Play Hawaiian games, weave a coconut basket and lauhala bracelet, make a feather kahili and traditional lei. Taste taro, sweet potato, sugar cane and breadfruit.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is live theater this weekend with shows today at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. The show runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 28. The venue is Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN is the sponsor, and tickets are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, Paradise Plants, The Most Irresistible Shop and by calling 982-7344. Prices are $15 general, $12 students/seniors and $10 children.

BEFORE THE PLAY, Beauty and the Beast, a casual dinner is served at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP HOLDS AN OPEN HOUSE today in conjunction with the Cultural Festival. KMC invites visitors to experience how it serves our troops by enjoying all facilities and services.

Na Leo Manu presents Haunani's Aloha Expressions Wednesday.
Photo from NPS

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS, with wahine and kane kupuna from 70 to 90 years of age, will present hula Wednesday, July 17 at the Na Leo Manu Heavenly Voices presentation from 6:30 pm. to 8 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center. The hula group of native Hawaiians for years has shared the aloha spirit by welcoming malihini (visitors) on cruise ships arriving at the Port of Hilo and at Hilo International Airport. The kupuna also entertain for patients at Life Care Center of Hilo, Hale `Anuenue, Extended Care, Hawai`i Island Adult Day Care, Aunty Sally Kaleohano Lu`au House Senior Program and more.
Haunani’s Aloha Expressions won overall at the Kupuna Hula Festival with the song, Tutu E. They also won the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. They make all of their own colorful costumes and lei, singing and dancing hapa-haole hula, and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival on numerous occasions.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK host their next volunteer Forest Restoration Project on Friday, July 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This month they will be planting native trees in one- to three-gallon pots in the Kilauea section of the park. The area chosen depends on how much rain has been received by possible planting sites.

Ranger Corie Yanger helps during a forest restoration project.
Photo from FHVNP

Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and be able to walk up to 1/2 mile over uneven terrain with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions (hat, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.) plus drinking water and a snack.
In addition, it is imperative to scrub soles of shoes prior to arrival on site in order to ensure that outside dirt and invasive species seeds are not tracked in.
“Our goal is a crew of 12 people, and pre-registration is required,” said coordinator Elizabeth Fien. All participants need to sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. For those under 18, an adult will need to co-sign.
“Be aware that there can be vog or high levels of SO2 in the area. If it is too heavy or the park is closed, we will cancel the project and try to notify everyone in advance,” Fien said.
To register, contact Friends at 985-7373 or forest@fhvnp.org by Wednesday evening, July 17. Include your first and last name, email address and a phone number.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Young hula dancers of Keiki o Halau o Kekuhi share their message and skills at the Kahua Hula Dance Platform yesterday during the 33rd annual Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival. Photo by Dave Boyle

OVER 2,000 PEOPLE took in Hawaiian culture yesterday at the 33rd Annual Cultural Festival at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The theme stressed the learning of the child, and cultural practitioners shared their mana`o – knowledge – with keiki and adults. `Ukulele playing, feather lei making, lauhala weaving, beating kapa, quilting and making hula instruments, hats, baskets, bracelets, bamboo stamps and cloth, using plants for medicine and creating a native garden were among the skills that were taught during the day. Keiki o Halau o Kekuhi, Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku and Hua Halau Ke `Olu Makani o Mauna Loa presented hula and chant. Diana Aki, Ben Ka`ili, and Leabert Lindsey offered song. Children learned to make and play the nose flute.

Hawaiian nose flutes are fashioned and played at the cultural festival yesterday.
Photo by Dave Boyle

HVNP superintendent Cindy Orlando talked about event: “The beautiful Pele mist, incredible practitioners, mele and chant all contributed to what I thought was one of the best festivals we have hosted. What a legacy to those who began this event in 1980.”

FORMER KA`U POLICE CAPTAIN Andrew Burian, who transferred recently to Hamakua, encourages landowners and tenants to report illegal hunters. Burian told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald staff writer John Burnett that the issues with illegal hunting are the same in both locations.
“In Ka`u, we’re addressing (illegal hunting) with some of the landowners,” he said. “At Kapapala Ranch, for instance, one of their concerns is trespassing to go up to lands to hunt up above the ranch. At the same time, it also involves hunting on their lands.”

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth told Burnett that “we’ve had problems with people illegally hunting on private property, not just pigs, but shooting cows.”

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park superintendent Cindy Orlando at
Volcano Art Center with Dietrich Varez, whose artwork was chosen
to represent the festival. Photo by Emily Catey

Hunting on private property requires permission from the landowner, and night hunting is prohibited. Hunters must be licensed and abide by laws governing transportation of firearms.
Roth said that trespassing with a loaded firearm is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, in addition to a misdemeanor trespass charge.
“These guys who are illegally hunting give a bad name to the guys who are actually doing it legally,” Roth told Burnett. “We have a lot of really conscientious hunters on our island who are concerned about preserving the sport and subsistence hunters who are conscious of the environment. It really looks bad when these other guys are out there breaking the law. It gives all hunters a black eye.”
According to the story, Burian said, “Just like with any other crimes, we may not be able to find any leads, but there are going to be times that we catch somebody. “And more often than not, it’s going to be the same people who are responsible for many of these incidents.”

See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Keiki play Hawaiian games at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Dave Boyle

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HAS SUBMITTED QUESTIONS regarding Hawaiian Electric Co.’s testimony on the proposed contract to purchase biofuel from `Aina Koa Pono. AKP plans to use feedstock from Ka`u to refine biofuel at a facility it would build along Wood Valley Road above Pahala.

Hawai`i County questions Hawai`i Electric Light Co. president Jay Ignacio about his statement that “HELCO’s use of the biodiesel will reduce carbon dioxide emissions on the island of Hawai`i, as AKP is contractually required to demonstrate that its project achieves at least a 50 percent favorable reduction in greenhouse gases over the petroleum diesel currently used by HELCO.”
“Do you believe that AKP biodiesel will result in no less than a 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions when production of all inputs and all other processes related to biofuel production and deliveries are accounted?
“If so, would you please provide the complete analysis based on actual AKP process, relevant feedstocks, and all input materials?

Making a lauhala bracelet at yesterday's cultural
festival. Photo by Dave Boyle

“If you cannot provide this complete analysis of the actual AKP process, then would you please justify why a twenty-year commitment is being requested, when the ability to deliver on the project’s main promises is in question?”
Hawai`i County questions HECO fuels department manager Cecily Barnes about her statement that “a successful AKP Project is expected to attract additional high-tech investment in the advanced biofuel industry.”
“An underlying argument behind the proposed AKP contract is that the fixed, high-priced, long-term contract is necessary to attract investors,” the county states. “However, there are multiple incentive programs offered by the federal government, and many other companies have raised funds to demonstrate their technology at pilot/demonstration scale, and then use those demonstrations to fund commercial plants –without requiring such a lucrative off-take agreement. With utility rates that are three to four times as high on average as on the mainland (and, based on the current utility business model, possibly going to an even higher-multiple), could you please explain why yet further price increases to the consumer are justified to ‘attract additional high-tech investment in the advanced biofuel industry.’”
Regarding Barnes’ statement that “it is expected that the AKP Project will generate direct and indirect jobs, stimulate economic output, and generate tax revenues that are quantifiable,” Hawai`i County says, “This may be true, as any project where higher-priced goods are imposed on customers by government fiat (as is the case with a regulated utility) will in fact ensure that at least some jobs are created and sustained. What is left unsaid in such cases, however, is that consumers are then denied choice (unless they opt out entirely from the system, which many seem to be doing or now seriously considering), and many other sectors of personal preference and economic activity are curtailed.
“Would you please provide an estimate of how many jobs … AKP will generate, compared to how many jobs would be generated across the Islands and across other economic sectors if electricity rates were reduced by 25 percent, 50 percent, or if we were to work together to reach a mainland equivalent pricing of a 75 percent reduction?”
This and more testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.
Responses from the utilities are due Friday, Aug. 2.

Longs is ready to open its pharmacy in Pahala tomorrow. Photo by Julia Neal

Pharmacist and manager Leona Goda

LONGS PHARMACY opens in Pahala tomorrow with a blessing at 8:30 a.m. becoming the first pharmacy in Ka`u outside of clinics and the small Ka`u Hospital pharmacy. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays, closed Sunday. Longs is located in Pahala Shopping Center between Bank of Hawai`i and Pahala Post Office. In addition to the pharmacy, Longs will offer reading glasses, beauty and health care products and snacks.

Pharmacist Leona Goda is the pharmacy manager for Longs in Pahala. Her pharmacy degree is from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She has worked in Hawai`i for Longs since 2003. She was previously a Senior medical writer for DoMed Communications. She is certified by the Amercian Pharmacists Association for pharmacy-based immunization delivery. Her skills include medical writing and patient education.
Overall contractor was The Hatch Group. Local contractors on the project included Taylor Built Construction Company, Inc.

Bento Rakugo performs at Na`alehu Public Library Wednesday.
Photo from Bento Rakugo

BENTO RAKUGO COMES TO Na`alehu Public Library Wednesday at 2 p.m. The troupe honors one of the most popular traditional forms of Japanese theatre while bringing a modern twist to the Japanese comedy. The program is suitable for ages 5 and older. Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Visitor Center hosts Haunani’s Aloha Expressions Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hula group of native Hawaiians for years has shared the aloha spirit with visitors arriving at the Port of Hilo and Hilo International Airport and patients at hospitals and health care centers around the island.

Haunani’s Aloha Expressions won overall at the Kupuna Hula Festival and also won the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. They make all of their own colorful costumes and lei, singing and dancing hapa-haole hula, and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival on numerous occasions.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Pastor Troy Gacayan, of River of Life Assembly of God Church in Pahala, gave the blessing at the opening of Longs
Pharmacy this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

LONGS PHARMACY OPENED this morning, the first free-standing pharmacy in Ka`u. Manager and pharmacist Leona Goda thanked all of the people who worked with her at the former location at Ka`u Hospital and now at Pahala Shopping Center for helping make the move over the last several weeks. She said that she is grateful that Longs believes in this community and is willing to expand its business here. The pharmacy for the public at Ka`u Hospital is now closed.

Longs staff, including pharmacy
technician Candrie Pascubillo,
moved from Longs at Ka`u
Hospital to the new facility.
Photo by Julia Neal

"This is your store," Leona Goda told
residents at Longs Pharmacy in Pahala.
Photo by Julia Neal

Pastor Troy Gacayan gave the blessing and talked about Longs being a “very reputable and well known company willing to make Ka`u home." He called Longs “Ka`u’s newest business and family member.”

By mid-morning the parking lot was full at Pahala Shopping Center, with people going to Longs also parking in the street and the parking lot by R&J Store.
Hawai`i district manager Raul Sicardi said that he expects to expand some of the food offerings and noted that Longs will not be selling liquor, ice, fishing supplies and many of the other items sold at other stores in the shopping center. He said he expects to keep the space being used at 2,500 square feet.
Several Ka`u residents attending the grand opening said they thought that people coming to Longs for their prescriptions may make the shopping center very popular and possibly the site of noodle shops and other small restaurants in the three empty bays between Longs and the post office. Longs is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays and closed Sundays.

Longs staff opens the new Longs today. (L-R) Pharmacy technician Jamie Gutierrez, Pahoa pharmacy manager Jeime Kon, who helped out with the opening, pharmacy technician Terri Desay and clerk-cashier Donna Tsukamoto.
Photo by Julia Neal

In addition to the pharmacist, employees at Longs in Pahala are Pahala residents Candrie Pascubillo and Terri Desay, both pharmacy technicians; Na`alehu resident Donna Tsukamoto, a clerk and cashier; and Kurtistown resident Jamie Gutierrez, a pharmacy technician. The pharmacist lives in Moutain View.

Attendees at today's blessing of Longs Pharmacy shared a celebratory
cake. Photo by Julia Neal

Longs Pharmacies are owned by CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States, with mail order, retail and specialty pharmacies as well as retail clinics. CVS is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. CVS provides access to a network of more than 65,000 pharmacies nationwide.

HEFTY FEDERAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE HIKES could land on “more than 13,000 Hawai`i property owners — including businesses, owners of vacation homes, and those whose properties have had major problems with flooding.” They “could see their annual federal flood insurance premiums climb by 25 percent before the end of the year,” writes Washington correspondent Kery Murakani in Civil Beat this morning. Murakami reports a Federal Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman saying that thousands of other property owners may also face huge increases.

Civil Beat says that “nationally, the rate hikes are sparking concern. The increases were passed by Congress last year to prop up a federal flood insurance program that’s billions of dollars in debt and that makes big payouts every time a major storm hits.”

Flood insurance could go up for places like Okoe Bay near Miloli`i,
which was hit by the Japan tsunami in March of 2011.
Photo by Kaiali`i Kahele

Hawai`i Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard are trying stop the hikes for now. Murakami points to “an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill last month that would delay the premium hikes for a year. A proposal in the Senate would delay it for three years. Both chambers would have to agree on an approach to stop the increases.

“With Congress unable to agree on much these days, it’s by no means certain that a delay will be approved before the increases kick in on Oct. 1.”
“Increasingly frequent and severe storms have overwhelmed the National Flood Insurance Program, created by Congress in 1968 to offer subsidized flood insurance because basic homeowners’ insurance policies did not cover floods,” writes Murakami.
See more at civilbeat.com.

How to support vitality of Hawai`i's
organic food production is the topic
of a survey. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

THE ORGANIC FOOD INDUSTRY is being surveyed on feasibility and potential roles of organizations and agencies to support growth and vitality of Hawai`i’s organic food production and delivery. The initiative is supported by a grant from the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture; the surveys conducted by Kohala Center. They are accessible online at laulimacenter.org/organic_survey.html through Friday, Aug. 2.

Farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and agricultural professionals are encouraged to participate in one or more of the surveys. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Data collected from the surveys will influence the development of solutions and recommendations to strengthen Hawai`i’s organic industry, says a statement from The Kohala Center.
A nine-member advisory group comprised of organic farmers, producers, retailers, and agricultural professionals from around the state was convened in February to determine the primary barriers affecting the growth and sustainability of Hawai`i’s organic industry. Representatives from local processors, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and the state Legislature have also provided input to the group’s work. Based on the issues, barriers, and potential solutions defined by the advisory group, surveys were developed to gain insights and data from a broader range of industry constituents statewide.

Voluntary and anonymous surveys are being conducted by
The Kohala Center. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

“Organic agricultural producers operating in Hawai`i currently don’t have a central place where they can obtain information on critical issues such as infrastructure, processing, marketing, certification, and business development,” said Melanie Bondera, Rural Cooperative Development Specialist for the Laulima Center, a program of The Kohala Center. “There are many entities in the state providing specific services, but no central educational or advocacy group. Our research seeks to determine how existing entities can support organics in Hawai`i, and how the local industry can overcome the barriers that are affecting farming operations, production, distribution, quality, and costs.”
Survey data will be analyzed and integrated with the advisory group’s research to develop actionable solutions and recommendations to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, as well as provide input on a legislative agenda for the industry in 2014. The advisory group will conduct an open meeting on Hawai`i Island in late October, at which the group’s findings and preliminary recommendations will be presented to the public for feedback and further input.
Interested participants may access the surveys online at laulimacenter.org/organic_survey.html or contact The Kohala Center at 887-6411 for more information.

Ed Case spent a lot of time in Ka`u as a congressman and a
candidate, including trips with his wife Audrey.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S FORMER CONGRESSMAN Ed Case has announced he’s moving out of politics into the visitor industry. Case was known in Ka`u for having come here more than any other member of Congress, meeting directly with constituents and getting back to them with details on their concerns.

In a statement released last week, Case said he is joining a hotel and travel company. “Sometimes in life it’s just time to start a new chapter. That’s what I’m doing in joining Outrigger Enterprises Group as senior vice president and chief legal officer on July 22nd.”
Case said that his political career, in which he lost bids for governor and U.S. Senate in recent years, “has been deeply fulfilling, with challenges faced, contributions made, friendships forged and promising opportunities right over the horizon.
“But I’ve always looked for that next mountain to climb, that next contribution to make, and Outrigger is an opportunity I can’t resist.”
Outrigger is a 66-year old local company “which has stayed true to its Hawai`i roots and values. Outrigger wrote the book on Hawai`i’s travel and tourism industry and, with its 4,200 employees, is central to 25 percent-plus of Hawai`i’s economy,” Case stated.

JAPANESE THEATRE CALLED BENTO RAKUGO will be performed at Na`alehu Public Library Wednesday at 2 p.m.

In Rakugo, the performer presents a comic story while sitting on a Japanese cushion throughout the entire performance, speaking all of the voices in both first and third person. The troupe specializes in popular traditional forms of Japanese theatre by bringing a modern twist to Japanese comedy. The program is for ages 5 and older. Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS comes to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center this Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hula halau of native Hawaiians has shared the aloha spirit with visitors arriving at the Port of Hilo and Hilo International Airport and patients at hospitals and health care centers around the island for many years.
Haunani’s Aloha Expressions won the overall competition at the Kupuna Hula Festival and the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. Members make their own costumes and lei. They sing and dance hapa-haole hula, and have performed at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park annual cultural festival regularly.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Solar photovoltaic panels are going up around Ka`u, including the Pahala Quilting building on Maile Street in Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal

RIVAL ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANIES would be legal in Hawai`i even with Hawaiian Electric Co.’s monopoly on O`ahu, Hawai`i Island, Maui, Lana`i and Moloka`i, states Life of the Land director Henry Curtis. He writes in Civil Beat this morning about a new paradigm for delivering electricity to Hawai`i.

Henry Curtis supports a non-grid
connected and renewable approach
to electricity generation.

A New Utility “could be county-owned, private or utilize a co-op model. It would be regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. The same funding streams that were available for KIUC (a community cooperative on Kaua`i) to buy Kaua`i Electric from its Connecticut owners are still available today, writes Curtis.
Curtis points out that, “Over the past 10 years, the global-installed solar photovoltaic capacity has grown at an astounding 44 percent increase per year. This has fueled vast technological advances and cost reductions.
“Last week former Obama Energy Secretary Stephen Chu told National Public Radio of his vision. He would like utilities to start installing solar panels and batteries in people’s homes. “The (utility) will say, allow us to use your roof, allow us to use a little corner of your garage, and we will equip you with solar power. We own it. We maintain it. We’re responsible for it. You don’t have any out-of-pocket expenses. You just buy electricity at the same rate, or maybe even a lower rate.”
This is similar to a proposal presented by Curtis to the Moloka`i Clean Energy Initiative. “The New Utility will be a facilitator,” Curtis writes. “They would serve as a link between communities, financial institutions and private energy efficiency and renewable energy companies to install PV and batteries in peoples’ homes. The solar/battery facilities would be leased to customers while maintained by the installers.”
Curtis gives the example of Maui, where, he writes, “the cost of solar-based electricity is about half of the cost of grid-based electricity. Batteries cost between 30-100 percent of the cost of the solar photovoltaic system. Thus, a non-grid connected renewable energy system is cost-effective on Maui today. A New Utility could test the alternative model at a community level in places such as Hana, Lahaina or Moloka`i. To incentivize the solar/battery deal, free high-speed wi-fi would be offered to subscribers.

“The New Utility could also facilitate the leasing of electric vehicles. On Nov. 23, 2011 Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission commissioner Michael Champley addressed the Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea, Maui: “What the utility Maui Electric (and) Hawai`i Electric are having to decide is, what is their long-term business model? Because their rates are going in one direction, up. And the competing new technology prices are going down. “Maui’s electric rates are three to four times the national average. Rates are going up because MECO is pushing the Smart Grid concept that requires costly infrastructure: new generation, new transmission lines, computer software, new telecom systems and cyber-security systems.

“Imagine the price of electricity eating up ever more of a family budget. Imagine the rising cost of doing business in Hawai`i. Imagine not conducting price comparisons to see whether grid-based or stand-alone systems offer the greatest reliability at the least cost.

“Time is on the New Utility side. Solar prices are decreasing in cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Labs, the installed price of solar is expected to fall five to seven percent per year for several years. There is also a downward price trend for batteries.”
Regarding financial arrangements for the new sources of electricity, Curtis points out that “in early 2014 the Hawai`i PUC plans to implement On-Bill Financing for homeowners, renters and small businesses. The program would allow customers to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy systems at no upfront cost. Customers simply pay a reduced monthly electric bill, part of which pays for the systems.
“Similar financial arrangements should be implemented for non-grid applications,” states Curtis. “National firms like One Roof Energy, Sun Run (http://www.sunrunhome.com) and Solar City have entered the Hawai`i market. These solar brokerage firms and solar installers are being financed by major investors. They are offering fixed-cost, no money down, long-term leases for on-site systems that they maintain.”
Curtis told The Ka`u Calendar, “My paradigm shift can also be applied to the County of Hawai`i. The county is lagging in its economic recovery, and many people are hurting. The creation of a New Utility for Hawai`i County would offer a great alternative: same reliability, less cost!”
See more at civilbeat.com.

THE SIRENS THIS MORNING at 11:45 a.m. were a test by Hawai`i County Civil Defense to evaluate repairs performed after the July 1 monthly test. Civil Defense sent out a notice saying, “We apologize for any disruption with today’s test and thank you for your patience and understanding.”

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

“The public is reminded to turn on the radio and tune into the local broadcast stations any time you hear a siren as information regarding the siren sounding and possible instructions will be broadcasted,” said the Civil Defense notice.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE COLLEEN HANABUSA announced Hawai`i will receive $703,100 in grant awards from the U.S. Department of Labor to help put unemployed individuals back to work.
“This funding will be of great benefit to Hawai`i,” Hanabusa said, “and I am grateful to the Department of Labor for helping get our state’s unemployed back to work.

“We know that changes in the workplace have made it harder for some workers to find employment. In addition to helping our local economy, the individualized attention and local-market information that will be available under this grant will make it more likely that those who have encountered these problems will have the satisfaction of finding good employment. I believe this is an excellent investment in our community.”

The funds will be used to provide individuals who receive unemployment benefits with personalized, re-employment plans based on their career interests and local labor market information. Participants are able to receive referrals to job assistance services and training by the American Job Center. The program also performs a complete review of participants’ unemployment insurance benefits to help reduce incidences of improper payments.

Kaho`iwai prepares teachers to tackle unique academic needs of
Hawaiian students. Photo from Kamehameha Schools

KAHO`IWAI, A BIG ISLAND-BASED TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM that focuses on developing educators to work with Native Hawaiian students has earned national accreditation from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, according to an Associated Press story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald.
The program provides an alternative to traditional university-based programs. The program focuses on charter schools, but those who earn licenses can teach anywhere in the state, director Joe Fraser told reporter Jennifer Sinco Kelleher.
“Hawai`i has a shortage of teachers,” Fraser told Kelleher. “It’s trying to meet the needs of Hawaiian students in the school system in real terms.”
The program involves six five-day residential sessions in Waipio Valley and online coursework. “It’s alternative in that there’s no bricks-and-mortar university,” Fraser said. “It’s a values-based program.”
It’s important to give teachers training in how to be effective in non-traditional schools, such as charter schools, said Wil Okabe, president of Hawai`i State Teachers Association. “This is an opportunity for teachers to get the training they need to identify with Native Hawaiian kids,” he said.
Hawai`i Teacher Standards Board is expected to ratify Kaho`iwai’s accreditation next month, Fraser said.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

$500 IN ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT can be won by the Ka`u school who sends the most competitors to the annual Volcano Rain forest Runs on Saturday, Aug. 17. The equipment can be for track, cross country, volleyball, tennis, football, soccer – any sport. The school with the most students represented in the runs – which include a 5K, 10K and half marathon, wins the $500 gift certificate from Sports Authority.
Competitors can enter any of the races to qualify their schools, which can be elementary, middle or high school. Registration fee is $20 per entry. To register see rainforestruns.com or call 967-8240. The event is a fundraiser for Volcano Art Center and its educational programs.
Bobby Barba, who coached at Ka`u in the 1960s, said he can’t remember a time with no school football. He said that during several years when he coached and didn’t have enough players for varsity, he put together a JV team so there was JV Trojan football for the seasons and preparations for the younger players to go on to varsity in coming years.

Bento Rakugo performs tomorrow at Na`alehu Public Library.

A PERFORMANCE BY BENTO RAKUGO tomorrow at Na`alehu Public Library honors one of the most popular traditional forms of Japanese theatre while bringing a modern twist to the Japanese comedy. The program begins at 2 p.m. and is suitable for ages 5 and older. Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Visitor Center hosts Haunani’s Aloha Expressions tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hula group of native Hawaiians for years has shared the aloha spirit with visitors arriving at the Port of Hilo and Hilo International Airport and patients at hospitals and health care centers around the island.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Excavating and building the foundation for the Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter are under contract with Summit Construction.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U GYM & DISASTER SHELTER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION is in the foundation stage with excavation continuing and steelwork ongoing. Simmons Steel is one of the subcontractors under overall contractor Summit Construction. Most of the Simmons workers are from the Big Island. The gym will also serve as a disaster shelter for Ka`u and events and recreational center for the community and will be managed by the county Department of Parks & Recreation. The project, under $20 million, is funded with federal stimulus and state money.

LACK OF PLAYERS COULD CANCEL TROJAN FOOTBALL, as only a dozen Ka`u High School students have signed up for varsity football at Ka`u High School this fall. In order to field a team there must be 32 players, said Ka`u High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Deadline to register is Aug. 5. If there are too few players, the Ka`u High Trojans will have to bow out of the fall football season for 2013, she said. Schools that sign up for the season but cannot bring enough players for the games are fined for every game they cannot play. Namohala said that Ka`u High cannot afford to risk the expense.

Trojan football games bring out the community on the Ka`u High School campus.
Photo by Julia Neal

Bobby Barba, who coached at Ka`u in the 1960s, said he can’t remember a time with no school football. He said that during several years when he didn’t have enough players for varsity, he put together a JV team so there was JV Trojan football for the seasons and preparations for the younger players to go on to varsity in coming years. Trojan football games at home are a popular community event for Ka`u.

THE FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE IS OUT FOR KA`U HIGH SCHOOL. Football, given that enough athletes sign up, starts on Aug. 24 at Kea`u. The first home game is on Aug. 30, hosting Konawaena. The first girls volleyball game is at Lapahoehoe on Aug. 23, followed by a game at St. Josephs, then HPA and Pahoa. The first cross country meet is at Christian Liberty Academy on Aug. 24, followed by a meet at HPA and then Kamehameha. The first bowling tournament is at Hilo on Aug. 24 and again at Hilo on Aug. 31 and Sept. 9. Riflery will be announced. Applications are also being accepted for swimming, water polo, tennis, baseball and track.

Athletic Director Kalei Namohala

PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND Trojan Sports meetings. It is mandatory for a parent or guardian for athletes playing fall sports to attend at least one of the sports meetings scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12 at Ka`u High School Band Room, Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Na`alehu School, or Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Ocean View Community Center.
The Fall sports are: football, girls volleyball, bowling, cross country, and riflery. Students must take athletic physicals in order to play school sports. Free athletic physicals are being given at the HMSA medical van which is stationed at Ka`u High and travels to other Ka’u communities. Free physicals will be available at st. Jude’s Church in Ocean View this Thursday, and Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until school starts. For more information, call Ka`u High School at 928-2088.

A 3.6 earthquake shook the Pahala area today.
Image from USGS

A 3.6 EARTHQUAKE set off hunting dogs barking throughout their kennels at 3:01 a.m. this morning in Pahala, but no physical damage was reported. The epicenter was 2 miles west/southwest of Pahala. The quake was experienced in Pahala and Wood Valley as an approaching rumble, one sharp jolt, and the sound of the rumble going off into the distance. It was felt as far away as Hilo. Windows rattled. Hillside houses in Wood Valley swayed. A depth of 22 miles was reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

KA`U FARM BUREAU board meets next Monday at 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. One agenda item for discussion is the GMO bill before the County Council that would ban new Genetically Modified Organism crops on the island.
The Kona Farm Bureau, with mixed opinions among its members, both favoring and opposing GMO crops, declined to take a stand on the issue and encouraged farmers to read up on GMOs and to decide whether they individually would like to submit testimony on their own, pro or con. The statewide Farm Bureau Federation, for which Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi is a board liaison and co-chair of the government affairs committee, has testified in support of GMO crops and against their labeling. The statewide Farm Bureau has stated GMO labeling creates too much expense for the food industry and that GMO crops are needed for protection from pests and to increase production.
Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford said she supports the council bill to ban additional GMO crops on Hawai`i Island. She noted that the GMO papayas are grandfathered in. At the state level, Ford said she has authored resolutions supporting labeling for GMO and also for labeling of food content and country of origin. Concerning labeling, she gave the example of 10 percent Kona and 90 percent Colombian coffee. “It should indicate it on the front label in large letters and it should say 90 percent Colombian first and 10 percent Kona second. It’s called truth in labeling and provides transparency to the buyer,” said Ford.
Ka`u’s two state senators Russell Ruderman and Josh Green supported labeling of GMO foods during the 2013 legislature. West Ka`u legislator Denny Coffman also supported labeling. All said they expect the issue to come up in the next legislature.

Michael Titterton and Hawai`i Public Radio plan to soon bring HPR2
and Civil Defense radio coverage to Ka`u. Photo from HPR

KAHU FM RADIO could be back on the air within a month, as a Hawai`i Public Radio station with HPR2 programming emanating from O`ahu, according to Hawai`i Public Radio CEO Michael Titterton. He said yesterday that the station will most likely go on air using existing equipment on the pole and inside the KAHU building on Maile Street in Pahala. Over time, HPR will bring in new equipment and move the location to a tower to give much more range to the station, completing the goal of securing emergency radio reception for Ka`u.
The use of the KAHU radio building would no longer necessary once the equipment is moved to a tower, he said. While local programming will not resume in the short term, said Titterton, the HPR2 long term plan is to develop local origination programming in such remote places as Pahala and Hana.

Titterton said he found out about the opportunity to buy the KAHU license for Hawai`i Public Radio when he saw its equipment listed for sale. Needing a license to broadcast HPR to the south end of the island, HPR offered KAHU manager Christine Kaehuaea $20,000 for the license and the application for approval for transferring the license has been filed with the FCC, he said.
KAHU radio founder Wendell Kaehuaea said he hopes the $20,000 income from selling the license and any money taken in through selling off equipment will go toward paying off KAHU’s debt owed to local businesses.
To read about and listen to HPR2 programming, Ka`u residents can go online to www.hpr2.org.

Bento Rakugo comes to Na`alehu today.

BENTO RAKUGO performs today at Na`alehu Public Library, honoring one of the most popular traditional forms of Japanese theatre while bringing a modern twist to Japanese comedy. The program begins at 2 p.m. and is suitable for ages 5 and older. Call 939-2442 for more information.

AIKIDO IS A FREE CLASS open to the public this evening at Pahala Community Center at 7 p.m. The teacher is Alan Moores. He describes Aikido as learning to defend oneself without hurting others. Contact him at 928-0919 or at artbyalan2011@gmail.com.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS performs tomorrow at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hula group of native Hawaiians for years has shared the aloha spirit with visitors arriving at the Port of Hilo and Hilo International Airport and patients at hospitals and health care centers around the island.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Pastures within the more than 10,000 acres where `Aina Koa Pono plans to cut trees, shrubs and crops
to haul to a refinery that it would build near Wood Valley Road. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY HAS ANNOUNCED that executive vice president Robbie Alm will be leaving the company, effective August 30. Alm has submitted testimony to the Public Utilities Commission in support of the proposed 20-year contract for which Hawai`i Electric Light Company would purchase biofuel that would be produced in a refinery near Wood Valley Road, using trees, shrubs and biofuel crops that would be cleared and grown by `Aina Koa Pono. “The AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract will create a direct economic benefit to the state and energy security, and is in line with the state’s energy policy,” was one of his statements.

Robbie Alm

Hawai`i County, in its latest round of questions regarding Alm’s testimony, asked him to clarify several of his comments. Responses are due Friday, Aug. 2.

Testimony from all parties and participants in the docket, number 2012-0185, is available at puc.hawaii.gov.

Alm joined Hawaiian Electric in 2001 as senior vice president of public affairs and was promoted to executive vice president in 2008. During his tenure, the company completed, among other projects, Keahole Power Plant in Kona. He was one of the chief architects of the company’s comprehensive energy agreement with the state as part of the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative.
“The time is right for this transition,” said Alm. “In 2008, we signed an energy agreement with the state of Hawai`i to move our state away from oil and toward a renewable energy future. Five years later, we’ve doubled the amount of renewable energy that is meeting our customers’ needs to 18 percent. And we’re well ahead of the state’s next milestone goal of 15 percent by 2015.
“Recently, we filed a new energy plan with the Public Utilities Commission. The PUC must still review those plans, and there is more work to come. But we’ve set a course to provide even more low-cost clean energy to our customers. I have full confidence in our next generation of leaders to take our plans to the next level. And I will always be willing to help in any way I can,” Alm said.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie returns to Hilo with members of his Cabinet to
meet with East Hawai`i and Ka`u residents tomorrow.
Photo by Julia Neal

GOVERNOR’S CABINET IN YOUR COMMUNITY, scheduled for tomorrow, will be the first such event  on Hawai`i Island for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who invites East Ka`u and the rest of the East Hawai`i community to meet members of his Cabinet and share information vital to the Big Island. The event will include breakout sessions focused on areas of greatest importance to the people of East Hawai`i, as identified by island legislators and community members, according to a statement from Abercrombie.

The session takes place tomorrow,  Friday, July 19 from  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at  University of Hawai`i-Hilo, Classroom Building (UCB) 100. Joining the governor to meet with the public will be Department of Land and Natural Resources chairperson William J. Aila, Jr.; Department of Agriculture deputy director Scott Enright; Department of Health director Loretta Fudd; State Energy Office Renewable Energy specialist Andrea Gill; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands chairperson Jobie Masagatani; Department of Transportation director Glenn Okimoto and Department of Public Safety director Ted Sakai.

KAHU RADIO’S CLOSING made the headlines in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald and West Hawai`i Today with the station's history told exclusively through the eyes of it most recent manager, Christine Kaehuaea.

Christine Kaehuaea

According to the story, Kaehuaea reported the station’s debt at $68,000 and said that she has been selling off equipment to help pay that debt. It also says that “she already donated a number of office supplies to nonprofits and community groups.”

The newspapers quote her saying that when she arrived in late 2011, “there was no business plan set up. There was no test for sustainability.” The story also reports her saying that there was no nonprofit for the station when she arrived. (The overseeing nonprofit was Haola Inc., a native Hawaiian organization based in Hilo, which helped fund the station along with donations, grants and underwriting of more than $100,000 dollars from OHA, state Civil Defense and Ka`u community members and businesses.)
The story states that the station covered an area from Kalapana to Ocean View. Regarding Civil Defense messages, the story reports “Before KAHU was operating, 'you could hear the sirens, but didn’t know why' they were sounding, Kaehuaea said."
Regarding funding for the station, the story says that “Ka`u has a reputation of being an economically depressed district, but Kaehuaea said there are residents in the area with deep pockets.”

“There is a lot of influential people,” she told reporter Erin Miller, “adding that those people couldn’t see how they could get a good return on an investment in the small station,” the story says.
According to the story, “The community radio format played a role in the station’s fiscal downfall, she (Kaehuaea) added. The Federal Communications Commission offers discounts to community radio stations for certain applications, but also limits what community radio can do to raise funds. The station couldn’t sell products or advertising and was forced to rely on donations to cover operating costs,” the story reports Kaehuaea saying. See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

According to Hawai`i Public Radio CEO Mike Titterton, HPR is buying the KAHU license through Kaehuaea for $20,000. He said he learned that the license was available for sale after seeing that equipment was being sold off. Approval from the FCC should come soon.
HPR funds its programming through sponsorship messages and fundraising. It expects to broadcast to the south end of Hawai`i Island using some of the KAHU equipment within a month or two with programming through HPR2. See hpr2.org for streaming radio. Titterton said that HPR hopes to bring back some local origination programming in the long term and will cover south Hawai `i for Civil Defense messages as soon as the HPR2 programming is launched under the KAHU call letters.
Wendell Kaehuaea, former manager and founder of KAHU, said he hopes the money raised from selling the license and equipment will be used to pay down debt to the local businesses.

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS, BROKERS AND MILLERS are on Kaua`i Friday through Sunday for Hawai`i Coffee Association’s 18th annual Conference & Trade Show and its fifth annual Cupping Competition.

Ka`u coffee will again be represented at Hawai`i Coffee Association's
annual Conference & Trade Show and cupping competition.
Photo by Chris Manfredi

Ka`u Coffee representatives include Rusty’s Hawaiian’s Lorie Obra, Joan Obra and Ralph Gaston; Ka`u Coffee Mill and Olson Trust’s John Cross and Lou Daniele, and Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Local Products, who brokers Ka`u coffee to Starbucks and has managed the coffee lands at Moa`ula and Pear Tree for the owners. Both Manfredi and Cross serve on the board of directors of Hawai`i Coffee Association, and Manfredi is the organization’s vice president.
The agenda for the event includes a coffee break Friday morning sponsored by Rusty’s Hawaiian and a silent auction where Ka`u coffee products will be included. Workshops and presentations include green coffee grading, label compliance, cupping, roasting, packaging and quality control. Keynote speakers are Kaua`i Mayor Bernard Carvalho and Honolulu newsman Howard Dicus.
A number of Ka`u coffees were sent to Kaua`i for the cupping competition. Creative and Commercial Division winners will be announced on Saturday evening. The conference is held at the Kaua`i Beach Resort.

Ni`aulani Rain Forest guide training is available Saturday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

NI`AULANI RAIN FOREST GUIDE TRAINING takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village to prepare guides for bi-weekly Ni`aulani Nature Walks. Volunteers offer two hours per month to help guide people through an ancient Hawaiian forest. Register at 967-8222 or programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

HALAU WAIAU, UNDER THE DIRECTION of na kumu hula Keikilani Curnan and Liana Aviero, presents a hula kahiko performance Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on VAC Gallery porch. Call 967-8222.

`OHI`A LEHUA IS A FREE PROGRAM Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants bring lunch and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower. For more information, call 985-6011.

AUDITIONS FOR LOL: LADIES OUT LOUD are set for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Women in comedy are invited to bring stories, jokes and skits under six minutes. Open to all women and even “wanna-be” women. Show is scheduled for Sept. 7. Call 967-8222 to sign up for an audition.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR PUNA CHICKS. “Puna Princess” Sherri Carden, “Puna Tita” Angie Libadisos and Tanya Anne, VAC’s chief entertainment officer present the night of comedy Saturday at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Tickets are $10 or $9 for VAC members and can be purchased at 967-8222 or volcanoartcenter.org.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

The campus of Pahala Hongwanji will be the site of a Pahala Learning Academy beginning Aug. 16, according to
pahalaacademy.org. Photo by Julia Neal

ORGANIZERS OF THE PROPOSED PAHALA LEARNING ACADEMY will host an open house on Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. at the Old Pahala Hongwanji School on Pa`au`au Street.

According to the Pahala Learning Academy website, the fall session will begin Aug. 16, and the school “is hosted through the generosity of the Pahala Hongwanji and supported by contributions from `O Ka`u Kakou and many community benefactors.” The president of both Pahala Hongwanji and `O Ka`u Kakou is Wayne Kawachi.

HAAS refers to its InDigital program as "Education with a Twist."
Image from haasindigital.org

According to Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science in Pahoa, which proposes to sponsor the charter school through its distance learning program, grades seven and eight will be offered online, and students will also be able to go to Pahala Hongwanji to use computers and for mentoring and classes. The onsite instructor will be former Na`alehu School teacher Kathryn Tydlacka.
The open house on July 27 will be a special Italian Night dinner for enrolled and prospective students and their families.

“If you are interested in learning what we have planned for the upcoming school year and how your child can benefit from our unique program of in-person and on-line education, join us as we explain how Pahala Learning Academy will offer a new type of learning experience,” she said. To attend, contact Tydlacka at 918-640-1267 or kathryntydlacka@hotmail.com.
She said she expects about 35 students to enroll in the school for an inaugural 2013-2014 school year serving seventh- and eight-graders.

Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science’s website says its indigital program “offers motivated self-directed learners (grades 7-12) the chance to take responsibility for their education and attend school from anywhere with high-speed internet access. Successful self-directed virtual students are actively learning: working online 4 to 5 days a week for 4 to 5 hours a day, meeting and/or exceeding minimum progress requirements, posting and/or emailing required assignments in a timely manner, attending collaborative virtual and/or onsite activities, requesting and/or meeting for needed virtual and/or on-site tutoring with teacher, and attending quarterly InDigital Meetings."

The Pahala Learning Academy website page entitled Now Enrolling for August Semester says that “founding Director and Teacher Kathry Tydlacka, M.Ed., brings vision and enthusiasm to education creating an environment for educational success. The Academy offers a unique hybrid approach to education combining an on-line curriculum with direct teacher instruction.”
The website says: “We offer a variety of opportunities for Pahala Learning Center/HAAS students to socialize and receive direct teacher instruction: (1) Students are encouraged to work on site five days a week (2) Students can eat lunch on campus (3) On-site student collaborative days offer time to work with other students (4) Enrichment activities will be provided on campus, including gardening; theater arts; music; culinary arts; reading, writing, and science workshops, and various Hawaiian studies (5) Opportunities for community service will be provided.
“We offer a variety of services to aid student achievement: (1) Daily direct teacher instruction and virtual meetings with distance instructors (2) Math Workshops including access to ALEKS (3) After-hour virtual tutoring creates 24 hour a day five day a week help options.
“Pahala Learning Academy/HAAS hybrid program requires a high speed internet connection (provided on campus). The majority of Pahala Learning Academy/HAAS hybrid core content curriculum is online (lessons, quizzes, tests and projects) with bare minimum progress requirements. Assignments can be modified for a student who wants to accelerate beyond their normally assigned grade level. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss students’ strengths, needs, and goals,” the website says.

Kenyon Tam

See more at pahalaacademy.org.
Tydlacka said that the organizers of the school are applying for permitting for the facility.
At a May neighborhood meeting on the proposed school, organizers promised more public meetings to discuss mitigation of any possible impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, such as traffic and noise. Several speakers brought up the issue of the Charter School possibly taking funding away from Na`alehu and Pahala public schools.
Tydlacka said later, “It is all about choice” and providing an alternative for those children who may not thrive in the traditional public school system. She said there are many parents asking her for this option.

According to the county planning department, the school needs a use permit, legal notification to neighbors, a public hearing and approval from the county Planning Commission.
In addition to the use permit, the school seeks approval for funding by the state through the state Public Charter School Commission and Pahala Learning Academy’s host charter school, Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science. The subject of the Pahala Learning Academy is on the agenda of the commission’s Performance and Accountability Committee next Thursday, July 25 in Honolulu. Testimony on the merits and also any concerns about the proposed school can be emailed to Kenyon Tam, communications and legislative coordinator, at Kenyon.tam@spcs.hawaii.gov. Call 808-586-3775 for more information.
Tam said this morning that the Accountability Committee will make its recommendation to the Public Charter School Commission, which will decide whether to approve the new school within two weeks after next Thursday’s committee meeting. He said that satellite charter schools are required to meet all zoning and code requirements.
He also said that whether a charter school takes away funding from a public school is not considered. “Charter schools are public schools,” he said.
The site at Pahala Hongwanji has also been considered for a Boys & Girls Club, a boxing club and other multi-use functions.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard speaks about her amendment
reauthorizing the Native Hawaiian Education Act.
Photo from gabbard.house.gov

CUTS TO EDUCATION FUNDING are opposed by Ka`u’s Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Today, she voted against final passage of H.R. 5, which she says is “a widely opposed bill that will lock in sequester cuts to education funding and lower standards and accountability for schools with underserved populations.” The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 221-207, cuts funding for public schools. Gabbard said it targets programs for children with disabilities, children of color, children living in poverty and English language learners.

“While I was thrilled that my amendment to reauthorize the Native Hawaiian Education Act was included in the bill yesterday with a vote of 263-161, I could not support the final legislation and its damaging impacts on so many of our keiki,” said Gabbard, who also voted in favor of a Democratic substitute that would have strengthened the bill. “We need to make sure we are investing in the future of all of our children. Unfortunately, this bill makes permanent damaging cuts to education, eliminates crucial accountability measures and hurts disadvantaged and underserved children. In order to invest in our future, we have to provide adequate resources and meaningful accountability to ensure that all our students have equal access to quality education.”
Groups from across the spectrum have voiced public opposition to H.R. 5, including business, civil rights, labor, disability, and nearly all education organizations. The Obama administration has also issued a veto threat for the bill in its current form, Gabbard’s staff reported.

A green bean workshop took place this morning at Hawai`i Coffee
Association convention on Kaua`i. Photo by Lorie Obra

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS, PRODUCERS AND MARKETERS attended a green coffee bean workshop this morning on Kaua`i. Joining them are faces familiar in Ka`u for helping the farmers start their industry, including representatives from University of Hawai`i and the Department of Agriculture. On the agenda today are an Expo, Coffee Sampling, Label Compliance, a Reverse Trade Presentation and a Cupping Workshop. Tomorrow’s workshops include Roasting and Packaging Control, Grower Reports, a Legislative Update and a session on Coffee Berry Borer. Winners of the statewide cupping contests will be revealed Saturday evening. See haawaiicoffeeassoc.org.

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL CHURCH is organizing its first community ho`olaule`a. The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lu`au will include lomi lomi salmon, chicken and long rice, kalua pig and beverages.
Organizer Mary Wheeler is asking for monetary donations and door prizes. “We will help meet community needs, while getting the opportunity to serve,” she said. For more information and to donate, call 990-3480.

VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS SEVERAL PROGRAMS TOMORROW.

Ni`aulani Rain Forest Guide Training takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village to prepare guides for bi-weekly Ni`aulani Nature Walks. Volunteers offer two hours per month to help guide people through an ancient Hawaiian forest. Register at 967-8222 or programs@volcanoartcenter.org.
Halau Waiau, under the direction of na kumu hula Keikilani Curnan and Liana Aviero, presents a hula kahiko performance at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on VAC Gallery porch.
Auditions for LOL: Ladies Out Loud are set for 3 p.m. at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Women in comedy are invited to bring stories, jokes and skits under six minutes. Open to all women and even “wanna-be” women. Show is scheduled for Sept. 7.
Puna Chicks: Another Night of Comedy begins at 7 p.m. at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village with “Puna Princess” Sherri Carden, “Puna Tita” Angie Libadisos and Tanya Anne, VAC’s chief entertainment officer. Tickets are $10 or $9 for VAC members.
For more information about all events, call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

A proposed pipeline would carry water from Old Plantation Spring in The Nature Conservancy's Kaiholena Unit to
ranchers below. Photo from Conservation District Use Application to DLNR

INSTALLATION OF A 3.45-MILE PIPELINE from Old Plantation Spring to Ka`u ranchers and farmers is the topic of a public hearing in Na`alehu next month. Department of Land and Natural Resources will receive testimony on a Conservation District Use Application by Kuahiwi Contractors, which names Michelle Galimba as secretary and contact person. The hearing takes place Monday, Aug. 12 at Na`alehu Community Center.

The water source is in The Nature Conservancy’s Kaiholena Unit, and the pipeline would travel through the Ka`u Forest Reserve to ranch and farm lands below.
According to the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association archives, the tunnel at Old Plantation Springs was built in the late 1920s to find water to use in flumes that carried sugar to the mill at Honu`apo until 1948, when fluming was abandoned in favor of using trucks and, for a short while, an aerial tramway. In more recent years, the water has been used for watering livestock and farming.
According to the application, the “proposed use is installation and maintenance of (a) water system for agricultural uses of water … to the agricultural zoned lands immediately makai of the source.”
The application states that “water from the source presently falls into a small catchment pool at the base of the cliff-face. The water flows from this pool into an intermittent stream-bed, where it flows for 50-250 yards, depending on the spring output and presence of rainwater runoff in the intermittent stream-bed, before being absorbed into the ground.

Blue, dotted line shows route of proposed water pipeline.
Map from Conservation District Use Application to DLNR

“Water from the system will be distributed to ranches and farms within the watershed through an existing informal agricultural water network/co-operative. Members of the informal water cooperative include: Walter Andrade (approximate water needs 16,000 gallons per day), Richard Johansen (2,000 gallons per day), Phil Becker (700 gallons per day), Kirk Derasin (300 gallons per day). We are all currently sharing water from the Mountain House/Department of Water Supply overflow. However, as this is an overflow system, availability of water is extremely variable especially during the last three to four years of extreme drought conditions. Several members of the informal co-op lease a portion of their ranchland from the Olson Trust. We will be transitioning toward a formal agricultural water cooperative in future, especially as use expands beyond the current handful of ranches and farms. All water will (be) used for agriculture and will remain in the watershed. Water in the pipeline will be metered near the source for record-keeping and reporting. Water use by individual users will also be metered so as to ensure responsible use and resource conservation. This water system is critical toward helping area ranchers and farmers to mitigate current and future extreme drought conditions.”
The water system will require “minor alterations in the conditions of land, water, or vegetation,” the application states. “Proposed use will benefit a number of ranchers and farmers in Ka`u – an area particularly vulnerable to drought and severely impacted by lack of agricultural infrastructure such as water systems. Any excess water from the system will be stored in reservoirs for use during times of drought.”
The application describes the proposed pipeline and its path: “The footprint of the proposed water system will be minimized by using flexible, inert, small diameter (two-inch) pipeline that will rest on the surface of the soil. Total footprint of water system will be approximately 4,560.25 square feet. Pipe will be placed in the catchment pool at the base of cliff-face below the water source, with a small filter box on the intake. Water will be obtained passively and transported by gravity flow. Pathway of the pipe has been walked in its entirety with Nature Conservancy staff and adjusted so as to cause only minor temporary alteration of vegetation (handclearing of small sections of `uluhe and minor trimming of hapu`u fern.) Installation of the pipe will be done by unrolling pipeline by hand, so as to minimize impact on flora, fauna and soil. No trees will be felled for this project. No grading, grubbing, or any form of soil disturbance will occur in the course of this project.”

Copies of the application are available for inspection at Na`alehu Public Library and hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/meetings.

William Rolston considers microwave depolymerization to be an
"unproven technology." Photo from biofuels-solutions.com

CURRENT AND FUTURE ENERGY-RELATED matters in Hawai`i County will be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting of the Water and Energy Sustainability Committee. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford asked Laverne Omori, director of the Department of Research and Development and William Rolston, Economic Development Specialist, to give the presentation.
Rolston has provided testimony on behalf of Hawai`i County to the state Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed 20-year contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel refined in Ka`u from feedstock grown in Ka`u. He has testified that the contract “is not reasonable and should not be approved by the Commission based on its excessive biofuel price, long-term contract, unproven technology, lack of due-diligence, associated negative externalities (including ‘crowding-out’ of better alternatives) that will impact the community and environment for many years to come.
The committee meets Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK CELEBRATES the tenth anniversary of the Kahuku Unit by offering free programs to introduce visitors and residents to the park’s southernmost section now through September.
For all activities, participants enter Kahuku on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear and a snack are recommended. No advance registration is required, except for Ka`u `Ohana Day.

Free programs, including a guided hike exploring the People and Lands of
Kahuku, celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Kahuku Unit.
Photo from NPS

`Ohi`a Lehua program is about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors traveling through the park will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent tree in the Kahuku Unit. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered Aug. 18 and Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone program takes participants on a short, guided hike to an overlook on Upper Palm Trail. From the overlook, park rangers orient visitors to numerous prominent geologic features of the many eruptions of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Hikers learn about the natural processes that created these features and the cultural traditions associated with them. The Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone program is offered tomorrow, July 21, Aug. 10 and Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At Ka`u `Ohana Day, keiki of all ages join park rangers and explore Palm Trail by GPS and compass. At least one adult family member or adult group leader must accompany children. Participants enjoy a free lunch and cultural craft demonstrations. Bring a refillable water bottle and sturdy hiking shoes. Registration is required for this free event; call 985-6019. The program takes place July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pasture 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 guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Aug. 17 and Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

People and Lands of Kahuku is a moderate, two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore Kahuku’s human history. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hikers learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Aug. 24, Sept. 14 and Sept. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is live theater this weekend with shows today at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. The show runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 28. The venue is Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN is the sponsor, and tickets are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, Paradise Plants, the Most Irresistible Shop and by calling 982-7344. Prices are $15 general, $12 students/seniors and $10 children.

BEFORE EVENING PERFORMANCES of Beauty and the Beast, a casual dinner is served at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Kenneth Makuakane is one musician who will lead a three-day Hawaiian
songwriting workshop next month at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Makuakane

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers a three-day Hawaiian music songwriting retreat for just $25 from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4 with Hawaiian music, language and haku mele (Hawaiian song) experts Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Trapp-Beamer.
The Friday, Aug. 2 workshop runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 3 and Sun., Aug. 4 both begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m.
Advance registration is required. Contact Elizabeth Bell at 985-6019 or elizabeth_bell@nps.gov no later than Thursday, July 25.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

The State Public Charter School Commission is receiving testimony through tomorrow on the proposal to add the old Pahala Hongwanji
site to the Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science. Photo by Julia Neal

WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON A PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL SATELLITE of Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science that would be located at Pahala Hongwanji is due by 3 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, July 22 by fax or email. Testimony on the proposal can be directed to the state Public Charter School Commission in Honolulu. Email kenyon.tam@spcsc.hawaii.gov or fax 808-586-3776.

The commission’s Performance & Accountability Committee will meet on the issue this Thursday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the state Public Charter School Commission Office at the Remington College Building, 1111 Bishop St., Suite 516 in Honolulu. Testimony will also be taken through phone conference at Kona Pacific Public Charter School Office at 79-7595 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua during the meeting on Thursday.

Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science, of Pahoa, is requesting the approval of Pahala Learning Academy as one of its satellite locations. The proposed teacher and site director is Kathryn Tydlacka, M.Ed. who previously taught at Na`alehu School. She said she expects about 35 seventh- and eighth-graders to sign up for the first semester of classes, which would begin on Aug. 16. According to pahalaacademy.org, the school “is hosted through the generosity of the Pahala Hongwanji and supported by contributions from `O Ka`u Kakou and many community benefactors.”
Tydlacka said she has heard from many parents, some of them homeschooling their children, and some others sending students long distances to other charter schools, who would like their children to attend a Pahala Learning Academy. Some area parents and teachers have said that a Charter School would take away funding from the existing public schools in Ka`u, which already have small student-to-teacher ratios and enrollment as low as 20 students per grade.
Funding from the statewide Department of Education is given to public schools based on their student population. Charter school locations through Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science and the existing state Department of Education schools in Pahala and Na`alehu are all public schools.
Pahala Hongwanji is located on agriculture and residential property and, according to the county Planning Department, requires a use permit, legal notification of neighbors, a public hearing and approval by the Planning Commission to operate. The old schoolhouse on the grounds of Pahala Hongwanji was used for after-school and weekend classes in Japanese language, culture and religion into the 1960s. It was also used as a dojo for martial arts but has been unused for classes for more than a decade.

Noel Kawachi was one of many alumni to converge on the Pahala school
campus in 2006 to remember the good works of Laurence Capellas. A
group of alumni want the new gym to have a name that includes Capellas.

A GROUP OF KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES has launched a drive to include Laurence Capellas when naming the new Ka`u Gymnasium and Shelter in Pahala. Capellas wan an educator, principal and school sports enthusiast. According to a letter signed by former Ka`u football coach Bobby Barba and Ka`u High graduates Dorothy Silva Kalua, Carol Castillo Andrade and Priscilla Domondon Obado, “This man not only took part in the education of thousands of young people, he was instrumental in creating the foundation of our town, Pahala.”

The statement says, “It is our desire to have the name of the gymnasium/shelter to include an educator. This second-generation Hawai`i Island educator spent his life working with the youth of this island. He was the principal of Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School from 1946 to 1959. Before coming to Pahala he was the principal of Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate & Pa`auhau Elementary School, and following his time in Pahala he was principal of Hilo High School, where he continued to inspire and influence young people.”
The statement says that Capellas “was the type of person who could envision what could be possible and inspire others.” It says his “leadership and influence went way beyond the walls of the school. The town we have today carries on the foundations inspired and established because of this man who worked tirelessly for others. Mr. Laurence Capellas recognized that confidence-building, decision-making, character-formation happened in and out of the classroom.”

A group of Ka`u High School alumni would like the new gym and shelter at the school to include the name

Laurence J. Capellas.

The group gives examples of his accomplishments, including the organization of people and the sugar company to build the Pahala swimming pool, organizing Little League, Pony League and Babe Ruth League baseball teams and helping to arrange for building the baseball field.
According to the statement, “The boys played baseball barefooted until the seventh grade. Then somehow he got baseball shoes, but the shoes were turned in at the end of the season for the kids the next year.” He also found shoes for the track and field teams and acquired old equipment from the Armed Forces intramural program and Kamehameha School for the Ka`u football team.
Capellas launched the basketball program. When he found there was no room in the gym for all the baseketball teams, he made the school cafeteria available for the younger players by installing bars to protect the cafeteria windows. He spearheaded construction of the tennis court and launched his version of summer fun, locating a bus and driving the students himself.
The Ka`u High graduates, all from the class of 1959, the year of statehood, write that they “humbly ask that this man be remembered by naming the gymnasium/shelter in his name. If it were not for his works, his leadership, his caring, we would not be the people we are. The spirit of this town would not be the same. Although the youth in the school today do not know Mr. Capellas, we think they should know there have been such giving people – to Pahala and to the Island. He is a model. The youth should know whose shoulders they are standing upon….
“Laurence J. Capellas was not a wealthy man donating funds, nor was he a president or a governor; he was a humble man who gave and who cared. We ask that this man and his values be honored.”
The issue of naming the gym will be discussed by the County Council and county administration. The facility will be operated by the county Department of Parks & Recreation.

Lorie Obra took first place last night with her Rusty's
Hawaiian Coffee at the annual cupping competition
for the Hawai`i Coffee Association.

RUSTY’S HAWAIIAN 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee took first place for the Ka`u District during the fifth annual statewide cupping competition of the Hawai`i Coffee Association. Both second and third place were taken by Leo Norberte’s JN Farm. Ka`u sent 20 entries to the competition. The winners were announced last night during the convention held at Aqua Kaua`i Beach Resort.
Ka`u Coffee Mill came in 10th in the Ka`u District and 12th in the state in the commercial division.
Mountain Thunder Kona came in first in the commercial division in the state. Olson Keolanui Farm’s Hilo Coffee came in second in the state. More complete Ka`u results and the statewide creative and commercial division results are expected soon from Hawai`i Coffee Association.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO PARTICIPATE in this week’s County Council Committee meetings Tuesday and the full Council meeting Wednesday from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site.

Committee meetings on Tuesday are as follows:

Public Works & Parks & Recreation at 9 a.m.;
Finance at 9:15 a.m.;
Governmental Relations and Economic Development at 9:45 a.m.;
Environmental Management at 10:30 a.m.;
Planning at 1 p.m.;
Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability at 1:45 p.m.

County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Kaliko Trapp-Beamer is one musician who will lead a
three-day songwriting workshop next month.
Photo Courtesy of Kaliko Trapp-Beamer

A THREE-DAY HAWAIIAN MUSIC songwriting retreat for just $25 takes place at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4 with Hawaiian music, language and haku mele (Hawaiian song) experts Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Trapp-Beamer.

The Friday, Aug. 2 workshop runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 3 and Sun., Aug. 4 both begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m.
Advance registration is required. Contact Elizabeth Bell at 985-6019 or elizabeth_bell@nps.gov no later than Thursday, July 25.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Troy Keolanui takes time from farming coffee and other crops to show visitors around OK Farms. OK Farms coffee, milled at Ka`u Coffee Mill, took second place in Hawai`i Coffee Association's statewide Commercial Division at last weekend's convention.
Photo by Andrew Hara

Miranda's Farms placed in the top ten in two
divisions and is on the Ka`u Coffee Mill Wall of Fame
Photos by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE MADE A BIG SPLASH on Hawai`i News Now this morning with business reporter Howard Dicus saying, “Ka`u Coffee really tastes good. I think they are going to rival Kona.” He was reporting on the Hawai`i Coffee Association’s annual convention held over the weekend on Kaua`i, where Ka`u coffee did well in the cupping competition.

Here are results for Ka`u farms, as reported by David Gridley, of Oma Coffee Roasters, who organized the competition:
In the statewide Commercial Division, Leo Norberte’s JN Coffee ranked third and fifth, the Orcino family tied for seventh, R&G ranked ninth and Miranda Farms ranked tenth. In the Creative Division, Rusty’s Hawaiian ranked fourth, JN ninth and Joe Castaneda tenth.
For the Ka`u Coffee District competition, Rusty’s was first, JN second and third, Joe Castaneda fourth, JN fifth, Orcino sixth, R&G and FL (Fanny Lilly’s Wood Valley Coffee Farm) tied for seventh and eighth, Miranda was ninth and Ka`u Coffee Mill tenth.
Berta Miranda was taken by surprise this morning to learn that Miranda’s Farms posted in the top ten in both the Commercial Division statewide and the Ka`u District competition. Miranda’s three sisters' farms suffered severe damage from the fires that surrounded Pahala last summer, but the farm operated by Berta and her husband Jose at Moa`ula escaped. While she was unable to attend the coffee convention, Miranda responded: “I feel great, because I have the heart to be a farmer. It is amazing to be a coffee farmer in Ka`u. I am so happy for everyone in Ka`u because we can give the best cup of coffee for everyone to enjoy.” Miranda said she hopes to expand her coffee farms by buying land or securing long-term leases for growing coffee.

JN Coffee Farms placed third and fifth in the Commercial Division
and second and third in the Ka`u District competition and is on the
Ka`u Coffee Mill Wall of Fame. Photos by Julia Neal

In the Ka`u District competition, the top coffee comes from a veteran competitor and winner, Lorie Obra’s Rusty’s Hawaiian. Obra is former president of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative and has won numerous national and international awards.
Leo Norberte’s JN Coffee. which took third and fifth in the statewide Commercial Division and second and third in the Ka`u District competition, is a popular brand sold around the island and beyond. Norberte is also former president of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative. He grows his coffee on land at Moa`ula and has opened a second farm on Olson Trust land.
Also connected to Ka`u coffee was the second place win by OK Farms in the statewide Commercial Division. Troy Keolanui said this morning that he is very pleased with OK Farms coffee taking second. OK Farms, which stands for Olson-Keolanui, is located in Hilo and is a sister company to Ka`u Coffee Mill, which took OK’s winning coffee from cherry to the green beans entered in the contest. Keolanui is manager and partner in OK Farms and a partner in Ka`u Coffee Mill. “We are one in the same, he said. We operate with a lot of the same practices and are under the same management team, including Ed Olson and John Cross. The Ka`u Coffee Mill equipment and expertise helped make OK a winning coffee.” In addition to growing coffee, Keolanui grows a variety of fruit trees and other crops and often leads visitors and local residents on tours of the farms.
The Hawai`i Coffee Association held its annual elections over the weekend. Greg Stille remains president. Jim Wayman is the new vice president. Gloria Biven is secretary, and Jonathan Sechrist is treasurer. John Cross and Chris Manfredi from Ka`u remain board members.

Sen. Brian Schatz

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS RECEIVED the endorsement of former Vice President Al Gore in the 2014 Hawai`i senatorial race. “Thanks to Brian’s visionary leadership, Hawai`i implemented its own groundbreaking Clean Energy Initiative. As a result, Hawai`i has tripled its renewable energy production from six percent to 18 percent,’ Gore said in a statement. “And we’re going to need Brian’s strong, outspoken leadership in Congress for many more years to get the job done.”

Schatz responded, “I am tremendously thankful for the support of Vice President Gore. He has long been a leader on creating a renewable energy economy. I look forward to working with him to expand our clean energy production and bring good new jobs to Hawai`i.”
U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa is challenging Schatz in the race for Senate.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has launched HawaiiPublicSchools.org, a redesigned website to better serve parents, students, teachers, staff and the broader public.
The website overhaul was one of the specific targets of focus outlined in the DOE and Board of Education’s 2011-2018 Strategic Plan. The new site took nearly a year of research and public and staff input.

“We made a dedicated effort to ensure parents and students could easily access information and increase transparency of our reporting systems,” said superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “In today’s technological world, we strive to better communicate the excellence and transformation occurring in our public school system. Our new website also allows for a stronger connection with our communities.”
HawaiiPublicSchools.org is a key component of the Department’s communications and community engagement plan to inform the community about Hawai`i’s public schools.
The website covers everything from educational initiatives and reform to school-level data and college- and career-readiness efforts, as well as programs supporting student life and health and opportunities for the community to contribute to public education.
Equipped with multimedia elements such as videos and photo galleries, the website includes a Success Stories section showcasing achievements of schools, students, staff, partners and volunteers. A redesigned Employment section is available for those interested in working for the 25,000-strong Department.
The DOE invested $1.7 million of federal Race to the Top funds to build its new website. The funds will also be used to develop an employee intranet — set to launch in the fall — to boost operational efficiency, information sharing and collaboration among the various DOE offices.
The latest versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari are recommended when accessing the website. Older and out-of-date browsers may face difficulties in displaying multimedia.
The DOE welcomes comments from site visitors through a Contact Us form or by emailing the Communications and Community Affairs Office at doe_info@hawaiidoe.org.

Ocean View Community Center provides videoconferencing of Hawai`i
County government meetings.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in tomorrow’s County Council Committee meetings and the full Council meeting Wednesday from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site.

Committee meetings tomorrow are as follows:
Public Works & Parks & Recreation at 9 a.m.;
Finance at 9:15 a.m.;
Governmental Relations and Economic Development at 9:45 a.m.;
Environmental Management at 10:30 a.m.;
Planning at 1 p.m.;
Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability at 1:45 p.m.
County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberg, portraying Thomas Jaggar, shows the
scientist's equipment in the Whitney Vault. Photo from KDEN

A WALK INTO THE PAST, the living history program that brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life, takes place tomorrow at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, then walk across the road to the Whitney Vault, an underground room containing original equipment used by Jaggar in his research on Hawai`i’s volcanoes.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Field Office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Mike Durminsky and Wayne Kawachi re-roofing restrooms at Pahala Hongwanji school building in May 2012, saving
both buildings from further rain damage and helping make the facility ready for community use. Photo by Julia Neal

TESTIMONY ON THE CHARTER SCHOOL SATELLITE proposed by Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science for Ka`u has been sent to the State Charter School Commission from several area residents. The commission is scheduled to meet on the matter this Thursday.
Karen Wallis, a teacher at Na`alehu Elementary School, wrote that over the past few months there has been a lot of talk about a charter school that would be located at Pahala Hongwanji. She said the most frequent questions include: “Are renovations being done with the proper permits in place? This is a very old building; was it cleared of asbestos and lead paint? What happened to letting Boys and Girls Club use it?” She wrote that Boys & Girls Club helped work on the building.
“What about a bus for student transportation?”

AmeriCorps volunteers clean and organize the school office years ago.
Olson Trust promised money for re-roofing, which was recently completed
with volunteers from `O Ka`u Kakou and Pahala Hongwanji.
Photo by Julia Neal

Wallis contended that “Pahala doesn’t have the population to support another middle school, so how will students from other areas get there? Has food service been contracted, or is there a cafeteria in place with appropriate staff to man it? Are those jobs posted? How do they plan to service special education students? What about English language learners?”
Wallis wrote that “there have been community meetings to discuss plans and answer questions, but the first one held was on May 25th when Kua O Ka La Charter School was considering the site and, for whatever reason, they chose not to proceed. The following month HAAS picked up the project, and they plan to open in less than three months. The consideration and time being put into this new school is disappointing.” Wallis said the information given out “is not consistent,” and “the question of which grades will be serviced has been frequently brought up at meetings.
“I believe Ka`u needs more choices, but do it right. What happens to students who sign up for this rush job and it fails? DOE starts their schools on Aug. 6, and according to their website, this school plans to open on the 16th. What if they don’t have the turnout needed to open? Will they just drop those students back into public schools two weeks behind their class? What is the contingency plan?” asked Wallis.
Wallis wrote that “Ka`u parents need choices, but they need good choices. Potential students deserve more due diligence on HAAS’s part. Hawai`i has some excellent charter schools, but they didn’t magically come together, community members planned and prepared for them. I support many of the concepts being proposed, but the way this school is coming into being raises too many concerns,” Wallis wrote.

Steve Hirakami, of HAAS, which proposes
a satellite for Ka`u.
Photo from www.stevehirakami.com

Steve Hirakami, who heads Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science, wrote to The Ka`u Calendar newspaper with some history about HAAS and the plan for Ka`u: “Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science is a well established charter school in Pahoa. In September 2005, HAAS was the first non-virtual school (at that time there was only Myron B. Thompson Academy in operation) to present a virtual component of its school to the Board of Education. We were approved, and we found a nice spot at the Kurtistown Hongwanji. It was our on-line center of operations for two years and when the program expanded, we moved the operations back to Pahoa. We currently service every corner of the Big Island with our two virtual programs one for K-6 and the other Grades 7-12. With the incredible need for educational options in Ka`u, and the expansion of our virtual program, we were seeking commercial space or a church organization to house our program. This is not a new charter school. This should not be compared to a ‘brick and mortar’ school, where all of the students are required to attend every day with provision of food and transportation. Instead, this program is to facilitate learning for self-directed learners who can work at their own pace and involve them in a specific career path.”
Ross Rammelmeyer, of Volcano, is one of the site organizers for the Pahala Learning Academy. He submitted testimony to the State Public Charter School Commission: “The program will initially serve about 35 students from Pahala all the way to Ocean View (one of the most educationally underserved in the state) in grades six and seven using a combination of on line instructional programs as well as attendance at the Pahala site for the vital interaction with fully accredited, skilled and highly motivated instructors.

AmeriCorps volunteers worked on cleaning up the schoolhouse and
removing broken glass several years ago. Photo by Julia Neal

“The plot’s zoning, unchanged since plantation days, remains agricultural, and later residential. We are aware of no State/County Plans affecting this request, nor Zoning, Special Management Area or the status of the Community Development Plan affecting the area of the plot. The surrounding area is residential and mostly fallow agricultural land.
“School traffic on days which the institution operates will be increased by at most two trips (one coming and one going) by a single 14-passenger van and a trip each way by all or some of the few faculty members.
“The school’s plot is accessed by a single … public residential road in excellent condition. There are no residences fronting on that road. The nearest intersection on the road provides access to two dead-end streets, neither which, logically, will bear traffic to or from the school. Use of the road to gain access to the subject property has never been contested.
“All utilities to the school building pre-exist. There will be negligible, but as yet unmeasured, increases during school days due to the use of existing drinking water and a concomitant urine production, impacting on sewer usage.
“To the best of our knowledge, the requested use will be consistent with the general purpose of the zoned district, the intent and purpose of the zoned district, the intent and purpose of the zoning code and the County General Plan.
“We have no reason to believe that the resumption of use of the school building to educate our children will not unreasonably burden public agencies in providing roads and street, sewers, water, drainage, or police and school services fire protection. We will increase the provision of community education services.
“We further believe that the requested future use of the existing facilities will not be detrimental to the public welfare nor cause substantial adverse impact on the community character or to the surrounding properties. Quite the converse, our use of the school building will have substantial positive impact on the community and its most precious asset, our children.”
Rammelmeyer also wrote about the infrastructure: “The building is located on generally flat land. It is served with an on-site driveway leading to a concrete parking area accommodating 24 parking spaces adjacent to the school building (which should be more than adequate as none of the students will be old enough to be licensed drivers). Other structures on the plot include the church structure of the Hongwanji Mission itself which will be used as the hub of an on line virtual campus and the residence of the mission’s former resident priest, now occupied by the prospective headmistress of the State Public Charter School.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono seated next to Rep. Doris Matsui during a meeting
between President Obama and the Congressional Asian Pacific American
Caucus at the White House. Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE K. HIRONO MET WITH President Barack Obama at the White House during a meeting with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. According to a statement from her office, Hirono specifically spoke up in support of initiatives that help Native Hawaiians. Other issues addressed by CAPAC included issues like education and immigration reform that impact Hawai`i and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the country.

“I was pleased to have this opportunity to speak with President Obama about critical issues that are facing Hawai`i, our country and Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” Hirono said. “During our group’s discussion, I asked the President to support Native Hawaiians, who are often overlooked when we talk about the AAPI community. The President committed to continue working closely with me and the rest of our Hawai`i delegation on issues important to Native Hawaiians. He also committed to continue pushing for immigration reform – a mobilizing issue for the AAPI community.”
Hirono seated next to Rep. Doris Matsui during a meeting between President Obama and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at the White House.

HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT reports a double-digit decrease in the number of DUI arrests. So far this year, there have been 678 DUI arrests compared with 762 during the same period last year, a decrease of 11 percent.

Decreases in major accidents and traffic fatalities also occurred. There have been 760 major accidents so far this year compared with 813 during the same period last year, a decrease of 6.5 percent. There have been 19 traffic fatalities on Hawai`i Island compared with 20 during the same period last year, a decrease of five percent.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW at 9 a.m. in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site.
Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Field Office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

KEIKI OF ALL AGES ARE INVITED to join park rangers and explore Palm Trail by GPS and compass at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At least one adult family member or adult group leader must accompany the children. Enjoy a free lunch and participate in cultural craft demonstrations. Bring a refillable water bottle and sturdy hiking shoes. Registration is required for this free event. Call 985-6019.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

County of Hawai`i plans to expand installation of solar to fire and police stations around the island, following the success of the
solar installed in parking areas and rooftops at the West Hawai`i Civic Center. Photo from Hawai`i County

COUNTY ENERGY COORDINATOR Will Rolston and county Department of Research & Development chief Laverne Omori provided a presentation on the County of Hawai`i – Energy Program to the County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability yesterday.
Council member Brenda Ford pointed out that the plan describes 19 locations, most of them police and fire stations that are open 24/7 where the Energy Program proposes installing photovoltaic equipment to not only produce electricity for the sites but also to generate revenue for the county by selling electricity to Hawaiian Electric Light Co. “The challenge is that the county has to work with HELCO to make sure that PV will not overload the grid at various locations,” Ford said.

An Energy Transformation chart was presented, showing that now there is work on Energy Efficiency and on-Site Renewables. Over the next year will be continued work on On-Site Renewables and Transportation projects which will continue into the next two years along with Utility Grid Initiatives. The long-term plan is to work on Energy Demonstration Sites as well as Economic, Efficiency & Education, the chart shows.
The presentation offered an Energy Project Portfolio, including efficiency retrofits, using 1,000 LED lamps, a PHEV fleet, Waste-2-Energy and H2 Buses.
The West Hawai`i Civic Center solar system was given as an example of not only powering the building (100% renewable power until 3 a.m. most days) that garners $100,000 in savings per year. It also noted six electrical vehicle chargers for five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and said the county plans to install more chargers and a possible additional storage system for the solar energy.
The plan also calls for windmills to help reduce the electric bills for pumping county water. These would be the power bills included in water bills sent out by the county.
The document is available to read on Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s website at also at www.hawaiicounty.gov/district6.

THE PROPOSED HAWAI`I ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCE satellite in Pahala Hongwanji made the headlines in West Hawai`i Today and Hawai`i Tribune Herald this morning. The Colin M. Stewart story quotes HAAS Principal Steve Hirakami saying, “We have had a lot of recent demand for our online program, especially in rural areas.”
“We’re looking for temporary, or part-time, office space out there (in Pahala). This would be our only site outside of Pahoa, although we’ve got students taking the classes all over the place, in Kona, Ka`u, Honoka`a,” he told the Tribune Herald reporter.

The story reports that the state Public Charter School Commission’s Performance & Accountability Committee will meet on Thursday. The proposal for adding the satellite location is on the agenda. The commission is expected to take up the matter at its next meeting in August, the story reports.

HAAS Principal Steve Hirakami

Hirakami told the Tribune Herald reporter the HAAS home base in Pahoa means that students from far away places must travel long distances for face-time sessions at the school. The satellite location in Pahala would save students the trouble. “We’re wanting to provide our students in one area with a place, rather than taking that long drive,” he told the newspaper.
Stewart writes that “According to the request submitted to the Charter School Commission, the HAAS site addition would be effective no sooner than Aug. 1, and could serve up to 35 students during the coming school year.
“In light of some concerns within the Pahala community about traffic and safety issues that could arise, Hirakami was careful to note that the program does not currently have 35 Pahala-area students signed up, nor would the building normally see that many students on any given day,” the Tribune Herald story reports.
The story quotes Hirakami saying that “This is all in an exploratory phase at this point. No commitments have been made, no teachers have been hired. A lot of that is depending on demand. We just have a handful of students in the area at the moment. … Even if we had 35, you’d be lucky to have five out of the 35 at the facility on a given day. It’s all virtual; this is not a traditional brick-and-mortar school.” See more at www.hawaiittribune-herald.com
Ocean View resident and parent Hunter Bedgood sent in testimony o the State Public Charter School Commission supporting the Pahala Hongwanji location, stating: “I urge all concerned in this matter with regard to your authority, to please see through the smoke and mirrors. I speak to you regarding the proposed meeting place where parents and students in Ka`u can excersize their Constitutional right to free assembly. There is some static regarding this right. This location will serve as a meet and greet for students, parents and teachers. The curriculum is online and state approved. Having a location for where everyone can mingle is critical in socialization as well as additional clarity to where the students progress is. Letting a few biased individuals with their own agenda derail an incredible opportunity for our children is wrong.

Pahala Hongwanji School after re-roofing with funding from Olson Trust in 2012 is proposed site for Pahala Learning Academy.
Photo by Julia Neal

“The Hawai`i Academy of Arts& Science Charter School has state approved curriculum that has incredible success to reach and equip students. This and other alternative schools have a much better success rate than the standard public school system here in Hawai`i as well as the mainland. The fact that this available in our district should be seen as a blessing. The possibilities for our children to get the best education possible is the number one priority. In my opinion allowing anyone or anything to prevent this should be stopped and scrutinized in order to uncover their true motives.”
Green Sands resident Jendayi Miller wrote: “Please consider tabling any action on the expansion of HAAS into Ka`u until a use permit is issued by The County of Hawai`i Planning Commission/Department.”
Kaaren Sue Hughes wrote, “We feel it is very important to have a charter school at Pahala, Hi. We feel there will be more guidance, structure, teaching ability and in general the children will be able to learn in a more positive environment. If the charter school does not materialize we will have no other option but to home school our child. The curriculum in the charter school is much tougher and more challenging than in the Pahala school.”

Ross Rammelmyer, of Volcano, who supports a charter school at Pahala Hongwanji and the concept of the Pahala Learning Academy, added to his testimony (which was reported on this website yesterday). He wrote: “Please add to my recent written testimony that for the foreseeable future all activities that we propose for the Pahala focus will be conducted from the facility in the Hongwanji building itself for which there has been a certificate of occupancy encompassing the activities we contemplate. The often confused about pre existing larger school building will only come into play if and when all necessary procedures and certificates have been obtained and all agree to its use in any way in pursuit of resumed educational activities.”
Reba Galea, of Na`alehu, wrote: I am writing in support of the Pahala Learning Academy. I request that the Commission’s Performance and Accountability Committee approve the request for this new charter school.
"Last year, after retiring from the military I purchased a home and settled with my children (ages 11 and 13) in Na`alehu, Hawai`i. I gave the public school system a chance, and I am appalled on so many levels.
"It is every child's right to have free quality public education in a safe environment where they can reach their full potential. After recognizing that the Ka`u Public School District is not providing this basic right to my children, it is my obligation as a parent to make an informed decision on what is best for them and their futures. The Pahala Learning Academy offers my family another choice other than home schooling or the failing public school system. As a 100% disabled veteran, homeschooling is too difficult for me. The Pahala Learning Academy is the perfect option.
"The Ka'u District public schools are failing and have been for years. Even with all of the federal money that has been poured into the system, there has been little or no change. Discipline and racial issues are also unresolved issues. The curriculum of the public schools is below national standards and the teachers seem to have given up.

Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science proposed to offer a digital option for Ka`u.

"The Pahala Learning Academy is going to raise the bar on public education. It is going to prove that higher standards are possible. It is going to teach at national standards and instead of keeping the local community oppressed, the students will be empowered. It is going to offer a unique opportunity for students to develop their abilities to embrace learning as a lifelong process, to be responsible for their own learning, to understand what it means to be a human being and to work together with others regardless of race, to engage in complex thinking and problem solving, to recognize and produce quality performance and results, and to take pride in their school and become contributors to their community and to the world. This school is also going to have family involvement and support which is something that the public schools have been unable to conjure up. Most importantly, my children will be assured that the education that they receive at the Pahala Learning Academy will not only support their dreams of going to college, but will prepare them to be successful.
"The Pahala Learning Academy is needed and wanted in this community by parents and community members who care about the education of our children! Ms. Kathryn Tydlacka, the founder of this school is one of the most dedicated and passionate teachers I have ever met. I trust that under her leadership and direction, my children's education is in the best hands. Please approve the request for the Pahala Learning Academy," Galea wrote to the State Public Charter School Commission.

The Palm Trail can be explored by GPS this Saturday. Photo by Dave Boyle

Parents desiring to apply for enrollment for their children for the HAAS satellite in Pahala can call 640-8077.
According to Kathryn Tydlacka, the lead person in organizing the charter school satellite option at Pahala Hongwanji for Ka`u students,

the program will accept seventh and eighth graders who score 300 or higher on math and reading HAS testing. “This is because of the strenuous reading requirements for the online curriculum,” she wrote in an email to The Ka`u Calendar.
Local organizers of the initiative for a Pahala Learning Academy to be the satellite under HAAS announced a meeting for parents and prospective students for this Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. at Pahala Hongwanji. The meeting also includes a spaghetti dinner. For more, call Tydlacka at 918-640-1267 or kathryntydlacka@hotmail.com. As the Pahala Learning Academy website is down, prospective parents can review the HAAS program at http://haaspcs.org/

EXPLORE THE PALM TRAIL BY GPS & COMPASS is the program for keiki of all ages at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At least one adult family member or adult group leader must accompany the children. Enjoy a free lunch and participate in cultural craft demonstrations. Bring a refillable water bottle and sturdy hiking shoes. Registration is required for this free event. Call 985-6019.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets today at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Field Office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Students and teachers of the Miloli`ihipu`u Virtual Academy meet the crew members of the Hokule`a and Hikianali`a Polynesian Voyaging
Society Canoes at Miloli`i during a stop at the remote Hawaiian coastal village this week. Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

HOKULE`A IS AT MILOLI`I TODAY. She and her sister Polynesian sailing canoe Hikianalia arrived in Miloli`i on Tuesday at dawn and these wa`a kaulua are expected to continue their 1,000-mile voyage around the Hawaiian Islands by week’s end. When the two doulbe-hulled canoes sailed into waters off Miloli`i, pilot whales welcomed them and the crews chanted the Hokule`a Ha`a to awaiting villagers. On shore and on the canoes, the crews are teaching and interacting with students of the Miloli`ihipu`u Virtual Academy, a satellite of the Kua O Ka La Public New Century Charter School.
For Miloli`ihipu`u, students meet at the Miloli`i Pavillion on the shoreline and take classes online and with their mentors. They learn without a school building, gym or cafeteria, getting much of their exercise in the ocean, on hikes, and field trips, and learning Hawaiian language and arts along the way.

Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe at Milloli`i this week.
Photo by Peter Anderson

According to its facebook page, the word Hipu`u within the name Miloli`ihipu`u "refers to the knots that bind the strands of a fishing net. This program aims to bind students to knowledge, their families, and a supportive network of communities."
"The program goal is to meet kids where they are and provide remediation if needed." The program promises to provide opportunities for face to face instruction and social interaction; engage and connect students at camp and with their broader community; and provide parents with quarterly workshops on "how to help their keiki."
"In the Miloli`i site the staff and volunteer community provide project hands on activities for the kids. We have a school garden, we do multi media classes, Hawaiian culture with Hula, oli and olelo. We also provide the kids physical opportunities like volleyball and basketball. We take the kids on field trips around the island and provide snacks and support in Miloli`i," the facebook page says.
The voyage of the Hokule`a and Hikianalia through the Hawaiian Islands is called Malama Hawai`i and is the beginning of a worldwide voyage called Malama Honua. The worldwide voyage begins with sailing to Tahiti in May of 2014.
According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, "The mission of Hōkūle‘a’s Worldwide Voyage is to navigate toward a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves, our home – the Hawaiian Islands – and our Island Earth through voyaging and new ways of learning. Our core message is to mālama (care for) Island Earth – our natural environment, children and all humankind."
Maps and the sailing plan for the Malama Hawai`i and Malama Honua voyages, along with video, photographs and reporting on the sailing in the ocean and the interacting with communities can be viewed at the Polynesian Voyaging Society's website http://hokulea.org.
To comment on this story go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS receiving money directly from County Council members’ contingency funds was defended yesterday by Ka`u council member Brenda Ford. She was arguing against a measure before the council that would bar council members from providing direct funding to non-profits in their district. Each council member currently receives $98,877 a year and can spend that money to help their districts through county agencies or direct funding of non-profit organizations.

Crew chants Hokuli`a Ha`a coming into Miloli`i this week.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

According to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Hilo council member Dennis Onishi argued for the ban, noting that nonprofits can apply to agencies for grants, rather than to council members.
The story reports Ford saying “We have been given a certain amount of money for our district to help the people in our district. This bill prevents me from helping the most needy in my district.”
Margaret Wille, the attorney and council member from Kohala, defended the council members providing money to their district nonprofits and said the council members do provide the oversight for expenditures of the funds.
Contingency funds are far less than they were last year. In his budget, Mayor Billy Kenoi reduced them from $300,000 a year to $100,000 year. They were reduced a few thousand more to provide funding to continue the Ocean View interactive center where Ka`u people can watch council and commission proceedings and testify during county council and other meetings, the Tribune Herald story noted. The issue involved many hours of debate and decision-making was delayed, the newspaper reported. See more at h ttp://hawaiitribune-herald.com.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE scholarships are announced. The winner is Tyler Amaral, with his essay entitled A World Without Computers? Not in My Community. Amaral receives a $350 scholarship and the other winners receive $250 each. "They are all winning essays," said Ka`u Chamber president Dallas Decker. Ka`u Chamber first vice president and scholarship chair Lee McIntosh reports the following winning students: Tyler Amaral of Na`alehu, a Ka`u High School graduate who will attend Hawai`i Community College in Hilo this fall; Kayla Andrade, of Na`alehu, a sophmore at University of Hawai`i at Manoa; Leah Velasco Cariaga, of Na`alehu, a Ka`u High

Ka`u Chamber Scholarship Winner
Tyler Amaral

graduate who will begin University of Hawai`i-Hilo studies this fall; Radhika Dockstader, of Na`alehu, a sophmore at UH-Hilo; Donald Garo Jr., of Pahala, a Ka`u High graduate who will be a freshman at HCC-Hilo this fall; Amber Leigh V. Hondonero, of Na`alehu, a graduate of Ka`u High who will begin studies at HCC and UH-Hilo this fall; Benjamin Houghton, of Ocean View, a Ka`u High graduate who will attend HCC this fall; Gregory Kirk Javar, Jr., of Pahala, a Ka`u High graduate who will attend UH-Hilo this fall; Marley Strand-Nicolaisen, of Na`alehu, a graduate of Ka`u High who will attend UH-Hilo this fall; Tiana Pascubillo, of Na`alehu, a graduate of Ka`u High who will attend HCC-Hilo this fall; and Louise Vivien B. Santos, of Pahala, a graduate of Ka`u High who will attend UH-Hilo this fall.

Here is the winning essay by Tyler Amaral:

A World Without Computers? Not in My Community

Imagine a world where there are no computers, television, smart-phones, or anything electrical. Think about it, there would be no way to do the things people love to do, there would be no email, no YouTube, nothing to do with the Internet. How would people react? Thankfully, there are electronic devices, for now. But, what happens when they break? Who will be able to fix them? This is where my plan comes in. My plan will definitely help the town of Kau, by going to college to study computer and fix computers. With this information, I would love to teach people in my community how to use computers successfully and hopefully they will learn to love using computers. I would also like to offer a free or really cheap computer workshop so I can fix computers for everyone. I know that some may not be able to fix their computers because most of the stores charge a very high price. Hopefully this business will also make money as well.
The reason why I chose computers as a passion is because a lot of things are becoming computerized and if you don't know how to use computers, then it will be very difficult to find a job. Another thing is that computers can be used for a variety of different purposes from doing research to writing a report to watching a movie. Keeping in touch with people all over the world using email and "skype."
Ka`u residents can take their computers almost everywhere.

Since I like computers a lot, I decided to focus on that as a senior project. For my senior project, I needed to spend a minimum of 40 hours on something, and I figured that I could spend that much time fixing computers. So, after that I decided that, I had to figure out a good project so I would get approved. After thinking, I saw that a lot of people did not own computers in my community, so I decided that I would donate computers to the needy families of Kau. As of February 25, 2013, I was able to donate five computers, free of cost, to families that need them. These families vary in ethnicity, age, and yet, they all still need computers, because computers are universal. I donated a tower to the local youth group, and four complete systems (tower, monitor, cables, keyboard, mice) to four local families in Hawaii. One of those families is living in a bus. Another family is living with a grandmother in a foster home situation.
Other than that, I also plan to help set up weekly programs to help teach people about computers. I would generally like to teach a class of intermediate/high school age students and the senior citizens. I chose those two groups because the students are the right age to learn and retain information regarding computers. I chose the elderly because they might like to use their computers to keep in touch with their families via email and videoconferencing. I would like to teach the intermediate/high school age students basic computer skills such as maintenance, fixing, and maybe even simple web design. I would like to teach the elderly basic things such as running programs, email, and maybe even basic computer maintenance.
I will also continue to donate regularly to the needy families of Hawaii. I will also love to work at the local elementary or high school as a computer technician, which I believe I am able to handle since I have completed my senior project.

See other winning student essays in upcoming news briefs and in The Ka`u Calendar newspaper. ‎To comment on this story go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar

KAHUKU PALM TRAIL BY GPS & COMPASS is the program for keiki of all ages at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At least one adult family member or adult group leader must accompany the children. Enjoy a free lunch and participate in cultural craft demonstrations. Bring a refillable water bottle and sturdy hiking shoes. Registration is required for this free event. Call 985-6019.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Hawai`i Ocean Resources Management Plan mentions Honu`apo Estuary as an example of Community and
Place-based Ocean Management Projects. Photo from The Nature Conservancy

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED THE 2013 Hawai`i Ocean Resources Management Plan, which brings county, state and federal partners together to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of Hawai`i’s ocean and coastal resources for current and future generations.

“It is essential that government agencies at all levels work together to address Hawai`i’s resource challenges,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Our lives are intertwined with the natural resources of these islands, from the local economy to our island way of life. This plan provides a clear roadmap for achieving a necessary balance between use and preservation.”

Mitigating damage to coral reefs is one of the priorities of the Hawai`i
Ocean Resources Management Plan. Photo from The Nature Conservancy

The plan was developed with the participation of county, state and federal agencies responsible for ocean and coastal resources. It identifies 11 management priorities for the next five years and pathways for achieving goals:

Appropriate Coastal Development – “addresses issues … including coastal hazards (including sea level rise), historic resources, coastal ecosystems and Hawai`i’s economy for current and future generations;”
Management of Coastal Hazards – lists disaster avoidance measures including “institutional and governmental measures to reduce risks from coastal hazards;”
Watershed Management – focuses on “the health of the water supply, allowing for water recharge, and preserving good water quantity entails taking care of the watersheds;”
Marine Resources – protection focuses on control of marine debris and aquatic invasive species;
Coral Reef – focuses on threats such as land-based sources of pollution, including sediment, nutrients, cesspools, sewer treatment plant overflow, road run-off, grounded vessels and climate change;
Ocean Economy – “Hawai`i’s economy is dependent on the health of the ocean;”
Cultural Heritage of the Ocean – focuses on Native Hawaiian access and gathering rights as “protected by state laws and  by the State of Hawai‘i constitution. These laws also require all state and county agencies to affirmatively protect and enforce these rights;”
Training, Education and Awareness – considers classes in environmental literacy, public education and outreach materials and programs and youth are involved in ocean resource management;
Collaboration and Conflict Resolution – suggests increasing partnerships and collaborations for effective and efficient conservation efforts in the Hawaiian Islands;
Community and Place-Based Ocean Management Projects – active involvement of community members who work to restore part of an ecosystem and begin to monitor and watch that ecosystem. The report lists Honu`apo Bay in Ka`u as an example;
National Ocean Policy and Pacific Regional Ocean Initiatives – focuses on improving spatial information on the condition of the oceans and creating a marine spatial plan for the Pacific Islands Region.

The priorities are based on community outreach conducted in all four counties through public meetings, oral and written submissions, and social media.

Map of main Hawaiian Islands marine managed areas from Hawai`i Ocean
Resources Management Plan.

“The 11 management priorities address resource management challenges that can only be achieved through a statewide, coordinated effort among various government and community partners,” said Jesse Souki, director of the state Office of Planning. “It addresses some of the greatest challenges of our time, including the impacts of climate change and balancing economic, cultural and environmental considerations to ensure sustainable stewardship of our resources.”
Tracking the success of the plan will be coordinated with the state Office of Information Management and Technology to take advantage of the state’s data.hawaii.gov portal.
The Office of Planning is responsible for coordinating the periodic update of the plan pursuant to Hawai`i Revised Statutes sections 205A-62 and 225M-2(b)(6). The project leverages federal funding through the Hawai`i Coastal Zone Management Program.
To learn more about the plan and download a copy, visit planning.hawaii.gov or call the Office of Planning at 808-587-2846.

Steve Hirakami

ORGANIZERS OF THE PROPOSED PAHALA LEARNING ACADEMY plan to update prospective parents on the their plans at a spaghetti dinner tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the Pahala Hongwanji campus. One of the organizers, Ross Rammelmeyer, said this morning that the group will be working toward an online learning and mentoring center to begin to establish a Learning Academy somewhere in Ka`u.

Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science withdrew its proposal yesterday to make Pahala Hongwanji one of its satellites. Rammelmeyer said there could be other options of a sponsoring institution for the parents wanting a charter school in Ka`u.
Steve Hirakami, director of HAAS, who attended the State Public Charter School Commission’s committee meeting yesterday, said that he didn’t think the campus could receive an occupancy permit for the school from the county for the fall session but is still interested reaching out to Ka`u in the future. “I’ll be back,” he told the committee meetings.
Hirakami told The Ka`u Calendar this morning that charter schools and public schools can work side by side in a community and partner with one another. He said Ka`u is a community where that could happen as it has in Pahoa where HAAS is based.

Residential Emergency Repair Program loans are available for installation
of solar water heating systems. Photo from pocosolar.com

THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT is currently accepting applications to its Residential Emergency Repair Program. RERP loans are available to low- and moderate-income homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residences. The RERP loan can be used for roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvements, termite treatment, damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water heating system. Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at three percent simple interest. Loan payments are deferred for 15 years. Applicants 62 years or older or with special needs may have 30 percent of the principal balance of the loan forgiven as a grant.

For more information or for an application, contact Brandi Ah Yo at 959-4642 or by email at ohcdloans@hawaiicounty.gov.
Application packets can also be found online at hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-housing.

Ever Changing Island features glass art and
watercolors on silk. Photo from VAC

EVER CHANGING ISLAND, AN EXHIBITION of glass art by Hugh Jenkins and Stephanie Ross and watercolors on silk by Clytie Mead, opens tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Free. An opening reception takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The free exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sept. 8. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

A WORKSHOP CALLED PROCESS PAINTING – SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban offers this explorative art process. No previous art education or experience is needed. Cost is $45/40 VAC members plus a $5 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

VOLUNTEERS CAN STILL SIGN UP FOR MONDAY and Tuesday’s anchialine pool/plant workdays sponsored by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to carpool to the site. Register at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spoke and voted against the federal government's mass data collection from the general public. Image from C-Span

HAWAI`I MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES broke rank this week in voting on whether the federal government should be allowed to continue to collect telephone call records, emails and other digitally communicated messages from the general population. The vote on the Amash-Conyers amendment saw Democrats and Republicans voting both sides of the issue, rather than voting party line. The amendment to the authorizing legislation for the Department of Defense budget would have stopped wholesale collection of data on U.S. citizens. It would have allowed such phone and Internet data collecting only on those being specifically investigated for specific crimes.

VOTING TO STOP MASS DATA COLLECTION was Ka`u’s Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, herself a military veteran of Middle East warfare. During floor debate on stripping funding for such activities, Gabbard spoke out against “sweeping collection of personal data by the National Security Administration and the continued funding of invasive surveillance programs that target innocent Americans,” a statement from her congressional office said.
“Countless men and women from my state of Hawai`i and all across the country have worn the uniform and put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our liberties,” said Gabbard. “I cannot in good conscience vote to take a single dollar from the pockets of hard-working taxpayers from across the country to pay for programs which infringe on the very liberties and freedoms our troops have fought and died for. Ben Franklin said, ‘They who give up liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.’”

Former Hawai`i resident Edward Snowden is wanted for espionage for
giving out classified information. He also created debate in Congress
when he revealed NSA data-gathering methods. The debate has taken
Hawai`i's House members in slightly different directions.

The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 217-205.
In another effort to scale back the data collecting, Gabbard was one of 22 Democrats and 24 Republicans in the House - and the only one from Hawai`i - who introduced the NSA Surveillance Act in June. H.R. 2399 is called the Limiting Internet and Blanket Electronic Review of Telecommunications and Email Act. This LIBERT-E Act would restrict the federal government’s ability under the Patriot Act to collect information on Americans who are not connected to an ongoing investigation. The bill would also require secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court options to be made available to Congress and summaries of the opinions to be made available to the public.

Referring to revelations by former Hawai`i resident and security contractor Edward Snowden, who has been charged with espionage by the U.S. government, the coalition issued a statement saying, “The recent NSA leaks indicate that the federal government collects phone records and intercepts electronic communications on a scale previously unknown to most Americans.
“The LIBERT-E Act imposes reasonable limits on the federal government’s surveillance. The bill puts some teeth into the FISA court’s determination of whether records the government wants are actually relevant to an investigation. It also makes sure that innocent Americans’ information isn’t needlessly swept up into a government database. LIBERT-E prohibits the type of government dragnet that the leaked Verizon order revealed.
“We accept that free countries must engage in secret operations from time to time to protect their citizens. Free countries must not, however, operate under secret laws. Secret court opinions obscure the law. They prevent public debate on critical policy issues and they stop Congress from fulfilling its duty to enact sound laws and fix broken ones.
“LIBERT-E lets every congressman have access to FISA court opinions so that Congress can have a more informed debate about security and privacy. And the bill requires that unclassified summaries of the opinions be available to the public so that Americans can judge for themselves the merit of their government’s actions.
“We are proud to lead a broad, bipartisan coalition that’s working to protect privacy. It shouldn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. Defending the Constitution and protecting Americans’ rights should be an effort we all can support.”
The LIBERT-E Act was assigned to a congressional committee.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted to
continue mass data collection.

VOTING TO CONTINUE MASS DATA COLLECTION by opposing the amendment to the Department of Defense appropriations bill that would have stopped such information gathering was urban Hawai`i congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. She stood by the NSA data operations for now but said she has deep concerns. A statement from her congressional office says:

“I believe that much of the PATRIOT Act is problematic and overreaches on the powers we intend to grant the government to protect our national security. This is why I voted against its extension in February 2011.
“However, elimination of a national security program requires an informed, transparent, and deliberative process. Quick fixes like the Amash amendment could have unintended consequences for the intelligence and law enforcement communities beyond the specific problems being targeted. A provision of this nature deserves a more meaningful forum than an amendment to a defense appropriations bill with debate limited to ten minutes on each side, far less time than required to discuss such complex matters of policy. This issue should be the subject of a stand-alone bill that provides a complete review in an open forum involving all stakeholders, including the American public. If a thorough review shows that the law is bad, we should repeal it, not simply de-fund it.
“Instead, I voted in favor of the Pompeo Amendment, which would prevent the National Security Agency from using appropriated funds for the bulk monitoring, collection, or storage of Americans’ telephone and electronic communications. My vote was to reinforce safeguards that would prevent the NSA from spying on American citizens while evaluating the NSA program, including its impact on our citizens and its effectiveness in providing for our nation's security.
“I look forward to supporting and continuing a full debate on the appropriate balance between national security and civil liberties,” Hanabusa concluded.
The vote on the amendment to curtail government data collecting was 111 Democrats favoring curtailment and 83 votes against and 94 Republicans favoring curtailment and 134 against.
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The Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates one of the bloodiest
wars in American history, which ended 60 years ago today.
Photo from Wikipedia

PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS PROCLAIMED TODAY, the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended one of the bloodiest wars in American history, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees, said, “This weekend, I ask all Hawai`i residents to remember those brave Americans who served alongside our allies to defend our freedom and stop the spread of communism in Korea. Some have dubbed the conflict ‘the forgotten war,’ but to the families of the more than 36,000 Americans who died and the countless others who were wounded, the physical and emotional scars remain. More than 10,000 surviving veterans live in Hawai`i, many of them in their eighties. These veterans have earned the respect of succeeding generations.

“In Hawai`i, we understand the sacrifices made by these men and women in order to secure the Pacific. The war taught us the importance of eternal vigilance. Many Hawai`i residents have ties to Korea or loved ones still living there. We must be ready to protect our state and allies from aggression in the Pacific. As we honor the memory of those who fought six decades ago, let’s recommit ourselves to the defense of the liberty and freedom for which they sacrificed.”

The latest forecast of Flossie's path takes it across Hawai`i Island Monday.
Image from National Weather Service

TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE IS EXPECTED TO REACH Hawai`i Island Monday afternoon. While not a hurricane, drenching rains are expected, with the possibility of flash floods and mudslides.

PROHIBITION OF GMO CROPS IN HAWAI`I COUNTY will again be considered at a special meeting of the Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. The committee chair is Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford. This is a continuation of meetings held July 2 and 3 when hundreds of Big Island residents offered testimony on Bill 79, proposed by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille.

THE ALOHAHAS, AN IMPROVISATIONAL, comedic sketch company, perform at Ocean View Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, 18 and older.
Cast members will perform original comedy sketches and a series of improvisational games with suggestions from the audience.
For more information about the show and cast, see thealohahas.com, email thealohahas@gmail.com or call 345-2751.

VOLUNTEERS CAN STILL SIGN UP FOR MONDAY and Tuesday’s anchialine pool/plant workdays sponsored by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to carpool to the site. Register at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Weather Channel's track of Flossie shows the tropical storm's projected movement across Hawai`i Island Monday.

PLANNING FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL IN KA`U continues, following a meeting and spaghetti dinner at Pahala Hongwanji yesterday where organizers gave prospective parents of students an update. One of the backers of the effort, Ross Rammelmeyer, of Volcano, said former Na`alehu School teacher Kathryn Tydlacka is planning a hybrid of student/teacher face-to-face contact sessions and online educational programs. Various locations are being researched. He also said the program would include “guest lectures from persons well educated and experienced in various disciplines.”

For more information, contact Tydlacka at 918-640-1267
To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY reports that effective this morning, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the island of Hawai`i. High wind, surf, surge run-up, heavy rains and flooding expected within the next 36 hours.

Residents in coastal areas are advised to take precautions. Boat owners are advised to secure their vessels and complete these activities before tonight. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to expect flooding conditions and to take appropriate measures. Everyone is advised to anticipate possible power outages and interruptions in telephone communications.
Residents can monitor local news and weather forecasts for updated information.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY’S free Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness has information to help get ready for Flossie. It includes key numbers to have on hand, checklists for emergency supplies such as a home survival kit and first aid kit, electrical safety information, power outage preparedness and recovery, household and food safety tips and references and links to related resources such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and civil defense agencies.

The handbook can be downloaded at helcohi.com.

DUE TO EXPECTED HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS associated with Flossie, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife on the Big Island has closed Ka`u’s Ainapo Trail and cabin as well as the Waimanu trail and campground and Pololu trail. The closures will stay in effect until staff can inspect the condition and safety of the trails once the storm system has passed.
For further information, contact the DOFAW Hilo Office at 974-4221.

Ainapo Trail, which leads from Hwy 11 to the summit of Mauna Loa,
is closed due to Tropical Storm Flossie.

DLNR also advises the public to avoid entering forest areas on all islands starting Monday as Flossie arrives in the Hawaiian islands. Storm conditions can trap recreationalists by blocking trails and roads from flash floods and falling trees. Falling rocks, falling trees and landslides pose additional threats to people in the forest reserves.
“We advise that hikers, campers or hunters should avoid trails, streams and backcountry areas under these conditions,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

ALL OF THE SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITIES of the Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope partners have signed a Master Agreement establishing a formal agreement among the international parties defining the project goals, establishing a governance structure and defining member party rights, obligations and benefits.

TMT is a collaboration among universities in the United States with institutions in Canada, China, India and Japan, and with major funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Thirty Meter Telescope's Master Agreement has been signed by all the
scientific authorities of the partnership. Image from tmt.org

“The signing of this Master Agreement marks a major milestone in the official commitment to and formalization of this global collaboration, ensuring that the TMT project is on schedule and progressing smoothly,” said Henry Yang, chair of the TMT Collaborative Board. “We have been working toward this moment for a long time, and this is a special day for astronomy’s next-generation observatory.”
The Master Agreement brings together the TMT partners for the purpose of developing, designing, financing, constructing, commissioning, operating and decommissioning a next-generation, thirty-meter-class astronomical observatory.
“We are pleased with this vote of confidence from the scientific authorities,” said Edward Stone, vice chair of the TMT Board. “Their signing of this Master Agreement is a key endorsement of TMT’s scientific merits as well as the project’s overall implementation plan.”
The next step will be for financial authorities of the partners to similarly sign the document and finalize the funding plan.
“With the scientific authorities now all on board, we welcome and look forward to the critical support of the remaining financial authorities in advancing the TMT project," said Yang.
Construction of TMT is planned to begin in April 2014, and TMT is scheduled to begin scientific operations in 2022.

Plastic and other marine debris has been found in stomachs of
opah, or moonfish. Photo from NOAA

LARGE, PREDATORY FISH FROM OFFSHORE WATERS around Hawai`i have been ingesting a surprisingly large amount of plastic and other marine debris, according to new research by scientists at University of Hawai`i-Manoa.

These observations are the first of their kind in scope and in number. Over a six-year period, researchers investigated the stomach contents of 595 fish representing 10 predatory open-ocean species, including commercially valuable tunas and billfishes. Seven of the 10 species ingested some form of debris, with varying degrees of frequency.
“One of the species we looked at is opah, or the moonfish (Lampris guttatus), a popular fish consumed in Hawai`i and around the world,” said Anela Choy, a UH-Manoa graduate student and lead author of the study that was recently published in the scientific journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. “In the two species found in Hawaiian waters, 58 percent of the small-eye opah and 43 percent of the big-eye opah had ingested some kind of debris. This was based on looking into the stomachs of almost 140 opah.

“Another large fish species, the longnosed lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox), had a 30 percent debris ingestion incidence,” Choy said. “Although this is not a species consumed by humans, it is a very common fish in open ocean waters globally and is very frequently caught by fisherman around Hawai`i.”

Longnosed lancetfish have a 30 percent debris ingestion incidence,
according to a UH-Manoa study. Photo from wikipedia.com

The study was based on observations collected during multiyear diet studies. The primary objective of the study was to describe food habits and trophic ecology of large fish species in the region, according to Choy and her co-author Jeff Drazen, an associate professor in the Oceanography Department of UH-Manoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology.
“What was most surprising was that the fish that most frequently ingested debris are all thought to be deeper-water species, generally those that live beneath the sunlit upper 500 to 600 feet of the water column,” Choy said. “Deeper water fishes may have been coming up close to the surface to ingest debris, which is an unusual and unexpected behavior.”
Or, the debris could be coming to them, the study suggests. Buoyant plastics are known to sink into the deep ocean when waterlogged or perhaps weighted down by algae or encrusted by small sea animals. Wind-driven ocean mixing or water currents could also possibly transport debris to deeper waters.
The effects of plastic ingestion on the health of these predatory fishes remain uncertain. Researchers don’t know how long debris stays in the stomachs of large fish or whether they are able to pass such debris.
Many plastics are known to absorb or take up PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons from sea water. However, it is not known whether the toxins are transmitted to the fish that consume the plastic, or ultimately to humans who consume the fish.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum is the topic at Tuesday's After Dark in
the Park. Photo from NPS

TUESDAY’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK FEATURES Laupahoehoe Train Museum. Museum treasurer Doug Connors discusses the history of railroads on the island of Hawai`i, the sugar plantations and the development of Hamakua Coast. Topics include effects of the 1946 tsunami and the development of the train museum, which started in 1995.

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

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Tropical Storm Flossie churns toward Hawai`i Island. Wind, rain and possibly thunderstorms and flooding are
expected. Image from National Weather Service

HAWAI`I ISLAND REMAINS UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING this morning. Tropical Storm Flossie’s path shifted slightly overnight, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was 150 miles northeast of South Point and 80 miles northeast of Hilo as of 8 a.m.

The storm had sustained wind speeds of 45 mph. The National Weather Service predicted it would bring heavy rains, high surf and flash flooding across the state.
Flossie is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of six to 10 inches over the Big Island, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches possible, mainly windward.
“This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in the mountains,” the National Weather Service warned.
Dangerously high surf may cause coastal road closures, the National Weather Service stated.
For updates on Tropical Storm Flossie, see prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc.
For Civil Defense updates for the County of Hawai`i, see hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts.

NOAA's tracking of Tropical Storm Flossie shows a path skirting to the
north of Hawai`i Island.

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED an Emergency Proclamation in preparation of Tropical Storm Flossie. The proclamation provides certain authorities that will allow the state to more effectively prepare for the arrival of Flossie, expected to make landfall today on the eastern end of Hawai`i Island. Local, state and federal governmental agencies and nonprofit partners are coordinating and working together to minimize the impact of the projected high wind, waves and torrential rain.
“All parts of our emergency response system for the entire state are working together,” Abercrombie said. “The purpose of signing this proclamation is to ensure that state agencies have full powers necessary to best protect and serve the people of Hawai`i.”
The emergency proclamation covers such items as access to the major disaster fund to cover staff overtime and other expenses, allowing emergency procurement of needed supplies and resources, as well as activation of the National Guard, if needed.

Location of Tropical Storm Flossie as of 8 a.m.

HAWAI`I COUNTY IS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE to stay home from work today: “In an effort to insure the safety of, and reduce the risk to employees, employers are encouraged to limit staffing to essential employees only. The County of Hawai`i will be directing all non-essential employees to remain home, and county operations will be adjusted for emergency operations.”

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S HELE-ON BUS SERVICE has been suspended due to the storm. Weather conditions will be evaluated and bus service restored as soon as safely possible, according to a statement from the county.

A HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING about prohibiting GMOs that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to the impending tropical storm, reports Big Island Chronicle.

DUE TO THE ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE, Hawai`i Electric Light Company offices are closed today. The company’s trouble line remains operational. Customers may call 969-6666 to report power outages and downed power lines.
HELCO reminds the public to not touch fallen or low-hanging power lines or anything they may be in contact with. A seemingly harmless wire may still be energized. Stay clear of puddles where downed lines may have landed.
“The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority,” said president Jay Ignacio. “We encourage the community to monitor local television, radio and other media broadcasts for storm updates and the locations of open emergency shelters.”
The company will issue a news release when customer operations resume.

While Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park remains open during the storm,
Namakanipaio Campgrounds and other parts of the park are closed.
Photo from hawaiivolcanohouse.com

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK remains open during Tropical Storm Flossie, but with minimal services.
“We encourage people to shelter in place and stay off roads. Our first priority is safety and keeping our park employees and visitors out of harm’s way,” said park superintendent Cindy Orlando.
Park officials have closed the following areas as of Sunday evening. Closures remain in effect until the storm has passed and conditions are safe:

Chain of Craters Road, from Devastation Trail parking lot to the coast;
All backcountry areas, including Mauna Loa and cabins;
Mauna Loa Road (known locally as “Mauna Loa Strip Road”);
All coastal areas, including, `Apua Point, Keauhou, Halape and Ka`aha;
Kulanaokuaiki campsite;
Napau campsite;
Namakanipaio Campgrounds and A-frame cabins;
Jaggar Museum (observation deck open but no rangers on duty).

Additional closures may be warranted as conditions change.
Kilauea Visitor Center is open today until 5 p.m. with reduced staffing. Thurston Lava Tube remains open. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp are open.

EARLY REGISTRATION WITH LOWER ENTRY FEES is still available for Volcano Art Center’s fourth annual Rain Forest Runs set for Saturday, Aug. 17. The half marathon, 10K run and 5K run/walk are held in Volcano Village. This event traverses the native rain forest in Volcano Village and the ranches near Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All distances are open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Entry fees before Aug. 1 are $75 for the half marathon, $45 for the 10K run and $30 for the 5K run/walk. Fees increase Aug. 1.
Volcano Art Center presents art awards donated by local artists to the top three male and female winners of the half marathon, to the overall winners for the 10K and 5K and to the top two male and female winners in each ten-year age division for all race events. In addition, medals are presented to half marathon finishers and to the top male and female winners of the military division for each race.
More information and registration forms are available at volcanoartcenter.org/rain-forest-runs.

Doug Connors

LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN MUSEUM TREASURER DOUG CONNORS discusses the history of railroads on the island of Hawai`i, the sugar plantations and the development of the Hamakua Coast at tomorrow’s After Dark in the Park. Topics include effects of the 1946 tsunami and the development of the train museum, which started in 1995.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

Due to uncertainty as a result of Tropical Storm Flossie, call 985-6011 to verify that the program is still scheduled.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

South Point waves in the wake of Tropical Storm Flossie, which veered north, sparing Ka`u but bringing some surf
and a few showers yesterday. Photo by Peter Anderson

“ULTIMATELY, OUR GOAL IS TO CHART A FUTURE PATH to provide our customers with reliable, clean electricity at the lowest possible cost,” Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Peter Rosegg told Civil Beat. He was responding to Carl Freedman’s decision not to certify HECO’s five-year energy plans that were released in June. Freedman was hired by state regulators as an Independent Entity to oversee the utility’s planning process.

In his report, Freedman says, “Several aspects of the Integrated Resource Planning Report and Action Plans are not compliant with specific framework requirements and do not meaningfully address several of the principal issues.”
He also says that “the rate and bill impacts of the Action Plans are understated and downplayed in the IRP Report but represent substantial concerns for all of the HECO Company systems. Rates and bills for all customer classes for all of the HECO Companies are projected to increase substantially over the initial five-year Action Plan period.”
Freedman says that concerns about customers installing renewable energy systems in order to lower their electric bills in response to higher rates, which further exacerbates rate impacts on those who cannot afford such systems, “have not been sufficiently addressed or dispelled in the IRP Report.”
Freedman also criticizes HECO for not involving an advisory group more in the planning process. Because the IRP process fell substantially behind schedule, “consideration of advisory group comments was minimal.” He said that, while “the amounts of analysis, progress and work performed by the HECO Companies in the final weeks of the IRP process were impressive, … there was very limited opportunity for clarifications regarding the new material presented.”
Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land and a member of the advisory group, told Civil Beat, “I think there’s enormous risk and opportunity in the near future about how we shape energy policy, and Hawaiian Electric Co. is no longer in the driver’s seat. There are many players out there, and we are all going to shape where energy policy goes in this state.”
See more at civilbeat.com.

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Flossie's fleece in bands of clouds and little moisture brought to Ka`u by
the tropical storm yesterday at South Point. Photo by Peter Anderson

TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE HELD A DIFFERENT PERSONALITY than Hurricane Flossie of 2007, who sat off South Point and ground herself into exhaustion, never coming onshore. The Flossie of yesterday made a right turn and headed away from Hawai`i Island, bringing slight moisture, little wind and a lot of humidity that remains in the air today.

County and state offices have re-opened, and Hele-On bus service is back on schedule. Hawai`i Electric Light Co. offices are also open.

HAMAKUA MACADAMIA NUT CO. made Pacific Business News’ list of the 2013 fastest 50 growing companies. The majority owner of the company, Edmund C. Olson, and Hamakua president and founder Richard Schnitzler will attend the presentation in Honolulu at Hawai`i Convention Center on Aug. 15. Schnitzler said this marks the third time Hamakua has been ranked in the Fastest 50, previously ranked 28th and 38th in the statewide listings. Olson said this morning, “I am just happy to have another successful operation that employs Ka`u people growing and harvesting more tons of nuts for Hamakua each year.”

THE HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that its Race to the Top grant is no longer considered “high-risk” and is in good standing.
“This is great news that validates the good work that’s been done by the teachers, educational leaders and our community partners,” superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The transformation of our public schools is in full swing. We are staying the course in our mission to ensure all students graduate from our public schools prepared for college and careers.”
Gov. Neil Abercrombie said, “The commitment made by the Hawai`i State Department of Education to get to where it is today speaks for itself, and I congratulate all of those involved for a job well done. It is clear that transformation in our education system is taking place at all levels from the Board of Education meeting room to the classroom.”

Key improvement areas in the DOE’s transformation efforts include:

Aligned state, complex area and school planning and monitoring. This allows for a cohesive system at all levels focused on shared goals for students. From the strategic plan to the school’s academic plans and evaluations of educators, administrators and teachers are tracking students to ensure all graduate college and career ready.
Worked with union partners to formalize new evaluation systems for teachers and principals.
Improved communication both internally and externally. Earlier this month, the DOE launched its new website and is in the process of establishing an intranet service for staff that allows for increased exchange of information.

The DOE also provided clarity of roles, responsibilities, and vision both within the system and in the community.
Find out more at  HawaiiPublicSchools.org.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TULSI GABBARD PRAISED the decision by the U.S. Department of Education to remove Hawai`i’s “High Risk” grant designation and allow the state to continue receiving $75 million in Race to the Top grant funding.

“I am encouraged that the U.S. Department of Education has recognized our schools are making changes that will serve all of our keiki,” Gabbard said. “I recently visited five of Hawai`i’s Race to the Top schools in West O`ahu and Hawai`i Island and saw firsthand the hard work our local schools have done to improve our students’ education and prospects for success. As Hawai`i moves into the last year of its Race to the Top grant, I look forward to continued improvement and sustained support for improving our schools across the islands.”

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS has announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June declined to 4.6 percent from 4.7 percent in May. The last time the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent was in September 2008.
Statewide, there were 617,250 employed and 29,700 unemployed in June, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 646,950. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in June, unchanged from May.
Initial claims and weeks claims decreased by 48, or -2.5 percent, and by 1,796, or -13.0 percent, consecutively for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago.
The unemployment rate figures for the State of Hawai`i and the U.S. in this release are seasonally adjusted, in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology. The not seasonally adjusted rate for the state increased to 5.2 percent in June from 4.5 percent in May.

Sugarcane being loaded onto train cars. Photo from thetrainmuseum.com

LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN MUSEUM is the topic at this evening’s After Dark in the Park. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK by cutting invasive kahili ginger on park trails Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sounds of native honeycreepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required. Interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information. The hike is about one mile and a moderate round trip into Kilauea caldera down Halem`auma`u trail, leaving from Kilauea Visitor Center. The hike involves walking over rough, uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path with up to a 400-foot elevation change.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Nina Gebhardt was sworn in as an American citizen this morning, the oath given by Immigrations officer
Evangelista McKee. Photo by Julia Neal

NINA GEPHARDT IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. The 76-year-old was sworn in today by Evangelina McKee, a U.S. Immigrations Officer II, who flew in from Honolulu and drove out to Pahala for the paper signing and to retrieve Gebhardt’s green card in exchange for citizenship papers. Gebhardt lives in Pahala with her husband, Captain James Gebhardt. The couple arrived from Germany aboard ship in Hilo on Jan. 5, 2004 aboard the MS Deutschland and bought a house in Pahala in October of the same year. Nina Gebhardt understands five languages, but the progression of muscular dystrophy has made it impossible for her to talk in recent years. The Immigration Service agreed to come to her home for the citizenship ceremony this morning. Capt. Gebhardt is a retired military man and retired commercial pilot. He is also a boat captain. In Pahala, he has made it one of his community missions to obtain a helicopter landing pad for Ka`u Hospital. He has been working on the issue since 2009. He said that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard helped with the citizenship process. State Sen. Russell Ruderman visited with the Gebhardts this afternoon to congratulate them on Nina becoming a U.S. citizen.
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Kaiwi Perkins, Dayva Keolanui, Caroline Garrett, Lynn Hamilton, Russell
Ruderman and Gaye Polido helped fold The Ka`u Calendar today.
Photo by Julia Neal

STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN DROPPED IN on the volunteer sorting and folding of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper’s August edition this morning. He also took a tour of the irrigation and hydroelectric system project on Olson Trust lands along Wood Valley Road and met with the Scenic Byway Committee of the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. According to chair Marge Elwell, Ruderman will consider, through Capital Improvement Project funding, helping with establishment of scenic byway educational signage and pullout locations for those traveling along Hwy 11 through Ka`u. She said that Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Denny Coffman have also shown support.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR is supporting a special resource study of the Ka`u Coast for inclusion in the national park system. At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, Stephanie Toothman, associate director of Cultural Resources, Partnerships and Science at the National Park Service, reported that while significant cultural features, geological forms and coastal-marine natural resources of the study area are each represented to some extent within other national parks in Hawai`i, “in no other location do these features coexist in such a long and uninterrupted coastal landscape with continuous scenic, interpretive, and recreational integrity. Compared to existing coastal managed areas within the state, it is uniquely wild, yet accessible.

“Based upon the significance of the resources in the Ka`u study area, and the current integrity and intact condition of these resources, the reconnaissance survey resulted in a preliminary finding of national significance and suitability.”

Today’s hearing considered the Pacific Islands Parks Act, introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz, which calls for the National Park Service to complete studies of the Ka`u Coast and two other sites in Hawai`i.

The U.S. Department of the Interior supports a special resource study of
the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Peter Anderson

“The Pacific Island Parks Act is making good progress in the United States Senate, Schatz said in a media release. “This bill would improve our local economy, preserve our parks and increase tourism in Hawai`i. Hawai`i is home to some of the most incredible and unique sites, many of which have been designated as national parks. By passing this legislation, we would be opening the door to protecting additional sites while also contributing to tourism and economic growth. I will continue to work with my colleagues, including Chairman Ron Wyden, to make this bill a reality."

NEW DRAFT KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN materials are available for public review. The material includes Appendix V4B: “Community Building Analysis,” Appendix V4D: “Preferred Future Growth Patterns” and an updated Appendix V6: “Glossary.”
Appendix V4B covers issues that directly impact the quality of community life in Ka`u, like land use, infrastructure, services, design, and redevelopment. It outlines existing policy, summarizes related planning initiatives and introduces alternative strategies available to achieve Ka`u’s community objectives. The focus is on developed areas in Ka`u, including Pahala, Punalu`u, Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu, the Discovery Harbour area and Ocean View. It also focuses on regulations, infrastructure, and strategies that impact their future.
Appendix V4D assesses historical, contemporary and future human settlement patterns relative to a community’s goals and objectives for resource management, community development, and economic development.
Planner Ron Whitmore said the draft materials are works-in-progress. He expects that they will be revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
The Steering Committee will discuss the materials at its Tuesday, Aug. 13 meeting at the Ocean View Community Association Center. The 5:30 p.m. meeting is open to the public, and comment on agenda items is invited.
In an effort to diversify Ka`u CDP outreach, the project now has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kaucdp. This page is intended to provide updates on the CDP’s status and not meant to be an interactive page or for public comment. “‘Like’ the page if you’d like to use it to follow the CDP, but please give your feedback where it can be used in a meaningful way at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/feedback-1,” Whitmore suggests. The deadline for feedback on Appendices V4B and V4D is Monday, Sept. 9.
Reference copies are available at Pahala Public & School Library, Pahala Community Center, Na`alehu Public Library, Na`alehu Community Center, Discovery Harbour Community Association Center, Ocean View Community Association Center and Kona and Hilo Planning Department offices. The material is available online at hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.
To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park fire crew members Andrew Lee (left) and
Al Aviles remove a large fallen koa tree on Mauna Loa Road Tuesday
morning. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HAS REOPENED areas that were closed due to Tropical Storm Flossie. Kilauea Visitor Center returned to normal operating hours of 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily.

Storm impacts were minimal, reported Jessica Ferracane, of Public Affairs. A large koa tree fell across Mauna Loa Road. It was removed, and the road, popular with hikers and birdwatchers, reopened late Tuesday morning.

KA`U NONPROFITS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY for Walmart SGC grants by the final deadline for 2013 on Aug. 9. Minimum grant amounts are $25,000. Details and the online application are at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

The Walmart Foundation’s Hawai`i State Giving Council recently announced $126,000 in grants from the first grant-giving cycle for 2013 to three Hawai`i nonprofits — Family Promise of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice and Junior Achievement of Hawai`i.
“At Walmart, we understand that nonprofit organizations are essential to building stronger communities across the islands, said Rey Armijo, Walmart’s Hawai`i market manager. “We’re proud to give back to the communities we serve and are hopeful that Hawai`i residents will feel a positive effect through these grants.”
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation Hawai`i State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria.

Tropical Storm Gil is not expected to impact Hawai`i.
Image from accuweather.com

HURRICANE GIL IS GATHERING STRENGTH as he follows a westward path from Baja California in Mexico.

Although Gil is currently a hurricane, he is expected to be weakened by increasing vertical wind shear and stable, dry air.
Gil is not expected to impact Hawai`i, but he could pass nearby next week.
Another Gil was a tropical storm when he passed just north of the state in 1983.

NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY BEGINS SHOWINGS of free family movies tomorrow. Movies begin at 2:30 p.m. every Thursday. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 939-2442.

STEWARDSHIP IN THE PARK takes place tomorrow and once per week throughout August and September. Volunteers help Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by cutting invasive kahili ginger on park trails from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required; interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

The state Public Utilities Commission's new website design shows windmills and solar as the illustration for its energy section.

THE STATE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has a new website design and the public can find local issues under the section on Trending Dockets. The most written-about Ka`u issue on the PUC site concerns `Aina Koa Pono. The county and Life of the Land are writing final arguments to submit for the case regarding whether to allow Hawai`i Electric Light Co. and Hawaiian Electric to sign a 20-year contract to purchase biofuel that would be manufactured in a refinery off Wood Valley Road. Both have contended that there needs to be more proof that the refinery could successfully use cut trees, shrubs and grasses to producr biofuel in giant microwaves, and whether the result would reduce the cost of energy for HELCO customers. See http://dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms/DocketSearch?V_DocketNumber=2012-0185&QuickLink=1%20. Click on documents. To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WHERE WILL KA`U'S SOLID WASTE BE HAULED? On Wednesday, the County Council's Environmental Management Commission received a live report on the islandwide challenge from the county's new environmental management chief Bobby Leithead Todd. According to a story in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Leithead Todd, the former planning director, told the committee that the waste stream on this island is too small to attract big waste-to-energy facilities. At the same time, many of the companies wanting to contract with the county to handle solid waste to make electricity are too small. The story also reported her talking about the risk of new technology, saying: “I don’t want to be on the hook, committed to something that hasn’t been done somewhere else. We don’t have the luxury of being the first.” The Erin Miller story also reported Leithead Todd saying that a waste to energy plant operation would have to be able to store days of input materials for the waste-to-energy generator so that it could keep running should there be a strike or natural disaster.

The Tribune Herald story noted that Mayor Billy Kenoi said wants a solution to the island's waste problem "before he leaves office in 2016 and landfills are nearing capacity. Leithead Todd said a Hawai`i County Council committee this month will consider a resolution seeking information on a wide variety of possible waste solution technologies. The director said she would bring that resolution, as well as the results of an earlier request for information, to the commission at a later meeting. The director also touched on what impact more diversion of compostable and recyclable materials could eventually have. In Sweden, for example, the population has gotten so good at sorting its waste, the country is importing waste for its waste-to-energy facilities from France and Italy," Miller reported Leithead saying. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HISC members receive a proclamation from Gov. Neil Abercrombie. they are Department
of Health Deputy director Gary Gill, DLNR chair William Aila, UH CTAHR Dean Maria Gallo,
Dept. Ag Chair Russell Kokubon and DOT's David Rodriguez

HAWAI`I INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL has approved a budget of $2.55 million for fiscal year 2014 to support statewide programs to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in Hawai`i, as well as management and public outreach efforts. The HISC voting members are the directors or designees of the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and University of Hawai`i.
“Interagency collaboration and coordination are key components of this administration’s strategy to address invasive species,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “We are also increasing our capacity to protect Hawai`i from the threat of invasive species. I am pleased to see a return of general funding from the state Legislature to the HISC. This funding directly supports on-the-ground, community-based and cost-effective programs across the state.”

The HISC funds a variety of efforts to address statewide invasive species priorities through an annual competitive grants process. In fiscal year 2014, HISC will provide support to projects including the county-based Invasive Species Committees for early detection and rapid response, the Hawai`i Ant Lab for preventing the spread of stinging little fire ant, response plans to protect native ohia from an invasive rust, community outreach and education programs in every county, ballast water and biofouling coordination to prevent aquatic invasive species, and scoping for improved biological control facilities. (For the full list and more details on HISC-funded projects, visit: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/projects/fy14/)

The coffee berry borer is the biggest threat to Ka`u's new,
small business success, Ka`u Coffee.

“Our priority has been finding a balance between responding to new threats, such as invasive species arriving with Japanese tsunami marine debris or axis deer on Hawai`i Island, while at the same time supporting the maintenance of core detection and response capacity statewide,” said Dr. Josh Atwood, coordinator for the HISC. “This has been a particularly difficult challenge as the HISC does not have a dedicated funding source, and instead has received funds each year at the discretion of the Legislature and the DLNR. The amount of funding currently available from these sources is less than what is needed to adequately support vital programs, and critical positions may be lost.”
HISC was created in 2003 when the Legislature declared invasive species as “the single greatest threat to Hawai`i’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawai`i’s people.” The HISC first received funding in fiscal year 2005 with at total of $4 million in general funds and special funds through the Natural Area Reserve Fund. Since fiscal year 2009, the HISC budget dropped to below $2 million without general funds.
“We are dedicated to working across departments and with partners to find solutions as we face increasing challenges posed by invasive species and decreasing support from federal agencies,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “We hope to continue to build our state capacity and restore full funding to the HISC. We thank the Legislature for their additional support in general funding this year and plan to work together on this important issue that affects all of us.”
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Kula Kai Caverns was one of the stops for Sen. Josh Green yesterday.
Photo from Kula Kai Caverns

SEN. JOSH GREEN took an orientation tour of Ocean View yesterday. Martie Nietche and Patti Barry organized the visit, which they have done numerous times for officeholders. Nietche said the two ladies want the politicians to know the land and the people of Ocean View.

Don Nietche and Rel Woodward, both community development volunteers who have advocated for potable water and many services in Ocean View, drove the state senator to both road maintenance corporation sites and Sherry Cap's spinach and lettuce farm where he saw how she makes fertilizer that helps save water. They drove Green by the ambulance and fire stations, community center, and the new water spigot station for the public. He visited Ocean View Family Health Clinic to meet Vickie and Rick Crosby, toured Loren and Diane Heck's New Fields protea farm and stopped in at Kahuku Caverns. Lunch was at at Bougainvillea Bed & Breakfast, where owner Martie Nietche said, " Our purpose was to let Josh know about thte movers and the shakers in Ocean View. She said that in Ocean View, "we just have to deal with basic needs." Green is one of two state senators representing Ka`u. His territory goes from Kona to Honu`apo. The other Ka`u state senator is Russell Ruderman whose territory goes from Punalu`u into Puna. To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS K-12 program applications for the Hawai`i Island campus in Kea`au are available for the 2014-15 school year online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2013. The primary admission pointshe for Hawai‘i campus are kindergarten, grades 6 and 9. For kindergarteners, eligible ages are boys born between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, and girls born between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009. Applications for grades 10, 11 and 12 for all campuses are accepted, but spaces are limited, based on availability. For more information, call Kamehameha School at 982-0100.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 13, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 14, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 15, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 18, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 19, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 20, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 21, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 22, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICES

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 25, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 26, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 27, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 28, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 29, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Aug 1, 2013