The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

The public is invited to Storybook Theater of Hawai`i's presentation today from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center in conjunction with Boys & Girls Club. See more below. Photo from Mark Jeffers

HUNDREDS GATHERED AT THE 442ND Veterans Club’s 73rd Anniversary Banquet, where U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard delivered remarks to honor veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their service and sacrifice on the battlefields of World War II. The team includes, from Ka`u, Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Tokuichi Nakano.

The 442nd team includes, from Ka`u, Iwao
Yonemitsu and the late Tokuichi Nakano.
Photo by Julia Neal

“This is such an incredible celebration of our living treasures – our nation’s living treasures, and our local Hawai`i treasures,” said Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major with Hawai`i Army National Guard, about the gathering. “Every day that we get the chance to say thank you for your incredible bravery, for the example that you’ve set, and for the service and sacrifice that you and your family members have given to all of us – that is a very special day.”

Gabbard spoke about the significance of the event’s theme, 442nd: The Legacy Begins. “Your legacy of service will continue on through your stories, through your lives, the things you’ve shared with us. It will continue on through your sons and daughters and this great organization, the 442nd Veterans Club, that makes sure that you are always remembered, and it lives on through the soldiers that continue to serve proudly in the 100th/442, who proudly wear that ‘Go for Broke’ patch on their uniforms, knowing that it not only represents this country, but it represents the great heroes who have come before us.”
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MORE THAN 200 MEMBERS of the Hawai`i Air National Guard and the active duty Air Force returned with their F-22 Raptors to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a six-month-long deployment to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

A pilot reunites with his son after landing.
Images from U.S. Department of Defense

The F-22 fighter aircraft and most of the Airmen departed from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in late September 2015. The Airmen and F-22 aircraft returned home in several groups over the past several days.
The Hawaiian Raptors are flown by pilots from HIANG’s 199th Fighter Squadron and the active duty’s 19th Fighter Squadron. Maintenance and support personnel are from HIANG’s 154th Wing and the active duty’s 15th Wing. This was the first operational deployment for the Hawaiian Raptors.

While in the CENTCOM AOR, the F-22 Raptors successfully struck a number of high-value ISIS (also known as Daesh or ISIL) targets. The Hawaiian Raptors were an integral part of Operation Inherent Resolve – an 18-nation air coalition that is driving Daesh back considerably in Iraq and Syria. Daesh has lost more than 40 percent of the populated areas it once controlled in northern Iraq and recently retreated from several key populations centers in Syria.

“Our people performed extremely well, and they did it with the Aloha spirit,” said one of HIANG’s pilots. “Maintenance did an outstanding job and made all their taskings. We integrated well with the other coalition forces and conducted our operations flawlessly.”

An airman embraces his family upon returning from his
six-month deployment.

Because of security considerations and host nation sensitivities, HIANG will not release names of its personnel who deployed and the country or base where the Raptors operated. HIANG will also not release the number of F-22 fighters that deployed. The CENTCOM AOR encompasses the area of Southwest Asia and most of the Middle East.

In 2010, the 199th Fighter Squadron converted to the F-22 from the F-15 Eagle and began flying the Raptors in partnership with the 19th Fighter Squadron.
All of the HIANG Airmen who deployed are part of the 154th Wing, the largest Air National Guard wing in the nation. Hawai`i Air National Guard is comprised of nearly 2,500 Airmen whose federal mission is to be trained and available for active duty operational missions.
A video of the Hawaiian Raptors team return can be accessed at http://dvidshub.net/r/yas7te.
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Four of 27 new correctional officers are assigned to Hawai`i Island.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Public Safety

HAWAI`I COUNTY WILL HAVE FOUR NEW correctional officers following a graduation ceremony on O`ahu. Twenty-seven recruits from Basic Corrections Recruit Class 16-01 graduated from training and will begin their careers as correctional officers in facilities across the state. Three are assigned to Hawai`i Community Correctional Center, and one to Kulani Correctional Facility.

The state Department of Public Safety described BCRC as a nine-week training that includes 360 hours of classroom time and physical training. Recruits learn standard of conduct, professionalism and ethics, report writing, interpersonal communications, maintaining security, crisis intervention, security threat groups (gangs), firearms, self-defense tactics and physical exercise.
“These individuals chose a unique and challenging career path,” said Sergeant Dzuong Le, BCRC Sergeant-in-Charge. “The job of a corrections officer in a prison or jail is one of the toughest jobs anyone can do, but it can also be rewarding, too. As corrections officers, we are held to a higher standard. I know these men and women have what it takes to hold up that standard with professionalism, integrity and fairness.”
All incoming classes receive recruit field training along with basic corrections training. During the final weeks of training, they go into the facility and begin their job with guidance from their training sergeants.

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Lauren Holiday and Doug Chin encourage parents and youth
to say yes to healthy lifestyles and no to underage drinking.
Image from Office of the Attorney General

APRIL IS ALCOHOL RESPONSIBILITY MONTH. Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin and Olympic Medalist and U.S. Women’s World Cup Soccer Team member Lauren Holiday encouraged parents and youth in Ka`u and throughout the state to say yes to a healthy lifestyle and no to underage drinking. In a message from the Attorney General's office, they suggested that parents and caregivers start a conversation about the dangers of underage drinking. “Conversations about positive, healthy choices need to start at an early age and continue through their teen years,” Holiday said. Chin urged parents to help their children learn why underage drinking is “unhealthy, dangerous and illegal.”

Chin and Holiday suggested that parents see responsibility.org for information about the topic.
“There is no better time than Alcohol Responsibility Month to talk to your kids and teens about making smart choices, especially the choice to say ‘no’ to underage drinking,” said Lisa Graham Keegan, chair of Responsibility.org’s national advisory board. “The Responsibility Starts with Me message is extremely applicable to parents and teachers, as they are role models to their kids and students, and parents are the leading influence over their teens’ decision to drink — or not to drink — alcohol. We hope the campaign’s message of personal responsibility will empower parents and teachers to continue having conversations with their kids and students about responsibility, in all aspects of life, throughout the year and for years to come.”
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STORYBOOK THEATER OF HAWAI`I and its founder Mark Jeffers present a program about endangered species at Pahala Community Center during Boys & Girls Club today from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited. Other community groups wishing to participate may call Jeffers at 808-335-0712.
For more information about the theater, see storybook.org.

DURING INVERTEBRATE INVESTIGATIONS with Robert Peck, of USGS, participants get in-depth information about Hawai`i’s endemic invertebrates. Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village, Peck presents his photographs of various species and possibly specimen samples to inspire imaginations and present accurate representation in art pieces. Time will be allowed for sketching if desired. If registrants are interested in a certain species such as the Blackburn’s blue or any others, please let VAC know. If a specimen is available, Peck will be sure to bring it along.

JEFF PETERSON celebrates National Library Week tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. The 45-minute program is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

For more information, call 928-2015.

LEA KA`AHA`AINA, OF KEAUHOU Bird Conservation Center, and USGS Research Wildlife Biologist Paul Banko discuss the recovery and release of `alala, the Hawaiian crow, tomorrow at After Dark in the Park. The program begins a 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Yesterday was the 150th anniversary of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. See more below. Photo from the Royal Order

A NEW ONLINE PORTAL LETS CONSUMERS see how Hawai`i restaurants and other food service organizations fare in food safety inspections, starting with O`ahu inspection data. Past neighbor island inspections will be uploaded by the end of the year. Going forward, all inspection reports from all islands will be posted in near real-time, depending upon availability of secure, wireless access.

Access to data from food safety inspection reports, complete with descriptions of violations, gives consumers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at food safety and sanitation practices at food outlets they frequent.

“We’re taking transparency to an entirely new level,” said Peter Oshiro, who manages Hawai`i Department of Health’s food safety inspection program. “Information from the inspection reports empowers consumers and informs their choices.”

The online portal, which has taken nearly a year to develop and refine, is a companion component to the DOH’s placard program, which it began as part of the state’s Food Safety Code adopted in 2014. Under the placard program, food outlets are given a green, yellow or red placards and are required to post them in visible locations at their entrances. The color-coded placards indicate whether a food establishment has passed its health inspection, received a conditional pass or has been closed due to permit suspension. Restaurants are fined for not posting them.

Peter Oshiro

“Data from the inspection reports give consumers the details behind the green, yellow or red placards, which many have become accustomed to seeing near the entrances of restaurants or other places that serve food,” Oshiro said. “Our observant inspectors are capturing every detail for their reports using established science-based criteria. With this degree of disclosure, we believe the online reports will make restaurants and other food service organizations pay closer attention to their food safety and sanitation practices.”

Just as the publicly posted placards provide an incentive for restaurants and other food service organizations to rectify any food-handling or other safety issues, the publicly available data from the inspection reports are expected to motivate restaurants to take a closer look at their own practices since these reports become a permanent, historical record accessible to the public.

“About 25 percent of the locations we inspect receive a yellow card. We hope to see this rate steadily decline with this new website,” Oshiro said. “We can now show what a bad inspection looks like on a public site. This should be a great catalyst for the industry to improve their food safety practices and make internal quality control a priority before our inspections.”
More than 10,000 food establishments statewide prepare or serve food and require a Department of Health permit to operate their business, with roughly 1,800 on Hawai`i Island. This includes restaurants, hotels, caterers, food warehouses, markets, convenience stores, lunch wagons, push carts and institutional kitchens for healthcare facilities, schools, adult and child day care centers and prisons.
The Hawai`i restaurant inspection website is at http://hi.healthinspections.us/hawaii.
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HO`OMALU KA`U, THE NONPROFIT that is planning Ka`u Heritage Center, applied for $16,000 in county funding for its Saving Ka`u Kupuna Life Histories program, under the direction of the organization's president and contact person Lehua Lopez-Mau. Hawai`i County Council’s Human Services & Social Services Committee recommended $3,500 for the project. The committee will discuss these and other recommendations at its meeting on Tuesday, April 19.

Ho1malu Ka`u plans a Ka`u Heritage Center near Ocean View and a program
to record storytelling sessions by Ka`u kupuna.
Photo by Shalan Crysdale

The budget includes professional fees, operations, supplies, advertising and liability insurance to conduct 12 interviews, capturing life histories in digital video, according to the application. Complete interviews would be archived at Ka`u Heritage Center, with a copy given to each family. Ho`omalu Ka`u’s grant application also includes plans to record “for archival purposes” six storytelling sessions at county parks in Ka`u where “kupuna living and working in Ka`u over the last 70-plus years” could bring their "photos, household things, and artifacts from their old plantation, ranching and farming days."

“Kupuna (elders), born and raised in Ka`u, or living here for more than 30 years, are rapidly passing away,” the grant application states. “Their memories of a unique, bygone Hawaiian era, encompassing almost all of the 20th century, need to be preserved for future generations.”
Last year the organization received $3,000 in county funding.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke on the Senate floor
to mark Equal Pay Day.
Image from Office of Sen. Hirono

SEN MAZIE HIRONO MARKED Equal Pay Day today by introducing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Opportunities Act, legislation that would improve inclusion of women, minorities and people with disabilities in STEM careers. Equal Pay Day marks the day in 2016 when, on average, women’s wages catch up to what men earned in 2015.

“It’s unacceptable that we are more than 100 days into 2016, but women’s salaries are only now catching up with what men made last year,” Hirono said. “While the gender pay gap affects women across all fields, women in STEM careers continue to face barriers that can limit their opportunities for employment and equal pay. The STEM Opportunities Act takes a comprehensive approach to combatting factors that limit the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM. For America to remain competitive in a 21st century economy, we must break down barriers for working women through passing the Paycheck Fairness Act and the STEM Opportunities Act.”
Hirono also took to the Senate floor to mark Equal Pay Day and highlight disparities in STEM fields. For example, at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa in school year 2014-2015, men earned more than five times the number of computer science bachelor’s degrees and three times as many bachelor’s degrees in the College of Engineering as women.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD INTRODUCED a House resolution yesterday celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Hawai`i’s oldest royal order organization. King Kamehameha V established the Royal Order on April 11, 1865 to honor the legacy of his grandfather, King Kamehameha I, to defend the Kingdom of Hawai`i’s sovereignty and to preserve the culture and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people.

“For 150 years, the Royal Order of Kamehameha has honored the legacy of Hawai`i’s King Kamehameha I, as well as helped to cultivate and perpetuate the culture, traditions and practices of Native Hawaiians,” Gabbard said. “Today, the Royal Order continues to honor its namesake and fulfill its mission of uplifting our communities by supporting and empowering the Native Hawaiian people. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Royal Order of Kamehameha I on 150 years of service and celebrating the legacy of this unique cultural and historical treasure.”

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Jeff Peterson returns to Ka`u today.

JEFF PETERSON HELPS PAHALA Public & School Library celebrate National Library Week today at 5:30 p.m. The 45-minute program is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

For more information, call 928-2015.

RECOVERY AND RELEASE OF `ALALA, the Hawaiian crow, is the topic this evening at After Dark in the Park. The program begins a 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting Thursday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Chair Rich Morrow said he hopes to have an update on lava flow date signs to be placed along Hwy 11.

KEN GOODRICH PRESENTS an exploration of light, sound and spirit during Into the Light on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. $5 donations are appreciated.

Call 967-8222 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Slack key artist Jeff Peterson offered his music to Ka`u residents at Na`alehu Public Library last Friday. Another performance took place yesterday at Pahala Public & School Library. See more below. Photo by Sara Kamabayashi

WATER RIGHTS FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS were the subject of a bill that advanced yesterday in the state Senate. It involves state licenses for Ka`u farmers and ranchers, who were afraid of losing them, as well as a state water license on former Maui sugar lands where the court has ordered the return of water to natural streams. House Bill 2501 would require that where an application has been made to continue an old lease, a holdover may be authorized annually until the pending application for the disposition of water rights is finally resolved or for three years, whichever is sooner. It would also require that the holdover is consistent with the public trust doctrine and any applicable law.

Hawai`i Senate passed a bill pertaining to water rights.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

The case on Maui involves returning water diverted by a sugar company back to its natural course for wildlife and more traditional farming. Ka`u agriculturalists say their situation is different. Ka`u’s old plantation water system was not a matter of diverting streams from their natural flow. Tunnels created by workers hired by sugar companies collect water as it drips down within the huge Mauna Loa volcano. The water, which was used in the past to carry sugar cane to the mills, has more recently been used for irrigation and watering livestock.

While Ka`u farmers and ranchers testified in favor of the bill, others, including environmental groups, opposed it. Kapapala ranchers said they had been called by Hawai`i Farm Bureau to help with the issue by testifying before the state Legislature, and Hawai`i Farmers Union United asked Ka`u residents to testify in opposition to the bill.
Regarding amendments that place a maximum of three years for applicants’ leases to be approved, Ways & Means Committee chair Sen. Jill Tokuda said, “We wanted to refocus the discussion on the farmers, ranchers and cattlemen statewide who were impacted by the broad ruling of the court. Our committee agreed to these amendments understanding that there are water permit holders throughout the state, including Wood Valley Water & Farm Coop, Kualoa Ranch, Kapapala Ranch, the Kaua`i Island Utilities Cooperative, Kapua Orchards Estate, LLC, Molowa`a Farmers Cooperative and the East Kauai Water Users Co-op, to name a few.”
Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman voted for the measure but with reservations, while Sen. Josh Green voted against it.
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Kathryn Tydlacka

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY’S progress and challenges will be reported to the state Public Charter School Commission tomorrow by state Public Charter Schools Acting Executive Director Yvonne Lau. Ka`u Learning Academy was given conditional approval on March 10 to add seventh grade to its campus, contingent on leasing a portable, modular classroom. However, the school is asking to instead put up a 672-square-foot prefab HPM building with help from a contractor on its board at a cost of about $35,000.

In a letter to the commission, KLA Executive Director Kathryn Tydlaka said, “Our students and their families are thrilled and relieved that they will be able to stay with us for an additional year.”
Ka`u residents can join the 9 a.m. meeting online or by phone. Meeting number is 734 998 219, and the online password is Sylvia. By phone, call 1-877-668-4493 and enter the meeting number.

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Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot will film
a special in Hawai`i.

FINDING BIGFOOT WANTS MENEHUNE stories, say producers of the Animal Planet series. The television producers of a special on Menehune to be aired late this year are asking Big Island and Kaua`i residents for Menehune stories.

Bret Yager reported in West Hawai`i Today that senior producer Sean Mantooth’s team will film in late May and early June. “Right now, we’re looking for witnesses, people who believe they have had an encounter,” Mantooth told Yager. He is also seeking people who claim Menehue ancestry.
“We never thought we’d do an episode here, but the legends of the Menehune proved too much to resist,” Mantooth said. “We’re working very closely with native islanders on all fronts to give our audience the intriguing investigations they’ve come to expect while also treating the topic with respect.”
Selected individuals will share their stories at a lu`au on May 25.
Contact findingbigfoot.hawaii@gmail.com.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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A small earthquake struck the surface of Ka`u this morning.
Map from USGS/HVO

A SURFACE EARTHQUAKE struck about one mile from Pahala at 2:54 a.m. this morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. At magnitude-2.2, the temblor at a depth of 0.0 feet is considered a micro earthquake. According to HVO, “earthquake rates and seismic tremor have not changed significantly in the past day.” At Kilauea volcano’s summit lava lake, fluctuations in summit tremor amplitudes are related to spattering along the edges of the lake.

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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES unanimously passed Senate Bill 2512, which passed in the Senate last month and would encourage development of vaccines and treatments against the Zika virus by adding it to the Food and Drug Administration’s Priority Review Voucher Program. The legislation now heads to the President for approval.
The CDC confirmed today that Zika causes severe birth defects, setting aside the notion that mosquito pesticides might be the cause of small brains in newborns whose mothers were infected. Its report is published online by the New England Journal of Medicine at nemj.org.

Yesterday, the CDC also confirmed that effects of Zika are even more harmful to human health than they originally suspected, and that the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry it, as well as dengue fever, are already present in 30 states, including Hawai`i.

“These dangerous vector mosquitoes have the potential to continue spreading diseases like the Zika virus and dengue fever very rapidly,” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “In just over three months, there have been 346 cases of the Zika virus in the United States, and over the past six months, there have been 263 cases of dengue fever in Hawai`i alone. We must expedite the research and development needed to find an effective treatment, or even a potential cure to these mosquito-borne diseases. Today’s vote to accelerate the development of Zika Virus vaccines and treatments is one step toward achieving that objective. At a practical level, we must bring together federal, state and local governments, private sector partners and other key stakeholders to get rid of this mosquito and contain the outbreaks we already have, and prevent future spread.”
As of yesterday, the state Department of Health reported that Hawai`i County has had no new confirmed cases of dengue fever since March 23. DOH Chair Dr. Virginia Pressler previously said one month without cases would have to go by before Hawai`i Island’s current outbreak could be considered over.
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Storybook Theater of Hawai`i founder Mark Jeffers brought his
inflatable monk seals to Pahala Community Center on Monday.
Photo by Chris Cook

MONK SEALS HAULED OUT IN KA`U on Monday and found themselves before a grateful audience at Pahala Community Center on Monday. Using his inflatable sea mammals, Storybook Theater of Hawai`i founder Mark Jeffers presented a program about endangered species to the public during Boys & Girls Club Monday afternoon. The giant seals filled the space, giving everyone a chance to see the creatures as they never had before.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SLACK KEY ARTIST JEFF PETERSON celebrated National Library Week in Ka`u. Last Friday, Ka`u residents enjoyed his performance at Na`alehu Public Library. After performing at other Hawai`i Island libraries, he returned to Pahala Public & School Library yesterday afternoon to share his music that is deeply rooted in the traditions of his Hawaiian heritage.
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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

KEN GOODRICH PRESENTS an exploration of light, sound and spirit during Into the Light tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. $5 donations are appreciated.
Call 967-8222 for more information.

LISA LOUISE ADAMS CONTINUES her popular watercolor workshops with Wonderful Watercolors at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Adams’ four sessions explore the rainbow on consecutive Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning April 18. Class fees are $80 or $72 VAC members. Students bring paper, paints and brushes.

“Wonderful Watercolors will inspire you to create and play!” Adams said. “If you haven’t already, now is the time to immerse yourself in this wonderful art medium with exercises designed to expand the potential of your watercolors. Delve deeply into your painting practice and share the fun. Bring your joy of discovery and sense of adventure.”
Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Kumu hula Stephanie Apolo with Halau Hula Kalaulani o Pu`uanahulu perform Saturday. See more below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE INCREASING enforcement of distracted driving this month as part of a national campaign called “U Drive U Text U Pay.”

Distracted driving is a problem of national concern. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration finds that the task of driving requires a driver’s full attention in focusing on the roadway and driving maneuvers. Any distraction that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary tasks of maneuvering the vehicle and responding to critical events increases the driver’s risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash. A distraction is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, mind off the road or hands off the wheel.

On July 1, 2013, the state of Hawai`i enacted law prohibiting the use of cellular phones and other mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle (with certain exceptions) and to specifically prohibit activities such as texting, instant messaging, gaming and emailing, which take a driver’s eyes off the road, mind off the road and hands off the wheel. Use of an electronic device while operating a vehicle is a $297 fine and $307 if the violation is within a school or construction zone.
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MORE THAN 250 BILLS HAVE PASSED third reading on the floor of the state Senate and will be returning to the House. Bills address areas of environmental protection, economic development, crime victim protections and water rights. Today is the crossover deadline for bills to advance at the Legislature. A majority of the bills will move into conference committees, where House and Senate conferees will convene to discuss House and Senate drafts and come to agreement on final amended versions.

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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY General is again partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and state Narcotics Enforcement Division, Department of Public Safety to coordinate a prescription drug take-back event on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kona Police Station and Ka Waena Lapa`au Medical Complex at 670 Ponahawai Street in Hilo.

Safely dispose of drugs on Saturday, April 30.

This is the DEA’s 11th National Take-Back Initiative for the state. Anyone with expired or unused prescription medications is encouraged to bring their medications to the collection sites. The service is free and anonymous – no questions asked. Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.

“Tossing pills into the trash can be dangerous. The take-backs are a great way to safely dispose of prescription drugs without harming others or the environment,” said Attorney General Douglas Chin.
Unused or expired medicine should be disposed of properly when it is no longer needed for the illness for which it was prescribed. Medicines may lose their effectiveness after the expiration date. Improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use. Having unused and expired medicine in homes increases the risk of accidental poisoning. Homes where children or the elderly live are especially vulnerable to this danger. People may mistake one type of medicine for another type. Children may mistake medicine for candy.

Unused or expired medicine should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. Proper disposal helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
For more information, see www.dea.gov or www.ag.hawaii.gov.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAILED AN AGREEMENT reached last week between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Taiwan to facilitate its membership in U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s Global Entry Program, which will allow for expedited customs clearance for Taiwanese citizens visiting the United States and vice versa. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations, AIT and TECRO represent the U.S. and Taiwan respectively.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Global Entry Program
expedites customs and immigration screening.
Photo from U.S. CBP

“Including Taiwan in the Global Entry program will benefit America’s economy and national security,” Hirono said. “The Global Entry vetting process will allow the United States to better direct security resources to lesser known travelers, while giving participants the added convenience of expedited customs and immigration screening. Last year, Taiwanese visitors spent more than $31 million in Hawai`i, and we can only expect Taiwanese visitor arrivals and spending to grow with the increased ease provided by the Global Entry program.”

Last October, Hirono led a bipartisan coalition of 21 senators to urge Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to approve Taiwan’s inclusion in the Global Entry program. Hawai`i Tourism Authority supports Hirono’s effort.
“This is welcome news for Hawai`i’s tourism industry,” HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said. “We appreciate Sen. Hirono’s diligence to incorporate Taiwan into the Global Entry Program and improve the process for its travelers to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Taiwan and Hawai`i already enjoy strong cultural connections, and this program helps strengthen those ties even more by making it easier for Taiwan’s citizens to come experience and interact with the people of Hawai`i.”
Global Entry participants must be pre-approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. Participants may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. The Global Entry program allows participants to complete expedited customs and immigration procedures using self-service kiosks at over 50 airports in the U.S., Canada and select overseas locations, including Honolulu International Airport.
Taiwan is now on course to joining Canada, Mexico, Panama, Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Korea as eligible for CBP’s Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs.
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KA`U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY Association, Inc. holds its 19th annual Membership Meeting & Conference tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The theme is Rural Health at Work in Our Communities. Registration is closed, but interested parties may call 928-0101 for more information.

Learn to cultivate mushrooms Saturday. Image from VAC

ZACH THE MUSHROOM GUY MERMEL teaches basics of mushroom cultivation at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A wonder drug or just darn tasty, the humble mushroom belongs to a kingdom seldom explored. Mushrooms are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and nutrition with the added bonus of being easy to grow. Their health benefits are well known, and their ecological advantages are just now being fully realized.
Participants learn basic fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wooden logs and straw. They also discover the health benefits of different edible and medicinal fungi in Hawai`i. Attendees will gain hands-on experience inoculating their own mushroom kits as well as logs, which they can take home at the end of the day.
Mermel encourages farmers, gardeners and homeowners seeking to incorporate the growing of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms into their lives and livelihoods to attend.
Course fees are $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members plus a $25 supply fee. Preregistration is required at 967-8222 or volcanoartcenter.org.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE takes place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery’s hula platform in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Stephanie Apolo with Halau Hula Kalaulani o Pu`uanahulu perform. Na Mea Hula with Kumu hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu begins at 11 a.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

A newly formed team will develop a blueprint for schools that will maximize opportunities and possibilities for the state to transform education. See more below. Photo of Ka`u High School by Julia Neal

NA`ALEHU HAS THE LARGEST percentage of people in the state who speak a language other than English at home. At 56 percent, Na`alehu tied with Kaumakani in Kaua`i County. Pahala stands at 33.6 percent, Ocean View 27.2 percent, Discovery Harbour 15.2 percent and Volcano 6.4 percent, according to a report from Hawai`i’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism that examines non-English speaking populations in the state based on data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau from 2010 to 2014. The report looks at residents aged five and older in various census-designated places who can speak a language other than English.

Statewide, about one in four Hawai`i residents speak a language other than English at home, which is higher than the U.S. average of 21 percent.
Na`alehu and Pahala also have large percentages of people who speak English less than “very well,” with 26.6 and 21.2, respectively. Discovery Harbour's percentage is 5.2. Statistics aren’t provided for Ocean View and Volcano. Statewide, the percentage is 12.4, much higher than the U.S. average of 8.6 percent.

Na`alehu has more than twice the percentage of residents
in Hawai`i who speak a language other than English.
Graph from Hawai`i DBEDT

Also, Hawai`i County has the lowest proportion of non-English speakers in the state, at 19 percent.

Ilocano, Tagalog and Japanese were the top three most common non-English languages spoken at home in Hawai`i. Speakers of these three languages made up about half of non-English speakers at home in Hawai`i.
Compared with the adult population, the proportion of non-English speakers was lower, and English proficiency was better, in the five to 17 school-age children group. The popular languages spoken by the school-age children were also different. The share of Hawaiian speakers was noticeably larger in the school-age children group than in the adult group.
English proficiency had strong impacts on an individual’s economic activities. Labor force participation rate of the non-English speakers who could not speak English well was about 15 percentage points lower than rates for the English-only speakers and the non-English speakers who could speak English well. The rate difference with these groups was larger at 33 percentage points for the non-English speakers who could not speak English at all.
English proficiency also played an important role in selection of occupation. The occupational composition of the non-English speakers who could not speak English well showed a high concentration in two occupation groups: “food preparation and serving” and “building/grounds cleaning and maintenance.” About one in two non-English speakers worked in one of these two occupations if they could not speak English well.
Earning disparities among various English proficiency groups were evident. The median earnings of the non-English speakers were lower than that of the English-only speaking population for all English proficiency levels, and the earnings gap amplified as English proficiency decreased.
The full report is available at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/reports_studies/non-english-speaking-population-in-hawaii/.

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THE NEWLY FORMED GOVERNOR’S TEAM on the federal Every Student Succeeds Act will work to develop a blueprint for Hawai`i’s public schools that is consistent with ESSA and will maximize opportunities and possibilities for Hawai`i to transform education. The new law calls for the most significant reduction in federal authority over public education in decades. The law returns authority to the 50 states to set the direction for their own public schools.

Darrel Galera

Gov. David Ige has appointed Darrel Galera, a former high school principal, as chair of the his ESSA team and is in the process of appointing 16 additional members representing all stakeholders in public education.

Under the new education law, Ige will be involved in development of the new state education plan and will have final approval over the plan.
“This is a major opportunity to change the face of public education in Hawai`i for the better,” Ige said. “Our innovation economy depends on a well-educated workforce to meet the state’s goals in renewable energy, locally grown food production, environmental stewardship and more. It is my hope that the public will participate in this process to help our education system prepare students for high-skill careers in the 21st century.”

The ESSA team will ultimately be responsible for assessing the current public school system and identifying areas of need.
An Education Summit will be scheduled this summer to give organizations and individuals the opportunity to discuss possibilities for a future-focused education system and solicit input on key recommendations to the state’s ESSA plan.
Town hall meetings will also be scheduled to share information with the public and to collect public input for the ESSA plan.
To apply to serve on the Governor’s ESSA Team, see https://forms.ehawaii.gov/pages/board-survey/. Deadline for applications is next Friday, April 22.
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Nicholas Soares Photo from HPD

A PUNA MAN HAS BEEN CHARGED with two felonies in connection with a break-in in Volcano on Sunday, April 10.

In response to a 4:12 p.m. call Sunday, police determined that an unknown man had entered a home on the 11-3800 block of Seventh Avenue and threatened a 25-year-old woman with a pipe. The woman was able to escape to a neighbor’s house and call the police.

Responding officers arrested 19-year-old Nicholas Soares of Mountain View at the scene and recovered two items belonging to the victim from his person.
Soares was taken to the Hilo Police cellblock while police continued the investigation. At 2:47 p.m. Monday, April 11, after conferring with prosecutors, police charged Soares with first-degree burglary and first-degree terroristic threatening. His bail was set at $7,000. He remained at the cellblock until his initial court appearance on Tuesday, April 12.
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FOLLOWING A 7.0-MAGNITUDE earthquake at 6:25 a.m. at Kyushu, Japan, a tsunami advisory was in effect for Japan, but there is no tsunami threat to Hawai`i, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported.

USGS reported no tsunami threat after a strong earthquake in Japan.
Map from USGS

The earthquake occurred halfway into Tsunami Awareness Month. Due to Hawai`i’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the state is extremely vulnerable to the threat of tsunamis. Distantly generated tsunamis can reach Hawai`i within several hours when triggered by earthquakes that take place along the Ring of Fire, which circles the Pacific Rim. Locally generated tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity that occur in or near the Hawaiian Islands and can make landfall in a matter of minutes.

Natural warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent include rapidly rising or receding water in the ocean, the sound of a locomotive or jet plane coming from the ocean and empty beaches.
People located within a tsunami evacuation zone should quickly move to higher ground or inland until they are at least 100 feet above sea level, while avoiding steep cliffs and watching for falling rocks. Tsunami evacuation zones are listed in local telephone books and at www.scd.hawaii.gov.
Tomorrow, Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo hosts a free open house. For more information, call 935-0926.
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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees for National Park Week tomorrow through Sunday, April 24.

Zach Mermel teaches mushroom cultivation tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

ZACH MERMEL teaches basics of mushroom cultivation at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Course fees are $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members plus a $25 supply fee. Preregistration is required at 967-8222 or volcanoartcenter.org.

KUMU HULA STEPHANIE APOLO and Halau Hula Kalaulani o Pu`uanahulu present hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery’s hula platform in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Na Mea Hula with Kumu hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu begins at 11 a.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.
For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Coffee growers and brokers are attending the Specialty Coffee Association of America's annual convention, this
year in Atlanta, with one of the themes being large and small stakeholders working for sustainability. Photo from SCAA

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS AND BROKERS are in Atlanta this weekend for the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual convention. The convention has drawn Ka`u Coffee to many cities over the past decade, from Boston to Houston, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Anaheim, where many Ka`u Coffee farmers have won numerous awards. This year, Ka`u representatives Chris Manfredi, daughter Ashley Manfredi and Ralph Gaston are volunteering at the Hawai`i Coffee Association booth and helping to promote the May 13-22 Ka`u Coffee Festival and Ka`u Coffees. Hawai`i is being promoted as The Coffee State. The only other place in U.S. with a coffee industry is Puerto Rico.

Ka`u Coffee industry representatives Malian Lahey, of
Ka`u Specialty Coffee, along with Randy Stevens and
Lisa Wright, of Ka`u Coffee Mill, are at SCAA
in Atlanta this weekend.

Ka`u Coffee Festival organizer Manfredi jumpstarted participation at SCAA years ago by organizing the farmers to enter their coffees, and Ka`u farmers started to win. Manfredi was followed by Ka`u Coffee Mill and Edmund C. Olson sponsoring the expense and the hosting of local farmers to attend the convention and man a booth with Hawaiian music and flowers, hula and coffee tasting, making a big splash for Hawai`i.
Ka`u participants attend marketing and roasting classes and many other educational sessions. They sign contracts to sell their coffee. At this year's SCAA convention are Ka`u residents Lisa Wright and Randy Stevens, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; Ralph Gaston, of Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee; Malian Lahey, of Ka`u Specialty Coffee; and Manfredi.

Also, during this year’s convention, SCAA introduces a new coffee tasting wheel for roasters, farmers and coffee drinkers, available online. See https://store.scaa.org/.
Also see www.kaucoffeefestival.com.

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SUSTAINABLE COFFEE GROWING AND THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT are related, according to Kim Elena Ionescu, Director of Sustainability for the Specialty Coffee Association of America. She addressed the SCAA convention in Atlanta this weekend, attended by Ka`u Coffee farmers and brokers. In a message to conventioneers entitled Ensuring the Sustainability of Coffee, Ionescu says, “It is in the best interest of every single one of the millions of people who depend on coffee for a living to protect the future of our industry — yet, few of us feel like it’s our job. Sure, it’s important, and maybe even interesting, but who has the time?”

New coffee tasters flavor wheel is available from SCAA for roasters,
growers and drinkers. See https://store.scaa.org/.

Ionescu says she spends each day “thinking about how to make coffee better for all of us who depend on it, as well as for the biodiversity of the ecosystems that sustain not only coffee plants, but us as a species.
“Just like our coffee value chains, sustainability can only be global. Conversations that begin with a single issue — say, water scarcity — on a single farm can expand rapidly, because to understand a farm’s water use, we must take into account factors ranging from the way surrounding farms use water to the economic drivers that influence decisions. To put it more simply, everything is connected, and nothing is simple... .”
“More than ever, companies, nonprofit organizations and other members of the specialty coffee community are energized to collaborate to address issues like climate change and farm worker shortage, that threaten our collective future. These joint efforts may have a local focus… . They may also span countries, with multi-national coffee companies coming together to discuss how to coordinate investments in, say, food security, at a regional or national level... . It’s a tricky balance, big and small. We cannot confront the challenges facing coffee one farm at a time, nor can we allow their magnitude to paralyze us. We must be willing to take risks but also to take care to tread a line between benefiting people and protecting nature.” See more at http://www.scaa.org/chronicle/.

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HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. explained that brief power interruptions this week were due to a sudden loss of generation at several power plants.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Hamakua Energy Partners generator unexpectedly tripped offline. Yesterday, HELCO’s Puna steam plant and a combustion turbine unit at its Keahole Power Plant tripped offline. In each case, protective devices automatically disconnected some customers temporarily to rebalance the available supply of power generation with the demand for power, stabilizing the grid and maintaining service for the majority of customers. Those affected experienced a temporary power interruption lasting between seven to 20 minutes while backup generators were started.
“We sincerely apologize for the interruptions,” said HELCO spokesperson Kristen Okinaka. “Our employees worked hard to bring additional generating units online and safely restore service to customers.”
Okinaka said HELCO crews have completed repairs to both the Puna and Keahole generating units. Hamakua Energy Partners’ plant remains out of service as it works to complete repairs.
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A TRIAL IS SET TO BEGIN IN JUNE for a woman arrested at Kawa. Graham Milldrum reported in West Hawai`i Today that Kittrena Morgan is suing Hawai`i County and police officers who arrested her during the Oct. 25, 2012 eviction of Abel Lui and others from Kawa. She was arrested and charged with simple trespassing and resisting arrest.

According to Milldrum, “the charges the jury will hear are that officers used excessive force to arrest Morgan, that the cuffs were too tight, that officers not rendering medical aid was excessive force, they did not loosen the cuffs, they allowed emotional distress and the arrest was an assault.”
Morgan is seeking $1 million in damages and $37,386.78 for lost wages, fuel costs and other expenses.

See westhawaiitoday.com.
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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD SPOKE on the House floor to call for quick passage of H.R. 2737 to award Filipino Veterans of WWII the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The legislation, introduced by Gabbard in June 2015, has 76 cosponsors in the U.S. House and is partnered with S.1555 in the U.S. Senate.

“There are more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty,” Gabbard said. “They fought under our American flag during World War II.
“These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war. Yet decades have gone by, and they are still waiting for their service to be recognized.
“I’ve introduced H.R. 2737, legislation that is strongly supported by members of both parties and in both chambers, to award these deserving veterans the Congressional Gold Medal so that our country can show our appreciation and recognize them for their dedicated service and sacrifice in defeating the Imperial Japanese Army.
“Today, there are just 18,000 of these Filipino World War II veterans who are still alive today. Time is of the essence. We cannot afford to wait. I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this legislation so that these courageous men may be honored while they are still among us.”
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President Obama is discussing expansion of Papahanaumokuakea
Marine National Monument with leaders and stakeholders
in Hawai`i. Map from NOAA

IN RESPONSE TO SUGGESTIONS that President Obama should utilize his authorities under the Antiquities Act to expand Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, urged that the administration send representatives to Hawai`i to meet with key leaders and stakeholders before making any final decision. The administration assured Schatz that it has not made any decisions regarding any potential expansion of PMNM, and it will not do so until it has engaged directly with relevant Hawai`i constituents.

In a letter to the administration, Schatz said he is prepared to stand with Hawai`i residents to ensure continued, unchanged access to fishing grounds and use of the ocean for fishing, diving, canoe paddling and sailing. He also wants to maintain use by Hawai`i’s longline fleet in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
“Any expansion … will have to satisfactorily take these activities into account,” Schatz said in a letter to the administration.
Schatz also said he supports Office of Hawaiian Affair’s request for an enhanced role in governance of the monument.
In the face of limits to availability of federal funding, Schatz said he believes that environmental groups, philanthropic organizations, corporations and individuals would consider significant financial commitments to support PMNM’s expansion.
“Provided these issues can be addressed to the reasonable satisfaction of interested Hawai`i stakeholders, I am prepared to support the expansion,” Schatz said.
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A hike tomorrow explores the People and Lands of Kahuku.
NPS Photo by Julia Espaniola

PEOPLE AND LANDS OF KAHUKU is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forest, 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 current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. Tomorrow’s hike begins at 9:30 a.m.

CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 100th anniversary and the centennial of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during National Park Week through Sunday, April 24. Entrance fees will be waived nine full days.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ralph Gaston, third from left, of Rusty's Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee and Hawai`i Coffee Association, manned the Hawai`i coffee booth at SCAA in Atlanta. Photo by Malian Lahey

RUSTY OBRA, JR., whose Pahala family is famous for its Rusty’s brand of Ka`u Coffee, flew to Atlanta this past week to compete in the U.S. Aeropress Competition at the Specialty Coffee Association of America convention.

Rusty Obra, Jr.

Last month, Obra, a culinary arts teacher, won the Eastern Region Championship in New York with the following recipe: Using 19.7 grams coffee, 260 grams water and a total brew time of 2:45, pour 60 grams of 185 degrees Fahrenheit water into an inverted AeroPress, bloom for 30 seconds. Stir three times, then pour remaining 200 grams of water and steep for 1:30. Add cap, invert, and plunge for 45 seconds. Swirl to aerate, and serve.

Last year, Obra won the national championship. See more at rustyshawaiian.com.
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THE SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Expo “is an amazing forum where coffee industry professionals network and learn about markets, methods and equipment. Hawai`i and Ka`u were well represented,” reports Chis Manfredi, one of those representing Ka`u at the Atlanta convention that wrapped up today.
“Ka`u has duly earned its place among the finest coffee-producing origins across the globe,” said Manfredi. “The Hawai`i Coffee Association hosted an information and tasting booth that was staffed by a diverse group of members that represented coffees produced throughout Hawai`i. There is talk about expanding our presence by establishing a Hawai`i pavilion next year in Seattle,” he said.
See more on Ka`u Coffee at kaucoffeefest.com.
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Clare Connors Photo from
Davis Levin Livingston

U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE voted to approve Clare Connors to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai`i. Sen. Brian Schatz recommended Connors’ nomination to President Obama in June of last year.

“This is an important step forward, and I congratulate the Senate Judiciary Committee for recognizing Clare Connors as a strong candidate for the U.S. District Court for Hawai`i,” Schatz said. “Clare’s knowledge, fair-mindedness and dedication to justice will make her an exemplary district court judge. I look forward to voting for her when her nomination reaches the Senate floor.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono called the committee’s action “a testament to Clare’s integrity and respected standing. I was proud to speak to the committee in support of Clare in January and look forward to supporting her nomination before the full Senate,” she said.
Connors’ nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a final vote. In January, Schatz delivered testimony in support of Connors at her nomination hearing before the Judiciary Committee.
Connors is a trial attorney who began her legal career in 2001 with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2002, she served as a clerk for the Honorable Judge David Ezra, in his capacity as a federal district court judge. She returned to Hawai`i to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney. She continues to practice law as an associate at Davis Levin Livingston in Hawai`i.
A graduate of Punahou School, Connors has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She has served on the faculty of the William S. Richardson School of Law as a Lecturer in Law for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic. In 2014, she was appointed to be a Lawyer Representative for the District of Hawai`i to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and previously served as a Lawyer Delegate to the Hawaii District Conference.
The U.S. District Court judge position became available following Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s retirement from active service.
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Recent earthquakes reminded all Hawai`i residents that they
should prepare for damaging temblors. Map from USGS/HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss gentle reminders for all Hawai`i residents to prepare for damaging earthquakes in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

“Each year, Hawai`i County residents likely feel dozens of earthquakes,” the article states. “They might readily agree that earthquakes are indeed part of living on the Island of Hawai`i. But residents across the state of Hawai`i, recently nudged by three small earthquakes, were gently reminded that they, too, live with earthquakes.
“Early morning on March 28, 2016, a magnitude-3.6 (M3.6) earthquake struck beneath the isthmus connecting West and East Maui. Four days later, late on the night of March 31, a M4.2 earthquake, centered roughly 55 miles east of Hana, Maui, was felt across the state. Three days later, on the morning of April 5, a M2.8 earthquake, centered about three miles off Diamond Head, shook parts of Honolulu. While all three were considered small earthquakes, they were large enough that people felt them and submitted reports at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) “Did You Feel It?” webpage (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/data/dyfi/).
“Typically, an earthquake’s location provides the first clues as to its cause. The recent Maui and O`ahu earthquakes – recorded statewide by seismographic networks of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center – were all located at depths between about 11 and 22 miles.
“At such depths, and away from centers of volcanic activity, such as Kilauea or Mauna Loa on Hawai`i Island, the flexing, or bending, of the Earth's lithosphere (the crust and uppermost rigid layer of the mantle) due to the weight of the islands produces forces that result in occasional earthquakes. Lithospheric flexure occurs over geologic time, with associated earthquakes occurring much less frequently, compared to earthquakes more directly linked to active Hawaiian volcanism. Volcanic processes, which can rapidly change conditions within active volcanoes, generate many thousands of earthquakes recorded by HVO each year.

“When relatively infrequent earthquakes occur within a week of one another, it’s reasonable to wonder whether they might be closely linked. Their connections are possibly more difficult to prove than to disprove. We lack sufficiently detailed information and understanding of conditions at these depths beneath Hawai`i to explain why one small earthquake would lead to another, islands apart.

“Awareness of relevant earthquake history and experiences is essential, especially when earthquakes occur and are felt in relatively inactive regions like the counties of Maui and Honolulu. In general terms, areas where large earthquakes have occurred in the past are expected to continue to experience large earthquakes in the future.
“USGS Bulletin 2006, Isoseismal Maps, Macroseismic Epicenters, and Estimated Magnitudes of Historical Earthquakes in the Hawaiian Islands, serves as the authoritative reference for large earthquakes in Hawai`i between 1823 and 1992. Authors Max Wyss and Bob Koyanagi, former University of Alaska at Fairbanks professor and HVO seismologist, respectively, based their assessments of past earthquakes on historical documents, along with insights derived from modern geology and seismology.
“In January 1938, a M6.9 earthquake occurred northeast of Maui. Among its extreme effects on Maui, Wyss and Koyanagi report cracked water catchment and oil tanks and broken water pipelines. Buildings were also damaged on Maui, as well as on O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i. It's not possible to say if the M4.2 earthquake on March 31, 2016 ruptured the same fault as in 1938, but a M6.9 earthquake near Maui today would result in far greater losses now than then.
“Wyss and Koyanagi also list two noteworthy earthquakes west of Lana`i: a M6.9 earthquake in February 1871 and a M4.8 earthquake in September 1948. Damage from these earthquakes occurred in Honolulu, as well as in Maui County. Because of the difficulties in precisely locating these two older earthquakes, it is uncertain whether the April 5, 2016, M2.8 earthquake occurred on the same fault as the 1871 and 1948 earthquakes. But again, a M6.9 earthquake would result in substantially greater impacts in Honolulu and Maui Counties today than in 1871.
“Predicting the precise location, time and magnitude of a future earthquake is still not possible. Small earthquakes, however, remind us that damaging earthquakes are part of Hawai`i’s history, and we must understand how to prepare and respond effectively across the entire state when a large earthquake strikes. “Resources like the Great Hawai`i ShakeOut website (http://www.shakeout.org) and the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (http://earthquake.gov) offer useful information on earthquake awareness and preparedness.”

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 100th anniversary and the centennial of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during National Park Week with entry fees waived through next Sunday, April 24.

Hike `Iliahi Trail on National Park Rx Day. Photo from NPS

NATIONAL PARK Rx DAY is a week from today on Sunday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., a community health initiative to prescribe time in parks to promote wellness. Join park rangers and Dr. Craig Kadooka on an easy one-mile roundtrip hike of upper `Iliahi Trail. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai at 10 a.m.

The first 200 walkers will receive a reusable water bottle and fresh fruit. Hawaiian practitioners Edna and Sam Baldado will demonstrate the heath benefits of kalo, and Ka`ohu Monfort will share how Hawaiians use plants to heal and cure. HMSA will also provide a table with health information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees through Sunday for National Park Week. NPS Photo by Jacob W. Frank

HEALTH CARE IN PAHALA is the subject of a story in today’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Ivy Ashe interviewed staff at Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic about the challenges and rewards of working in a remote area. Ashe reported that 2,700 patients annually are admitted to the emergency room, which has four physicians, and 4,900 people visit the health clinic each year.

The Critical Access Hospital’s administrator Merilyn Harris told Ashe that Ka`u has a lower than average number of medical providers. “We’re a medically underserved area,” she said.
Ashe reported on Ka`u’s strong community support of the hospital and clinic, with emergency room equipment purchased through fundraising events including spaghetti dinners, craft and bake sales and golf tournaments. Ka`u Red Hat Ladies and Ka`u Quilters raised funds for ten years. `O Ka`u Kakou and Volcano Rotary Club also support projects at the facility.

“Basically, I feel like we’re this giant community project,” Harris said. “That kind of inspires us, because they show that what we do is important, and so it makes you want to do better, do more. We’re always looking to improve access to care.”

The clinic’s newest Dr. Cary Gear told Ashe, “It’s very encouraging to see how the community stands behind the hospital, because the hospital, like the community, has limited resources — but the community steps up to support them.” Gear and his family moved here from Indiana in December.
Gear and Dr. Carol Dexter, who came from Arizona, each have more that 20 years of medical experience, which Ashe said helps them make decisions about patient care. She said rural physicians have to be “self-reliant because they don’t have the resources of larger areas.”
“This would be a hard place for someone right out of residency to come,” Gear said. “You’re making decisions on a whole different basis here. That’s, to me, what is so appealing about rural medicine. You’re not just ordering the test, but you’re in a sense a member of their family, and you get to know them, their brothers and sisters and aunties and uncles.
“You see them at the grocery store, you worship with them at church, and it just adds a whole new dynamic. It adds something to medicine.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Solar Impulse is preparing to leave Hawai`i. Photo from Solar Impulse

SOLAR IMPULSE IS BACK IN MISSION MODE after being grounded in Hawai`i since last July 3. After replacing batteries that overheated during the solar-powered plane’s flight from Nagoya to Hawai`i on its journey around the world, the countdown has now started for the Solar Impulse team to finish what they started and head toward their departure point, Abu Dhabi.

Si2’s team reported that the past two months have been filled with preparations: maintenance and training flights. The team has completed both Bertrand Piccard’s last high altitude flight and André Borschberg’s last training flight in the past two weeks. Now the pilots are fully prepared to take on the next big challenge: the flight from Hawai`i to North America.
Weather allowing, take-off over the Pacific Ocean could occur soon. The weather can change at any minute, so engineers at Mission Control Center in Monaco are busy searching for a weather window. Finding one requires a tight collaboration between the project’s Air Traffic Control team, meteorologists, mission engineers and the ALTRAN team that executes flight simulations.
They all work together to identify the best possible options to fly. ALTRAN, a Solar Impulse partner, has provided software that illustrates Si2’s flight path through forecasted weather conditions and ATC routes in order to evaluate whether the aircraft can fly while identifying the path Si2 should follow. If the flight path is clear until the final destination, the aircraft can safely proceed to its landing point.
The first Mission Flight of this year will be long, lasting several days to cross the rest of the Pacific Ocean from Hawai`i to North America. Before takeoff, the team undergoes regular simulations in order to receive the most accurate weather forecast during the flight. It is only a few hours before the flight that they can fully confirm it will take place. This state of unknown lasts until the aircraft has taken off and reached the point of no return.
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Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD VOTED against an effort to undermine net neutrality. H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, passed in the House by a vote of 241-173.

“For over 20 years, the Internet has broken down information barriers, expanded access to critical information and services, fueled innovation and redefined our country and our world,” Gabbard said. “In today’s digital age, free, open and equal access to the Internet is not only essential to upholding our democratic principles, it is critical to healthcare, education, employment and so much more. I strongly oppose H.R. 2666, and any legislation that undermines the principles of universal, affordable and nondiscriminatory Internet access. If signed in to law, H.R. 2666 would limit the ability of the Federal Communications Commission to investigate attempted breaches of net neutrality and weaken their authority to enforce free and open Internet access. While I am disappointed that this legislation passed in the House today, I will continue to do all that I can to protect American consumers from attempts to create special treatment for a privileged few.”
Gabbard has strongly supported net neutrality and has cosponsored legislation like H.R. 196, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2015, which would prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between Internet Service Providers and content providers.
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I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA IS HOSTING a farmer land security benefit dinner at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available with a $48 tax-deductible donation. Funds raised by the nonprofit will be used to send Ka`u Coffee growers and their representatives to O`ahu to build support for their cause with lawmakers and potential donors.

Two Hawai`i Island chefs and musician Hawane Rios are coming together to raise awareness of land security for Ka`u Coffee growers. Rios’ roots stretch from the rolling hills of Kohala to the beaches of `Anaeho`omalu. “Her connection to the Earth Mother is deep and true and taught to her by her family,” IONAM President Malian Lahey said.

The dinner will be a gourmet, locally sourced sampling of freshly caught fish, locally raised meat and fresh, local, organic vegetables from Wood Valley Farm in Pahala. Big Island Brewhaus is sponsoring an open bar with a sampling of their craft beers. Jonah VanGieson, of Ohelo Cafe in Volcano, and Casey Halpern, of Cafe Pesto, “will wield their culinary skills to create an evening of delight, fun, flavor and music in honor of the occasion,” Lahey said.
See ionam.org.

PUNALU`U BAKE SHOP ANNOUNCES its new music lineup. Richard Zazzi performs on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gary Cole, aka Foggy, offers folk and country music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Uncle Sonny takes over at 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Tui Masaniai plays easy listening tunes Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CELEBRATE HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park’s and the National Park Service’s centennials during National Park Week with entry fees waived through next Sunday, April 24.

Haunani's Aloha Expressions returns to Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park on Wednesday.

A HULA PERFORMANCE by Haunani’s Aloha Expressions is one highlight of National Park Week on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Haunani’s Aloha Expressions is comprised of an all-Hawaiian group of kane and wahine kupuna ranging in ages from 70 to over 90 years old. These men and women also belong to the Alu Like Kupuna Program, meeting on a regular basis. For many years, on their own time, they have volunteered to welcome visitors on incoming cruiseliners and at Hilo Airport to share the aloha spirit.

The kupuna also entertain on a regular basis for the patients at the 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. They 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.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Rangers offer informational talks daily at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, which waives entry fees through Sunday. Photo from NPS

PERSONNEL FROM HAWAI`I COUNTY are trying to find Pahala’s gang cesspool and evaluating the sewer system today until 3 p.m. As of 10 a.m., they hadn’t been able to find the site in the vicinity of the Old Mill, makai of Maile Street near the former KAHU Radio Station.

Crews are testing Pahala's sewer system
in the defined area. Map from Hawai`i County.

Testing involves injecting a non-toxic, clean and harmless smoke into the old plantation sewer collection system within this area. According to Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Division, smoke may be seen coming from vent stacks on buildings or holes in the ground.

“Information gathered will be used to create a plan to close the large-capacity cesspool in the near future,” Wastewater Division Chief Dora Beck wrote in a letter sent to property owners in the area.
According to Civil Engineer Curtis Bailey, a public meeting is being planned regarding the future sewage treatment plant that will replace the cesspool.
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A BILL REGARDING LAUNCH OF SATELLITES from Hawai`i Island is advancing at the state Legislature. The Senate approved House Bill 2263, calling for funding of a study on development and economic viability of a small satellite launch and processing facility. Although the bill does specify Ka`u as a site for the facility, Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman spoke in opposition to the bill. “I just want to express my token opposition, which I’ll express anytime someone proposes a development for my neighborhood without talking to my neighborhood about it,” Ruderman said during the bill’s third reading before the Senate. His was the only vote in opposition to it. Video of Ruderman’s comment before the Senate is available at bigislandvideonews.com.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman

“Hawai`i has long been recognized as an ideal location for the launching of spacecraft due to its geographic location,” HB2263 says. “This is especially true of Hawai`i island, which is unrivaled in the United States for equatorial launches of spacecraft, particularly small satellites, due to its global position. The development of a small satellite launch and processing facility on Hawai`i Island has tremendous economic potential for both Hawai`i Island and the state of Hawai`i.”

In its testimony, the Aha Moku Advisory Committee of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources said, “In the past twenty years, there have been attempts and plans to establish satellite and launching facilities in the Moku of Ka`u where it was deemed to be the best place for such a facility. The area identified in Ka`u is the site of the most sacred wahi pana. It is the site where the first Tahitians landed in Hawai`i prior to the ninth century. It is as sacred to Hawaiians as Mauna Kea.”
The bill now goes to a House/Senate conference committee. Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Onishi is one of the House conferees.
Track this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
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Mayor Billy Kenoi spoke in favor of a general excise
tax increase. Image from Hawai`i County

A PROPOSED HALF-PERCENT INCREASE in Hawai`i County’s general excise tax is the topic of a public meeting today at 5 p.m. Hawai`i County Council considers Bill 165, which calls for the tax to be levied from 2018 through 2027. According to the bill, funds raised would be used for operational and capital costs of public transportation systems, including roads and highways, buses, pedestrian and bicycle paths, sidewalks and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mayor Billy Kenoi supports the increase. At a budget meeting last Wednesday, he told the council that counties “deserve to have additional revenue-generating tools in their toolbox.”
“We’ve tried always to limit the burden that people have to show for the operation of government programs and services we deliver,” Kenoi said.
The council holds its regular meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
Ka`u residents can participate in both meetings via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are streamed live from Kona at hawaiicounty.gov.

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Rhea Lee-Moku, of HELCO

POWER GENERATION RESERVES REMAIN tight on Hawai`i Island, according to Hawai`i Electric Light Co. After two unexpected trips of the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Partners power plant on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the HEP plant remains out of service and is not expected to return until Friday. Hawai`i Electric Light is experiencing narrow generation reserves this week.

To meet customers’ electricity needs, HELCO is running all of its available firm generating units. It is working to return its Hill Six steam plant early from its annual overhaul and plans to have it return to service by Tuesday evening. HELCO’s Puna steam unit, which was on standby status, was returned to active service as well. The unit was taken out of regular service in 2014 and now is used for this type of contingency. Renewable resources like wind and hydro are adding generation during peak use hours and helping to increase generation reserves during this time.
“Our dedicated employees have been working long hours to meet the electricity needs of the community during this fluid situation. With the variable wind and hydro resources, we expect to have enough generation to meet the peak use period this week. However, we don’t have additional generation resources if there are unexpected technical problems on one of the larger units on our system,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, HELCO spokesperson. “We want to assure the community that we’re doing everything we can to provide sufficient generation.
“While we currently expect to have enough generation this week, we want to share this information with our customers to help them plan ahead just in case. In the event we have a sudden loss of generation, we may need to ask customers to conserve electricity use during the evening peak hours between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will give as much notice as possible though conditions can change suddenly. We sincerely apologize for any concern this may cause and appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding.”
Updates will be provided at www.hawaiielectriclight.com.
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Friends of Ka`u Libraries plan to sell T-shirts
and tote bags at Ka`u Coffee Festival
Ho`olaule`a. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIENDS OF KA`U LIBRARIES are preparing for the 2016 Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center on Saturday, May 21. They will be selling books, baked goods and FKL T-shirts and tote bags. They welcome donations of baked goods and volunteers to help that day.

Drop off baked items Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Package baked items and label if they contains fruits or nuts in case people may have a food allergy. For those who may not be able to bring baked items on Saturday, they may drop non-perishable items off at either Pahala or Na`alehu Libraries from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers are needed on the day of the sale: set-up 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.; sales 9 a.m. – 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; help sort and pack unsold books, 3 p.m.
Call Ann Fontes at 987-7448 to volunteer or for more information.

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

Scholarship money can be used for all college and vocational training and will range from $300 to $1,000. See kauchamber.org to download the application form. Call Lee McIntosh at 929-9872 with any questions.

Plan now to participate in Na`alehu's Independence Day Parade.
Photo by Peter Anderson

PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY for Na`alehu Independence Day Parade on July 2 at 11 a.m. The parade begins at Na`alehu Elementary School and ends at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. Anyone who would like to participate or donate can call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

CELEBRATE HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park’s and the National Park Service’s centennials during National Park Week with entry fees waived through Sunday.

HAUNANI’S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS presents a hula performance tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The all-Hawaiian group of kane and wahine kupuna range in ages from 70 to over 90 years old. For many years, on their own time, they have volunteered to welcome visitors on incoming cruise ships and at Hilo Airport to share the aloha spirit.

FAMILY READING NIGHT IS THURSDAY at Ocean View Community Center. The gathering begins at 5 p.m. For more information, call 939-7033.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA`U meets Thursday at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 929-9731 or 936-7262.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Marshallese coffee pickers have traditionally picked by the pound or bag, so they could take their time in the Ka`u Coffee fields, alternating between childcare and work. Photo by Julia Neal

EMPLOYMENT FOR THE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY is the subject of an effort by Ka`u residents and community groups. An assembly of coffee farmers, businesses, church and community members is hoping to help organize day care for Marshallese children, involving the Marshallese families as caregivers. Many Marshallese find it difficult to work, particularly in the coffee industry, with prohibitions on bringing children to job sites, explained Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda, one of the organizers of the effort. She said the Marshallese family is “a beautiful thing with family members often going to work sites together.”

Childcare for Marshallese workers is an initiative

of coffee farmers, businesses and nonprofits.

Photo by Maria Miranda

John Ah San, President of Palehua `Ohana Farmers Cooperative, explained that the effort is to also help Marshallese families and farmers meet labor laws, which require a minimum wage. Some Marshallese find it hard to earn minimum wages when they are taking care of children in the coffee fields at the same time as they are being paid by the pound or bag for picking coffee beans, he said. It sometimes takes them longer to pick than those without children at their sides.

Allowing coffee pickers to care for children in the fields while they are working can also lead to stiff federal fines for coffee farmers for labor law violations. In addition, coffee pickers need to either have their own business licenses or go on payroll with the coffee farmers or a labor pool organization hired by coffee farmers. Many of the coffee companies buying from Ka`u farmers also want assurance that workers are being paid and treated fairly, Ah San said.
In addition to Miranda Farms and Ah San, those helping are Ka`u Coffee farmer Lorie Obra and LDO, a coffee equipment company. Goodwill Industries and the Kohala Center are also helping out, Miranda said.
Many Ka`u Coffee pickers of the Marshallese community live in Ocean View and work for both Kona and Ka`u farmers. Kona Coffee farmers are also becoming involved, Ah San said.
The organizers plan several meetings with farmers, pickers, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
For more on the childcare effort, call Miranda at 936-3362, and for more on the labor situation, call Ah San at 938-6248.
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Lauren Moriguchi

HAWAI`I EXECUTIVE OFFICE on Early Learning is accepting applications for free pre-kindergarten classes for the 2016-17 school year. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, though priority will be given to families who apply by Friday, April 29.

The free classes are available to eligible children at Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary Schools, where need is greatest. The state-funded program serves children who qualify, based on federal poverty guidelines and age requirements.
“Many keiki in Hawai`i whose families can’t afford preschool may lag behind throughout their school years. All children should enter school ready and able to succeed,” said Lauren Moriguchi, director of the Executive Office on Early Learning.
To qualify, children must be four years old on or before July 31, 2016. Those interested in applying can download an application and obtain eligibility requirements at http://earlylearning.hawaii.gov/doe-eoel-prekindergarten-program/ or call 586-3811.
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NAMAKANIPAIO CAMPGROUND in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park reopens tomorrow. Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, which manages the campground under a concession contract for the park, will begin taking reservations immediately.

The popular campground has been closed since last September for the removal of large, falling and hazardous non-native eucalyptus trees in the area. Now that the trees have been removed, native tree species, including `ohi`a and koa, can flourish. The campground has a fresh, light and open look during the day. Mauna Loa is again visible, and at night, campers can enjoy a wider view of the sky, illuminated by stars and the glow from Halema`uma`u Crater’s lava lake. The Jaggar Museum observation deck, the closest vantage point to this eruption site, is an easy half-mile hike from Namakanipaio.

Namakanipaio cabins are in the clear after removal
of hazardous eucalyptus trees. Photo from NPS

“We mahalo the public for their patience while we ensure the campground is safe again,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We are delighted to reopen Namakanipaio during National Park Week and well ahead of summer.”
Namakanipaio, popular with local residents and visitors, is nestled near the summit of Kilauea volcano at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Established in the 1960s, today the campground features drive-in campsites for tent camping, restrooms, showers, barbecues and 10 rustic one-room A-frame cabins. The cabins have bunk beds and can sleep four.
Rates for tent camping are $15 a night, and the A-frame cabins start at $50 per night for Hawai`i residents. To make reservations, contact Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company at 808-756-9625, or see http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/cabins-campsites/. Park entrance fees of $15 per vehicle, good for seven days, apply.
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The U.S. Senate passed legislation that includes funding expansion
of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

THE U.S. SENATE TODAY VOTED 85-12 to pass legislation that includes funding expansion of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Energy Policy Modernization Act supports federal conservation efforts by making the Land and Water Conservation Fund permanent. Over the past 50 years, Hawai`i has received nearly $200 million in LWCF support to preserve various ecosystems throughout state. Land acquisitions for Hawai`i’s Collaborative Landscape Proposal, Island Forests at Risk, which were included in both of President Obama’s most recent budgets and are funded by LWCF, would go toward the expansion.

The wide-ranging legislation prioritizes innovation, energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. If enacted, it would be the most comprehensive update to federal energy law since 2007.
“Since Congress last passed a comprehensive energy bill in 2007, we have seen remarkable progress on the renewable energy and energy efficiency fronts, including Hawai`i’s leadership in setting a goal of generating our state’s power from 100 percent renewable energy sources,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “I’m proud to have shaped this bill as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and to see it through on the Senate floor today. … The Energy Policy Modernization Act is a true compromise that lays out a path to a clean energy future by prioritizing funding to grow sources of clean energy, updating and protecting our energy infrastructure and protecting the environment.”
The bill includes an amendment introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz that would authorize increased funding for energy science and technology research. The amendment expands funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, an agency within the Department of Energy tasked with funding energy technology projects that help the United States compete and prosper.

Several retailers now carry a new book
on local history.

“This is the first comprehensive energy bill in nearly a decade, and it is a positive step toward modernizing our energy system,” Schatz said. “We have an opportunity to build on this momentum and make revolutionary changes in clean energy.”

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IMAGES OF AMERICA: KA`U DISTRICT is now available for purchase at retail locations. The book by historians Dennis and the late Marge Elwell, of Discovery Harbour, tells a story in pictures, many which have never been published.

The book is available at Ka`u Coffee Mill, Kahuku Gift and Garden shop in Ocean View, Basically Books in Hilo, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Gift Shop and Jagger Museum store.
The book is also available at 888-313-2665 or arcadiapublishing.com.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOLDS ITS seventh annual Manuka Natural Area Reserve cleanup with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources on Saturday, April 30. This is a small cleanup that takes volunteers to a unique landscape that includes anchialine pools, lava fields and old cinder cones. Previous cleanup experience is recommended, and volunteers need to be able to walk at least a mile in each direction.

Email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more information. Space is limited, so RSVP soon.

HWF also invites Ka`u residents to the free 28th annual Earth Day Fair at University of Hawai`i-Hilo on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. HWF will host an outreach booth and share keiki activities and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

A PHARMACY AT BAY CLINIC in Na`alehu is ready to open. The clinic has partnered with Walgreens to provide care to patients by offering various discounted medications. No paperwork or applications are necessary. “Save time, money and gas and have your medications delivered at your provider’s office,” said Administrator Diane Kramer.

The kickoff event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday features free healthy refreshements and free promotional items by Walgreens.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees through Sunday.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Reopening of Namakanipaio Campground has been delayed to to unforeseen issues with the electrical system. See more below. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I ISLAND LED THE STATE with 48.7 percent of customers’ energy use met by renewable resources in 2015, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. reported. For all its customers in the state, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported 23.2 percent, which far exceeded Hawai`i’s 2015 goal of 15 percent. The state’s diverse mix of renewable resources includes biomass, geothermal photovoltaic, hydro, wind and biofueled generation. It also includes customer-sited, grid-connected technologies, primarily photovoltaic systems.

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Shaira Panganiban Badua

Renewable portfolio standard targets for the state are 30 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2030, 70 percent by 2040 and 100 percent by 2045.

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MISS KA`U COFFEE CANDIDATES are practicing often to prepare their talents, their smarts and their beauty for the judges and the public at the pageant on Saturday, May 14 at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Candidates for Miss Ka`u Coffee are 18-year-old Ka`u High School senior Shaira Panganiban Badua, daughter of Mario and Lucia Badua, of Pahala; 17-year-old Ka`u High School student Jami Beck, daughter of James and Sharon Beck, of Na`alehu; 21-year-old University of Hawai`i-Hilo student Casey Koi, daughter of Corey and Connie Koi of Pahala; and 22-year-old University of Hawai`i student Rochelle Koi, daughter of Rory Koi, of Na`alehu and Michelle Ortega, of Pahala.
Pageant Director Trini Marques said that “the opening number will be a sizzling dance routine to the Bruno Mars hit song Uptown Funk.” It features 2015 Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda with all of the girls.
Tickets are available from the candidates and at Punalu`u Bake Shop and Shaka’s Restaurant.
See Miss Ka`u Coffee Junior Miss and Peaberry candidates in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs.
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THE STATE’S APPOINTMENT of a judge to a contested case hearing about the Thirty Meter Telescope is being challenged. John Burnett reported in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald that Richard Naiwieha Wurdeman, representing Mauna Kea Anaina Hou and others, filed an objection with the state Board of Land & Natural Resources because the process “circumvented his clients and the public.”

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate Jamie Beck

“We believe that … the board was required to hold a public hearing to determine, under the rules, whether the board was going to conduct a contested case hearing or if it was going to delegate that function to a hearing officer, at which point, the board would then authorize the chair to begin the selection process. That public hearing was never held,” Wurdeman told Burnett.

Wurdeman also said in the filing that retired Hilo Circuit Court Judge Riki May Amano failed to disclose family membership to `Imiloa Astronomy Center.
“The fact is that they’re part of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, and UH-Hilo is a party to the action,” Wurdeman said. “She’s a dues-paying member to a party in an action. We feel that’s at least an appearance of a conflict, to say the least.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ JOINED three colleagues in urging the Department of Commerce to take steps to leverage the connecting of technologies known as the Internet of Things for the benefit of consumers, businesses and the government.

In a joint letter to the Department of Commerce, the senators expressed their concern that U.S. agencies may not be taking a holistic view of how to facilitate and regulate the Internet of Things. In their letter, they suggest this could result in conflicting requirements by different agencies and an overall lack of collaboration to promote and regulate the IoT.

“To the extent the federal government must take concrete steps to leverage the emerging IoT for the benefit of our country, we urge strong attention be paid to proposals that shed light on how we can better work across sectors and agencies to reap the full benefits of the IoT,” the senators wrote.

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate Casey Koi

The bipartisan group of senators became concerned about a lack of inter-agency cooperation regarding the IoT while co-authoring the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things Act, which was introduced last month. The DIGIT Act would address these concerns by requiring relevant agencies to hold discussions and generate recommendations for Congress on ways to foster inter-agency collaboration that would help protect consumers while also enabling innovation in the Internet of Things.

In their letter, the senators highlighted that a comprehensive strategy could move the U.S. forward and provide the country with the opportunity to lead in the emerging space of the IoT. Additionally, they urge that special attention be given to proposals that shed light on how the government can better work across sectors and agencies to reap the benefits of the IoT.
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DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES with the electrical system, Namakanipaio Campground in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will not reopen today as reported yesterday. Hopefully it will reopen in a week. “We apologize for the inconvenience,” a statement from the park said.

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TWAIN MEETS TITA on Wednesday, May 4 at Kilauea Military Camp Theater. Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network’s show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i, featuring Kathy Collins and McAvoy Layne.

Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate Rochelle Koi

This powerful show could well be subtitled, Satire Meets Attitude, said Suzi Bond, of KDEN. Employing wit, wisdom and humor, the Island Tita of 2016 attempts to drag the Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope into the 21st century. Where Twain’s price of land on Maui was as little as one dollar an acre, Tita insists that dollar today will get you “not even one bag sand.”
In honor of Mother’s Day, as an added attraction at no extra cost, Collins and Lane will read from The Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Layne has portrayed Mark Twain for the past 28 years in over 4,000 performances from Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City to Leningrad University in Russia. He is the ghost of Samuel Clemens in The DiscoveryChannel’s Cronkite Award-winning documentary, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and has received numerous awards for his portrayals, including the Nevada Award for Excellence in School and Library Service.
Collins began performing on stage at the age of 13 and started her broadcast career at 17. Raised on Maui, she often calls on her pidgin-speaking alter ego Tita during her weekly storytelling sessions at Makena Resort and frequent appearances at schools and libraries. Collins and Tita have performed at festivals across the U.S. and Canada, including the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Project in New York City.
Reunited 40 years after their Maui radio days, Layne and Collins sparkle with comic chemistry, tickling your fancy and touching your heart.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Reservations may be made by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com.

BAY CLINIC HOLDS a kickoff event for its new pharmacy tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features free healthy refreshments and free promotional items by Walgreens.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees through Sunday.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. KMC invites residents to experience how the facility supports America’s troops by visiting during National Park Week. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Hawai`i Island is a center for Earth science research, with Mauna Loa Observatory located in Ka`u.
NASA Photo by Astronaut Rex J. Walheim

THIS IS EARTH DAY, and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Mauna Loa Observatory recently announced that a record annual increase of carbon dioxide was observed in 2015, the largest year-to-year increase in 56 years of research. “Carbon dioxide levels are increasing faster than they have in hundreds of thousands of years,” researcher Pieter Tans said. “It’s explosive compared to natural processes.”

Mauna Loa Observatory reported a record increase
in carbon dioxide. Photo from MLO

According to Tans, the last time the Earth experienced such a sustained CO2 increase was between 17,000 and 11,000 years ago, when levels increased by 80 parts per million. Today’s rate of increase is 200 times faster.

According to Henry Curtis, director of environmental group Life of the Land, fossil fuels are the number one causer of climate change, pollution and global health impacts. Energy accounts for 10 percent of global gross domestic products. He said that according to the International Monetary Fund, costs of fixing damage from fossil fuel account for another six percent of global GDP.

“Every day of the year is Earth Day, as the new saying goes,” Hawai`i Wildlife Management Organization wrote in its Earth Day message. “And there is no doubt that we should appreciate and malama the `aina each and every day.

“However, Earth Day is an opportune time for us to take a minute to pause for celebration of the remarkable lands and waters that make up the Hawaiian Islands and to thank all of you - our partners, volunteers, staff, Board of Directors, Technical Advisors and followers - for helping protect our natural resources. We look forward to continue working with you to ensure Hawai`i’s vibrant communities and ecosystems thrive for generations to come.”
HWMO is dedicated to education, outreach and technical assistance, project implementation and research focused on wildfire prevention, mitigation and post-fire recovery in Hawai`i and the Pacific. Find out ways to be involved by checking its Upcoming Events page at hawaiiwildfire.org.

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Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Karlee Fukunaga Camba

JUNIOR MISS KA`U COFFEE candidates, who will be competing on Saturday, May 15 at Ka`u Coffee Mill, are 15-year-old Ka`u High student Karlee Fukunaga Camba, daughter of Keala and Justine Camba, of Pahala; 11-year-old Ka`u Middle School student Calaysa Koi, daughter of Corey and Connie Koi, of Pahala; 15-year-old Ka`u Middle School student Lyric Oliveiros, daughter of Junior and Saydi Llanes; and 14-year-old Ka`u Middle School student Helena Nihipali-Sesson, daughter of Guy Sesson and Sherraine Nihipali-Sesson, of Pahala, and Bradford and Jadelyn Moses, of Pahala.

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KA`U RANCHERS AND FARMERS will be covered under legislation designed to preserve use of state water sources. The question remaining in the state House and Senate, however, is whether to include former sugar plantation and land developer Alexander & Baldwin regarding water for its land on Maui. On Maui, there is a court order to require A&B to put water, which it formerly piped off for the now defunct sugar company, back into streams for wildlife and such agricultural and cultural pursuits as taro farming.

Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Kalaysa Koi

A&B, for whom the bill was originally written, according to environmental and Native Hawaiian concerns, has asked to be included in the bill and promised this week to restore water to eight streams for taro farming. At the request of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau, several Ka`u ranchers and farmers flew to Honolulu to testify in favor of protecting their state water licenses, fearing they could lose theirs if A&B’s was cancelled.
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MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation are recognizing Earth Day.

“One of my first jobs more than 25 years ago, when I was a very young man, was as the Volunteer Coordinator for the 25th anniversary of Earth Day,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “For me it was incredible – I grew up with a passion for Hawai`i’s environment, in the ocean and the mountains, but I hadn’t figured out how exactly I was going to positively contribute. On a personal level, I got to work among people who were my environmental idols – Gary Gill, Mike Wilson, Steve Montgomery – the people who fought inappropriate development at Sandy Beach, who worked to preserve Hawai`i’s biodiversity.

Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Lyric Oliveiros

“So when Earth Day comes around, I think about the start of my environmental career, which continues as I fight climate change in the Senate. But for a whole country, Earth Day was the awakening of an environmental movement which resulted in the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the bedrock of our environmental laws.

“You know the fight continues, in the Congress and locally. But it will always depend on you. It was citizens that made the first Earth Day happen. It was a movement that resulted in better environmental protections in federal law.
“And it’s still that way today. I need you in the fight, pushing our public leaders to take seriously their obligation to take care of our one and only home, our Earth.”

Hawai`i’s state motto, Ua Mau ke Ea o ka `Aina i ka Pono: The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness, “perfectly encapsulates the meaning of Earth Day and reminds us that we need to take action to protect our land and water,” Rep Tulsi Gabbard said. “To preserve and protect the `aina, we must conserve our precious, limited natural resources and promote sustainable practices, not just today, but every day.”

Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate
Helena Nihipali-Sesson

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CO-INTRODUCED legislation to fully fund President Obama’s $1.9 billion funding request to fight the Zika virus.
“In Hawai`i, the threat of the Zika virus remains a major public health concern, especially as we approach the summer months,” Hirono said. “Five cases of the Zika virus have already been reported in our state, and given what we know about Zika, we must face this head on instead of taking a piecemeal approach to preparing our families, health care workers and providers, and communities. When I last spoke to Secretary (of Health and Human Services Sylvia) Burwell, she agreed that we need to act swiftly to fight the Zika virus. Our legislation would do just that by robustly funding vaccine development, including the work of Hawai`i Biotech, education, health care and vector control programs.”
The legislation would fund essential programs that expand diagnostic testing and treatment capacity; increase education, especially for pregnant women and healthcare providers; improve health services and support for pregnant women; and enhance vector programs in affected areas. To date, more than 800 Americans and residents of American territories have been infected with the Zika virus.
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Hawai`i Island is currently clear of dengue fever risk, according
to the state Department of Health.

THE OUTLOOK FOR THE CURRENT dengue fever outbreak continues to be favorable, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported. The end of the infectious period or time that the last confirmed case may have been in a state of illness and able to transmit the virus to mosquitoes was March 27.

Although there have not been any reports of infected cases over the past nearly four weeks, community vigilance and continued support of Fight the Bite efforts are encouraged. “With everyone’s help and participation, this outbreak can be brought to an end,” Civil Defense said.
To prevent mosquito bites, wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent on skin that cannot be covered and avoid areas of high mosquito concentration during early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.
To support home and business owners in cleaning and removing potential breeding areas, the county is extending weekend transfer station hours through April. All transfer stations islandwide will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN CELEBRATE Earth Day in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, which waives entry fees today through Sunday.

Malolo returns to Miloli`i tomorrow. Photo from Pa`a Pono o Miloli`i

MALOLO RETURNS TO MILOLI`I tomorrow. Pa`a Pono Miloli`i invites Ka`u residents to Miloli`i Fishing Village for the arrival and return home of the koa racing canoe, which has been restored under the direction of Bill Rosehill, who is training the next generation of apprentice canoe builders in South Kona.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with traditional Hawaiian protocol and a blessing ceremony. Lunch follows with fellowship as residents welcome home not only the Malolo but her sister canoe the Nai`a, both fully restored to racing and competition condition.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.

Learn about `ohi`a lehua Sunday. Photo from NPS

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during this one-hour program, which is an easy, one-mile or less walk. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. See nps.gov/havo.

ON SUNDAY, THE LAST DAY of National Park Week, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will host National Park Rx Day, a community health initiative to “prescribe” time in parks to promote wellness. Park rangers and Dr. Craig Kadooka lead an easy, one-mile roundtrip hike of upper `Iliahi Trail. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai. The first 200 walkers receive a reusable water bottle and fresh fruit. Hawaiian practitioners Edna and Sam Baldado demonstrate the heath benefits of kalo, and Ka`ohu Monfort shares how Hawaiians use plants to heal and cure. HMSA will also provide a table with health information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.html.

National Park Week continues through tomorrow, with free entry to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. See more below. Photo from NPS

RURAL HEALTH AT WORK in Our Communities was the theme of Ka`u Rural Health Community Association’s 19th annual general membership meeting and conference on Friday, April 15 at Pahala Community Center.

Ka`u Rural Health Community Association's new board and staff
are, in front, Jessie Marques, Stacyn Lopez, Shawnetter Navarro,
Mahealani Taganas and Donna Kekoa. In back are Theresa Richardson
and Devin Navarro. Missing is Tracey Andrade. Photo from KRHCAI

Newly elected Board of Directors and staff are Jessie Marques, Stacyn Lopez, Shawnetter Navarro, Mahealani Taganas, Donna Kekoa, Theresa Richardson, Delvin Navarro and Tracy Andrade.

Five Community Health Worker Program Scholarships of $1,000 each went to the organization’s program students Stacyn Lopez, Resa Salmo, Daniel Mokiao, Nicole Moore and Sunshine Kahapea. The scholarships were funded by the Alu Like Employment & Training Program.
Hawai`i Department of Health’s Office of Program, Planning & Policy provided five more scholarships for Betty Jo Adams, Donna Kekoa, Terri Scott, Annabelle Stone and Lauren Wong Yuen.
KRHCAI founder Jessie Marques presented certificates from Hawai`i legislators and Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi to KRHCAI President Donna Kekoa.
Conference attendees heard presentations from representatives of Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, USDA Rural Business & Development Grant Programs, Commission on the Status of Women, Alu Like, Ka`u Intermediate & High School Health Occupation Students of America and Hawai`i County Office of Aging/Aging & Disabilities Resource Center.
Attendees received free blood pressure and vision screenings.
For more, see krhcai.com and Ka`u Rural Health Community Association’s Facebook page. Call 928-0101.
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Miss Peaberry candidate Khloe Moses

KEIKI WAHINE FROM SIX TO NINE years old are participating in Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant’s Miss Peaberry category on Saturday, May 14. They join Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates on stage at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 6 p.m.

Miss Peaberry candidates are six-year-old Pahala Elementary School Kindergartener Khloe Moses, daughter of Jack and Brenda Moses, of Pahala; eight-year-old Pahala Elementary School student Jazmyn Navarro, daughter of Jonathan and Jennifer Navarro, of Pahala; and nine-year-old Pahala Elementary School student Chazlynn Pua Queja, daughter of Chad Queja and Jerilyn Pua, of Pahala.

HOMELESSNESS CONTINUES to be a focus at county, state and federal levels
Gov. David Y. Ige signed a fourth supplemental proclamation on homelessness, which will remain in effect until late June. The supplemental proclamation allows the state to continue its coordinated efforts with the counties to create short- and long-term housing projects statewide.
Under the most recent extension, the proclamation cut the development time by up to a year for units specifically dedicated to homeless persons. There are three such housing projects currently underway.

Miss Peaberry candidate Jazmyn Navarro

“Extending the proclamation will continue the momentum,” said Scott Morishige, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “It’s the right thing to do. When we consider the number of homeless individuals in our state, we must employ every tool at our disposal to connect these people to homes as quickly as possible. This is a statewide issue which affects nearly everyone.”

Since October 2015, the emergency proclamation has temporarily suspended laws that impede or are detrimental to rapid and efficient execution of emergency functions.
Projects currently underway include the following a 32-unit permanent supporting housing project by Hawai`i County in Kona.
U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, legislation that will provide key funding for programs to support Native Hawaiian housing and address homelessness. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, worked to ensure more homeless assistance funds go to states with a greater need for housing resources. He also worked to include $5 million in funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program and additional resources for affordable housing programs in Hawai`i and across the country.

Miss Peaberry candidate Chazlynn Pua Queja

“Homelessness and affordable housing are major challenges for us in Hawai`i, and this bill increases federal resources the state can use to help families access safe, affordable housing,” Schatz said. “Hawai`i will need the federal government to remain a strong partner in the effort to combat homelessness, and this bill is a good start. It provides funding for housing assistance including veterans housing vouchers, shelters, supportive housing and homelessness service providers.”

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VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES Middle School classes present Theater Night Spring 2016 on Thursday, May 5. Each class performs a one-act play with a comic theme.
Sixth grade offers Poultry in Motion by Patrick Rainville Dorn. The fractured fable scrambles the stories of Chicken Little, who believes the sky is falling, and the Little Red Hen, who tries to get her feather-brained friends to stop loafing around and bake some bread. Meanwhile, Foxy Loxy is lurking nearby Young MacDonald’s Free-Range Poultry Farm, hoping to snatch some chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys for an afternoon buffet.

Seventh grade takes on the humorous murder mystery No Body to Murder by Edith Weiss. Bad news, in the form of severe thunderstorms and an escaped convict, threatens the guests at the Come On Inn of Nova Scotia. By the end of the day, gung-ho aerobics instructor Billie Body is mysteriously murdered during a power outage. Was it the cook’s lemonade that poisoned her, or did someone else have a hand in Body’s death? Inspector Black, on the scene in search of the escaped convict, has his job cut out for him. Suspicions range from Garth the gardener, who weeds with an axe, to an inept doctor on holiday from malpractice suits, to a hairdresser who constantly changes her appearance. Everyone has a hidden motive to want Billie Body dead.

In their final performance for VSAS, eighth-grade students perform After Hours by Kevin Stone. All is quiet on the storefront as the owner of a small clothing shop locks up for the night. Little does she know that when the lights go out, activity in her store really picks up. Two lively mannequins, LuAnn and Patty, have been waiting all day for a chance to loosen up. When they discover fellow mannequin Danny in a mistakenly delivered crate, the night really gets interesting. He not only gets out of his box, he thinks outside the box when a pair of bungling burglars breaks in.
To find out how these zany plots resolve, head to Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Curtain is at 6 p.m. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted.
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LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. See nps.gov/havo.

Learn about the health benefits of kalo tomorrow. Photo from NPS

TOMORROW IS NATIONAL PARK Rx DAY, a community health initiative to “prescribe” time in parks to promote wellness.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Park rangers and Dr. Craig Kadooka lead an easy, one-mile roundtrip hike of upper `Iliahi Trail. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai. The first 200 walkers receive a reusable water bottle and fresh fruit. Hawaiian practitioners Edna and Sam Baldado demonstrate the health benefits of kalo, and Ka`ohu Monfort shares how Hawaiians use plants to heal and cure. HMSA will also provide a table with health information.
National Park Week ends tomorrow, with free entry to the park continuing today and tomorrow.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST CONTINUES with performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. a week from today on Saturday, April 30. The shows at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village feature the Jazz guitar artistry of Curt Warren and Grammy-nominated guitarist Reggie Griffin with Volcano Art Center’s Jazz Ensemble.
Tickets are $20 for VAC members and $25 for non-members for both shows. Ticket holders will be able to purchase wine and Volcano Red Ale and Mauna Kea Pale Ale from Mehana Brewing Company before each performance.
Tickets are available at volcanoartcenter.org, VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2016.pdf.

Rep. Richard Creagan, Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele and Council member Maile David welcomed the koa canoe, Malolo, back to Miloli`i.
Photo from Maile David

MILOLI`I YESTERDAY WELCOMED the return of their koa wa`a (canoe), the Malolo, with a blessing and feast. Built in Miloli`i in the 1920s, the Malolo is one of the oldest and most storied koa racing canoes in Hawai`i. Many current members of Miloli`i Canoe Club had grandparents who paddled on the Malolo in the 1930s. The Malolo also won and set the record at the 1954 Moloka`i Channel race.

Canoe paddling is a longtime tradition for Miloli`i `ohana.
Photo from Miloli`i Canoe Club

Hoe wa`a (canoe paddling) has been a longtime tradition for the families of the fishing village of Miloli`i. The kupuna of this tiny village paddled in numerous canoe regattas and long distance races, and many owe their physical strength to paddling their own personal `opelu canoe on a daily basis to fish for `opelu to feed their family and community.

In 2015, after 81 years, the newly formed Miloli`i Canoe Club, with the help of Pa`a Pono Miloli`i, returned to the water with a total of 22 paddlers, many of whom have lineage to those past kupuna of the village.

Both the Novice B men’s and women’s teams dominated the water course throughout the 2015 canoe regatta season which gave them berth into the 2015 HCRA State Races held in Hilo. Hard work and dedication by each paddler and supporter of the canoe club paid off.

“The King Kamehameha Day race was the most exciting,” said Miloli`i native Laila Kaupu. “We had lane one with the worst swells coming in against Kailua pier. We still won gold in both the women’s and men’s team races.”

The season also featured a number of open water distance races. Frank Durao, who moved to Miloli`i from California and is operating a macnut and coffee farm, likes the longer races. “We raced in the Queen Lili`uokalani Race,” he said. “The women paddled from Kailua pier to Honaunau, which is eighteen miles, and then the men paddled back. There were over 100 wa`a from all over the Pacific. In a race like that, you learn to feel the rhythm of everyone paddling together. You can feel the single motion of the wa`a moving forward with each stroke.”

Miloli`i Canoe Club paddlers celebrate a victory.
Photo from Pa`a Pono Miloli`i

In its second year, the Miloli`i Canoe Club aims to not only build participation in the club but to also build the community that fuels the club. “We hope the history and cultural practice of paddling will boost the morale of the village,” said Lei Kaupu, “and motivate the paddlers to strive and work harder and inspire the future generation to continue on in the practice of their kupuna.”

Nohea Kaiaokamalie, 2015 president of canoe club, agreed. “Paddling a canoe is the true Hawaiian sport,” she said. “It is ingrained in us. Even if it has been gone for a generation in Miloli`i, we can still find it.”
The canoe club has brought together a wide community of paddlers. In the wa`a, participants may find themselves paddling with a fisherman, an ethnobotanist, a farmer, a minister, an emergency room doctor, a grandmother or someone from as far away as Vermont. They all become “part of the family here. Our small club is very welcoming, and people learn quickly. Only a few of us paddled when we were young,” said Didja Llanes, head coach of Miloli`i Canoe Club.
Before the fall of 2014, Amoe Taetuna hadn’t paddled before, but after a few weeks as the club began to train, she was asked to take the steering seat and captain the women’s boat in the 2015 Pa`a Pono Miloli`i Ocean Fest. “It just came naturally to me,” she said. “I know the feeling of the water – the currents, the wind, the waves. I grew up on the water. Now as captain, I want to share this with the crew. I like to talk to them and motivate them. We are all learning together.”
Miloli`i Canoe Club welcomes new members to practices on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. The wa`a are launched at the southern end of Miloli`i village, and paddles are provided.
For more information, contact Didja Llanes at 345-6738 or Nohea Kaiaokamalie at 937-9333 and nkaiaokamalie@gmail.com. Sponsorships and donations are welcomed.
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Ka`u's state Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Richard Creagan, in blue
shirts, joined other members of the Hemp Caucus who all wore
hemp shirts to celebrate Earth Day. Photo from Sen. Ruderman

KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN announced that he is running for re-election.

“My main issues are to preserve our good life on the Big Island and in our district,” Creagan said. One focus of Creagan’s is improving schools. He said he hopes to have capital improvement projects funded at several schools for various projects.
“My biggest effort will be in working on a plan for the West Hawai`i University Hospital, which will hopefully be sited on or near the Palamanui campus across from the Kona Airport,” he said.
“Providing land and water for our small farmers as well as more outlets for their produce is also a major issue for me,” he said. “Exploring the conversion of some of our more marginal agricultural land to rural designation is also something I want to explore during the campaign ahead.”
Creagan, along with Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who previously announced his candidacy, is a member of the Legislature’s Hemp Caucus. Members celebrated Earth Day yesterday by wearing their hemp shirts. Ruderman said members expect a hemp bill to pass this year, after years of effort.
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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PROVIDE INPUT on Hawai`i Department of Education’s review and extension of its joint Strategic Plan. The plan, which was last updated in 2012, is a combined effort to further develop comprehensive strategies focused on three foundational goals of quality education: Student Success, Staff Success and Successful Systems of Support. Public input is essential for revisions and updates that will be included in the development of the 2017-2020 extension of the Joint DOE/BOE Strategic Plan.

Hawai`i Department of Education seeks input
on its Strategic Plan. Image from HIDOE

“Over the past five years, we’ve experienced great progress in our public school system and our schools,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “To help all students reach their aspirations, we are taking a close look at lessons learned and ongoing challenges.”

Notable progress includes reduction of chronic absenteeism, improvement in high school-level academic achievements and increasing college enrollments. The number of high school students taking college-level courses for dual credit, for example, rose four percentage points between the graduating classes of 2013 and 2015. The number of graduates enrolled in college also rose by six percentage points between 2010 and 2015.
HIDOE is seeking input from students, teachers, school leaders and community partners to help define student success and support student aspirations. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the revised Strategic Plan for presentation to BOE in December 2016.
Tammi Chun, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, said, “The passage of the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, is a critical opportunity to reconsider our current strategies and indicators for success.”
ESSA, which replaces No Child Left Behind, provides more flexibility to states to direct their own educational strategies to support states’ goals, while keeping several federal requirements tied to funding in place. The Strategic Plan sets the vision for Hawai`i’s public school system, supported with strategies and objectives for the state's students, educators and schools. The BOE approved the review and extension at its General Business Meeting on January 19.
The public can provide input in several ways. Take the survey through May 31 at the Strategic Plan community conversation blog, where you can also leave a post with ideas for students and schools: hiqualityed.tumblr.com. Email input directly to StrategicPlan@notes.k12.hi.us or mail to Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, PO Box 2360, Honolulu, HI, 96804. Join the conversation on social media with #HIQualityEd.
For more information about the review and extension effort, see bit.ly/DOEBOEstratplan.
The DOE will work collaboratively with a separate effort announced by Gov. David Ige on April 14 to form an ESSA team, comprised of 17 individuals, which plans to hold an education summit and town hall meetings.
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Pete Hoffmann

NATIONAL PARK WEEK ENDS TODAY. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees.

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYORAL CANDIDATE Pete Hoffmann meets with Ka`u residents tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. He plans a short, 10-minute presentation and will answer questions. “Bring issues,” he said. Pupus, water and soft drinks will be provided.

See more about Hoffmann's campaign at friendsofpetehoffmann.com.

WHAT MAKES A SPECIES INVASIVE? Ecologist David Benitez answers that question and discusses some of the most unwanted species in the park, Hawai`i and around the world at After Dark in the Park, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Attendees learn what they can do to stop their spread. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Volcano Art Center exhibits Up Close, a collection of bird portraits by Marian Berger, including `I`iwi, beginning Saturday, April 30. See more below. Image from VAC

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION seeks testimony on plans to install a substation and high-voltage overhead line across Hwy 11 to support a proposed solar farm in Hawaiian Ranchos.

Hawai`i Electric Light Co. and the state Consumer Advocate have agreed on a schedule of dates in the PUC’s decision-making process. The schedule is published in Docket 2015-0229. The Consumer Advocate has until May 18 to file Supplemental Information Requests to HELCO and the solar developer. These requests will be partly based on objections raised by members of the public who have submitted public comments to the docket. After receiving answers from HELCO no later than June 1, the Consumer Advocate will announce its Statement of Position on or before June 29.

Ka`u residents can testify on a plan to install an overhead high-voltage
line across Hwy 11 to connect a substation to the grid.
Map from HELCO application to PUC

The line and substation are proposed for a site next to the Kohala Blvd entrance to Ranchos, across the highway from Ocean View’s King Kamehameha Blvd. It would be in view of homes and a Thai restaurant. HELCO’s application is to serve the 6.75-megawatt project that SPI Solar, an international corporation based in Shanghai, plans to install on 25 housing lots in three Ocean View subdivisions.

“HELCO has to justify its request for these very ugly and unnecessary structures,” Ranchos resident Ed NeSmith explained in his testimony. “The more objections we can file, the harder HELCO has to work to overcome them. HELCO will have to work hard to convince the Consumer Advocate that the project is needed, given that there is a surplus of daytime power on the Big Island, and every day, good green power from wind and solar is ‘curtailed’ or not used.”

Phillis May testified, “HELCO will be hard-pressed to make a case that the high rates that HELCO must pay SPI will not drive up the cost of power to all of us on the island. Currently, HELCO charges most retail customers 28.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Although HELCO has no contract, the feed-in-tariff program mandates that HELCO must pay the developer 23.6 cents per kWh. When HELCO marks this up, our rates will go up, too. This is not a good deal for the ratepayer. I paid 11.5 cents per kWh when I lived in the Bay Area.”

SPI's proposed solar project would require a substation and high-voltage
overhead power line across Hwy 11. Image from SPI

“HELCO will have to admit that this project is not legal in that it produces more than five megawatts of power,” retired physicist Peter Bosted said. “It should never have been allowed in the FIT program, which was intended for farmers and ranchers. If SPI Solar wants to sell power from a utility-sized installation, SPI must negotiate a Power Purchase Agreement.

“I hope the Consumer Advocate will look long and hard at all the public comments that have been sent in. Many of them are excellent and really hit the nail on the head. Others paint a picture of residents dismayed at having their neighborhood industrialized.”
To date, public comments have been overwhelming in opposition to HELCO’s proposal. The PUC received testimony opposing the project from the following individuals and organizations (in chronological order): Kerstin Mueller, Janice Hazen, Phillis May, Thomas Kraft, Mats Fogelvik, Lester Lowe, Kimberly Calverase, Ron Gall, Ed NeSmith, Sandra Mayville, Donald G. Hatch, Ronald Biggs, Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corporation, Gary Kneeland, Hoda Hanfy, Jay Hibbard, Karen P. Pucci, Peter and Ann Bosted (with petition signed by 635 people), Janeen Marie, Ka‘ū’s state Representative Richard Creagan, John & Rosemarie O’Connor, Ross Metzger and Ruth Garza. Also, on Feb. 26, a list of Ranchos property owners’ responses to a mid-August letter mailed by Hawaiian Ranchos Community Association’s board was filed.
Only two testifiers have supported the project: Jim Houston and Patrick McCormick Lee.
To view public comments and other documents, see http://dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms/. Type the docket number, 2015-0229, in the Docket Quick Link box and click on go. Then click the Documents tab. Documents are filed chronologically. Each document can be opened by clicking on the icon next to the date.
Public comments can be submitted at puc.comments@hawaii.gov, with the docket number in the subject line. Public comments can also be mailed to the commission at 465 S. King Street, 1st Floor, Honolulu HI 96813, with recipients Chair Randy Iwase and Commissioners Lorraine Akiba and Michael Champley named in the letter.
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Gov. David Ige

OBTAINING A HAWAI`I DRIVER’S LICENSE will be easier for certain foreign citizens after Gov. David Ige signs a bill today.

SB 2934 SD2 enables implementation of reciprocal driver’s licenses with foreign jurisdictions by allowing the state Director of Transportation to waive written tests for applicants with recognized licenses.
The bill also requires all driver’s licenses to include a photograph of the licensee, in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.
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GET UP CLOSE TO HAWAI`I’S endemic birds. Volcano Art Center Gallery’s new exhibition opening Saturday, April 30 features Marian Berger’s dramatic, close-up watercolor portraits of native birds. Born in Limerick, Ireland, the daughter of a meteorologist, Berger spent her early childhood on Wake Island and in Alaska, where she acquired her father’s love of science, her mother’s artistic bent and her parents’ mutual love of the outdoors. She focused on abstract painting in her earliest endeavors until she took a class in representational drawing at Humboldt State University. After graduating with a degree in wildlife management, Berger moved to Hawai‘i Island in 1976.

Palila, one of Marian Berger's portraits.
Image from VAC

Berger had her first one-woman show at VAC Gallery and has had several since. In 1987, she created a series of paintings of Hawai`i’s endangered birds and plants for Aston Kaua`i Resort. An edition of 2,000 prints was published, and proceeds from the sales were given to Hawai‘i Nature Conservancy. In 1988, she painted a number of watercolors presented to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and U.S. Rep. Daniel Akaka for their contributions in preserving Hawai‘i’s native wildlife. In 2009 and 2010, she won top honors for her entries in the Hawai`i Nei Art Contest celebrating native species. In 2006, she was commissioned to paint Living Endemic Birds of Hawai`i, a series of Audubon-style paintings which she completed in 2011. Following its success and the awareness and financial support the exhibition provided to Hawai`i’s Endangered Bird Recovery Programs, discussion on a follow-up project began. Berger’s stunning watercolor close-up of an `i`iwi inspired this new Up Close collection, which then took her more than three years to complete.

Continuing in the spirit of John James Audubon’s style, the paintings featured in this collection are presented in classic double-elephant folio size measuring 26 inches by 39.5 inches. “At this scale, the viewer has no choice but to be Up Close and intimate with these special birds, observing details that we would never get to see otherwise,” said gallery manager Emily C. Weiss. Weiss also mentioned that this exhibit begins a series of programs and events benefiting San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai`i’s Endangered Bird Recovery Program, including re-introduction of the Hawaiian ‘alalā this fall.
The exhibit runs through June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to the public and free of charge; park entrance fees apply.

For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.

Meet Pete Hoffmann this evening. Portrait by
Kira Kamamalu from Hoffmann

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYORAL CANDIDATE Pete Hoffmann meets with Ka`u residents today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

See more about Hoffmann’s campaign at friendsofpetehoffmann.com.

ECOLOGIST DAVID BENITEZ DISCUSSES some of the most unwanted species in the park, Hawai`i and around the world at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LEARN HOW TO CREATE designs on a bamboo stamp and make nose flutes. Staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and National Park Service rangers share their knowledge and love of two of Hawai`i’s popular traditional arts Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Coffee & Cattle Day, one of several Ka`u Coffee Festival events, includes hayrides through the verdant fields of Aikane Plantation.
Photo by Jesse Tunison/ Ka`u Coffee Festival

MORE DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED about the next month’s Ka`u Coffee Festival. Events begin on Friday, May 13 and continue through Sunday, May 22.

“The festival highlights the efforts of our hard-working Ka`u coffee producers and also offers unique activities that showcase the heritage District of Ka`u. Many events are only available during the festival,” said one of the festival organizers, Chris Manfredi.

Donations for Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship fund will be accepted at the Kickoff Pa`ina & Open House on Friday, May 13 at Pahala Plantation House, sponsored Hawai`i Farmers Union United and the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. The first event of the 10-day festival feature fresh foods grown here and music. El Leo, the Jarican Express, led by East Ka`u's state Senator, Russell Ruderman, will play Kachi Kachi Puerto Rican music. Bolo and Friends will also entertain. Call 928-9811.

This year's Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest offers nearly $2,000 in cash prizes.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

This year’s Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest offers nearly $2,000 in cash prizes. Deadline for entries for the Saturday, May 14 event at Ka`u Coffee Mill is Monday, May 9. Emcee is Miss Holly T and attendees are able to enjoy live music and taste the many kinds of food from desserts to entres, made with Ka`u Coffee. Call 928-0550.

“New to this year’s lineup of java-jumping fun is the Lobsterpalooza – a leisurely Sunday afternoon picnic on the lawn at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach," says the statement from the Ka`u Coffee Festival. "On the menu of the May 15 spread is a variety of tantalizing skewered pupus, your choice of Kona Cold Lobster or charbroiled Spencer Steak, raised locally by Kuahiwi Ranch, and served with roasted potatoes, Cajun-style local sweet corn, a mouthwatering Ka`u Coffee Mocha Torte, lilikoi lemonade, brewed ice tea and plenty of Ka`u coffee.” Tickets for $75 are available online at brownpapertickets.com.
At Coffee & Cattle Day on Friday, May 20, Aikane Plantation carries attendees, by four-wheel drive and on a hay ride, deep into the hills above Pahala through horse and cattle pastures and into their Ka`u Coffee farm. Back at the ranch house, they present their Ka`u Coffee and new line of native mamaki tea. Makana is scheduled to entertain with his Hawaiian music. Call 808-927-2252 to make a reservation.
The statement from the Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee urges the public to “pour some fun at the Ka`u Coffee Festival – 10 days of java-jumping fun!” See more events in upcoming news briefs.

See kaucoffeefest.com for the full lineup.

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Ka`u youth have an opportunity for summer work in South Kona.
Photo from NPS

YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS applications are available for those who may want to drive north from Ka`u this summer to work at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park.

YCC provides gainful employment and an educational experience in conservation of our natural and historical heritage. Workers will participate in conservation and preservation projects throughout the park and work with all park divisions.
This year’s program runs from June 13 to July 23. Applicants must be 15 to 18 years old during the six-week period.
For more information, call Felipe Galieto at 328-2326, ext. 1314.
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THE U.S. SENATE UNANIMOUSLY passed the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, legislation co-introduced by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus. The bipartisan NATIVE Act would enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

“I authored this bill because our country’s native communities are unique and have histories and cultures that can only be shared in America,” Schatz said. “In our state, we are proud that the Native Hawaiian contribution is foundational to who we are as a place and a people. Every visitor should know that.”

The NATIVE Act would require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It would also provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity, spur economic development and create good jobs.
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HAWAIIAN OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS discuss Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i, known affectionately to local volcanologists as the BIMP (Big Island Mapping Project),” the article states.

“The first printing of this map was in 1996. Digitized in 2005, it is still in print today due to its popularity and continued use by geologists and other scientists, educators and land managers and planners, as well as island residents and visitors. It’s also just rather nice to look at.
“The Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i was a decade-long project that updated the 1940s geologic map by legendary Hawai`i geologists Harold Stearns and Gordon Macdonald. By comparing the two, you can see how much more detail is provided in the updated map.
“The 1996 map was a large undertaking involving more than two dozen geologists and geochronologists, a cartographer, a data technician and many volunteers.

“To gather new information, geologists walked over many miles of terrain, sometimes using helicopters to reach remote areas and sometimes camping for several days. Geologists used aerial photographs to identify subtle patterns in the landscape and then examined the features on the ground to understand their significance. GPS units, new (and cumbersome) technology at the time, helped locate points in highly vegetated areas. Geologists also used new techniques for dating and characterizing lava flows that were not available in the 1940s.

A comparison of the 1946 Stearns and MacDonald map and the 1996

BIMP map, digitized in 2005, shows how the understanding

of Hawai`i Island's geology advanced over half a century.

“Each geologist compiled field information using aerial photographs, and then transferred the observations and interpretations onto 1:24000 (quadrangle) topographic maps. The cartographer then unified the field geologists’ linework for the final map. All this information was then carefully hand-drawn and colored onto the USGS 1:100,000 Hawai`i County topographic base map.

“The 1996 geologic map publication contains six sheets. One set of three sheets presents the colored geologic map, which displays the origins, shapes, physical compositions, and ages of the lava flows and other surface deposits, including cinder cones, fissure vents, and faults. On the map, colors reflect lava flow age, and patterns indicate composition. Permission was granted to reject traditional, subdued USGS geologic map colors to allow geologically recent and active lava flows to enliven the map, just as they do the landscape.
“Each flow is also labeled with an alpha-numeric signature that is keyed to source, age, and type of deposit. For example, ‘kc5’ indicates a spatter or scoria cone (c) from Mauna Loa (k) in age group 5 (0 to 200 years before present). An 18-page text summary of the three colored sheets is included with the geologic map.
“The second set of three maps displays the location and some analytical data for 1,783 rock and 242 radiocarbon samples gathered by BIMP geologists. The chemical composition or radiocarbon age of each sample is published in tables in the accompanying 51-page pamphlet. These data add scientific depth to the geologic map, which is much appreciated by geologists and other scientists.
“This evolution of the map from 1946 to 1996 illustrates a theme of geologic maps: they are always a snapshot of understanding at a point in time. As insight into geologic processes grows and analytical tools improve, maps will be updated by future generations of scientists. Of course, the 1996 Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i is already out of date, lacking the last 20 years of Pu`u `O`o lava flows and missing some important new insights into both Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
“Since the 1996 map was published, Geographic Information System, or GIS, has become the standard tool of map-making and is a powerful way to combine disparate data and look at relationships of information in new ways. Someday, digital geologic maps will be three-dimensional and completely interactive, probably in ways we cannot even imagine now.
“However, despite new high-tech tools and visualizations, the preparation of geologic maps still involves hefting a pack and spending time on amazing landscapes, sweating and using all our senses as we carefully pick our way across the terrain. For many of us, this is what drew us to geology and keeps us excited at each new outcrop.
“Happy 20th birthday to the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i. We look forward to its next iteration!”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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Learn about invasive species at After Dark in the Park.

ECOLOGIST DAVID BENITEZ DISCUSSES some of the most unwanted species in the park, Hawai`i and around the world at After Dark in the Park today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LEARN HOW TO CREATE designs on a bamboo stamp and make nose flutes tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and rangers share their knowledge and love of two of Hawai`i’s popular traditional arts.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Coffee growers and festival organizers urge everyone to Buy Local for a chance to win $1,000. See kaucoffeefest.com for details. Photo by Chris Cook

THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL is once again launching its Buy Local-It Matters promotion in partnership with the state Department of Agriculture. Ka`u Coffee farmers and supporters met last night to get ready for the May 13 - 22 festival and urge everyone to participate and build their opportunity to win $1,000.

Festival organizer Chris Manfredi said, “This promotion is designed to drive customers to local businesses, where they can collect invoices, receipts or business cards and redeem them at our Ho`olaule`a on May 21 for chances to win valuable prizes. The more they collect, the more chances to win.”

See kaucoffeefest.com for a list of participating businesses.

See more Ka`u Coffee Festival updates in future Ka`u Calendar News Briefs.

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A HAWAI`I LAW THAT “PITS RURAL against urban communities” is how Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis describes a law that allows large solar projects in rural neighborhoods zoned agricultural. Developers are using the law for a proposed project in Ocean View Ranchos and neighboring subdivisions.

Henry Curtis

“The solar project pits rural residents against the alleged ʻpublic interest,’ Curtis said on his blog at ililani.media. “Renewable energy projects are good for the local construction industry. The projects generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Often, they keep money within the state that would have been used to import oil.

“Developers often target large, open, undeveloped land in rural and agricultural areas. These areas are used to generate electricity necessary to power more urban areas.

“At the southern end of the Big Island, a developer proposed segmenting a solar project into more than two dozen little projects. The proposals date from 2011 and have yet to be built. Combined, the projects require a new utility substation and electric lines crossing a state highway.
“If combined into one package, the project would need to sign a Power Purchase Agreement with Hawai`i Electric Light Company, which would then need approval from the Public Utilities Commission.
“By segmenting the project into separate ʻindependent’ proposals, each one can be approved through the existing Feed-in Tariff mechanism.
“The Feed-in Tariff rate is much higher than recently signed Solar Power Purchase Agreements. Thus, the impact to Big Island ratepayers will be larger.”
As an example, Curtis quoted from the PUC’s ruling regarding its PPA with Hu Honua, a power plant in Hamakua. “Because HELCO’s renewable energy generation output is in excess of the statutory 40 percent level, for any new generation project (renewable or fossil) or any significant change in the type of fuel supply proposed in the future, HELCO must demonstrate that the project provides cost reduction benefits to ratepayers, directly or indirectly, by improving and maximizing integration of additional lower cost renewable energy.”
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES TULSI GABBARD, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, advocated and worked to ensure provisions critical to Hawai`i were included in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act draft. The full committee was scheduled to consider amendments to the Act today, when members will have the opportunity to further amend the bill before it comes before the full House of Representatives.

“Hawai`i’s strategic role in the Asia-Pacific region is recognized and reinforced in this year’s National Defense Authorization bill,” Gabbard said. “The bill includes funding for critical infrastructure and facilities in Hawai`i, strengthened missile defense capabilities against the threat posed by North Korea and improved protections for our environment. Also included is Talia’s Law, which we passed through the House earlier this year in order to protect military children from abuse. Unfortunately, there are some problem areas included within the bill, to include a continuation of harmful arbitrary sequestration cuts which negatively impact our service members, readiness and capabilities. I will be highlighting areas of concern in the committee markup tomorrow, in order to ensure that the national strategic military assets of Hawai`i, and of our country, are maintained and supported.”

The bill includes $31 million for a National Guard combined support maintenance shop in Hilo to support ongoing training at Pohakuloa Training Area.

It also calls for a Medal of Honor Review for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanders. The Department of Defense will conduct comprehensive reviews of the service records of these war veterans to determine whether they should be awarded the Medal of Honor. Often times, these awards were not given due to discrimination.
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U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TOOK to the Senate floor to call for unanimous consent to confirm Hawai`i’s Clare Connors and other judicial nominees from courts across the country who have been waiting months, and in some cases over a year, for a floor vote. Sen. Mitch McConnell blocked Hirono’s request. Hirono also called on Senate Republicans to take up the nomination of Merrick Garland, President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court.

“While my colleagues and I attempted to fulfill our duties as senators by voting to fill urgent vacancies on the federal bench, Senate Republicans continue to refuse to do their jobs, which delays justice from our district courts to the Supreme Court,” Hirono said. “Clare Connors was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan basis, but she and other qualified nominees are being kept in limbo by Republican inaction. I call upon my Republican colleagues to enable all of us to do our jobs and begin the advice and consent process, which we are required to do under the Constitution.”
Earlier this month, Connors was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai`i created by Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s retirement from active service.
Although there are 79 federal judicial nominations pending, 28 of which are judicial emergencies, Senate Republicans called to stop the confirmation process in July. This would leave federal courts across the country, including the Supreme Court and Hawai`i’s U.S. District Court, understaffed for months, or even years.
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A KA`U MAN DIED AFTER POLICE responded to a report of a shooting. He has been identified as 46-year-old Jonathan Watson, of Ocean View.

At 9:51 a.m. Monday, the Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a man who said he had been shot. When officers arrived at a home on the 92-2600 block of Hukilau Drive in Ocean View, a man with a bandage on his left leg came out of the house in an aggressive manner and began fighting with the officers. The officers took him into custody.
While some of the officers went into the house to check for possible suspects or victims, Watson tried to kick the officers who were with him, and then he became unresponsive.
Police attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation until Fire Department personnel arrived a few minutes later and took over unsuccessful efforts to revive him. Watson was later taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m.
Police have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The case is classified as a coroner’s inquest.
The Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigations Section will conduct an investigation into the death and circumstances leading to it, and the Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation.
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Mitch Roth

DOLLARAMA ACCEPTS DONATIONS for the event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off items at Ocean View Community Center through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everything is $1 or less, including food and beverages. Funds raised go toward a new roof for the facility.

OCEAN VIEW’S CRIME WAVE is the topic of a meeting at Ocean View Community Center today at 6 p.m. Mike and Debbie Dubois invited Hawai`i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and a Police Department representative to discuss crime with concerned citizens. The meeting follows break-ins and burglaries at Ocean View Community Center, area churches and Ocean View Market.

LEGAL AID SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW at Ocean View Community Center has been cancelled.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Koa and `ohia trees line the entrance to Namakanipaio Campground, which was closed to remove dangerous, invasive eucalyptus trees. Photo from NPS

COUNTY PROSECUTOR MITCH ROTH met with about 50 Ocean View residents yesterday. Topics ranged from preventing crime, domestic violence and setting up more Neighborhood Watch teams to increased communication between the community and the prosecutor’s office.
County Council member Maile David also attended and said she is working on controlling drinking at the county Kahuku Park in Ocean View.

Roth said the root of much of the crime is domestic violence. Youth coming from homes with domestic violence are six times more likely to commit suicide, 24 times more likely to become sex abuse victims or offenders and 60 times more likely to be involved with drugs.

Mitch Roth

He encouraged community members to keep the prosecutor’s office up-to-date in its relationship with the Hawai`i Police Department and the efforts of the police department, successful and unsuccessful, in solving crimes. He encouraged residents to give their opinions to the prosecutor’s office on how well or poorly the police are performing. Numerous people said that they felt that police officers were often unhelpful.

One resident said she had a garage sale and that an attendee stole her belongings. When the police officer arrived, she claimed, instead of going after the thief, he asked to see her permit to sell items and said that maybe the thief needed the money more than she did. Despite her having a video of the theft, the woman claimed that the police officer was uncooperative and even said he wanted to see whether her tax returns showed garage sale income.
Roth said that when he ran for prosecutor four years ago, he said, “The system is broken, and we need to fix it.” Making such reports to the prosecutor’s office could help, he said.
A crime at the community center 13 months ago has not been solved, community member Ron Gall said. Roth promised to get back to the community on the status of the case within a week.
A Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the island urged Ocean View residents to become involved by setting up and supporting Neighborhood Watches. The Ocean View meeting is first Thursday of each month at Ocean View Community Center, downstairs at 7 p.m. The coordinator also stated that the island needs more police officers. For all of Ka`u, there are only two officers on duty at any given time. “We have to help ourselves,” she said.
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WITH NO REPORTS OF RECENT INCIDENTS of locally acquired dengue fever in 30 days, the state and County of Hawai`i announced that they are standing down certain emergency response activities related to the outbreak. This decision rests on the fact that three periods of the maximum human incubation period of ten days have passed. The final day of the infectious period for the last reported case was March 27. However, as per routine operations, the state Department of Health continues to immediately investigate all travel-related cases and conduct mosquito assessments and/or treatment of potential areas of mosquito exposure.

Gov. David Ige announced that response to mosquito-borne
illnesses will continue.

While the outbreak seems to have come to a halt, Gov. David Ige, along with other state and local officials, caution the public not to let their guard down in the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit.

“This milestone could not have been reached without the diligent efforts and teamwork by the Department of Health and the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency,” Ige said. “While this outbreak seems to be ending, our statewide response to mosquito-borne diseases must continue. We must remain vigilant in our mosquito prevention and abatement practices, be ready to respond to the Zika virus, and continue working together as a state to ‘Fight the Bite.’”

As of yesterday, 264 cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been confirmed on Hawai`i Island, with illnesses occurring as early as Sept. 11, 2015.

Government officials urge Hawai`i Island
residents to continue to Fight the Bite.

“By no means are we out of the clear,” said Darryl Oliveira, administrator of the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency. “Cooperation and collaboration between the state and county have been exemplary, but we continue to identify actions and efforts that we can improve on in the future. We appreciate the tremendous initiative shown by the community in assisting with mosquito abatement and encourage everyone to continue taking proactive measures around their homes and neighborhoods to keep our state safe.”

Over the course of the outbreak, DOH’s Vector Control team surveyed a total of 523 private properties and 310 public spaces. Of that count, 220 private properties and 65 public spaces were sprayed and/or treated for mosquitoes. A total of more than 1,900 reported potential cases were evaluated and/or tested by DOH disease investigators and state Laboratories Division staff.
Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler said, “The fight against mosquitoes is far from over, and we must do everything in our power to protect ourselves and our communities from the risk of mosquito borne diseases. We continue to receive and investigate reports of travel-related suspect cases of dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya on all islands. As Zika continues to spread rapidly overseas, we must take precautionary measures to prevent any locally acquired cases from taking hold in our state.”

As part of a supplemental proclamation to extend the state’s emergency period for mosquito-borne illnesses, a statewide public awareness and education campaign will kick off this year to ensure people understand the risks of such diseases and how to best prevent them in Hawai`i.

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Freshly cut ucalyptus logs line the road to Namakanipaio tent sites
and pavilion. Photo from NPS

NAMAKANIPAIO CAMPGROUND in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has reopened. Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, which manages the campground under a concession contract for the park, is taking reservations immediately.

The popular campground has been closed since last September for removal of large, falling and hazardous non-native eucalyptus trees in the area.

Originally scheduled to reopen last Thursday, workers discovered unforeseen electrical issues that delayed reopening.
“We mahalo the public for their patience while we ensure the campground is safe again,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We are delighted to reopen ahead of summer.”
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RESULTS OF AN AUTOPSY on the body of a man who died Monday while in police custody outside of a house in Ocean View are inconclusive pending toxicology results. The medical examiner determined that 46-year-old Jonathan Watson, of Ocean View, had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his left leg. According to police, evidence found at the scene indicated that the wound was most likely accidentally self-inflicted.
The Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigations Section is conducting an investigation into the death and the circumstances leading to it, and the Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative investigation.
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Learn professional brewing techniques
at the Ka`u Coffee Experience.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL invites everyone to the Ka`u Coffee Experience and Ka`u Coffee College.

The Ka`u Coffee Experience takes place during the Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, May 21 at Pahala Community Center. “The Ka`u Coffee Experience is one of our most popular events,” said festival organizer Chris Manfredi. “It will again feature locally grown coffees prepared in a number of ways during guided tastings by accomplished baristas. From pour-over to French Press, cold-brew and espresso drinks, you can explore the best ways to brew Ka`u coffee to unlock all of the distinctive and complex flavors.”
On Sunday, May 22, also at Pahala Community Center, is Ka`u Coffee College. Said Manfredi, “the theme this year is ‘Coffee Quality.’ Guest speakers include UH-CTAHR extension agent Andrea Kawabata paired with Greenwell Farms biologist Arturo Ballar. They will discuss how to maximize efficiencies surrounding Integrated Pest Management.”
Also at Ka`u Coffee College, local coffee professionals will team to present a coffee quality workshop where producers can enhance and maintain high quality and recognize and minimize defects. “If you’re in the coffee business, these sessions should not be missed,” Manfredi said.
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DONATIONS FOR DOLLARAMA can be dropped off at Ocean View Community Center tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. At the event on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., everything is $1 or less, including food and beverages. Funds raised go toward a new roof for the facility.

TOMORROW IS MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY at CU Hawai`i. Chartered in 1955, CU Hawai`i has been serving its membership for over 60 years.

Tomorrow is Member Appreciation Day at both
Ka`u branches of CU Hawai`i.
Image from CU Hawai`i

“From our very humble beginnings, we now have over 26,000 members, and that is something to celebrate!” said a statement from the credit union. “On this very special day, we want to say ‘Mahalo’ to all of our members across Hawai`i Island.”

At each of its branches, including Na`alehu and Pahala, the day features refreshments and member gifts while supplies last. Members can also enter to win a grand prize of $200 at each branch. Grand prize winners will be announced on Monday, May 2.

SAVE THE SUMMIT UNDERSTORY during Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Centennial Hike Saturday at 9 a.m. Meet near the flagpole outside Kilauea Visitor Center to lop invasive Himalayan ginger from the native Hawaiian rainforest.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Jazz in the Forest. Two shows on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village feature guitarists Reggie Griffin and Curt Warren with Volcano Art Center's Jazz Ensemble.

See volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana tomorrow. See more below. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S LAND CLASSIFICATION system is what allowed development of a 6.75-megawatt solar project in Ocean View Ranchos and other subdivisions, former Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission Chair Mina Morita explained on her blog at minamoritaenergydynamics.com.

“The problem starts with the number of substandard subdivisions that were created over 40 years ago on Hawai`i Island,” Morita said. “Not wanting to have to bear the responsibility and costs of providing county services to these remote subdivisions, these non-conforming residential subdivisions with substandard infrastructure were identified as Agriculture rather than Rural in the state land use classification system.

Map shows residences in relation
to solar project lots.

“While the Office of Planning is advocating to tackle the issue with a broad stroke, the situation needs to be addressed with finesse, as it has nothing to do with the use of agricultural lands.

“This classification was done for the county’s convenience of not wanting to provide county services rather than the use and preservation of agricultural lands for agricultural purposes. Therefore, these early subdivisions should be recognized for what they are, non-conforming residential subdivisions, not agricultural lots.
Morita argued in support of House Bill 2636, which is moving forward at Hawai`i’s Legislature. The bill would require special permit approval in order to place solar energy facilities with a capacity of more than twenty-five kilowatts in certain lots within the agricultural district.
“Siting of solar projects on agricultural classified lands is not the sole issue here,” Morina said. “This bill is necessary as the result of multiple and systemic failures regarding our land use classification system, permitting processes and the misapplication of the feed-in-tariff program by an opportunistic developer taking full advantage of failures and loopholes within various state and county agencies with disparate missions and functions and uncoordinated actions.

“These solar projects confound the purpose of FIT program and in the aggregate, obviated the competitive bidding process for utility scale projects. The FIT program which was approved in 2010 by the PUC was a way to incentivize renewable energy installations with a standardized tariff for projects that were ‘shovel-ready,’ that could come online quickly. The developer went on a buying acquisition in Ocean View, and while the lots sat in escrow, the developer went on to dominate the FIT program, placing these supposedly ‘shovel-ready’ projects in the queue back in 2011.
“Almost six years later, these projects still would require PUC approval for a new substation and transmission line (the applications are currently pending before the PUC) before they can be built. So much for being ‘shovel-ready’ and with the huge drops in panel pricing, the changing energy landscape, the FIT tariff would be a huge windfall for the opportunistic developer.”
“Hawai`i’s 100 percent renewable goal should not be done at any cost, and this type of project is no longer needed, no longer timely and, therefore, not in the public interest. Just because this is in a remote area, this gross calamity should not be overlooked. This is just another eye-opener as to the failure of our land-use policies and a disconnection with our energy policies.”
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Aedes aegypti carries dengue fever and other mosquito-borne
diseases. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Health

DENGUE FEVER IS A SEASONAL DISEASE, Na`alehu resident Edward Rau has determined through his research. Rau recently retired as Environmental Health Director in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, where he was on active duty for 30 years. He also has over 40 years of professional experience in environmental health practice and is a Licensed Environmental Health Specialist.

“After studying outbreak patterns from previous outbreaks in Hawai`i, it was apparent to me that dengue is typically a seasonal disease significantly regulated by the temperature exposure of mosquitos, not rainfall or wind levels,” Rau said. “Based on this, in late November near the height of the outbreak, I predicted that the outbreak would end soon, first in the eastern side of Hawai`i Island where Aedes aegypti, the most efficient mosquito vector of dengue, is largely absent. Then the outbreak would end islandwide by mid-winter, or continue with a low level of sporadic cases. I compiled data to support these predictions and recommended that it be used in planning response activities. This information was sent to multiple civil defense and elected officials but no response was received.
“The course of the outbreak followed exactly the pattern that I predicted. A State of Emergency was declared, and response efforts were ramped up after the outbreak was essentially over.
“While I am glad to see that the outbreak has abated, I question the timing of both the Emergency Declaration and now the pending official announcement that it is over. While the outbreak may not meet DOH’s technical criteria for being over, in my opinion, it effectively ended two months ago.
“I don’t mean to diminish the risks posed by dengue, zika, chikungunya and other emerging mosquito-borne diseases in Hawai`i. There is a dire need to rebuild control programs, make concerted efforts to reduce or eradicate populations of mosquitos, rats and other disease vectors and greatly improve preparedness for future outbreaks. However, we will waste resources and confuse the public if declarations and response efforts are ill-timed, ignoring the seasonal patterns of diseases. Yes, we need to continue to ‘Fight the Bite,’ but we also learn to ‘Fight the Bite Smart.’”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

George D. Szigeti

“KNOWING THE DENGUE FEVER outbreak has been halted is welcome news for Hawai`i’s tourism industry, especially for the travel partners, employees and residents who rely on its continued success,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority, who participated in Hawai`i officials’ announcement yesterday that 30 days have passed since the last confirmed case of dengue fever. “Travelers considering a visit to the Hawaiian Islands in the coming months can make their plans with confidence and without the hesitation that dengue may have been causing them.”

Commenting on Hawai`i’s visitor statistics for March 2016, Szigeti said, “Hawai`i’s tourism industry is fortunate to have enjoyed a strong first quarter, one that has the state ahead of last year’s record-setting pace. However, success in tourism is never guaranteed from year-to-year and even month-to-month. We all know too well in Hawai`i how rapidly tourism’s prospects can falter due to factors beyond our control.
While HTA plans to continue an aggressive marketing campaign, “it’s the aloha, hospitality and commitment to celebrating the Hawaiian culture by our residents and tourism industry professionals that sets these beautiful islands apart from our competing destinations,” Szigeti said. “We will continue to strive for that important balance of welcoming our visitors, protecting our environment, supporting the industry and respectfully honoring our culture. Mahalo everyone for contributing to tourism’s success and making Hawai`i such a wonderful place to live and visit.”

Paul and Jane Field lead tomorrow's Centennial Hike. Photo from NPS

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SAVE THE SUMMIT UNDERSTORY during Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Centennial Hike tomorrow at 9 a.m. Meet near the flagpole outside Kilauea Visitor Center to lop invasive Himalayan ginger from the native Hawaiian rainforest.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers a free one-hour program tomorrow. Pu`u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Participants learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. Meet near the parking area at 9:30 a.m.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Jazz in the Forest. Two shows tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village feature guitarists Reggie Griffin and Curt Warren with Volcano Art Center's Jazz Ensemble.

Volcano Art Center Gallery celebrates May Day
on Sunday. Photo from VAC

See volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222.

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The celebration honors the unique way Hawai`i’s multi-cultural traditions are woven together to create a more interesting, more tolerant and more beautiful community.

Volcano Art Center Gallery holds its festive May Day program on Sunday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. on the gallery porch.
With hundreds of fragrant blossoms and plant materials provided by the Volcano Art Center Gallery, participants learn tips to sewing the perfect lei, the proper protocol of giving and receiving a lei and more.
Join the Lono Kanaka`ole Trio featuring Christy Lassiter with impromptu hula by Noe Noe Kekaualua and lei making with Desiree Moana Cruz.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Meet artist Marian Berger, creator of `I`iwi and other bird portraits on display at Volcano Art Center Gallery, at a reception this afternoon. See more below. Image from VAC

RICHARD HA, WHO RECENTLY STOPPED growing bananas and tomatoes, will grow marijuana at his farm in Hamakua. Ha is known as a state Department of Agriculture board member and as a proponent of both geothermal energy and a cooperative to provide electricity in Hawai`i. The state State Department of Health announced yesterday that Ha, who applied as Lau Ola, LLC, will be issued a license to grow medical marijuana.

Richard Ha

DOH selected eight applicants to receive Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses. Ha is one of two on Hawai`i Island. The other is Hawaiian Ethos, LLC.

A licensed dispensary may begin dispensing marijuana no sooner than July 15, 2016 with approval of DOH. Each dispensary licensee may operate up to two production centers and two retail dispensing locations within the county they are licensed to serve. “There are many steps the dispensaries will need to take in order to actually start production and dispensing, so we can’t say exactly when the dispensing will begin,” said Margaret Leong, Supervisor for the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensing Program. “But we are excited to start working with the selected licensees on the next steps.”

Selected applicants are required to pay a licensing fee of $75,000 to DOH within seven days of receiving their written notice of selection to be awarded a dispensary license. If the fee is not timely paid by close of business on the seventh day, the selected applicant will be disqualified, and the department will select the next highest scoring applicant for the county.
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DO YOU KNOW OF A SPECIAL PROPERTY in Hawai`i County that should be permanently preserved? The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission encourages the public to propose properties that should be purchased. Forms to suggest properties can be downloaded from the at http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1 or by obtaining a form at the address below. Suggestion forms are due by June 30.

Commissioners review the suggestion forms and consider significant factors of each property such as historic and culturally important features; opportunities for outdoor recreation and education; public access to beaches or mountains; preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, and natural beauty; protection of natural resources and watershed lands; potential partners for management; and general benefits to the public. Potential acquisitions are then prioritized and listed in a report sent to the mayor at the end of each year. The mayor then forwards his recommendations to Hawai`i County Council, which adopts resolutions to authorize property purchases.

For more information on the process, see http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=71938&dbid=1.
Past open space purchases total 1,287 acres and include Kawa oceanfront parcels.
PONC funds are derived from two percent of Hawai`i County’s annual real property tax revenues. The county has also been able to obtain more than $7.5 million in matching funds and donations from other sources to help purchase open space properties. A Maintenance Fund has also been established to provide stewardship assistance to community organizations to maintain properties that are acquired with PONC funds.
The nine PONC commissioners represent each of the nine County Council districts. The commission meets every other month, and public testimony is welcome.
For further information, contact Alexandra Kelepolo of the County of Hawai`i Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 at 961-8069, or see http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=13770.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Human Resources Manager Renae Akau came from Hilo to help
Operations Supervisor Erin Santos and Branch Manager Mako
Okazaki hand out goodies and gifts during CU Hawai`i's
Member Appreciation Day. Photo by Ron Johnson

YESTERDAY WAS MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY at CU Hawai`i Credit Union. Members enjoyed bentos and cake at the Na`alehu branch, and cupcakes at the Pahala branch. Branch Manager Mako Okazaki handed out LED flashlights at both branches. Members also entered to win a grand prize of $200 at each branch. Winners will be announced on Monday.

Chartered in 1955, CU Hawai`i has been serving its membership for over 60 years.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA recognized Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green for his work to expand free community college programs.

Since the beginning of his Administration, Obama has vowed to make working families a priority and create ladders of opportunity, including an affordable education. During his 2015 State of the Union address, Obama unveiled the America’s College Promise, a proposal to make two years of community college free for responsible students. In his announcement, the President laid out a vision for free community college that can be achieved through shared responsibility from states, schools, employers, nonprofits, students and families.

Sen. Josh Green

At least 27 new free community college programs have launched in states, local communities, and individual community colleges since the President’s 2015 State of the Union address. Collectively, these new programs add over $70 million in new public and private investments to serve nearly 40,000 students at community colleges. Seventeen other states have introduced legislation to make community college free nation-wide.

“Universal access to higher education for Americans will provide a true way for us to improve our country,” Green said. “Free tuition for community college in America is a necessary first step that can help us to defeat chronic cycles of poverty, and in many cases defeat hopelessness, for vast numbers of our people. I'm honored to be a part of this movement with the President.”
Green said he is “honored to be recognized by the White House but mostly proud to stand with the American people on this very important issue. Access to higher education should be available to all those with a desire to learn, not restricted to those who can afford it.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Chris Kanazawa

USDA SEEKS GRANT APPLICATIONS to help agricultural producers increase product value. Up to $44 million is available to farmers, ranchers and businesses looking to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program.

“The uniqueness of island life requires items not produced locally to be shipped to the region,” said Chris Kanazawa, USDA Rural Development State Director for Hawai`i and the Western Pacific. “The Value-Added Producer Grant program is a great resource for our local agricultural producers looking to generate new products, increase product values and grow markets and customer bases. In addition to diversifying locally produced and grown products, economic opportunities for producers, their families and local communities increase.”
Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority is given to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.
More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance is available through local offices.
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GET UP CLOSE TO HAWAI`I’S endemic birds. In Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Art Center Gallery’s new exhibition opening today features Marian Berger’s dramatic, close-up watercolor portraits of native birds.

The exhibit runs through June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to the public and free of charge; park entrance fees apply.
Meet the artist at an opening reception today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.

THE BIRTH OF KAHUKU is a free program at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcanic features and formations and identify many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku.
See nps.gov/havo.

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The gallery holds its festive May Day program tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the gallery porch. Participants learn tips to sewing the perfect lei, proper protocol of giving and receiving a lei and more.
Join the Lono Kanaka`ole Trio featuring Christy Lassiter with impromptu hula by Noe Noe Kekaualua and lei making with Desiree Moana Cruz.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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