The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Hawai`i County Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira, whose retirement is effective today, helped Hawai`i Island through Hurricane Iselle, which caused trees to topple onto Wood Valley Road. See more below. Photo by Royden Okinishi

STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S bill calling for a special permit to be required for large solar projects in non-conforming subdivisions died Friday at the state Legislature. HB2636 passed assigned committees in the House and Senate as well as full chambers of both houses. The bill was an attempt to prevent future projects like the one being planned in Ocean View and neighboring subdivisions. It would cover 25 lots in solar arrays to produce 6.75 megawatts of power.

State Rep. Richard Creagan

“We sailed the ship on a long course, but couldn’t bring it into the harbor,” Creagan said in a statement. “We foundered on the bar of Finance/Ways & Means Committees’ approval, and it is unlikely we’ll ever know why. We just couldn’t get in through the surf.”

“This bill couldn’t have moved at all if it wasn’t for the bill drafting, testimony, hard work and dogged persistence of Ann Bosted, but also Phil Sharkey and a large group of supporters who also prepared and submitted testimony.
“It is of course disappointing that this bill didn’t pass, but the effort brought together the community and helped develop leadership skills that will be useful in future community endeavors.
“I think the whole Legislature, the governor and the Public Utilities Commission is now aware of the problems of unintended consequences of allowing large solar installations or solar installations inappropriate for the area on agricultural lands. We will have to regroup and see if there is need and a will to propose another bill next year.
“We will also have to consider the recommendation of the Land Use Commission that we explore the possibility of changing some or all of the Ocean View area from agricultural to rural.
“I am hopeful that the community will be able to walk around the hole of this disappointment and move on to the next issue, which is crafting access to Pohue Bay for the Ocean View area community. The skills they learned in working so hard on this issue will continue to help the community.
“I also think that the community spirit will be essential in continuing to fight for resources for controlling our mosquito vectors and preventing a reoccurrence of dengue or an outbreak of Zika.”

The state Legislature adjourns Thursday, May 5.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Maile David

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet Tuesday at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.

Drinking alcoholic beverages at Kahuku Park in Ocean View would require a permit under a bill to be considered by Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee at 9:30 a.m. Ka`u’s Hawai`i County Council member Maile David introduces Bill 201 that would add Kahuku Park to the list of county areas requiring permits for intoxicating liquors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. It would also remove the park from the list of areas where intoxicating liquors are allowed without a permit between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Meeting at 1 p.m., the Finance Committee considers imposing a general excise tax. Bill 165 would establish a one-half percent general excise and use tax surcharge to be levied from Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2027 for the purpose of funding 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.
Reducing Styrofoam food containers is the goal of a bill on Environmental Management Committee’s agenda at 3 p.m. Bill 140 states, “When discarded, polystyrene foam often breaks into tiny pieces, is mistaken for food and ingested by land and marine animals, birds and fish. This is detrimental not only to wildlife but to other life forms in the food chain.”
Other committees meeting on Tuesday are Planning at 9 a.m. and Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability at 10 a.m.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are also streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DARRYL OLIVEIRA’S RETIREMENT is effective today. Oliveira has been Hawai`i County’s Civil Defense chief since early 2013. During his tenure, Civil Defense has responded to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, the dengue fever outbreak and wildfires, as well as volcanic eruptions. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists call Hawai`i County’s Civil Defense chief the “right person at the right time for the job” in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

“Given the pace and intensity of natural events affecting the Island of Hawai`i since taking the CD leadership job, Darryl’s resilience and emphasis on community collaboration and preparedness clearly demonstrate that he was the right person at the right time for our island community,” the article states.

“On Hawai`i Island’s two most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, changes in activity are the norm. This means that response planning and coordination by Hawai`i County CD are never far around the corner, even when things look relatively quiet and steady.

Hawai`i County's Civil Defense Chief was its former Fire Chief.

“When Darryl assumed leadership of CD in January 2013, lava erupted from the Pu`u `O`o vent was spilling down Kilauea’s flank and being carried through a lava tube southward to the ocean, a distance of about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles). With no homes in immediate danger, the volcanic activity was not too great a concern for CD. But then Pu`u `O`o began to change.

“Within two weeks of Darryl stepping into his new job, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists noted increased activity within the Pu`u `O`o crater, describing it as more vigorous than during the previous year. An overflow of the small lava pond on the northeast rim of the crater sent a fast-moving, but small, flow down the flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone in a northerly direction. This and subsequent flows became known as the Kahauale`a I and II flows, which were cause for concern at the time, as they were spreading on the north side of Kilauea’s East Rift Zone.
“This meant that lava flows could eventually reach Puna District communities. In response to this change, Darryl, his CD staff, and HVO scientists communicated regularly through 2013 and early 2014 about the hazards posed by the flow.

“The possibility of lava impacting communities became real in August 2014, when a new flow, informally called the June 27th flow, traveled faster and farther to the east from Pu`u `O`o and into a series of deep ground cracks along the crest of Kilauea’s East Rift Zone.

Oliveira kept the public informed when lava threatened Pahoa.
Photo from USGS HVO

“As soon as it became clear that the June 27th flow could potentially move through Puna communities and cross Hwy 130, the Hawai`i County Mayor's office quickly organized the first of nearly two dozen public meetings held between August 2014 and March 2015. These well-attended meetings became a popular forum for Darryl and his CD staff, other county leaders, and HVO scientists to discuss the flow’s progress, potential impacts, and evolving response plans with Puna residents and businesses, as well as with the Red Cross and other emergency responders, non-government agencies, media, and elected officials.

“During those months, HVO greatly appreciated Darryl’s calm, collaborative, and tireless spirit in sustaining the framework needed to help island residents cope with the June 27th flow. For the never-ending readiness of CD to respond to the 2014-2015 lava flow and the many other natural events before and after it, we say, ‘Mahalo nui loa, Darryl! We wish you all the best in your retirement.’”

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REGISTER FOR SUMMER FUN this week. Students who completed kindergarten through sixth grade can register at Pahala Community Center Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Na`alehu Community Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Kahuku Park from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The programs run Monday through Friday between June 6 and July 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. They consist of a spectrum of arts and crafts, projects, indoor/outdoor games, sports, music, dance, nature, exploration, swimming, special events and excursions.

For more information, call Pahala Community Center at 928-3102, Na`alehu Community Center at 939-2510 or Kahuku Park at 929-9113.

PAHALA SPORTS CAMP OFFERS summer sports and strengthening Monday through Friday between June 6 and July 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The free program is for students who completed grades six through eight. Activities include basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer and flag football.
Register Monday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call 928-3102 for more information.

TWAIN MEETS TITA on Wednesday at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network’s show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i. 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, actors will also read from the Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Reserve by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees may 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
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

As part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's centennial celebration, Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger presents A Walk into the Past every Tuesday. See more below. Photo from KDEN

EXPANSION OF WATER RESOURCES in Ocean View is the subject of a resolution that Hawai`i County Council will consider Wednesday. The state has appropriated $725,000 through its General Obligation Bond fund for planning and design of the project, and state statutes require that county departments obtain consent of the council to enter into agreements with state and federal governments respecting action taken.
Resolution 520-16, which Ka`u’s council member Maile David will introduce, would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with the state to accept the funds.
Public testimony is accepted when the meeting begins at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
Council committees meet tomorrow, also in Kona. Planning Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10 a.m.; Finance, 1 p.m.; and Environmental Management, 3 p.m.
Meetings are streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION for the second consecutive year will issue a specialized assessment to Hawaiian immersion students. The U.S. Department of Education granted HIDOE’s request for an extended waiver that allows Hawaiian Language Immersion Program students to take a specialized assessment in lieu of the state’s English language arts and math student assessments.

Native Hawaiian students takes classes through HIDOE's
Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools. Photo from HIDOE

“The continued opportunity for our Hawaiian Immersion students to be tested in their language of instruction has been a highlight for the Department, and we appreciate the USDOE’s recognition of our progress in this initiative,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The work continues as we are piloting an innovative Hawaiian Language State Assessment in science and look forward to federal approval next year.”

The double testing waiver response by the USDOE advised that HIDOE’s Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion) schools lack the data required for a specialized science assessment to provide student results during this pilot year of testing.
Two years ago, HIDOE, in partnership with the University of Hawai`i-Manoa, developed a field test for HLIP students that measures progress toward mastery of academic standards given in the English language Smarter Balanced Assessments. In spring 2015, a field test in language arts and math for third- and fourth-graders enrolled in Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools was used. This year, the pilot becomes operational, and assessment scores will be recorded in Kaiapuni students’ records.
The field test foregoes the statewide assessment, Smarter Balanced, which is administered to students in grades 3-8 and 11.
Last year, the Office of Hawaiian Education (was established under the Office of the Superintendent, a result of a policy audit of Hawai`i State Board of Education policies pertaining to Hawaiian Education and Hawaiian Language Immersion programs.
OHE is currently implementing a new policy, known as Na Hopena A`o, which provides for expansion of Hawaiian education across Hawai`i’s K-12 public education system for all students and adults. Together, this work helps HIDOE meet its obligations to both BOE policies and the Hawai`i State Constitution, Matayoshi said.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Darrel Galera

THE GOVERNOR’S TEAM on ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act – held its first introductory, organizational meeting on Thursday, April 28, during which the 19 members discussed innovation and empowerment as the team starts work to create the blueprint for public education in Hawai`i. Team members also discussed opportunities provided by the new federal law and its implications for Hawai`i.

Team members were addressed by Gov. David Ige, Board of Education Chair Lance Mizumoto and ESSA Team Chair Darrel Galera. First Lady Dawn Amano Ige provided closing remarks and stressed the need to be student-centered, to listen to student voices and to carefully envision students’ future needs.
“The members of the Governor’s ESSA Team hit the ground running during the team’s first meeting,” Galera said. “Team members were fully engaged in setting a strong foundation for the important work ahead to create a blueprint for public education in Hawai`i.”
Meeting minutes can be found at governor.hawaii.gov/main/minutes-of-the-governors-essa-team-meeting-held-on-april-28-2016/.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

THE EMAIL PRIVACY ACT passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is an original cosponsor of the bill.

“Technology and innovation have dramatically redefined the way that we live over the past three decades,” Gabbard said. “Yet our laws governing online privacy have stayed stagnant. When the Electronic Communications Privacy Act was written 30 years ago, most Americans didn’t have an email account, let alone a smartphone, cloud storage, social media or other forms of modern-day technology. This legislation makes common sense and long overdue updates to the ECPA to protect the privacy of millions of Americans who rely on the Internet to store personal data, information and communication, and who deserve the assurance that their information is protected. I strongly supported this bill’s passage and will continue working to preserve and protect the privacy and security of the American people.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER forecasters predict that Hawai`i will face an elevated risk of wildfires this year.

Some coastal areas of Ka`u are experiencing extreme drought. Red
signifies extreme drought; orange, severe; brown, moderate; and
yellow, abnormally dry. Map from U.S. Drought Monitor

“This elevated threat of wildfires in Hawai`i should be taken seriously,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I am working with Department of the Interior and the Senate Appropriations Committee to ensure that adequate funding for fire prevention and response will be available for Hawai`i as we move into fire season. I am also looking forward to discussing wildfire research when I meet with U.S. Forest Service officials in Hilo this week.”

Forecasts like this one are only possible with forecasts that can look beyond the 10-day horizon and provide insight at the seasonal and inter-annual scales. The Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act, co-introduced by Schatz and passed by the Senate, “will support science and research needed to sharpen forecasting skill and prepare better for threats such as this,” Schatz said.
The forecast follows last week’s announcement that coastal areas from Pahala to South Point and west of Ocean View are experiencing extreme drought. The rest of Ka`u is in severe drought. Even the Hamakua Coast is listed as abnormally dry.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow. As part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial celebration, performances of A Walk into the Past take place every Tuesday. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center at at10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents Twain Meets Tita on Wednesday at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i.
In honor of Mother’s Day, actors will also read from the Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Reserve by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees may apply.

KA`U COFFEE CHEFS have one more week to enter the Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Adult and student pupus, entrees and desserts go before the judges on Saturday, May 14 at Ka`u Coffee Mill as part of the eighth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival.
See kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call Lisa at 928-0550.

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_May2016.pdf.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund held its seventh annual cleanup at Manuka on Saturday, April 30. See more below. Photo from HWF

OPPOSITION TO HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO.’S merger with the utility giant NextEra is the signal from most entities filing positions this week with the state Public Utilities Commission.

Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis summarized positions on his blog at www.ililani.media.

Those who oppose the merger include the state Consumer Advocate; state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; Counties of Hawai`i and Maui; Friends of Lana`i; Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club; Life of the Land; Puna Pono Alliance and Sierra Club; Hawai`i PV Coalition; Hawai`i Solar Energy Association; Tawhiri Power; The Alliance for Solar Choice; and Hawai`i Gas.

Those who say yes to the merger, with conditions, are Blue Planet Foundation, Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative, Renewable Energy Action Coalition of Hawai`i, Sun Edison and Ulupono Initiative.
Those supporting the merger without conditions are Hawaiian Electric Companies and NextEra.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Maile David introduced a bill to control
drinking at Kahuku Park.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT KAHUKU PARK was on the agenda of Hawai`i County Council’s Public Works & Parks & Recreation Committee this morning. One testifier said that alcoholism and drug use are “all over the park, which is the only one on the island” that permits it.

Pastor Rod Ducosin, who works with Boys & Girls Club, testified that he wants the park to be non-drinkable “for the safety of our children.” He said it is a major bus stop for schoolchildren, and that drinkers are everywhere and “out of control.” According to Ducosin, club membership is down from 50 to a handful because parents are afraid to have their children in the park.

Lisa Bedgood said kids want to play but are surrounded by drinkers and drug users. There is “no safe place for any of our children to play,” she said. “It needs to be stopped.”
“I don’t like the drinking,” Bedgood’s daughter Olivia said. “It endangers us. All these drunks are very dangerous, and they’re very creepy. It makes kids not want to come to the park.”
“I think this is the first step,” Ka`u’s Hawai`i County Council member Maile David said.

David’s Bill 201 received unanimous support and now moves on to the full council.

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

MAY IS ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN Heritage Month. The observance originally began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have built a long legacy of achievements throughout our nation’s history,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “The exceptional contributions of AAPIs in government, business, military service, culture and arts, technology, sports, education, science, health and so much more have enriched and strengthened our country. As we celebrate our shared heritage and history this month, we must also honor and continue the tireless work of those who came before us – leaders like Sen. Daniel Inouye, Sen. Daniel Akaka and Congresswoman Patsy Mink – who broke down barriers, challenged the status quo and fought to ensure a better future for the next generation.”

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reminds us to honor the deep roots and valuable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Their accomplishments in business, science, public service, the armed forces and the arts help sustain our country’s evolving economy and support global understanding and collaboration. In Hawai`i, Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions are a part of our daily lives, strengthening our communities and making our lives richer and better every day. Join me in celebrating the diversity and vibrancy that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders bring to Hawai`i and our country.”
“We celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders toward a strong and vibrant American,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “From Chinese railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad to plantation workers in Hawai`i who faced great odds to organize the first unions in Hawai`i … my story is like that of so many others. During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate our stories and build on our rich history to work toward bettering our country.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HELD its seventh annual cleanup at Manuka in conjunction with state Department of Natural Resources Natural Area Reserve team on Saturday, April 30. In total 29 staff and volunteers removed well over 600 pounds of marine debris in less about two hours. “Great job and good fun!” said coordinator Megan Lamson. “We hope to see you all at a future cleanup event.”

The next Ka`u Coast Cleanup is on Saturday, June 9 at Kamilo Point. Register at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR PELE HANOA are at Dodo Mortuary in Hilo at 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 7.

The late Pele Hanoa appeared in Saving Ka`u's Coast.

Winifred Pele Hanoa, 92, of Wai`ohinu, died at home on Wednesday, April 6. She was born in Punalu`u and was a retired practical nurse with the former Hilo Hospital. She served as one of the first Kupuna Consultants for the Hawai`i Burial Council and as Director Emeritus for Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi. She was also co-founder and President of Punalu`u Preservation and Ka`u Preservation societies and a lifetime member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u. She was one of the first state Dept. of Education Kupuna and served as a Hawaiian Cultural Advisor for the University of Hawai`i-Hilo, Kamehameha Schools, Ka`u High School, Pahala Elementary, Na`alehu Elementary and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Hanoa was also a member of the Hoku Loa Henry Opukahaia Congregational Chapel of Punalu`u. She received numerous awards for outstanding volunteerism and community service to include the Governor’s Kilohana Award, Aha Kupuna Award, Hawai`i County Outstanding Older American nominee for community work and ecological and environmental preservation. In 2015 she received the Papa Ola Lokahi 14th Annual Health Award for her significant contributions to the health and well being of Kanaka Maoli.

Nelson Ho, of Sierra Club’s Moku Loa Group, told John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that Hanoa “was doing environmental justice causes and raising them well before there was a name for it.”
Danny Miller, a co-producer of the film Saving Ka`u’s Coast, which featured Hanoa and other Ka`u residents, told Burnett that “she represented the wisdom and the knowledge of the Hawaiian people to so many and carried on those traditions.” Lehua Lopez, a former board member for Pele Defense Fund, told Burnett that “she was the one who gave us the insights of what it meant to be a Native Hawaiian in today’s world but still practicing the old culture.”

Friends may call at Dodo Mortuary chapel on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire and that flowers be omitted.
Hanoa is survived by sons Ralph P. (wife Lori) Dedman, of Hilo, and Pernell E. (wife Sophia) Hanoa, Sr., of Pahala; daughters Georgia P. Dods, of Wai`ohinu, and Elsa K. Dedman, of Na`alehu; brother Peter P. (wife Doris) Bangay, of Honolulu; sister Elizabeth K. Bell, of Honolulu; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents Twain Meets Tita tomorrow at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i.
In honor of Mother’s Day, actors will also read from the Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Reserve by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com.
Park entrance fees may apply.

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO with a buffet at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu includes short rib fajitas, Mexican chicken casserole, stuff-your-own-burrito bar and more. Adults, $18; Children 6-11, $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER NIGHT is Thursday at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences students present three one-act comedies. Sixth grade offers Poultry in Motion by Patrick Rainville Dorn. Seventh grade takes on the humorous murder mystery No Body to Murder by Edith Weiss. In their final performance for VSAS, eighth-grade students perform After Hours by Kevin Stone.
Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees may 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
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

Ka`u volleyball players attending Kamehameha-Schools-Hawaii led their team to the BIFF championship last weekend, and their game at state finals will be televised this evening. See more below. Photo by Coach Richard Lau

TELEHEALTH IS COMING TO KA`U. To be located at Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in Pahala, the Health Kiosk makes accessing health care easy and convenient for community members. The kiosk will serve residents from the Ocean View, Ninole, Wai`ohinu, Na`alehu and Pahala communities. Anyone living in those communities, including children accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, can use the kiosk for free.

“Many residents have no primary care physician, no insurance, no access to health care and limited financial resources,” said Jessie Marques, executive director of KRHCAI. “They often have medical conditions that are treatable, but they don’t see a doctor or health care professional and eventually end up in the emergency room or in the hospital.”

Telehealth is coming to Ka`u this summer. Photo from KRHCAI

Natasha Richards, business analyst for HMSA’s Online Care, encouraged residents to use the wide array of services that the kiosk offers. “The kiosk makes it much easier for residents to go to the community center and sit down for a 15-minute visit versus driving an hour and a half or taking the bus to Hilo or Kailua-Kona,” Richards said.

Another advantage of the kiosk is that residents can get behavioral health services, which is one of the specialist shortage areas.
The kiosk also features a blood pressure cuff, otoscope, derm cam, thermometer, pulse oximeter and a handset for private conversations.
“It’s remarkable how rapidly telehealth has grown over the past few years,” Richards said. “We’ve gone from expensive, complicated computer equipment in doctors’ offices and hospitals to immediate access to quality health care with a simple click of a button. We hope that offering the use of the kiosk free of charge to community members will encourage more of them to see a health care professional before their condition gets serious. It’s easy, convenient and completely confidential.”
The kiosk also plays a role with interning practical nursing students from the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, certified nurse aides and community health workers who help people use the kiosk and its features.
“The internship is an outreach to the underserved, geographically isolated communities and minorities who are in dire need of access to health care,” Marques said. “The students learn about telehealth alternatives while connecting residents to doctors and specialists.”
The kiosk will be located in a separate room to ensure privacy. It’s a self-guided touchscreen with a high-definition webcam that lets residents use Online Care to see health professionals.
For more information, call 928-0101.

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

KA`U VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS attending Kamehameha Schools-Hawai`i led their team to the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship last weekend and play for the state finals tonight on O`ahu. They are Addison Enriques, of Punalu`u – hitter; Avery Enriques, of Punalu`u – hitter; Kameron Moses, of Pahala – setter and libero; and Naia Makuakane, of Na`alehu – setter.
Kamehameha, coached by Punalu`u resident Guy Enriques is undefeated for the season.
Ka`u residents can watch today’s match on OC16 at 7 p.m.

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

Apply this month for Preschool Open Doors. Photo from DHS

PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS is accepting applications through May 31. Applications received in this period are for consideration for POD program participation for July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Applications will be accepted for children born August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012.

Families affected by the change to the kindergarten entry age are encouraged to apply. The POD program provides child care payments to eligible families so their child is able to receive a preschool experience prior to their entry into kindergarten. Funding for POD is limited, and priority for program selection is detailed in the POD administrative rules which can be found at the state Department of Human Services website at http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs.
Preschool prepares children for kindergarten by teaching social skills and recognition of shapes and some letters. It allows children to explore and discover their world in an environment where they learn through hands on play experiences.
Eligible families select the DHS-licensed facility of their choice. Household size and monthly gross income also are used to determine priority. Income eligibility for tuition subsidies is based on a monthly gross family income not exceeding the amounts below. The subsidy amount is based on a sliding fee scale using the family monthly gross income and the maximum POD rate allowed for the selected preschool or the cost of care if lower.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure the May 31 deadline is met.
For additional information, call 1-800-746-5620 http://humanservices.hawaii.gov.

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

Be aware of IRS scams, Hawai`i police advise.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE WARNING the public about an IRS scam.

Residents have reported that they receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS who threatens a government lawsuit because they owe a large sum of money to the IRS. The potential victims are instructed to go to the bank and withdraw a large sum of money. One resident reported that the caller said he would then go to the house to collect the money.
Instructions from the official IRS website say that if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, you should record the employee’s name, badge number, call back number and caller ID if available; call 1-800-366-4484 to determine if the caller is an IRS employee with a legitimate need to contact you.
If the person calling you is an IRS employee, call them back. If not, report the incident to TIGTA and to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov (Subject: ‘IRS Phone Scam’)
For more information, see www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing.

The Inoue `Ohana will perform at Ka`u
Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.
Photo from Kathie Inoue

THE INOUE `OHANA WILL PERFORM at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, May 21. Kathie Inoue said the group will be flying across the Pacific to the Big Island and will share some of the Hawaiian music they perform where they live in and around Japan. They are hosted by Kumu Debbie Ryder. The Ho`olaule`a is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and also includes performances by Halau Hula Kalehuaki`ki `Eika`iu, Hands of Time, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana Halau, Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and their courts, Kupuna `O Pahala, Bolo, Keaiwa & Demetrius, Halau Hula O Leonalani, Sammi Fo & Halau Kahokukauahiahionalani, Phoebe & Bobby Gomes Family, Makana and Harry Evangelista & Kukubird.

Enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, the Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours and vendors, and meet the farmers.
See kaucoffeefest.com.

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

TWAIN MEETS TITA TODAY at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i.
In honor of Mother’s Day, actors will also read from the Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door.

Reserve by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com.
Park entrance fees may apply.

KMC offers Cinco de Mayo buffet tomorrow.
Photo from KMC

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a Cinco de Mayo buffet tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu includes short rib fajitas, Mexican chicken casserole, stuff-your-own-burrito bar and more. Adults, $18; Children 6-11, $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES students present Middle School Theater Night tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Sixth grade offers Poultry in Motion by Patrick Rainville Dorn. Seventh grade takes on the humorous murder mystery No Body to Murder by Edith Weiss. Eighth-grade students perform After Hours by Kevin Stone.
Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees may apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Lands from Kapua Bay to Hwy 11 will be preserved under a resolution at the state
Legislature. See www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews. Photo by Kaiali`i Kahele

KAPUA LANDS near Miloli`i will be preserved, according to a resolution passed yesterday by members of the Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture.

Senate Resolution 46 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to engage in negotiations with the current landowners of the makai lands of Kapua to acquire the lands on behalf of the state or to lease those lands in perpetuity on behalf of the state.

Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele

“Our late colleague, Sen. Gil Kahele, had the dream of the state purchasing the Kapua makai lands. This resolution will make it possible to see this dream become reality,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Water, Land and Agriculture committee, in recommending the resolution be passed.
As one of his last actions as a state legislator, the late Sen. Kahele signed SB3071 for its introduction during the 2016 session, which would have required the DLNR to engage in negotiations to acquire the Kapua makai lands. Kaiali`i Kahele was appointed to the seat vacated by his father, following his death in January. SR46 was drafted by Sen. Kahele, who was determined to ensure the process to preserve the lands would continue, despite SB3071 being stalled in conference.
“This is not just for my dad, but for generations of keiki,” Kahele said. “This area has significant archeological and culturally historical value and must be preserved.”
SR46 is the final resolution to be heard this legislative session and will be voted on the floor today.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. Follow us at www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews and twitter.com/kaunews.

WATER RIGHTS FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS are subjects of a bill passed by the state Legislature before it adjourns today. HB2501 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. The bill 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.
“Today, I voted on hardest decision of the session for me,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman said. “I supported, with reservations, HB2501, a water rights bill that means different things to different islands. I have never before voted against the widely accepted ‘environmental’ position on any bill. But to my district, the answer was different. What is clearly the environmental position on Maui is not the right position in my district of Puna and Ka`u.”
When speaking on the Senate floor, Ruderman said:

Sen. Russell Ruderman speaking about a water rights bill.

“This bill is in response to a crisis created by Alexander & Baldwin and the Department of Land & Natural Resources. A&B perhaps could have avoided this divisive confrontation, but seems to have found it in their best interest to use the Legislature to sidestep a court ruling in favor of the public trust doctrine. A&B has ensnared other water revocable permit holders in a web of fear to support their effort to bypass a legal ruling. Sadly, they seem to have succeeded.
“The Senate briefly flirted with a position that excluded A&B but protected other water revocable permit holders. Unfortunately, there was never a real commitment to this position, and A&B’s tremendous influence has prevailed.
“If I had my way, I’d vote ‘no’ on the game A&B is playing and ‘yes’ for the innocent family farms who feel they need this protection as they transition to a long-term lease.
“I would love to vote no, to support taro farmers on Maui (who have waited too long to resume their ancestral practices, as guaranteed by our constitution) and in support of the streams on Maui, all of which deserve a healthy flow of water. Not a few streams, not a PR event, but all the streams should flow now, to comply with the law without delay.
“But, of 10 water revocable permits statewide, six are on my island, and four are in my district. For those in my district, none are taking water from streams. They maintain the water source themselves at their own expense, and have been trying to resolve water RP issues for decade or more.
“I must vote for my constituents. It is my job to represent my district’s needs.
“I’m voting for people like John Cross and the independent farmers served by Olson Trust water system; Michelle Galimba and the other ranchers fed by water from Kuahiwi Enterprises; Pahala coffee farmers, mac nut farms, Randy Cabral and neighboring ranchers and homesteaders using Wood Valley water system and Moa`ula water system; and finally for the family of Bill and Lani Petrie and the remarkable Gen Cran of Kapapala Ranch in Ka`u, who are the best stewards any land has ever had, who have struggled for decades to resolve their permit issues.

“These folks are my neighbors. They are family farmers, not mega-corporations, and they believe they need this bill.
“I regret that my vote benefits A&B and harms the Maui streams, and the Maui small farmers that deserve water. But I must vote to support the family farms in my district who have been caught up in the fight through no fault of their own.
“In the end I represent my district, and I’m voting for the farmers in my district. Therefore I vote ‘yes, with reservations.’”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. Follow us at www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews and twitter.com/kaunews.

KA`U VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS attending Kamehameha Schools-Hawai`i continued their winning streak last night in the state high school finals on O`ahu. They beat Kapalama Hgh School 25-15, 25-19, 26-28, 25-18. Tonight they take on Moanalua at 7 p.m., televised live on OC16. Last weekend the Ka`u players, with no losses all season, led their team to the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship. The Ka`u contingent attending Kamehameha is comprised of Addison Enriques, of Punalu`u – hitter; Avery Enriques, of Punalu`u – hitter; Kameron Moses, of Pahala – setter and libero; and Naia Makuakane, of Na`alehu – setter. Kamehameha is coached by Punalu`u resident Guy Enriques.

Stargazers travel to Makanau during the Ka`u Coffee
Festival. See www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews.

Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO STARGAZE atop Makanau is coming up on Friday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. The Ka`u Coffee Festival event is $35 per person, including refreshments and rides. Participants meet at Ka`u Coffee Mill and travel together to Makanau, where they discover Ka`u’s dark skies. Olson Trust land manger John Cross and others will speak of the history of lands below and the significance of Makanau and the night skies.
To sign up, email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. Follow us at www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews and twitter.com/kaunews.

A TRANSMISSION LINE THAT FELL near Pahala caused a power outage for customers in various areas of Hawai`i Island yesterday at 11:15 a.m., Hawai`i Electric Light Co. reported. Most customers, except one, were restored by 12:12 p.m.

An estimated 16,900 customers experienced a power interruption. At the same time, another transmission line was out of service to allow crews to perform maintenance work. When the transmission line fell, it caused a temporary situation where power being generated by Kama`oa Wind Farm was disconnected from the grid. This resulted in insufficient generation to meet customer electricity demand. To protect the island’s power grid, some customers were automatically disconnected. Crews in the area were able to respond quickly to perform emergency circuit switching and restore customers. The cause of the line failure is under investigation.

Kanoe George Photo from Robyn Baglow

“Hawai`i Electric Light sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this interruption. We appreciate everyone’s understanding,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, Hawai`i Electric Light spokesperson.
To report a power outage, call 969-6666.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. Follow us at www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews and twitter.com/kaunews.

KANOE GEORGE was crowned Miss Hawai`i American Teen 2016 last Saturday night in Honolulu. She is the granddaughter of Robyn Baglow, of Discovery Harbour, who operates the Land Office, LLC real estate firm in Na`alehu. Kanoe George, 16, is known in Ka`u for her frequent visits and for having worked at the upcycle clothing store in the Na`alehu Shopping Center. She attends Sacred Hearts School in Na`alehu.

Robyn Baglow

Baglow was recently named to the Most Transactions list by Hawai`i Business Magazine. She will be honored in a special June real estate edition of the magazine and will attend a June 2 Most Transactions gala at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, sponsored by Bank of Hawai`i.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. Follow us at www.instagram.com/hawaiikaunews and twitter.com/kaunews.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a Cinco de Mayo buffet today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adults, $18; Children 6-11, $9. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES students present Middle School Theater Night today at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees may apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is home to more than 7,000 marine species, including the Bluefin Trevally. See Instragram. Photo by James Watt from PMNM

SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA to expand Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is coming from a diverse group. Nathan Eagle reported in Civil Beat that Native Hawaiians, conservationists, scientists and local fishermen delivered a petition with 43,000 signatures to administration representatives.

A father and son explore Northwest Hawaiian Islands sea life
as displayed at Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo.
Photo from NOAA

The proposal calls for expansion from the current 50 miles outside the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to 200 miles.

Following Sen. Brian Schatz’s call last month for Obama to involve stakeholders in the decision, a delegation arrived in Hawai`i this week to discuss the proposal. Stakeholders “presented cultural and scientific evidence to support expanding the monument to fully protect the cultural, historical and biological significance of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” Eagle reported.
“We have seen the decline in tuna populations that long-line fishing in Hawai`i has caused, subjecting Hawaiians and Hawai`i residents to import ahi poke from other countries,” said Jay Carpio, a local fishermen who leads education and support efforts with other fishermen. “Our local pono fishermen across the Hawaiian Islands are now standing up to this mostly foreign fishing industry. Fishermen like the late Uncle Buzzy Agard led the effort to establish Papahanaumokuakea, and local fishermen are again leading the call to President Obama to expand the monument.”
Rick Gaffney, a Kona fisherman, told Eagle that expanding the monument will protect breeding areas, resulting in more fish being available.

See civilbeat.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SCHOOL LEADERS IN KA`U who are interested in mediation training can contact Ku`ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or julie@hawaiimediation.org.

Peer mediation is both a program and a process where students of the same age group facilitate resolving disputes between other keiki. This process has proven effective in schools around the United States and in Hawai`i, changing the way students understand and resolve conflict in their lives. Changes include improved self-esteem, listening and critical thinking skills, and school climate for learning.
KTA, celebrating its 100-year anniversary, has made a multi-year commitment to support training of student peer mediators by Ku`ikahi Mediation Center. The $15,000 donation over three years is in memory of Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi, Founders of KTA Super Stores.
“We look forward to a most successful program because we believe that early intervention is the best means of prevention,” said KTA Chairman and CEO Barry Taniguchi.
During the 2015-2016 school year, over 100 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders have been trained as peer mediators at Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Kea`au, Kapiolani, Keonepoko, Laupahoehoe and Mountain View elementary schools.

“We so appreciate KTA’s commitment to the well-being of Hawai`i Island and people of all ages. The Taniguchis are tireless advocates of community causes and renowned for their generosity,” Ku`ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell said. “KTA’s key support of the Peer Mediation Elementary School Pilot Project has been critical in leveraging additional interest and funding. We are extremely grateful.”

Ku`ikahi Mediation Center’s vision is a peaceful community where people routinely seek common ground.
For more information, see www.hawaiimediation.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Josh Green

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN reported accomplishments of Hawai`i's 28th state Legislature that adjourned yesterday.

The Legislature appropriated funds for hospitals regionally and statewide, “to keep them healthy and thriving so that they in return can keep the community healthy and thriving,” Green said.
Measures passed to combat the dengue outbreak and other potential mosquito-borne threats such as Zika virus that may arise on the Islands in the future.
Air conditioning schools “will create an environment conducive to learning for our keiki,” Green said. “Though we must do much more to support public education, this investment was a necessary sign we are committed to our schools.”
“With these victories in mind I will continue to strive to truly make Hawai`i a better place to live for all of us,” Green said. “My priorities remain: a living wage of $16 an hour throughout the state, free community college available to all residents of Hawai`i, pesticide reform to help protect our keiki, a renaissance of our healthcare system and real progress on homelessness.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK resulted in successful legislative session, Gov. David Ige said. The state Legislature adjourned yesterday.

“I must first recognize the hard work of the Hawai`i State Legislature,” Ige said. “We appreciate its focus on setting the policy direction and making appropriations for the state. Disagreements are inevitable, and healthy debate strengthens the end product.
“What we saw this year was true collaboration – a true team effort. We moved forward on many long-standing issues. I am pleased that so many of our initiatives from the State of the State can now move ahead.

Gov. David Ige yesterday signed a bill appropriating funds to air
condition classrooms. Photo from Office of the Governor.

“If I were to give grades, this session would earn a resounding B. There are still issues to look at and bills that need careful consideration. Overall – it was a solid session, but there is always room for improvement.
“Cooling the schools was my highest priority, and we are glad the legislators agreed. SB3126 allows for an emergency appropriation for air conditioning, heat abatement and related energy efficiency measures at public schools. I am grateful to our legislators for ensuring that the funds are available quickly, so the Department of Education can continue its work. In the end, legislators found their own way to move this long overdue project forward.
“We thank legislators for approving $12 million, more than we requested, to support the state’s effort to move homeless families and individuals into temporary and permanent housing. The funds will support coordinated strategy with concrete and measurable goals, taking a systemic and evidence-based approach to addressing homelessness.”
Ige also acknowledged that substantial progress was made to meet housing needs of the average family. Legislators allocated $75 million toward this effort.
The Legislature also approved an additional 20 positions for the Department of Health’s vector control branch, with additional funds to enhance the state’s fight against mosquito-borne diseases.
“Governing the right way means taking care of our debts and obligations while managing effectively,” Ige said. Legislators approved $150 million for the Rainy Day Fund and $81.9 million to pay down unfunded liabilities.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS made it to the semi-finals of the state high school championships last night but fell to Moanalua, 3-2. Moanalua plays Punahou for the state title tonight. The Ka`u players, from Pahala, Punalu`u and Na`alehu, attend Kamehameha Schools-Hawai`i under Warriors coach and Punalu`u resident Guy Enriques. The Ka`u players are Addison Enriques, Avery Enriques, Kameron Moses and Naia Makuakane.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Bolo returns to perform at Ka`u Coffee Festival Pa`ina a week
from today. Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL BEGINS one week from today, with the kick-off Pa`ina. The event at Pahala Plantation House next Friday at 6 p.m. raises funds for Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarships. Meet the candidates and Ka`u Coffee farmers. Enjoy fresh farm foods, Puerto Rican music by El Leo and the music of Bolo and Friends. The event is co-sponsored by Hawai`i Farmers Union United and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call 928-9811.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend. Tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk.
Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop-trail hike that provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
See nps.gov/havo.

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_May2016.pdf.

Ka`u residents and visitors can still sign up for Ka`u Mountain Water System Hikes set for May 18 and 19. See more below.
Photo by Jesse Tunison

MORE THAN 50 PERCENT of residents consider Hawai`i Island a safe place to live, and almost 60 percent consider it a safe place work. Chief Harry Kubojiri yesterday released results of the Police Department’s Community Satisfaction survey. Almost 64 percent of 547 respondents said they are comfortable calling the police if they need assistance.

Chief Harry Kubojiri

Kubojiri said the survey was a tool to help him identify problem areas the community is experiencing with the Police Department, determine if he can rectify those issues through specific training of personnel, make changes to policies and procedures if necessary and clarify misinformation about laws and/or police practices.

“Your feedback has been invaluable in providing input into the impressions of the community and visitors to our island,” Kubojiri said. “Your input is one of the many tools we use in our continuing efforts to improve how we provide services to the public.”
Complete survey results can be viewed at hawaiipolice.com. The chief encourages the public to continue to provide feedback throughout the year by using the “Feedback” link on the Police Department’s website.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I ISLAND JUDGE Riki May Amano will proceed as the contested case hearing officer for the Conservation Use District Application for the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources announced the unanimous decision yesterday.

Judge Riki May Amano

In response to objections raised by certain parties to Amano’s selection as the TMT hearing officer due to her family membership in the `Imiloa Astronomy Center operated by the University of Hawai`i-Hilo, the Board stated: “A ‘family membership’ does not confer any right to participate in `Imiloa’s governance or decision making, in contrast to organizations where members may vote for a board of directors or other officers,” and the membership simply allows her and her family to “view exhibits and displays at a museum that focuses on astronomy, Mauna Kea and Hawaiian culture.”

The board stated, “No reasonable person would infer that the possibility of this ‘benefit’ (`Imiloa family membership) would override the hearing officer’s duty to make an impartial recommendation to the board.”

The Hawai`i Revised Code of Judicial Conduct directly addresses the issue of how to treat Amano’s membership if `Imiloa is assumed to be a party to the contested case. “The rule provides that a judge shall disqualify herself if the judge or her specific listed relative are a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, general partner, managing member of trustee of a party. While this list is not exhaustive, what is significant to the BLNR is that all of these grounds involve some kind of fiduciary or managerial relationship between the judge (or the judge’s relative) and the party. Such relationships do not remotely resemble the ‘family membership’ at issue here,” the board said in its decision.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK next week will use aircraft to shuttle crew, camp supplies, fencing material and equipment from Kilauea summit to Mauna Loa at about the 9,000-foot elevation. It will also shuttle crew, camp and monitoring supplies from Kilauea summit to Kahuku at about 7,500-ft. elevation.

Flights will take place between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
On May 16, between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., aircraft will transport vegetation management supplies, equipment and gear from Escape Road helipad to Napau campsite.
On May 16, 17, 20, 23 and 26, between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., aircraft will shuttle crew, camp supplies, fencing material and equipment from Kilauea summit to Kapapala/Mauna Loa boundary.
Other flight plans for this month include:

May 17, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000- and 7,000-ft elevation;
May 17, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kilauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft elevation;
May 23, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., to transport vegetation management supplies, equipment and gear from Escape Road helipad to Napau campsite;
May 25, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., for short-haul training near the summit of Kilauea; and
May 26, between noon and two p.m., to transport vegetation management supplies, equipment and gear from Napau campsite to Escape Road helipad.

In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

The FDA now regulates e-cigarettes.
Photo from wikipedia

THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION released a final rule that extends its regulatory authority over tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes. The new rule will ensure that e-cigarettes are regulated in the same way that the FDA regulates traditional cigarettes.

“Today marks an historic day in our fight to keep tobacco products out of the hands of youth,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. “With this new rule, the FDA now has the authority to regulate e-cigarettes and protect children from developing dangerous addictions. I am also glad to see that the state of California has followed Hawai`i’s lead and raised its tobacco age to 21. We’re making progress and building momentum. It’s time to pass our Tobacco to 21 bill and raise the smoking age across the country.”
Before today, there was no federal law prohibiting retailers from selling e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco or cigars to people under age 18. Today’s rule changes that, with provisions aimed at restricting youth access, which go into effect in 90 days.
In September, Schatz introduced the Tobacco to 21 Act, legislation that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products, now including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.
Hawai`i was the first state in the nation to raise the legal smoking age to 21. Earlier this week, California followed Hawai`i’s lead and raised the legal age to sell tobacco products in that state from 18 to 21.
In the last 50 years, nearly 21 million people in the United States have died due to tobacco-related illnesses, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the country. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine found that raising the legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21 nationwide would reduce the number of new tobacco users, decrease smoking frequency by 12 percent, and save more than 220,000 lives from deaths related to smoking.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Josh Green

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN holds a Legislative Talk Story on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center Council Chambers.

Green will update this past legislative session and also will be joined by Suzanne Case, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, who will provide a brief update on issues in West Hawai`i pertaining to DLNR.
Afterward, there will be time for questions and answers.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers its free Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop-trail hike provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
See nps.gov/havo.

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET is available tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes prime rib au jus, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms and spinach, Asian-infused Hawaiian ono and more.

Masako Sakata last year donated her recipe
contest winnings to the Miss Ka`u Coffee
Pageant scholarship fund.

KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for seating times and more information.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS will be in full swing a week from today. Set for next Saturday are Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest and Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry Pageants. The events take place at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The recipe contest begins at 11 a.m., with $2,000 in prizes. The pageants begin at 6 p.m.

Deadline to enter the recipe contest is Monday, May 9. Call 928-0550 or email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com.

SLOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Ka`u Mountain Water System Hikes. Participants explore flume systems of the sugarcane era and investigate development of hydroelectric power as they hike through native Hawaiian rainforest. The Ka`u Coffee Festival events take place on Wednesday and Thursday, May 18 and 19 at 9 a.m. $40 per person includes lunch.
Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u Coffee Festival's inaugural Lobsterpalooza is a week from today on the lawn at Punalu`u Beach House. See more below. Photo from Jim Dahlberg

GOV. DAVID IGE VETOED a bill relating to access to treatment for terminally ill patients. The House of Representatives and the Senate each passed SB2181 unanimously.

The purpose of the bill was to enable terminally ill patients in Hawai`i to obtain from manufacturers investigational drugs and biological products that have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for general use. The bill also would have shielded practitioners who recommend investigational drugs to their patients from liability and the heirs of patients who receive investigational drugs from claims of responsibility for the costs of those drugs in the event of the patient’s death.

Gov. David Ige

“This bill is objectionable because the FDA’s existing ‘expanded access program’ (also known as the ‘compassionate use program’), which this measure seeks to circumvent, already serves to increase access to investigational drugs for patients under the care of a physician while preserving the approval process, treatment data reporting and other patient-centered safeguards,” Ige said in his veto message. “The regulations associated with this program were amended in 2009 and should be allowed a chance to be fully implemented and further publicized. While admirably seeking to increase access to potentially life-saving drugs, this measure unreasonably compromises the consumer protections provided by the FDA’s expanded access program. The federal system of regulations that govern the sale and distribution of new and investigational drugs is also instrumental in the development of beneficial drug products. Interference with that system will likely have the unintended consequence of delaying development of those potentially life-saving drugs. Additionally, this measure unreasonably intrudes upon a system of federal law in violation of the Supremacy Clause. Since the sale and distribution of new and investigational drugs will remain federally regulated whether or not this measure becomes law, it is also unclear what actual benefits would accrue to patients in Hawai`i.”

“Sadly, the governor chose to ignore the key point of this legislation which about 30 other states have passed – that point being that people want hope,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green said. “This bill would have allowed people with terminal illness and no other options to pursue medicine that is undergoing the process of approval by the (seriously flawed) FDA.

“It’s time we saw a little more heart from the administration.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Women between ages 20 and 34 have more children than those
in younger or older age groups. Graph from U.S. Census

TODAY IS MOTHER’S DAY. Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day observances in Grafton, West Virginia and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis became the driving force behind Mother’s Day and asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 43.5 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 have children, and these mothers gave birth to 95.8 million children.
For more facts about mothers, see census.gov.

KILAUEA’S EXPLOSIVE NATURE is the topic of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s current issue of Volcano Watch.

“You enter Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and drive past Kilauea Visitor Center, perhaps first stopping for guidance on where to see lava – the reason most people visit the volcano,” the article states. “Eventually, you cross Steaming Flat, drive by Kilauea Military Camp and arrive at the Jaggar Museum parking lot. You park and walk to the viewing platform, hoping that lava is visible in the distant Halema`uma`u Crater.
“As an observant visitor, though, you may have noted something a bit strange. You saw lava flows – cold and solidified, of course – only in cuts where the road drops down to, and then climbs out of, Steaming Flat. Everywhere else, you were traveling on a surface of gravelly or sandy material (hidden by vegetation in many places). Volcanologists call this material tephra, a product of explosive eruptions. The tephra sits on, and mostly hides, the lava flows of Kilauea.
“Before 2008, the year when Crater Rim Drive was closed at Jaggar Museum, your drive into and across the caldera would have been similar. Tephra is everywhere at the ground surface, except where lava flows that were erupted in the late 20th century cross the road. Large blocks and pockets of ash exploded from Halema`uma`u in 1924 litter the surface surrounding the crater.
“Today, you can observe tephra by walking along the section of Crater Rim Drive between the Devastation Trail parking area and Keanakako`i Crater. Thick deposits of pumice and scoria from the 1959 Kilauea Iki lava fountains line much of the hiking route. Near Keanakako`i, layered older explosive deposits are evident, particularly visible in the cut (closed to visitors) just beyond the gate at Keanakako`i.

Layers of explosive deposits erupted from Kilauea Volcano in the 17th
and 18th centuries are visible in a road cut at Keanakako`i Crater.
Photo from USGS/HVO

“By now you’ve found some of the evidence for past explosive eruptions that geologists a century ago recognized. They correctly surmised that many explosions, not just one, had occurred, because they found evidence of erosion between some layers within the deposits. They knew that at least one eruption took place in 1790 but had no way of knowing when the others occurred.

“In the late 1960s, observations of erupting Taal Volcano, Philippines, led to the recognition of base surges, which carry hot volcanic debris across the surface at hurricane velocity. Volcanologists soon discovered that surges can erode the ground surface, scouring channels much like those eroded by water and wind.

“Base-surge deposits were identified at Kilauea in the early 1970s – an important step in understanding its past explosive history. But there was a detour along the way. Surges were the ‘in’ thing then, and they were used to account for all the erosional features found in the explosive deposits. With this thinking, one no longer needed to postulate many explosions, separated by periods of wind and water erosion. Instead, repeated scouring by multiple surges during only one eruption in 1790 became the favored model.
“In the 1990s, a new technique for radiocarbon dating – accelerator mass spectrometry – made it possible to measure the age of only a few milligrams of charcoal resulting from fires set by lava flows and explosive eruptions. That remarkable technological advancement, coupled with a means to adjust the AMS ages to calendar years, opened the door to understanding much of Kilauea’s past few thousand years.
“Application of AMS dating to the explosive deposits found that multiple eruptions of different ages had indeed taken place, and that water and wind erosion was responsible for some of the channels and irregular surfaces found in the deposits. To be sure, surges did some of the erosion, but not all.
“This discovery freed our thinking; no longer was it necessary to cram all the explosive activity into one year. The new ‘relaxed-fit’ approach fits the data better, indicating about 300 years of repeated explosive eruptions at Kilauea’s summit. Detailed field work found more evidence supporting the new interpretation. The story now is internally consistent.
“Your drive from the Park entrance station to Jaggar Museum, and your walk at Keanakako`i Crater, are on deposits of the 1790 eruption, which overlie older deposits going back to about 1500. Other research has found evidence for older periods of explosive activity lasting as long as 1200 years.

“The bottom line: Kilauea is an explosive volcano that will, almost certainly, explode again.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SENIOR IDs ARE AVAILABLE tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pahala Housing Center and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. For ages 60 and over. Call 928-3100 for more information.

Tom Peek discusses and signs his book
at After Dark in the Park.

INSPIRED BY THE ISLAND OF FIRE is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai`i Island author Tom Peek, a former eruption ranger at the park, presents the story behind the story of his award-winning novel, Daughters of Fire. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LOBSTERPALOOZA IS A WEEK from today.
A new event for 2016, Ka`u Coffee Festival Lobsterpalooza is a picnic on the lawn of the beach house at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach. Presented in partnership with Hana Hou Restaurant and `O Ka`u Kakou, the event features a choice of surf or turf menu and live entertainment by Larry Dupio Band and special guest Full Tilt Band.
Lobsterpalooza is next Sunday, May 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 in advance and are available at brownpapertickets.com, Hana Hou restaurant in Na`alehu and from Lorie Obra in Pahala at 937-3412.
See kaucoffeefest.com for full menu.
For more information, call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Deadline to enter Ka`u Coffee Festival's Recipe Contest has been extended from today to Friday. See more below.
Photos from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS are included in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s eighth and final budget. His Capital Improvements Budget includes 55 projects requiring a total of $144.8 million.

Ocean View Recycling & Transfer Station would receive $3 million, with $374,000 previously allotted.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

Work on local wastewater systems would continue, with $650,000 appropriated for Na`alehu, which previously received $2.987 million.

In Pahala, $645,000 would be used for land acquisition, infrastructure improvement and planning of a sewage treatment plant, with $250,000 previously allotted.
“Through the tough economic times our county faced during the Great Recession, we preserved funding for public safety and essential core county government services,” Kenoi said. “We protected funding for services to seniors and preserved and expanded programs for our youth. We maintained county funding to nonprofit organizations serving the people most in need.
“In this proposed budget, we continue this commitment to investing in our communities.
“This budget represents our departments’ collective, collaborative effort to address the needs of our island’s growing population in a way that is both responsive to our community and fiscally responsible. Our administration’s final budget reflects eight years of careful planning and conservative budgeting that has positioned our county to maintain services to our residents, meet our obligations to our employees, and continue to invest in our communities.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION has awarded a $20,000,000 grant to the University of Hawai`i for a clean water research project. The project, titled `Ike Wai, from the Hawaiian words for knowledge and water, will address the critical needs of the state to maintain its supply of clean water, most of which comes from groundwater sources.

University of Hawai`i will conduct a clean water research project.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources

“Due to our volcanic origins, our system of aquifers is far more complex than we once thought,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “This grant will allow scientists to use modern mapping tools to provide policymakers with critical information about our water resources and help ensure that there is enough for the needs of people, agriculture and future generations.”

“Hawai`i’s water is a precious resource, and this competitive funding will support the University of Hawai`i’s research into protecting our fresh water sources for future generations,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “Ike Wai and other projects that build an innovative, sustainable future are essential to understanding and finding solutions for our island state’s unique needs and also underscore the importance of significant federal investments in research in these critical areas, something that I strongly support.”
“Pollution, fracking, unsustainable farming practices and overdevelopment have put serious pressure on our clean water supply across the globe. It is essential that we protect and maintain access to fresh and clean water in Hawai`i due our isolated location in the Pacific,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “There is still much unknown about how water flows through the unique landscapes and volcanic foundations of our islands. This grant from the National Science Foundation will help us to better understand how to use our precious natural resources to ensure a continuous and high quality water supply.”
The `Ike Wai project, awarded under the NSF’s Research Infrastructure Improvements Program, will greatly improve understanding of where the water that provides for the needs of Hawai`i’s cities, farms and industries comes from and how to ensure a continued, high quality supply. This supply is under increasing pressures from population growth, economic development and climate change. The funding provided by the NSF will encourage collaboration with federal, state and local agencies and community groups concerned with water management.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Reuniting Filipino WWII veterans with their families has been
a priority for U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.
Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

CERTAIN FAMILY MEMBERS of Filipino World War II veterans can soon apply to come to the United States to be reunited with their aging Filipino veteran family members who are U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents under a program announced by the Obama Administration last year. Applications will begin to be accepted next month.

Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Their children, however, were not granted citizenship. Due to backlogs in the U.S. immigration system, it can take more than 20 years for immigration applications to be reviewed. Under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Policy, Filipino veterans whose service has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, or their surviving spouses, may apply to bring their children to the U.S. The policy will allow families who have been waiting, in some cases decades, for their immigration applications to be approved to be together rather than apart while their applications are processed.
Sen. Mazie Hirono has made fighting for Filipino veterans to receive this benefit a top priority during her time in Congress. After years of advocacy by Hirono, the Obama Administration announced last July that it would create a parole program to reunite the families of Filipino World War II veterans. Hirono pushed the Administration to quickly implement the program and make children eligible for expedited consideration to come to the United States.
“President Obama has taken an important action for Filipino WWII veterans who have been waiting patiently for decades to be reunited with their families. Filipino World War II veterans and their spouses, who are in their eighties or nineties, will finally be able to apply to bring their adult children to the United States,” Hirono said. “I have heard from so many of these veterans in Hawai`i and across the country who simply want family reunification. We will now have a concrete path for making that a reality. I will continue working with Filipino organizations and advocacy groups in Hawai`i to ensure eligible veterans receive the necessary information and assistance with their applications so they can be with their spouses and children.”

“We celebrate this long awaited and historic day for our World War II Filipino-American veterans and their families,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “We thank Sen. Hirono for her leadership on this victory. We stand ready to assist in the implementation of this program, and we rededicate ourselves to the hard work ahead to achieve permanent and comprehensive solutions to our broken immigration system.”

Miss Holly K returns as DJ during Ka`u Coffee
Recipe Contest.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U COFFEE COOKS have this week to enter the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest. Today was the original deadline, but Ka`u Coffee Mill extended it to Friday. The contest rewards creative cooks for their original recipes containing Ka`u Coffee. Three main categories in Adult and Student divisions are Pupu (appetizers), Entrees and Desserts. Miss Holly K, of Native-FM, will DJ and assist 2015 Miss Ka`u Coffee Queen Maria Miranda award winners.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION is preparing for its annual Fourth of July Rodeo. The nonprofit is raising funds so that it can be a Buckle Rodeo. About 24 buckles would be awarded to winners of each event. Each buckle costs between $100 and $150. Donors will be recognized and can have banners hung at the rodeo if they wish.

Jaycee Amaral, here with Ralph Kaapana,
holds the buckle she won last year.
Photo by Julia Neal

Donations are due by May 31 to allow time to order and receive buckles by July. Make checks payable to Ka`u Roping & Riding Association, and send to Tammy Kaapana, KRRA Donation Chair, PO Box 423, Na`alehu HI 96772.

“Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and anything would help make this rodeo a successful and memorable one,” Kaapana said.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AUTHOR TOM PEEK PRESENTS the story behind the story of his award-winning novel Daughters of Fire tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs; park entrance fees apply.

CREATE A LEI HAKU, Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how to make the traditional haku-style of lei, which involves braiding material into a base of leaves to create a full adornment. 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/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

Exploring Pu`u o Lokuana at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one activity of the park's free Summer Junior Ranger Program. See more below. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE’S $389 million capital improvements budget includes projects in Ka`u.

The state Legislature's budget includes funds to repair
and/or replace Ninole Bridge. Photo by Julia Neal

The budget calls for $150,000 for design and construction of walkway lighting, ground and site improvements, and equipment and appurtenances at Ka`u High School.

Na`alehu Elementary School would receive $290,000 to address repair and maintenance projects, including repairing and resurfacing wood hallways, improving drainage, constructing a wheelchair lift and replacing gutters, downspouts, basketball poles and hoops.
Eight million dollars is allocated for rehabilitation and/or replacement of Ninole Bridge along Hwy 11.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free Summer Junior Ranger Programs beginning June 7 and June 14. Keiki from ages seven to 13 years old are invited to “Find Your Park” and become junior rangers through the park’s free Keiki o Hawai`i Nei summer program during the park’s centennial year. A fun-filled, three-day program for keiki ages seven to 10 is June 7-9, and a program for youngsters ages 11 to 13 is June 14-16.

Ranger Noah teaches keiki how to play the Hawaiian
game konane. Photo from NPS

Each age group begins Tuesday and ends on Thursday. For the first two days, Keiki o Hawai`i Nei begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. On the last day (Thursday), the program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The programs start and end at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

Keiki o Hawai`i Nei is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting the child with the park’s resources and staff, and to inspire his or her appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i.
Participants must bring and be able to carry their own day pack with water, snacks, lunch and raingear, and hike up to three miles over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace. All interested applicants must submit an application to register. Download the application form here, or contact Education Specialist Lanakila Anderson at 985-6020 or emailgwen_anderson@nps.gov for information and an application.
Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 16. Selections will be made, and parents notified, on Wednesday, May 18.
The program is co-sponsored by Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Roberts Hawai`i.
Founded on Aug. 1, 1916, Hawai`i Volcanoes was the 15th national park established in the U.S. and celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, along with the National Park Service itself, which turns 100 on Aug. 25, 2016. The goal for both anniversaries is to connect with, and create, the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and Gov. David Ige honor active duty personnel,
veterans and military families. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined Gov. David Ige in expressing their gratitude for the hard work and dedication of service members. “This time each year, our nation recognizes the service and sacrifices made by our active duty personnel, veterans and military families,” Hirono said.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THIS MONTH BEGAN with the U.S. Travel Association celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7.

George Szigeti

Congress endorsed this annual salute to tourism in 1983 as a reminder of the industry’s economic and social benefits to communities nationwide.

“Hawai`i sees the benefits of our state’s largest industry every day in the approximately 180,000 jobs that support families and communities on all islands,” said George Szigeti, President and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority. “Hawai`i’s tourism industry came through the first quarter, traditionally an off-peak period, in good shape, and the year-to-date visitor statistics show we are slightly ahead of last year’s record-setting pace for arrivals and expenditures.

“Those results are especially heartening considering the economic struggles of some key international markets and the negative publicity generated by the dengue fever outbreak on Hawai`i Island.
“Nevertheless, visitors continue to crave the authenticity of the Hawai`i experience and embrace how the Aloha Spirit guides the way we live and the goodwill we show everyone coming to our islands.
“Mahalo for supporting Hawai`i’s tourism industry.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Tutu & Me is selling Big Island Candies' chocolate bars as a fundraiser.

TUTU & ME IS HAVING ONE LAST fundraiser before closing for the summer.

Representatives are selling ono chocolate bars from Big Island Candies. The cost per bar is $3.50.
“These bars are available only through fundraisers, and I’ve been told on good authority that they freeze well, so this is your chance to stock up!” site manager Betty Clark said.
To purchase, call 929-8571 or 430-1802.

Tom Peek Photo by Julia Neal

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AUTHOR TOM PEEK discusses his novel Daughters of Fire this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE the traditional haku-style of lei tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THIS MONTH’S THURSDAY NIGHTS at the Center on May 12 features the `Alala Project at 7 p.m.

Hawai`i’s endemic Hawaiian crow, the `alala, once made its home across the length and breadth of Hawai`i Island. In the fall, `alala will be restored to their natural habitat, and these very intelligent birds will take their place once again among the fauna of Hawaiian forests.

Learn about The `Alala Project Thursday.
San Diego Zoo Global photo from VAC

Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village welcomes Lea Ka`aha`aina of Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources’ `Alala Project, who will relate the amazing account of the `alala’s recovery and plans for its upcoming release.

Volcano Art Center and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research are proud to announce a statewide Call to Artists: All `Alala! for the exhibit, Return of `Alala: Restoring the Voice Of Hawai`i’s Native Forests. Open to Hawai`i artists, 18 years and older, working in all media who choose to represent the `alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) in their art work. VAC’s Gallery Manager, Emily C. Weiss, will share details about the Call to Artists: All `Alala!
Thursday Nights at the Center is a series at focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance art and life experiences and foster community connections. The event is free; $5 donations are greatly appreciated.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS ATPAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM ANDKAUCOFFEEMILL.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_May2016.pdf.

Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a attendees are encouraged to Buy Local: It Matters before Saturday, May 21 and bring their receipts, product labels or business cards to enter a prize drawing. The more collected and entered, the better a participant's chances of winning.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE has asked the state Public Utilities Commission to consider changing the location of a substation and overhead transmission line that Hawaiian Electric Light Co. wants to build at the entrance to Ranchos, a makai subdivision in Ocean View.
The substation and overhead transmission line are planned to service a controversial solar installation planned on lots in Ranchos and neighboring subdivisions. If the PUC does not approve construction of the transmission line, the proposed solar installation will be unable to connect to the grid.

If the transmission line is approved – either overhead or underground – the developers, an international corporation, will likely build a 6.5-megawatt project on 26 three-acre housing lots. Residents and property owners oppose what they consider industrialization of a rural neighborhood.

Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee wants to maintain the natural
scenery along Hwy 11.

Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee Chair Rich Morrow wrote to the PUC: “Highway 11 through Ka`u has been designated as a Scenic Byway by the state of Hawai`i. One of our goals is to enhance visitors’ experiences of our natural scenery while they travel through the diverse environments found along the highway. Construction of the proposed substation and overhead transmission line at the proposed location would create a prominent and permanent eyesore and be detrimental to our goal to beautify the Byway.
“We understand that there is an alternative site, previously proposed by HELCO, which is heavily wooded. We request that the commission consider placing the proposed substation on that lot so that it will be screened from view of travelers on the highway.”
The scenic route is entitled The Slopes of Mauna Loa. The committee has placed signs along the highway and installed a three-sided kiosk in Na`alehu. The committee also has plans to erect signs that will identify the dates of the many lava flows that Highway 11 crosses.
The PUC has opened a docket and is soliciting public comment on HELCO’s application. Anyone wishing to send comments can email puc.comments@hawaii.gov. Put docket number 2015-0229 in the subject line.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

LEADERS OF THE SPECIALTY COFFEE industry are traveling to the state’s largest agricultural district this month during the Ka`u Coffee Festival to taste and see all the effort that goes into producing award-winning Ka`u Coffee.
While meeting Ka`u growers, the visiting experts lead seminars at the festival’s annual Ka`u Coffee College May 22 at Pahala Community Center. Ka`u Coffee College has proven to be a place of learning, sharing and networking and has featured some of the industry’s leading professionals from around the globe. The 2016 program follows in this tradition with the theme Coffee Quality.

Meet Mike Perry, of Klatch Coffee, at Ka`u Coffee College.
Photo from Klatch Coffee

“These seminars are designed to not only continue to brand and market Ka`u as a premium coffee growing origin, but to help the growers’ bottom line,” organizer Chris Manfredi said. “We understand the challenges of sustaining a profitable farming operation in Hawai`i. These talks will certainly reinforce the exceptionally high quality for which Ka`u Coffee has become famous, but also ensure there is a steady supply of it. As we reach more markets, we need a solid supply of quality coffees to meet the increasing demand while ensuring growers remain profitable.”

Ka`u Coffee College is part of the eighth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, spanning May 13-22, and culminating May 21-22 at Pahala Community Center. Coffee professionals learn first-hand about the Ka`u coffee community in the days leading up to the May 21 Ho`olaule`a, which includes guided tastings, farm tours and the opportunity to talk story with growers at their booths.
“Ka`u Coffee College is the last, but certainly not the least event,” Manfredi said.
Topics covered at this year’s college include integrated pest management, coffee berry borer and coffee quality’s impact on price.
Six Years of Farming with CBB: Reflecting and Moving Forward will be presented by Andrea Kawabata, assistant extension agent for coffee and orchard crops with the University of Hawai`i CTAHR cooperative extension service and biologist Arturo Ballar Ortiz PSM, farm development and research director at Greenwell Farms. Working out of the Kona Research and Extension Center, Kawabata is the current project investigator for USDA and CTAHR Area-wide Mitigation and Management for CBB Control Project’s Outreach Program and cooperating investigator of the HDOA-funded Flat Bark Beetle Project.
Mike Perry will delve into Coffee Quality’s Relationship to Price Sensitivity. An award-winning roast master who blends a background in chemical engineering with a love for coffee, Perry is founder of Klatch Coffee in California.
Falling Coffee, Falling Profits will be discussed by Robert G. Hollingsworth, research entomologist of Hilo’s USDA-ARS-Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center and a specialist on coffee berry borer. Hollingworth’s research facilitated deregulation of the GHA strain of Beauveria bassiana, the principal pesticide used to control CBB. Currently, he is studying natural enemies of the pest, effectiveness of sanitation methods and the influence of environmental factors on population growth and development.
Miguel Meza, owner and director of Paradise Coffee Roasters in Hawai`i and Minnesota, teams up with Lee Paterson, owner of Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, to direct a coffee quality workshop, Recognizing and Minimizing Coffee Defects.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz met with U.S. Supreme Court nominee
Merrick Garland yesterday. Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ yesterday met with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, chief judge of the D.C. Circuit Court. The two met in Schatz’s office on Capitol Hill to discuss the nominating process, his record and judicial philosophy.

“Chief Judge Garland and I had a productive discussion about his record and approach to the law, and it is clear to me that he is a well qualified candidate for the Supreme Court. While I was glad to hear from him personally, the American people deserve to hear from him, too,” Schatz said. “We also now have Chief Judge Garland’s completed Senate Judiciary Questionnaire, which I will be carefully reviewing. These documents hold key information on his judicial philosophy, opinions and experience. Every member of the Senate should read it. Now that we have these documents, it’s time for Senate Republicans to do their job, take the next step in the process and give Chief Judge Garland a fair and timely hearing and vote.”
Earlier yesterday, Garland officially submitted his Senate Judiciary Committee Questionnaire, as all previous nominees to the Supreme Court have done. The completed questionnaire is 141 pages long and includes 2,066 pages of appendices. It includes key information on Garland’s employment, honors and awards, published writings, litigated cases, judicial opinions, speeches and interviews. The standard Senate Judiciary Committee Questionnaire is an essential part of the confirmation process for all federal judicial nominees. It is typically used by all senators to evaluate the nominee’s qualifications and then used as the basis for developing questions at the nominee’s confirmation hearing.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Red arrow marks location of a stone wall at South Point to be rebuilt. Photo from Nohealani Ka`awa

THE KA`U COMMUNITY, Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association and beneficiaries and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are organizing Ho`opa`a ka Pa Pohaku to rebuild a stone wall to restore and protect Kalalea Heiau Fishing Temple at South Point.

“The pa pohaku (stone wall), put into place by our Ka`u Kupuna (ancestors) to protect this sacred site, has been broken,” said DHHL Ka`u Association President Jeffrey Kekoa. “We humbly invite you and your `ohana to kokua (help) repair the wall and do what is pono (right) for this unique wahi pana (legendary place), which sustains us with food and connects us to our Kupuna. Keiki are welcome.”
Participants are asked to bring 4WD trucks to help haul rocks, sun protection (hats, long sleeves/pants, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.), covered shoes, work gloves and reusable water bottle.
On Saturday, May 21, introductions and oli begin the event at 8 a.m. Participants break into four groups, each with an Alaka`i (leader) and kuleana (responsibility). Food and water are provided. Work concludes at 2 p.m.

For more info, see facebook.com/KiekieKau/, or call Kekoa at 928-0320.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Chef Casey Halpern, of Cafe Pesto

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA's benefit dinner at Pahala Plantation House for farmer land security is 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.

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 are chefs.

See ionam.org.

Ka`u Mountain Water System Hikes are
next Wednesday and Thursday.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER System Hikes are a week from today. On Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants explore flume systems of the sugarcane era and investigate the development of hydroelectric power as they hike through native Hawaiian rainforest. Observe the old wooden flumes that carried water down the mountain to float sugar to the mill as you listen to native birds and take in the fresh air of Ka`u.

$45 per person (limited to 30 people) includes lunch. Call 928-0550, or email lisa@coffeemill.com.

LEA KA`AHA`AINA, OF HAWAI`I Department of Land & Natural Resources’ `Alala Project, tomorrow discusses the Hawaiian crow’s recovery and plans for its upcoming release. Volcano Art Center Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss share details about the Call to Artists: All `Alala!
The Thursday Nights at the Center event begins at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Free; $5 donations are greatly appreciated.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Participants view cattle in the foreground and coffee in the background. The year's Coffee & Cattle Day is a week from tomorrow. See more below. Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival.

A PROJECT TO IMPROVE AND REPAIR Escape Road from Hwy 11 to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park began Monday. The road will be closed Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of June or until the project is complete.

The section of road from Hwy 11 to Nahuku will be open when work is not scheduled. The section of Escape Road from Nahuku to Mauna Ulu will not be impacted.
Escape Road is an emergency access route that cyclists, hikers and equestrians enjoy.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Gov. David Ige signs HB1581 into law.

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED into law HB1581 (Act 48), which aims to expedite the resolution of disputes on actions by state agencies.

The new law allows contested case hearings before the commissions on Water Resource Management, Land Use, Public Utilities, the Hawai`i Community Development Authority and cases involving conservation districts, to be directly appealed to the Hawai`i Supreme Court. The law also requires the Supreme Court to give priority to contested case appeals of significant statewide importance.
This law will expedite the review process and decisions in important cases involving constitutional matters.
“The ability to directly appeal a contested case decision to the Hawai`i Supreme Court will be very efficient, saving both time and money for all parties involved,” said House Majority Leader Scott Saiki, who introduced the measure. “A Supreme Court decision will provide finality for a contested case much sooner than if appeals must be taken at various court levels.”
The new law takes effect on Aug. 1.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

President Obama plans to visit the Hiroshima Memorial.
Photo from wikipedia

PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE THE FIRST sitting U.S. President to visit Hiroshima Memorial. Sen. Mazie Hirono said his decision shows commitment to a nuclear-free future.

“I commend President Obama's decision to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, which serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating cost of nuclear warfare, especially on civilian communities,” Hirono said. “When I last visited the memorial, students from a Hawai`i elementary school asked me to present 1,000 paper cranes they folded as a tribute to Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who was stricken with cancer caused by the nuclear blast and who is depicted at the Children’s Peace Monument. The students had just read her story in class and were very moved by it. I know the President, too, will be moved by his visit to the Peace Memorial, a reminder to the world of the dangers of nuclear proliferation.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Hawai`i County Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira participated
in Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Telephone Town Hall.
Photo from Rep. Gabbard's Office

NEARLY 5,000 CONSTITUENTS of Hawai`i’s Second Congressional District joined U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Telephone Town Hall yesterday. They received updates as well as answers to questions and concerns regarding dengue fever, Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Chief Darryl Oliveira, from Hawai`i County Civil Defense, and state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park were featured to share important updates with listeners and respond to their live questions and concerns.

“There were important questions about how the state and our community can gather lessons learned from Hawai`i Island’s dengue outbreak and apply them going forward, what preventive steps are important for members of our community to continue to take, as well as some startling facts about the Zika virus,” Gabbard said. “The reality is, Hawai`i is a gateway to the Asia-Pacific and makes us susceptible to visitors who may be carrying different illnesses. It’s important for us to learn from Hawai`i Island’s recent outbreak, remain vigilant and work together to make sure these mosquito-borne illnesses are not allowed to take hold in our communities.
Gabbard called in from Washington, DC; Dr. Sarah Park called in from Honolulu; and Chief Darryl Oliveira called in from Hilo. They reported on the status of the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island, as well as what is being done at the federal, state and county levels to protect Hawai`i residents and guests from a future outbreak.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AN UPCOMING EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center benefits Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation. Ka`u and Kilauea Reflections features works by former Ka`u Hospital Dr. Douglas Davenport in an effort to raise funds for the foundation.

From June 25 through July 10, Davenport’s paintings and ceramics by will be available for viewing Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. The works display his appreciation for the unique district of Ka`u through a multitude of landscapes.

Dr. David Davenport next month exhibits his art to benefit
Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation. Photo from VAC

“I came to the Big Island with my wife and three children 25 years ago and fell in love with Volcano,” Davenport said. “We built a small house as a refuge from the busy life on O`ahu. Volcano became a place for us to be together as a family. We worked the land, the children included, hand-clearing the forest of ginger and tibouchina. As the years went by, our love of the place grew, as did our family.”

Davenport retired as an ER doctor after 25 years on O`ahu and took up a part-time position at Ka`u Hospital. With his background as a professional potter on O`ahu’s North Shore and a family history in oil painting from his grandfather and brother, Davenport said his artistic endeavors in Ka`u were “a natural progression.”
“The paintings and painted ceramic vases depicting scenes around Ka`u and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are the result of my time here,” Davenport said. “These works reflect the varying landscapes that grace this land, which I have been so lucky to experience.
“I feel fortunate to have been able to work in Pahala and, in my small way, give back to the community and to the island that has enriched my life immeasurably.”
“Volcano Art Center is pleased to support Ka`u Hospital through this exhibition of art by Dr. Douglas Davenport, MD. The hospital provides invaluable resources to the people of Hawai`i Island when they need it most,” VAC’s Executive Director Michael Nelson said.
Proceeds from artwork sold as well as donations received go directly to Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation and its mission “to be the very best it can be for the community,” Nelson said.
A special opening reception takes place on Saturday, June 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the campus. For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Learn about Ka`u's native dryland plants
next month at Pahala Public
& School Library.

PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY and Ho`omalu Ka`u co-sponsor a free, one-hour Native Dryland Plants Workshop, on Tuesday, June 14 at from 5:30 p.m. Participants learn about environmental and cultural values and uses of native Hawaiian dryland plants, many of which have grown here for thousands of years. The workshop is open to all residents and visitors on Hawai`i Island.

Participants receive the booklet, Native Plants of the Ka`u Dryland Forest, a catalog of 15 native species, published by Ho`omalu Ka`u. Each species in the book includes a scientific description along with cultural and medicinal uses as well as propagation techniques.
Workshop presenters include Edward Rau, a horticulturist with a licensed rare-plant nursery in Discovery Harbour and owner of Sustainable Resources. Rau will present information on Rapid `Ohi`a Death, a fungus killing `ohi``a trees on more than 35,000 acres throughout the island and here in Ka`u, as well as propagation techniques that he uses to grow native and non-native plants.
Lehua Lopez-Mau, a native Hawaiian cultural anthropologist and president of Ho`omalu Ka`u, will discuss the cultural values and historical uses of keystone dryland forest species, especially `ohi`a lehua. Both Rau and Lopez-Mau will showcase several dryland species in their plant forms as well as in artifacts.
For more information, call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-2015. For more information about the dryland species booklet, call Lopez-Mau at Ho`omalu Ka`u, 929-8526, or email hoomalukau@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A Music Festival Saturday benefits VSAS.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to a Music Festival Benefit for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Live music features the Kuahiwis with Hawaiian classics, William Kauhane and Moses Ahuna of One Rhythm with reggae, Wendell Ing & The Ing Crowd playing funky rhythm and blues, the Over-the-Hillbillies with folk and bluegrass, and Ti Chun’s Hawaiian melodies.

The event also includes food, games and fun for the whole family. Tickets are $15, $25 for two adults, or $25 for a VIP ticket that includes preferred seating and a gift bag. Tickets are available at VSAS school office at 985-9800, Punalu`u Bakeshop in
Na`alehu and Ka`u Business Center in Ocean View.

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY IS A WEEK from tomorrow. During the Ka`u Coffee Festival event, enjoy touring through Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm, where descendants of the first coffee farmer in Ka`u explain how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. Join owners Phil and Merle Becker at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20 for ranch and coffee tours and a paniolo lunch. Tickets are $25 per person or $20 for seniors.
Email aikaneplantation@hawaii.rr.com, or call 808-927-2252.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Star Gazing atop Makanau is a week from today as part of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. See more below.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES’ WILL OFFER nonstop service between Japan and Hawai`i Island. The U.S. Department of Transportation this morning approved the airlines’ application to serve Kona from Haneda Airport in Tokyo three times per week. The DOT has given Hawai`i’s largest and longest serving carrier until Jan. 29, 2017 to start the new service.

Hawaiian Airlines' proposed nonstop route between Japan
and Hawai`i Island has been approved.
Map from Hawaiian Airlines

In an order issued this morning, the DOT wrote, “Hawaiian, and Hawaiian alone, requested the nighttime slot pair (which includes a Honolulu route), and the Department finds that prompt approval of Hawaiian’s request is consistent with the public interest.”

According to Hawaiian Airlines, Kona is a larger local market than Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta.
“This is tremendous news for Hawaiian Airlines, for our employees, our customers and for the economies of Kona and our entire state,” Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said. “Flights between Hawai`i and Japan are the most traveled and most beneficial to the U.S. economy, so being able to expand the number that we can offer to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is especially important. We have estimated that the Kona portion alone will generate $35 million in visitor spending and $12.5 million in wages and benefits.
“Many thanks go to our entire Congressional Delegation for advocating so strongly for Hawaiian Airlines and Hawai`i in this proceeding. Mahalo also to Gov. David Ige, Mayor Billy Kenoi and all of the businesses and individuals who offered letters of support for this service.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A task force will study rat lungworm disease.

ASSESSING THE THREAT of rat lungworm disease is the job of a Joint Task Force established today, Hawai`i Department of Health and the East Hawai`i Liaison to the Office of the Governor announced. The mission of the task force is to share scientific knowledge in the application of diagnostics, treatment, mitigation and public education activities.

Rat lungworm disease is caused by a nematode, which is a roundworm parasite called Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The parasitic nematode can be passed from the feces of infected rodents to snails, slugs and certain other animals, which become intermediate hosts for the parasite. Humans can become infected when they consume, either intentionally or otherwise, infected raw or undercooked intermediate hosts.
Although rat lungworm has been found throughout the state, Hawai`i Island has a majority of the cases. Some infected people don’t show any symptoms or only have mild symptoms. For others, the symptoms can be much more severe, which can include headaches, stiffness of the neck, tingling or painful feelings in the skin or extremities, low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, a temporary paralysis of the face may also be present, as well as light sensitivity. This infection can also cause a rare type of meningitis.
“Establishing a joint task force with local experts in the medical field and leaders in government will produce a set of best practices that can be used to target rat lungworm disease not only on Hawai`i Island but on a statewide scale as well,” said Wil Okabe, East Hawai`i Liaison to the Office of the Governor. “There is no specific treatment yet identified for this disease, so finding the best ways to prevent its spread and educate the public is crucial.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

REP. TULSI GABBARD URGED CONGRESS to take action on legislation regarding prescription opioid abuse.
“As we look at treatment options and support for those dealing with this addiction, it’s important that we actually focus on the root cause of the problem,” Gabbard said. “We have seen for decades how major pharmaceutical companies have misled the Food & Drug Administration, doctors and patients about the safety and risks of opioid dependency on commonly prescribed prescription drugs in their efforts to sell more drugs.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard urged Congress to take action
on opioid abuse.

Gabbard referenced a recent L.A. Times report detailing how Purdue Pharma has made over $31 billion off of OxyContin, America’s bestselling pain killer, by advertising the drug’s 12-hour pain relief. Investigations have found that in many people the drug doesn’t last for 12 hours – it wears off hours earlier. According to the investigation and other research, this often leads to “excruciating symptoms of withdrawal, including an intense craving for the drug.”

“The problems created by companies like Purdue Pharma are felt deeply by families all across the country,” Gabbard said. “In my home state of Hawai`i, the rate of pain medicine abuse is more than 10 percent above the national average. According to Hawai`i State Department of Health, opioid-related deaths have increased 133 percent from 2000 to 2016. Further, many of those who used to take prescription drugs … have turned to heroin, which is made from the same poppy plant and has the same effect but is much cheaper. …

Gabbard pointed out that prescriptions for opiates spiked 270 percent over 12 years, according to a 2013 analysis by the Center for Investigative Reporting. This led to addictions and a fatal overdose amongst veterans at a rate twice the national average.
“A national health crisis of this magnitude requires leadership, commitment, resolve and partnership at every level of government, within our medical community and within our community itself,” Gabbard said. “I urge my colleagues to join me to call for further action that holds pharmaceutical companies accountable who are profiting off America’s addiction problem, and that holds doctors accountable who are irresponsibly overprescribing these highly addictive drugs. We must focus instead on finding real solutions that can truly help people.
“I also urge the U.S. Surgeon General to make combating opioid abuse the 2016 Call to Action, a yearly initiative that helps to stimulate nationwide action to solve a major public health problem in the U.S. In the past few years, the national Call to Action has addressed exercise, walkable communities, skin cancer prevention, breast-feeding, deep vein thrombosis and underage drinking. With 78 Americans dying every single day from opioid overdose, this is an issue that demands our national attention and action.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Goodies adorn the tasting table at Ka`u Coffee
Recipe Contest, Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to enter tomorrow’s Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest to be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The Ka`u Coffee Festival event includes live entertainment, tours, free coffee and recipe tastings.

See kaucoffeefest.com.

VISION VAN SCREENS KA`U RESIDENTS tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. during Ocean View Community Center’s Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast ends at 11 p.m.

PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU is a free program tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This guided 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. See https://www.nps.gov/havo.

A MUSIC FESTIVAL BENEFITS Volcano School of Arts & Sciences tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village.

The event includes food, games and fun for the whole family. Tickets are $15, $25 for two adults, or $25 for a VIP ticket that includes preferred seating and a gift bag. Tickets are available at VSAS school office at 985-9800, Punalu`u Bakeshop in Na`alehu and Ka`u Business Center in Ocean View.

NOE NOE KEKAUALUA and `ohana present Hula Kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Noe Noe Kekaualua Photo from VAC

Born and raised in Hilo, Kekaualua has a love and passion for Hawaiian culture that has taken her around the world. She began studying the art of hula at age four and has been engaged in this art ever since.

Kumu hula Loke Kamanu and `ohana present Na Mea Hula from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the gallery’s front porch. Call 967-8222 for more information.

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. Call 967-8371 for more information.
Park entrance fees apply.

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Candidates also vie for Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry.

Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
Tickets are $10 adults, $5 keiki available at Punalu‘u Bake Shop, Shaka’s and from candidates.

STAR GAZING ATOP MAKANAU is a week from today on Friday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. The Ka`u Coffee Festival event is $35 per person, including refreshments and rides. Participants meet at Ka`u Coffee Mill and travel together to Makanau.
To sign up, email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COMAND 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_May2016.pdf.

Dancers fill Pahala Plantation House's foyer during Ka`u Coffee Festival's Pa`ina to swing to the Kachi Kachi music of El Leo, with Ka`u's state Sen. Russell Ruderman on guitar. Photo by Ron Johnson

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT of government and non-government organizations from across the state will raise awareness about the threat of wildfire and drought to Hawai`i’s natural resources and to private and public property.

Wildfire & Drought Look Out! is a continuing campaign to keep people across the state informed of current fire and drought conditions, provide tips on protecting life and property from wildfire and provide information and education on how to deal with prolonged drought.

A new effort raises awareness of wildfire and drought.
Image from Hawai`i DLNR

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife is the lead agency charged with wildfire prevention and suppression on public lands across the state. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We hope this campaign, which has both a public and a media component, will educate and inform everyone living in and visiting Hawai`i about the year-around threat of wildfires. While fires here in Hawai`i burn smaller acreages than in much larger western states, the percentage of forest land we lose each year to wildfire, based on Hawai`i’s actual land mass, is equal to states like California.”

This year, 10,865 acres have already burned, over twice the number of acres burned during all of 2015.
The campaign has two components. Hawai`i Wildfire Management Organization is one of the primary partners in the Wildfire & Drought Look Out! Project. HWMO Executive Director Elizabeth Pickett said, “We have set up both a public and a media page on the HWMO website. The public page will have loads of information for home and property owners on how best to prepare for the possibility of wildfire well in advance. We’ll include water saving information which is really topical during this prolonged drought event in many areas across the state, largely caused by El Nino weather conditions.”

HWMO will also maintain and manage a media page, where partners can contribute story ideas and leads for reporters and their news organizations. “We hope media outlets across the state will find this information valuable and topical and join all of us in spreading prevention and preparedness messages widely,” Pickett said.
There was a time when wildfire season in Hawai`i typically started in late spring or early summer and lasted until late fall. “Now with prolonged drought across large regions of the Hawaiian Islands and long-range predictions that show no apparent relief soon, the timing of the Wildfire & Drought Look Out! campaign couldn’t be better,” said Derek Wroe, a forecaster with NOAA’s National Weather Service office in Honolulu, another of the project partners.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HFUU President Vincent Mina with Miss Ka`u Coffee 2015
Maria Miranda and Miss Peaberry 2016 candidate
Khloe Moses. Photo by Jesse Tunison

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL OPENED yesterday with the Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House. Attendees enjoyed music by Bolo & Friends and Puerto Rican music by El Leo, with Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman on guitar. They also met young ladies who will participate this evening to be named Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry. Local farmers provided fresh foods cooked by chefs from around the state for a feast that filled the dining room table.

Hawai`i Farmers Union United and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the event.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS welcome new direct Kona-Japan air service.
Mayor Billy Kenoi said he is thrilled that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the Hawaiian Airlines’ application to provide passenger air service to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport from Honolulu and Kona International Airports.
“Our economy is uniquely tied to air service,” Kenoi said. “Thousands of our working families depend on the visitor industry, not only at resorts and hotels but also at attractions, activities, restaurants and retailers. This is great news for our state and especially for Hawai`i Island.”
Entrepreneurs on Hawai`i Island who specialize in agriculture and aquaculture niche markets will also benefit from added market opportunities since this flight will be able to carry air cargo. “These products no longer have to be sent to Honolulu before being flown to Japan,” Kenoi said. “This increases freshness and reduces cost.”
The new route will bring a regularly scheduled international flight to Hawai`i Island for the first time since 2010, the last year Japan Airlines offered service between Kona and Tokyo’s Narita airport. Hawaiian Airlines will start flying directly into Kona from Haneda three times a week by Jan. 29, 2017.

Miss Peaberry candidate Chazlynn Pua Queja introduced herself
at yesterday's Ka`u Coffee Festival Pa`ina. Photo by Jesse Tunison

Assisting in restoration of this route has been a priority of the Kenoi administration ever since Japan Air Lines ended its service. “The County of Hawai`i has done everything it could to support Hawaiian Airlines’ application for the flight, including discussions and communications with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Department of Homeland Defense Secretary Jeh Johnson regarding Customs and Border Protection in Kona,” Kenoi said.

Kenoi thanked Hawaiian Airlines for never giving up its pursuit to expand its Hawai`i-Japan routes, significantly the direct flight into Kona. “Our residents are keenly aware of the great economic impact this will have for the entire island,” he said. “This is also a win-win as it strengthens the competitiveness of Hawaiian Airlines in this market and fulfills a U.S. Department of Transportation mandate to strengthen smaller carriers.”
“This creates the opportunity for us to open up Kona as an international point of entry. This is a significant step toward making that happen,” said Mike McCartney, Gov. Ige’s chief of staff.
“Today’s announcement that Hawaiian Airlines will now have authority to fly a route from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Kona is good for Hawai`i’s visitor industry and an important first step in restoring direct service from Kona International Airport to Japan,” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “We haven’t had direct commercial flights from Japan to Kona since October 2010, and I have been working closely with our state and federal departments of transportation as well as CBP to make this happen as soon as possible.”
“Secretary Foxx shared this good news this morning, and I continue to appreciate the excellent work the Secretary has done to add new routes between Tokyo and the U.S.,” Sen Brian Schatz said. “It is important to keep in mind there are five more routes up for competition, and I will continue to strongly advocate for Hawaiian Airlines in their effort to secure more direct flights from Tokyo to Hawai`i. Hawaiian has a proven record of success in the Tokyo market, and there continues to be tremendous demand to fly into Hawai`i.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Hawai`i is vulnerable to tsunamis
created by earthquakes in the Aleutian
Islands. Map from UH-Manoa

THE PROBABILITY OF A MAGNITUDE-9 or stronger earthquake in the Aleutian Islands in the next 50 years — an event with sufficient power to create a mega-tsunami especially threatening to Hawai`i – is nine percent, according to a new study by researchers at University of Hawai`i Manoa.

An earlier state of Hawai`i report estimated the damage from such an event would be nearly $40 billion, with more than 300,000 people affected.
Hawai`i is especially vulnerable to a tsunami created by an earthquake in the subduction zone, where sections of the Earth’s crust slip past one another, of the Aleutian Islands.
Researchers created a numerical model based on the basics of plate tectonics. They also used recorded histories and seismic/tsunami evidence related to the five largest earthquakes (greater than magnitude nine) since 1900.
“These five events represent half of the seismic energy that has been released globally since 1900,” said lead author Rhett Butler. “The events differed in details, but all of them generated great tsunamis that caused enormous destruction.”
To further refine the probability estimates, they took into account tsunamis prior to recorded history, evidence of which is preserved in geological layers in coastal sediments, volcanic tephra and archaeological sites.

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is this evening at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Candidates also vie for Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry.
Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

VISIT `IMAKAKOLOA HEIAU tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants meet Edith Kanaka`ole Foundation representatives at Na`alehu Shopping Center parking lot or in front of Edmund C. Olson office building in Pahala for a 9 a.m. departure.

LEARN ABOUT `OHI`A LEHUA tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, its many forms and flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk.

LOBSTERPALOOZA IS TOMORROW at 2 p.m. A new event for 2016, Ka`u Coffee Festival Lobsterpalooza on the lawn of the beach house at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach is presented in concert with Hana Hou Restaurant and `O Ka`u Kakou. $75 per person in advance includes a choice of surf or turf menu and live entertainment. Call 929-9550.

Meet old and new friends a week from today at Ka`u Coffee
Festival Ho`olaule`a. Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A is a week from today on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Many coffee growers will donate their time, giving tours of coffee farms and manning coffee tasting and sales booths, as well as public information booths and putting out the manpower it takes to put on the festival.

Enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors, and meet the farmers. Skylark and Debbie Ryder are emcees announcing entertainers including Halau Hula Kalehuaki`ki`eika`iu, Hands of Time, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana Halau, Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and their courts, Kupuna `O Pahala, Bolo, Keaiwa & Demetrius, Halau Hula O Leonalani, Inoue `Ohana, Sammi Fo & Halau Kahokukauahiahionalani, Phoebe & Bobby Gomes Family, Makana Kamahele and Harry Evangelista & Kukubird.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar.com_May2016.pdf.

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

Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant participants gather on stage after receiving scholarships, crowns, lei, flowers balloons and gifts.
Photo by Pamela Taylor

MISS KA`U COFFEE 2016 is Rochelle Koi, 22, daughter of Rory Koi, of Na`alehu, and Michelle Ortega, of Pahala. She was crowned by Miss Ka`u Coffee 2015 Maria Miranda at the pageant held last night at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Koi won the Interview and Evening Gown titles and tied for the Career Outfit title at yesterday’s pageant directed by Ka`u Coffee farmer Trini Marques and held at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Koi, whose talent is singing, is a University of Hawai`i student and works at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as a ranger. Koi takes home scholarships totaling $2750 from the Edmund C. Olson Trust, Pacific Quest and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. For all scholarships, sponsors and the pageant program, see http://www.kaucalendar.com/MissKauCoffeeFest_Program2016.pdf

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 Rochelle Koi
receives her crown from Miss Ka`u
Coffee 2015 Maria Miranda.
Photo by Michael Worthington

First Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Casey Koi, 21, daughter of Corey and Connie Koi, of Pahala. She tied in Career Outfit and Miss Photogenic categories. She is a student at University of Hawai`i-Hilo.

Jami Beck, 17, is Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess and daughter of James and Sharon Beck, of Na`alehu. She won the Swimsuit competition and tied in the Talent competition. Beck is a student at Ka`u High School.
Third Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Shaira Panganiban Badua, 18, daughter of Mario and Lucia Badua, of Pahala. The senior at Ka`u High School tied in the Talent competition.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

JUNIOR MISS KA`U COFFEE 2016 is Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 15, daughter of Keala and Justine Camba, of Pahala. She won Talent and Evening Gown categories. She attends Ka`u High School.

First Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Calaysa Koi, 11, daughter of Corey and Connie Koi, of Pahala. She is a student at Ka`u Middle School.
Lyric Oliveiros, 15, is Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess. She is the daughter of Junior and Saydi Llanes. Oliveiros won the Hobby Outfit Competition and attends Ka`u Middle School.
Third Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 14, daughter of Guy Sesson and Sherraine Nihipali-Sesson, of Pahala, and Bradford and Jadelyn Moses, of Pahala. She is a student at Ka`u High School. For scholarships, sponsors and the pageant program,
see http://www.kaucalendar.com/MissKauCoffeeFest_Program2016.pdf
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Peaberry candidates gather on stage in their evening gowns
with Pageant Chair Trinidad Marques, at center. Photo by Michael Worthington

MISS KA`U PEABERRY 2016 is nine-year-old Chazlynn Pua-Queja, daughter of Chad and Queja and Jerilyn Pua, of Pahala. She won the Character Outfit category and attends Pahala Elementary School.
For sponsors, scholarships and the pageant program, see http://www.kaucalendar.com/MissKauCoffeeFest_Program2016.pdf

Rochelle Koi tied for the Career Outfit
category. Photo by Pamela Taylor

First Miss Ka`u Peaberry Princess is eight-year-old Jazmyn Navarro, daughter of Jonathan and Jennifer Navarro, of Pahala. Navarro won the Talent competition. She is a student at Pahala Elementary School.

Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is six-year-old Khloe Moses, daughter of Jack and Brenda Moses, of Pahala. She won the Evening Gown competition. Moses attends Pahala Elementary School.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT COMMITTEE thanks the following sponsors: Ka`u Coffee Mill, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Hawai`i Coffee Co., Crop Rx, Ka`u Mahi, Pacific Quest, Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co., Punalu`u Bake Shop, CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, Ka`u Local Products, Crop Production Services, Paradise Helicopters, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Science Camps of America, Ka`u Specialty Coffee, Hawai`i Forest & Trail, OK Farms, Genny Aiona, Sen. Russell Ruderman, Sen. Josh Green, Rep. Richard Onishi, Rep. Richard Creagan, County Council Member Maile David, Aunty Ba Fund, Donna Butler, Masako Sakata and donors at the Pahala Plantation House Pa`ina Kick-off for Ka`u Coffee Festival Week.
See more on the pageant in Monday's Ka`u News Briefs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SCIENCE CAMPS OF AMERICA and Edmund C. Olson Trust II presented a full scholarship at the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. It will be made available to a Miss Ka`u Coffee candidate between ages 13 and 17.

Science Camps, founded by Executive Director Michael Richards, are based at Pahala Plantation Cottages. Participants have the opportunity to interact with scientists at remote research stations. Disciplines range from field biology, marine biology and geology to astronomy. Land & Sea Camp is from June 29 to July 8, and Air & Space Camp is July 9-18.
See sciencecampsamerica.com for more information.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet tomorrow. Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee meets at 10 a.m.; Finance, 10:15 a.m.; Planning, 11 a.m.; Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.

Environmental Management continues its discussion of a proposed ban on Styrofoam food containers. Statements from the public were concluded during a May 3 meeting and are closed.
Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meeting are streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Mina Morita

FORMER HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES CHAIR Mina Morita shared her thoughts on the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy. Closing briefs have been filed in the application.

“Hawai`i’s clean energy transformation cannot be achieved without a financially strong, technology savvy, analytical and data-driven electric utility,” Morita said on her blog at minamoritaenergydynamics.com. “To be successful, it will have to be an electric utility whose focus is on its customers and its responsibility to provide a public good under the supervision of a capable and independent regulator to monitor its performance and serve as a buffer from the antics of politics. …
“For more than fifteen years, as a legislator and later as the Public Utilities Commission Chair, I worked with key legislators (including the governor) to give the Hawai`i PUC its independence and the resources it needed to reform and revitalize the agency to tackle the policy, economic and technical challenges to oversee the transformation of the electricity sector by Hawai`i’s electric utilities. Recently, this effort has finally come to fruition, but, unfortunately, all will be for naught if the biggest decision before the PUC, the merger application, becomes a decision of just doing the governor’s bidding rather than the decision of a capable and independent regulator.
“NextEra is recognized as a top performing utility and company nationally. There is little doubt about NextEra being financially and technically fit, willing and able, the typical standard in judging the capabilities of an entity to acquire a public utility. Other than this question of ‘fitness,’ the larger issue is whether the approval can be conditioned to satisfy a broader concern of the PUC to address public interest as defined by the PUC. It has been a failure on the part of the state parties, that the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of State Planning and the Consumer Advocate, have not made an attempt to negotiate a settlement to condition an approval.
“We need to put into perspective the state of Hawai`i’s responsibilities in this very important transaction between two private businesses subject to regulation. The aforementioned State agencies are responsible for our state’s business climate. The state has the ability and duty to regulate and govern the environment NextEra functions in; to align a public utility providing a public good with the public interest. However, it appears that this isn’t a question of ‘fitness’ anymore. It has become an issue of an intransigent administration refusing to negotiate in an attempt to stymie a business transaction between private companies at any cost, including the already damaged business climate in Hawai`i. Unfortunately, this appears more indicative of the Ige administration lacking confidence in its ability to regulate when the state of Hawai`i has the authority and power to do so.
“Whether it’s a go or no go, a timely PUC decision before the June 3 walk-away date allows all parties to move on rather than being held captive to further political drama.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Auditions for The Music Man are tomorrow
and Tuesday. Image from wikipedia

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK holds auditions for its summer production of The Music Man tomorrow and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All ages, singers and dancers must be prepared to sing, read scenes and move on stage. Presentation dates are July 8 – 24.

Call 982-7344 for more information.

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA raises funds to work toward Ka`u farmer land security with a Locavore Benefit Dinner Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. $48 includes food and drink by `Ohelo Café, Café Pesto and Big Island Brewhaus, with entertainment by Hawane Rios & Band. Call 808-206-9983 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S artist-in-residence Emma Stibbon, noted for her dramatic and extreme monochrome landscape drawings, displays and discusses her work Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
$2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u residents visited the huge`Imakakoloa Hula Heiau yesterday on Olson Trust lands in the mountains
between Pahala and Na`alehu, at the invitation of Edith Kanaka`ole Foundation representatives. See more below.
Photo by Jasmine Cronin

RESULTS OF THE KA`U COFFEE Recipe Contest at Ka`u Coffee Mill are in from Saturday, the second of ten days of the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, which continues through Sunday. Ka`u Coffee Mill offered $2000 in prizes to creators of a great variety of recipes made with Ka`u Coffee.
First-place winner in the Adult Pupu category is Deanna Delmur with her Ka`u Coffee Smoke Tako Poke. Ka`u Coffee-Infused Hawaiian-Style Smoke Meat by Elgon Villanueva placed second, and Mike Haber’s Sweet Chili Coffee Shrimp placed third.

Deanna Delmur's Ka`u Coffee Smoke Tako Poke.
Photos by Pamela Taylor/ Ka`u Coffee Festival

Deanna Delmur won first place in the Adult Entree category with Ka`u Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb with Coconut Rice and Springtime Veggies.
Cathy Haber’s Ka`u Coffee Cream Pie took first place in the Adult Dessert category. Ka`u Cappuccino Punchbowl Cake by Nalani Stevenson placed second, and Carma Hanshew’s Candied Coffee Ginger was third-place winner.
CeAndra Silva-Kamei won first in Student Pupu with Ka`u Coffee BBQ Shrimp and first in the Student Entrée category with Fingah Licken Good BBQ Chicken. Lorilee Lorenzo placed second in each category with Super Ono Chicken Bites and Coffee Fried Chicken.

In the Student Dessert category, Hayden Hanshew placed first with Moca Roca, CeAndra Silva placed second with Ka`u Coffee Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, and Lorilee Lorenzo placed third with Peanut Butter Coffee Bars.
See more photos below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ed Olson speaks with Edith Kanaka`ole Foundation representative
Huihui Kanahele-Mossman at `Imakakoloa Heiau, the largest known
hulua heiaul in Hawai`i. It is located on mauka lands between Na`alehu
and Pahala. Photo by Lynn Hamilton

'IMAKAKOLOA HULA HEIAU was the destination of a visit Sunday by community members and representatives of the Edith Kanaka`ole Foundation. As part of a community outreach, the foundation and Edmund C. Olson invited the public to see the ancient hula platform located off the old sugar haul road in the mountains between Pahala and Na`alehu. Guests included members of Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u.

Foundation representative Huihui Kanahele-Mossman said the heiau has the largest hula platform of any she has seen in Hawai`i. The foundation’s hope is that the heiau becomes used regularly and maintained following restoration, she said.

The foundation is looking for volunteer help from the community to restore the heiau in time for a large gathering of kumu hula in 2018. The gathering takes place at various locations once every for years.
Foundation representatives previously said they welcome all ideas, family histories and community participation in not only the future of the physical heiau recently rediscovered by Ka`u Rancher Al Galimba on property belonging to Edmund C. Olson Trust. They talked about the heiau becoming a focal point for community and cultural outreach, perhaps with programs in the schools.
For more information, see edithkanakaolefoundation.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CONTROLLING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE consumption at Ocean View's Kahuku Park is the topic of a bill to be heard by Hawai`i County Council tomorrow. Council member Maile David's Bill 201 receives its first hearing before the council after being unanimously passed by the Public Works & Parks & Recreation Committee. It would require that a permit be obtained by those who rent the facility.
The meeting takes place at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. The meeting is streamed live, and the agenda is available, at hawaiicounty.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Deanna Delmur's Ka`u Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb
Photo by Pamela Taylor/Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL IS IN FULL SWING. The festival began with the Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House on Friday, followed by Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest and Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday. Lobsterpalooza at Punalu`u rounded out the first weekend of activities. See more in tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs.

Upcoming events include two opportunities to explore the Ka`u Forest & Water System from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. $40 per person includes lunch. Contact Lisa Wright at lisa@kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.
Reserve a ranch lunch at Coffee & Cattle Day. Aikane Plantation owners Phil and Merle Becker invite participants to their ranch on Friday at 10 a.m. The descendants of J.C. Searle, the first coffee grower in Ka`u, explain how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. $25 per person includes buffet lunch. Call 808-927-2252 or email aikaneplantation@hawaii.rr.com.

Later on Friday, stargaze from the top of Makanau from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. John Cross, of Olson Trust, will speak on the land’s history and significance. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle rides. Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.

Cathy Haber’s Ka`u Coffee Cream Pie
Photo by Pamela Taylor/Ka`u Coffee Festival

These events lead up to the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, with a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Meet the farmers and Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016, her court and more pageant winners and participants.
Win $1000 in prizes and cash at Buy Local, It Matters. Bring receipts, business cards or product labels from local business participants to the Ho`olaule`a for a chance to win. See www.kaucoffeefest for a list of participants.

Ka`u Coffee College closes the festival on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants learn about the growing business of Ka`u Coffee.
Festival sponsors include County of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Tourism Authority, Edmund C. Olson Trust, Buy Local, It Matters and many local businesses, as well as coffee farmers themselves.

See kaucoffeefest.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE HARRY MCKEE SCHOLARSHIP Foundation recently awarded five Ka`u students scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year. Ka`u residents, Monica Corvarrubio, Sheilla Felipe and Mahealani Enos, all seniors at Ka`u High School, Bernadette Cagampang, a Konawaena High senior, and Kaweni Ibarra, a Ka`u High graduate who now attends California State University-Sacramento, will each receive $1,000 for their college funding.

Hayden Hanshew won placed first with Moca Roca
in the Student Dessert category.
Photo by Pamela Taylor/Ka`u Coffee Festival

The McKee Scholarship Foundation based in Ocean View is managed by a volunteer board of directors that strives to carry on Harry McKee’s legacy of providing students with higher education opportunities.

For more information, see http://mckeescholarship-foundation.weebly.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UH-CTAHR AGRICULTURAL DIAGNOSTIC Service Center offers a hands-on workshop about sampling on Tuesday, May 24 at 9 a.m. at Kona Cooperative Extension Service in Kealakekua. Correct sampling procedures and submissions are critical for proper ID and analyses results.

During this hands-on workshop, Brian Bushe, of the Hilo ADSC lab, will teach participants proper procedures of collecting and submitting common plant and farm samples and how samples are handled and processed at the lab. Bushe will also conduct diagnostics of samples brought by participants. Additionally, cooperative extension agents will provide hands-on training for leaf and soil sampling of avocado, macadamia nut, citrus and coffee.

Eager tasters line up at Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest held
Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Pamela Taylor/Ka`u Coffee Festival

ADSC is the backbone to Extension and provides important services for commercial growers, gardeners and homeowners. It provides services such as pest, disease, bacteria and virus ID as well as analyses for feed and forage, plant tissue and soil, and irrigation water and nutrient solutions.

Participants will walk to Kona Research Station from the conference room for the leaf and soil sampling. Be prepared for rain, sun, uneven terrain and to actively participate.
For information and to register, email ginab@hawaii.edu or andreak@hawaii.edu, or call 322-4892 by tomorrow.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA, led by Malian Lahey, who is raising funds to work toward Ka`u farmer land security, is hosting a Locavore Benefit Dinner tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. $48 includes food and drink by `Ohelo Café, Café Pesto and Big Island Brewhaus, with entertainment by Hawane Rios & Band.

Call 808-206-9983 for more information.

Meet Emma Stibbon at After Dark in the Park.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Emma Stibbon displays and discusses her work tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Stibbon went to art school at Goldsmiths, London and received a Research Fine Arts MA from the University of the West of England, Bristol. Drawing from environments that are undergoing transformation or change is at the heart of Emma's practice and dramatic monochrome drawings. The volcanic terrain of Hawai`i is a place of natural and psychological uncertainty,” Stibbon said. “My aim is to suggest a sense of the strength, resilience and yet ultimate fragility of terrain around the volcanoes by walking, drawing from observation and gathering other research in the field.”

$2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs; park entrance fees apply.

RICHARD “LIKEKE” TEANIO performs Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Teanio has been featured on multiple recording projects for Kekuhi Kanahele, Diana Aki, Russell Mauga and Walter Aipolani.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

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

Seventeen Ka`u students received Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarships yesterday.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

LEAOKALANI HASHIMOTO won the 2016 Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Essay contest, announced last night, and earned a Ken Wicks Scholarship. Seventeen Ka`u residents received scholarships for higher education at the annual dinner at Pahala Plantation House. Scholarships are provided through community support of The Directory, the Ka`u business and resource guide, published each year by the Ka`u Chamber and Local Productions, publisher of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper.

The winning essay is entitled Great Teachers Make Great Leaders and presents Hashimoto's personal quest as a mother of two and native Hawaiian of Wai`ohinu, to help her community by becoming qualified to teach at Na`alehu Elementary School. Hashimoto has worked her way through college with jobs at ACE Hardware and the Punalu`u condos, followed by six years with Tutu & Me, the early childhood education program. She is currently a student and mom seeking a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Leaokalani Hashimoto's winning
essay is entitled Great Teachers
Make Great Leaders.
Photo by Julia Neal

Here is her essay:

Great teachers are the unsung heroes of the world. They play an important and difficult role in our society. Many of us can recall a teacher who has influenced the course of our life. However, quality teachers are becoming harder to find and keep here in Hawai`i. I want to become an elementary school teacher so I can help fill the need for qualified teachers and inspire the youth of Ka`u.
The ancient African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but what has happened to our “village?” According to Hawai`i News Now, Department of Education officials expect as many as 1,600 vacancies throughout the state next school year. Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawai`i State Teachers Association, shared that “Hawai`i has the highest turnover rates in the nation, and this is more so for people that come from the mainland.” Corey added that recruiting teachers from the mainland is an ongoing cycle.
Teachers who are recruited from the mainland are often placed in rural schools, like Na`alehu Elementary and Ka`u High School. New teachers are often surprised by Ka`u’s unique, rural lifestyle as well as the state’s high cost of living. I was raised in Ka`u and attended Na`alehu Elementary School and graduated from Ka`u High. As a native, I can relate to and understand the racial and cultural background of our youth. I live in Wai`ohinu and hope to teach at Na`alehu Elementary, one of Hawai`i’s public schools that need qualified teachers. I want to use the knowledge I have acquired to inspire students of Na`alehu Elementary and Intermediate School and help them identify their strengths and reach their full potential. I want to create a great classroom for students to learn, feel successful, and achieve.
I am grateful to say that I am the product of great teachers, including my parents who successfully fulfilled their role as my first teachers. I am passionate about education because of the time and energy these wonderful teachers invested in me. They helped me acquire the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed for success in college, career, and life. Great teachers do not receive a high salary or get praised daily for their contribution. However, they enjoy what they do and are passionate about education. Great teachers are sustained daily by the outstanding opportunity to change a student’s life. I hope to be as great as the teachers who have inspired me.
Hashimoto said that the Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarship will help her to achieve her "educational goals with minimal impact on my family. My academic studies are a major part of my professional development, but like many things, it comes with a price,” she said. “I am a mother, and my family is my number one priority. Balancing academic with family life is always a challenge. This scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden that my ongoing studies have placed on my family, allowing me to concentrate on my education.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Scholarship funds are provided through
community support of The Directory.
See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

SEVENTEEN HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS were awarded last night by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at a dinner at Pahala Plantation House.

Scholarship Chair Lee McIntosh, Chamber President Donna Masaniai and scholarship committee members Alan and Nancy Stafford commended many of the students for their determination to bring their new skills back to the Ka`u community. Following are the winners, their majors and their campuses, some of them continuing college and others graduating this year from Ka`u High School:
Jay-R Abalos, a Pahala resident and University of Hawai`i-Manoa marketing student;
Tyler Amaral, a Na`alehu resident and UH-Hilo computer engineering student;
Lexis L. Andrade, a Wai`ohinu resident and architecture student at Walla Walla College in Washington, transferring to California Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo.
Tiani L. Castaneda-Naboa, of Na`alehu, a UH-Hilo marine biology major;
Monica Lynn Pascual Cavarrubio, of Pahala, a UH-Hilo nursing student;
Ty Alfred De Sa, of Pahala, a Hawai`i Community College nursing student;
Charlotte Faye Esquida, of Na`alehu, a UH-Hilo nursing student;
Sheilla Mae Felipe, of Na`alehu, a UH-Hilo nursing student;
Annie Mae Flores, of Na`alehu, a University of Nevada political science major;
Leaokalani Hashimoto, of Wai`ohinu, a UH-Hilo education major;
Kaweni Christopher Ibarra, of Pahala, a University of California-Sacramento electronic engineering major;
Kamrie Koi, of Pahala, a UH-Hilo political science and administration of justice and pre-law major;
Rochelle Koi, of Na`alehu, a UH-Hilo English and history major;
Crystal McIntosh, of Discovery Harbour, an HCC culinary arts and Spanish major;
April Joy D. Miguel, of Pahala, an HCC Administration of Justice major;
Tiare-Lee Shibuya, of Na`alehu, an HCC and UH-Hilo student in nursing and nursing administration; and
Jennifer Flores Tabios, of Na`alehu, a St. Johns University-New York City major in biology.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

All students at Na`alehu Elementary and Ka`u High & Pahala
Elementary Schools will receive free meals.
Photo from Hawai`i DOE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S free meal program is coming to Na`alehu Elementary School and Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School. The Community Eligibility Provision program will expand from seven public schools to 30 across the state this upcoming school year.

The program allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to all students even if they do not qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch reimbursements.
To qualify for CEP, a district, grouping or school must have a minimum of 40 percent or more of its students eligible for free or reduced meal through the National School Lunch Program.

Richard "Likeke" Teanio
Photo from NPS

“We are pleased to be able to expand this program to more schools and include nearly every island with free meals,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “We’ve heard from parents in this year’s pilot project who say the program was a tremendous help for their families.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

RICHARD “LIKEKE” TEANIO performs tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Teanio has been featured on multiple recording projects for Kekuhi Kanahele, Diana Aki, Russell Mauga and Walter Aipolani.

Free; park entrance fees apply.

THERE IS A WAITING LIST TO EXPLORE THE KA`U FOREST & WATER System from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow and Thursday. The fee for the Ka`u Coffee Festival event is $40 per person, including lunch.

Sold out but taking names for waiting list. Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

See more upcoming Ka`u Coffee Festival events below and at kaucoffeefest.com.

NIGHT SKY VIEWING FROM MAKANAU MOUNTAIN, a Ka`u Coffee Festival event on Friday, still has room at $45 a person. Visit the mountain with the heiau and see the moonlit sky from the traditional lookout point over Ka`u. Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 9280550

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

Lobsters found their way to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach for the inaugural Ka`u Coffee Festival Lobsterpalooza on Sunday. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

“HAWAI`I EXPERIENCED A GREAT first quarter of 2016,” according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s second quarter 2016 Statistical and Economic Report.

“We are pleased to see that during the first quarter, total civilian labor force, civilian employment and civilian non-agriculture payroll jobs were the highest quarterly numbers in Hawai`i’s history,” DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria said. “With nearly 2.2 million visitor arrivals, first quarter 2016 was the second best quarter since visitor numbers were recorded.”
General excise tax revenue, an indicator of current economic activities, increased 4.6 percent in the first quarter this year. DBEDT expects that Hawai`i’s economic growth, as measured by the growth of real gross domestic product, will continue the strong growth at 2.3 percent in 2016 and 2.4 percent in 2017, unchanged from DBEDT’s February forecast. These growth rates are higher than the U.S. economic growth rates of 1.8 percent for 2016 and 2.3 percent for 2017, as forecasted by the 50 top economic forecast organizations and published in Blue Chip Economic Indicators.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Yvonne shows off her soon-to-be gone lobster. Photo by Julia Neal

LOBSTERPALOOZA ON SUNDAY brought another event to the 10-day Ka`u Coffee Festival.

The picnic on the lawn at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach featured skewered pupus, Kona Cold Lobster and charbroiled Spencer Steak raised locally by Kuahiwi Ranch and served with roasted potatoes, Cajun-style local sweet corn, Ka`u Coffee Mocha Torte, lilikoi lemonade, brewed ice tea and plenty of Ka`u Coffee.
Co-sponsored with Hana Hou Restaurant and `O Ka`u Kakou, the event featured live Blues entertainment with Larry Dupio Band and special guest Full Tilt Band.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL events continue.

Hikes today and tomorrow exploring Ka`u Mountain Water System are sold out, but Ka`u Coffee Mill is taking names for a waiting list. Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

Coffee & Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation for $25 per person on Friday at 10 a.m. features a ranch lunch and an opportunity to learn about how coffee growing is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. Contact Phil and Merle Becker at aikaneplantation@hawaii.rr.com or 808-927-2252.

Chris Manfredi organized Lobsterpalooza. Photo by Julia Neal

Night sky viewing from Makanau Mountain on Friday still has room at $45 a person. Visit the mountain with the heiau and see the moonlit sky from the traditional lookout point over Ka`u. Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.
Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on Saturday features a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Meet the farmers and Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016, her court and more pageant winners and participants.
Win $1,000 in prizes and cash at Buy Local; It Matters. Bring receipts, business cards or product labels from local business participants to the Ho`olaule`a for a chance to win. See kaucoffeefest.com for a list of participants.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Jami Beck tied for first with acting and
modeling in Miss Ka`u Coffee Talent
competition. Photo by Pam Taylor

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT 2016, held Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill, will be televised on Na Leo TV channels 53 and 54 several times this month and in early July. The program showcases Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Peaberry candidates competing in categories such as Talent, Evening Gown, Swimsuit, Career Outfit, Character Outfit and Hobby Outfit.

Contestants showed their talents during the pageant. Jami Beck and Shaira Badua tied in the Miss Ka`u Coffee division, with Beck acting and modeling and Badua dancing hip-hop. In Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee division, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba won with Tahitian dance. Jazmyn Navarro won first place in the Miss Ka`u Peaberry division with her hula.

Dates and times for broadcasts are Friday, May 20, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 22, 7:30 a.m.; Monday, May 23, 12:30 p.m.; Tuesday, May 24, 12 p.m.; Wednesday, May 25, 12:30 p.m.; Thursday, May 26, 8:30 a.m.; Friday, May 27, 1 p.m.; Saturday, May 28, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, May 30, 10 a.m.; Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 a.m.; Wednesday, June 1, 9 a.m.; and Friday, June 3, 1 p.m.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY-KONA will implement changes to help the Ocean View community cope with dog-related issues on Monday, May 23. The changes follow an HIHS community meeting that addressed free-roaming dogs, barking dogs, cruelty and neglect, and unspayed and unneutered animals.
HIHS will have an animal control officer in Ocean View every Monday and Friday. On those days, they will have dog food readily available to anyone who may need it. Call in advance, and they will deliver it.

Shaira Badua tied for first with hip-hop dance
in Miss Ka`u Coffee Talent competition.
Photo by Pam Taylor

Fees are waived fees for any animal pick-up. A fixed amount of free spay/neuter coupons will be available at Ali`i Vet, or you may call the Kona Shelter at 329-1175 to be put on a list for a free spay/neuter.

HIHS has increased the number of dog traps to trap free-roaming dogs in “hot spots.”
A $10 micro-chipping clinic will take place once a month at Ocean View Farmers Market beginning on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. HIHS will pass out brochures and information on how it can help with animal-related issues.
Kona Shelter Manager Roxy O-Neal urges residents to contact HIHS with any concerns, problem areas or suggestions. “HIHS is your community resource, and we want to help improve the lives of the animals and people in the Ocean View community,” she said.
Call 329-1175 for more information.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE U.S. SENATE ADVANCED a $1.1 billion bipartisan compromise amendment to address the Zika virus to the appropriations bill currently being debated on the Senate floor. While the funding is short of the Obama Administration’s $1.9 billion emergency request, the compromise measure will lay a foundation to fight Zika without including cuts to other important public health initiatives.

Tahitian dance by Karlee Fukunaga-Camba won first
in Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee Talent competition.
Photo by Jen Makuakane

“Zika is a public health emergency,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. “This is our government’s most basic responsibility – keeping us safe. I am glad that senators from both sides of the aisle have finally come together on a deal to provide the critical funding needed to address Zika. …”

Zika funding has “nothing to do with one’s views on the size and scope of the federal government – because even if you believe that government should do even just a few things, preventing a catastrophic epidemic has got to be one of them. …We have to act now,” Schatz said.

“Over 500 Americans have contracted the Zika virus while traveling this year, and with the summer months almost upon us, it is only a matter of time before we see a locally-acquired case,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “While I am a co-sponsor of legislation to fund the President’s full emergency request, the compromise measure advanced today is a good first step to provide states and counties in Hawai`i with the vector control, research and education resources needed to fight Zika. We must remain vigilant and keep ahead of Zika, which has the potential to be a major public health crisis.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

FORMER PAHALA RESIDENT Marion Kittelson-Villanueva next month will read her recently published book Mr. Kiko Searches for Aloha, written under the pen name Marion Louise. Pahala Public and School Library hosts the free Summer Reading Program on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 12 p.m.

Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestant Jazmyn Navarro
danced hula and won first place in Talent.
Photo by Pam Taylor

The children’s picture book for ages four to eight tells of cultural implications and highlights values of individual differences. The coqui, a singing tree frog of Puerto Rican fame, finds himself as a misfit in Hawai`i. Not by choice, Kiko faces the other species in the rainforest and comes to know true rejection. Will there ever be any aloha for this new arrival?

Kittelson-Villanueva, a retired secondary schoolteacher and elementary school librarian, was born in Hawai`i of Puerto Rican and Portuguese decent. This is her first creative writing experience.
A copy of the book has been donated to both Pahala Public & School Library and Na`alehu Public Library and is available for borrowing with a Hawai`i State Public Library card.
After the program, there will be a simple craft for children.
For more information, call Pahala P&S Library Manager Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-2015.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

FIND YOUR PARK on the Big Screen Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the significance of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam, established as a tribute to those who fought and died during the Pacific Theater of World War II. Due to a film’s graphic nature, the program may not be suitable for younger audiences.
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_May2016.pdf.

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

Hawane Rios & Band serenaded diners at I Ola na `Aina Momona's Locavore Benefit Dinner. See more below.
Photo by Ron Johnson

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK entrance fees increase on June 1 as part of a three-year incremental plan to meet national standards for parks with similar visitor amenities.

The 2016 per-vehicle fee will change from $15 to $20, and the pass will remain valid for seven days. The per-person fee for rate bicyclists and pedestrians pay will increase from $8 to $10, and the motorcycle fee will increase from $10 to $15.

Entrance fees are used to maintain park trails and more.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

One significant modification to the new fee structure was based on public input. The annual Tri-Park Pass, considered by many as the kama`aina or residents pass will remain at the current rate of $25 for 2016 and will increase to $30 in 2017. Based on public input, the park proposed a $30 fee for the Tri-Park Pass, instead of the national standard of $50. The annual Tri-Park Pass is available to all visitors and allows unlimited entry for one year to three national parks: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Haleakalā National Park.

New fees of $10 per site per night are also slated for all backcountry and front-country campsites, including Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Backcountry campsites will have a stay limit of three consecutive nights, while the front-country campsites will have a stay limit of seven consecutive nights. Currently, camping is free except at Namakanipaio Campground, which is managed by Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC. The new camping permit fees are similar to other public camping fees statewide.

The current National Park Service fee program began in 1997 and allows parks to retain 80 percent of monies collected. Projects funded by entrance fees at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park include ongoing trail maintenance, cabin repairs, hike pamphlets, restrooms, picnic tables and more. The transformation of the 1932 Administration Building (`Ohi`a Wing) into a cultural museum that visitors will soon enjoy is also a fee-funded project. Entrance fees also protect the Hawaiian ecosystem by funding fencing projects that prevent non-native ungulates like pigs and goats from devouring rare native plants.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Diners enjoyed a bounty of local food at Tuesday's Locavore
Benefit Dinner. Photo by Ron Johnson

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA, led by Malian Lahey, who is raising funds to work toward Ka`u farmer land security, hosted a Locavore Benefit Dinner Tuesday at Pahala Plantation House. The meal included seared ahi and locally grown grass-fed beef and vegetables. Chefs from `Ohelo Café and Café Pesto prepared the feast. Big Island Brewhaus provided award-winning craft beer along with a variety of wine. Singer/songwriter/activist Hawane Rios & Band performed. Rios said she has roots in Ka`u but hadn’t been her since a previous life. Her Poli`ahu i ke Kapu was nominated at the 2012 Big Island Music Awards as best Hawaiian language single.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION on Tuesday approved recommendations to revise its policy on Teacher Performance Evaluation. Joint committee members of the Hawai`i State Teachers Association and Hawai`i State Department of Education presented the recommended changes, which were subsequently recommended by superintendent to BOE.

BOE members praised the collaborative work of the committee over the past three years. Joint committee members, the superintendent, and the BOE confirmed that the evaluation system should continue to include multiple measures of teacher practice and student learning and growth.
Significant changes to Teacher Performance Evaluation are removal of student test scores as a required measure of student learning and growth and providing additional flexibility in weighting of components of the evaluation.
“These changes allow for flexibility and are the result of continuous improvement, analysis and collaboration over years,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “We will continue to focus on supporting the development of our teachers and advancing student learning.”
“Discarding standardized testing in teacher evaluations will restore responsibility for learning to dedicated teachers and begin to reinstate respect as the core value around which educator assessment rotates,” said HSTA president Corey Rosenlee. “We can now focus on the student-centered purpose of evaluation systems and create pathways for better communicating and implementing that shared goal.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Brian Schatz welcomed the Hokule`a to Washington, DC.
Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz

MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation welcomed the Hokule`a voyaging canoe to Washington, DC last Sunday.

The canoe was greeted in the Potomac River by a fireboat from the Alexandria, VA Fire Department. Following the arrival, a Celebration of Friendship with Native Americans from the region and local officials took place at the Waterfront Park. The ceremony included cultural performances by the Native American tribes, DC-area hula halau and students from Kamehameha Schools. Following the Celebration of Friendship, hundreds of people from the community boarded the Hokule`a and met with crew members.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard watches as the Hokule`a arrives
in Washington, DC. Photo from Polynesian
Voyaging Society

“When the Hokule`a left Hawai`i, I had the special opportunity to bring a lei and see her and her crew off on their incredible voyage,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “I was honored to be there today, again with a maile lei, this time to welcome her to Washington and to recognize the transformational impact this voyage has already had. Through sharing the Hawaiian culture, science and aloha with people of different lifestyles and backgrounds, we are moving people to care for our planet and emphasizing our global responsibility to do our part. This voyage not only highlights these critical issues, it unites us around them. It manifests the underlying values of stewardship in a way that is both Hawaiian and universal. It is unique and extraordinary.”

“The mission of Hokule`a extends far beyond sharing the aloha spirit and native Hawaiian culture with people around the world,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “The mission of Malama Honua is something that each of us can take and apply in our hearts and our work everyday.”
The arrival marked the first of many community engagements that the Hokule`a crew is participating in throughout the canoe’s two-week visit to the Washington, DC area.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Members of the team include Heidi Vital, Rina Joseph, Sepe Levi,
Roselintha Ken, Chayla Ault, Marilou Manatan, Lyric Oliveiros,
Alethea Ramones and Sila Livai. Members not shown include
Cherrisse Althea Calumpit, Amber Sugrue and Melinda Eder.
Photo from Jen Makuakane

KA`U MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS brought home the trophy on Saturday, May 7, when the basketball team defeated Pahoa at their championship game. The match was close, with the score of 14-12. Throughout the season, the girls had multiple games against Kea`au and Pahoa Middle School teams.

The girls learned many fundamentals and skills from their coach, Bridget Pasion. This is the first time the girls have accomplished such a milestone and the first time that Pasion coached her own team. “The future looks bright for both these basketball players and their coach,” said Director Sandy Tran. “Special thanks to Uplink All-Stars After-School Program, Ka`u Middle School Athletics, Coach Cy Lopez and Coach Jennifer Makuakane for their continued support.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Phil Becker explains coffee processing during Coffee & Cattle Day.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

TOMORROW IS COFFEE & CATTLE DAY. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Ka`u Coffee Festival event at Aikane Plantation features a ranch lunch and an opportunity to learn about how coffee growing is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture.

Contact Phil and Merle Becker at aikaneplantation@hawaii.rr.com or 808-927-2252.

STARGAZE FROM MAKANAU tomorrow during the ongoing Ka`u Coffee Festival. Guests are welcome to take a moment and enjoy the view before settling into the temporary campsite to watch the sunset and discover the night sky with laser beams and a brief astronomy lesson.
Participants may catch a glimpse of the bright blue star Vega. According to astronomer Lew Cook, who writes a column for The Ka`u Calendar, “This is the fifth-brightest star in the night sky, slightly outshown by Arcturus, or Hokule`a, as it is known here.”

Meet at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 5:30 p.m. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle rides to the mountain.
Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A on Saturday features a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guam's War in the Pacific National Historical Park.
Photo from Wikipedia

Win $1,000 in prizes and cash at Buy Local; It Matters. Bring receipts, business cards or product labels from local business participants to the Ho`olaule`a for a chance to win. See kaucoffeefest.com for a list of participants.

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE of Guam’s War in the Pacific National Historical Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The park was established as a tribute to those who fought and died during the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Due to the graphic nature of a film to be shown, the program may not be suitable for younger audiences.

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_May2016.pdf.

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

Hikers explore the Ka`u Mountain Water System as part of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. The annual Ho`laule`a
begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow with Emcee Skylark, live entertainment all day, coffee tastings
and food. See more below. Photo by Jesse Tunison

FORMER HAWAI`I CIVIL DEFENSE Vice Director Ed Teixeira is directing emergency management operations of Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency as interim administrator, effective May 16. His position follows four decades of service at federal and state government levels.

Ed Texeira Photo from LinkedIn

Teixeira is a combat veteran who served in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Germany, retiring from the U.S. Army as a colonel after 26 years of service. He began his emergency management career at state Civil Defense in 1996 and was named vice director in 1999. Teixeira retired from state Civil Defense in 2011. Since then, he has worked as an instructor at Chaminade University in Honolulu and as a disaster preparedness and planning consultant.

“Ed Teixeira has worked for many years to keep the people of Hawai`i Island safe in his role at state Civil Defense. We welcome his expertise and leadership at the helm of Hawai`i County Civil Defense,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi.
Teixeira was born and raised on O`ahu. He bought a home in Waimea while stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area in 1986. His familial ties to the island are in Honohina, where his mother was raised.
“I want to thank Mayor Kenoi for his confidence and for giving me the opportunity to serve the good people of Hawai`i County,” Teixeira said. “As a resident of the Big Island, I am proud to be a member of his Civil Defense team. I extend my thanks and congratulations to Chief Darryl Oliveira for his outstanding work in the Civil Defense Agency, an agency with a history of excellence.”
Previous Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira retired at the beginning of May. Oliveira led Hawai`i County Civil Defense since 2013. His tenure included preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Iselle, the recent Puna lava flow and an outbreak of dengue fever.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 Rochelle Koi learned
about Ka`u's agricultural history.
Photo from Rochelle Koi

HIKES EXPLORING THE KA`U MOUNTAIN Water System on Wednesday and Thursday gave Ka`u residents and visitors a glimpse of flume systems of the sugarcane era and how the water is moved and used today. The old flumes carried water down the mountain to float sugar to the mill in Pahala. Today, the water irrigates fields, provides drinking water and could possibly be used for hydroelectric power.

Rochelle Koi, who was crowned Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 at the pageant last Saturday, joined one of the hikes. She said it was “a wonderful experience where I was able to learn so much about our agricultural history. I am very glad to have participated.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss their search for the right “keys” to Mauna Loa in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
In September 2015, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa from “normal” to “advisory” because of increased activity beneath the mountain’s summit caldera and upper Southwest Rift Zone, the article states. Importantly, the “advisory” level does not indicate that an eruption is imminent or certain. Rather, it means that one or more monitoring data streams are recording activity significantly above background levels. At the same time that earthquake rates increased, sensitive Global Positioning Satellite instruments and satellite radar systems recorded ground swelling, which indicated that magma was moving into shallow levels beneath the volcano (a process called “inflation”).

A Ka`u Mountain Water System explorer gets up close to cool water
cascading down a flume. Photo by Jesse Tunison

Since last September’s announcement, and, in fact, since mid-2014, when Mauna Loa activity first began to increase, not only have the rates of earthquake and surface deformation waxed and waned, the locations of earthquakes and inflation have shifted as well. Far fewer earthquakes have been occurring beneath the summit caldera, while rates of earthquakes in the upper SWRZ have increased. Concurrently, inflation beneath the caldera has slowed significantly, but picked up in the upper SWRZ.

One of the many valuable lessons that Kilauea and Mauna Loa have taught us is that it’s important to use all our volcano monitoring “keys” – geophysical, geological, and geochemical – to help unlock the subsurface processes that cause changing activity. To continue the analogy, volcanologists have also found that, unfortunately, not all volcanoes are “keyed” alike – indicators of activity on one volcano do not always apply to another one.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Rochelle Koi greets Ka`u Mountain Water System
explorers. Photo from Rochelle Koi

Mauna Loa’s renewed activity, especially the recent earthquake and deformation changes, has HVO scientists polishing old keys while developing new ones that were technologically inconceivable prior to the volcano’s most recent eruption in 1984.

For example, HVO’s seismic network is considerably expanded (more seismometers with more sensitive sensors) and more robust to survive the harsh Mauna Loa environment, especially at high altitude. Continuously recording GPS instruments and other satellite-based systems produce frequent and widespread measurements of ground surface movement. And, newly installed visible and infrared (thermal) webcams track surface changes around the clock.

Another key currently under enhancement is gas geochemistry.

Many kilometers (miles) deep within a volcano, gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and water are trapped in the magma by the intense pressure, which keeps the gases dissolved. Because magma is hotter, and thus more buoyant, than the surrounding rock, it rises towards the surface. As this happens, pressure on the magma decreases because there is less material on top of it. This decrease in pressure, especially at the shallow depths of just a few kilometers (a mile or so) below a volcano’s summit, allows some of the trapped gas to escape. These released gases are hot and buoyant and can reach the ground surface well before their host magma.

Volcanic gas studies take advantage of pre-eruptive gas release to provide clues about what might be happening at depth. HVO has one gas monitoring station in Mauna Loa’s summit caldera that continuously measures the concentrations of CO2 and SO2, as well as temperature, at the gas vent.

Areas like this on Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone indicate where
gases are escaping from magma. Photo from USGS

Over the next couple of months, we hope to add another continuous gas monitoring site on Mauna Loa’s SWRZ, not far from where the earthquakes and inflation are currently concentrated.

Another exciting volcanic gas geochemistry development involves close cooperation with scientists from NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory, located on the volcano’s north flank at an elevation of 3,380 m (11,100 ft).
Some years back, MLO scientists noted that, in addition to being able to track the steady rise in background atmospheric CO2, they were, under certain wind conditions, able to measure CO2 emissions from the volcano. In the current venture, HVO, Alaska Volcano Observatory, and MLO scientists will be monitoring Mauna Loa’s volcanic CO2 emissions more carefully alongside MLO’s world-class, continuous atmospheric data set.
As Hawai`i Island’s population grows, more people and infrastructure are potentially in harm’s way now than during past eruptions of Mauna Loa. At the same time, however, volcanologists and public safety officials have learned valuable lessons by studying eruptions around the globe. This increased knowledge, plus advancements in the volcano monitoring keys we use to detect and investigate restlessness, can help communities be safer during future eruptions.
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Island Princess is the site of a mac nut tree grafting workshop
next month. Photo from Island Princess

UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service, Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association and Island Princess welcome Ka`u macadamia nut growers to an informational and interactive workshop on macadamia nut grafting presented by IP grafters. The hands-on tree grafting class in Kea`au on Friday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. takes place at Island Princess, 17-4147 North (N) Road in Kea`au.

During the workshop, presenters will teach the basics of grafting macadamia nut trees. They will instruct and guide participants through active grafting of scion to rootstock. HMNA members and UH Extension faculty and staff will assist.
Although rootstock materials will be limited, presenters encourage active participation in the grafting exercise following instruction by the IP grafters.
RSVP to Jen at 322-0164 or burtjen@hawaii.edu by Wednesday, June 15. Participants must bring their own grafting knives.
For more information, contact Alyssa at 808-969-8225 or acho@hawaii.edu.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A is tomorrow. The event features a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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