The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, 10 percent of the world's population lives in areas threatened
by active volcanoes. Lava that recently crossed the emergency road built when lava threatened Puna
has inflated, hiding the road from view. See more below. Photos from HVO

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE has lifted the flash flood watch related to remnants of Tropical Storm Howard impacting Ka`u and the state.

Tropical Depression Ivette is expected to dissipate over the

next two days. Map from NOAA

Center Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu is issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Ivette, located 930 miles southeast of South Point at 11 a.m.

The system is forecast to move over warm water during the next couple of days, but hostile vertical wind shear is expected to win the battle, with organized deep convection unlikely to redevelop. As a result, Ivette will likely become a remnant low later today, with dissipation expected within two days.

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IN A JOINT LETTER TO THE U.S. Department of Education, Gov. David Ige, Hawai`i Board of Education Chair Lance Mizumoto and Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi voiced concerns about draft regulations and implementation timeline for the Every Students Succeeds Act. According to Matayoshi, ESSA was initially returning more control to the states. Hawai`i is in the process of taking advantage of flexibility in the ESSA law by reviewing and updating its Strategic Plan so that the state’s plan guides federal planning efforts.

Kathryn Matayoshi

“Together with the full support of the members of the state of Hawai`i Board of Education, we are concerned that the proposed regulations in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking appear restrictive and not in the spirit of the ESSA with regard to the flexibility afforded to states,” the letter says.

The officials state that “participants were inspired by being able to contribute to meaningful improvements to the state’s education system. However, aspects of the proposed regulations seem to revert back to the one-size-fits-all approach, which may limit the opportunities that have been purported to be available.”
See hawaiipublicschools.org.
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HAWAI`I’S ROLL IN REDUCING volcano risk around the world is the topic of the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“In 1902, visionary geologist Thomas Jaggar – founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – traveled to the Caribbean Island of Martinique, where he witnessed first-hand the aftermath of the deadly Mount Pelee eruption,” the article states. “More than 30,000 people had been killed by the eruption, and the devastation he observed contributed to Jaggar’s lifelong work to ‘protect life and property on the basis of sound scientific achievement.’
“Today, more than 800 million people – ten percent of the world’s population – live within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of active, potentially deadly volcanoes. In the last four centuries, nearly 280,000 people have been killed by volcanic activity, according to a recent book commissioned by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for the 2015 Global Assessment Report.
“Despite this, many nations around the world lack resources to properly train and grow teams of experts in volcano monitoring, eruption response, and hazard assessment – key skills required to help societies prosper in volcanically active areas.

“Since 1990, the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and the USGS/U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Volcano Disaster Assistance Program have sponsored an annual eight-week-long International Training Program in the United States to help address this global skill gap.

HVO scientists share techniques that can be used to track volcanoes
around the world and help scientists better forecast hazardous
volcanic activity. UHH Center for the Study of Active
Volcanoes Photo from HVO

“The Island of Hawai`i is a perfect location to host the class, as our volcanoes are accessible, active, and home to some of the world’s experts in volcano monitoring.

“The course brings together scientists and technicians from around the globe to learn about and practice volcano monitoring, eruption forecasting, hazard communication, and other critical topics shared by leading volcano science professionals. This year, a dozen scientists from China, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, and Chile participated in classes and fieldwork at Kilauea and elsewhere on the island.
“The training curriculum spans the gamut, from theory to practice, and includes spectroscopic methods of measuring volcanic gas, satellite remote sensing, how to install and maintain seismometers and solar panels, and more. Students and instructors spend time in the classroom, at computers, in labs, and in the field, including experience working on/around Kilauea Volcano’s active lava flow.
“After their time in Hawai`i, class participants move on to the Pacific Northwest, where they are hosted by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. Their focus of learning there turns to explosive stratovolcanoes, like Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood, which are similar to the volcanoes of most concern in their home countries.
“All told, after 26 years and more than 200 students completing the curricula, organizers, instructors, and participants agree that the training does contribute to lessening volcanic risk throughout the world. And, in addition to practical skills, course participants make lifelong friendships and develop professional relationships with kindred spirits. Such networking can pay great dividends when volcanoes become restless and help from afar might be needed.
“Although the training does leave time for learning about local foods, culture, and recreational opportunities (surfing is one of the popular after-class activities in Hawai`i), the course is serious business. In some of the participants’ home countries, many tens of thousands of people live in the shadows of dangerous and under-monitored volcanoes. Imagine the responsibility felt by these international students upon returning home with their new skills and knowledge.
“Volcanology is a fast-changing, international science with an increasing number of professionals dedicated to understanding how volcanoes work. HVO is pleased to be part of a valuable training program dedicated to saving lives. Hopefully, Thomas Jaggar would be proud.
“For more information on the course, see http://hilo.hawaii.edu/~csav/international/. For more information about the USGS/USAID Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, see http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vdap/.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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Dr. Claire Horwell

LEARN VOG STUDY RESULTS tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. Pahala Public & School Library. Dr. Claire Horwell discusses her study to assess how Ka`u residents protect themselves from vog. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory provides information about Kilauea’s background and current status.

TOMORROW AT AFTER DARK in the Park, Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas provides a public exhibit and lecture about his Hawaiian featherwork, his inspiration from the sacred volcanoes, native birds and the history and culture of Hawai`i.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

DISCOVER THE HEALING PROPERTIES of Hawaiian plants as Momi Subiono introduces their traditional medicinal uses. Subiono creates natural herb products to help the Hawaiian community. Her goal is to create a renewed awareness, understanding and use of traditional Hawaiian plants for healing.
The program takes place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Violinist Eric Silberger, who performs with Hawai`i International Music Festival Saturday at Pahala Plantation House,
played yesterday inside Thurston Lava Tube and other locations at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo by Carlin Ma

VIOLINIST FILLS LAVA TUBE WITH MUSIC. Yesterday, Eric Silberger played at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park inside a lava tube, at Kilauea caldera and within Volcano House and Kilauea Lodge. The International Tchaikovsky Competition winner is one of the featured musicians this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House along with pianists Ian Parker, cellist Daniel Lelchuk and sopranos Mikayla Sager and Amy Shoremount-Obra.

Honoring the 20th anniversary of Ka‘ū Coffee, the concert will help raise awareness for donations for Hawai`i Public Radio’s efforts to bring a stronger and more reliable signal to this community and the entire state.
Tax-deductible donations of $25 each may be made for tickets at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.
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White area is left where rocks fell from from the rim of Kilauea's
summit vent, triggering an explosive event. Photo from HVO

ROCKS FROM THE EAST RIM of Kilauea Volcano’s summit vent fell into the lava lake at 10:02 p.m. on Saturday, triggering an explosive event that hurled fragments of molten and solid rock onto the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that rocks in the vent wall can become unstable when the lake’s level drops, as has been happening for the last several days.

The explosive event blanketed the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater with a layer of volcanic rock fragments up to about eight inches thick. The tephra deposit was thickest to the east of the former visitor overlook on the crater rim where it formed a continuous layer. Bombs were thrown up to 295 feet beyond the crater rim at the overlook and were deposited over an area 720 feet wide along the rim. The event is a reminder of why the area remains closed. According to HVO, had anyone been standing in this area when it occurred, they would have been severely burned or killed by the falling debris.

Tephra blasted from the vent included solid rock fragments from the vent wall as well as spatter ejected from the lava lake.
Volcano monitoring equipment installed on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater was a casualty of the event. Charred wires and metal components, surrounded by melted plastic, is all that remains of the power supply for one of HVO’s gravity instruments located about 80 feet from the crater rim.
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Hawai`i EMA urges residents to use several
methods to stay informed about emergencies.
Image from NOAA

SIREN TESTING WILL OCCUR in Pahala tomorrow. Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency, together with the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency, will conduct tests between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The new sirens are part of the statewide Siren Modernization Project. Residents nearby may hear the siren sound six to eight times for 30-second to one-minute intervals during the timeframe. Testing will include short blasts known as burps. During these tests, emergency management officials and technicians will check that siren installations were properly completed.

Residents can direct questions about the siren testing to Civil Defense at 935-0031.
Hawai`i EMA encourages the public to make use of other supplemental warning methods, including Hawai`i County’s mass text notification system, Blackboard Connect and NOAA Weather Radio.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY REPORTED difficulties with its Internet connection this morning. Early walk-in voting, real property tax payments and building permits services are still available but may experience longer than usual wait times.
Services unavailable until connectivity is restored include new and renewal vehicle registration and driver licensing. The offices remain open to answer any questions.
Crews are working to restore connectivity as soon as possible, and an update will be issued once systems are up.
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Telephone scams can lead to years of problems related
to identity theft. Photo from IRS

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE WARN residents about a telephone tax scam. A West Hawai`i resident received a call from someone claiming to be a tax office employee providing the recipient with a new tax identification number. The caller also requested personal information. The recipient did not provide any and hung up the phone.

A police check with the state Department of Taxation confirmed that a May 5 press release stated that new tax identification numbers will be sent out by mail only beginning Aug. 20.

For more information, see tax.hawaii.gov.
Police remind the public to be diligent in protecting personal information and to protect themselves from identity theft by releasing personal information only to trusted sources. When in doubt, check out the source first. Identity theft can lead to years of problems in clearing the victim’s name from obligations incurred from a thief’s use of the victim’s personal information.
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IN HONOR OF KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial, Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents a look back at the people who were a part of the beginnings of both entities. Kilauea 1916: A Centennial Celebration of KMC & HVNP explores the unique partnership between KMC and the HVNP that began in 1916.

Dick Hershberger will portray Dr Thomas Jaggar in Kilauea 1916;

A Centennial Celebration of KMC & HVNP. Photo from KDEN

A group of Hilo businessmen raised the necessary funds to build and operate a permanent camp in 1916 on land owned by Bishop Estate. The camp was to serve as a rest and relaxation facility for military troops as well a training ground for local National Guard members. Later that same year marked the establishment of the park in August 1916.
“Since Kilauea Theater is our home, we were honored when KMC asked us to put together a show to commemorate their centennial, said KDEN’s Suzi Bond. “We were happy to oblige. There is so much history in the area, we are taking a look at some of the people who were there when it all began; businessmen, politicians, Buffalo soldiers and the local Japanese immigrants.”
Dick Hershberger, who portrays Dr. Thomas Jaggar in KDEN’s Living History program, A Walk Into the Past, wrote the entertaining look at some of the characters who were a part of the Volcano community as the camp and park became a reality. The show is a series of vignettes where the characters tell their story, narrated by a reporter having a conversation with Mrs. Isabel Jaggar as she is preparing to board a ship in Honolulu to take her back to Hilo and her Volcano home. On the dock are musicians playing music of the era. Other characters in the show include Dr. Jaggar, Lorrin Thurston, Gov. Walter Frear, Cpl Ovid Smith, George Lycurgus, Mitsue Tanaka, Shizuka Yasunaka and Hidechi Yasunaka. Members of the cast include Arlene Araki, Stephen Bond, Bill Chikasuye, Dick Hershberger, Joel Kelley, Theresa Miller, Steve Peyton, Ray Ryan and Samantha Saiki. Karl Halemano is coordinating the music.
Performances take place at Kilauea Theater Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. between Aug. 19 and Aug. 28. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Vote early through Thursday at Pahala Community
Center. Photo by Julia Neal

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EARLY WALK-IN VOTING for this Saturday’s primary election continues through Thursday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waipuni Center in Hilo, West Hawai`i Civic Center Bldg. G in Kona and Waimea Community Center.

For more election information, call 961-8277.

MOMI SUBIONO INTRODUCES traditional medicinal uses of Hawaiian plants tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Subiono creates natural herb products to help the Hawaiian community. Her goal is to create a renewed awareness, understanding and use of traditional Hawaiian plants for healing.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Halema‘uma‘u Crater as seen from Volcano House Saturday night, just following an explosion.
Volcano House is approximately two miles away from the vent. NPS Photo by Sami Steinkamp

R.E.A.C.H REACHES KA`U HIGH & Pahala Elementary School.
As the new school year gets underway, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui announced participants in the statewide Resources for Enrichment, Arts, Culture and Health Initiative for the 2016-2017 school year. Nearly 5,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 28 schools across the state will be part of the program.
R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades six to eight receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.

R.E.A.C.H. has accepted Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School
into the statewide program. Photo by Julia Neal

“I am thrilled that we, along with the support of the Department of Education and community partners, are able to continue positively impacting after-school programs for middle and intermediate schools,” said Tsutsui. “The after-school programs participating in the R.E.A.C.H. initiative are improving and reaching more students every year.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.
“R.E.A.C.H. provides a very positive option for our students that keeps them engaged in activities and learning after the school day has ended,” Matayoshi said. “Keeping young minds and bodies active is essential for growth, and we appreciate the support of our R.E.A.C.H. partners and their commitment to our keiki.”
Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.
Selection of the schools was based on criteria that included strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.
Applications were also evaluated on readiness to achieve goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 14 of the 28 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants.
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THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY is awarding a $750,000 grant for construction of a low-cost air pollution sensor network that will test for volcanic emissions on Hawai`i island. The funding is part of $4.5 million that will be used to help communities tackle their unique air quality challenges.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists will create a Hawai`i Island Volcanic Smog Sensor Network (HI-Vog) of air pollution sensors to track air quality changes caused by emissions from Kilauea. The network aims to provide improved measurements of air quality and vog exposures across the island, as well as to assess the utility of air quality sensor networks as community resources and as tools for atmospheric chemistry research. The project will emphasize community engagement in collaboration with The Kohala Center, local schools and health centers.
While recent advances in technology have led to the development of low-cost air pollution sensors, they have not been widely tested, especially under field conditions, according to EPA. These grants will help fund research projects that explore how scientific data can be effectively gathered and used by communities to learn about local air quality.
“Through these projects, scientists and communities will join together to develop and test new low-cost, portable, easy-to-use ways to measure air pollution,” said Thomas A. Burke, EPA science advisor and deputy assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will provide tools communities can use to understand air pollution in their neighborhoods and improve public health.”
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Sam Gon III

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY scientist and cultural advisor Sam Gon III is Gov. David Ige's latest appointee to the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. The Nature Conservancy manages Kamehame hawksbill turtle preserve, Kaiholena and other native species conservation areas in Ka`u and around the state. Its former chief, Suzanne Case, is now the chair of the BLNR and the Department of Land & Natural Resources’ top executive.

Gon has worked at The Nature Conservancy for nearly 30 years. He previously served as director of science and program coordinator for Hawai`i Natural Heritage Program. Gon is also an affiliate faculty member at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at University of Hawai`i-Manoa.

Gon earned a bachelor of arts degree in zoology from UH-Manoa in 1978. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in animal behavior from University of California-Davis in 1985.
“Sam has extensive knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and history, as well as research, teaching and administrative experience that will serve the board well as it works to protect, conserve and manage our state’s unique resources,” Ige said. “Sam will be a valuable member of the team.”
Gon has served two terms on the BLNR, from 2006 to 2014. He will serve the remainder of Woodside’s term that expires in June 2017. The Senate will decide whether to confirm Gon’s appointment to a full term when the state Legislature reconvenes in 2017.
“After two stimulating and satisfying terms on the Land Board, I learned so much, and I very much look forward to serving again in support of the protection and preservation of Hawai`i’s unique and precious natural and cultural resources,” Gon said.
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Charred wires and metal components, surrounded by melted plastic,
is all that remains of the power supply for an instrument located
about 80 ft from the crater rim. Photo from USGS/HVO

KILAUEA VOLCANO SUMMIT EXPLOSION Saturday night was detailed yesterday. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park released a statement reporting that park ranger Tim Hopp was on routine patrol of the closed Halema`uma`u Overlook in his vehicle Saturday night. Suddenly, the dark sky lit up bright orange, “so surreal and bright you could read a book,” he said. He heard a violent and extremely loud sloshing sound from the crater. Fragments of volcanic rock, or tephra, were ejected from the volcano and rained down on his patrol vehicle as he cautiously left the area, respirator on. He noticed the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory equipment perched on the rim shooting off light as electrical wires burned. “It lasted about a half hour,” Hopp said.

An hour later, Hopp cited two individuals for sneaking into the closed area to get a closer look at the potentially lethal lava lake. The area, which includes the summit lava lake, Halema`uma`u Overlook and about four miles of the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail, has been closed since 2008 when the current summit eruption began.
“This type of volcanic explosion is not that uncommon at the summit of Kilauea and could have easily killed or seriously injured and burned anyone in the area,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “Despite the closure, people continue to trespass into the closed area, putting themselves and first responders at great risk.
“Part of the mission of the national park is to provide safe access to active volcanism, and our emphasis is always on safety.
“The view of the summit eruption is fantastic one mile away from the Jaggar Museum observation deck, and that’s as close as visitors can safely get.”
The park has no plans to reopen the closed areas until the eruption from Halema`uma`u ceases, she added.
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Following his concert at Volcano House, Eric Silberger
performs at Pahala Plantation House Saturday.
Photo by Carlin Ma

PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE for priority seating at Hawai`i International Music Festival’s engagement at Pahala Plantation House Saturday at 6 p.m. Honoring the 20th anniversary of Ka`u Coffee, the concert helps raise awareness for donations for Hawai`i Public Radio’s efforts to improve reception here and throughout the state.

Tickets for $25 may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL athletic director Kalei Namohala holds meetings with student athletes' parents this week. Meetings are from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Ocean View Community Center, tomorrow at Na`alehu School Cafeteria and Friday at Ka`u High School band room.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY for early walk-in voting. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aupuni Center in Hilo, West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona and Waimea Community Center.
For more election information, call 961-8277.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

As a prelude to Hawai`i International Music Festival's engagement in Pahala this Saturday, violinist Eric Silberger
played this week at various locations in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Carlin Ma

SEVERAL HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYORAL candidates on Saturday's primary election ballot responded to questions posed by Big Island Now. Regarding the future of energy on Hawai`i Island, Big Island Now asked, “What is your opinion regarding the proposed NextEra merger with Hawai`i Electric Company? Do you support efforts to halt that process in favor of a public-owned (co-op) utility model?”

Paul Bryant

Alvin Akina, Jr.

Alvin Akina, Jr.: “Against Merger, Public Co-op.”

Paul Bryant: “There’s no doubt they won’t go away quietly, but I personally think its past time for our county to run its own energy programme. There are thousands of small and large counties throughout the mainland who do this, and we can too. A public-owned energy provider is the way to go.”
Marlene Hapai: “The NextEra merger with HECO has already been dissolved with NextEra also pulling out of other projects with HEI. It is time to consider what is doable on an island this size with much open space between communities. I saw the benefit of the one large service provider during Tropical Storm Iselle when the local branch was able to call in additional help as needed.

Marlene Hapai

Pete Hoffmann

“Should an effort be made to move forward with a public-owned utility model, I see the need for each independent co-op or ‘energy pod’ to have cooperative agreements to help one another in times of emergency and to be able to do this to invest in compatible technology from the onset. I will support what is best for the County of Hawai`i.”

Pete Hoffmann: “I have always been opposed to this merger and I’m glad to see the PUC and the Governor disapproved it.”

Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a: “The Nextera Merger is in the hands of the State of Hawai`i. I think a Co-op would be like the Island of Kaua`i possible, but not realistic. I think HELCO will have a cash flow problem, if Hawai`i (has) a wind or storm damage all the same time on O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i.”

Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a

Harry Kim

Harry Kim: “As it is now known, this is a mute question as the PUC wisely rejected the merger. My support would be to organize a knowledgeable working group with only one mission: to review and recommend the best alternative to meet the long-term power needs of this State.”

Wally Lau: “One significant problem with the NextEra proposal was the lack of concrete demonstrated savings for ratepayers. Any proposal, whether a new suitor for HEI or a co-op model, must consider two critical factors: guaranteed significantly lower rates for consumers, and a course that embraces a 100 percent renewable energy future. It must also be dependable.”

Wally Lau

Helen Luta

Helen Ole Luta: “I feel that NextEra merger may be a monopoly of higher prices for service. I would be in favor of have a public-owned utility model that is localized and keep the jobs here.”

Shannon McCandless: “Living in the most secluded place on earth, surrounded by ocean, I do believe that a public-owned utility is more conducive to building a collaborative process in our communities, and better for our local economy. A co-op helps to create local jobs at all levels, gives our children more access to educational opportunities, helps to diversify local knowledge, expertise, and is more cost effective for customers.”

Shannon McCandless

See answers to more questions at bigislandnow.com.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will conduct flight plans this month to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and maintain backcountry facilities.
On Aug. 11, 22, 25 and 29 between 6 a.m. and noon, flights will shuttle crew, camp supplies, fencing material and equipment to `Ola`a Tract.
On Aug. 15 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., aircraft will shuttle crew and supplies for vegetation monitoring in the East Rift Zone, east of Napau Crater.
Ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 2,500- and 7,000-feet elevation is scheduled on Aug. 23 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.
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.
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Hawai`i State Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong, center, asks residents to be
aware of people impersonating Sheriffs' Department personnel.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Safety

RECENT SHERIFF IMPERSONATOR scam incidents have prompted the Hawai`i Sheriff Division to reminder residents that persons claiming to be from the Sheriff Department or Sheriffs’ Office are calling Hawai`i residents to say they are wanted on a warrant for failing to show up for jury duty. The alleged scammer is offering to clear the warrant in exchange for payment by phone.

In three recent cases, the individuals received calls from people who identified themselves as captains or lieutenants with the sheriffs. All of the scammers in these reports had what was described as a southern drawl or accent. After mentioning that the individual had a warrant for failure to show up for jury duty, the caller then asked for money and told the individuals to go to District Court and meet with the sheriffs to clear the warrant. In two of the cases, the individuals figured out it was a scam before giving any money over the phone and immediately notified the Hawai`i State Sheriffs. A third report resulted in a Theft II case being opened.
The public is reminded that sheriffs do not call people about warrants having to do with jury duty. They will never ask for personal information or solicit payment over the phone. Hawai`i residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency or the courts.
“This is a nationwide scam that started affecting Hawai`i residents in early 2014,” said Hawai`i state Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong. “The calls appear to be random. The victims are usually scammed to pay money. We urge people to share this alert with your family and friends so they don’t become the next victim.”
Anyone receiving a call matching this scam should alert the Sheriff Division at 808-586-1352.
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New American citizens to their pledge yesterday.
Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Office

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY welcomed 77 new American citizens from 26 countries during a naturalization ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium on the grounds of Honolulu Hale. U.S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Hawai`i Robert Faris presided over the proceedings.

Addressing the new citizens shortly after they took their oath, Hirono called on them to play an active role in shaping their new homeland.
“Unlike those who were born here and become citizens automatically, you chose to become a United States citizen,” Hirono said. “You came to this country leaving everything that was familiar to you, good or bad, behind to come to this country with the hope that you could create a better life for you, your loved ones and your family. Tell your stories. Tell people where you come from, what you have gone through, because that’s how we learn from each other. That’s how we learn to appreciate the diversity that is our country, the diversity that we celebrate in Hawai`i.”
Applicants participating in the ceremony ranged from 18-year old Sharon Sui Yan So, of Hong Kong, to 76-year-old Ansuyaben Metha, of India, and came from countries including the Philippines, Brazil, China, Mexico, Pakistan, South Korea and Switzerland.
Hirono is the only immigrant serving in the U.S. Senate.
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Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and more musicians
perform in Pahala this Saturday.

PRIORITY SEATING AT HAWAI`I International Music Festival’s engagement at Pahala Plantation House Saturday at 6 p.m. is available by purchasing tickets in advance.

Tickets for the fundraiser to help Hawai`i Public Radio improve Ka`u reception are $25 and may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for early walk-in voting. Hours are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Aupuni Center in Hilo, West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona and Waimea Community Cente are open until 4 p.m.
Primary Election Day is Saturday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School Cafeteria in Pahala, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.
For more election information, call 961-8277.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Renovation of the locker room at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School's original gym will begin soon.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE LOCKER ROOM at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School’s original gym will be renovated.

In a letter to Principal Sharon Beck, state Public Works Administrator Duane Kashiwai said that the project “will be initiated shortly.” He said a representative from his office will contact her to set a date for a pre-construction conference regarding access, scheduling, a construction start date and any concerns.

Architect Mitch Tamayori, of Hawai`i Department of Education’s Facilities Development Branch Standards & Quality Assurance Unit, confirmed that Hawai`i County Planning Department is currently reviewing permits for the project. DOE awarded a contract for $389,164 to Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd.

Tamayori said a separate project to renovate the gym is also being developed.
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RACHAEL WONG, DIRECTOR of the state Department of Human Services, will leave her post at the end of the month. Current Deputy Director Pankaj Bhanot will serve as director beginning Sept. 1. His appointment is subject to Senate approval.

Pankaj Bhanot

Bridget Holthus is being appointed as DHS deputy director effective Sept. 1. Her appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation.
Wong will be taking some time off before pursuing opportunities in the private sector, where she can continue to be an advocate for DHS programs that contribute to the state’s public health, education, employment and housing goals.
“I asked Rachael to be a change agent for collaboration, transparency and action, and she has done just that,” Gov. David Ige said. “Rachael was the right person to lead DHS, and there will be no disruption to the momentum built as the department focuses on implementation of the programs she envisioned. I appreciate her public service.”

Bhanot brings 17 years of service in the department and has served as the department’s deputy twice – under Ige and from Dec. 2010 to Jan. 2012. He has experience in implementing large information technology and human services projects. Bhanot previously led a business transformation initiative that won national recognition. He is an attorney by training who has dedicated his professional life to human rights and human services.

Holthus most recently served as research program liaison at the University of Hawai`i Cancer Center. She previously served as the deputy director of the Office of Community Services at the City & County of Honolulu, special assistant to the Attorney General, and director of philanthropic services at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Bridget is an attorney with a certificate in public health.
“Pankaj Bhanot has been an integral part of the DHS leadership team and is positioned to conduct a seamless transition,” Ige said. “Pankaj and Bridget will continue to work closely with director of health, Ginny Pressler, to move forward with the state’s multigenerational approach to improving health outcomes, called `Ohana Nui. They will also implement the DHS integrated information system for the entire state, a move that will accelerate the transformation of the way the department does business.”
Kimberly Miyazawa Frank will serve as community/project development director, leading implementation of `Ohana Nui and working directly with community stakeholders. Frank has provided coaching and mentorship to organizations in Hawai`i, having previously served as executive director of the YWCA-O`ahu. She also led community engagement and human services programs as senior vice president for community development at Pulama Lana`i.
Mark Forman joins DHS as policy director and will serve a key role in synthesizing DHS policies and programs under `Ohana Nui. Forman has worked in all three branches of state government, including the state Office of Community Services. He actively promoted improvement of health and social welfare outcomes as administrator of HMSA Foundation.
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Na`alehu Hongwanji's tai chi participants demonstrated their skills at an open house this week.
Photo by Alice Yonemitsu

NA`ALEHU HONGWANJI MISSION hosted an open house on Monday, Aug. 8 for Na`alehu Nutrition Center seniors and tai chi, yoga and meditation groups from its activities program. The event was dedicated in honor of deceased Buddhist Womens’ Association members, Marge Elwell and Gladys Yonemitsu, and all former BWA members.

Yoga teacher Stephanie Pepper led open
house attendees in seated exercises.
Photo by Alice Yonemitsu

Guest speaker for the event was K.T. Cannon-Eger, of Puna Hongwanji. Cannon-Eger is the 2015-2016 president of Hawai`i Island United Hongwanji BWA. She is also president of Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens of Hilo, which celebrates its centennial in 2017. Cannon-Eger is a retired public relations professional and landscape gardener.

Connon-Eger gave an informative talk about the history of Lili`uokalani Gardens and shared planned activities for the centennial celebration for the next three years. Following Cannon-Eger’s presentation, Stephanie Pepper, who offers senior yoga classes at the hongwanji, led the group in seated yoga exercises, which participants found relaxing and fun. A demonstration by the tai chi group led by Phillip Hema was also entertaining.

Emcee for the event was Marla McCasland.

After the presentations, members of Na`alehu Hongwanji served refreshments. They thanked all the people who came and participated in the successful open house.

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FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, Volcano Art Center is hosting a preview exhibit. Selected artworks from the Return of `Alala: Restoring The Voice Of Hawai`i’s Native Forests competition will be on display at VAC Gallery beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 in conjunction with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Cultural Festival and BioBlitz. Select works will be available for pre-sale purchase through a silent auction in an effort to raise funds to support the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Program and their long-term project. Bidding begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 and concludes at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Return of the `Alala by Lisa Greig
Image from VAC

VAC welcomes anyone interested in supporting the event further to join in a special Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Kaho`okele Crabbe that takes place in front of the gallery on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following the blessing, a reception will be held at Volcano House. Live music by Keoki Kahumoku along with drinks and pupus will be available for ticket holders. Those interested in tickets can purchase them in person at VAC or at volcanoartcenter.org for $50 each. Proceeds go directly to support the ongoing `Alala release project. The evening events will end at the gallery with desserts and final bids for the artwork closing.

The statewide multimedia art competition featuring Hawai`i’s endemic `alala will be on display at VAC Gallery from Sept. 3 to Oct. 9. Proceeds support reintroduction of the species to Hawai`i’s native forests this fall. The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge, although park entrance fees apply.
“The response to this collaborative conservation effort has been terrific,” gallery manager Emily C. Weiss said. “Hawai`’s creative community has learned so much about this critically endangered species through outreach from the `Alala Project and the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.”
Entrance fees to the park are waived Aug. 25 – 28 in celebration of the National Park Service Centennial.
“Please join Volcano Art Center in supporting this unique conservation effort,” Weiss said. “The `alala has been extinct in the wild since 2002; with your support we hope that will change.”
For more information, call 967-7565.
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PRIMARY ELECTION DAY is tomorrow. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School Cafeteria in Pahala, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.

Ka`u voters can choose among candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. District II, state Senate District II, state Representative Districts III and V, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawai`i County offices on the ballot are mayor, prosecuting attorney and Council District VI.

For more election information, call 961-8277.

Cellist Daniel Lelchuk performs in Ka`u tomorrow.

HAWAI`I INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL comes to Ka`u tomorrow. Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, violinist Eric Silberger, cellist Daniel Lelchuk and soprano Mikayla Sager present a concert at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Special guests include pianist Ian Parker and taiko artist Kenny Endo.

$25 tickets support Hawai`i Public Radio’s effort to extend signals throughout Ka`u. For priority seating, purchase tickets in advance at himusicfestival.bpt.me.

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

See nps.gov/havo.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Hawai`i International Music Festival in Pahala this evening features violinist Eric Silberger, who played
at various locations in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park earlier this week. He will be joined by
soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, violinist Eric Silberger, cellist Daniel Lelchuk,
soprano Mikayla Sager, pianist Ian Parker and taiko artist Kenny Endo.
Photo by Carlin Ma

A NEW MAP RELEASED by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory yesterday shows recent changes to Kilauea’s East Rift Zone lava flow field at the coast. The 61G lava flow, extending southeast of Pu`u `O`o on Kilauea's south flank, continued to be active and to enter the sea at multiple places near Kamokuna, HVO reported. Scattered breakouts continue predominantly on the makai portion of the coastal plain and on the pali. A small delta collapse occurred Tuesday afternoon and darkened the plume for a short time.

The 61G lava flow continues to widen and advance.
Map from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

The area of the active flow field as of Aug. 2 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the active flow as mapped on Aug. 12 is shown in red.

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GOV. DAVID IGE and Dayton Nakanelua, state director of the United Public Workers, have signed a settlement agreement that will resolve UPW’s lawsuit and class grievance against the state. The union had sought to ensure that the collective bargaining agreement with the state was honored during the transition from state control to Maui Health System, a Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, LLC. The transition can now move forward. A similar change could possibly happen in the future at Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i Region, which operates Ka`u Hospital.
“I am pleased that we were able to work with UPW to ensure that state workers at the Maui healthcare facilities are treated fairly during the transition process,” Ige said. “These employees are providing top-notch care for the community, and this agreement acknowledges their dedication to their patients. The settlement provides certainty to the people of Maui County that they will continue to have access to high quality health care.”

“With this agreement, the governor has recognized and addressed the concerns of our members,” Nakanelua said. “He is honoring the process and the existing collective bargaining agreement.”

Gov. Ige announced a settlement with United Public Workers
at a press conference. Photo from Gov. Ige's Office

The state and UPW will jointly ask the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to lift its injunction and dismiss UPW’s lawsuit. Under the agreement, Maui Region hospitals will be transferred from HHSC management to Kaiser not earlier than Nov. 6. Maui Region hospitals will be operated and managed exclusively by Kaiser. UPW bargaining unit employees will work under Kaiser’s supervision and direction and still be covered by UPW collective bargaining agreements until those agreements expire on June 30, 2017.

Kaiser will offer to hire UPW employees for a period of six months starting July 1, 2017.
This agreement clears the way for the transition to Kaiser to proceed, and residents of Maui County can feel secure that they will continue to have access to healthcare.
While the transfer of hospital management has been secured, some related issues remain. In particular, Hawai`i Government Employees’ Association did not join the UPW lawsuit. Instead, the union requested severance and retirement benefits for its employees through SB 2077, which was passed during the 2016 regular session. Ige vetoed the measure based upon legal and fiscal concerns and offered a compromise measure, but the Legislature subsequently overrode his veto.
On Aug. 9, the Employees’ Retirement System filed a lawsuit against the state and HHSC asserting that Act 1 will jeopardize the ERS’ federal tax-exempt status. This lawsuit will not affect the settlement agreement signed today. HGEA employees are not included in its provisions. HGEA’s severance and retirement benefits will depend on the outcome of the litigation, and/or the union could work with the state to reach an agreement in accordance with the collective bargaining law.
“I pledged to work out an agreement with UPW because we need to honor our commitments to the Maui Region hospital employees,” Ige said. “I am hopeful that we can reach a similar agreement for employees in those facilities who are represented by HGEA.”
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Silicon Valley USPTO Regional Director John Cabeca joined

Sen. Mazie Hirono in answering audience questions.

Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY hosted John Cabeca, Regional Director of the Silicon Valley U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, at an informational seminar to help small business owners and entrepreneurs in Hawai`i navigate the patent and trademark process and protect their intellectual property. The High Technology Development Corporation’s Innovate Hawai`i co-hosted the event.

“Helping our small businesses and entrepreneurs protect their intellectual property is critical to our efforts to build a high-tech economy in Hawai`i, Hirono said. “The process of applying for patents and trademarks can be daunting, particularly for start-ups. There’s a lot of work that happens before applying for a patent, and I want to thank USPTO for coming to share information with Hawai`i’s business community.”
“I’d like to thank Sen. Hirono, a champion of entrepreneurship and innovation in the pacific region, for hosting today’s seminar,” said Michelle Lee, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “Now that we have a national footprint with the creation of four regional offices it is vital to bring these resources to citizens in all corners of the country. I applaud the combined efforts of our West Coast Regional Office team, led by Director John Cabeca, and Sen. Hirono, working together to ensure that inventors in Hawai`i are equipped with the tools they need to further catalyze the state’s growing technology and creative industries such as biotechnology, medical diagnostics and sustainable energy into a thriving innovation economy.”
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Polls are open in Ka`u and throughout the state until 6 p.m.
Photo by Julia Neal

VOTE TODAY UNTIL 6 P.M. Polls are open at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School Cafeteria in Pahala, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.

District VI.

For more election information, call 961-8277.

Mikaya Sager

HAWAI`I INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL comes to Ka`u today. Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, violinist Eric Silberger, cellist Daniel Lelchuk and soprano Mikayla Sager present a concert at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Special guests include pianist Ian Parker and taiko artist Kenny Endo.

$25 tickets support Hawai`i Public Radio’s effort to extend signals throughout Ka`u. For priority seating, purchase tickets in advance at himusicfestival.bpt.me.
Ka`u Coffee growers offer a tasting at 5 p.m.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, its many forms and flower on a free, easy, one-mile walk tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
See nps.gov/havo.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are a week from today. On Saturday, Aug. 20 at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, Half Marathon racers take off at 7 a.m. The 10K begins at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K start time is 8 a.m.

Free keiki runs in age groups 1-4 and 5-7 take place at 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

Winners receive awards at 10:30 a.m.
A Zero Mile event at 11 a.m. benefits Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Registration closes at 9:30 a.m.
Packet pick-up and late registration is available at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Also on Friday, Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a Lu`au Buffet for $15.25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A hula performance begins at 7 p.m.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

The message Harry Kim's granddaughter promoted at Na`alehu Independence Day Celebration worked.
Kim received a majority of votes and will return as Hawai`i County mayor. Photo by Ron Johnson

HANA HOU HARRY. With primary election votes tallied yesterday, Hawai`i County voters chose former Mayor Harry Kim to replace Billy Kenoi, who has reached his term limit. Kim was mayor for two terms from 2000 to 2008. Before that, he served Hawai`i County as Civil Defense administrator for 24 years and Law Enforcement Assistance Agency director for four years.

Kim received 50.4 percent of the vote islandwide. Combining Election Day and absentee votes, the precinct with its polling place at Cooper Center in Volcano Village gave Kim 63.6 percent of votes. For precincts at Ka`u High School, 50.6 percent; Na`alehu School, 50.3 percent; Ocean View Community Center, 46.5 percent; and Miloli`i Halau, 47.8 percent. Average for these precincts is 51.8 percent.

“When I first considered placing my name on the ballot, it was in part due to people asking me to just give them an additional choice in the election,” Kim said. “A choice on a difference in management style, priorities, and just as important, how things are done.

“However, as time went on, some ‘home rule’ issues became more the focus and concerns of many. An issue was the status of the Community Development Plan program and the lack of support felt by especially those who contributed so much of their time on this issue. …
“It became very clear that the issues were not just how … projects were developed, but more importantly, the taking away of the people’s opportunity for input, the role of the local county government and the determination of the kinds of developments that affected their lifestyle and their home. These issues are at the very heart of what we believed to be the role and relationship of the people and their government.”
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Council member Maile David and Mayor Billy Kenoi, wearing lei,
celebrated new playgrounds in Ka`u. Photo by Ron Johnson

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID CONTINUES as Ka`u’s Hawai`i County Council member. David, of Captain Cook, received 57 percent of votes in Council District VI. Her opponent Raina Whiting received 31.4 percent.

Whiting faired well in her hometown of Ocean View, where she received 303 votes compared to David’s 233, or 52 percent. That precinct, however had the lowest voter turnout – 27.8 percent – of those covered here.

David dominated in other precincts in the South Hawai`i region. At Cooper Center, she received 55 percent; Ka`u High, 79.4 percent; Na`alehu School, 52.5 percent; and Miloli`i, 46.9 percent. Although a few more people voted for Whiting at Na`alehu School, where she teaches kindergarten, higher absentee voting brought David’s count above Whiting’s.
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Mitch Roth won by nearly 400 votes in Volcano, where he participated
in the Fourth of July Celebration. Photo by Ron Johnson

ANOTHER HAWAI`I COUNTY INCUMBENT, Mitch Roth, keeps his job as prosecutor. He received 59.5 percent of votes cast by county residents, while his opponent Michael Kagami received 27 percent. Roth overcame Kagami in South Hawai`i precincts. For Cooper Center precinct, the count was 565 to 166; Ka`u High, 190 to 92; Na`alehu, 324 to 100; Ocean View, 357 to 132; and Miloli`i, 129 to 42.

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KA`U’S INCUMBENT CANDIDATES in state and federal races also won their primary bids.

Sen. Russell Ruderman’s 51.9 percent felled challenger Greggor Ilagan, a Hawai`i County Council member, who racked up 43.5 percent.
Rep. Richard Onishi won state Representative District III with 60.6 percent, compared to opponent Ainoa Naniole’s 29.4 percent.
In state District V, Rep. Richard Creagan was unchallenged in the Democratic Party.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard beat her challenger Shay Chan Hodges 77.6 percent to 14.2 percent.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz took 80.5 percent of votes, with four opponents each receiving less than six percent each.
See how South Hawai`i precincts voted for these offices in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
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Miss Ka`u Coffee, Rochelle Koi, center, joined in the celebration

of 20 years of Ka`u Coffee at last night's classical music concert.

Musicians included (l-r) Ian Parker, Eric Silberger and

Amy Shoremount-Obra. Photo by William Neal

MISS KA`U COFFEE Rochelle Koi supported the industry last night at a classical music concert dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Ka`u Coffee economy following the shutdown of the sugar plantation.

“I’m very proud to come from such a deeply historical agricultural community,” she said. “We’ve come such a long way. We’ve been a self-sustaining community for so long from the sugar plantations to the transition to coffee. We have such a sense of pride and community, and we come together and help one another. I feel that’s one of the most important qualities and strengths that we have in our community here, and we continue to have it, and we continue to push forward with our coffee industry.”
Koi works at her family’s Shaka’s restaurant in Na`alehu and is a Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park ranger. She attends university in Hilo.
During the concert, sopranos Amy Shoremount-Obra and Mikayla Sager, musical director and pianist Carlin Ma, violinist Eric Silberger, pianist Ian Parker and cellist Daniel Lelchuk paired Ka`u Coffee grown in micro-regions of the district with selected performances.

The concert, held at Pahala Plantation House, raised funds for an annual Hawai`i International Music Festival and for improving the broadcast of Hawai`i Public Radio throughout Ka`u.

South Point Resource Management Plan is the topic of a meeting
Tuesday in Na`alehu. Photo from DHHL

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DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS holds a public meeting Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria regarding its management plan for lands and resources in Kama`oa. The DHHL 2012 Ka`u Regional Plan identified the need to protect and preserve the natural and cultural sites in Kama`oa as one of the top five priority projects.
DHHL’s Draft South Point Resources Management Plan is available at https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/South-Point-Public-Review-Draft-Plan-to-DHHL_052616.pdf.

Learn about establishment of Hawai`i National Park Tuesday.
Image from NPS

For more information, contact DHHL Planner Andrew Choy at Andrew.H.Choy@hawaii.gov or 808-620-9279.

ON TUESDAY, TRAVEL BACK in time to 1916 with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura as she shares the story of the development of Hawai`i National Park. Learn about the individuals who pushed for a park because of their fascination for this place and because they recognized the need for preservation so that future generations could enjoy the fantastic eruptions and magnificent landscapes.

The After Dark in the Park program begins at 7 p.m. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

REGULAR REGISTRATION for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run ends Tuesday at midnight. Late registration will continue through race morning, Sept. 17, at 6:30 a.m.
The event includes a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon through coffee and former sugar cane fields, macadamia nut groves, eucalyptus forests and grazing pastures, with the Half Marathon reaching an elevation of 3,100 feet.
All races begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands shares its resource management plans for South Point tomorrow.
See more below. Photo by Peter Anderson

WITH THE EXCEPTION of one race at one precinct, the majority of South Hawai`i residents who voted in the 2016 primary election chose their state and federal incumbents. Results released after Election Day on Saturday showed Hawai`i County Council member Greggor Ilagan receiving 68.7 percent of votes in the precinct with Ka`u High School as its polling place. Ilagan challenged incumbent Sen. Russell Ruderman for the District II seat. Ruderman, who garnered 21 percent at Ka`u High, won the Democratic primary with a total vote of 51.9 percent.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman overcame his opponent
in the Democratic primary. Photo by Ron Johnson

Ruderman took the precinct at Cooper Center with 56.4 percent. At 24.8 percent, Ilagan received less than half of Ruderman’s total, and Libertarian Fred Fogel pulled in 0.82 percent.

In state Representative District III, Rep. Richard Onishi took 40.5 percent at Cooper Center and 58.7 percent at Ka`u High. Democratic Challenger Ainoa Naniole garnered 33.7 percent at Cooper Center and 29 percent at Ka`u High. Onishi won his district with 60.6 percent overall.
In state Representative District V, Democrat Rep. Richard Creagan, who ran unchallenged in his party, received 63.5 percent at Na`alehu School, 53 percent at Ocean View Community Center and 62.3 percent at Miloli`i Halau. Michael Last, his Libertarian challenger, receive less that two percent at these precincts. Districtwide, Creagan garnered 2,804 votes, or 71.2 percent. Last received 33 votes, or 84.6 of the Libertarian total.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s percentages ranged from 57.5 at Ocean View Community Center to 79 at Ka`u High. He handily beat four Democratic challengers. Republican John Carroll’s highest tally in South Hawai`i was 11.3 percent at Ocean View Community Center. Statewide, Schatz received 80 percent of Democratic votes, and Carroll pulled in 59 percent of Republican votes.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard similarly had much better results than her challengers. In South Hawai`i precincts, she took between 62.6 percent at Ocean View Community Center and 79 percent at Ka`u High School. Challengers, including Democrat Shay Chan Hodges all received 10 percent or less. Gabbard racked up 79.5 percent of state Democratic votes, and Republican Angela Kaaihue received 36.9 percent.
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Activities at Cooper Center will be on holiday while the county
reroofs the main building. Photo from Cooper Center

COOPER CENTER IS GETTING A NEW ROOF.

The popular community center in Volcano Village will be closed for all classes, meetings, bookstore and thrift store patrons from Monday, Aug. 29 through Friday, Sept. 2 for work by the county. There will also be no access to the playground.
Skateboard ramps will be open with access through the exit driveway for the duration. Regular hours are expected to resume on Saturday, Sept. 3.
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KILAUEA’S RECENT SUMMIT lava lake explosion is a reminder of significant, ongoing hazards around Halema`uma`u Crater. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists discuss these in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“At 10:02 p.m., HST, on Saturday, Aug. 6, a section of altered, thermally stressed rock enclosing the Halema`uma`u Crater lava lake detached from the vent wall and plummeted into the molten lava,” the article states. “Tons of rocky debris impacting the lake surface triggered a violent explosion of volcanic gas, incandescent spatter (blobs of molten lava), and pieces of solid rock that sent a jet of glowing debris skyward.
“Within seconds, tephra (airborne volcanic rock fragments) began falling to the ground, blanketing the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater – about 120 meters (400 feet) above the lava lake surface – with a continuous layer of spatter and dense rock fragments that covered an area of about 50 m by 80 m (165 ft by 260 ft). In places, this tephra layer was up to 20 centimeters (eight inches) thick. Almost certainly, anyone who had been near the crater rim in this area would have been killed or severely injured.
“Trade winds influenced the trajectory of the fallout. So, while most of the tephra fell just east of the vent, pebble-sized debris also pelted the Halema`uma`u Crater parking lot, about 500 m (0.3 miles) to the southwest.

“As testimony to the heat and violence of the event, images captured two days later (posted at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/index.php) show the blanket of spatter and solid rock fragments, with individual pieces up to 70 cm (28 in) across, on the crater rim.

An explosion triggered by a rockfall in Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake
on August 6 blanketed the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with a layer
of tephra up to about eight inches thick. Photo from USGS/HVO

“Spatter that landed on a plastic case housing batteries and electrical components for a gravity monitoring instrument about 35 m (115 ft) from the rim of Halema`uma`u melted the case and ignited a fire that incinerated its contents. The gravimeter itself survived, but is being systematically assessed for possible unseen damage. Other nearby HVO monitoring instruments remain operational.
“Saturday night’s event was recorded by HVO web cameras, and HVO seismometers around Halema`uma`u Crater detected a distinctive long-period signal related to sloshing of the lava lake set in motion by the rockfall. Following the 10:02 p.m. event, the lava lake surface remained agitated for a few hours, something also observed following past rockfall-triggered lava lake explosions.
“Late-night visitors at the Jaggar Museum Overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park likely witnessed a dramatic and rapidly ascending bright orange glow as the explosion cloud rose above the summit vent rim. They might have also heard a low rumble followed by a loud boom as the vent wall gave way and impacted the lava lake. Diners at Volcano House Hotel, 3.5 kilometers (2.1 mi) across the caldera, reported seeing an especially bright glow above the east margin of the lava lake. The distant glow was also noted by residents of nearby subdivisions.
“In the aftermath of the event, HVO scientists and University of Hawai`i colleagues carefully mapped and sampled the debris field before rain and wind could take a toll on the deposit. Analyses of the tephra may provide insight into how these lava lake explosions happen and what conditions favor their occurrence – information that could enable HVO to quantify the probability of future events and the likely range of dangerous impacts.
“Rockfalls and the resulting lava lake interactions that produce a severe hazard are challenging, if not impossible, events to forecast. To date, HVO scientists have seen no evidence of precursory signals before an explosion, and the magnitude of the event likely depends on the location and size of the rockfall, the lava lake level at the time of the rockfall, wind velocity, and other dynamic factors.
“Most rockfalls from the vent wall have occurred during rising lava lake levels, when large areas of the wall rock are heated and develop internal cracks due to expansion. But some rockfalls, like the Aug. 6 event, occur after the lake level drops, possibly when the buttressing effect of the lake is lost, facilitating wall failure. These ideas are part of ongoing research examining the evolution of the summit vent since it opened in March 2008.
“What is certain is that Saturday night’s explosive event reinforces our awareness of inherent dangers in the vicinity of an active lava lake in a deep crater. Residents and visitors alike are reminded to heed National Park Service and USGS advisories regarding volcanic activity and ongoing hazards.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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DHHL plans call for managing natural and cultural

resources at South Point. Photo from DHHL

LEARN ABOUT SOUTH POINT Resource Management Plan tomorrow. Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands holds a public meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria.

The plan is available at https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/South-Point-Public-Review-Draft-Plan-to-DHHL_052616.pdf.
For more information, contact DHHL Planner Andrew Choy at Andrew.H.Choy@hawaii.gov or 808-620-9279.

JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA discusses the development of Hawai`i National Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
$2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

National Geographic videos are available at Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources'
new webpage, DLNR & YOU. See more below. Image from DLNR

PRIVATIZATION OF MAUI’S medical facilities could be a precursor for Hawai`i Island. Gov. David Ige told George Lee, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, that “similar arrangements” could result in public-private partnerships at Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East and West Hawai`i regions. Ka`u Hospital is part of its East Hawai`i Region.

Gov. Ige suggested that public-private partnerships could work
at Hawai`i Island medical facilities, including Ka`u Hospital.
Photo by Julia Neal

Maui Region facilities are currently moving from state to private operation by Kaiser Permanente.

Ige told Lee there are no immediate plans for Hawai`i Island’s health care facilities to make such a transition.
“We need to focus on making sure that this transaction with the Maui region is successful,” Ige said. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to successfully transfer the operations and management for the Maui regions, and then we’ll look at other regions.”
Ige told Lee that Hawai`i Island regions’ managers “have expressed interest in considering partnerships” but that he has not met with any private companies.
HHSC East Hawai`i Region had previously discussed partnering with Adventist Health. Lee quoted a statement from Hilo Medical Center saying, “In East Hawai`i, we continue to believe that we need choice when it comes to determining the best means for delivering health care to our community.”
See staradvertiser.com.
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The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals includes Hawai`i.

THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT of Appeals has upheld Hawai`i’s practice of holding open primary elections. The Democratic Party of Hawai`i had sued the state office of elections in 2013 and sought to limit participation in the Democratic primary election to registered Democrats only.

In a published opinion issued yesterday, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Democratic Party did not show that the open primary system burdens its associational rights. The party offered no evidence that the open primary impacted its candidates or messages. The Ninth Circuit noted that Hawai`i’s voters may vote in only one party’s primary election.
“The Democratic Party’s preference for limiting primary participants to registered party members, coupled with the fact that more people vote in Democratic primaries than are formally registered with the Party, is not sufficient to show that Hawai`i’s open primary system severely burdens the party’s associational rights,” the opinion states.
The case, Democratic Party of Hawai`i v. Nago, was originally filed in the federal district court of Hawai`i. In November 2013, Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled in the state’s favor, upholding the open primary. The Democratic Party appealed. The Ninth Circuit heard oral arguments in May 2016.
“The open primary is part of Hawai`i’s commitment to make voting easier and to include more persons in the democratic process,” Attorney General Doug Chin said. “This ruling keeps Hawai`i’s primary elections open to all registered voters, regardless of their formal party affiliation.”
The ruling has no effect on the 2016 primary or general elections.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND and Natural Resources has established a special website for information on the upcoming International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress Hawai`i 2016, being held in Honolulu, Sept. 1-10.

“With the IUCN World Conservation Congress, we have an unprecedented opportunity to show and tell the world about the tremendous variety of efforts underway in Hawai`i to protect our natural, historical and cultural resources,” DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said. “The DLNR & YOU webpage will show the world some of what the state and its many partners are doing in the way of cutting-edge conservation work.”
The page is available to anyone, as the new DLNR & YOU brand seeks to extend the notion that everyone is responsible for helping protect Hawai`i’s precious natural resources. It will include DLNR news releases, feature videos, photo albums and links to partner pages and websites.
“We are producing 19 different DLNR & YOU media packages for release prior to and during the IUCN World Conservation Congress,” Case said. “We hope these efforts will give IUCN delegates and some 200 visiting journalists a peek into the broad range of work underway in our island state, directed at addressing a whole host of challenging conservation issues. Additionally, it’s one way to celebrate what’s happening here in Hawai`i; the work of DLNR staff across its 11 different divisions as well as the partnerships with dozens of different organizations and groups.”

Already featured on the site are several videos produced by National Geographic in its partnership with IUCN.

See dlnr.hawaii.gov/iucn.
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Provide input on Hawai`i County's General Plan at forums
next week.

HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING Department encourages Ka`u residents to participate in next week’s General Plan Public Input Forums. The General Plan guides the island’s long-range physical development. As part of the comprehensive review of the General Plan, participants will give feedback on alternatives for future growth. The two forums are identical, so residents can participate in the most convenient one.

While the forums are held in Hilo and Kona, Na`alehu Community Center will be a live remote site.
On Tuesday, Aug. 23, the first forum takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at County Council Chambers in Hilo. Then on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., another takes place in Council Chambers at West Hawai`i Civic Center.
More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

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Trojans' girls volleyball season begins today.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL teams start their season today at home, hosting Waiakea at 6 p.m. Varsity follows up with another home match Thursday against Hawai`i Preparatory Academy, also at 6 p.m. Both teams then travel to Ehunui in Kona on Saturday for competition beginning at 10 a.m.

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DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN Home Lands holds a public meeting today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria. The topic is its South Point Resource Management Plan.
The plan is available at https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/South-Point-Public-Review-Draft-Plan-to-DHHL_052616.pdf.
For more information, contact DHHL Planner Andrew Choy at Andrew.H.Choy@hawaii.gov or 808-620-9279.

JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA discusses the development of Hawai`i National Park today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
$2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

As it enters the ocean, lava cascading over cliffs at Kamokuna is creating an unstable lava delta
that could collapse at any time. Photo by Peter Anderson

DURING A SPECIAL MEDIA briefing yesterday, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers talked about hazards associated with Kilauea Volcano’s active lava flow and ocean entries, the exciting scientific opportunities posed by flow 61G, and how visitors can safely hike to and view the beauty of lava flowing on land and into the sea.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
personnel briefed media on hazards, scientific opportunities
and safety procedures at lava view sites.
Photo from USGS/HVO

People who venture too close to Kilauea’s Kamokuna ocean entry – by land or by sea – are at risk from multiple hazards associated with lava flowing into the sea. According to HVO geologists, the white plume formed by interaction of lava and seawater is a corrosive mixture of super-heated steam, hydrochloric acid and tiny particles of volcanic glass, all of which should be avoided. Lava deltas (new land formed at the ocean entry) can collapse without warning. When such events occur, fragments of molten lava and blocks of hot rock could be thrown both inland and seaward, potentially impacting people on the cliff above the ocean entry and in boats in front of the delta.

The eastern entry site has created a lava delta that HVO said is now about five acres in size, and as it grows larger, so does the risk of a sudden collapse. The beauty of Kilauea Volcano’s eastern Kamokuna ocean entry can be enjoyed from a safe distance.
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Luis P. Salaveria

WITH 686,856 ACRES OF LAND in farms, Hawai`i Island in 2015 far exceeded acres in other counties in the state, according to the 2015 State of Hawai`i Data Book. The county had nearly three times more than Maui, nearly five times more than Kaua`i and nearly 10 times more than Honolulu.

The market value of Hawai`i Island agricultural products sold was $247,245,000, compared to $188,100,000 for Maui, $64,514,000 for Kaua`i and $161,488,000 for Honolulu.
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released the the Data Book today. It is the most comprehensive statistical book about Hawai`i in a single compilation. With more than 800 data tables, it covers a broad range of statistical information in areas such as population, education, labor, energy, business enterprises, government, tourism and transportation.
“The state’s Data Book provides comprehensive information from all sources, both public and private,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “It’s the most popular product on the DBEDT website and has been consistently produced for 47 years.”
“We try to add more data series to the Data Book to accommodate a wide range of data needs,” said Chief State Economist Dr. Eugene Tian. “Among the new data series in this Data Book are the Hawai`i homes purchased by origin of buyers.”
The resource is available at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/databook/ and may be downloaded in whole or in part as either PDF or Excel files.
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He Lono Moku: The State of the Environment,

Hawai`i 2016 was released today.

A REPORT RELEASED TODAY seeks to track progress of critical resource protection work underway in Hawai`i, as well as identify opportunities to make game-changing impacts. Hawai`i Environmental Funders Group’s 2016 report is the first of annual reports that the group plans to publish.

According to He Lono Moku: The State of the Environment, Hawai`i 2016, the Department of Land & Natural Resources stewards about 30 percent of the state’s land and water resources, yet is allocated only 1.1 percent of the state’s fiscal year 2017 budget. Resources include 1.3 million acres of land, forests that are 11th in acreage in the nation, 750 miles of coastline, and 85 percent of the county’s coral reefs.
The state Department of Agriculture will receive 0.4 percent of the budget. “As climate change gains momentum, increasing the risk of the spread of disease through avenues such as mosquitoes, HDOA’s role is more important than ever,” the report states.
State Board of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright told Timothy Hurley, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, that many people don’t understand the importance of the role his department plays in the environment.
“We need to grow that (budget), certainly if the state of Hawai`i is going to be proactive toward greater food sustainability, invasive species, bio-security, animal diseases and plant diseases,” Enright said.
Hawai`i’s environment is “out of balance and faces challenges illustrated by many symptoms,” according to the report. One of those symptoms is that more than 60 percent of area that provided native habitats has been destroyed. Another is that Hawai`i is the most oil-dependent state in the county. Nine percent of beaches have been lost to erosion over the past century. Hawai`i has the highest number of threatened and endangered species in the nation, and more than half of Hawai`i’s native birds are extinct. Also, some sites have lost 85 to 100 percent of corals due to bleaching caused by record high temperatures.

See the report at helonomoku.com.

See staradvertiser.com.
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Students can apply now for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz's
Senior High School Internship Program.
Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz.

THE OFFICE OF U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated and involved high school seniors for the Schatz Seniors High School Internship Program. The internship provides a hands-on learning opportunity about the U.S. Senate, creates a forum for students to share issues and information with the senator and his staff, and encourages students to be leaders and advocates in their schools and communities. Activities involve working with outreach staff, identifying issues of interest in their school and community, and attending and staffing special events.

This is not an office position, and students should miss little or no class time in performing the tasks or assignments related to the program. The internship generally runs from October through April, and interns must commit for the full term.
Public, private, charter and homeschool seniors may apply. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or better and have personal access to email throughout the internship. Schatz Seniors will be selected based on their involvement in their community (jobs, activities and responsibilities), diversity of interests and life experiences, and demonstrated leadership involvement.
The office is currently accepting applications for the 2016 – 2017 program. Applications are due by 5:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, but interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early. Applications are available at schatz.senate.gov/services/internships.
Staff is available to provide more information or speak at high schools or school associations about the program. Contact the Honolulu office at 808-523-2061.
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Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger wrote Kilauea 1916: A Centennial
Celebration of KMC & HVNP that opens Friday.
Photo from KDEN

KILAUEA 1916: A CENTENNIAL Celebration of KMC & HVNP opens Friday. The show explores the unique partnership between Kilauea Military Camp and the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park that began in 1916. In honor of KMC’s and the park’s centennial, Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger, who portrays Dr. Thomas Jaggar in KDEN’s Living History program, A Walk Into the Past, wrote the look at some of the characters who were a part of the Volcano community as the camp and park became a reality. The show is a series of vignettes where characters tell their story, narrated by a reporter having a conversation with Mrs. Isabel Jaggar as she prepares to board a ship in Honolulu to take her back to Hilo and her Volcano home.

Performances take place at Kilauea Theater Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. over the next two weekends. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

It's time for Ka`u High Alumni & Friends to start preparing their potluck contributions to the group's
15th annual reunion and luncheon coming up on Sunday. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

AT THE DIRECTION OF GOV. David Ige, the United States flag and the Hawai`i state flag are at half-staff at the State Capitol and at all state offices, agencies and the Hawai`i National Guard in the state of Hawai`i from today until sunset on Monday, Aug. 22 in honor of the late Hawai`i Congressman and former Hawai`i state Rep. K. Mark Takai.

Flags are at half-staff to honor the late
state and U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai.

Takai will lie in state in the Hawai`i State Capitol Rotunda today. A memorial service is scheduled for tomorrow, and a private interment is scheduled for Aug. 22.

Takai dedicated his life to public service with 18 years in the Hawai`i National Guard and a 20-year tenure in the Hawai`i House of Representatives before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Mark humbly and effectively served the people of Hawai`i, Gov. David Ige said. “In the often tumultuous world of politics, he was a shining example of what it means to be a public servant.”
Takai died on July 20 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 49 years old.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE WILL INCREASE enforcement of drunk driving as part of a national campaign called Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which starts tomorrow and runs through the Labor Day (Sept. 5). During the campaign, police will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols islandwide using federal grant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Impaired driving while intoxicated on alcohol, drugs or both continues to be a concern in Hawai`i County. So far this year, there have been 482 DUI arrests for alcohol impairment, 43 related to drugs and 13 related to a combination of both alcohol and drugs.
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KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD and Sen. Mazie Hirono joined a coalition of federal and state officials in recognizing the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Radiological Security with the first-ever Homeland Security Award. The ceremony recognized Maegan Barlow, the Director of the Office of Radiological Services at DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration, for OSR’s work to enhance the security of high-risk radioactive materials in Hawai`i over the past decade. Gabbard also presented a certificate recognizing Sen. Daniel K. Akaka for his leadership in highlighting the vulnerability of radiological materials in Hawai`i and across the United States.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined Sen. Daniel Akaka
and others to recognize the first-ever Homeland Security Award.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

At Akaka’s request, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report revealing the high vulnerability of radiological materials across the United States. As a result, Akaka worked with ORS to initiate a pilot counterterrorism exercise program in Hawai`i focused on giving federal, state and local officials and first responders critical, hands-on experience in prioritized alarm assessment and response, crisis management, threat assessment, emergency response, consequence management and post-contingency procedures to prepare them in the event of a terrorist incident involving radiological materials.

“Sen. Akaka was instrumental in shedding light on the vulnerabilities of domestic radiological materials, and his work with NNSA and partners at every level of government to initiate the first counterterrorism exercise pilot program in Hawai`i has made our state a model for similar programs across the country,” Gabbard said. “The threat of radiological terrorism is a constantly evolving and ever-growing threat, and we must continue to build off the progress we’ve made over the past decade to keep our radiological materials secure. Mahalo nui loa to Sen. Akaka, to Director Barlow and the NNSA, and our federal, state and local partners who are continuously working to enhance the security of Hawai`i’s radiological materials, improve our ability to respond to radiological security threats, and strengthen the safety and security of the people of Hawai`i.”
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “By enhancing the security of Hawai`i’s radiological materials, we not only keep our state safe, but also ensure these materials support the needs of our healthcare system and our agriculture industry. I was proud to present U.S. Department of Energy Office of Radiological Security Director Maegon Barlow with the Homeland Security Excellence Award with City & County of Honolulu Managing Director Roy Amemiya, and hope that the collaboration between the Office of Radiological Security and City and County of Honolulu will continue to serve as a successful example for other states and communities across the United States.”
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Kupuna Jeannette Howard at last year's
reunion. Photo by Julia Neal

IT’S TIME TO PREPARE YOUR POTLUCK dish for Ka`u High Alumni & Friends’ 15th annual community luncheon on Sunday at Pahala Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All alumni and interested people are invited to attend and enjoy a day of fun, good food and live music.

The purpose of the reunion is to bring alumni and residents back to Ka`u to reconnect with their roots and meet classmates and other Ka`u alumni, neighbors and friends.
The reunion is held annually on the Sunday of Statehood holiday weekend in August. The set day on Sunday allows individual classes to make plans for their own reunions to coincide with the all-alumni potluck. Class of 1966 alumni, who hosted the all-alumni reunion held in Las Vegas in June, celebrate their 50th reunion on Saturday evening at Kilauea Lodge. Class of 1973 is hosting a get-together for all classes graduating in the 1970s on Saturday at Pahala Community Center. Also on Saturday, Class of 1959 meets at Old Sasaki Store (Market House vacation rental).

For more information on Sunday’s event, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

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KILAUEA 1916: A CENTENNIAL Celebration of KMC & HVNP opens tomorrow. The show explores the unique partnership between Kilauea Military Camp and the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park that began in 1916.
Performances take place at Kilauea Theater Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. over the next two weekends. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Keiki join in the action at Volcano Rain Forest Runs.
Photo from Sharron Faff

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are Saturday in Volcano Village. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; and Keiki Runs, 10 a.m.

A Zero-Mile Instant Gratification event benefiting Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins at 11 a.m. Every participant who steps, rolls or crawls across the finish line receives a commemorative medal.

All events start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Food and entertainment follows.

Late registration and packet pick-up is tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village and race day from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at Cooper Center.
For more information and to register, see volcanorainforestruns.com.

TAKE A WALK INTO THE PAST, Saturday at 10 a.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants on the easy walk with a ranger to Volcano House learn about its role in shaping early park history.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

NA KUMU HULA KEIKILANI CURNAN and Liana Aveiro with Halau Waiau perform hula kahiko Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Loke Kamanu and `ohana present Na Mea Hula at 11 a.m.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

For more information, call 967-8222.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Pahala Hongwanji is preparing for Sunday's Bon Dance. The yagura, built by Eddie Andrade while working
for Ka`u Sugar, is assembled and awaiting decoration and dancers. Photo by William Neal

NEW INFORMATIONAL PRODUCTS about the health hazards of vog are available through a new interagency partnership. Claire Horwell, of Durham University in the United Kingdom, and Tamar Elias, of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presented the products at Pahala Public & School Library on Tuesday, Aug. 9.
The products include a booklet of frequently asked questions, a brochure and poster about protecting yourself during vog episodes and a web-based dashboard that provides comprehensive links to a wide range of vog resources, including vog forecasts and air-quality information.
The products were co-developed by Elias and Jeff Sutton at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, John Peard and other officials at Hawai`i Department of Health, and Horwell, with participation by Hawai`i County Civil Defense and other agencies.
“The diverse partnership has allowed us to develop new, consistent products that more fully address the needs of the community,” Peard said.

Dr. Clair Horwell, seated at left, and HVO scientist Tamar Elias, standing,
discussed new vog informational products at Pahala Public
& School Library. Photo by Ron Johnson

The products offer advice on vog protection measures, such as staying indoors, limiting physical activity, and staying hydrated when vog levels are high. “Providing relevant, up-to-date information to a population living with decades of an ongoing volcanic eruption may help people to better cope with the frequent vog conditions,” Horwell said.

The new, mobile-friendly vog dashboard is hosted by the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, a clearinghouse for information on the health impacts of volcanic eruptions. All of the new Hawai`i vog products are available online and are accessible through the dashboard.
Vog, the pollution formed from acidic gases and particles released by active volcanoes, is composed primarily of sulfur dioxide gas and its oxidation products, such as sulfate aerosol. Sulfur dioxide from Kilauea Volcano, now in its 34th year of nearly continuous eruption, leads to the vog that challenges communities, agriculture and infrastructure on Hawai`i Island and across the state. Scientists at HVO regularly monitor the quantity and composition of gases released from Kilauea. Among other things, HVO data are used as input for vog models that forecast the volcanic plume dispersion and vog locations.
Horwell’s study in 2015 investigated how Hawaiian communities perceive vog, how they protect themselves and their preferences for receiving advice. Results from the study support the need for consistent online advice from all federal, state and local agencies, increased access to web- and non-web-based information on vog exposure and protection, and updated guidance on how to access resources about vog. HVO’s long involvement in vog studies, coupled with the community studies about perception and needs, led to the development of the new vog informational products.
During her study, Horwell found that 70 percent of those surveyed use air purifiers, and that 75 percent of those consider them helpful in reducing vog in their homes. Along with going indoors, other methods people use include taking over-the-counter medications, drinking tea and water to stay hydrated, and doing yoga and other relaxation exercises. Some said they sit under a tree, which Horwell said could help because trees clean the air around them.
Horwell also said many people do not take action regarding vog for several reasons. Many said vog doesn’t affect them. Others were unaware of actions they could take. Ka`u residents pointed to their older homes that cannot be sealed against vog. Horwell said that an air purifier could be helpful even in those homes.
Horwell said her research will help people in other locations near degassing volcanoes, including the U.K., which can be affected by Icelandic volcanoes.
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Scott Morishige

GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY signed a sixth supplemental proclamation on homelessness that will remain in effect until Oct. 19. The supplemental proclamation provides 60 additional days in which to further expand the state’s collaborative efforts to house the most visible and chronic homeless individuals. In the past year, the proclamations have helped more than 4,800 people – representing 1,353 families – move out of homelessness or prevent it altogether.

“The tide is turning,” said Scott Morishige, the governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “Collectively, our state is moving forward with a unified strategy that addresses three levers of change: affordable housing, health and human services, and public safety. All stakeholders are working together in unison across multiple sectors. This coordinated and persistent approach is moving people off the streets,” he said.
A major priority for the Ige Administration is to increase affordable housing. The proclamations allowed for emergency housing of approximately 300 homeless individuals who were in jeopardy of being displaced after federal budget cuts to seven local organizations.
Additionally, the proclamations reduced the development time of nine different joint projects with the counties by up to a year per project.
The proclamations allowed faster distribution of financial resources for permanent housing and to prevent homelessness. Between August 2015 and July 2016, there was a 51 percent increase in the number of individuals and families moving into housing or preserving housing, as compared to the prior 12-month period. This includes a 47 percent increase on the neighbor islands. The State Homeless Emergency Grant provides one-time assistance for housing, food, medical and other types of expenses arising from emergency needs. Housing Placement Program provides first month’s rent or security deposit, as well as temporary case management, for homeless families with minor children. Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative provides homelessness prevention and Rapid Re-Housing statewide and increases coordination for the statewide telephone navigation service (2-1-1) for homeless individuals.
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Flags are at half-staff in honor
of the late Rep. Mark Takai.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE for the late Rep. K. Mark Takai takes place today, with private interment scheduled for Monday.

“Today, we say a painful goodbye to my friend, and son of Hawai`i, Mark Takai,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “In life, Mark devoted himself to realizing his vision for a healthier, safer and better world and in death, will be remembered for having so much more to give. Whether it was in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature or in the U.S. Congress, Mark was a true champion for the people of Hawai`i. We will long remember Mark for his smile, his kindness, his optimism and the love he gave to his `ohana and all he served. Mark’s voice will forever resonate in the halls of Congress, and his memory will never fade from our hearts. Goodbye, my friend. May you rest in peace.”
Flags are at half-staff through Monday.
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Hapu`u ferns tower above Volcano Rain Forest Runners.
Photo from Sharron Faff

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS take place tomorrow in Volcano Village. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; and Keiki Runs, 10 a.m.

A Zero-Mile Instant Gratification event benefiting Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins at 11 a.m.
See volcanorainforestruns.com.

TAKE A WALK INTO THE PAST, Saturday Participants meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for an easy walk with a ranger to Volcano House to learn about its role in shaping early park history.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

Na Kumu Hula Keikilani Curnan and Liana Aveiro with Halau
Waiau perform tomorrow. Photo from VAC

NA KUMU HULA KEIKILANI CURNAN and Liana Aveiro with Halau Waiau perform hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Loke Kamanu and `ohana present Na Mea Hula at 11 a.m.

Free; park entrance fees apply.
For more information, call 967-8222.

KA`U HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ 15th annual potluck reunion takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All alumni and interested people are invited to attend and enjoy a day of fun, good food and live music.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

PAHALA HONGWANJI’S FIRST BON DANCE of the 21st century takes place Sunday. Service begins at 4 p.m., with dancing at 6 p.m. The event includes food and fellowship.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

The Aug. 6 rockfall that caused an explosion at Kilauea's summit, leaving a light-colored scar, was one of several
that have occurred since 2008. See more below. Photo from USGS/HVO

SEVERAL HEALTH RISK behaviors and health conditions in Hawai`i County were higher than those in the rest of the state in 2015, according to the State of Hawai`i Data Book published this week. An average of 20.1 percent of Hawai`i County residents smoked, compared to 12.4 to 14.3 percent in other counties. At 19.8 percent, Hawai`i County residents’ lack of physical activity was lower than only Honolulu County, at 20.3 percent. More than 38 percent of Hawai`i County residents were overweight. Other counties reported rates from 32.7 to 36.2 percent.

Hawai`i County had a slightly higher rate of residents with diabetes, at 10 percent. Rates ranged from 8.7 in Maui County to 9.9 percent in Honolulu County. Kidney disease was also higher in Hawai`i County, where the rate of 4.8 percent compared to 3.2 percent in Maui County, 4.2 percent in Honolulu County and 4.7 percent in Kaua`i County.

See more at dbedt.hawaii.gov.
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“WHAT IF HAWAI`I ELECTRIC Light Company on the Big Island was converted to the Hawai`i Island Electric Cooperative?” Life of the Land executive director Henry Curtis asks on his blog at www.ililani.media. “What if the Big Island began an aggressive campaign to grow and harvest vegetation for biofuel?”

According to Curtis, “even if homegrown biofuel cost slightly more than petroleum or liquefied natural gas, each dollar would move between Hawai`i Island residents. Each dollar that is spent on island adds $2-3 of yearly economic activity, benefiting all residents.

“The biofuel production would be by or similar to Pacific Biodiesel, a successful local company which relies on clean local production, rather than large-scale proposals such as by Hu Honua or `Aina Koa Pono.

“Hawai`i Island also has more than half of the land-based recoverable wind resources that exist in the entire Hawai`i archipelago.

Henry Curtis

“Hawai`i Island also has dozens of sites ripe for pumped storage hydro, with elevation changes of 6,000 feet or more between upper and lower reservoirs. Excessive nighttime wind can (be used to) pump water uphill. The water can provide short-term reliability for intermittent wind and solar resources, and can also provide added electric supply for evening demand.

“Thus, the acquisition of HELCO by a cooperative might be a boom to local agriculture, to the biofuel industry, support economic growth and put an end to the fight over geothermal.
“A win-win-win-win for residents on the Big Island.”
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THE AUG. 6 EXPLOSIVE EVENT at Kilauea Volcano’s summit was just one among many, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s current issue of Volcano Watch.

“The explosive event at Halema`uma`u Crater’s lava lake on Aug. 6, 2016, was the latest in a series that began in 2008, the article states. “It is useful to view the event in the context of the entire series and to consider if another is likely.
“The current summit eruption started explosively on March 19, 2008, when a rockfall temporarily impeded the release of volcanic gas from a new vent. Pressure built up, and an explosion ensued a few minutes later. The erupted material consists entirely of older rocks from past eruptions; the gas came from magma not yet in the vent.

“Seven more explosive events took place between April 9 and Oct. 14, 2008. All involved both old rocks and new magma, which had risen into the new vent.

“Since 2008, 19 explosive events deposited spatter on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater. Many other smaller events weren’t large enough, or weren’t located close enough to the crater rim, to produce a recognizable deposit.

“Every day, Pele’s hair, Pele’s tears, tiny hollow spherules and other bizarre shapes are formed by thousands of gas bubbles bursting in the lake. Such bursts are technically explosive, but they constitute only background activity.

“In this Volcano Watch, we consider only those explosive events that left a significant deposit on the rim of Halema`uma`u. How can we rank these events in terms of size?

“Volcanologists use the Volcano Explosivity Index to classify explosive eruptions by the volume of erupted material. The VEI, as currently defined, ranges from 8 to minus 6 (-6). A VEI of 8 has a volume of 1 trillion cubic meters or more – a cube 10,000 meters (more than 6 miles) on a side! A VEI of -6 has a volume of 0.1 – 0.01 cubic meters (a few ice cubes).

The Aug. 6 explosive event deposited molten lava and solid
rock fragments on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Photo from USGS/HVO

“Three of the 2008 explosive events rate as VEI -2 (100–1,000 cubic meters; a house and garage), four as VEI -3 (10–100 cubic meters; a moderate-size living room), and one as VEI -4 (1–10 cubic meters; much smaller than an average room).

“All explosive events since 2008 are either VEI -3 or VEI -4, mostly near the border between the two classes. None comes close to matching the three larger 2008 events. The Aug. 6 event rates a VEI of -3.
“Another important factor is the depth below the crater rim at which the explosive event takes place. For a given size, more material will reach the rim of Halema`uma`u if the depth is shallower; the ejected material has less distance to travel.
“We don’t know the depths of the explosive events in 2008 or the two in 2009, except that they were certainly more than 150 meters (492 feet). In contrast, all explosive events have been shallower than 150 m since 2011, when frequent measurements of the depth to the lava lake were started using a laser rangefinder. For example, the Aug. 6 event occurred at a depth of 125 m (410 ft).
“Three explosive events in April-May 2015 took place when the lake level was unusually high, 85-90 m (279-295 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim. Two of those events were so small that spatter might not have reached the rim had the explosion been deeper.
“All the explosive events were triggered by rockfalls from the walls of Overlook crater, which contains the lava lake. Those walls are becoming more stable with time, as overhangs are destroyed. Evidence of increasing stability is the low amount of solid rock material erupted daily from the crater, now averaging less than five percent of the total daily ejecta.
“Nonetheless, unstable portions of the wall remain. One is under the old visitor overlook on the Halema`uma`u Crater rim. Even small explosive events caused by failure of this part of the wall can throw spatter onto the overlook area. That happened on Jan. 8 and Aug. 6 of this year. Had these events taken place farther away, as did most earlier ones, the amount of spatter that fell at the overlook would have been much less.
“Eventually this part of the wall will stabilize, but it probably hasn’t yet. We will not be surprised if another shower of spatter lands in the overlook area in the next few months.”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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KA`U HIGH GIRLS volleyball players began their season this week. Waiakea overcame their host Trojans Tuesday with scores of 14-25, 8-25 10 to 25. On Thursday, Ka`u again played at home, losing to HPA 9-25, 7-25 and 24-25.

The Trojans are at Ehunui in Kona today for competition that began at 10 a.m.

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JOIN KA`U HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS for their 15th annual potluck reunion tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All alumni and interested people are invited to attend and enjoy a day of fun, good food and live music.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

PAHALA HONGWANJI’S FIRST BON DANCE of the 21st century takes place tomorrow. Service begins at 4 p.m., with dancing at 5 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Pahala Hongwanji kitchen is buzzing with activity today, as volunteers prepare for this afternoon's
Obon service and Bon Dance. See more below. Photo by Ron Johnson

WINNERS REPEATED AT VOLCANO Rain Forest Runs yesterday. Billy Barnett, of Hilo, finished first with a time of 1:17:57 in the Half Marathon, winning for the sixth time at the annual event. Michael Sullivan, of Hilo, was second at 1:22:11. Matt House was close behind at 1:23:10.

Billy Barnett, at right, won the Half Marathon,
and Michael Sullivan placed second.
Photo from Sharron Faff

In the women’s division, Katie O’Neal, of O`ahu, three-peated at 1:22.30, before House in the men’s division. Bree Wee was the second woman to cross the finish line, at 1:28:39, and Malory Peterson followed with a time of 1:31:18.

Total number of Half Marathon runners was 258.
Out of 106 10K runners, first through third places went to Crazy Scott, 40:59; Eri MacDonald, 41:04; and Joe Barcia, 42:42.
Three hundred twenty-one runners finished the 5K. Coday Ranfranz, Adam Bonus and Garrett Hoaglin finished in first through third places at 18:55, 22:03 and 22:12, respectively.
“A huge mahalo to all the volunteers and vendors who were there before dawn and long after the run was over,” race director Sharron Faff said. “And of course to our runners. You are the reason we do this. Congratulations to all of you, and we hope to see you again next year!”
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TROPICAL STORM KAY is moving slowly west-northwest in the Eastern Pacific. According to the National Hurricane Center, the cyclone is still over relatively warm waters and in a reasonably moist and light wind shear environment, allowing it to maintain strength for the next 12 hours or so. By 24 hours, the storm should reach significantly cooler waters and encounter considerably less conducive atmospheric conditions. Weakening should begin by that time, with a rapid decay likely in 24 to 48 hours. Remnant low status is expected in two days, with dissipation likely in three days.

Tropical Storm Kay, at bottom right, is expected to weaken as it
heads west-northwest. Map from University of Hawai`i.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is forecasting a 40 percent chance of normal hurricane activity and a 40 percent chance of above-normal activity this year, with only 20 percent likelihood of a below normal season. Normal is about four or five tropical cyclones. Last year marked a record with 15. The lowest number of storms was zero in 1979.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center urges Hawai`i residents to be prepared. “You’ll need supplies not only for the duration of the storm but also for the potentially lengthy recovery period that could follow,” CPHC meteorologists said. “Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You’ll also need a portable, crank or solar-powered USB charger to charge your cell phone.”
See http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/news.php.

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FOLLOWING REPUBLICAN U.S. Congressional candidate Angela Kaaihue’s scathing remarks about District II Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and District I candidate Colleen Hanabusa, Hawai`i’s GOP party chair is urging members to disavow her candidacy.
“I want it understood by the general public and the media that the recent inflammatory comments made by candidate for Congress Angela Kaaihue do not represent the views, values or the sentiments of our party and its members,” Chad Blair and Nathan Eagle, of Civil Beat, reported Fritz Rohlfing saying in a statement. “Her vulgar, racially-bigoted and religiously intolerant descriptions of Democratic Party candidates are offensive, shameful and unacceptable in public discourse. I unconditionally denounce her despicable statements.”

Angela Kaaihue

Last week, Kaaihue announced that she is willing to dismiss her candidacy in exchange for Gov. David Ige and his community association dismissing “the second lawsuit against her family’s 82-acre Waimalu land parcel.

Kaaihue said, “I’ll drop out of this congressional race if my neighbor Gov. Ige and his constituents would leave my lands alone and settle this lawsuit regarding our Waimalu lands. Then, Hawai`i, the mud-slinging will stop, and you can have your so-called ‘perfect’ pathetic Hindu 1,000 gods leader along with your pathetic ‘career politician’ Buddhist Hanabusa, and your pathetic American traitor, and my family and I will go our merrily way. It’s obvious Republicans always lose, and for Tulsi, she won’t have to face any more ridicules concerning her ‘moon-crater cheeks’ and her beliefs. In addition, the lack of and non-existent support from the Hawai`i Republican party, Hawaiian community and Kaaihue family members is very disconcerting.
“Unless I see a huge turn-around or a significant sign from God, I ask myself why should I put myself and my family through this grueling uphill battle ugly road for the next three months?
“Who am I to be your messenger and to stand up for God and to convince unrepentant, unforgiving, unappreciative sinners, and to ask God for his forgiveness?
“That’s how locals are, a bunch of losers, stated anonymously.
“I most certainly don’t want to or need to affiliate myself with this local dumb mentality. Go vote for you Hindu and your Buddha leaders. I’ll drop Tulsi and Colleen, and I’ll stop mudslinging your campaign. Just have Gov. Ige, my neighbors, leave our lands alone and compensate me for my losses.”

See civilbeat.com.
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The Guardian, by Susan Litteral, is one work included
in Endemic Understanding. Image from VAC

ENDEMIC UNDERSTATING CONTINUES through next Sunday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Local artists are featured in the multi-media exhibit, which showcases the extraordinary biodiversity found within Hawai`i Island’s five national parks.

The artists, including Margaret Barnaby, Heide Cumes, Lanaya Deily, Jack Jeffrey, Susan Litteral, Liz Miller and Karen Schuster, were selected from the 2015 Hawai`i Nei exhibition celebrating native species and asked to further investigate the plants, animals and environments found within Hawai`i Island’s national parks yet found nowhere else.
The exhibit is open to the public daily from 9 am. to 5 p.m. and free of charge. Park entrance fees apply, with the exception of Aug. 25-28, when fees are waived to celebrate National Park Service’s Birthday Weekend.
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KA`U HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ 15th annual potluck reunion continues until 3 p.m. today. All alumni and interested people are invited to attend and enjoy a day of fun, good food and live music.
For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

Obon cloths decorate the entrance to Old Japanese Schoolhouse next
to Pahala Hongwanji, where Obon services and Bon Dance
take place later today. Photo by Ron Johnson

VOLUNTEERS ARE PUTTING

the final touches on Pahala Hongwanji, which celebrates Obon season today. Service begins at 4 p.m., with dancing at 5 p.m.

Honoka`a Hongwanji donated lights and their sound system for the event. Volunteers are expecting many residents of the former, neighboring Japanese Camp to attend.

OASIS IN A DESERT SEA is the topic of Tuesday’s After Dark in the Park program. Dr. Robin Baird, author and research biologist with Cascadia Research Collective, presents a look into the lives of Hawai`i’s resident toothed whales and dolphins. Baird and his colleagues have spent the last 17 years using photo identification, genetics and satellite tagging to present the clearest picture yet of these often misunderstood native mammals.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Obon season celebrants filled Pahala Hongwanji grounds for it first Bon Dance since 1999.
Photos by Ron Johnson

PAHALA HONGWANJI HELD yesterday its first Buddhist Obon season celebration since 1999. Scores of people of all faiths surrounded the yagura tower with lights strung from its four top corners and across the dance floor, just outside Pahala's old Japanese schoolhouse.

The Rev. Bryan Siebuhr

Participants hoped a teru teru bozu figure attached to a top corner of the yagura would keep rain away. Although rain came down on the festivities a couple of times, it failed to dampen spirits. Dancers circled into the night, through the mist, rounding the tower to traditional Japanese chants and music, as well as modern tunes. The festival honors ancestors.

A service in the hongwanji at 4 p.m. preceded dancing at 5 p.m. The Rev. Bryan Siebuhr, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, officiated the service and opened the dancing.
Hongwanji members and volunteers spent the day preparing food to sell in the evening. Items included saimin, teri sticks, fresh poke and sweets. Na`alehu Hongwanji provided sushi made the same day. Another traditional food on hand was wok-fried ahi belly. `O Ka`u Kakou offered shave ice.
Pahala residents helped participants make hachi maki, headbands worn to celebrate Obon. Lynn Hamilton, Dorothy Kalua and friends provided long strips of cloth for people to stamp with favorite symbols before tying them on their heads.
Cliff Watson, who filmed Pahala Hongwanji’s previous Bon Dance, returned with his wife to film yesterday’s festivities. Footage of the 1999 event is available at uluulu.hawaii.edu/titles/3789. Watson, a filmmaker based in Honolulu with family ties to Pahala, also made a film on the last harvest of Ka`u Sugar Co. in 1996, called Ka`u Sugar: A Town Remembers. See uluulu.hawaii.edu/titles/4451.

The last Obon celebration in Ka`u was at Na`alehu Hongwanji around 2006-07, organized by the late Marge Elwell and others from Na`alehu Main Street. Many people onsite yesterday hoped that a Pahala Bon Dance will become an annual celebration.
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Ka`u High Alumni & Friends enjoyed dancing to music
by Hands of Time.

PRIOR TO YESTERDAY'S EVENTS at Pahala Hongwanji, Ka`u Alumni and Friends took to the dance floor at Pahala Community Center during their 15 annual potluck reunion. The crowd overflowed onto the covered lanai and even into the surrounding lawns. Graduates came from far away, with American Airlines pilot Clement Hirae flying in from Boston.

Next year’s reunion will take place on Sunday, Aug. 20.

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THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS today issued an order dissolving an injunction that had temporarily barred certain transition activities relating to Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Based on a settlement agreement reached on Aug. 13 between Gov. Ige and the United Public Workers union and a joint request from both parties, the court dismissed the underlying appeal brought by UPW as moot.

Participants made their own hachi maki at yesterday's
Obon celebration.

“During oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit, the judges made clear to both UPW and the state that it preferred seeing the parties settle instead of the court making an all or nothing decision,” Attorney General Doug Chin said. “Reaching compromise is not always easy. I thank Gov. Ige and the union leadership for finding a forward path.”

In 2015, the Hawai`i state Legislature passed a law ending the Hawai`i Health System Corporation’s delivery of health care services at the three Maui region facilities and transferring service delivery to a private operator. UPW had sued to stop the transition from taking place. Today’s order means that all transition activities between the state and a new Kaiser entity, Maui Health System, may resume at the three Maui region facilities.
Ige recently said that privatization of Maui’s medical facilities could be a precursor for HHSC’s Hawai`i Island facilities, which include Ka`u Hospital.
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Participants danced into the night as lantern light reflected
in the rain-covered pavement.

WITH A STATEWIDE EMBARGO of a brand of scallops in effect due to a Hepatitis A outbreak, Hawai`i Department of Health urges residents and visitors to follow seafood safety advice from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Buy fish that is refrigerated or displayed on a thick bed of fresh ice that is not melting, preferably in a case or under some type of cover. Some refrigerated seafood may have time/temperature indicators on their packaging, which show if the product has been stored at the proper temperature. Always check the indicators when they are present, and only buy the seafood if the indicator shows that the product is safe to eat.
Frozen seafood can spoil if the fish thaws during transport and is left at warm temperatures for too long. Don’t buy frozen seafood if its package is open, torn or crushed on the edges.
Avoid packages that are positioned above the frost line or top of the freezer case. Avoid packages with signs of frost or ice crystals, which may mean the fish has been stored a long time or thawed and refrozen.

Use safe procedures when preparing and eating fish.
Photo from FDA

When preparing fresh or thawed seafood, it’s important to prevent bacteria from the raw seafood from spreading to ready-to-eat food. To avoid cross-contamination, when buying unpackaged cooked seafood, make sure it is physically separated from raw seafood. It should be in its own display case or separated from raw product by dividers. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after handling any raw food. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw foods, such as seafood, and the preparation of cooked or ready-to-eat foods. For added protection, kitchen sanitizers can be used on cutting boards and countertops after use. Or use a solution of one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water.

Most seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145ºF.
Never leave seafood or other perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours or for more than one hour when temperatures are above 90ºF. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40ºF and 140ºF). Carry picnic seafood in a cooler with a cold pack or ice. When possible, put the cooler in the shade and keep the lid closed as much of the time as you can.
When it’s party time, keep hot seafood hot and cold seafood cold. Divide hot party dishes containing seafood into smaller serving platters. Keep platters refrigerated until time to reheat them for serving. Keep cold seafood on ice or serve it throughout the gathering from platters kept in the refrigerator.
It’s always best to cook seafood thoroughly to minimize the risk of food-borne illness. However, when eating raw fish, one rule of thumb is to eat fish that has been previously frozen. Some species of fish can contain parasites, and freezing will kill any parasites that may be present. However, be aware that freezing doesn’t kill all harmful microorganisms. That’s why the safest route is to cook your seafood.
See more at www.fda.gov.
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Provide input regarding the county General Plan this week.

HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING Department encourages Ka`u residents to participate in General Plan Public Input Forums this week. The General Plan guides the island’s long-range physical development. As part of the comprehensive review of the General Plan, participants will give feedback on alternatives for future growth. The two forums are identical, so residents can participate in the most convenient one.

While the forums are held in Hilo and Kona, Na`alehu Community Center will be a live remote site.
Tomorrow, the first forum takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at County Council Chambers in Hilo. Then on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., another takes place in Council Chambers at West Hawai`i Civic Center.
More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

An endangered pseudoorca (false killer whale) and her calf
in Hawaiian waters. Photo from Dr. Robin Baird/Cascadia
Research Collective

DR. ROBIN BAIRD, AUTHOR and research biologist with Cascadia Research Collective, presents a look into the lives of Hawai`i’s resident toothed whales and dolphins tomorrow. Baird and his colleagues spent the last 17 years using photo identification, genetics and satellite tagging to present the clearest picture yet of these often misunderstood native mammals.

The After Dark in the Park program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
$2 donations support park programs.

FEE-FREE DATES for Founders Day are this Thursday through Sunday. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and all national parks invite the public to celebrate National Park Service’s 100th birthday.
See www.findyourpark.com.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources is working to re-establish populations
of the Kamehameha butterfly. See more below. Photo from Pulelehua Project

HAWAI`I ISLAND WILL RECEIVE $22 million for repairs to roads, including Mamalahoa Hwy, Tim Sakahara, public affairs officer for the state Department of Transportation, told Graham Milldrum, of West Hawai`i Today.

On Aug. 10, the state of Hawai`i sold $204.485 million in Highway Revenue Bonds at the lowest interest rate in the history of the state’s Highway Revenue Bond Program, which began in 1993. The sale raised $247.581 million.
Approximately $120 million of the bond sale proceeds will be used to fund various highway projects throughout the state, and about $127 million will be used to refinance existing state bonds. The refinancing will reduce debt service payments and save more than $22 million in interest costs.

Gov. David Ige

“This financing is a tremendous success for the state, enabling continued investment in our infrastructure at a very affordable borrowing cost,” Gov. David Ige said. “The low interest rates achieved demonstrate bond investors’ confidence in Hawai`i’s economic strength and its continued practice of sound fiscal management. This is the result of years of discipline and conservative fiscal management.”

Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor's Ratings Service and Fitch Ratings affirmed the state’s strong bond ratings of “Aa2”, “AA+” and “AA,” respectively. Each rating agency also attached “stable” outlooks on their ratings, indicating secure future economic and financial trends for Hawai`i. Rating agencies cited stability and diversity of revenue streams that are pledged as security for the bonds as one of the key strengths of the credit. Other strengths cited include strong legal provisions, high debt service coverage and stable revenue trends, particularly in those sectors that are less reliant on economic activity.
The marketing plan for the bonds included investor presentations, both in-person in Hawai`i and on the mainland, as well as Internet-based presentations and conference calls. The extended marketing generated strong demand for the bonds from institutional investors.
Ige said there was very strong demand for the bonds by both Hawai`i and national investors. Orders for the bonds amounted to 4.5 times the amount available for sale. The strong demand resulted in net interest rates on the bonds that ranged from 0.50 to 2.50 percent, with the average net interest rate less than 2.25 percent.
“The success of the recent bond sale and the low interest rate on the offering is due in no small part to the hard work of the Highways Division in adhering to its sound fiscal and debt management policies,” said Ford Fuchigami, director of Hawai`i Department of Transportation. “We are extremely pleased with the demand for the bonds and the needed infusion of capital the Highways Division will receive from the sale.”
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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Cynthia King Photo from UH-CTAHR

HAWAI`I’S KAMEHAMEHA BUTTERFLY and one of its rare tree snails are getting a helping hand.

The state Pulelehua Project includes an effort to map current populations of the Kamehameha butterfly using observations submitted by the public, combined with surveys of remote areas by scientists. Pulelehua is the Hawaiian word for butterfly.

The Kamehameha butterfly is considered a critical pollinator for numerous native plants. Like so many insects, plants and animals in Hawai`i, it is being crowded out of its traditional habitat by ever-encroaching human presence, introduction of invasive predator species and global climate change. According to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, although the butterfly is historically known from all the main Hawaiian Islands, it is no longer found in some areas where it used to be common, and it appears to be declining.

Another goal of DLNR’s Department of Forestry & Wildlife and the project is to try and reintroduce the species in areas that have been restored or in places where its host plant, primarily mamaki, can be planted and cared for. “Unfortunately, because of the effects of introduced predators and habitat destruction, the butterfly has only been able to survive in patches of habitat, mostly in higher elevation areas and in the backs of valleys that have not been disturbed,” DOFAW entomologist Cynthia King said.

According to DOFAW insect ecologist William Haines, most of Hawai`i’s biodiversity is found in small creatures, like the Kamehameha butterfly. “This is true everywhere else in the world, but it’s especially true in Hawai`i, where we don’t have any native mammals,” he said. “We don’t have any native terrestrial reptiles, we don’t have any native amphibians, so the insects and arthropods in general make up such a huge percentage of the biodiversity which is found only in Hawai`i. If an endemic creature like this butterfly goes extinct here, it’s extinct everywhere.”

Currently, only one small wild population of the Hawaiian tree snail, Achatinella lila, is known to persist in the wild. A team of six plans to reintroduce 50 of the snails in order to try and establish a second wild population and the only protected one.

Achatinella lila, a rare tree snail. Photo from DLNR

David Sischo, Snail Extinction Prevention Program Coordinator for DLNR/DOFAW, characterizes this first reintroduction of captive snails into the wild as a “milestone for conservation.” He said, “These snails are fourth and fifth generation snails from the founder population of seven adult snails, first brought into a lab in 1997. Their new home is this predator-proof enclosure; the first to be built in this harsh summit region on any island.”

The team includes scientist and Nature Conservancy cultural advisor Sam Gon and Vince Costello, a rare snail conservation specialist with the O`ahu Army Natural Resources Program. For years, the program has been instrumental in assisting with recovery efforts for rare tree snails.
There are 44 species of Hawaiian tree snails listed as endangered by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and countless others that aren’t listed but seeing tremendous declines in their populations and also at risk of extinction. The Kamehameha butterfly and the Achatinella lila tree snail are but two of the creatures critical to the overall integrity and health of Hawai`i’s unique ecology and ecosystems.
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Ka`u Coffee growers can sign up for a workshop on moisture
meters. Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS are invited to an informational and interactive workshop on moisture meters, which are used to measure moisture content of parchment and green coffee beans during the drying process.

Hawai`i state law requires green coffee to be dried to nine to 12 percent moisture, which is surprisingly difficult to meet. If improperly dried, it can lead to production and marketing risks. Too dry, the coffee loses quality; too wet, it encourages mold. Also, parchment and green coffee should be dried to approximately 11 percent to manage coffee berry borer damage.
The workshop will cover basics of how moisture meters work and their importance in the coffee drying process. Several types of meters will be compared, and state-certified parchment will be available for testing. Participants should bring their own green coffee or parchment to see if their meter measured its moisture level correctly.
The workshop takes place Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kona Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kealakekua.
Registration is required. Call University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources at 808-322-4892, or email ginab@hawaii.edu, by Monday, Sept. 5.
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A section of the General Plan discusses
natural resources and shoreline.
Photo by Peter Anderson

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PROVIDE input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan today and Thursday. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can testify during forums held in Hilo and Kona. The identical forums are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Regarding natural resources and shoreline, the plan says goals are “to protect and conserve the natural resources from undue exploitation, encroachment and damage; provide opportunities for recreational, economic and educational needs without despoiling or endangering natural resources; protect and promote the prudent use of Hawai`i's unique, fragile and significant environmental and natural resources; protect rare and endangered species and habitats native to Hawai`i; protect and effectively manage Hawai`i's open space, watersheds, shoreline and natural areas; and ensure that alterations to existing land forms, vegetation and construction of structures cause minimum adverse effect to water resources, and scenic and recreational amenities and minimum danger of floods, landslides, erosion, siltation or failure in the event of an earthquake.”

More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 100th birthday. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and all national parks offer fee-free dates for Founders Day this Thursday through Sunday. See www.findyourpark.com.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

High windows are installed at Ka`u District Gym as construction work wraps up. Photo by Dave Berry

HIGH WINDOWS AT THE NEW GYM at Ka`u High School are going in as workers finish up floors, windows, plastering and other tasks to wrap up construction. The gym will be used as a regional disaster shelter and also by schools and the community. It will be operated by the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks & Recreation.

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Tropical moisture streaming up from the south keeps Ka`u
in a flash flood watch. Map from NOAA

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect until 6 p.m. for Ka`u and much of Hawai`i Island. National Weather Service reported that the chance for heavy rain is 60 percent. Deep tropical moisture moving over the state will maintain very humid conditions with localized heavy downpours and a chance of thunderstorms through today.

Drier trade wind weather is expected to begin tonight and Thursday, with typical trade wind weather then expected Thursday night through early next week.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY BOARD of Water Supply will hold a hearing to receive public testimony regarding a reduction of the power cost charge. According to Department of Water Supply, power costs have declined in Hawai`i Electric Light Co. billings for electricity for wells and pumps. DWS proposes reducing the power cost charge from $1.70 to $1.61 per thousand gallons to reflect the decline.
The hearing is scheduled on Sept. 27 at 9:45 a.m. at DWS’ Operations Center, 889 Leilani Street in Hilo.
The reduction would be effective Oct. 1.
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Spattering lava is once again visible at Halema`uma`u.
Photo from USGS/HVO

KILAUEA’S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE this morning was at one of the highest measured levels since May 2015, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Inflationary tilt, which began Sunday afternoon, continues, with the lake’s surface level rising in concert with the tilt. Spattering has been visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook during the past day.

See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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COULD A SURPLUS in Hawai`i's budget help cool schools?

As kids sit overheated in public school classrooms, with the state unable to afford air conditioning, and teachers are underpaid, resulting in 625 vacancies in the public school system, Hawai`i state government reported a $1 billion surplus at the end of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
Kevin Dayton, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser examined what the funds may be used for. He said the surplus may provide raises to public workers, including members of Hawai`i State Teachers Association. “All of the state public worker unions from the United Public Workers and the University of Hawai`i Professional Assembly to the Hawai`i Government Employees Association and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association have contracts that expire June 30,” Dayton said.

Portable ACs installed as temporary supplemental cooling in some

of Hawaii's hottest classrooms. Photo from Hawai`i DOE

Lawyer Ted Hong told Dayton that with such a large surplus, a significant pay increase for public workers “is a given. Absolutely, that’s a given. The first, fundamental issue is always whether there’s enough money to fund the proposed pay raises. Now that issue here is going to be off the table.”

HSTA President Corey Rosenlee told Dayton, “As any parent can attest to, you’ve got to invest in your children’s future, and in Hawai`i, when kids are going without a teacher in classrooms with the roof falling in, and our classes are crowded, this is the time that we need to start investing in our kids.
“To continually underpay your teachers to the point where we don’t have teachers is a tragedy for the state, and so because they have this surplus, they need to start investing in our schools.”
Dayton also reported that state legislators appropriated $200 million for an emergency reserve fund and $81 to repay public workers’ future health benefits after retiring. These are added commitments that some of the funds could go toward.

According to Dayton, the Hawai`i's Constitution requires the state to either transfer funds to the budget reserve fund or provide a refund to taxpayers if the ending balance exceeds five percent of general fund revenues for two consecutive years. Refunds in the past have amounted to $1 to meet that constitution requirement.

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Role playing is one method participants use to learn variety

of approaches for dealing with people in conflict.

Photo from Ku`ikahi Mediation Center

WANT TO LEARN HOW to peacefully resolve conflicts? Then join Ku`ikahi Mediation Center for fall Basic Mediation Training in Hilo. Facilitated by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, the training spans two consecutive weekends, Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Participants learn a variety of approaches for dealing with people in conflict – through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises and mediation simulations.
“Whether you want to improve your peacemaking and communication skills or want to become a mediator, this training gives you the tools you need to start resolving conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” said Julie Mitchell, Executive Director of the nonprofit.
The 30-hour training offers instruction in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills – such as active listening, summarizing and rephrasing, and using open-ended questions – in order to help parties resolve their differences.
“This training is perfect for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively personally and professionally, become a better negotiator and problem-solver, and increase your value in the workplace,” Mitchell said. “We invite people from all walks of life to join us. No particular background or personality is needed – all are welcome.”
Upon successful completion of the training, participants may apply to join Ku`ikahi’s apprenticeship program.
“All of our mediators are professionally trained volunteers who donate their time to help people find their own best solutions to a wide variety of issues,” said Mitchell. “Since we rely on this exceptional pool of volunteers to provide mediation services, we continually seek out potential new Apprentice Mediators from the community at large. Basic Mediation Training is a prerequisite.”
Tuition for the four-day training is $295. Group discounts and scholarships are available. To register or apply for a scholarship, contact Jenifer Aveiro at jenifer@hawaiimediation.org or 935-7844 x 1.

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Review the county's general plan takes three years.
Graph from Hawai`i County

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PROVIDE input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan tomorrow. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can testify during a forum held in Kona from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hawai`i County General Plan is reviewed every ten years. The existing General Plan was adopted in 2005, and a lot has happened on Hawai`i Island since then. Everything that has transpired, including population growth, natural disasters, technological advancements and sustainability efforts, is being considered in the General Plan. The Planning Director is responsible for leading the review process and recommending amendments to the plan.
Reviewing the General Plan is a comprehensive process that takes three years to complete; the current review process kicked off in February 2015. The Planning Director anticipates sending recommended amendments to the Planning Commission in August 2017, after which it will be reviewed and adopted by County Council.
More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT takes place Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian music, hula and `oli open the fee-free National Park Service Centennial weekend, celebrating Kilauea Military Camp’s 100th anniversary and kick off the park’s 36th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz.
See nps.gov/havo.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Sign up to participate in BioBlitz,which returns to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during its 36th annual
Hawaiian Cultural Festival. See more below. NPS Photo by Andrew Hara/National Geographic Your Shot

HAWAI`I PUBLIC SCHOOL 2016 graduates who took the ACT college preparation test and who met college readiness benchmarks showed a two-percent improvement in Mathematics and one-percent improvements in English and Science, while Reading scores remained unchanged.

A national report released Tuesday shows an increase in Hawai`i public schools’ Class of 2016 graduates meeting college readiness benchmarks. ACT, a research-based, nonprofit organization, issued the Condition of College and Career Readiness 2016 report, which includes information on students taking the ACT test in every state, including Hawai`i.
Hawai`i’s Class of 2016 public high school graduates meeting ACT’s college readiness benchmarks saw year-over-year changes of a two percentage point, improvement in Mathematics, a one percentage point improvement in English and Science and unchanged Reading scores.

Kathryn Matayoshi

Approximately 10,525 Hawai`i public school graduates in the Class of 2016 took the ACT college preparedness test as juniors. All of Hawai`i’s public school juniors now take the ACT test as part of a range of recent transformational efforts to increase students’ college and career readiness. These efforts have produced strong increases in college enrollment, enrollment in early college programs at the high school level, as well as significant declines in college-level remediation in English and Mathematics.

The ACT results provide students information about their readiness for postsecondary education, a score that they can use for college admissions and placement, and information about how to better prepare for postsecondary education during their senior years. The ACT includes a student survey to gauge their plans for life after high school.
“Eighty percent of 2016 graduates who took the ACT test indicated their desire to earn a two- or four-year college degree, and we are encouraged by steady gains in our students’ college preparation and enrollment,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “However, we recognize the need for more of our students to be ready for the rigors of work and study after high school.”
Over the past three years, Hawai`i public school students have seen steady improvements in the individually tested ACT subjects: four percentage points up in English and three percentage points up each in Mathematics, Reading and Science.
While Hawai`i’s scores have been rising, ACT scores nationwide have shown declines and fluctuating results, Matayoshi said. Also, not all states administer the ACT to all juniors.
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Hawai`i DLNR supports a federally proposed rule to limit
approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Photo from Wikipedia

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & Natural Resources supports a proposed rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that would prohibit approaching a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards by any means. This would include commercial swim-with-dolphins programs.

Bruce Anderson, administrator of DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, said, “We believe NOAA’s preferred option is reasonable. Two of the five initial alternatives involved closing off entire areas designated as essential daytime habitats. We felt that was going a little too far, but we can support approach rules and eliminating swim-with-dolphins activities.”

The public comment period for the proposed rule ends Oct. 23. “We intend to comment,” Anderson said. “The proposed regulations would be in effect within two nautical miles of the main Hawaiian Islands, and within certain designated waters between Maui, Lana`i and Kaho`olawe. We will recommend NOAA expand that beyond two miles, all the way out to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is 200 miles from shore. We don't see a rationale for a two-mile limit.”
Anderson also said he hopes NOAA will develop a plan to monitor the effectiveness of the proposed rule after it goes into effect.
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Two earthquakes recorded yesterday measured higher
than magnitude-3. Map for USGS/HVO

INCREASED SEISMICITY WAS RECORDED within Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone yesterday afternoon and evening, including two earthquakes of magnitude greater than magnitude-3. A M3.7 at 12:17 p.m., and a M3.4 followed at 1:12 p.m.

According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, tremor fluctuations associated with lava lake spattering at Kilauea’s summit continue.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, tbe only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, denounced Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s changes to immigration policies on MSNBC. Trump has recently come out with what he referred to as a “softening” of his previously discussed policies.

Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke on MSNBC about Donald Trump's
immigration policies. Image from MSNBC

“I think it’s all a fake because Donald Trump has been talking about being anti-immigrant for months and months now, and his notions about immigration are very bizarre to say the least,” Hirono said. “He wants to deport 11 million people from our country; he wants to disallow all Muslims from coming into our country; he wants to build a wall on our southern border.

“He has managed to insult every group, including most recently the Filipinos, who he called animals.
“We can’t trust somebody who changes his mind at the drop of a hat, or in this case, at a drop in the polls.
“A country with a Donald Trump as president would not be a welcoming country to immigrants like me.”
Hirono said she supports candidate Hillary Clinton’s approach to immigration reform, in which “family unity is a guiding principle.”
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GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL team took yesterday’s game at Kea`au to five sets. After Kea`au won the first set by a wide margin, Ka`u came back to win the next two and narrowly lost the fourth in overtime. However, Kea`au closed the deal in the fifth set. Final scores were 7-25, 25-14, 25-20, 30-32 and 5-15.

Junior Varsity Trojans lost in two sets.
Teams travel to Makua Lani at Waikoloa Saturday for their next games beginning at 2 p.m.
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KA`U RESIDENTS who missed Tuesday’s forum can provide input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan at an identical one this evening. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can participate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD comes to Ka`u this Monday, Aug. 29. Gabbard will host a Tulsi in Your Town meeting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She will meet with Ka`u community and other Hawai`i Island constituents there to talk story, assist with federal casework and discuss legislative updates and priorities related to supporting local agriculture and farmers.

Gabbard’s visit is part of a six-stop farm and agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island that day. She will tour three different Hawaiʻi Island farms, discuss state and federal research on invasive species and meet with local farmers. The Tulsi In Your Town forum follows similar events she has held over the past few weeks, including Kailua-Kona. All meetings are open to the public and give constituents an opportunity to hear from the congresswoman on her legislative priorities, ask questions and share their ideas and concerns.

Here and throughout the day, Gabbard will also discuss legislation she’s introduced to help control invasive species in Hawai`i and across the United States and her work to help secure green bean pricing valuation for Hawai`i-grown coffee, fight for truly transparent GMO-labeling, support the viability and success of local coffee farmers and producers, and more.

“Throughout my work in Congress, I’ve fought to secure sensible, transparent food policy, support our local farmers and agriculture industry, and strengthen Hawai`i’s food security,” Gabbard said. “In past visits to our local farms in Hawai`i, I’ve seen firsthand how invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit flies and macadamia nut felted coccid and others have impacted our local farmers and cost our agriculture industry millions in lost revenue. I’m looking forward to hearing from both state and federal researchers and to update them on legislation I’ve introduced to fight invasive species in Hawaiʻi and across the country. I’m also looking forward to touring more of our Hawai`i Island farms and continuing to meet and hear from constituents across our islands before I head back to Washington, DC after Labor Day.”

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ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today through Sunday to celebrate National Park Services 100th birthday.

Performers tomorrow night include Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and his halau, Kenneth Makuakane
and Mark Yamanaka. Photo from NPS

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT takes place tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian music, hula and `oli open the fee-free National Park Service Centennial weekend, celebrating Kilauea Military Camp’s 100th anniversary and kick-off the park’s 36th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz.

See nps.gov/havo.

Keiki learn Hawaiian crafts at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Parks
annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its 36th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Themed E Ho`omau (to perpetuate; to continue in a way that causes good to be long-lasting), the free festival invites people of all ages to engage in authentic Hawaiian cultural practices and learn how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards. Enjoy hula and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art and try your hand at Hawaiian crafts.

This year’s festival again includes a BioBlitz, a fun and hands-on opportunity to join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover biodiversity that thrives in the park. Register for free expert-led field inventories through Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at fhvnp.org. BioBlitz field inventories run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can also learn about the importance of conservation and biodiversity through interactive exhibits at the festival.
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/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Pres. Barack Obama has expanded Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
See more below. Photo from PMNM

IS CONSERVATION THE HIGHEST priority for Hawai`i County residents? At forums on Tuesday in Hilo and yesterday in Kona, attendees answered questions about preferences regarding development over the next 25 years. Ka`u residents had an opportunity to participate at a remote site at Na`alehu Community Center. At the main sites, participants had keypads on which they answered questions, and results were instantaneous. In Na`alehu and other remote sites, attendees filled out questionnaires that will be included in results.

At yesterday’s forum, 30 percent of respondents said conservation was the highest priority for new development between now and 2040. When asked the same question in relation to their grandchildren, the percentage increased to 44. Cost of housing was the next highest priority, at 26 and 30 percent.

Presenters proposed methods to conserve agricultural land, including imposing a minimum lot size based on scale of production and prohibiting lots smaller than the minimum. When considering both themselves and their grandchildren, 40 percent favored such a scenario.
Offering low housing and transportation costs was also important to respondents. Seventy percent said low-cost housing was extremely important, and 85 percent said low-cost transportation was extremely or moderately important.
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard meets with her
Ka`u constituents Monday.

Here and at other stops, Gabbard will also discuss legislation she’s introduced to help control invasive species in Hawai`i and across the United States and her work to help secure green bean pricing valuation for Hawai`i-grown coffee, fight for truly transparent GMO-labeling, support the viability and success of local coffee farmers and producers, and more.
“Throughout my work in Congress, I’ve fought to secure sensible, transparent food policy, support our local farmers and agriculture industry, and strengthen Hawai`i’s food security,” Gabbard said. “In past visits to our local farms in Hawai`i, I’ve seen firsthand how invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit flies and macadamia nut felted coccid and others have impacted our local farmers and cost our agriculture industry millions in lost revenue. I’m looking forward to hearing from both state and federal researchers and to update them on legislationI’ve introduced to fight invasive species in Hawaiʻi and across the country. I’m also looking forward to touring more of our Hawai`i Island farms and continuing to meet and hear from constituents across our islands before I head back to Washington, DC after Labor Day.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Papahanaumokuakea is home to many endemic species.
PMNM Photo by James Watt

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA today issued a proclamation expanding Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument “for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the federal government within the boundaries.”

The federal lands and interests in lands reserved in the expansion consist of approximately 442,781 square miles, “which is the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected,” Obama’s proclamation states. The monument will be expanded from 139,800 to 582,578 square miles. The expansion is expected to provide critical protections for more than 7,000 marine species.
As a result of the expansion, “all federal lands and interests in lands within the monument’s boundaries are withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing or other disposition under the public land laws to the extent that those laws apply, including but not limited to, withdrawal from location, entry, and patent under mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to development of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal, or renewable energy,” the proclamation states.
While commercial fishing and mineral extraction will be prohibited, permits are available for Native Hawaiian subsistence fishing and cultural practices as well as scientific research “to further understanding of Monument Expansion resources and qualities,” according to the proclamation.

On Wednesday evening, Gov. David Ige sent a letter to President Obama conveying his support for the expansion.

The expansion adds more than 400,000 square miles.
Map from NOAA

“Mahalo to your administration for taking the time to conduct direct meetings and public forums to hear from the public, even though this proposal involves only federal waters and does not impact state jurisdiction,” Ige said. “Doing things the right way for the right reasons leads to better decisions, and I know the input of fishers, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scientists, conservationists and others interested in the proposal strengthened it. Based on public input, I appreciate that Sen. Brian Schatz’s proposal limits the expansion in the current monument southern boundary, to preserve popular fishing grounds for recreational, subsistence and commercial fishers from the main Hawaiian Islands. …

“You may be familiar with the Hawaiian proverb, E ota ke kai, e ota kakou – As the ocean thrives, so do we. This proposal strikes the right balance at this time for the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, and it can be a model for sustainability in the other oceans of planet Earth.”
“This is one of the most important actions an American president has ever taken for the health of the oceans,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Expanding Papahanaumokuakea will replenish stocks of ahi, promote biodiversity, fight climate change and give a greater voice to Native Hawaiians in managing this resource. President Obama’s declaration is only the beginning. To create continued success, we will need to follow through with management, research, educational opportunities, and enforcement. This declaration sets us on a strong path forward for our irreplaceable environment and the generations to come.”
“I congratulate and thank the President for taking the important step to be a global leader in protecting ocean resources,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “President Obama’s efforts to enhance protections for our ocean ecosystem will help to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and honor cultural traditions. As part of his announcement, I appreciate the President’s recognition of the importance of commercial fishing to Hawai`i’s way of life and our shared goal of supporting Hawai`i’s sustainable pelagic fisheries.”
Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Obama will address the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu on Wednesday before traveling to Midway Atoll. Ka`u residents attending the conference include representatives of The Nature Conservancy, Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
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Dick Hershberger portrays Dr. Thomas Jaggar in Kilauea 1916; A

Centennial Celebration of KMC & HVNP. Photo from KDEN

ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today through Sunday to celebrate National Park Services 100th birthday.

KILAUEA 1916 CONTINUES through Sunday. In honor of Kilauea Military Camp’s and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial, Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents a look back at the people who were a part of the beginnings of both entities.
Performances take place at Kilauea Theater today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Keiki watch Hula Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku perform during a

previous Cultural Festival. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its 36th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free festival invites people of all ages to engage in Hawaiian cultural practices and learn how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards.
BioBlitz, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., returns to the festival again this year. Participants join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover biodiversity that thrives in the park. Register for free inventories at fhvnp.org. See nps.gov/havo.

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

Palm Trail Hike tomorrow 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.
On Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants on a moderate, one-mile walk discover Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

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

Conservationists worry that a herd of goats near Makanau cold damage native plant and animal habitat.
Photo by Nohea Ka`awa

A HERD OF GOATS NEAR MAKANAU has drawn the attention of conservationists concerned about preserving native plants and animals. Megan Lamson, who works with the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, said, “Our wildlife organizations are very concerned they will degrade native plants in the area, like alahe`e, which is now in bloom. It makes us both very sad and ultimately rather frustrated with this rash decision," she said, referring to the possibility that the goats may have been recently released in the area. "Goats have the potential to ravage local farms, native vegetation and the entire watershed," said Lamson.
The Nature Conservancy, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, ranchers and other organizations have spent millions of dollars in Ka`u building fences to keep ungulates out of areas to maintain native landscapes and create habitat for native species. Ungulates also spread avian malaria by creating pockets of water where mosquitoes breed.

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NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER is reporting on two storms in the East Pacific.

Tropical Storm Madeline is moving northwestward and expected to reach the Central Pacific basin tonight.

Tropical Storm Madeline is forecast to reach Hawai`i by the middle
of next week. Map from NOAA

Madeline is moving toward the northwest near nine miles per hour, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days, NHC reported. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Madeline is expected to become a hurricane by tomorrow night.

According to NHC, it is too early to determine what impacts Madeline could have on the Hawaiian Islands late in the forecast period. The average four- and five-day track forecast errors for eastern Pacific tropical cyclones are around 145 and 170 miles, respectively.
Hurricane Lester is behind Madeline and heading west.
NHC’s intensity forecast calls for only modest intensification the next day or two, during a time when environmental conditions appear most optimal. After that time, extremely dry conditions are expected to cause slow weakening.
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HAWAI`I IS LEADING THE WAY in preparing highway systems for a future without fossil fuels.

The Federal Highway Administration awarded nearly $4 million in competitive grant funding to Hawai`i Department of Transportation as part of the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives program. The grant will allow the HDOT Highways Division to study and explore alternative methods of funding state and county transportation systems in the future.

Ford Fuchigami

“Trends toward more fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric cars have a significant impact on transportation funding in Hawai`i because of our current reliance on the gas tax as a transportation funding mechanism,” Gov. David Ige said. “While I encourage the move away from fossil fuels as part of our commitment to a clean energy future, the resulting lower consumption reduces the funds available for highways projects. Moving forward, we need to explore new ways to fund our state highway system. We are thankful for FHWA’s commitment to help Hawai`i confront this challenge.”

HDOT Highways Division plans to use the grant to study alternatives to the gas tax by working with county and state officials and stakeholders to design new systems to obtain highways funding. These systems will then be tested with Hawai`i residents and visitors. One example of an alternative funding mechanism is road maintenance fees based on the number of miles driven, similar to how electric or water utilities are metered.

“Our goal is to design a system for highways funding that is fair, transparent and easy to use for the public,” said Ford Fuchigami, HDOT director. “We will continue to work toward creating a sustainable funding source for the many projects we have, to address the care and maintenance of Hawai`i roads.”
Dwindling gas tax revenues is a national problem. Congress created the grant program so that states can study alternatives that will help the federal government restore solvency to the Federal Highway Trust Fund. For federal fiscal year 2016, a total of $15 million in STSFA funds were granted to states on a competitive basis.
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VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS begins rehearsals. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Volcano Festival Chorus will have its annual organizational meeting at Keakealani Middle School Campus of Volcano School of Arts & Sciences on Haunani Road. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Everyone who enjoys singing is invited to join the choir under the direction of Roch Jones.

Rehearsals of holiday music are every Tuesday at 7 p.m. The final performance, which is the group’s Winter Holiday gift to the community, will be presented on Dec. 3 at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
“Come join our musical family and enjoy the fun of singing with like minded adults,” said Suzi Bond, of Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network. “All you need to bring is your love of music; everything else is provided.”
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Casey Baker-Fien

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE are searching for a 16-year-old Volcano girl who was reported missing.

Casey Baker-Fien was last seen in Volcano on Aug. 4. She is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-3, 140 pounds with blue eyes and dark brown shoulder-length hair.
Police ask anyone with information on her whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
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ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today and tomorrow to celebrate National Park Services 100th birthday.

TODAY AND TOMORROW are the final days to see Kilauea 1916. In honor of Kilauea Military Camp’s and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial, Kilauea Dram a & Entertainment Network presents a look back at the people who were a part of the beginnings of both entities.
Performances take place at Kilauea Theater at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.
For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Tickets are also available at the door.

PARTICIPANTS ON A MODERATE, one-mile walk discover Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent. The program takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard comes to Ka`u Monday.

MEET KA`U’S U.S. REP. Tulsi Gabbard Monday. Gabbard will host a Tulsi in Your Town meeting at Ka`u Coffee Mill from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. She will meet Hawai`i Island constituents there to talk story, assist with federal casework and discuss legislative updates and priorities related to supporting local agriculture and farmers.

Gabbard will also discuss legislation she’s introduced to help control invasive species in Hawai`i and across the United States and her work to help secure green bean pricing valuation for Hawai`i-grown coffee, fight for truly transparent GMO-labeling, support the viability and success of local coffee farmers and producers, and more.

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