The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

More than 4,500 attended the ninth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, according to organizers who are
wrapping up the three weeks of activities. Photo by Jesse Tunison/Ka`u Coffee Fest

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS have come up with some results of their three weeks of celebrating and promoting the local industry. The ninth annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival drew some 4,500 people to its Ho‘olaule‘a May 27, at Pahala Community Center, making it the best year to date. The day saw a wide range of activities, from coffee tasting to hula to music, a $1,000 award going to Pahala resident Dennis Salmo for the Buy Local, It Matters program, and a live goat going to Reggie Hashimoto, of BEI chemicals and fertilizers. He turned the goat over to coffee farmers who killed and ate it the next day.
Throughout the Ho`olaulea day Miss Ka`u Coffee Jami Beck and her court met with visitors and local residents to talk about Ka`u Coffee.

The Buy Local, It Matters drawing netted Pahala resident Dennis
Salmo $1,000. Photo by Jesse Tunison/Ka`u Coffee Fest

Chief organizer Chris Manfredi said, “The 2017 Ka‘ū Coffee Festival enjoyed the highest attendance in our nine-year history with more than 4,500 attendees plus 70 vendors – an increase of more than 500 attendees and 15 vendors over 2016. He said that the Ka‘ū Coffee College, held last Sunday, “was particularly successful, with more than 50 attendees, another high water mark. There were educational discussions focused on increasing efficiencies and improving quality, and the growers really drank it up!
“There was a discussion on breeding flat bark beetles as a biocontrol to combat coffee berry borer and another on the science behind fermentation. At the conclusion of the classroom sessions we travelled to a local farm for a live demonstration of wet-milling on Penagos wet milling equipment.”
That farm is in Wood Valley and owned by Miles Mayne, who welcomed farmers to see its transition from McCall’s Flower Farm to Ka‘ū Coffee.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Jami Beck at the Ho`olaulea.
Photo by Jesse Tunison/Ka`u Coffee Fest

Said Manfredi, “I am thrilled by the remarkable level of engagement and the large number of participants. And if that wasn’t enough, the Penagos representative conducted a second classroom session to demonstrate detailed set-up and maintenance of their wet mills, and three days more of visits to area farms for individual meetings to fine-tune the machines already in use in Ka‘ū.”
Manfredi, who sells Ka‘ū Coffee to Starbucks and has been introducing Starbucks representatives to Ka`u farmers, said, “The festival has evolved to include not only a celebration of the outstanding quality of Ka‘ū coffee and the remarkable people and special place that produces it, but an open forum for learning and sharing of information. This education will have the net effect of widening the profit margins for growers, putting more money in their pockets and providing more resources for their families. We’re also seeing an increase in the number of young people getting involved, not only in the festival, but in the broader industry. This bodes very well for the sustainability and resiliency of the Ka‘ū coffee industry. I could not be more happy with the results of this festival."

Chief Coffee Fest organizer Chris Manfredi. See his
interview at www.bigislandvideonews.com

Brenda Iokepa Moses, of Ka‘ū Mahi, the company that owns the land where most of the Ka‘ū Coffee farmers grow their crop, organized the vendors. “What a great turnout this year to honor and celebrate our coffee farmers,” she said. “Lots of hours in preparation and volunteer work but always well worth it when you see the community come together and enjoy the day with their families.
Ka`u Coffee Festival also provided an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds by selling food and refreshments. It was a place where artists, entertainers and crafters could extend their reach.
Julia Neal, who organizes the entertainment with support from Olson Trust, said, “It’s amazing each year how many talented people want to support the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival by sharing their music and their dance and bringing their friends and families to the event. In the early years, they performed for an hour. Now there are so many that each group fits into only about a half hour. The entertainment begs for a second stage or a longer day to accommodate all who support the Ka‘ū Coffee farmers.”
See more at www.kaucoffeefest.com with photos and stories and links to social media.
Ka`u Coffee farmers meet this Tuesday to plan for next year's tenth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival.

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DD Davis with Gov. David Ige.
Photo from County Office of Aging

DORIS "DD" Davis, 85, of Pahala, flew to Honolulu and met with Gov. David Ige on Friday for the state luncheon for Outstanding Older Americans. The luncheon also celebrates the Older Americans Month of May. The governor said he was "honored to be at such an event with outstanding Kupuna who have given so much to their communities."

According to the Hawai`i County Director of the Office of Aging, Kimo Alameda, Davis accepted her award with pride and humor, "saying that she has never won anything in her life except for dinner tickets at a restaurant which ended up closing before she could and redeem it."

Davis has held offices with various community groups in Ka`u and is an artist and author.

She lives with her daughter Kerry Pitcher, son-in-law Alan Morse and grandson Kyle Pitcher in Pahala.

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Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, June 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, June 6, 6 – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

I, Mosquito: Our Changing World, Tue, June 6, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Research Biologist Dennis LaPointe, Ph.D. explains the life cycle of one of the planet’s most maligned insects. While sharing information from recent wildlife studies here in Hawai‘i and sobering projections of the future, LaPointe offers practical advice and innovative adaptive strategies for coping with our changing world. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Open Mic Night, Wed, June 7, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply.

Mosquitoes reflect the changing world as they move territory as climate warms. After Dark in the Park
on Tuesday at Kilaeua Visitor Center presents a USGS research biologist with predictions for Hawai`i.
See story below. Photo from USGS

FOLLOWING LAST NIGHT'S TERROR ATTACK IN LONDON, Hawai`i Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Ka`u, released the following statement:

"Today we woke up to news of another terror attack in Britain. It caps a week of tragedy around the world. A suicide bombing in Baghdad claimed the lives of at least 13 people who were breaking their fast for Ramadan. There were several bombings in Afghanistan this past week, the largest killing at least 90 people. Around the world, terror attacks are increasing, but (Pres. Donald) Trump’s response is the wrong one: launching an illegal missile attack against Syria, deploying more U.S. troops into the Middle East with ambiguous objectives, and signing a massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Hawai`i's new VA Director, Jennifer
Gutowski, last week, and said she will work with her to increase
services to Veterans of war. Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

"For the past 15 years, we’ve spent trillions of dollars overthrowing governments we don’t like and trying to rebuild those countries in our own image. It's all been done in the guise of 'helping people,' but it hasn't helped anyone. Our policies have killed or wounded tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers, caused millions of refugees, and squandered trillions of U.S. taxpayer dollars -- money that could have been used to rebuild our country's infrastructure and establish a health care system for all Americans. This disastrous foreign policy must end.
"These wars have made the military-industrial complex much richer through increased defense spending, while making every day Americans poorer.
"Political campaigns have become a multi-million dollar business for the PAC and political class in Washington who think they are the powerbrokers. But they underestimate and discount the power of our voices to make real change - the voices of real people in communities all across this country who are working hard every day, and who care deeply about our country and our democracy. This movement for peace that is fueled by aloha starts with us."

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CONGRESSWOMAN COLLEEN HANABUSA, who represents urban Hawai`i in the U.S. House of Representatives, came out with a statement today on global warming:

"Last week it became even clearer that our environment is under serious threat. Since the beginning of his term, we've seen President (Donald) Trump's administration roll back essential environmental protections and funding for our National Park Service, openly deny climate change, and threaten our vital ecosystems. And now, President Trump has pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, leaving the U.S. out of the fight to combat global warming with other countries around the world.

As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Hanabusa wrote, "I have made environmental protection a top issue. I know how our beautiful environment provides a livelihood for people across our great state. I’ve fought to protect treasures such as Haleakala National Park and our abundant coral reefs, as well as supported preparedness efforts to prevent the devastation of tsunamis. The bottom line is that global warming will affect us all - and like the many foreign leaders and business executives who support the Paris Climate Accord, I am disgusted by this administration's move to pull out of the agreement."

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Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, June 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, June 6, 6 – 8 p.m., Ka`u Regional Gym activity room.

I, Mosquito: Our Changing World, Tue, June 6, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Research Biologist Dennis LaPointe, Ph.D. explains the life cycle of one of the planet’s most maligned insects. While sharing information from recent wildlife studies here in Hawai‘i and sobering projections of the future, LaPointe offers practical advice and innovative adaptive strategies for coping with a changing world. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Open Mic Night, Wed, June 7, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply.

Farms in Hawai`i like this one can not only grow healthy food but promote carbon sequestration and improve soil health.
Gov. David Ige plans to sign a bill on Tuesday to create a Carbon Farming Task Force. See story below.
Photo from Mother Nature Network

MAYOR HARRY KIM WILL HONOR THE PARIS ACCORD on Tuesday, with other Hawai`i mayors represented at the state Capitol rotunda in Honolulu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and representatives from the office of Kim, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, and Kaua`i Mayor Bernard Carvalhho, along with members of the Hawai`i Legislature, will sign a commitment agreement to

Mayor Harry Kim has agreed to sign up Hawai`i
County to follow the Paris Accords.

follow the goals enshrined in the Paris agreement. That agreement, signed by all countries except Syria, Nicaragua and the Vatican, was rejected by Pres. Donald Trump last week.

Since then, numerous cities and states have vowed to carry on the Paris agreement accords to reduce greenhouse gases worldwide and work toward clean energy to lessen threats of climate change and a warming planet.

Ige said, "Hawai`i and other Pacific Islands are already experiencing the impact of rising sea levels and natural disasters. That's why my administration and the Legislature are already taking concrete steps to implement the Paris Accord.

"Hawai`i will continue to fulfill its kuleana on reaching our energy , water, land and o ther sustainability goals to make island Earth a home for all. The innovation economy is driven by technology, clean energy, and green jobs. We will continue to lead on this transformation and work collaboratively with people around the world."

The governor also announced that he will sign Senate Bill 559 , which expands strategies and mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide in alignment with the principles and goals adopted in the Paris agreement.

Ige said he will also sign House Bill 1578, which establishes the Carbon Farming Task Force within the state Office of Planning to identify agricultural and aquacultural practices to improve soil health and promote carbon sequestration in the state’s agricultural and aquacultural sectors.

The gathering for the signing will be at noon and it will be streamed through Facebook Live at facebook.com/governordavidige.

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Gov. David Ige will sign bills Tueday to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to
start a Carbon Farming Task Force

HAWAI`I ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN said today, "I am proud to stand beside both Governor Ige and many of my fellow attorneys general as a signatory to the We are Still In coalition. Climate change is of unique importance to our island state, and I will be working with my fellow attorneys general to find ways to act effectively, even when the federal government won't."

Other state attorneys general joining the coalition today include California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.
Chin pointed out that President Trump announced on June 1 that the United States would break ranks with more than 190 countries and leave the historic global commitment that entered into force in November 2016. The signatories to the We are Still In coalition, today released the following statement:
“We, the undersigned mayors, governors, attorneys general, college and university leaders and businesses are joining forces for the first time to declare, that we will continue to support climate action to meet the Paris Agreement.
"In December 2015 in Paris, world leaders signed the first global commitment to fight climate change. The landmark agreement succeeded where past attempts failed because it allowed each country to set its own emission reduction targets and adopt its own strategies for reaching them. In addition, nations – inspired by the actions of local and regional governments, along with businesses – came to recognize that fighting climate change brings significant economic and public health benefits.
"The Trump administration’s announcement undermines a key pillar in the fight against climate change and damages the world’s ability to avoid the most dangerous and costly effects of climate change. Importantly, it is also out of step with what is happening in the United States.

Attorney General Doug Chin joined a a coalition of
other AGs to support climate action.

"In the U.S., it is local and state governments, along with businesses, that are primarily responsible for the dramatic decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. Actions by each group will multiply and accelerate in the years ahead, no matter what policies Washington may adopt.
"In the absence of leadership from Washington, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses representing a sizable percentage of the U.S. economy will pursue ambitious climate goals, working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions.
"It is imperative that the world know that in the U.S., the actors that will provide the leadership necessary to meet our Paris commitment are found in city halls, state capitals, colleges and universities and businesses. Together, we will remain actively engaged with the international community as part of the global effort to hold warming to well below 2°C and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that will benefit our security, prosperity, and health.”
"The Paris Climate Agreement requires participating countries to limit global warming to well below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit from preindustrial levels and encourages them to pursue efforts to keep temperature increases to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The “We Are Still In” coalition pledges to ensure that despite the country’s exit from the agreement the United States will continue to be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

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COFFEE FARMER ANDRES MAGANA ORTIZ is the focus of an appeal by Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Hawai`i Congressional Delegation. They urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to stop the deportation of the Hawai`i Island coffee farmer.

Magana has drawn support from the Hawai`i Congressional delegation
to prevent his deportation. Photo from Hawai`i News Now

A statement from Hirono points out that Ortiz, a well-respected coffee farmer on Hawai`i Island, faces deportation after living in the United States for nearly 30 years. Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court denied Mr. Magana Ortiz’s request to remain in the United States.

Hirono said she spoke to the Homeland Security Secretary over the phone to asked that Kelly exercise his discretionary authority to allow Ortiz to stay in Hawai`i. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to issue a stay that would stop the deportation.

A letter to Kelly, signed by Senators Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa, states:

"We are writing to request that your Department exercise its prosecutorial discretion and re-evaluate the request for a stay of removal for Mr. Andres Magana Ortiz of Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. We believe the particular circumstances of Mr. Magana Ortiz’ case merits the extraordinary grant of a stay. Mr. Magana Ortiz is currently in the process of adjusting to legal status on the basis of his wife’s citizenship. In other words, he is trying to do the right thing. Mr. Magana Ortiz is an upstanding member of our community and does not belong in the category of dangerous individuals who should be prioritized for deportation. In fact, during his immigration proceedings, the government itself conceded that Mr. Magana Ortiz possesses good moral character.

Magana cares for his own and 15 other coffee farms.
Photo from Hawai`i News Now

"We agree that persons that pose a threat to national security and public safety should be a priority for deportation proceedings. However, Mr. Magana Ortiz poses no such threat to national security or public safety and therefore should not be a priority for removal. Rather, it is in our national interest for Mr. Magana Ortiz to remain in the United States where he can continue to work, pay taxes, and raise his family.

"The Department has the authority under 8 CFR 241.6 to issue an administrative stay of removal—essentially, to decide whether to keep families together or tear them apart—and in 2014 Mr. Magana Ortiz received a stay. At that time, presumably the Department found his arguments compelling and consistent with federal law, which has not changed. He filed subsequent stays, one of which was not acted upon by the Department, and another that was denied in March of this year. As a result of this denial, Mr. Magana Ortiz received a Final Order of Removal and has been ordered to report to ICE for deportation on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

"The Department’s most recent denial wastes the government’s time and resources on proceedings for an individual who poses no threat to our nation, while a parallel proceeding that could resolve the issue remains open. In 2015, Mr. Magana Ortiz’s wife filed an I-130 Relative Petition for Alien Relative. According to the District Court’s record, this petition was filed in September of 2015 but receipt had not been acknowledged by the Department until March 29, 2016. Given that this avenue is still open and unresolved and has taken what appears to be an extraordinarily long time, we fail to see the value in the Department’s aggressive approach to Mr. Magana Ortiz’s deportation.

Image result for Ortiz Magana deportation

Many national news services have published the story on the
probable deportation of the coffee farmer and illustrated it
with such images as this in Mother Jones

"In his concurring opinion to the denial of the motion, Judge Stephen Reinhardt noted that Mr. Magana Ortiz entered the United States from Mexico in 1989, at the age of fifteen, and has since built a house, started his own business, paid taxes, married a U.S. citizen, and had three U.S. citizen children. He wrote that Mr. Magana Ortiz is by all accounts “a pillar of his community and a devoted father and husband.” Judge Reinhardt further stated that deportation would deprive Mr. Magana Ortiz’ children of a parent and source of financial support, and possibly of a home and an opportunity for education, unless they follow him to Mexico, a country where they have never lived, and where they do not speak the language.

"The Department has the power to keep this family together, or to break them apart. Given the urgent nature of Mr. Magana Ortiz’ situation, we request that you exercise prosecutorial discretion by granting a stay of relief. In addition, we ask that you expedite review of his wife’s I-130 petition."

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http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

ADOPT A BLOCK IS A NEW INITIATIVE for Fridays in Ocean View. "Help keep Ocean View clean," urges the OV Community Association. Sign up at the Ocean View Community Center and pick up street-side trash on Fridays. Free colorful trash bags will be available at the Community Center. Those needing someone to take bags to transfer station, call 238-6025.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, June 6, 6 – 8 p.m., Ka`u Regional Gym activity room.

I, Mosquito: Our Changing World, Tue, June 6, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Research Biologist Dennis LaPointe, Ph.D. explains the life cycle of one of the planet’s most maligned insects. While sharing information from recent wildlife studies here in Hawai‘i and sobering projections of the future, LaPointe offers practical advice and innovative adaptive strategies for coping with a changing world. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Open Mic Night, Wed, June 7, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply.

Josh Stanbro, who heads the new Office of Climate Change, Resiliency and Sustainability, joined Gov.
David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell in Honolulu to sign commitment in support of the Paris Accord.

HAWAI`I BECAME THE FIRST STATE TO SIGN LEGISLATION TO COMMIT TO THE PARIS ACCORD initiatives today. Gov. David Ige and representatives of the counties and Hawai`i Legislature gathered at the Capitol rotunda in Honolulu to sigh the measures.

Will Okabe, representing the Big Island as county Managing Director, said that there is no question "as far as trying to go green needs to be clean." He said the Big Island is trying to establish biofuel and looking at hydrogen and different ways to "be green on the Big Island." He said the mayor sends a clear message to the world and the rest of the nation. "In order for Hawai'i to be an active participant in going green and looking at alternative energy, we want to be the first, and we want to be the trendsetter for the rest of the world."

County Managing Director Will Okabecommitted to the
Big Island "going green."

Josh Stanbro, known for his land conservation work in Ka`u, is the new Chief Resiliency Officer of Honolulu and heads the new Office of Climate Change, Resiliency and Sustainability. He was introduced as representing Honolulu as one of the new 100 Resilient Cities, a hui established by the Rockefeller Foundation. Honolulu was chosen to join the group out of 1,100 in the world who applied. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said that Stanbro learned that, "We need to survive, adapt and grown the face of change and uncertainty."

The governor signed SB 559(Act 032) which expands strategies and mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide in alignment with the principles and goals adopted in the Paris agreement. He also signed HB 1578(Act 033) which establishes the Carbon Farming Task Force within the Office of Planning to identify agricultural and aquacultural practices to improve soil health and promote carbon sequestration – the capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change.

Said Ige, “Hawai‘i is committed to environmental stewardship, and we look forward to working with other states to fight global climate change. Together, we can directly contribute to the global agenda of achieving a more resilient and sustainable island Earth. The Hawai‘i State Legislature understands the importance of taking action, and I applaud its work this session to ensure that we continue to deliver the island Earth that we want to leave to our children.”

Gov. David Ige signed measures to further commit Hawai`i to Paris Accord initiatives.

Sen. J. Kalani English, senate majority leader who introduced SB 559 on greenhouse gasses, said, “The measure adopted relevant sections of the Paris agreement as state law, which gives us legal basis to continue adaptation and mitigation strategies for Hawai‘i, despite the Federal government’s withdrawal from the treaty.”

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MODERNIZING THE MARINE CORPS' ground tactical and combat vehicles is one of Sen. Mazie Hirono's efforts in the U.S. Senate.
Hirono, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, calls for continued innovation and testing of technology to support Marines in Hawai`i and around the world. She is speaking at hearings as the Armed Services Committee considers the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets Department of Defense funding levels.

Sen. Mazie Hirono testifies in hearings supporting innnovation for
the Marine Corps.

“In the years to come, these Marines will continue to be an integral part of supporting our strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,. Given the evolving nature of the threats we face, it is also crucial that our Marines remain ready and capable to address contingencies at a moment’s notice. We owe it to these men and women to ensure that the resources are available for training and readiness activities and to ensure they have the best, most advanced, and fully functional equipment to get the job done,” said Hirono.
Witnesses from the Marine Corps answered questions on the development and testing of amphibious and ground vehicles that will replace vehicle models that have been used for up to 40 years. The Third Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Base Hawai`i is scheduled to receive approximately 300 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) in 2020. The JLTV is being developed to replace the Humvee.

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GRAFTING OF FRUIT TREES will be the workshop Saturday, June 17. Ocean View Community Association encourages gardeners and farmers to

A jack fruit tree photographed by Ken Love who will
teach a fruit tree grafting session on June 17.

head north for the grafting class presented by Ken Love of Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers. The session takes place at Ma`ona Community Garden in Honaunau, above the Rodeo Grounds Arena.
The workshop is sponsored by The Kohala Center—Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program funded by the USDA and in collaboration with the Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers, University of Hawai`i Sea Grant College Program and Na Maka O Papahanaumokuakea.
Ma`ona Community Garden is located at 84-5097 Keala O Keawe Road in Honaunau, just above the Rodeo Grounds Arena. See map below. For more information about The Kohala Center visit: http://kohalacenter.org/farmertraining. For more information about University of Hawai`i Sea Grant College Program visit: http://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/ For more information about the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers visit: http://www.hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org/

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COFFEE BERRY BORER ALERTS are the latest innovation to help farmers monitor and prevent infestation by the pest. This month, University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources announced that Luis Aristiabal, Junior Extension Agent, will start issuing the alerts to coffee producers "These alerts will contain information related to current on-farm CBB activity as well as general recommendations for its management on the Big Island. In the future, these alerts may be extended to other islands should resources be provided towards an expanded monitoring program," said a message from his colleague Andrea Kawabata.

Farms in Ka'u are monitored for CBB activity for each farm's particular practices as well as individual micro-climate. During the last two weeks of May 2017, evaluations of CBB infestation levels and CBB positioning on berries were conducted. "Field monitoring, using the 30 Trees Sampling Method, showed high levels of green berries with holes caused by CBB. Additionally, many CBB were found in the A/B alive position,"
In Kona and Ka`u, CBB infestation levels (% of green berries with holes) ranged from 1% to 26% with an average of ~10%. CBB in the A/B alive position, a position vulnerable to spraying, ranged from 16% to 67% with an average of ~43% .
The sampling "indicates that CBB are actively pursuing and boring into new berries on farms monitored," the University reported.

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SUPPORT FOR KUPUNA AND CAREGIVERS islandwide is the goal of two mediation centers combining their efforts and reaching into Ka`u. The program is entitled Communication & Conflict rResolution for Kupuna & Caregivers, sponsored by Ku`ikahi Mediation Center and West Hawai`i Mediation Center, in partnership with Hwai`i County Office of Aging. The workshops aim to

help those taking care of parents and grandparents. Contact one of the mediation centers if caring for an adults 60 or older, or an individual with Alzheimer;s or a related disorder, age 60 or older. Caregivers can be spouses, adult children, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors or other unpaid helpers. Workshops are entitled Communicating Needs to Family Members and Service Providers. The other is Communicating More Effectively in Challenging Situations.

In East Ka`u, contact Kuʻikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. In West Ka`u, contact West Hawaiʻi Mediation Center at 885-5525 or info@whmediation.org

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Open Mic Night, Wed, June 7, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply.

Andres Magana Ortiz could be deported as early as June 10. Photo by David Corrigan. See Big Island Video News

LEGISLATION TO HALT DEPORTATION OF A BIG ISLAND COFFEE FARMER was introduced into the U.S. Congress by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard this week. She spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today on behalf of Andres Magana Ortiz.
She pointed out that a similar "private bill" was introduced by U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka to assist Chef Chai Chaowasaree in 2001. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, this legislation would adjust Ortiz's legal status and make him eligible for legal, permanent residence in the United States where he lives in Kailua-Kona. Ortiz is under threat of deportation under a Final Order of Removal issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The introduction of this bill follows a letter sent this week by Hawai`i’s congressional delegation to DHS Secretary Kelly requesting that the Department reverse its decision to deport Mr. Ortiz.

Andres Magana Ortiz came to Hawai`i to pick coffee, married and
raised a family, built a house anda coffee farm.
Photo by David Corrigan. See Big Island Video News

“The purpose of this bill is to help Mr. Ortiz with his extremely challenging situation, put him on a path to citizenship, and prevent his family from being torn apart. Without this legislation, Andres Ortiz faces deportation within days, after living in Hawai`i for 28 years and working hard as a small business owner," stated Gabbard. "His wife and children – U.S. citizens – have exhausted all of the options available to them before their father and husband is forced to leave the place he calls home in Hawai`i. We need a pathway to citizenship for immigrants to ensure people who deserve to be here, can find a way to be a part of our great country. We need immigration reform that keeps families together.”
Immigration reform, said a statement from Gabbard's office, has been one of her top priorities throughout her time in Congress. She also co-sponsored two measures to protect families and children, including the DREAMer Information Protection Act (H.R. 532) which prohibits DHS’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program from being used for immigration enforcement proceedings and the BRIDGE Act (H.R.496) which codifies the DACA program.
Ortiz was brought to the U.S. by smugglers when he was 15 to join his mother who found work in California. He told Big Island Video news that he could be deported as early as June 10.

Ortiz takes care of his own and 15 other coffee farms.
Photo by David Corrigan. See Big Island Video News

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THE SANDERS INSTITUTE HAS NAMED TULSI GABBARD as one of its Fellows. The think tank was launched today by Jane O`Meira Sanders, who campaigned with her husband Berrnie Sanders in last year's presidential election.
The Congresswoman who represents Ka`u is described as "growing up in beautiful Hawai`i. As a teenager, she co-founded an environmental non-profit called Healthy Hawai`i Coalition, focused on educating children about protecting Hawai`i's environment. An advocate for environmental policy, Tulsi was elected to the Hawai`i State Legislature in 2002 when she was just 21 years old."

Other Fellows are college professors, environmentalists, social justice advocates and economists, including Dr. Cornel West, Bill McKibben, Danny Glover, Ben Jealous, Dr. Stephanie Kelton, Jeffrey Sachs, Harry Belafonte, Robert Reich and Nina Turner.
At www.sandersinstitute.com, the tag line for the organization is Revitalizing Democracy. "The Sanders Institute is dedicated to transforming our democracy through research, education, outreach and advancement of bold, progressive ideas and values," says the website, which has sections on Economy & Economic Justice, and Heathcare, promoting "Medicare for All."

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CHRISTOPHER WRAY IS PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S NOMINEE FOR FBI director. Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today:

Christopher Wray

“At a time when we have so many concerns about President Trump’s interference with the FBI’s investigation of his team’s ties with Russia, it is critical that our next FBI director remains fiercely independent of the White House. By his own admission, Donald Trump fired the former FBI Director, James Comey, with the hope it would bring the Russia investigation to an end. In doing so, the President forfeited any benefit of the doubt with this nomination. I will be looking closely to see if Donald Trump’s nominee Chris Wray will approach the responsibilities of the job seriously and free of politics. His loyalty pledge must be to the Constitution and the country, not to Donald Trump.”

Trump made the announcement to nominate Wray in a tweet, one day before fired FBI Directory James Comey goes before Congress to tell his story.

The nominee served under Pres. George W. Bush as head of the Justice Department criminal investigation division. He leads the Special Matters and Government Investigations Practice Group of a D.C. law firm.

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INCREASING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE IMPACT AID PROGRAM is the goal of Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz in a letter urging federal appropriators to increase federal funding for the Impact Aid Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget. Hawai`i receives about $40 to $50 million a year for this funding, used throughout the statewide school system.

The late Rep. Mark Takai receiving the big check for education from
the federal government in 2014.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Education.

“Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets. For many districts, this funding represents the very lifeblood that allows their school system to operate,” the Senators wrote in the letter. “The potential of long-term funding stagnation or program cuts is of serious concern given the changing needs of the program and the students these districts serve. Impact Aid is not only the Federal Government’s obligation, but also a tax relief program for local communities.”
The Impact Aid program provides Hawai`i funding to help finance the education of military-connected children. The average cost to educate a student in Hawai`i is approximately $12,000 with the average reimbursement totaling only 15 percent of the total cost. A decrease in this support would have crippling effects on the programs, courses, and other resources that are offered throughout Hawai`i.
Joining Hirono and Schatz were a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators. See the full text of the letter here.

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Nash Adams-Pruitt eaches lampworking this
Saturday and Sunday. Photo from Volcano Art Center

Red Cross Volunteer meeting, Thu, June 8, 7 p.m., HOVE Rad Maintenance Corp. office. For volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Hannah Uribes, 929-9953

Pancake Breakfast, Sat, June 10, 8 – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Atlas Recycling at South Point U-Cart, Sat, June 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lampworking, Sat/Sun, June 10/11, 1 – 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. An introductory, two-session class taught by Nash Adams-Pruitt is designed for students who have never touched a torch. 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest, Sat, June 10, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Two performances feature Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones.

Kanikapila, Sat, June 10 & 24, 6 – 9 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. Acoustic instruments, drums, singers & dancers welcome. Desmond, 937-6305

A FREE WORKSHOP ON VEGETABLE SEED STARTING will be held Sunday, June 11 at KaLae Coffee & Hawaiian Flowers on South Point road from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Hawai`i Farmers Union talk-story and potluck will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program is part of the new Ka`u Farm School. The speaker is Sue Barnett of Ka`u Community Garden. See www.kaufarmer.blogspot.com.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

A 5.3 earthquake shook Ka`u and Puna this morning and was widely felt across the island.
Image from USGS

A 5.3 EARTHQUAKE ROCKED Ka`u and Puna today and was experienced islandwide. The epicenter was inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park under Hilea Pali. The Park reported:
"U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded a magnitude-5.3 earthquake located beneath Kīlauea Volcano's south flank on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at 7:01 a.m. HST.

"The earthquake, which was widely felt on the Island of Hawai‘i, was located about 18 km (11.2 mi) southeast of Volcano at a depth of 8 km (5 mi). A map showing the location of the earthquake is posted on HVO's website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/.

"The USGS 'Did you feel it?' website (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/) received almost 800 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake. The maximum intensity of shaking reported by Island of Hawai‘i residents was V on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, indicating moderate shaking."

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there as no tsunami threat from this

earthquake. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense received no reports of damage.

There were more than 15 aftershocks following this morning's magnitude-5.3 earthquake.

Kīlauea's south flank has been the site of 29 earthquakes of magnitude-4.0 or greater during the past 25 years. Most are caused by abrupt motion of the volcano's south flank, which moves to the southeast over the oceanic crust as a result of magma being injected into the East Rift Zone and long term settling of the volcano. The location and depth for today's earthquake are

consistent with slip along or above this south flank fault.

According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Christina Neal the earthquake had no apparent effect

on Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing eruptions. "HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kīlauea or at other Hawaiian volcanoes resulting from the earthquake.

For more information on recent earthquakes in Hawai‘i and eruption updates, visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/.

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Andres Magana Ortiz has another month on this coffee farm with his family, after a stay today delaying
his deportation to Mexico. Photo by David Corrigan. See www.bigislandvideonew.com

DEPORTATION OF COFFEE FARMER Andres Magana Ortiz has been delayed at least 30 days, following a stay issued by the Department of Homeland Security today.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who introduced a private bill in congress earlier this week to halt the deportation and make him eligible for legal, permanent residence in the United States, said,
“This morning, Mr. Ortiz faced the possibility of immediate deportation, leaving his wife and three children behind. While today’s 30-day reprieve is a positive step, it does not resolve the underlying issues. I’ll continue to push legislative and other avenues to assist Mr. Ortiz and his family in their efforts to remain in the Kona community he has called home for nearly three decades.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted, "Thirty-day stay is a positive step for Magana Ortiz `ohana. But our work will continue to keep Andres with his family https://sen.gov/4W5R .

Ortiz manages 15 coffee farms and owns his own.
Photo by David Corrigan/ Big Island Video News

Hirono also gave an extensive talk about Oritz and his history on the U.S. Senate floor today. Said Hirono, “Today’s announcement is a positive step, but our work to keep Mr. Magana Ortiz with his family isn’t done yet." She asked Department of Homeland Security to "process the Magana Ortiz family’s application to bring Andres out of the shadows as quickly as possible to keep Andres together with his wife and kids. Andres’ ordeal speaks to the very real fear and anxiety spreading through immigrant communities across the country. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship, and which prioritizes family unity.”
Hirono asked Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to "Let Andres stay in our country. Let his children have a father present and active in their lives. It's no too late to keep this family together."
Hirono pointed to support from Suzanne Shriner, president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, and said, "Mr. Ortiz is a true example of an American Dream. Rising from a farm worker to farm owner, he has created a successful business through hard work. He has sent his children to college and he has given back to his community by working with other farms and farmers to control an invasive pest. His story is why we need to find a path to citizenship for these vital members of our farming community." See Hirono's speech at www.bigislandvideonews.co
Ortiz came to the U.S. decades ago, smuggled in to join his mother when he was 15 years of age.

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Pancake Breakfast, Sat, June 10, 8 – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Atlas Recycling at South Point U-Cart, Sat, June 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lampworking, Sat/Sun, June 10/11, 1 – 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. An introductory, two-session class taught by Nash Adams-Pruitt is designed for students who have never touched a torch. 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest, Sat, June 10, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Two performances feature Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones.

Kanikapila, Sat, June 10 & 24, 6 – 9 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. Acoustic instruments, drums, singers & dancers welcome. Desmond, 937-6305

Take a one-mile walk and learn about ‘ōhi‘a lehua.

NPS photo

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, June 11, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk.

Medicine for the Mind, Sun, June 11, 4 – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Buddhist healing meditation for beginners through advanced. Free. Patty, 985-7470

Managing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Tue, June 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ecologist David Benitez shares lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014 and discusses management of ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Gov. David Ige today released this image and vowed to continue to align Hawai`i with the Paris Accords.
Image from Gov. David Ige

"PRESIDENT TRUMP MAY NOT THINK OUR CLIMATE IS WORTH PROTECTING, but we know better," said Gov. David Ige in a statement this evening. "We're not going to rest on our laurels when the future of our plant is at stake," he said. Ige called it "my great privilege to make Hawai`i the first U.S. state to officially align with the Paris Climate Accords. By signing into law S.B. 559 and H.B. 1578, we have made a bold statement to the world that Hawai`i will stand up[ for climate science, for our keiki and for children everywhere. On Tuesday, Ige signed SB 559 (Act 032) which expands strategies and mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide. He also signed HB 1578 (Act 033) which establishes the Carbon Farming Task Force within the Office of Planning.

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FORMER FBI CHIEF JAMES COMEY'S testimony before the U.S. Senate Thursday drew a response from Ka`u's Senator, Mazie Hirono who observed the hearing along with her Special Counsel Jeremy Paris and reporter from HBO's Vice News.
She later released a statement saying: "Yesterday, James Comey spoke a powerful truth when he called the Trump administration’s reasons for firing him 'lies, plain and simple.' We deserve leaders who believe in fundamental American values, like truth, and democracy that is free from foreign interference. Those shared values define who we are as a nation. And we have a right to know that violations of those values will be investigated fully, and without obstruction.

Hirono observed the Comey testimony with her counsel and Vice News.
Image from Vice News See www.facebook.com/senatorhirono/

"The Trump administration has made every attempt to slow and misdirect any investigation into their improper relations with Russia. And since Election Day, it has only gotten worse:
"In January, the FBI, NSA, and CIA concurred that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates warned the White House that Mike Flynn lied about his contacts with Russia. She was later fired.
"In February, amid controversy, Flynn resigned.
"In March, Trump’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions was forced to recuse himself from the Flynn investigation after it was revealed that he too misled the American public about his own meetings with Russia.
"In May, Trump fired FBI Director James Comey - in the middle of Comey’s investigation of Trump’s Russia ties. Trump then held a meeting in the Oval Office, where he excluded the American press and disclosed classified intel to Russian operatives.
"In June, Donald Trump’s personal attorney tried to discredit Director Comey’s testimony by falsely accusing him of leaking classified information to the press.

Sen. Mazie Hirono speaking at the American Constitution Society for
Law and Policy today.

"It’s clear from Comey’s hearing," said Hirono, that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that much more is left to come. I will do everything in my power to make sure the American people know the truth, and bring this administration’s wrongdoing to light -- but I need your help."

Hirono, who has announced she will run for reelection, said, "More than ever, we need to have representatives in the Senate who will stand up to the Trump administration's attacks on our democracy."
She took her own story of her immigration to the U.S. and her work on Capitol Hill to a speech today before the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy.

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CHERYL KA`UHANE LUPENUI will become the president and chief executive officer of the Kohala Center, effective July 3. The Kohala Center has numerous projects around the island including education and business development for Ka`u Coffee farmers.
"Lupenui brings strong leadership skills, depth and breadth of work experience, and impressive team-building experience to The Kohala Center," said Roberta Chu, chairperson of The Center's board of directors. "It became very clear during the selection process that The Center and its management team would continue to develop and flourish under her leadership. Her thoughtfulness, energy, and enthusiasm are inspiring and will propel our efforts to new heights."

Cheryl Kauhane Lupenui will be the new
President And CEO of Kohala Center.

For the past five years Lupenui has been the founder and principal of The Leader Project, a business that sources from Hawaiian and Western models to develop leadership capacity throughout organizations. Spanning multiple sectors such as transportation, education, health, human services, and public safety, her practice is based on building place-based leadership where all group members share the responsibility of leading and following.
She holds a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, management, and finance from Tulane University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Over the course of her 30-year career, Lupenui has developed a multidisciplinary skillset that includes business and program development, systems-level policy making, capital improvement project planning and management, fund raising, community engagement, and strategy and leadership development.
Her career started as a business development associate at one of Hawai'i's largest businesses, but her entrepreneurial spirit soon guided her to open a restaurant that promoted sustainable agriculture by serving healthy meals made with locally grown produce. Lupenui's restaurant management experience led her to the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of O'ahu, where just four years later she became the organization's chief executive officer—the youngest in its history and the first of Native Hawaiian descent. During her 10-year tenure as CEO she helped launch a re-branding effort, a $12 million capital campaign to renovate Laniākea, the organization's historic downtown facility, and an $8 million campaign to expand transitional housing for women and fitness and meeting facilities for the community.

At the same time she started The Leader Project, Lupenui was appointed by the Governor to the Hawai'i Board of Education (BOE) for a four-year term. While there she helped develop a new BOE/Department of Education Strategic Plan and several policies that created the Office of Hawaiian Education, Office of Community Engagement, and Nā Hopena A'o, or HĀ (breath), a set of system-wide learning outcomes for the Hawai'i Department of Education grounded in Native Hawaiian culture.

"My work in recent years has focused on seeing place, culture, community, and leadership as a whole ecosystem," Lupenui said. "The Kohala Center is rich with these same elements that can guide our islands in policy and practice. Following a path to Kohala continues my journey emerging from single practitioner to a community of practice. I see a team of bold leaders making a positive impact and transmitting their stories to guide and strengthen each generation that follows."

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SMOKE DETECTOR SOLICITATIONS FOR INSPECTIONS AND INSTALLATIONS may be a

Fire Chief Darren Rosario

scam, according to Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darren Rosario. He said the Fire Department has received numerous complaints of offers of free smoke detector inspections and battery replacement, with the sales people attempting to sell new systems and claiming approvals by the Fire Department.
"The Hawai‘i County Fire Department would like to stress that the Department has not promised any individual or company with an support or approval for smoke detector inspections on behalf of the Fire Department," said the chief. He advised that anyone approach ask the solicitor for identification and to cll the Hawi`i County Fire Department at 932-2900 Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, and at 961-8336 after hours and on weekends.

He also suggested reporting the solicitors drivers license number and any id information.

The Hawai‘i County Fire Department does have a smoke detector installation program

for select population demographics. "Hawai‘i County Fire Department personnel will always be
in their Hawai‘i County Fire Department uniform and arrive in an Official Hawai‘i County Fire
Department vehicle," said Rosario.

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VETERANS ARE INVITED TO OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER on Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dave Willard, Director of the Kona Veterans Center, covers West Hawai`i for military veterans from Kohala to Na`alehu. The Thursday sessions help veterans connect with services. A licensed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor, along with Rick Ruchty, outreach counselor and Army Veteran regularly meet with vets at the Ocean View Community Center.

Willard is a 22-year veteran of the Air Force, whose primary objective is to reach out to vets and their families to help provide them with health care options, assist them in filing disability claims, and connect them with possible VA home loans, Counseling and other services.
No appointments are necessary. Anyone with questions can call 329-0575 open Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Calls are also taken on the secon Saturday of each month, 7a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The outreach comes from the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Services with a primary task of helping combat veterans re-adjust when they come home. "Since there are so few Veterans services available, we help all vets," said Willard.

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Pancake Breakfast, Sat, June 10, 8 – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Atlas Recycling at South Point U-Cart, Sat, June 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lampworking, Sat/Sun, June 10 and 11, 1 – 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. An introductory, two-session class taught by Nash Adams-Pruitt is designed for students who have never touched a torch. 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest, Sat, June 10, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Two performances feature Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones.

Kanikapila, Sat, June 10 & 24, 6 – 9 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. Acoustic instruments, drums, singers & dancers welcome. Desmond, 937-6305

www.kaucalendar.com

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, June 11, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk.

Medicine for the Mind, Sun, June 11, 4 – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Buddhist healing meditation for beginners through advanced. Free. Patty, 985-7470

Managing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Tue, June 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ecologist David Benitez shares lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014 and discusses management of ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free; park entrance fees apply.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory broadband-seismic stations located at the summit of Kīlauea have been
significantly upgraded over the past three years. During the upgrades, HVO field engineers (inset) complete
the wiring connections of the solar power and telemetry systems at each site, which are about 10 m (33 ft) from
the seismometer. The equipment is camouflaged to minimize its visual impact on the natural environment.
See story below. USGS photos.

DEREGULATING WALL STREET BANKS is of concern to Ka`u's Representative in the U.S. Congress. Tulsi Gabbard wrote today, "As the media cameras were trained on former FBI Director Comey's hearing on Thursday, followed by hours of panel discussions about the hearings, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a sweeping bill deregulating Wall Street big banks. This bill, which threatens the economic security of the American people, barely got a mention, if it was even noticed at all. It's almost like they completely forgot about the Wall Street crash of 2008 and the people who suffered as a result."

A promotional title and tagline from the new bill to deregulate large banks
Image from U.S. House of Representatives

Gabbard wrote that the people who haven't forgotten are the "more than 11 million Americans who lost their homes, the millions who lost their savings and pensions, and all those who lost their jobs. In Hawai`i between 2008 and 2010, our unemployment rate more than doubled - all as a result of greedy Wall Street banks who gambled heavily on the backs of the American people, all to benefit their pockets."

The House member said that the Financial CHOICE Act that passed on Thursday "takes away the few protections that were in place, and deregulates the 'too big to fail' banks even more. It wipes out the Volcker Rule which prevents government-insured banks from certain risky speculative investments. It lowers the amount of capital that a bank is required to maintain, placing even more of a burden on the American people who these banks rely on to bail them out. It defangs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's ability to regulate the big banks and payday lenders. The list goes on and on."

As You Sow states that the new bill would impair shareholders' rights
to file resolutions. Image from www.asyousow.org

Gabbard contended that the "Dodd-Frank Act regulations on Wall Street banks put in place after the 2008 crash did not go far enough. They did not prevent these banks that were 'too big to fail' in 2008 from getting even bigger and more powerful today. It did not stop these banks from gambling on the backs of the American people. And it placed undue regulatory burdens on small, community banks, who were not the bad actors that caused the financial crisis."

Gabbard declared that "We need to lessen the regulatory burden on our community banks, and strengthen restrictions and oversight of the big Wall Street banks to protect the American people from yet another economic crisis. It's why I'm pushing for the reinstatement of a stronger, 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act to separate regular commercial banking from risky investment practices."
She asked for those interest to sign a petition and asked the quesiton: "Do you agree we need to break up big banks and reinstate a 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act? Add your name to my petition if you agree."

"There is no shortage of issues vying for our attention, but we have to stay focused and fight to make sure bills like this do not become the law of the land. We cannot allow our country's leaders to bring us closer to the same reckless environment that caused the economic catastrophe in 2008," Gabbard concluded.
Among other concerns by advocacy groups is the bill's change in the rights of shareholders and obligations of the company to the stockholders, as reported by www.asyousow.org.

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ULUA FISHERMEN ARE ALL OVER THE KA`U COAST, camping and putting out lines and bait for the Ulua Challenge 2017. The annual fishing contest sponsored by S. Tokunaga Store started on Friday, June 9 and ends tomorrow with a weigh-in and awards at 11 a.m. at the CIvic Auditorium in Hilo. However, fishermen and their friends have been staking out sites and camping for the competition for many days.
The event often draws more than 600 fishermen and many participate in a barbless category. Education about conservation of marine resources is often part of the program. Last year the winning ulua weighed 117.2 lbs.

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AN UPGRADE OF SEISMIC STATIONS AT KILAUEA SUMMIT ARE COMPLETED, according to this week's Volcano Watch, written by scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. "Field engineers at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recently completed a multi-year effort to upgrade a subset of seismic stations at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

Starting in 2014, each of the stations was progressively upgraded with a new-generation broadband seismometer, solar-power system, radio, antenna, enclosure, and cabling. The new enclosures for the seismometers were designed with better insulation properties to buffer the effects of changing temperatures throughout the day.

The latest upgrades are an important milestone for HVO. The stations ensure that Kīlauea will remain a productive laboratory for the advancement of volcano seismicity. They will also continue to improve our understanding of the complex magma plumbing system beneath volcano's summit area.

HVO’s original seismometers were installed in 1994 as a year-long field test of "broadband" seismometers—digital sensors that are more sensitive over a much greater frequency range than are the short-period analog seismometers that were widely used at the time. But the 1994 broadband instruments were kept past the one-year test period, because they proved crucial for recording many types of earthquake and volcanic signals that scientists were able to analyze in new ways.

Frequency is one way of describing the number of oscillations (peaks and troughs) of a seismic signal, typically measured in cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz). In volcano seismology, the dominant frequency of a seismic signal is related to different processes within the volcano.

Kilauea Volcano where seismic stations have been upgraded.
USGS Photo

For example, high frequency waves (greater than 1 Hz) recorded for normal earthquakes are typically related to slip on a fault. Low frequency waves (less than 1 Hz) for some earthquakes are related to the movement of magma or other mixtures of fluids and gases through fractures.

Broadband seismometers provide complete recordings of both high and low frequency waves coming from the volcano. The more commonly used short-period seismometers are tuned to record only high frequency waves.

The movement of magma under Kīlauea generates a variety of low-frequency (often called Long-Period) and Very Long Period earthquakes with peak frequencies of 0.17 Hz or 60 seconds. The latter earthquakes, which can only be detected with broadband seismometers, were virtually invisible to the existing seismic network. The value of the dense broadband network became even more apparent when the summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u began in 2008.

In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was enacted by Congress and signed into law by the President. This provided resources for HVO to convert the mixed analog and digital monitoring network to an all-digital network—a first for a U.S. volcano observatory.

Seismographs are stationed all over the island, but new
field-hardened computers and seismometers have been
installed at Kilauea. USGS image

With ARRA funding, HVO purchased new field-hardened computers (called digitizers) to record seismic signals on-site and digital radios to transmit the data in real time to HVO. The digitizers significantly expanded the useful dynamic range of the original broadband network. This added capability was important for characterizing the mechanism that generates seismic signals associated with large rockfalls into the summit lava lake. Scientists also are using the expanded seismic signals to develop models of the short-term rise and fall of the lava lake surface related to the accumulation and release of volcanic gas in the uppermost part of the lava lake.

It became clear in about 2011 that the harsh environmental conditions in Kīlauea’s summit caldera were taking a toll on the aging seismometers. The instruments were corroding inside and outside, leading to inconsistent measurements of ground shaking. Some sensors were failing. So, starting in 2014, HVO placed a high priority on improving the summit broadband network, and the stations were upgraded in phases as resources allowed.

This upgraded network reflects state-of-the-art earthquake monitoring, and offers volcano seismologists a more powerful tool to investigate processes that cause ground shaking at Kīlauea. This in turn supports advances in our understanding of the volcano’s magma plumbing system, eruptive activity, and hazards.

For additional information about HVO’s broadband seismic network, please see the 2011 Volcano Watch article: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/hvo_volcano_watch.html?vwid=81. A former HVO seismologist describes highlights of recent research on Kīlauea seismic activity in a video presentation, “Several flavors of seismogenic magma movement under Kīlauea Volcano,” posted at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD4D607C2FA317E6D.

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www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

The winning catch at the Ulua Challenge was 86.2 lbs. pulled in by Brandon Rainey.
Photo by Dave Corigan/Big Island Video News

Ulua Challenge photo from
Tokigawa Store.

THE RESULTS ARE IN FOR THE ULUA CHALLENGE 2017, with the winning ulua - giant trevally - weighing 86.2 lbs., caught by Brandon Rainey.

Fishermen camped and used their sturdy poles from the cliffs of South Point and all along the Ka`u to the Puna shore for the annual competition that ended Sunday morning.

Tokunaga Store owner and sponsor Mike Tokunaga told Big Island Video News that this year's tournament drew the most participants with hundreds participating along the rugged coastline.

In second place was an ulua 82.5 lbs. caught by Sean Farias. Third was 82.2 lbs. by Reuben Llanes, fourth was 75.9 lbs. by Bristan Savella. Fifth was 72 lbs. by Mel Hirayama. Sixth was 69.7 lbs. by Barry Sugimoto. Seventh was 69.2 lbs .by Waymne Cypriano. Eighth was 68.9 lbs. by Tyson Martinez. Ninth was 67.6 lbs. by Kelson Kihe and tenth was 66.1 lbs. by Kahana Ituaki.

Ulua Challenge Queen Cherokee Luker at the weigh in,
following a weekend of fishing for the giant
fish along the coast, particularly along the 80 miles of remote
shoreline in Ka`u. Photo by Big Island Video News

In the Omilo - bluefin trevally division, first was 20.4 lbs., caught by Harry Batalona. Second was 20 lbs. by David Llanes, third was 19.8 lbs. by Chat Kasonski, fourth was 19 lbs. by Joel Baptista, fifth was 18.7 lbs. by Ransen Fernandez. Sixth was 18.4 lbs. by H. Correa. seventh was 17.2 lbs. by Adrian Medallia. Eighth was 16.4 lbs. by Zyman Barawis. Ninth was 16.1 lbs. by Chris Llanes and tenth was 16.1 lbs. by Tommy Kasoga.

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THE 48TH ANNUAL KING KAMEHAMEHA LEI DRAPING ceremony took place today in Washington, D.C. today with Ka`u's Senator Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Hand.

King Kamehameha's legacy was one of unity
and servant leadership, said Gabbard.

Gabbard spoke at the Emancipation Hall celebration, which honors King Kamehameha’s legacy of uniting the islands and establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. The 48th Annual Lei Draping Ceremony, hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Society, is held each June at the U.S. Capitol to coincide with King Kamehameha Day celebrations taking place throughout Hawaiʻi. Hundreds of people attended, including Kauaʻi Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Hawaiʻi State Senate President Ron Kouchi, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Vice-Chair Dan Ahuna, and other state and local elected officials, and included performances by hula halaus from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Said Gabbard, “King Kamehameha’s legacy is one of unity and servant leadership. He brought people together in the face of great division, uniting the islands of Hawaiʻi for the first time. King Kamehameha was a leader ahead of his time who understood that true unity, in the end, could not be achieved at the tips of spears or by the muzzles of guns, but through dialogue, mutual respect, and working to understand common goals between people.”

“What we learn from leaders like King Kamehameha is that we are at our best when we confront challenges together—when we set aside differences and unite. King Kamehameha was able to unify the islands of Hawaiʻi, not by creating a system that benefited a few, but by empowering many. These values still need to be protected and upheld today so that those who work hard have opportunities to succeed; that education and health care are not just for the privileged; that we serve as caretakers of our land and water for future generations; and that we treat others with aloha, love, and respect.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono at Emancipation Hall today.
Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

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Managing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Tue, June 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ecologist David Benitez shares lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014 and discusses management of ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Lei Hulu (Feather Lei Making) Demo, Wed, June 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his mastery of this Hawaiian art form. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Hawai‘i Cordage Plants, Thu, June 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Linda Pratt discussed the botanical aspects, distribution and habitat of various species. Register at 967-8222. Free; register at 967-8222.

Family Reading Night, Thu, June 15, 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, June 15, 5:30 p.m. 929-9731 or 936-7262

OVCA Board Meeting, Thu, June 15, 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

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Hawaiian Monk seals haul out onto the atols and islands of the National Marine Monument
in Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Photo by Mark Sullivan/NOAA

THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA has gained an aggressive defense by Sen. Brian Schatz. In a statement today, the U.S. Senator noted that "Less than a year ago, President Obama announced the creation of the world’s largest marine protected area with the expansion of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Shatz called it "one of the most important actions an American president has taken for the health of the oceans,” and says, "I still believe that to be true. Protecting some of the world’s most significant ocean ecosystems gives us the the chance to replenish stocks of ahi and swordfish, take action to fight climate change, and give a greater voice to Native Hawaiians.

Nenue and other fish abound at the National Marine Monument that
could loses its status under a Trump directive.
Photo from NOAA

Schatz states that Papahānaumokuākea faces a threat under. President Dondald Trump has ordered the Department of the Interior to review its status as a national marine monument. "This is part of an unprecedented move by the Trump Administration to consider eliminating or shrinking at least 27 national monuments," declared Schatz.
"Our best chance to stop them is an outpouring of public support. Will you help us save these 27 national monuments, like Papahānaumokuākea, and add an official comment to the Department of the Interior here?" asks Schatz.
According to Schatz, "Like many of the other national monuments targeted by this unnecessary review, the value of Papahānaumokuākea comes not only from its beauty and unique place in American history, but also from the opportunity for educational exploration and cultural practice that can only occur in its protected environment.
"We must fight to keep Papahānaumokuākea, Giant Sequoia in California, and the countless other places that help us better understand both our country’s past and future. These landmarks are protected because of their official status as national monuments. Any change in designation could have drastic effects on our ability to protect them.

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"MERE CAMOUFLAGE FOR AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL PURPOSE" is how the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco characterized its ruling today against the revised executive order by Pres. Donald Trump that would have halted entry into the U.S. from six Muslim-majority countries. The decision affirmed nearly all of Hawai`i federal Judge Derrick Kahala Watson's ruluing blocking the Trump travel ban.

Hawai`i AG Doug Chin

Responding to Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin's lawsuit, the 9the Circuit rejected the government’s contention that Trump's March 6 executive order was valid on its face. Hawai`i argued and the appeals court agreed that a “mountain of extrinsic evidence, mostly in the form of statements by the President himself," indicated that the Trump administration's "rationale is a sham.”

Judge Derrick Kahala Watson

The 9th Circuit did lift an injunction that prevented the administration from reviewing its vetting procedures while the case moves forward. Should the administration finish its work on vetting, the case may become moot, as the ban would be for only 90 days.

The decision states that "The order does not offer a sufficient justification to suspend the entry of more than 180 million people on the basis of nationality. National security is not a 'talismanic incantation' that, once invoked, can support any and all exercise of executive power."

The decision is similar to the 4th Circuit Court's May 25th ruling in Virginia, saying that the ban was motivated by a desire to exclude Muslims. The 9th Circuit described the Trump rationale as “mere camouflage for an unconstitutional purpose.” The ban was to have applied to people from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also would have banned all refugees for 120 days.

Kilohana Domingo shares
his skill at making feather lei.
Photo from NPS

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A Walk into the Past features a living history presenter, dressed in period costume and bringing back to life Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of volcanology, the study of volcanoes. It takes place Tuesday at 10 a.m. and also at noon and 2 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Free. park entrance fees apply.

Lei Hulu (Feather Lei Making) Demo, Wed, June 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his mastery of this Hawaiian art form. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Hawai‘i Cordage Plants, Thu, June 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Linda Pratt discussed the botanical aspects, distribution and habitat of various species. Register at 967-8222. Free; register at 967-8222.

Family Reading Night, Thu, June 15, 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

OVCA Board Meeting, Thu, June 15, 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

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Kona Honu Divers came to Ka Lae last weekend to clean up underwater rubbish by the sea cliffs.
See story below. Photo from Kona Honu Divers

FEDERAL NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING PROGRAMS would be eliminated while leaving federal housing programs for other Native communities, as proposed by legislation pending in the U.S. Congress. Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee today, opposing S.1275. Native Hawaiian community advocates attended the hearing, but were not invited by the Indian Affairs Committee to testify, said a statement today from Hirono's office.

Hirono joined Senator Brian Schatz, a member of the Indian Affairs Committee, in calling for the bill to include the renewal of Native Hawaiian housing programs.

Hirono testified, “By omitting Native Hawaiian housing programs, the BUIILD Act strikes a blow not only to the 37,000 Native Hawaiians who would benefit from their inclusion, but also over 500,000 Native Hawaiians in our country.

“But this is about much more than just stripping out Native Hawaiian housing programs from a bill. At a time when we see ‘us against them’ perspectives rising in our country, we cannot allow ‘divide and conquer’ tactics to undermine collaborative efforts to bring people together.

“I understand that suggestions have been made to native tribes that supporting Native Hawaiian programs may jeopardize funding for their own programs. I strongly oppose those suggestions and believe that dividing native communities is, frankly, unconscionable.”

Hirono also submitted written testimony on behalf of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation in opposition to S.1275.

Ocean bottom trash at Ka Lae.
Photo from Kona Honu Divers

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has been cooperating with the state Department of hawaiian Home Lands for many years to provide housing.

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Surfacing at South Point with garbage
from the bottom of the sea.
Photo from Kona Honu Divers

KONA HONU DIVERS and its volunteers conducted a dive site cleanup at Ka Lae on Sunday, June 11. Dive instrtuctor Sam Johnson said the dive company is going to dive sites at least once a month to clean them up. On Sunday, the team conducted three dives with six divers and came back with an estimated 700 lbs. of debris.
Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, which sponsors regular Ka`u Coast cleanups, has conducted dive cleanups on this island since June 15, 2015 with its first at Ka Lae. It has another one planned for Sunday, June 25th - this one at Kailua Pier in Kona.

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Civilization: Metal cans embedded in the coral reef.
Photo from Kona Honu Divers

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SIGNS ARE GOING UP IN OCEAN VIEW. Police officer Aron Tomota reported that he made the request on behalf of Hawai`i Ocean View Estates to the County of Hawai`i's Department of Public Works. Even though HOVE has private roads, the agency provided five new signs, posts and breakaways, free of cost.

The county donated Neighborhood Watch signs with help from police
officer Aron Tomota. Four of them went up today.
Photo by Aron Tomota

Tomota drove to Kona and picked them up. During the Neighborhood Watch Meeting this month, the community voted to install them at Ginger Blossom Lane, just above Hwy 11; Aloha Blvd, just above Highway 11; Moana Drive and King Kamehameha Blvds; and at the Keaka Parkway and Paradise Circle intersection near the county's Kahuku Park.
Four of the five signs were installed today by the HOVE road Maintenance crew with the help of Aaron Puou and Junior Aldaya, as well as Tomota.
The fifth sign, as the community voted, will be installed at the entrance to Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos with a crew from that community, said Tomota.

Neighborhood Watch volunteers voted on where to place
the signs donated by the county. Photo by Aron Tomota

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Lei Hulu (Feather Lei Making) Demo, Wed, June 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his mastery of this Hawaiian art form. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Ka`u's U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono welcomed business leaders from Hawai`i to meet with members of Congress and
federal officials at her annual Hawai`i on the Hill Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. today.

HAWAI`I ON THE HILL today welcomed nearly 75 Hawai'i business leaders to meet with members of Congress and federal officials. It was the Fourth Annual Hawai`i on the Hill Policy Summit, with representatives of diverse industries in Hawai`i – including manufacturing, health care, transportation, and others.
Among those participating were co-sponsor Hawai`i Chamber of Commerce, Hawai`i County Council Vice-Chair Valerie Poindexter, Hawai`i County, University of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Tourism Authority, Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association, Kona Coast Shellfish and Big Island Candies.

Big Island Candies was represented at Hawai`i
on the Hill today in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who initiated and hosts the event, said that “Given the uncertainties of the current administration, it has become more important than ever that Hawai`i’s business community knows the D.C. landscape and can advocate for themselves. Bringing Hawai`i businesses face-to-face with our country’s top decision makers, Hawai`i on the Hill continues to play an instrumental role in supporting our local industry. I’m pleased that in our fourth year we were able to connect nearly 70 local businesses with top officials.”
Hirono, Chamber of Commerce Hawai`i President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara, Hawai`i state Senate President Ron Kouchi, and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard kicked off the Policy Summit.
Gabbard thanked Hawai‘i business leaders and stakeholders for coming to Washington, D.C. and engaging with leaders to increase economic opportunity for Hawai`i. The group attended the Fourth Annual Taste of Hawai‘i reception on Capitol Hill which featured over 70 members of Hawaii’s local business community, ranging from food and beverage companies to representatives from energy, tourism, and farming industries. Said, Gabbard, "They brought the aloha spirit with them, and lots of lei, making great connections and leaving a strong impression on policymakers and leaders in Washington."

Kona Coast Shellfish sent its locally grown
seafood to Washington, D.C.

Earlier in the day, Sen. Jack Reed , Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, gave a congressional update on defense policy issues. Sarah Ladislaw, Director and Senior Fellow for the Energy and National Security Program Center for Strategic & International Studies, answered questions about Hawaii’s renewable energy commitments and the implication of withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Kimberly Flowers, Director of the Global Food Security Project, shared insights and lessons learned to help Hawaii develop local agriculture that is resilient to drought and climate change. Chris Jennings, Founder and President of Jennings Policy Strategies, Inc. and Former Deputy Assistant to President Obama for Health Policy and Coordinator of Health Reform, discussed potential implications of the American Health Care Act and provided a future outlook of health care in America. Mike Fullerton, Director of Public Affairs for Brand USA, discussed his outlook for international visitors to the U.S., including travel and tourism trends. Michele Jawando. Vice President of Legal Progress at the Center for American Progress, provided a judiciary update.
Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer closed out the Policy Summit by thanking Hirono for her dedication representing Hawaii in the U.S. Senate, and took questions on how business leaders can continue their advocacy for Hawai`i.

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THE PONO HAWAI`I INITIATIVE has been launched with executive director Gary Hooser, former Majority Leader of the State Senate. and former head of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control.
The board is comprised of John Frost, Patrick Kamakanianu Shea, Kau`i Pratt-Aquino, Kristin Mie Hamada. See their backgrounds at www.ponohawaiiinitiative.org.
Hooser said that the statewide organization. "is focused solely on supporting policy and political change in Hawai`i and in fact moving that needle over the coming 18 months. Our core values are driven by the need to increase the level of economic, environmental and social justice that exists in Hawai`i. The status quo is unacceptable: Affordable housing is an oxymoron, our coastal waters and mountain streams are in constant peril of increasing degradation and general inequality exists at far too many levels.

"In addition to identifying, encouraging and supporting new candidates for public office, working with its community partners," said Hooser, Pono Hawai`i Initiative "will also be working on identifying and supporting new ballot initiatives at the County level. If our county and state legislators refuse to pass meaningful legislation, the people at the County level have the power to do it directly. Affordable housing, solid waste, industrial agriculture and good government issues are all on the table for discussion."

The board is comprised of John Frost, Patrick Kamakanianu Shea, Kau`i Pratt-Aquino, Kristin Mie Hamada. See their backgrounds at www.ponohawaiiinitiative.org.

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Lorie Lee Lorenzo wins in story writing.

HORSEWOMAN LORIE LEE LORENZO is not only a rodeo queen, Pa`u Queen and princess on horseback in parades, she is an author.

She was recently named Grand Prize winner in The Great Barefootin' Story Contest. Her story will be published this summer's issue of The Horse's Hoof magazine. She receives a pair of Scoot Boots Innovative Hoof Boots, along with the subscription to The Horse's Hoof, published by Wishing Welz Equine, LLC.

Lorenzo lives in Pahala with her family. She has also been a winner in the Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest at the Ka`u Coffee Festival, and has submitted winning entries into the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce's annual Beauty of Ka`u Art Contest.

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Hawai‘i Cordage Plants, Thu, June 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Linda Pratt discussed the botanical aspects, distribution and habitat of various species. Register at 967-8222. Free; register at 967-8222.

Family Reading Night, Thu, June 15, 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

OVCA Board Meeting, Thu, June 15, 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Kilauea Military Camp visitors are careful to avoid
the Hawai`i State Bird, the endangered nene and chicks
strolling on the roads. KMC hosts Mongolian BBQ this Saturday.
Photo from KMC

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hawaiian Healing Practices, Sat, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ānohi Pe‘a demonstrates children’s massage. Keiki 17 and under and their families sign up by June 8, 985-6019.

Mongolian BBQ, Sat, June 17, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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Six aspiring Hawai`i Police Department cadets were honored as they completed the academy with
ceremonies today. Photo by David Corrigan of Big Island Video News

SIX NEW POLICE RECRUITS WERE acknowledged today for completing their work at the police academy, on the road to becoming Hawai`i Police Department officers.
Debney Jaramillo, president of the 85th Recruit Class, said that four months of field training are ahead for the aspiring officers "where we will learn more about ourselves and if we are fit for this position." Professionalism, compassion, teamwork and providing community satisfaction are the opportunities the recruits will have on each call they make, she said.

Police Recruit President Debney Jaramillo
Photo by David Corrigan of Big Island Video News

Tracey Wise, a state Department of Health Mental Health division supervisor, was keynote speaker. She said the recruits have "entered one of the most elite professions known to humanity. As a police officer, you will - at one time, sometime, and possibly many more times - will be called to the unthinkable.
"You'll be the first one at major scenes of major car accidents, deaths by homicide and suicide, removing babies and children out of homes unfit for animals, deescalating domestic violence quarrels, working with those who suffer from mental illness or substance abuse problems. And when these times become long and hard, because it will, I challenge you. I challenge you to remember that that you do make impact. Even though you cannot see the finished product like a house to a carpenter, know there are finished products like me that are out there functioning because of you. I challenge you to see life beyond the crime and statistics."
The academy graduates are: Bryson Arquitola-Takiue, Erica Carballo, Adam Haynes, Debney Jaramillo, Jarrin Otsuka and Lawrence Yeung.
Ceremonies were held at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel with Sgt. Reynold Kahalewai officiating and families, friends and public officials attending.

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SUMMER WORK ON TRAILS IN HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is available for two young persons 17 to 35 years of age through KUPU, a program that "empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai`i," says the application. Kupu provides outdoor, hands on training to educate and mentor individuals to become stewards of culture and environment, developing a strong connection "to the place in which we live."

This Conservation Leadership Program "creates rigorous entry-level work opportunities for young
professionals who want to commit to a career in conservation." Participants receive a living allowance and an AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion.
On position is available for eight weeks and another for 12 weeks, starting June 26, according to Kupono McDaniel, Youth and volunteer Programs Coordinator at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Review the application at https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/50.

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Lā‘au Lapa‘au with Ka‘ohu Monfort at Hawaiian Culutural
Festival at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS Photo by Sami Steinkamp

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is getting ready for its 37th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz on Saturday, July 8 at Kilauea Military Camp. The cultural Festival is from 10 am. to 3 p.m. and BioBlitz activities are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Cultural Festival will feature authentic Hawaiian cultural practices and opportunities to learn how Hawaiians live 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 will again include a BioBlitz, a chance to join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover the biodiversity that thrives in the park.

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Recycling at Nā‘ālehu School, Sat, June 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nā‘ālehu School Gym. Redeem your HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. 939-2413, ext. 230.

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hawaiian Healing Practices, Sat, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ānohi Pe‘a demonstrates children’s massage. Keiki 17 and under and their families sign up by June 8, 985-6019.

Mongolian BBQ, Sat, June 17, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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Da Box coordinator Chelsea Takahashi shows off a few items in this week's Da Box.

FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS WILL GO TO THE FOOD BASKET, INC., this island's Food Bank. The funding covers four years and comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive. The program supports various initiatives for malnourished and hungry people in Ka`u and around the island.

The grant also supports start up of a new program Da Box to support purchase of Hawai`i grown fresh fruit and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through incentives at the point of purchase. The Food Basket plans to address food insecurity and health disparities by providing SNAP recipients with an affordable way of obtaining nutritious, Hawai`i-grown produce.

“We've been given an opportunity to do exciting work here on Hawai`i Island that will lead the state,” said En Young, Executive Director of The Food Basket. “Da Box will expand our ability to assist local farmers and get people connected to the kinds of foods they deserve, while also modeling a food system that is accessible and equitable to all.”

Toby and Barry Taniguchi, of the KTA family, have been putting locally
grown foods on the tables of local families for generations and have
joined with The Food Basket to introduce The Box.
Photo by Tim Wright

The Food Basket will roll out the program over the next several months in partnership with KTA Super Stores, its own community-supported agriculture program, Ho`olaha Ka Hua Da Box, and at designated SNAP eligible farmer’s markets.

"We have always wanted people to eat local, and now we're going to make it even easier," said Toby Taniguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer of KTA Super Stores. "For many decades, KTA has worked hard to support local farmers and entrepreneurs through the promotion of local goods. In this new partnership with The Food Basket, we are committed to a new level of community through the expansion of local produce availability to our SNAP customers through the Da Box incentivized program."

The Food Basket has enlisted the help of the Fair Food Network, a group with experience in implementing incentive programs nationwide, to ensure a smooth start to the program. FFN will share its expertise in increasing consumption of healthy local food and also the support of local growers in other jurisdictions. The mission of The Food Basket is to end hunger in Hawai`i County.

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TESTIFYING FROM THE OLD NA`ALEHU COURTHOUSE is once again available during public hearings and County Council and Planning Commission meetings where public testimony is welcomed. The county had shut down the interactive video service that allowed people to watch and testify, as few people were making use of the facility during the public meetings. However, the county has arranged to reopen the facility.

A special session next week when public testimony will be taken is on Thursday, June 22 at 5 p.m. regarding the proposed gasoline tax hike in Hawai`i County.

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A BILL TO IMPROVE THE VA is on the desk of Pres. Donald Trump for his signature. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard supported Senate Bill 1094 to increase accountability and improve oversight authorities at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill, supported by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Veterans of Foreign, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans among others, unanimously passed the Senate after passing the House of Representatives.
Said Gabbard, “For too long, veterans in Hawaiʻi and across the country have faced a crisis of unacceptable delays and challenges as they try to access quality care from the VA. The systemic problems within the VA that created this situation cannot be ignored. This bipartisan legislation will enact long-overdue reforms to provide accountability and improve oversight at the VA, while maintaining protections for whistleblowers and ensuring due process for workers. The mission of the VA is to take care of our veterans, and our country must keep its’ promise to provide them with the best possible care.”
In response to investigations revealing egregious wait times across the country for veterans seeking an appointment with a primary care physician, the congresswoman also introduced the Access to

Care and Treatment Now for Veterans Act to allow veterans to get the immediate care they need from non-VA medical providers. The premise of her legislation was ultimately included in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act signed into law in 2014. She has also introduced legislation like the Veterans Administration Bonus Elimination Act to prevent bonuses for senior VA executives who fail to meet VA requirements for veterans health care and has supported legislation to reform rural health access, improve veterans mental health care, and more.

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A MAN WITH A GUN WHO ALLEGEDLY THREATENED TO KILL TWO MEN IN VOLCANO and fired two shots, is out on bail, according to a story in today's Hawai`i Tribune Herald. The John Burnett story reports that 57-year-old Raymond Frank Black "was charged Thursday with two counts each of kidnapping, first-degree reckless endangering and illegally carrying a pistol, plus four counts of first-degree terroristic threatening."

The incident allegedly took place at Pearl Avenue near 10th Street. The 27 and 29 year old men who made the report claimed that Black "drove westbound past them in a white Toyota sedan and pointed a dark pistol with a silver barrel in their direction. The men reportedly told police that about 10 minutes later, they were walking up 11th Street. They said the Toyota was parked in the middle of the road and they saw Black get out of the car and stand by the driver’s side door. He allegedly pointed the pistol toward the men again, and said, “I’m going to kill you.” reports Burnett.
The men said Black fired several shots that missed and ordered the two to lay on the ground and said, "I'm going to kill you."

According to the Tribune Herald report, Black was authorized a supervised release by Hilo District Judge Harry Freitas on $175,000 bail. He faces up to 20 years in prison, if convicted of the most serious counts, additional time on the other counts.

Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network (KDEN) presents "Finian's Rainbow" as its 15th Annual Summer Musical. The show includes the classic tunes "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?""Old Devil Moon," and "Look to The Rainbow". The show will run July 7 – 23 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 at KMC’s Kilauea Theater. Tickets are $20 general, $15 for seniors 60 plus and students and $12for children 12 and under, and are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea’au Natural Foods, and the Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. For more information or to make a reservation, contact KDEN at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.

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FINIAN'S RAINBOW comes to the stage in Volcano in July. Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents its 15^th Annual Summer Musical. The show includes the classic tunes How Are Things in Glocca Morra?, Old Devil Moon, and Look to The Rainbow. The show will run July 7 – 23 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Kilauea Theater. Tickets are $20 general, $15 for seniors 60 plus and students, and $12 for children 12 and under

Tickets are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea’au Natural Foods, and the Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. For more information or to make a reservation, contact KDEN at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.

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PAHALA IS ONE OF THE VENUES in this year's Bon Dance season when dancers and musicians travel to Buddhist temples around the island to join in the harvest season ceremonies and entertainment to honor ancestors. Last year was the first time that a Bon Dance had been held in Pahala since 1999. This year, it will be held on Sunday, Aug. 20 at Pahala Honwanji Mission.

Here is the complete round-the-island Bon Dance schedule for summer of 2017 with phone contact:

Pahala held its first Bon Dance last year since 1999. Photo by Ron Johnson

Saturday, June 17 - Papaikou Hongwanji Mission, 964-1640; Saturday, June 24 - Honomu Hongwanji Mission, 963-6032; Friday, June 30 - Puna Hongwanji Mission, 966-9981; Saturday, July 1 - Kohala Hongwanji Mission, 775-7232 and Puna Hongwanji Mission, 966-9981

Saturday, July 8 - Daifukuji Soto Mission, 322-3524; Kohala Jodo Mission, 987-8495, Hilo Meishoin Mission, 935-6996 and Paauilo Hongwanji Mission, 776-1369.

Friday, July 14 - Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 961-6677; Saturday, July 15 - Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 961-6677, Honoka`a Hongwanji Mission, 775-7232 and Keei Buddhist Church & Cemetery, 323-2993.

Saturday, July 22 - Hilo Hooganji Mission, 935-8331, Kona Hongwanji Mission, 323-2993 and

Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission, 962-6340.

Participant's at last year's Pahala Bon Dance made their own hachi machi.
Photo by Ron Johnson
Friday, July 28 - Hilo Daijingu, 959-8611; Saturday, July 29 - Taishoji Soto Mission, 935-8407.

Saturday, Aug. 5 - Hawi Jodo Mission, 987-8495; Kurtistown Jodo Mission, 936-7828 and

Paauilo Kongoji Mission, 776-1474.

Saturday, Aug. 12 - Hamakua Jodo Mission, 775-0965; Hilo Higashi Hongwanji Mission, 935-8968 and Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, 324-1741.

Friday, Aug. 18 - Life Care Center, 959-9151

Saturday, Aug. 19 - Hakalau Jodo Mission, 963-6110; Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, 885-4481;

Sunday, Aug. 20 - Pahala Hongwanji Mission, 928-8254; Saturday, Aug. 26 - Honohina Hongwanji Mission, 963-6032; and Pahoa YBA Kaikan.

Recycling at Nā‘ālehu School, Sat, June 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nā‘ālehu School Gym. Redeem your HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. 939-2413, ext. 230.

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Jun 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hawaiian Healing Practices, Sat, June 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ānohi Pe‘a demonstrates children’s massage. Keiki 17 and under and their families sign up by June 8, 985-6019.

Mongolian BBQ, Sat, June 17, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Six miles of Ala Kahakai Trail goes past Pohue Bay in the 16,000 acres for sale for $18 million on the Ka`u Coast.
Photo by Peter Bosted

SIXTEEN THOUSAND ACRES ADJACENT TO TINY POHU`E BAY with six miles of coastline, up for sale for $18 million, is getting more press and real estate marketing attention. A story about the property makai of Ocean View is carried in this morning's West Hawai`i Today, recently in The Honolulu Star Advertiser, and in advertising by a real estate company, promoting it to wealthy potential buyers. The story carried by The Ka`u Calendar newspaper and its facebook page on April 30 drew more than 15,000 views and comments.

Pohue Bay's anchaline ponds. Photo by Peter Bosted

The entity handling the sale is Harold Clark's Luxury Big Island. The massive, rugged Ka`u land with Pohu`u Bay near Ocean View is a Featured Property, on

www.bigislandluxury.com, listed beside a brand new $15.9 million, six-bedroom custom home with 9,500 square feet at Mauna Kea Resort and a $4,950,000 residence at Kukio 64 in Kona.

Luxury Big Island's description of the 16,000 acre Ka`u property is as follows: "A secluded gem on the coast of the Big Island and the largest privately owned parcel for sale in the state of Hawai`i, with 6 miles of ocean frontage. The crowning jewel of the site is Pohue Bay, one of the most pristine bays in all of the Hawaiian Islands. With its natural white sand, palm trees and crystal blue water, many consider Pohue Bay to be one of the best beaches in all of Hawai`i. This bay is also the home and nesting site of the rare and protected Hawksbill Turtle." The real estate advertising claims that the "species is plentiful, adding to the distinctiveness of the site."

Harold Clark's Luxury Big Island real estate company is
offering the 16,000 acres around Pohue Bay
for $18 million.

The West Hawai`i Today story by Max Dible mentions that the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs along the coast through the property. The story says, "A massive piece of land in Ka‘u is up for sale and the future of the area is likely tied to the person or entity that ends up making the purchase." It mentions the nesting sites for endangered hawksbill turtles and "other culturally relevant features. It is privately owned and has been the site of multiple failed attempts to create extensive residential and resort developments stretching back to the 1980s."
The story notes that "the land has been on the county Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission’s list of potential land acquisitions for several

Luxury Big Island says "many consider
Pohue Bay to be on the the best beaches
in the state."Photo by Megan Lamson

years" and most recently was listed fifth on the priority list. Acquisitions of properties on the list are funded with about $4 million a year - two percent of property taxes generated on the island. Matching funds and grants from federal, state and private sources are often used.
The story states that Ka`u's County Council member Maile David "said despite county interest in the property, the asking price along with the sheer size of the parcel makes public acquisition a somewhat dubious proposition." David told West Hawai`i Today, “The price is extremely high. You have to consider maintenance that goes along with such a huge parcel. It’s a great idea to have the county purchase it, but it wouldn’t be meaningful if we couldn’t take care of the place in a meaningful manner.”
Past attempts at developing the property were made by Nani Kahuku `Aina, which proposed golf courses, condos, houses and a small airport. The earlier Riviera Resort proposal included a marina, hotels, condos, homes and golf courses. Both proposals stalled amid public opposition, finance and approval challenges.

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A ROCK SLIDE THAT CRUSHED A CAR and injured a Ka`u school speech pathologist and a Ka`u school social worker in 2007 on Hwy 11 is going back the court of Circuit Judge Greg Namakura. The state Supreme Court returned the case of plaintiffs Leioni and Michael Patrick O'Grady whose car was slammed by a one hundred ton boulder near Kahuku Ranch, rolling the car over and sliding it upside down.

The plaintiffs, represented by Wood Valley attorney Ron Self in a non-jury trial, claimed that the state was negligent when it cut the road through the mountainside, leaving rocks and a giant boulder with no place to fall but the highway. Michael Patrick O`Grady recovered from his injuries but Leioni O'Grady was unable to return to work.

The Ocean View residents, who worked at Na`alehu School and have since moved to Panama, sought millions of dollars in medical expenses, wages and future lost wages from the state Department of Transportation. In January, 2012, Nakamura held that the O`Grady case failed to prove that the state could have prevented the boulder falling if it had adequately adhered to its duties of analysis and maintenance to keep the highway safe.

However, the Supreme Court decided this January that Nakamura used the wrong analysis.

Hawai`i Tribune Herald this morning reported the court's finding: "Instead of considering whether the State's conduct was a substantial factor in bringing about the harm, the circuit court considered whether the State's performance of its duty would have prevented the rockfall from occurring."

People & Land of Kahuku is a free, guided hike on Sunday.
Photo from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

"A court may not frame its legal causation analysis in a manner that does not allow for multiple causes of a single injury," the Supreme Court concluded. The case could be tried again, plaintiffs willing.

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People & Land of Kahuku, Sun, June 18, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/havo

Father’s Day Buffet, Sun, June 18, 4 – 7 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Prime rib, shrimp Alfredo, Asian-infused Hawaiian ono and more. $28 adults; $14.50 children 6 – 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356

Hawaiian Music Concert, Wed, June 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Komakakino share a love of hula, Hawaiian culture and singing traditional mele (songs) in the Hawaiian language. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Na`alehu Anthony captured this photo of Hōkūleʻa returning to Hawai`i this weekend.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

WITH THIS WEEKEND'S HOMECOMING OF POLYNESIAN CANOES, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, after three years sailing 40,000 nautical miles around the world to 23 countries and 150 ports, using traditional navigation, Hawai`i residents are invited to take the Mālama Honua Pledge to commit to a more sustainable future.

Families, students, educators, ocean conservationists, voyaging waʻa groups, residents and visitors joined the welcome ceremony on O`ahu on Saturday. On Sunday, they were allowed to climb on board the canoes. Among those honoring the journey were Gov. Daivd Ige and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who issued a statement:

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Gov. David Ige joined leaders in

asking Hawai`i people to sign the Mālama Honua Pledge.

"Thousands of years ago Hawai`i’s ancestors settled every livable landmass across a large swath of the Pacific. They used the technology of their time to explore the unknown and they lived in harmony with nature. Today, too often, technology is used to exploit nature, creating more suffering around the world. Every action has a reaction, and the voyage of the Hōkūle‘a over the last three years has spread aloha and the message of Mālama Honua, uniting a network of people committed to creating a better world."

She said that the mission of Mālama Honua "means preserving our limited resources, taking care of each other and our island earth. Much like our ancestors used technology to create a balance between our civilization and nature, so can we today. We are very proud that Hawai`i was the first state in the country to recommit to the Paris Climate Accord. As we look to Hawai`i to lead the way in protecting our environment, let us be inspired by the message carried by the Hōkūle‘a as a path to a brighter future for all. The Mālama Honua Pledge can be taken through this link.

The Malama Honua Fair and Summit are being held Sunday through Tuesday at the Hawai`i Convention Center in Waikiki. The Youth World Congress and Youth Summit draws students ages five to 25. The Youth Summit on Sunday brought together "local and global youth to celebrate Malama Honua stories and create a collective call to action for the future stewardship of our Island Earth," said a statement from the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

The Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are expected to come to the Big Island in the near future as part of islands-wide homecoming and educational events.

See www.hokulea.com.

Hōkūleʻa visited 23 countries, 150 ports and sailed 40,000 nautical miles,
Map from Polynesian Voyaging Society

OPENING OF THE 2017 WORLD YOUTH CONGRESS, on Sunday, inspired by the Worldwide Voyage of Hōkūleʻa, featured U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She spoke about how successful examples of sustainability throughout history, like the ahupuaʻa system developed by Native Hawaiians, can inspire policies and communities worldwide today. She encouraged the delegates of the World Youth Congress and other attendees on O`ahu to continue the mission of the Hōkūleʻa—Mālama Honua—by finding ways to care for each other and the planet in their daily lives.

The 2017 World Youth Congress addresses issues from the 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, which was well attended by representatiives of conservation organizations and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in Ka`u.

The Youth congress explores the theme Reconnecting to our Ancestral Roots to build Sustainable Communities. In her remarks, Gabbard said, “Our ancestors taught us basic principles of sustainability and conservation—replenishing what we take, putting need over greed, and giving back to our home. These lessons gifted to us throughout history are just as timely and relevant now as ever before, and they must frame our path in the future.”

A masked Tim Orr, on his last day of field work as a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist, collected a sample from Kīlauea Volcano’s active lava flow on May 31, 2017. The face mask and heavy glove on his left hand provide protection from the intense radiant heat of molten lava. Orr (inset) has accepted a research geologist position
at the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage. USGS photos.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY'S MASKED GEOLOGIST heads north to Alaska. The weekly Volcano Watch article points out that in recent photos of a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collecting lava samples, readers might have noticed the face mask worn to protect exposed skin from the intense radiant heat. The mask also conceals the wearer’s identity, raising the question, “Who is that masked geologist?”

Tim Orr is known for his volcano photography including this ocean
entry image presented with a collection of his photos at a Hawaian
Volcano Observatory talk at Pahala Plantation House.
Photo by Tim Orr

Though not intentional, the concealment is fine with Tim Orr, the geologist behind the mask, who prefers to avoid the limelight. But it’s high time to recognize his contributions to volcanology in Hawai`i. Orr has accepted a research geology position at the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage, so he’s headed north to Alaska.

Why would Orr willingly leave paradise? He hails from Montana, so he’s familiar with snow and grizzly bears. He’s actually excited about getting back to a climate and outdoor activities similar to those of his youth. He also looks forward to learning about Alaska’s volcanoes, their different styles of eruption, and new monitoring techniques.

Growing up near Yellowstone National Park, which is atop a volcanic hot spot, Orr was bitten by the “volcano bug” early on. While studying geology at the University of Montana, he spent four months volunteering at HVO in 1994.

Orr photographed monitoring equipment that was obliterated by

an explosive event at Kīlauea . It was published in The Atlantic.

Photo by Tim Orr

After completing a Master’s degree in geology at Northern Arizona University, and with a hankering for volcano monitoring work, Orr returned to HVO in 2002 as an operational geologist. By 2007, he was leading HVO’s Kīlauea geology group, overseeing monitoring efforts and hazard assessments for the ongoing East Rift Zone (Pu‘u‘ō‘ō) eruption. In 2008, his duties increased with the onset of Kīlauea’s summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu.

Despite his heavy HVO workload and family responsibilities, Orr managed to complete a Ph.D. in geology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2015.

During Orr's tenure at HVO, much has happened on Kīlauea, and he’s been in the middle of it all. A few examples: He was one of the HVO scientists who discovered the explosive deposits that marked the onset of the ongoing summit eruption in March 2008. Three years later, just as the Kamoamoa fissure eruption began, he straddled widening ground cracks on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone to capture spectacular video of lava spewing to the surface. During the 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis, his detailed mapping and keen field observations were essential to keeping Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and the public informed.

Tim Orr getting up close to lava burning an ohia forest.
Photo from USGS

Orr is an excellent research scientist who integrates detailed observations and geophysical data with his geologist’s intuition. For example, at the start of Kīlauea’s summit eruption, he recognized that the occasional lava lake explosive events were triggered by large rockfalls from the crater walls. The cause of these explosions was initially debated, but high-resolution webcam imagery later provided conclusive support for his model.

Orr was instrumental in developing HVO’s modern webcam network and time-lapse camera systems to track volcanic activity. This opened a whole new way of monitoring and conducting research on Hawaiian volcanoes.

He also employed an innovative technique using structure from motion software to merge aerial imagery captured during overflights. This enables scientists to produce maps of active lava flows without having to walk many miles over rough and hazardous terrain.

Sampling from a tongue of lava, Tim Orr documents the life of volcanoes.
Photo from USGS

Orr's accomplishments at HVO and his contributions to a better understanding of Hawaiian volcanoes are extensive—too long to list here. The same is true for his community service. “Thank you” hardly suffices for the countless public talks, Volcano Watch articles, and interactions with students he's provided over the past 15 years.

Asked about the best part of his job at HVO, Orr replied, “There’s never a dull moment.” And the worst part? His response was identical, reflecting the intense demands of Kīlauea’s non-stop and ever-changing activity.

Orr is a valued USGS colleague and good friend to all of us at HVO. Generous with his time and knowledge, he’s always available to answer questions or mentor new staff. His calm demeanor and sense of humor are great assets in a work environment that often requires long hours and, at times, an abundance of stress. AVO’s gain is certainly HVO’s loss.

"You will be greatly missed Tim, but we wish you all the best in Alaska. A hui hou…until we meet again," said the statement from the HVO team in Volcano Watch.

Hawaiian Music Concert, Wed, June 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Komakakino share a love of hula, Hawaiian culture and singing traditional mele (songs) in the Hawaiian language. Free; park entrance fees apply.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

www.kaucalendar.com

Senators Mazie Hirono and Elizabeth Warner at Hawai`i on the Hill last week, where local products from Hawai`i were shared. The two also joined together Monday in an ethics inquiry regarding White House advisor Steve Bannon.

See story below. Photo from Office of Mazie Hirono

INCREASING ENROLLMENT AT KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY is proposed to the Windward Planning Commission for its meeting on Thursday, July 6. The request from Ka`u Learning Academy's Executive Director Kathryn Tydlacka asks to increase permitted enrollment at the public charter school from 65 students to 100 and to allow for related facility improvements to accommodate the expansion.
The Special Permit under which the school operates on Kaulua Circle within the former Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse on 3.69 acres, classified Agriculture by the state, was originally approved for a maximum enrollment of 65 students. The school offers grades three through eight. Its mission states: "Ka'u Learning Academy will be an innovative school that holds high social and academic expectations for the children of Ka'u despite the socioeconomic challenges that exist in our community, because we believe that all students can and will learn given the right educational environment.

Ka`u Learning Academy seeks permission to increase enrollment to 100.
Photo from Ka`u Learning Academy

"Ka'u Learning Academy recognizes that each child is an individual with unique educational needs, and we will develop and implement individual education plans that stimulate each child at his/her zone of proximal development, so that every child is engaged in learning in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment."
The Planning Commission meeting will be held at the Aupuni Center Conference Room at 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo, with public access for testimony at the Old Na`alehu Courthouse.

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FEDERAL ETHICS LAWS AND THE WHITE HOUSE are of concern, said Sen. Mazie Hirono. She reported that she and Senators Elizabeth Warren, Edward J. Markey, and Sheldon Whitehouse sent a letter on Monday to Stefan Passantino, Designated Agency Ethics Official at the White House, requesting clarification on White House senior advisor Steve Bannon's compliance with federal ethics laws.
"Earlier this month, we received new information from the Office of Government Ethics indicating that Steven Bannon may have violated President Trump's Executive Order on Ethics and other ethics rules via his communications with Breitbart News Network, and that the ethics waivers provided to Mr. Bannon and others may not appropriately address these matters," wrote the Senators. "Based on this new information, we are writing to you - again - to seek clarification on and understand Mr. Bannon's compliance with Executive Order 13770."

Steve Bannon. Photo by Gage Skidmore/Wikipedia

The Senators initially wrote to Passantino in April, following media reports that Bannon had discussions with his former employer Breitbart News, potentially violating the Ethics Pledge outlined in Executive Order 13770. That request, along with a similar inquiry sent directly to Bannon, went unanswered. The Senators then asked the Office of Government Ethics to provide information on the federal ethics requirements that applied to Bannon's communications with Breitbart.
OGE's response outlined Bannon's ethics obligations, and described a retroactive waiver issued by the White House in May, allowing Bannon and other Executive Office appointees to communicate in some cases with news organizations, as "problematic" and "inconsistent with the very concept of a waiver." It also made clear that the May 31st waiver was "limited," and that Bannon was still barred from communicating with Breitbart regarding "particular matters[s] involving specific parties," indicating that Bannon may still be in violation of Executive Order 13770, said the report from Hirono.
The Senators asked Passantino to provide additional information about the White House waiver, as well as Bannon's prior communications with Breitbart and any recusals he may have made to avoid any conflicts of interest involving his former employer, stated Hirono.

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FORCING THROUGH A BILL TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT had Sen. Brian Schatz planning to stay up all Monday night. He reported, "I will join fellow Democrats in taking to the Senate floor to protest the Republicans’ attempt to force through their bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act."
He declared that "Senate Republicans are rushing toward a vote by the end of the month -- and they’re planning to do it with no hearings, no women, and no Democrats involved.
"There won’t be any opportunity to hear expert testimony or listen to healthcare providers. Instead, a group of 13 Republican men are crafting this bill in secret, without any bipartisan input. Their plan is to move so fast, we can't stop them."

Brian Schatz joined others in seizing the Seanate Floor Monday
night to protest the lack of hearings on the health care bill.

Schatz urged his constituents to confront what he calls "legislative malpractice." He said, "It's time to light up the phones. While Democrats and I are on the floor tonight, please call your senators at (202) 224-3121 and urge them not to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act."

Schatz said that he has "never before heard of a bill that would be jeopardized by people being able to read it. That’s how unpopular and immoral this legislation is. And it’s not hard to see why: this bill cuts Medicaid, eliminates protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, and punishes women -- all to give tax breaks to the rich.
"We have the opportunity to kill this bill, but it will take all of us working our hardest during the next week or two before Senate Republicans call a vote. "The news cycle has been unrelenting lately – but we have a moral obligation to our families, communities and fellow citizens to step up and defend access to health care before it’s too late," Schatz insisted.

Komakakino plays Wednesday night at Kīlauea

Visitor Center Auditorium.

On the Senate floor, Schatz said, that once the Republican bill is posted local people everywhere will notice that "my community health center is going to get shut down....my hospital may no longer exist." He said the simple solution is for three Republicans to join the Democrats in saying "I am not voting for a bill that doesn't get a hearing. Let this thing see the light of day."

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Hawai`i has the highest homeless rate in the U.S. per capita, with a highest percentage among
Hawaiians, Pacific islanders and people escaping the mainland to live in paradise. See story below.

THE HAWAI`I CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION has joined members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in a lawsuit against President Trump to enforce the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The suit deals with gifts or benefits that the President, or other Administration officials, might receive from foreign governments and businesses. The lawsuit would give Congress the authority to vote on, and approve, any foreign emoluments on a case-by-case basis.
“The American people deserve a president who is a servant leader who they can trust to represent the people’s interests, rather than his or her own. Those who voted for President Trump took him at his word - that having accumulated enough of his own personal wealth, he would be solely focused on serving the American people," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“It is paramount that President Trump divest himself from his properties, especially those abroad, so Americans can trust that this Administration’s foreign policy decisions are not being influenced by the President’s investments. We need to be assured, for example, that U.S.-Saudi policy is not being influenced by a Trump resort or other investments in that country, rather it is crafted to serve the best interests of the American people. If President Trump does the right thing by seeking and receiving appropriate congressional approval, stops accepting financial benefits from foreign government officials, and divests himself from his properties, I will withdraw my support from this lawsuit. The people of this country deserve transparency and confidence that the President is acting on their behalf,” she said.

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Dr. Josh Green brings attention to Hawai`i having the highest homeless
rate per capita in the country. He calls it a medical condition and wants
doctors to write prescriptions for housing.

HOMELESSNESS: "No other issue is currently as pressing in Hawai`i," said West Ka`u state Senator Josh Green today. He released a statement on the topic:

Statewide, "We have the highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation with 505 out of every 100,000 residents without housing: a total of about 8,000 people. Here, we have the highest life expectancy in the country, yet the average life expectancy of our homeless individuals is 51. People afflicted with mental illness and addiction suffer on our streets. Families with children live in tent cities under constant threat of upheaval. Unsafe and unsanitary conditions lead to health complications that put over a billion dollar strain on our already limited Medicaid resources. This is a public health crisis. This is a humanitarian crisis. This is an economic crisis.

"Compassionately and effectively tackling the moral, economic, and societal issues that all must be addressed to solve our states homelessness crisis will require innovation, collaboration, and, above all else, determination. As a doctor and as a senator, know that I will continue to seek out new ideas and approaches, and will continue this fight in the legislature,the emergency room, and in our communities."

While most homelessness is in urban O`ahu, remote places are

where homeless people retreat as streets and parks are cleared.

For local residents to view, Green provided links to television specials from PBS and BBC and said they are only "two of the most recent examples of the national and international media covering our homeless epidemic. The nation and the world have taken notice of our struggles and our steadfast efforts to combat them. With their eyes upon us, I am confident that not only can we succeed, but we can also set a shining example for other communities struggling with homelessness. We will continue to tirelessly move forward together with innovation, collaboration, compassion, and, of course, with aloha. We will not rest until we have seen tangible, positive change."
Green advocates to accept homelessness as a medical condition and says providing housing would save taxpayer money at the emergency rooms and hospital wards. He says that doctors should be able to write prescriptions for housing homeless people and that health insurance should cover it.
While his bills are yet to pass the state legislature, he is working with insurance companies to help save them money, he says.
View the BBC's Homeless in Hawai`i and the PBS feature Hawai`i's Homeless.

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A TELEPHONE TOWN HALL MEETING ON HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDENESS, next Monday, June 26 at 4 p.m., will give the public access to talk with Hawai`i Civil Defense manager Talmidge Magno, and statewide Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator Vern Miyagi.

Hurricane Madeline and Lester did little damage but led to opening shelters,
and closing Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, beach parks and other venues in
late August, 2016. Image from NOAA

Civil Defense managers from the other islands and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is sponsoring the meeting, will join and as they answer questions from the community, discuss the forecast for the upcoming hurricane season, and review new recommendations that Hawaiʻi residents prepare an “emergency kit” with a minimum of 14 days of food, water and other supplies. Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30.

“We are so fortunate to live in Hawaiʻi, but we have some seasonal disasters that are unique to our islands, and it’s important to be prepared. With hurricane season kicking off this month and running through November, I’m hosting a telephone town hall meeting with emergency management leaders in each of our counties to talk about how Hawaiʻi families can prepare and stay safe,” said Gabbard.

To receive a reminder call to join this event on Monday June 26 at 4 p.m.: Text "TULSI" to 828282, or go to vekeo.com/reptulsigabbard and enter name, phone number and email and receive a confirmation email. Click "Verify" in the confirmation email in order to complete registration.

To dial in to the call at the time of the event, call 888-476-4187 at 4 p.m. on Monday June 26.

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Coffee farms looked like rice paddies when Iselle flooded
Wood Valley in 2014. Photo by Anne Celeste

CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER predicts a normal to above-normal hurricane season through Nov. 30, predicting five to eight tropical cyclones. This is the first season that Ka`u Regional Gym serves as the area's disaster shelter. The hurricane season outlook includes a possible transition to a weak El Nino and prediction for near-or above-average ocean temperatures in the main hurricane formation region, and near-or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear in that same region. Gerry Bell, PhD., NOAA;s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center, said, "If El Nino develops, it may become strong enough to produce an above-normal season."

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ASTRONOMY ON THE BIG ISLAND makes one discovery after another. One of the latest, through Keck Observatory, was presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society, held in Austin, Texas.
The presenter was Trent Duput, a graduate of the Institute for Astronomy at University of Hawai`i at Manoa. “When we look up and see the stars shining at night, we are seeing only part of the story,” said Dupuy. "Not everything that could be a star ‘makes it,’ and figuring out why this process sometimes fails is just as important as understanding when it succeeds.”
Dupuy, the lead author of the study, and co-author Michael Liu of the University of Hawai`i found that an object must weigh at least 70 times the mass of Jupiter in order to start hydrogen fusion and achieve star-status. If it weighs less, the star does not ignite and becomes a brown dwarf instead.
How did they reach that conclusion? The two studied 31 faint brown dwarf binaries (pairs of these objects that orbit each other) using W. M. Keck Observatory’s Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics system to collect ultra-sharp images of them, and track their orbital motions using high-precision observations.

This animation shows several of the binaries from this study, each orbiting around its center of mass, which is
marked by an x. Colors indicate surface temperatures, from warmest to coolest: gold, red, magenta, or
blue. The background image is a map of the entire sky visible from Hawaii and a silhouette of Maunakea, home
to Keck Observatory and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope where this study was conducted over the past
decade. Each binary is shown roughly where it is located on the night sky. The actual sizes of these orbits
on the sky are very small (about one billionth the area covered by an "x"), but the orbit sizes shown in the animation
are accurate relative to each other. The animation is also in extreme fast-forward, where every one second in
the animation corresponds to approximately two years of real time. Animation by T. Dupuy and K. Teramura, PSISC

“We have been working on this since Keck Observatory’s LGS AO first revolutionized ground-based astronomy a decade ago,” said Dupuy. “Keck is the only observatory that has been doing this consistently for over 10 years. That long-running, high-quality data from the laser system is at the core of this project.”The result of the decade-long observing program is the first large sample of brown dwarf masses.
“It’s the synergy between Keck Observatory and CFHT that really gets us the full power of the results,” said Dupuy.
Their goal was to measure the masses of the objects in these binaries, since mass defines the boundary between stars and brown dwarfs.
The research team also used the Hubble Space Telescope to obtain the extremely sharp images needed to distinguish the light from each object in the pair. However, the price of such zoomed-in, high-resolution images from Hubble and Keck Observatory is that there is no reference frame to identify the center of mass. Wide-field images from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) containing hundreds of stars provided the reference grid needed to measure the center of mass for every binary.
“As they say, good things come to those who wait. While we’ve had many interesting brown dwarf results over the past 10 years, this large sample of masses is the big payoff. These measurements will be fundamental to understanding both brown dwarfs and stars for a very long time,” said Liu.

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Hawaiian Music Concert, Wed, June 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Komakakino share a love of hula, Hawaiian culture and singing traditional mele (songs) in the Hawaiian language. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs has released a major study on the health of Hawaiian men. See story below. Image from OHA

A 4.5 EARTHQUAKE SHOOK KA`U TODAY. The epicenter was northeast of South Point, 23 miles beneath the sea between Loihi Seamount and Ka Lae, southwest of Pahala. The quake was a fit and start, sending some people scurrying to safe places as it started small, stopped for a second and started again, which sometimes means the bigger one is arriving. However, there were few aftershocks and no damage reported.

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THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND, which has helped conserve tens of thousands of acres across the U.S. since 1964, some of it locally, would receive an 84 percent cut in the Trump Administration budget, as proposed by the new U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, in place since 1964, receives $900 million annually from energy companies drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf of the U.S. The purpose is to support National Parks and other federal, state and local conservation efforts with the non-taxpayer funding.
Such funding has helped double the size of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park through the purchase of the Kahuku Unit. It has also funded Ala Kahakai Trail purchases and requests gave been made to dedicate part of the funding toward acquisitions of thousands of acres around the Great Crack, Pohue Bay and Waikapuna in Ka`u.

At Tuesday's Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Sen. Mazie Hirono questioned the Secretary of the Interior, reminding Zinke:

“You said a number of times in response to our questions that this budget is what a balanced budget looks like. Does this budget balance resource extraction with conservation?”

The Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was added with
funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which faces an
83 percent cut in the proposed federal budget. Janice Wei/NPS Photo

Her line of questioning set the stage to bring up the Land and Water Conservation Fund, created over 50 years ago to balance natural resource extraction with conservation of the nation’s land and water resources. In recent years, LWCF has provided critical land acquisition funding for Hawai`i’s Island Forests at Risk proposal. However, the Trump Administration’s fiscal year 2018 budget zeros out all funding for land acquisitions from the LWCF.

“When you were here for confirmation hearings you were a big supporter…of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. That fund is supposed to be a conservation program that is funded by oil drilling revenues and yet this fund is cut by 84 percent,” said Hirono.

“The reason that I’m particularly interested in the strength of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is that it is a very bipartisan-supported fund. Hawai`i has submitted a proposal that obtains funding from the LWCF and our proposal is called Island Forests at Risk. It protects water resources, improves ecosystems, etc. So has your commitment to the LWCF changed? Because this fund is cut by 84 percent in the President’s budget, which you support.”

Since her service began in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hirono has been working to secure federal support for land acquisitions in Hawai`i and has been a strong supporter of federal resources for conservation.
For the first time in FY 2016 the Obama Administration’s budget ranked Island Forests at Risk high enough for the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to acquire lands that protect native forests and watersheds that are essential to the recovery of threatened and endangered species and cultural resource protection. Additional funding for purchasing these parcels was provided in FY 2017. "However, zeroing out funding for land acquisitions in the FY 2018 budget proposal could halt these important conservation efforts," said Hirono.

This non-tax payer funding from oil and gas companies to support conservation
would be cut by 83 percent in the new Trump budget.
Image from Land & Water Conservation Fund Coalition

The Trump Administration’s FY 2018 proposed budget for the Department of the Interior is $11.8 billion, a 12 percent overall cut below funding provided in FY 2017, and the LWCF is not the only conservation program that will take a major hit if the FY 2018 funding levels are approved by Congress. The budget also includes a 13 percent reduction in National Park Service’s budget, a 15 percent reduction in the U.S. Geological Survey’s budget, a 14 percent reduction in U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s budget, and a 22 percent reduction in the Office of Insular Affairs’ budget from FY 2017 levels.

The National Park Service and USGS are important employers in Ka`u.

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`O KA`U KAKOU SCHOLARSHIPS total $4,000 this year, provided to students in higher education. The local volunteer organization has awarded scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, honors and awards and a written essay.

The following are the recipients: Emmett Enriques, who will be attending California Baptist University; Tiare-Lee Shibuya, attending the University of Hawai`i; Evan Enriques, attending Stanford University; Rochelle Koi, attending the University of Hawai`i; Addison Enriques, attending Concordia University Irvine; Kamrie Koi, attending the University of Hawaii; Avery Enriques, attending Grand Canyon University; and Chloe Gan, attending California State Polytechnic University.

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A 137-FOOT TALL STEEL LATTICE RADIO TOWER WITH A MICROWAVE DISH and two, two-way radio antennas and related structures, are proposed for 2,178 square feet of land in Ocean View, also the location of the fire station. The address is 92-6091 Orchid Circle Mauka at the intersection with Ocean View Parkway. The County's Department of Public Works is asking for the permit from the Windward Planning Commission. The request is on the agenda for 9 a.m. at the commission meeting on Thursday, July 6 at the Aupuni Center Conference room on Pauahi Street in Hilo. Testimony can be given and the meeting accessed locally from the interactive video communication site at the Old Na`alehu Courthouse.

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The well-being of Hawaiian kāne is a new 45-page report. See http://www.oha.org/kanehealth.

TRANSFORMING THE HEALTH OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN MEN - Kānehōʻālani is a new publication by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The 45-page report on the well-being of Hawaiian kāne builds upon the E Ola Mau study, developed by a group of scholars in the mid-1980s, which led to the passage of the federal Native Hawaiian Health Act.
Kānehōʻālani is grounded in data gleaned from various state departments, federal survey systems, among other sources. However, what sets Kānehōʻālani’s apart from previous research is its wide-ranging scope and cultural emphasis. The report tracks health across an individual’s lifespan from, keiki to kupuna, while also examining how many different factors impact health, such as education, occupation, incarceration and housing – collectively referred to as the social determinants of health. The report also underscores the important role of males in traditional Hawaiian customs, which may
offer a cultural road map to improve health outcomes. OHA is developing a similar report on the health of Native Hawaiian women, slated for release in May 2018, which coincides with Women’s Health Month.
To view Kānehōʻālani: Transforming the Health of Native Hawaiian Men, visit http://www.oha.org/kanehealth.

Of the 1,360,301 State population, 289,970 (21.3%) were Native Hawaiians, with nearly one-fifth, 18.9% lived in
Hawai‘i County,Of the 289,970 Native Hawaiians in Hawai‘i, 145,849 or 50.3% were kāne, with a median age 26.3 years. The median age for the 681,243 State males was 37.2 years. ∫ In 2010, there were 527,077 Native Hawaiians in the United
States: 45% living in the Continental U.S. and 55% in Hawai‘i.

Kamana‘opono Crabbe, OHA Ka Pouhana/Chief Executive Officer, said that "The Kanehoalani Native Hawaiian Men’s Health Report is the first ever focus on Hawaiian men’s health that looks at compiling medical, health, chronic diseases, behavioral health, some of the more socio-economic challenges, but also taking a look from a cultural lens to paint a clearer picture of Native Hawaiian men’s health issues among our kāne."

Kamana`opono Crab, OHA Ka Pouhana/Chief Executive Officer.
Photo from OHA

He said that "OHA’s role was really to accumulate the data from Department of Health. They release the results to the public but they don’t disaggregate it, they don’t break it down by ethnic group or gender so we had to do that. It was a multiyear process to get that information and once we were able to obtain the data files we were able to distill it down into our own analysis. So the reason why that’s important is so we can provide it back to the community for those who want to pursue grants, projects or programs focusing on Native Hawaiian men’s health."
Michael Broderick, former family court judge and current President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Honolulu said, "I think there are a lot of people in Hawaiʻi who are in denial about the numbers, and about the data, and about the disproportionate impact that the justice system has on Native Hawaiians. This report verifies what a number of people thought for many years, but now we know for sure, for example, that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented in prison.

The study analyzes state Department of Health statistics about
the health of Hawaiian Men. Graph from OHA

"I think from a judge perspective… Judges, I think, often have unconscious biases. And it’s unconscious so that means they’re not aware of it, which I think contributes to the disproportionate number of Hawaiians in prison and I think a report like this will get the attention of the criminal justice system so they can then be introspective about changes they might make personally and systematically to address the issue."

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Weave a Small Decorative Fish, Fri, June 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants use nui (coconut fronds). Free.

Stained Glass II: Panel Lamp, Sat – Sun, June 24 – July 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Claudia McCall teaches students how to create their own stained glass table lamp. $150/$135 VAC members; $15 supply fee. 967-8222

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship (He Pilina Wehena ‘Ole), Sat, June 24, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change & subsequent restoration can be observed. Free. nps.gov/havo

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Ship and submarine repairing and building for the military could become a much bigger industry in Hawai`i,
if plans to increase the U.S. military fleet from 305 to 355 go through, says Sen. Mazie Hirono, who
advises to balance military and domestic needs. See story below.
Photo from Ship Repair Association of Hawai`i

THE MUSIC PROGRAM AT THE VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES has received an outpouring of aloha and generous support of Volcano community members and businesses, following the theft of instruments and sound equipment in May.
In addition to many donations of instruments, community members gave nearly $6,000 to the music program. The Volcano Winery, in partnership with Grand to Grand Ultra, gifted the school with a check for $1,500 for the purchase of new instruments and sound equipment. The Volcano Art Center also donated $1,000 for the school’s music program.

Nearly $6,000 has been raised to support the music program at
Volcano School of Arts & Sciences following theft of
music instruments. Photo from Volcano School

Music and the arts are not just extra-curricular at Volcano School. They "are an important part of the learning process through arts integration and creative expression," said a statement from the school.
"Students and staff are deeply appreciative of the tremendous generosity of The Volcano Winery, Grand to Grand Ultra, the Volcano Art Center, and the many individuals who donated instruments, equipment, and money to support the music program. Students and staff express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible community support that provided a very happy outcome to an unfortunate incident."

Volcano School is a PreK-8 public charter school. Call 808-985-9800 to inquire about enrollment for the 2017-2018 school-year. Visit www.volcanoschool.net to learn more about the school. Save the date.
The Volcano Winery will sponsor the Harvest Festival fundraiser for Volcano School again on Sept. 10. Tickets go on sale soon.

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THE U.S. SENATE HEALTH CARE proposal, released on Thursday, drew quick response from Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. Among Hirono's tweets:

"#Trumpcare would hurt Americans living with illnesses like #kidneycancer. As @POTUS says, that's mean. #kidneycancerday. Breakthroughs in research wouldn't be able to exist w/out an + in funding. We must ensure programs get backing to get off the ground."

Hirono also tweeted, "In Hawai`i, we have a word for what Senate Republicans are doing with #Trumpcare. It's shibai- or as it's more widely known, B.S. #Trumpcare guts Medicaid and eliminates Medicaid expansion, depriving millions of Americans access to this critical program. Millions of people in this country are very concerned about what this bill does."#msactivist @maziehirono."
Another Hirono tweet, "To Americans living with serious and chronic diseases, #Trumpcare sends a simple message: you're on your own."

Schatz said he read the bill right after it came out Thursday morning and went on CNN. He said that the Senate health bill isn't "less mean" than the House bill, which Trump called "Mean." Schaz said that the Senate bill drafted by a few Republican senators behind closed doors, "actually went totally in the opposite direction. They cut Medicaid really deeply. They basically change the nature of the Medicaid program and make massive cuts....specifically for the purpose of giving a tax cut of about $800 billion dollars to the wealthiest Americans. There is no reason to make a wealth transfer from regular people to rich people but this is what they are are doing in this bill."

Schatz told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that Democrats are willing to work in a bipartisan process to improve the existing Affordable Care Act.

Schatz tweeted: "Forgot to mention that the tax on tanning salons is repealed in the Senate bill. Sigh;" and "Hey Republicans don't listen to me. But ignore AARP at your peril." He referred to the AARP, which Thursday, called on the Senate to reject the health bill. Also calling for rejection was the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and many other health professional organizations.

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An AARP image for citizens standing for health care.
Image from AARP

AARP RESPONDED TO THE HEALTH CARE BILL released Thursday by the U.S. Senate.
Wrote AARP: "This new Senate bill was crafted in secrecy behind closed doors without a single hearing or open debate—and it shows. The Senate bill would hit millions of Americans with higher costs and result in less coverage for them. AARP is adamantly opposed to the Age Tax, which would allow insurance companies to charge older Americans five times more for coverage than everyone else while reducing tax credits that help make insurance more affordable.
“AARP is also deeply concerned that the Senate bill cuts Medicaid funding that would strip health coverage from millions of low-income and vulnerable Americans who depend on the coverage, including 17 million poor seniors and children and adults with disabilities. The proposed Medicaid cuts would leave millions, including our most vulnerable seniors, at risk of losing the care they need and erode seniors’ ability to live in their homes and communities.
“The Senate bill also cuts funding for Medicare which weakens the programs ability to pay benefits and leaves the door wide open to benefit cuts and Medicare vouchers. AARP has long opposed proposals that cut benefits or weaken Medicare.
“As we did with all 435 Members of the House of Representatives, AARP will also hold all 100 Senators accountable for their votes on this harmful health care bill. Our members care deeply about their health care and have told us repeatedly that they want to know where their elected officials stand. We strongly urge the Senate to reject this bill.”

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO WILL UNDERGO SURGERY next week and announced Thursday that her Stage Four cancer for which one of her kidney's was recently removed, is less aggressive than originally thought, enabling surgeons to remove part of her seventh rib which also has a tumor. "The Senator expects a full recovery," said a statement from her office.

Sen. Mazie Hirono points to Pres. Donald Trump calling the Republican
health care proposals "Mean." Photo from Office of Mazie Hirono

In an interview with KITV newswoman Paula Akana, the broadcaster asked Hirono, "The cancer was found during a routine physical in preparation for eye surgery. It showed up on an x-ray. This with a 69-year-old woman who was last hospitalized when she was 17. Did you, when you look back now, have any kind of symptoms?"

Hirono replied, "Yes, I did, but I ignored them. I have a tumor on my seventh rib, and for a while I felt this weird kind of a tightness sensation, a bit of pain. I just thought it was a muscle spasm or something and I ignored it. I’m just glad that my cancer was caught early enough because if it weren't for that exam that I mentioned to you I’d still be walking around thinking everything was fine when everything wasn't fine."

Akana commented on Hirono's energy and work ethic. "Don't expect it to slow her down. It was hard to keep up with the Senator as she walked the capitol going from conference calls to chambers to news conferences. The Energizer Bunny clearly loves what she does. And she isn’t retiring anytime soon."

Said Hirono: "There's work to do. I’ve been privileged to do what I do for over 30 years and I believe that there is justice. So it keeps me going and I have work to do."

Akana reported that top on Hirono's list is immigration reform and health care. "Hirono says her experience has now made health care a personal battle."
Said Hirono: "I just thought that major health issues happen to other people but this really taught me one thing: it can happen to any one of us. All of us- one diagnosis from a major illness. So as we sit here debating health care, it’s even more important that people have the health care that they need."
The surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday at Georgetown University Hospital. Hirono will be hospitalized for a day or two, and said will be back at work as soon as possible.

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26 retweets25 likesSenator Mazie Hirono added,

Pearl Harbor Shipyard and other repair and maintenance facilities would
become more important and expand to handle an increase from 308 to 355
military ships proposed by the new federal administration.

BALANCING MILITARY INVESTMENT WITH DOMESTIC PROGRAMS is important, said Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee. She said on Wednesday that she has heard from Navy leadership on the Navy’s shipbuilding plan and operational needs, including the goal of increasing submarines and major surface combatant force levels from the previously projected need of 308 ships to 355. "While investments in our national security are essential, Senator Hirono reminded her colleagues of the need to balance military investments with critical domestic programs," said a statement from her office.

“We all learned a lesson in 2013 when sequester was allowed to take effect—in fact, some in our industrial base are still working through the aftermath of that fiasco,” said Hirono. “Yet here we are, six years later, living under the caps, and in fear of sequestration. Funding for critical programs, both defense and non-defense, is not an either or proposition. We cannot enact the priorities and programs discussed today until we lift the caps and eliminate the fear of sequester.”

Hawai`i shipyards are strategically placed to build and make repairs
for the Pacific Fleet.

Under current policy, the Navy plans to base 60 percent of its ships in the Asia-Pacific region. The new total of 355 ships would equate to an estimated increase of about 28 ships in the region. These additional ships would require increases in the number of sailors, infrastructure, and the capacity of shipyards. Meeting these needs would require new job-creating investments in Hawai`i, including to support Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, which continues to play a vital role in keeping the Pacific fleet ready for action, said the Hirono statement.

As part of Hirono’s concern about protecting Hawai`i, Alaska and the continental U.S. from long-range missiles, she also asked questions about the ship radar tested Air and Missile Defense Radar. This radar has been tested at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai.

This hearing was one of a series of committee hearings to consider the Fiscal Year 2018 defense budget request and drafting of the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that sets Department of Defense funding levels and policy each year.

Weave a Small Decorative Fish, Fri, June 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants use nui (coconut fronds). Free.

Stained Glass II: Panel Lamp, Sat – Sun, June 24 – July 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Claudia McCall teaches students how to create their own stained glass table lamp. $150/$135 VAC members; $15 supply fee. 967-8222

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship (He Pilina Wehena ‘Ole), Sat, June 24, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change & subsequent restoration can be observed. Free. nps.gov/havo

www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, June 3, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 4, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 5, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, June 8, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, June 9, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, June 20, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 11, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 12, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, June 15, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, June 16, 2017

Ka`u Calendar Saturday June 17, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 18, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 19, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, June 22, 2017