 |
| As a prelude to Hawai`i International Music Festival's engagement in Pahala this Saturday, violinist Eric Silberger played this week at various locations in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Carlin Ma |
SEVERAL HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYORAL candidates on Saturday's primary election ballot responded to questions posed by Big Island Now. Regarding the future of energy on Hawai`i Island, Big Island Now asked, “What is your opinion regarding the proposed NextEra merger with Hawai`i Electric Company? Do you support efforts to halt that process in favor of a public-owned (co-op) utility model?”
 |
| Paul Bryant |
 |
| Alvin Akina, Jr. |
Alvin Akina, Jr.: “Against Merger, Public Co-op.”
Paul Bryant: “There’s no doubt they won’t go away quietly, but I personally think its past time for our county to run its own energy programme. There are thousands of small and large counties throughout the mainland who do this, and we can too. A public-owned energy provider is the way to go.”
Marlene Hapai: “The NextEra merger with HECO has already been dissolved with NextEra also pulling out of other projects with HEI. It is time to consider what is doable on an island this size with much open space between communities. I saw the benefit of the one large service provider during Tropical Storm Iselle when the local branch was able to call in additional help as needed.
Marlene Hapai: “The NextEra merger with HECO has already been dissolved with NextEra also pulling out of other projects with HEI. It is time to consider what is doable on an island this size with much open space between communities. I saw the benefit of the one large service provider during Tropical Storm Iselle when the local branch was able to call in additional help as needed.
 |
| Marlene Hapai |
 |
| Pete Hoffmann |
“Should an effort be made to move forward with a public-owned utility model, I see the need for each independent co-op or ‘energy pod’ to have cooperative agreements to help one another in times of emergency and to be able to do this to invest in compatible technology from the onset. I will support what is best for the County of Hawai`i.”
Pete Hoffmann: “I have always been opposed to this merger and I’m glad to see the PUC and the Governor disapproved it.”
Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a: “The Nextera Merger is in the hands of the State of Hawai`i. I think a Co-op would be like the Island of Kaua`i possible, but not realistic. I think HELCO will have a cash flow problem, if Hawai`i (has) a wind or storm damage all the same time on O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i.”
 |
| Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a |
 |
| Harry Kim |
Harry Kim: “As it is now known, this is a mute question as the PUC wisely rejected the merger. My support would be to organize a knowledgeable working group with only one mission: to review and recommend the best alternative to meet the long-term power needs of this State.”
Wally Lau: “One significant problem with the NextEra proposal was the lack of concrete demonstrated savings for ratepayers. Any proposal, whether a new suitor for HEI or a co-op model, must consider two critical factors: guaranteed significantly lower rates for consumers, and a course that embraces a 100 percent renewable energy future. It must also be dependable.”
 |
| Wally Lau |
 |
| Helen Luta |
Shannon McCandless: “Living in the most secluded place on earth, surrounded by ocean, I do believe that a public-owned utility is more conducive to building a collaborative process in our communities, and better for our local economy. A co-op helps to create local jobs at all levels, gives our children more access to educational opportunities, helps to diversify local knowledge, expertise, and is more cost effective for customers.”
 |
| Shannon McCandless |
See answers to more questions at bigislandnow.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will conduct flight plans this month to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and maintain backcountry facilities.
On Aug. 11, 22, 25 and 29 between 6 a.m. and noon, flights will shuttle crew, camp supplies, fencing material and equipment to `Ola`a Tract.
On Aug. 15 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., aircraft will shuttle crew and supplies for vegetation monitoring in the East Rift Zone, east of Napau Crater.
Ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 2,500- and 7,000-feet elevation is scheduled on Aug. 23 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.
In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
On Aug. 11, 22, 25 and 29 between 6 a.m. and noon, flights will shuttle crew, camp supplies, fencing material and equipment to `Ola`a Tract.
On Aug. 15 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., aircraft will shuttle crew and supplies for vegetation monitoring in the East Rift Zone, east of Napau Crater.
Ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 2,500- and 7,000-feet elevation is scheduled on Aug. 23 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.
In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
 |
| Hawai`i State Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong, center, asks residents to be aware of people impersonating Sheriffs' Department personnel. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Safety |
RECENT SHERIFF IMPERSONATOR scam incidents have prompted the Hawai`i Sheriff Division to reminder residents that persons claiming to be from the Sheriff Department or Sheriffs’ Office are calling Hawai`i residents to say they are wanted on a warrant for failing to show up for jury duty. The alleged scammer is offering to clear the warrant in exchange for payment by phone.
In three recent cases, the individuals received calls from people who identified themselves as captains or lieutenants with the sheriffs. All of the scammers in these reports had what was described as a southern drawl or accent. After mentioning that the individual had a warrant for failure to show up for jury duty, the caller then asked for money and told the individuals to go to District Court and meet with the sheriffs to clear the warrant. In two of the cases, the individuals figured out it was a scam before giving any money over the phone and immediately notified the Hawai`i State Sheriffs. A third report resulted in a Theft II case being opened.
The public is reminded that sheriffs do not call people about warrants having to do with jury duty. They will never ask for personal information or solicit payment over the phone. Hawai`i residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency or the courts.
“This is a nationwide scam that started affecting Hawai`i residents in early 2014,” said Hawai`i state Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong. “The calls appear to be random. The victims are usually scammed to pay money. We urge people to share this alert with your family and friends so they don’t become the next victim.”
Anyone receiving a call matching this scam should alert the Sheriff Division at 808-586-1352.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
The public is reminded that sheriffs do not call people about warrants having to do with jury duty. They will never ask for personal information or solicit payment over the phone. Hawai`i residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency or the courts.
“This is a nationwide scam that started affecting Hawai`i residents in early 2014,” said Hawai`i state Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong. “The calls appear to be random. The victims are usually scammed to pay money. We urge people to share this alert with your family and friends so they don’t become the next victim.”
Anyone receiving a call matching this scam should alert the Sheriff Division at 808-586-1352.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
 |
| New American citizens to their pledge yesterday. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Office |
U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY welcomed 77 new American citizens from 26 countries during a naturalization ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium on the grounds of Honolulu Hale. U.S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Hawai`i Robert Faris presided over the proceedings.
Addressing the new citizens shortly after they took their oath, Hirono called on them to play an active role in shaping their new homeland.
“Unlike those who were born here and become citizens automatically, you chose to become a United States citizen,” Hirono said. “You came to this country leaving everything that was familiar to you, good or bad, behind to come to this country with the hope that you could create a better life for you, your loved ones and your family. Tell your stories. Tell people where you come from, what you have gone through, because that’s how we learn from each other. That’s how we learn to appreciate the diversity that is our country, the diversity that we celebrate in Hawai`i.”
Applicants participating in the ceremony ranged from 18-year old Sharon Sui Yan So, of Hong Kong, to 76-year-old Ansuyaben Metha, of India, and came from countries including the Philippines, Brazil, China, Mexico, Pakistan, South Korea and Switzerland.
Hirono is the only immigrant serving in the U.S. Senate.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
“Unlike those who were born here and become citizens automatically, you chose to become a United States citizen,” Hirono said. “You came to this country leaving everything that was familiar to you, good or bad, behind to come to this country with the hope that you could create a better life for you, your loved ones and your family. Tell your stories. Tell people where you come from, what you have gone through, because that’s how we learn from each other. That’s how we learn to appreciate the diversity that is our country, the diversity that we celebrate in Hawai`i.”
Applicants participating in the ceremony ranged from 18-year old Sharon Sui Yan So, of Hong Kong, to 76-year-old Ansuyaben Metha, of India, and came from countries including the Philippines, Brazil, China, Mexico, Pakistan, South Korea and Switzerland.
Hirono is the only immigrant serving in the U.S. Senate.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
 |
| Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and more musicians perform in Pahala this Saturday. |
PRIORITY SEATING AT HAWAI`I International Music Festival’s engagement at Pahala Plantation House Saturday at 6 p.m. is available by purchasing tickets in advance.
Tickets for the fundraiser to help Hawai`i Public Radio improve Ka`u reception are $25 and may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for early walk-in voting. Hours are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Aupuni Center in Hilo, West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona and Waimea Community Cente are open until 4 p.m.
Primary Election Day is Saturday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School Cafeteria in Pahala, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.
For more election information, call 961-8277.
Primary Election Day is Saturday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School Cafeteria in Pahala, Na`alehu Elementary School, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.
For more election information, call 961-8277.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
 |
| Click on document to enlarge. |
 |
| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf. |
 |
| See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf. |
