Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016

    A bill to require developers to obtain a county permit for any large solar farms in non-conforming subdivisions failed to “pass through” conference committee on the last hearing day of the 2016 legislative session. Creagan said that he would promote the bill next year, with support of other legislators. Although the bill would not stop the 6.75 megawatt project planned for three subdivisions in Ocean View, it would stop similar projects in the future.
      Creagan raised the topic of private overnight campgrounds on agricultural land. Day camps are currently an authorized use on ag land. Campgrounds are usable year round in Hawai`i, given the mild climate, but federal State, and County campgrounds are often full. Residents raised the squatter problem that is growing in Ocean View, and Creagan explained that the campsites would not be a permanent solution for homelessness. When a resident asked if campsites would open a proverbial “can of worms,” Creagan replied, “the can of worms is open,” but acknowledged that perhaps Ocean View’s one-acre lots might be too small.
      Asked how the state Department of Transportation plans to deal with flooding of Hwy 11 at Kawa Flats, between Na’alehu and Pahala, Creagan stated that the highway department has seemed to lack the will to address it. A raised highway was engineered and planned years ago, but the project stalled.

     When Hwy 11 floods, the the old sugar cane haul road that goes through the mountains mauka of Hwy 11 is considered the alternate route with its many gulches that flood. It is often unusable and dangerous. However, improving the upper road and its small bridges might be less expensive than modifying the state highway. Creagan agreed that it was ironic that an $18 million storm shelter should be built in Pahala, but the road to reach it from most of Ka`u is unusable in a storm. The upper road could be improved not only for emergencies but to serve the farms and ranches there.
      When residents raised the topic of schools and education, Creagan said he supports teaching agriculture in schools.
      He also acknowledged that there are more private schools per population in Hawai’i than in any other state, and that state schools need more funding. One question asked is why is so much money spent on air-conditioning and so little on training and hiring teachers?
     Mike DuBois raised the pressing problem of crime in Ocean View where several businesses and homes have been the victims of robbery and vandalism.

Mike Dubois has worked with many Ocean View residents to collect  and haul away junk cars, including Robin and David Baglow who offered a staging area.

     “We have a lot of repeat criminals,” explained DuBois, “I’d like a system that lets us residents know where they are living, like the system for sex offenders. We have a person who has committed six crimes and was caught committing the seventh. He is living in a shack under very poor conditions. He should be brought to justice, but the police are not effective in policing our area.”
      The growing number of junk cars on private properties is an escalating problem in Ocean View, residents told Creagan. “They make a statement that anything goes in Ocean View,” said a resident. The cars leak hazardous materials, attract rodents, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and could kill children who play in them and may become trapped. Residents said that state laws need to be stricter. The county sets the limit at two cars per home, where the state allows 25 inoperable vehicles per home. One resident estimated that about 40 to 50 cars are abandoned along the sides of the roads in Ocean View. Dubois, who has led campaigns to haul away junk vehicles in the past, said that it costs about $350 per vehicle to transport and turn it in to the county in Kona or Hilo.
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EDMUND C. OLSON IS CONSERVER OF THE YEAR. Olson, who owns more than 8,000 acres in Ka`u, was recently recognized as by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust "for his generous contributions to land conservation through out the state." Describing Olson, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust stated, "A great leader and friend to land conservation in Hawai‘i, Mr. Olson’s generosity and foresight have made a tremendous impact on protecting our environment and revitalizing local agriculture. His passion for conservation and commitment to Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry is demonstrated through numerous conservation land acquisitions, conservation easements, and agricultural enterprises he has led over the past several years."

Ed Olson at a Pahala Christmas Parade. He was recently honored for  helping to conserve land throughout the state, including ag and  coastal lands in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

      In agriculture, through Hawaiian Island Lands Trust, Olson  donated. in 2010, a conservation easement for agriculture on more than 900 acres of his pasturelands, mauka of the old cane haul road between Na`alehu and Pahala, adjacent to the Ka`u Forest Reserve.
    Olson founded the Ka`u Coffee Mill and planted coffee along Hwy 11 in Pahala to show off where the famous Ka`u Coffee is grown. He upgraded  old sugar plantation water lines for irrigation in diversified farming for his own coffee and macadamia as well as diversified crops on land leased to local farmers. He is also working on a hydroelectric plant at Keaiwa, above Wood Valley Road, which will be used for electricity for ag enterprises. Olson is one of the largest macadamia tree growers and macadamia nut processors in the state.
     In Ka`u, Olson helped with the conservation of the Ka`u Coast at Honu`apo, Kawa and lands between Kawa and Punalu`u by putting up money and holding the lands for sale on the real estate market until the community could raise funds to buy it and place it in the public trust.
     He also established public trails to forestlands through his property for hunting, hiking and Hawaiian cultural activiteis. He has welcomed stewardship by Hawaiian families for religious sites at Makanau and for a hula heiau on his lands.
     Olson works with multiple land preservation organizations, including Hawai`i Islands Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land. 

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NA` LEO MANU - KENNETH MAKUAKANE, TONIGHT at Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium, 6:30 - 8 p.m. The free event showcases the melodies of multiple award-winning artist Kenneth Makuakāne. His accolades include 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and six Big Island Music Awards. A prolific songwriter, Makuakane’s compositions have been recorded by artists such as the Brothers Cazimero, Nā Leo Pilimehana and many more. Park entrance fees apply.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp through the holidays.

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