Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, November 22, 2017

This overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular visitor destinations on Hawai`i island with arrivals increasing. The state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism reported on Wednesday that the number of scheduled airline seats into Hawai`i will rise by 8.5 percent and the number of interisland flights will increase by 20 percent next year. NPS Photo

A STABLE AND GROWING ECONOMY is what the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism predicted on Wednesday, noting that unemployment, at 2.2 percent, has been the lowest of any state in the country.
     In its Statistical and Economic Report for the fourth quarter of 2017, DEBEDT predicted economic growth around 1. 5 percent per year. It pointed to thriving tourism, with an 8.5 percent increase in scheduled airline seats coming into Hawai`i and an increase in neighbor island flights of more than 20 percent in 2018.  DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria said Hawai`i could receive more than 9.5 million visitors in 2018.

Luis Salaveria, Director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, reports strong growth in tourism. Photo by Wayne Yohioka/Hawai`i Public Radio

      The report concluded that tourism is growing faster than expected, with the number of arrivals through September 2017 increasing 4.9 percent over the same period last year and visitor spending increasing 7.1 percent. "In terms of visitor arrivals, it is on track towards another record level of visitors this year," said the report.
     DBEDT's report also addressed labor: "The labor market condition in Hawai`i has been one of the best in the nation in the last few years. In October 2017, unemployment rate registered a record low rate of 2.2 percent, seasonally adjusted rate, and was the lowest rate in the nation for October. Year-to-date, Hawaii`’s unemployment rate ranked the third lowest in terms of seasonally adjusted rate and ranked the lowest in terms of not seasonally adjusted rate.
     "Through October, the state gained 7,800 additional payroll jobs as compared with the same period last year. The increase in jobs mostly occurred in tourism-related industries. Retail trade and food services each added 2,500 jobs during the first 10 months, and accommodations added 1,100 hotel jobs, however, there are a few industries which lost jobs. Wholesale trade lost 600 jobs, financial activities and government sectors each lost 500 jobs, manufacturing and construction each lost 400 jobs during the first 10 months of the year.
     "There were 12,850 people looking for jobs in October, the lowest level since January 2007. During the first 10 months of 2017, average labor force and employment reached historic record high levels."

      See the entire report at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/qser.

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AN EXHIBIT RECOUNTING INTERNMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS AT KMC during World War II was dedicated Wednesday. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono joined Superintendent of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Cindy Orlando to open the new exhibit. More than 100 Japanese Americans were imprisoned at Kilauea Millitary Camp – the largest incarceration site in Hawai`i outside of O`ahu.

HVNP Superintendent Cindy Orlando with Sen. Mazie Hirono and other officials at the KMC dedication of the exhibit on Japanese American detention. Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

     Hirono said, "The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was based on discrimination and racism, and when our country goes down this path, the outcome is never good. At a time when the President and his allies have escalated their rhetoric against Muslims and other racial and ethnic minorities, exhibits like this provide a necessary reminder of the consequences of hatred and division.I commend the National Park Service for creating this new exhibit, and encourage future park visitors to take the opportunity to learn about this dark chapter in American history."

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HAWAI`I IS THE ONLY STATE WITH A 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY GOAL. Toward that end, on Tuesday, Hawaiian Electric Co. announced a new partnership with University of Hawai`i.
     The project is a test case for institutions that aim for net-zero energy. A joint statement from HECO and U.H. says the proposal is to establish a "green tariff" to encourage renewable energy generation, improve grid capacity for renewables and lower energy costs and would need approval from the Public Utilities Commission. The aim is to also reduce the cost of energy to consumers. Projects would be put out to bid.
     "Working collaboratively to reduce both our dependence on fossil fuels and our utility bills is an essential part of fulfilling our leadership responsibility and commitment to the future of our students, our university and Hawaii," said UH President David Lassner.
     HECO President Alan Oshima said, "The University of Hawai`i is a leading institution in our state and one of our largest customers. Our continuing collaboration over many years has benefited our community. This latest initiative will help the university, our community, and our customers as we strive for our common clean energy goals."
     Already established means of achieving energy efficiency, rooftop solar and demand response grid services will also be supported, according to the statement. An existing law bill requires all UH campuses to achieve the net-zero goal by Jan. 1, 2035.

Volcalist Jeannine Guillory will offer Christmas music in Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel and other traditions on Saturday, Dec. 9.

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A PRE CHRISTMAS JAZZ IN THE FOREST has been announced. It will come to Volcano Art Center campus on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. New arrangements of traditional carols will be presented in Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel, Salsa, along with romantic and operatic versions by Jeannine and The Jazztones. The group consists of Jeannine Guillory, Pierre Thoma on saxes and flute, Loren Wilken on piano, Matt Spencer on bass and Steve Bader on drums.
      The dance floor will be open to move and swing.
Food and drink will be available.

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See public Ka‘ū events for November including  monthly meetings . See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation,  daily and weekly community events. Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar,  free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i  through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com.

A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER is hosted at the Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main hall. The dinner is open to all and boasts a full turkey dinner with "all the fixings." For more details, call 939-7033 or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.