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| Ranchers and farmers of Kaʻū sent in testimony to support state House Bill 2115, which calls for the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to operate Agricultural Workforce Development in public schools. Above is Aikane Plantation which raises cattle, horses and coffee, operated by Merle and Phil Becker. Phil is President of Kaʻū Farm Bureau, and sent in supportive testimony. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Festival |
TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS is a bill in the Hawaiʻi Legislature and it goes to public hearing on Thursday. House Bill 2115 would appropriate funds to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the operation of the K-l2 Agriculture Workforce Development Pipeline Initiative.
The bill was approved by the House Committee on Education and is headed for the Finance Committee. The hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the State Capitol. See testimony on the bill already posted.
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| The average age of farmers in Hawaiʻi, like Merle and Phil Becker, is over 60. Ranchers and coffee growers are calling for more training of young people. Photo from Aikane Plantation |
Phil Becker, of Aikane Plantation between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu, is a Kaʻū Coffee farmer, rancher, and President of the Kaʻū Farm Bureau. He wrote that the average age of commercial farmers in Hawaiʻi is over 60. "We need a new generation of farmers and ranchers equipped to assume the task of growing crops and livestock. This is critical to achieving Hawaiʻi's goal of increased self-sufficiency and sustainability."
President of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Randy Cabral, who owns a ranch here and retired from macadamia management in Kaʻū, pointed to the work of former state Chair of Agriculture, Russell Kokubun. Kokubun, who has farmed in Volcano, met with farmers, ranchers, educators, and other stakeholders. Cabral named the top theme of Kokubon's Hawaiʻi Agriculture Skill Panel Report as "increasing youth education and training." Cabral called the bill "an important step toward the future of agriculture in Hawaiʻi." Scott Enright, Chair of the state Department of Agriculture, wrote supportive testimony and noted that the average age of farmers in Hawaiʻi is 63 year of age.
Corey Rosenlee, President of the state teachers union wrote, "We need to restore the balance in our public educational system in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi's Career and Technical Education programs need to be expanded to provide greater opportunity to prepare young people to design their own futures." She
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| School gardens are seasonal on Kaʻū canoyses, like this one for taro planting at Nāʻālehu in 2014. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
John Cross who has managed agricultural start-ups in Kaʻū and local rancher Michelle Galimba also submitted testimony supporting the bill.
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Oʻahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Maui County Farm Bureau, Kona Chapter Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Beyond Organic Consulting Inc., Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Farm Apprentice Mentoring Program, and numerous concerned individuals, support the measure.
To submit testimony, go to the Hawaiʻi Legislature portal.
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HI-SEAS SPACE TRAVEL SIMULATION, which began last week, has been postponed following minor injury to a crew member who spent several hours at Hilo Medical Center. According to University of Hawaiʻi, the dome at 8,300 feet on Mauna Loa will be inspected, and any repairs made, before the eight-month long isolation of crew members to simulate life on Mars and traveling in space will resume. See more on the HI-SEAS experiment on the Feb. 16 Kaʻū News Briefs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| The HI-SEAS space travel experiment is expected to resume on Mauna Loa. Photo from HI-SEAS |
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AN ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN was released Tuesday by Gov. David Ige and Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hara, Deputy Adjutant General of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense. The plan was initiated by the governor's Executive Order, following the mistaken nuclear missile alert that put people in fear from Kaʻū to Niʻiahu on Saturday, Jan. 13. The forward to the report says the false alert "confused, angered, and panicked the public." The 38-minute delay in sending out the retraction "severely degraded the public's trust of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Administration and the systems used to notify the public of impending dangers."
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| Read the report on the false nuclear missile alert and plan for improvement to deal with all hazards. |
According to Ige, the Action Plan reviews current emergency response systems, including notifications and warnings, and makes recommendations for improvement. "We are moving forward with a strategic vision that enables emergency managers in Hawaiʻi to identify gaps and vulnerabilities for handling all hazards. I’ll be asking the Legislature for more than $2 million right now to build capacity. It’s all about the safety and security of the people of Hawaiʻi," said the governor.
Hara called the plan "a roadmap for emergency management planners. It could be used as a guide to help reshape how emergency management is organized and how resources are prioritized and allocated to respond to any hazard efficiently and effectively."
A statement from the governor's office says the report focuses on: preparations for any disaster, not only ballistic missile threats; identifies the need to prepare a Strategic Plan for Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and update the All Hazards Catastrophic Plan to include a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Annex; recommends including all emergency management stakeholders in the planning process to address gaps and vulnerabilities that exist today; and confirms and agrees with findings from the recent investigative report.
The statement notes that "a complete comprehensive annex or plan to address the Ballistic Missile Preparedness threats had not been fully developed prior to commencement of missile alert siren testing and internal missile alert drills, nor had a risk assessment been conducted." It says that there is "a misconception that Gov. Ige and other elected officials are primarily responsible for timely warning and notification. The responsibility to identify requirements for the existing alert system and rapid notification remained with HI-EMA."
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| The many communities involved in emergency preparedness are shown in the new All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan. |
The report says that the "State Warning Point's established Ballistic Missile Alert Checklist did not have a step to notify the HI-EMA Public Information Officer. The missing key step to notify the PIO contributed to the delay in rapidly informing the media and public." The investigative report also states that, "Observations point to the improper management of HI-EMA. HI-EMA senior leadership lacked awareness of personnel issues within the SWP."
The plan recommends the following: Conduct comprehensive review and assessment of organizational roles and performance; make needed improvements in technological capabilities; enforce current statutes and executive orders dealing with emergency management; develop and deliver training and education programs for the public, government leaders, and EM employees.
The plan recommends the following: Conduct comprehensive review and assessment of organizational roles and performance; make needed improvements in technological capabilities; enforce current statutes and executive orders dealing with emergency management; develop and deliver training and education programs for the public, government leaders, and EM employees.
The report also recaps previous, worst-case threat analyses that would impact Hawaiʻi's response and recovery efforts to a catastrophic event. View the full report at http://dod.hawaii.gov/blog/news-release/fma-final-report/.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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The summit lava lake at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which has been active since March 19, 2008, is the focus of an After Dark in the Park presentation on March 6. See story, right. Photo by Matt Patrick, USGS |
March 19 marks the 10th anniversary of the volcanic vent that opened within Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea. During the past decade, the eruption has consisted of continuous degassing, occasional explosive events, and a fluctuating lava lake in an open crater that is now 640 ft. by 840 ft. in area, and still growing. Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick as he recounts the first 10 years of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing summit eruption, including an overview of what scientists have learned from it, and the new techniques they use to monitor the lava lake and associated volcanic processes. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com /janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html. February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com. |
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21
HAWAI‘I COUNTY FULL COUNCIL MEETS WED., FEB. 21. Meetings occurs in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
THURSDAY, FEB. 22KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.
THURSDAY, FEB. 22
FRIDAY, FEB. 23
JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal monthly conversation on a variety of topics. This month: Did you know Ka‘ū Forest Reserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state? Long-time Ka‘ū resident and conservationist John Replogle will talk about its unique ecosystems and species, value as a watershed, impact of Hawaiian culture, and benefit as a public use area. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free; occurs every last Friday of the month - nps.gov/HAVO.
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
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SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.
LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.
REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.
FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.
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14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.
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TUESDAY, FEB. 27HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
SATURDAY, FEB. 24
SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.
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| Count humpbacks this weekend at four locations; see above for details. Photo from sanctuaries.noaa.gov |
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band. SUNDAY, FEB. 25
TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.
TUESDAY, FEB. 27KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.
UPCOMING
SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.
