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| Medicine Pond at Punaluʻu with a lineup of keiki and the emcee launching floating lanterns to honor family and friends. Photo by Michael Worthington |
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| Keiki decorate floating lanterns for Saturday's commemoration of loved ones at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond. Photo by Julia Neal |
The celebration included a performance by Hilo Okinawan Kubudo Taiko Drummers, which attracted many people off the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
Attendees participated in a Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration, and enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. A prayer followed decorating and lighting the floats as the floating lanterns sailed onto the surface of the Medicine Pond.
Kaʻū Community Rural Health Association and its leader Jessie Marques and County Council member Maile David sponsored the event, with many volunteers.
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Photo by Julia Neal |
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OCEAN VIEW INDUSTRIAL SOLAR DEVELOPER SPI
ENERGY faces a financial challenge. The global corporation, with plans to build a massive 6.5 megawatt solar project within residential neighborhoods in Ocean View, was struggling to stay listed on the stock exchange as evidenced by its completion of a reverse stock split.
ENERGY faces a financial challenge. The global corporation, with plans to build a massive 6.5 megawatt solar project within residential neighborhoods in Ocean View, was struggling to stay listed on the stock exchange as evidenced by its completion of a reverse stock split.
On Nov. 15, all its shares were cancelled. For every ten cancelled shares, one replacement share was issued. By reducing the number of shares, the company was able to increase the value of each share. Thus ten shares of SPI Energy that were worth 27 cents each on Nov. 15, were replaced by one share that on Nov. 16 was worth $2.67.
SPI's shares are currently traded on Nasdaq, a stock exchange market that requires all shares to be worth at least $1.00 or face being removed from the exchange, a process known as being "delisted." SPI Energy's shares have been trading at less than $1.00 since January, 2018.
In filings with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company reported net operating losses of $185.1 million in 2015 and $220.7 million in 2016. In 2017, the company reported an accumulated deficit of $446.8 million, a working capital deficit of $176.2 million, and total outstanding indebtedness of $99.8 million with a number of its obligations being in default, with the possibility that it may be forced to cease operations.
SPI's shares are currently traded on Nasdaq, a stock exchange market that requires all shares to be worth at least $1.00 or face being removed from the exchange, a process known as being "delisted." SPI Energy's shares have been trading at less than $1.00 since January, 2018.
In filings with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company reported net operating losses of $185.1 million in 2015 and $220.7 million in 2016. In 2017, the company reported an accumulated deficit of $446.8 million, a working capital deficit of $176.2 million, and total outstanding indebtedness of $99.8 million with a number of its obligations being in default, with the possibility that it may be forced to cease operations.
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| Ocean View Community Center drew a packed house in 2015 to address the proposed industrial scale solar project. Photo by Julia Neal |
Earlier this fall, Nasdaq notified SPI officials that shares of the company would be delisted on September 20 as a result of failure of the company to meet the $1.00 minimum bid price.
SPI Energy, operating through multiple companies, is the developer of the industrial sized solar project in Ocean View. The project was originally proposed under the auspices of the Hawaiʻi's Feed-In-Tariff program. The program was designed to bring small, renewable energy projects of less than 250 kilowatt speedily to the Big Island.
According to public disclosures, SPI has also recently begun bitcoin mining as part of its efforts to become a profitable company. SPI Energy, operating through multiple companies, is the developer of the industrial sized solar project in Ocean View. The project was originally proposed under the auspices of the Hawaiʻi's Feed-In-Tariff program. The program was designed to bring small, renewable energy projects of less than 250 kilowatt speedily to the Big Island.
Twenty-six non-contiguous sites in Ocean View residential neighborhoods were chosen by the developers for the project, thereby creating a utility-scale generation with a capacity of 6.5 megawatts. Projects in excess of five megawatts are not permissible under FIT guidelines established by the state Public Utility Commission.
The proposed solar project would require construction of a new substation in Ocean View and an overhead transmission line across Mamalahoa Highway, both at the expense of SPI Energy.
The Ocean View solar project was announced by HELCO and SPI in 2015, and that year HELCO applied to the PUC for a permit to construct an overhead transmission line. In February, 2016, PUC Chair Randy Iwase oversaw a public hearing on the application for the overhead transmission line. Community members voiced objection, with 650 signing a petition stating they do not want their neighborhoods to be industrialized by the project.
The proposed solar project would require construction of a new substation in Ocean View and an overhead transmission line across Mamalahoa Highway, both at the expense of SPI Energy.
The Ocean View solar project was announced by HELCO and SPI in 2015, and that year HELCO applied to the PUC for a permit to construct an overhead transmission line. In February, 2016, PUC Chair Randy Iwase oversaw a public hearing on the application for the overhead transmission line. Community members voiced objection, with 650 signing a petition stating they do not want their neighborhoods to be industrialized by the project.
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| An industrial sized solar installation in Miloliʻi, of the style which could be placed on many lots in residential Ocean View. Photo by Annie Bosted |
A formal complaint against the project was filed with the PUC in August 2016 by Ranchos residents Peter and Ann Bosted. Their complaint alleged that the proposed project size - 6.5 megawatts - exceeds the allowable limit of the FIT program, and is in effect an attempt to railroad a mega-project "through the back door."
The complaint also claims SPI lacks sufficient working capital to meet its financial obligations with regard to implementing the project, and as a result has been allowed to delay the project for over six years, confounding the stated goal of the FIT program to bring renewable energy online expeditiously. The complaint also alleges the proposed project has become economically obsolete and is no longer in the interest of ratepayers, citing that the rate for any electricity generated by the proposed project would be pre-set at 23.8 cents per kilowatt hour. Today, many solar projects in Hawaiʻi provide power at around 11 cents per kilowatt hour, including battery storage.
HELCO's overhead transmission line application is on hold pending the resolution of the Bosted's formal complaint before the PUC.
The complaint also claims SPI lacks sufficient working capital to meet its financial obligations with regard to implementing the project, and as a result has been allowed to delay the project for over six years, confounding the stated goal of the FIT program to bring renewable energy online expeditiously. The complaint also alleges the proposed project has become economically obsolete and is no longer in the interest of ratepayers, citing that the rate for any electricity generated by the proposed project would be pre-set at 23.8 cents per kilowatt hour. Today, many solar projects in Hawaiʻi provide power at around 11 cents per kilowatt hour, including battery storage.
HELCO's overhead transmission line application is on hold pending the resolution of the Bosted's formal complaint before the PUC.
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KAʻŪ VARISTY GIRLS SCORED HIGHEST OVERALL during Friday's Basketball Tournament and sixth annual Preseason Food Drive. The Trojans girls won three of their four games over the two-day tournament, losing only to Keaʻau, which had the highest overall score on Saturday. Kaʻū, Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, and Lanaʻi competed in games over two days at Kaʻū District Gym.
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Girls basketball teams from around the island - and Lanaʻi - came together Thanksgiving weekend to play, and urge donations of food for their sixth annual Preseason Food Drive. Photos by Julia Neal |
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| The ball flies high at this weekend's Basketball Tournament. |
Day one, Kaʻū triumphed over Pāhoa, 45 to 21, and Lanaʻi, 33 to 25; Keaʻau beat Pāhoa, 38 to 15; Kealakehe took Lanaʻi, 44 to 32; and Keaʻau had the upper hand over Kealakehe, 43 to 27.
Day two, Kaʻū won over Kealakehe, 38 to 33, and lost to Keaʻau, 27 to 42; Lanaʻi took Pāhoa, 36 to 27; Keaʻau beat Lanaʻi, 51 to 29; and Kealakehe scored over Pāhoa, 55 to 30.
Also on day two, there were two games of JV basketball, with Kaʻū losing to Keaʻau, 39 to 46, and Laupāhoehoe narrowly winning over Kealakehe, 51 to 49.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm
Boys Basketball:
Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
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Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona
Swimming:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona
Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Free Diabetes Management Program held by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in Kaʻū on Monday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Registration required; sign up to be a Hui Mālama client at hmono.org or call 808-969-9220. Location of classes given to attendees after signing up. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Keep up to date at facebook.com/HMONO.org.
Registration for Christmas Cards & Ornaments open Nov. 27-30, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for ages 5-12, held Dec. 1 and 8. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Nov. 27, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033
Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo
Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express
Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs thro
The Wreath Exhibition is available
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
The Wreath Exhibition is availabl
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
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To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
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