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On a patch of rolling hills near Kauaʻi's southern coast, solar panels and batteries work to offset fossil fuel usage. Read about the difference in solar project setup in Ocean View, below. Photo from AES Corporation |
THE STATE OF THE STATE OF HAWAIʻI "IS SOUND," Gov. David Ige reported today, noting that Hawaiʻi is the healthiest state, with health care coverage among the broadest and most enduring in the nation. Hawaiʻi has one of the lowest unemployment rates. Its visitor industry is moving toward another record setting year. Both individual personal income and the state's gross domestic product have been steadily growing. "For four years, we have worked hard have been building our reserves and paying down unfunded liabilities, including those to our employee pension and health benefits system." He noted that Hawaiʻi has earned the highest bond rating in the state's history, resulting in lower interest rates when the state needs to borrow money.
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| Gov. David Ige gave the annual state of the state of Hawaiʻi address today. Photo from Ige's Flickr |
The governor told state legislators during his State of the State address today that his administration proposes "a prudent budget that does not project to spend all that comes in."
Ige said the future in Hawaiʻi has a name – "the name of your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter." He said the future is "personal, because it is about our home." He spoke of moving forward to a better, more secure, more nurturing Hawaiʻi and: "We do so at a time when the state is strong."
Talking about the future, the governor said, "I am mindful that the world around us has changed since we began this journey four years ago. We are no longer limited by our geographic isolation, freed by the wonders of its technology; but that's also a double edged sword. The very thing that makes us more connected with the rest of the world also makes us more vulnerable to its slings and arrows, including what happens in our nation's capitol. More than ever, we need to take control and shape our own destiny through education and innovation and we need to protect those things that mean the most to us - our natural resources, our way of life, our values, and our children's future."
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| A full rotunda listened as Gov. David Ige proclaimed the state of the state of Hawaiʻi as "sound." Photo from Ige's Flickr |
Ige praised Hawaiʻi in leading the country in several policy areas: "In 2015, we were the first state to set a 100 percent renewable energy standard, the most aggressive clean energy goal in the country. In 2016, we were the first in the nation to enroll fire arms owners in a centralized information system. In 2017, we were the first state to enact legislation that aligns with portions of The Paris Accord. In 2018, we were the first state to ban pesticides containing chlorpyrifos to protect our children's health and the first in the world to ban certain sunscreens to protect our environment."
See more from the govenor's State of the State in Wednesday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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OCEAN VIEW AND KAUAʻI SOLAR PROJECTS SHOW A STARK CONTRAST in design and price of electricity. Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is purchasing power from AES Corp., which built a new 28-megawatt Lāwaʻi Solar and Energy Storage Project on Kauaʻi to deliver power when needed, at a cost of 11 cents per kilowatt hour. The price of electricity from the proposed 6.5 megawatt Ocean View project by SPI Energy would be 23 cents per kW hour.
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Black lots are approved for solar installations. Green lots are where homes or other improvements are built. Pink lots are where businesses are built. Yellow lots are undeveloped. |
The Kauaʻi project is reported to be the largest operational solar and storage system in the world. It began operating early this month and is a first-of-its-kind design that transfers power from the sun to batteries and onto the power grid more efficiently than other existing storage systems, said AES Chief Executive Officer Andrés Gluski.
The Kauaʻi project is referred to as a "PV peaker plant" because it can supply solar energy after the sun has set and when demand is at its peak. The lithium-ion battery system is capable of storing 100 megawatt-hours. It can crank a full output of 20 megawatts for five hours. With 100 megawatt-hours of stored energy, the battery can also operate more like a baseload plant, delivering a lower amount of power for more hours through the night until the sun comes back up. AES expects to offset 3.7 million gallons of diesel each year by dispatching more cost-effectively than the fossil-fueled incumbents.
Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity that must be converted into alternating current (AC) before it's sent over the grid. The AES design uses a more efficient conversion process that makes it faster and cheaper than other designs, said Woody Rubin, president of AES Distributed Energy. "You really are combining speed and flexibility there," Rubin said. "The plant ramps to provide true capacity faster than any thermal ramping resource on the island."
Unlike the Kauaʻi solar farm, the solar project planned for Ocean View is unable to efficiently deliver power when most needed. It is planned for empty scattered lots within neighborhoods – mostly in Hawaiian Ranchos – and is limited by its fragmented configuration.
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| Example of a fenced solar farm. |
Each of the Ocean View project's 26 solar panel sites would need its own meter to measure power being supplied to the grid. Since batteries are installed "behind the meter," each three-acre solar installation would need its own battery if power from this project is to be available after sunset. This would mean 26 smaller batteries – batteries incapable of benefiting from the economies of scale enjoyed by the Lāwaʻi Project on Kauaʻi.
The Ocean View solar project would operate through a Feed In Tariff program, with Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. paying the higher 23 cents per kW hour under a 20 year contract.
At a lower cost, the Kauaʻi solar farm will supply about 11 percent of Kauaʻi's electricity, making the island more than 50 percent powered by renewables, according to a statement from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative.
"The big problem with solar is that it peaks when demand does not peak," said Gluski. With batteries, "that energy is much more useful for the grid and for consumers."
The island of Kauaʻi now gets at least 40 percent of its power for on-peak demand from renewable energy sources, thanks to the completion of the Lāwaʻi Project.
The Ocean View Solar Project is on hold pending the resolution of a formal complaint by Ranchos residents to the PUC.
The Ocean View Solar Project is on hold pending the resolution of a formal complaint by Ranchos residents to the PUC.
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THE FUTURE OF VOLCANO VILLAGE and its extended community is the topic of a forum at
The group formed last May to face challenges of recovering from the 2018 volcanic eruption, "its accompanying earthquakes and its devastating effects on the local tourism industry. We're very proud of the low-impact model that we've evolved as a gateway community, serving thousands of national park visitors annually by integrating restaurants, galleries, and lodging into the community and its upland rainforest environment."
Experience Volcano points out that Volcano is different than the visitor industry "resort node" model. "The community needs to keep that model and build on it, but faces upcoming hurdles as the park rebuilds its infrastructure." One of the challenges, says the statement, are new "state and country regulations such as County Council Bill 108." The bill passed the County Council and the county Planning Department is finalizing regulations to regulate vacation rentals. The statement says the bill threatens "vacation rentals on which Volcano has built its success. Many folks in our community may be confused about how these changes may affect all of us."
Experience Volcano is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization of Volcano-area businesses and community members "dedicated to sharing the Village's special brand of aloha with the world. The group's mission includes promoting the Volcano area in a sustainable way through social media platforms, print media, and media tours."
Since launching last May, Experience Volcano has printed and distributed 5,000 brochures promoting the area as a destination and has "helped Volcano businesses to develop a unified voice and to pursue common goals. Forums such as this one give the Volcano community a change to refine its vision and mission."
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PELE'S ISLAND PLANTS IN OCEAN VIEW will go on the road with Phoenicia and Bob Zeller's hard-to-find orchid varieties, assorted cactus, and succulents - including all sizes of agaves and aloes. For the collector and hobbyist, the Zellers will be in the Plant People Road Show, where Big Island 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Talk story with 12 growers from the island's different regions during the sale. In addition, growers will offer cut blooming flower stems and plant selections geared for Valentine gift-giving. Admission is free.
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Orchids, like the one above, anthuriums, air plants, bamboo, water lilies, exotic fruit trees and vines, and cactus and other succulents, will be for sale, with expert advice on what grows where on this island. Photo from Plant People Road Show |
Here are the other presenters:
Chitose and Tsuyoshi Tsumura of C & T Products in Keaʻau offer many different varieties and colors of anthuriums – the heart-shaped blooms come in a variety of hues.
Peter and Kay DeMello of DeMello Air Plants in Kona sell over 50 varieties of easy-care air plants.
Jennifer Snyder and Bob Harris of Orchid People in Waimea have created warm-tolerant varieties of Cymbidium orchids that flower mauka to makai. Cymbidiums are prized for their multiple flowers on tall spikes.
Susan Ruskin and Peter Berg of Quindembo Bamboo in Kapaʻau market 25 species of fast-growing, non-invasive, clumping varieties of bamboo. Create a fast privacy hedge in your choice of standout black, blue, and red varieties.
Sean Spellicy and Iris Viacrusis of Royal Palm Enterprises in Kuristown sell fruit trees, ornamentals, and water garden plants.
In its seventh year, the Plant People Road Show offers two sales annually, around Valentine's Day and Halloween. The direct, nursery-customer setting enables growers to meet the public and get feedback while providing expert growing guidance. For info, call 808-987-3231.
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 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
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm , Varsity
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm , Varsity
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
Soccer:
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA
Feb. 9, Sat., OʻahuNEW and UPCOMING
NOVA Profiles the 2018 Eruption in a new PBS documentary — Kīlauea: Hawaiʻi on Fire — premiering tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 9 p.m. It will also stream on NOVA's website. The documentary includes interviews of Volcano residents Tom Peeks and Catherine Robbins. Peeks said, "While the documentary, like other NOVA programs, will focus on the scientific aspects of the eruption, it will also likely include discussion of its human impact and cultural and socio-political aspects, topics we discussed on camera as Volcano residents and former eruption rangers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
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| Hawaiʻi On Fire is the PBS NOVA documentary, profiling the 2018 eruption. It airs tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 9 p.m. Image from NOVA/PBS |
Peeks, author of Daughters of Fire and other works, will host a workshop, Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection, Saturday, March 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Volcano Art Center
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23Lei - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Jan. 23, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Jan. 24, 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
Thursday Night at the Center: Stories from the Summit, Thu., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. An evening of personal accounts by Volcano residents from the 90 consecutive days of earthquakes this past summer. Hosted by Volcano novelist Tom Peek. Includes tales from USGS HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal and others living and working at Kīlauea's summit. Free, $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25
Human Trafficking Workshop, Fri., Jan. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, PARENTS, Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. Conducted by Melody Stone. Open to interested educators and community leaders: non-profit organizations, police dept., etc. Pre-registration appreciated. 430-5710
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Mtg., Sat., Jan. 26, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Last Saturday, monthly. Sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817
Kula Kai View Estates Annual Mtg., Sat., Jan. 26, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org
Mixed Media Encaustic w/Mary Milelzcik, Sat. Jan. 26, 10-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Mo‘olelo - Stories - of Volcano, Sat., Jan. 26, 11-2pm, Volcano Garden Arts, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano Village. Hawaiian historian and storyteller Kepa Maly shares traditions and history of Kīlauea and the lands upon which Pele dances in the Pu‘ulena wind. $35/person, lunch included. Limited space. Register w/Volcano Community Foundation, volcanocommunity@gmail.com, 885-1011
Public Meeting on Future of Pāhala Transfer Station, where people take their recyclables and other trash, happens Monday, Jan. 28, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. , at Pāhala Community Center.
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division invites the Pāhala community and users of the Pāhala Transfer Station to attend the informational meeting. The Solid Waste Division will join community members to discuss operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule.
"We welcome any input and participation from the community and users of this facility," said a statement from the county.
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Jan. 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
ONGOING
Applications for the first annual Acton Children's Business Fair in Pāhala are open through Friday, Jan. 25. The fair, on Saturday, Feb. 9, from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. , aims to inspire children to "discover their inner entrepreneur," states childrensbusinessfair.org. "The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America , this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses."
Applications for the first annual Acton Children's Business Fair in Pāhala are open through Friday, Jan. 25. The fair, on Saturday, Feb. 9, from
Planned for keiki ages 7 to 18 from all over the island, the event is hosted at River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paʻauau St. , Pāhala.
The flyer for the event says, "Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across the country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. We want to encourage our youth to reach whatever goals they may have in owning their own businesses. This event gives them the experience at doing so."
Up to 15 businesses will be accepted to show their business at the fair. Up to three children are allowed per business. A donation of $5 per business is required. Booths will not have electricity. Parents are not allowed to sell or promote a child's product or service, though parents of younger children may sit in the booth so long as the child is responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales. Parents may help their child fill out the application; however, the child should do as much as possible by themselves.
To submit an application, visit childrensbuisnessfair.org/pahala. For more details, contact Regina Walker at 400-4722 or email pahalacbf@gmail.com.
Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. Harry McKee Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors invites college bound high school seniors and current college students to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Students must be residents of Kaʻū District and plan to attend any accredited college, university, technical institute, or vocational school, anywhere in the U.S. Students must enroll full time in the fall of 2019.
The website says that Harry McKee "left a legacy of commitment to the youth of Kaʻū. His foundation exists to give students an opportunity for higher education. Harry was a musician, a gardener, a WWII decorated veteran, an outdoorsman, and an active civic leader. Harry was well known for reaching out to local youth to support their education goals, and to encourage young people to share aloha and celebrate ʻohana." See more about the foundation at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com.
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.
Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and
Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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