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Home of the new Electric Vehicle fast chargers is Punaluʻu Bakehop in Nāʻālehu, with General Manager Connie Koi; Hawaiʻi Electric Light and Maui Electric President Sharon Suzuki; Gary and Paula Miller, of Big Island Electric Vehicle Association; state Sen. Russell Ruderman; Emily Ebert and Thomas Kraft, of Big Island Electric Vehicle Association; Karen Chaves, of Isemoto Contracting Co.; and Hawaiʻi County Council Chairman Aaron Chung. Photo from Hawaiʻi Electric Light |
AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER is available during Punaluʻu Bake Shop's business hours in Nāʻālehu. Connie Koi, Punaluʻu Bake Shop general manager said, "We are pleased to have been selected as the new EV site in the district of Kaʻū. Located in such a remote area, we can understand the need of having a charger easily accessible for nearby residents. Hopefully, this availability will encourage more people in Kaʻū to switch over to save and to preserve our environment."
Hawai‘i Electric Light installed the new utility-owned and operated electric vehicle DC fast charger at Punalu‘u Bake Shop. The unit is Hawai‘i Electric Light's fifth fast charger. Other utility-owned units are located at the company's offices in Hilo and Kona, KTA Super Stores in Waimea Center
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A DC fast charger for electric vehicles, like the one installed at Punaluʻu Bake Shop in Nāʻālehu. Photo from Hawaiʻi Electric Light |
Sharon Suzuki, president of Hawai‘i Electric Light and Maui Electric, said: "One of our goals is to provide customers with more services and options. The DC Fast Charger is part of our effort to build the infrastructure to support electric vehicle adoption and lead the clean energy transportation revolution.
"Fast chargers encourage clean transportation and help us integrate more renewable energy so we can reach our statewide goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045," Suzuki said. "We're proud to partner with Punaluʻu Bake Shop to bring the first fast charger to serve the south Hawai‘i community." Hawai‘i Electric Light operates the equipment at no cost to the host for installation, maintenance, or electricity. Hosts must be willing to provide the requested space and minimal assistance for operation.
A DC fast charger is a Level 3 charger that can recharge a near-depleted EV battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes, and even less time for shorter recharges. The charger has a CHAdeMO connection (used mostly by Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and Kia Soul EV) and a CCS connection (used by the BMW i3). Rates range from $0.51 to $0.53 per kilowatt-hour, depending on time of use, and payment can be made with a major credit card or a Greenlots subscription.
To become a DC Fast Charger host site, call 808-969-0358 or contact the company by mail at Hawai‘i Electric Light (GoEV), Engineering Department, P.O. Box 1027, Hilo, HI 96721. Detailed information on electric vehicles also is available at hawaiielectriclight.com/goev.
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| Kamilo Beach, littered with international debris, much of it plastic. |
TESTIFY ON THE STATEWIDE BAN OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS AND STYROFOAM by
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| Sen. Russell Ruderman |
Senate Bill 409 SD2 passed the Senate and entered the House earlier this month, despite east Kaʻū's Sen. Russell Ruderman's testimony against the surcharge, wherein he urge lawmakers to consider climate change, and stated he would still purchase an additional electric vehicle "even if you're penalizing me for it."
See the bill and testimony, and submit testimony to the House, at capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=409&year=2019. Read more of Ruderman's testimony in March 10 Kaʻū News Briefs.
Kaʻū District Gym's electric vehicle charging station, near Pikake and Kamani Streets in Pāhala is open Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. and Fridays, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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BILLS ON HEALTH BACKED BY KAʻŪ HOSPITAL AND HILO MEDICAL CENTER are progressing:
HB1421 SD2 would appropriate funds for 2019-2021 for Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation operating budget, which includes funds for Kaʻū Hospital. The bill passed from the state Senate to the House of Representatives and is awaiting scheduling for hearings with Senate Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, & Health and Ways & Means.
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| Sen. Dru Kanuha |
HB1410 SD2, co-sponsored by east Kaʻū Sen. Dru Kanuha and Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele, would authorize funds to "expand the Kaʻū Rural Health Clinic to improve access to urgent care and outpatient behavioral health services." The bill passed the House Committee on Health Thursday. The next hearing is not yet scheduled.
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| Sen. Kai Kahele |
SB887 SD2 HD1, also co-sponsored by Kanuha and Kahele, would increase "cigarette and tobacco tax on cigarettes and little cigars beginning July 1, 2020 . Allocates excise tax revenue generated at the increased rate to specified health improvement purposes beginning July 1, 2020 . Specifies moneys in the Cancer Research Special Fund to be used to research liver and bile duct cancer." The bill passed its second reading Friday, and goes before the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce tomorrow at 2 p.m. Testimony received after 2 p.m. today may be read but will be marked "late."
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| Rep. Richard Onishi |
Follow the bills through the links above to read the bills and testimony, and to submit testimony.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS APPOINTED Randall Tanaka to serve as deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Mary Alice Evans to lead the state's Office of Planning. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Said Ige, "Both Randy and Mary Alice have the skills and experience to move the department forward, particularly in the areas of creating an innovation economy and making better use of state lands for our shared priorities of increasing housing residents can afford and locally grown agricultural products."
Evans served as deputy director at DBEDT since April 2011 after working as an employee of the Department for 33 years and serving as DAGS' deputy comptroller for two years. Evans holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is a previous president of the Hawaiʻi Chapter of American Planning Association, and chair of the Honolulu City Planning Commission.
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GOV. DAVID IGE HAS APPOINTED Randall Tanaka to serve as deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Mary Alice Evans to lead the state's Office of Planning. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Said Ige, "Both Randy and Mary Alice have the skills and experience to move the department forward, particularly in the areas of creating an innovation economy and making better use of state lands for our shared priorities of increasing housing residents can afford and locally grown agricultural products."
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Mary Alice Evans |
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Randall Tanaka |
Tanaka is currently the director of Commercial and Auxiliary Enterprises, Safety and Security at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. Tanaka served as president and executive director of the 2016 World Conservation Congress that was held in Honolulu, directing all logistical functions to host more than 10,000 delegates from 190 countries. He was also chief operating officer for The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. Previously, he served in various capacities at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center – including interim general manager, assistant general manager, director of Business Development, and director of Sales and Marketing. Tanaka was also executive director of the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau, director of sales at The Island of Lānaʻi, Ihilani Resort and Spa/West Oʻahu, and Westin Kauaʻi and Kauaʻi Lagoons.
A 1979 graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Tanaka has a wide range of community affiliations, including the Professional Conference Managers Association and the International Association of Venue Management.
A 1979 graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Tanaka has a wide range of community affiliations, including the Professional Conference Managers Association and the International Association of Venue Management.
HAWAIʻI RANKS LOW IN INNOVATION compared to other U.S. states and Washington , D.C. Mississippi .
Hawaiʻi ranks 45th overall, 42nd in Human Capital, and 44th in Innovation Environment. The state's best ranking is 32nd, for Share of Technology Companies. Hawaiʻi ranks 42nd in Research and Development Spending (per capita), 43rd for Projected STEM Job Demand by next year, 45th for Share of STEM Professionals, and 47th in Eighth Grade Math and Science Performance. The state is also 46th in Venture Capital Funding (per capita).
WalletHub states, "Innovation is a principal driver of U.S. economic growth. In 2019, the U.S. will spend an estimated $581 billion on research and development — more than any other country in the world and about 25% of the world's total — helping the nation rank No. 6 on the Global Innovation Index. According to the results of the ranking, knowledge and technology outputs are America 's particular strengths. But certain states deserve more credit than others for America 's dominance in the tech era. These states continue to grow innovation through investments in education, research and business creation, especially in highly specialized industries."
WalletHub compared the 50 states and D.C. across 24 "key indicators of innovation-friendliness."
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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m. , @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m. , @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m. , @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m. , host Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Softball:
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m. , host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m. , @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m. , host Kohala, Varsity
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m. , @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m. , @Christian Liberty , Varsity
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Track:
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY NIUHI-SHARK EXHIBIT closes Sunday, March 24. Open daily, the exhibit invites the public to see art showing perspectives on Kamehameha the Great, featuring a visual experience of important events in his life from two different art styles. See original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.UPCOMING
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Tuesday, March 19, RSVP in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
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Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station Community Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Discussion will focus on closing the station one additional day per week, bringing open days to three. See more on recycling and solid waste at hawaiizerowaste.org and hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.
Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station Community Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Discussion will focus on closing the station one additional day per week, bringing open days to three. See more on recycling and solid waste at hawaiizerowaste.org and hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, March 20, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
PiYo Live Classes, Thursday, March 21 and every Thursday after, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Low-impact Pilates and yoga-inspired workout to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance. Bring mat and water. Shoes optional. Donations welcome. Sara, 520-389-0620
Poetry Reading with Joe Harrington and Susan Schultz, Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, MARCH 22
Rummage Sale, Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Center. Food and refreshments available. Donations accepted March 20 and 21, 8a.m.-4p.m., Discovery Harbour Fire Station. No clothes accepted. All tools and appliances in good working condition. Call for pick-up of bulky/large items. Tom Reis, 503-260-6187, or Ken Shisler, 410-299-5359.
Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting w/Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection with Tom Peek, Saturday, March 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Second Chance Prom, Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. to 10p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to adults. Register March 1-20. $25/person. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
ONGOING
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Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.
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Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.
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Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus . Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See
Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.
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.
