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| Annabelle Orcino gasps for joy, surrounded by friends and family as she takes home the $1000 check from Kaʻū Coffee Fest's Buy Local It Matters campaign last Saturday. Photo by Lora Butanova |
SPINLAUNCH IS NO LONGER A WORRY for Kaʻū residents. The rocket launching facility, proposed last year for land below Ocean View, will be constructed in southern New Mexico.
SpinLaunch garnered much public comment last year, most of it vehemently against allowing it here. SpinLaunch's kinetic-energy-based launching system is designed to catapult small satellites cheaply and quickly into space, avoiding the use of expensive, large rockets. Local residents said they worried about noise, an accident, and the spaceport growing into a large facility along the Kaʻū Coast.
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Some University of Hawaiʻi researchers and state space agency advocates welcomed the project. However, the SpinLaunch crew decided to look elsewhere.
SpinLaunch broke ground on ten acres at Spaceport America this week, with support fromNew Mexico 's Economic Development Department. SpinLaunch founder and CEO Jonathan Yaney said, "The commercial space market is expected to grow to a trillion-dollar industry within the decade, and this new agreement with Spaceport America will expedite our ability to service that emerging market."
SpinLaunch will be accompanied at at its new campus by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic project, which announced today that it will move its operations, along with 100 employees from the Mojave Desert in California, to Spaceport America. Virgin Galactic is working on commercial space flights, which are expected to cost the first passengers some $250,000 per ticket.
Some University of Hawaiʻi researchers and state space agency advocates welcomed the project. However, the SpinLaunch crew decided to look elsewhere.SpinLaunch broke ground on ten acres at Spaceport America this week, with support from
New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham said, "New Mexico is the gateway to space."
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| SpinLaunch faced community concern at a meeting in Nāʻālehu last year and decided to go to New Mexico. Photo by Julia Neal |
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE WIND FARM AT SOUTH POINT and its practices to prevent harm to endangered species is sought by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center. The ʻōpeʻapeʻa, Hawaiian hoary bat; nēnē, Hawaiian goose; and ʻuaʻumu, Hawaiian petrel are the endangered species that sometimes fly into windmills or become disturbed by windmills in their living space.
Windmill operators are required to develop a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to address potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of wind farm operations and maintenance activities on the three endangered species. The EIS and windmill operators' habitat conservation plans for the South Point and other wind farms in Hawaiʻi are available at fws.gov/pacificislands. Public comment is open through June 10.
Pakini Nui Wind Farm at South Point, Auwahi Wind and Kaheawa Wind Power II projects on Maui , and the Kawailoa Wind Power project on Oʻahu are all being reviewed for their protection of endangered species, under the federal Endangered Species Act. It requires windmill farms to apply for incidental take permits and permit amendments. They address the accidents that could injure or kill the bat, nēnē, and petrel.
The South Point wind farm Pakini Nui, operated by Tawhiri, has submitted a Habitat Conservation Plan, which is a voluntary agreement between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the landowner - Kamehameha Schools, and the wind farm operator. A statement from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says that it "regularly engages conservation partners, the public, landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders in an ongoing effort to identify innovative strategies for conserving and recovering species while supporting important economic and energy initiatives."
To request additional information or submit written comments: email, HIwindPEIS@fws.gov. Fax, 808–792–9580, Attn: Field Supervisor. Mail the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122, Honolulu, HI, 96850. In correspondence, include Wind Energy HCPs and PEIS and reference FWS–R1–ES–2019–N032 in the subject line of your request, message, or comment. Written comments will be accepted if postmarked or received by June 10. All comments and materials received become part of the public record. Fish & Wildlife advises that the entire comment – including personal identifying information – might be made publicly available at any time.
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| Pakini Nui wind farm has submitted its plans for minimizing interaction and protecting endangered native Hawaiian species. A meeting will be held in Nāʻālehu, May 23. Photo by Peter Anderson |
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| Honua Ola Bioenergy plant being retrofitted for eucalyptus burning. Photo from boilermakers.org |
The five judges ruled unanimously. They said the PUC erred when it denied the environmental organization Life of the Land "due process with respect to the opportunity to be heard" regarding impacts that the biofuel plant "would have on Life of the Land's right to a clean and healthful environment."
The Hū Honua plant, with a new company name of Honua Ola Bioenergy, has been under construction on the coast at Pepeʻekeo. It has faced opposition from groups concerned about polluting the ocean and Green House Gases. Honua Ola Bioenergy states that growing trees and using them to produce electricity is an important component of the plan to relieve Hawaiʻi from dependence on fossil fuels.
The court ruled that the PUC failed to consider the reduction of Green House Gases in approving a Power Purchase Agreement between the biofuel plant and the electric company.
Eucalyptus trees are farmed in Kaʻū and up the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts for the project. Kaʻū trees are being harvested now.
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Halema‘uma‘u sunrise with nēnē in flight from Keanakāko‘i, with Photo from NPS/Janice Wei |
The more general slogan Island of Endless Adventures that could apply to many visitor destinations veers away from messaging to visitors about the volcanic creations of the island, including the calderas, lava flows, and some of the tallest mountains in the world, from the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the sea floor. HTA still plans to emphasize nature experiences such as hiking and camping, and other outdoor activities. HTA is working with social media "influencers" to broaden awareness of the island's attractions, said the article, and is partnering with Equinox Fitness, a luxury fitness company.
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Visitors from Photo from NPS/Jessica Ferracane |
Japanese tourism to Hawaiʻi Island remains down. Eric Takahata, managing director of Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan , said Japan accounts for about 8 percent of visitors to the island. Takahata said Japanese travelers tend to be "extremely cautious," and also said that their attitude toward Hawaiʻi Island is "compounded by a host of misinformation surrounding the extent of the eruption."
Takahata and Talwar said more than $1 million has been spent by HTA on advertising focused on Hawaiʻi being safe. Takahata said a full-page ad in Japan 's largest newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, explained the eruption's effects, and educated the public about the geography and attractions of the island. More ads were broadcast around Japan , on TV and online, in transit hubs, and on taxi video screens.
Talwar said mainland press campaigns had national news outlets reporting "there has never been a better time to visit Hawaiʻi," helping to convince Norwegian Cruise Lines to resume service to the island.
HTA will take its emphasis on island exploration on a bus trip promoting Hawaiʻi Island at several West Coast trade events in September.
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BUY LOCAL IT MATTERS is a leading theme of the Kaʻū Coffee Fest, which offered many locally grown, prepared, and crafted items for sale at its Hoʻūolauleʻa last Saturday. The campaign encourages people to buy locally to support the Kaʻū community. The winner, who came up with the most business cards and receipts from participating area businesses, won the prize. This year it went to Annabelle Orcino, whose family plants, tend, and sells Kaʻū Coffee. Buy Local It Matters is a campaign originated by the state Department of Agriculture. Kaʻū Coffee Festival offers its own Buy Local It Matters competition. Another Kaʻū Coffee farmer and marketer who assisted in developing the Buy Local campaign is Joan Obra. See more on the Kaʻū Coffee Festival in Saturday's 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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| Buy Local It Matters provided the winning $1000 check to Annabelle Orcino, left, flanked by emcee Makana Kamahele, Kaʻū Coffee Queen Helena Nihipali Sesson, and Kaʻū Coffee Fest organizer Chris Manfredi. Photo by Lora Botanova |
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PAVING SOUTH POINT ROAD FROM HWY 11 TO KAMĀʻOA ROAD begins this Monday, May 13. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works Highway Maintenance Division will conduct paving work through Thursday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.
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The southbound lane of South Point Road will be paved from Hwy 11 to Kamā‘oa Rd. onMonday, May 13 and Tuesday,May 14. The northbound lane of South Point Rd will be paved Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16.
The southbound lane of South Point Road will be paved from Hwy 11 to Kamā‘oa Rd. onMonday, May 13 and Tuesday,May 14. The northbound lane of South Point Rd will be paved Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16. All vehicles needing access must take a detour from Hwy 11 to Kamā‘oa Rd. South Point Road will be open to local traffic only. Traffic pattern may change depending on conditions.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution as heavy vehicles will be in the work zone. Signs will be posted on Hwy 11 advising motorists of the roadwork and traffic control personnel will be posted in the area to facilitate traffic movement.
DWP issued a statement of apology "for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for their patience and understanding."
If there are any questions or concerns, call the Highway Maintenance Division at 961-8349.
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 |
The theme is I ka wā mua, ka wā ma hope– The future is in the past.
The fee-free Cultural Festival takes visitors back in time so they can experience how Hawai‘i would have felt in the 1800s. Practitioners in traditional dress will provide visitors with a uniquely Hawaiian experience, honor the culture and traditions of cultural experts and the Hawaiian people, and provide visitors and community members a time and place to gather, learn, and share.
Visit nps.gov/puho or the park's new Facebook page, facebook.com/PuuhonuaoHonaunauNPS for details. In order to protect fragile resources and preserve the historic setting, picnicking, coolers, and chairs are not allowed in the Royal Grounds. No food is available in the park.
UPCOMING
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, Saturday, May 11-June 16, daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Opening reception Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day – Wildfire Preparedness, Saturday, May 11, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
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Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Art with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Sunday, May 12, 11:30 a.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church. Free admission. Donations welcome. nawaichamberchoir.com
3rd Annual Mother's Day Chamber Music Concert, Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Music by Volcano Chamber Players Susan McGovern, viola, Glenda Johnson, violin, Meg Saunders, cello, Rumi Reeves, violin, guest Gerdine Markus on recorder and operatic vocals of D'Andrea Pelletier. Complimentary pupu. Beverages and flowers for purchase. $20/VAC ember, $25/non-member, free to children 12 and under. Funds raised support Niaulani Sculpture Garden and ongoing programs. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, May 12 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527
Mother's Day Buffet, Sunday, May 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish w/Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). Reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Free STD Testing, Monday, May 13 – 2nd Monday, monthly – 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927
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MONDAY, MAY 13
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 13, and 27, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107
Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m. – 7pm, Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee.Learn to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper while sampling several wines from Grapes in Hilo. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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After Dark in the Park – Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Musical journey that honors the music of both historic and modern-day mana wāhine. Honolulu-based Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble that preserves, propagates, and innovates the legacy of Hawaiian choral music. Hilo native Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan leads ensemble on annual kauwela tour. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, Saturday, May 11-June 16, daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Opening reception Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day – Wildfire Preparedness, Saturday, May 11, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Sunday, May 12, 11:30 a.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church. Free admission. Donations welcome. nawaichamberchoir.com
3rd Annual Mother's Day Chamber Music Concert, Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Music by Volcano Chamber Players Susan McGovern, viola, Glenda Johnson, violin, Meg Saunders, cello, Rumi Reeves, violin, guest Gerdine Markus on recorder and operatic vocals of D'Andrea Pelletier. Complimentary pupu. Beverages and flowers for purchase. $20/VAC ember, $25/non-member, free to children 12 and under. Funds raised support Niaulani Sculpture Garden and ongoing programs. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Mother's Day Buffet, Sunday, May 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish w/Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). Reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Free STD Testing, Monday, May 13 – 2nd Monday, monthly – 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 13, and 27, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107
Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m. – 7pm, Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee.Learn to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper while sampling several wines from Grapes in Hilo. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, May 15, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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Instructional Tennis, Wednesday, May 15-June 19, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 6-10. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Arts and Crafts Activity: Watercolor Painting, Wednesday, May 15, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 9-14. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, May 15, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Arts and Crafts Activity: Watercolor Painting, Wednesday, May 15, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 9-14. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, May 16, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571
Family Reading Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Each grade will perform a one-act murder mystery. Free admission, donations welcome. Park entrance fees may apply. volcanoschool.net
Family Reading Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Each grade will perform a one-act murder mystery. Free admission, donations welcome. Park entrance fees may apply. volcanoschool.net
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.
Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.
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A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.
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| Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo |
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| 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum. HIMF photo |
Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
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