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| PONC wants to preserve the area in white, where Manākaʻa Fishing Village is located. Map from Big Island Video News |
PRESERVATION OF ANOTHER 1.2 MILES OF KAʻŪ COAST is up for consideration by the county Public Access
During the PONC meeting last Monday, assurance of public access to the Kawala property came up. Keoni Fox, of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association, said access would come from adjacent mauka property owners and Ala Kahakai Trail. The Trail Association has agreed to steward the Kahilipali-Waikapuna properties along with the Ala Kahakai Trail through Kawala and along all of the Kaʻū Coast. He said Ala Kahakai is a federally established trail open to the public and noted that public use of the trail was established by Queen Liliuokalani in 1892, when "she passed the highways and trails act. All trails and highways and roads that were in existence at that time were to be owned by people and that law has since been adopted by our state constitution. Even though these properties are all private, we try to remind the public that they have rights to use those trails."
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| PONC commissioner Rick Warshauer. Photo from Big Island Video News |
PONC commissioner Rick Warshauer said, "The protection of the Kaʻū Coastline has been a long standing goal of the community, as expressed in the Community Development Plan and interests in other related projects, particularly those along the Ala Kahakahi where connectivity along that trail is important." He described the Kawala property as being geologically old, having a special prominence, making it higher than some surrounding properties. In terms of a link along the Ala Kahakai Trail, he said, the view is "particularly good on the makai side where you can sweep along, as you walk along the coast, you can see east, you can see south, and you can see makai." He also noted that, due to its age, much ash has accumulated on the land and it has been largely used for agriculture. He said that its importance is less for native organisms and more for its view, its cultural significance, and protection of the coastline along that trail. "It's an important link in the chain."
A focus of the preservation effort are the remains of the Manākaʻa Fishing Village. It is located in a kipuka, which takes up a good portion of the property, and is surrounded by a stone wall. Warshauer said the remains of the village are "mostly overgrown," which lends protection to the site; "it's not obvious where all the features are." Manākaʻa is named after a man "who was turned to stone by Pele as he grieved over the loss of his children, Kanoa and Pōpōʻohai," according to ulukau.org.
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| More than a decade ago, owners of the Kawala property planned to consolidate and resubdivide the land to create high value lots along the coast. Instead, it is now being considered by PONC for conservation. Subdivision map from Hawaiʻi County Planning Department |
The PONC administrative secretary and contact is Maxine Cutler at 961-8069, Maxine.Cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.
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ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, the Hawaiian hoary bat, can be affected by windfarms. Photo from Animalia-life.com |
GIVE INPUT ON PAKINI NUI WIND FARM'S SOUTH POINT OPERATIONAL PLANS aimed at reducing danger to endangered endemic animals. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service holds a public meeting this Thursday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center. Animals of concern are ʻōpeʻapeʻa, Hawaiian hoary bat; nēnē, Hawaiian goose; and ʻuaʻumu, Hawaiian petrel. These animals occasionally fly into the windmills and are sometimes disturbed by windmills in their living space.
The windfarm produced 20.5 megawatts of renewable power to Hawaiʻi Electric Light last year, contributing almost 10 percent of the island's power.
See fws.gov/pacificislands. Public comment is open through June 10.
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PUNA GEOTHERMAL IS IN TALKS WITH HELCO to restart operations and sell electricity to the utility. Tom Callis of Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald reported Saturday that price talks between HELCo and Puna Geothermal Venture are ongoing in light of PGV preparing to reopen. The geothermal plant closed shortly before part of its facilities were covered by lava during last year's volcanic eruption.
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PUNA GEOTHERMAL IS IN TALKS WITH HELCO to restart operations and sell electricity to the utility. Tom Callis of Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald reported Saturday that price talks between HELCo and Puna Geothermal Venture are ongoing in light of PGV preparing to reopen. The geothermal plant closed shortly before part of its facilities were covered by lava during last year's volcanic eruption.
Before it shut down, geothermal contributed, in 2017, 38 megawatts, 31 percent of renewable energy used on the island.
Mike Kaleikini, senior director of Hawaiʻi affairs for Ormat, PGV's parent company, told Callis part of the renegotiation is disconnecting the cost of oil from the price PGV charges HELCo for electricity. The current agreement ties oil cost to the first 25MW sold to HELCo during peak hours, reported Callis. The Public Utilities Commission, reports Callis, is encouraging HELCo and PGV to lower prices.
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Lava approaching Puna Geothermal last year. The owners hope to reopen by the end of this year. USGS photo |
Kaleikini told Callis that PGV plans to be operational by the end of the year, and that the plant is assessing the wells that were quenched or covered prior to the lava inundation. New wells could be built. Kalekini told Callis that PGV is permitted to operate as many as 28 geothermal wells. When the geothermal plant shut down, it was operating seven production wells and five injection wells. Two wells were covered by lava.
At a meeting in Pāhoa on Friday, PGV plant manager Jordan Hara said corrosion issues make the reopening a big job, as everything at the plant, including generators, must be rebuilt. "We probably have an average of about 40 to 50 contractors on site giving us a hand, from all over theUnited States ," he said.
At a meeting in Pāhoa on Friday, PGV plant manager Jordan Hara said corrosion issues make the reopening a big job, as everything at the plant, including generators, must be rebuilt. "We probably have an average of about 40 to 50 contractors on site giving us a hand, from all over the
In preparation for reopening, PGV built Pioneer Road over hardened lava to its plant. The road opened in April, and is accessible for PGV contractors and employees but also to about 250 landowners whose lots were cut off by the lava flow. See more in the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.
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.
NO TSUNAMI THREAT from a 6.7 magnitude earthquake this morning near the Loyalty Islands, north of New Zealand, reports the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
NO TSUNAMI THREAT from a 6.7 magnitude earthquake this morning near the Loyalty Islands, north of New Zealand, reports the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
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 |
FATHER'S DAY BUFFET at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crate Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, happens 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish, and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu will be the main entrees. No reservations required. For more information, call 967-8356. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
UPCOMING
MONDAY, MAY 20
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
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TUESDAY, MAY 21
Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
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THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 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
FRIDAY, MAY 24
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To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center
SATURDAY, MAY 25
15th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org
Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and opera concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.
SUNDAY, MAY 26
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 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
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. , at Pāhala Community Center
Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi
SATURDAY, MAY 25
15th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org
Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and opera concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.
SUNDAY, MAY 26
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org
ONGOINGSummer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open. Uplink All-Stars on Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
For high school students, Early College
All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.
Open to all people under age 18, no registration required, the Seamless Summer Program offers free breakfast from Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
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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