Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 10, 2014

LAST NIGHT’S STARGAZING EVENT was a rousing success. Visitors from Vancouver, Calgary, Germany, Japan and a Peruvian-raised coffee expert witnessed the skies to see the Hokule`a star from the top of Makanau, the sacred mountain. Hawaiian rancher Tyler Johanson showed the `ili `ili stones that are found on the top of the mountain, these stones used in hula having been carried from the shoreline to the tabletop of Makanau. The story of Koha Ikalani, Thunder from the Heaven, was shared with the visitors by John Cross. Tom Giballe, lead astronomer at the Gemini Telescope on Mauna Loa, described the stars and planets that could be seen last night.

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Ka`u Coffee growers listen as a representative of Gov. Neil Abercrombie reads a commendation and proclamation of Ka`u Coffee Week. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS RECEIVED A COMMENDATION from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and also a declaration for Ka`u Coffee Week. The announcements came as the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a began at Pahala Community Center this morning.
      Free activities until 5 p.m. include coffee tastings, food and entertainment introduced by Skylark. Farm and mill tours and Ka`u Coffee Experience are also available. The winner of a drawing this afternoon receives a $1,000 Visa Gift Card.
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KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL WRAPS UP 10 days of events with Ka`u Coffee College tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The reverse trade mission and educational series features speakers Blake Hanacek, 
founder and CEO of A.G.R.O. Roasters and AGRO Café, Inc., Mark Inman, 
trader with Olam Specialty Coffee and Rob Curtis, 
acting branch manager of Plant Pest Control with Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.

      For more information, call 928-9550.

       David Corrigan, of Big Island Video News, was on hand to tape the debate. One speaker explained that the U.S. only recognizes three base load carriers, which are used to create firm electricity – fossil fuels, geothermal and nuclear. Another said geothermal would help lower costs of electricity, while another said the six companies that have submitted proposals for geothermal production here have not said “geothermal would ever lower their costs.” He also said, “There are health problems that no one’s looked into.”
      The platform reads, “We support energy independence and self-sufficiency, first for Hawai`i County and over time, statewide, through conservation and development of indigenous, sustainable, reliable, low-cost alternative energy sources. We are committed to finding immediate and long-term ways to reduce the high cost of electricity here on Hawai`i Island, including energy independence via geothermal as the base load carrier.”
      The platform also encourages government officials to require utilities to provide for “the unlimited use of solar power.”
      See bigislandvideonews.com.

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The Ka`u Coffee Experience introduces participants to favorite brewing methods. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM meets Honoka`a today at 1:30 p.m. at Blaisdell Arena on O`ahu, playing for the third place berth in the state tournament. Seabury Hall overcame the Trojans during yesterday’s semifinal match in three close games with scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-16.
      During the regular season, the Trojan’s won their match against Honoka`a to become Ka`u High’s first ever Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II boys volleyball champions.
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THE ENRIQUES BROTHERS OF PUNALU`U helped Kamehameha-Hawai`i reach finals in the state Division I volleyball tournament. Senior Evan had 40 kills, 16 digs and five aces. Junior Emmett had 17 digs, and freshmen Avery and Addison together had 46 assists. The team, coached by their father Guy Enriques, overcame second-seeded Moanalua 3-2 with scores of 24-26, 25-23, 18-25, 25-23 and 16-14.

      The third-seeded Warriors play top-seeded Punahou for the championship tonight at 7 p.m. at Blaisdell Arena on O`ahu.

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TIANI CASTANEDA PARTICIPATES IN THE STATE JUDO Championships today at Stan Sheriff Center on O`ahu.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. Committees meet Monday, with Public Works and Parks & Recreation meeting at 9 a.m.; Government Relations & Economic Development, 9:15 a.m.; and Finance, 10:15 a.m.
      Hawai`County Council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m.
      A special meeting of the council takes place Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the first reading of Operating and Capital Improvements Projects budgets.
      All meetings occur at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Volunteers can sign up through Monday to help Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park remove invasive faya plants. Photo by Carol Johnson

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FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK host a volunteer Forest Restoration project this coming Friday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      This month they will be removing invasive, non-native faya plants in an area of cindery soil. Most of the faya will be ones that have grown since they worked in the area two years ago. Many faya will be seedlings that pull easily; a few are maturing trees that we will cut with handsaws. “This is a wonderful `ohi`a forest with a nice variety of native understory plants,” said coordinator Elizabeth Fien. “We’ll also learn about the park’s native forest restoration and invasive plant control programs.”
      Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain through brush in an area with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions plus drinking water and a snack.
      Those interested in volunteering can contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373 by Monday evening, May 12. Include your first and last name, email address and a phone number.

Stargazers on Makanau last night point to one of the many stars visible in Ka`u's clear skies. Photo by Peter Anderson

KA`U FARMERS AND DISTRIBUTORS CAN FIND OUT HOW TO SELL farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to local schools during a free informational meeting with Glenna Owens, director of the School Food Services Branch of the Hawai`i Department of Education.
      The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides funding that enables eligible schools to purchase locally grown produce for morning and afternoon snacks.
      This is an opportunity for farmers and distributors to introduce local fresh fruits and vegetables to public schools and provide island keiki with healthy, nutritious food grown on the island.
      Farmers will learn how to participate in the FFVP and which fruits and vegetables are in highest demand, and Owens will explain to distributors the process of purchasing for and selling to Hawai`i’s FFVP.
      The meeting is at CTAHR Komohana Station, 875 Komohana St. in Hilo Tuesday, May 13 at 4 p.m.

      Registration is free, but space is limited. RSVP by May 12 online at ffvp.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 887-6411.

A FARMERS RESOURCE WORKSHOP will be held in Hilo Friday, May 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Aupuni Center. This free workshop is a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies and the university to provide information on a variety of agriculture-related issues such as pesticide use, financial assistance, marketing, conservation, sustainable farming systems and food safety certification.
     Registration is not required, but RSVP is requested to Steve Russo at 973-9409 or steve.russo@hawaii.gov.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.