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| Ka`u residents testified at the County Council's Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee meeting Thursday regarding naming of the new Ka`u Gymnasium & Disaster Shelter. Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i |
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| Pahala resident Robert Barba went to Hilo to give testimony about Principal Capellas. Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i |
Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s Resolution 566-14 calls for creating a plaque, and her Bill 316 names the gymnasium after Herkes and Capellas.
In written testimony, Joe Tateyama, from the Ka`u High Class of 1958, said Capellas “always felt that we were not Pahala people, Na`alehu people or Wai`ohinu people; we were Ka`u people. His vision of renaming the school to Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary came to fruition in his 13th year as principal in Ka`u. It was a fitting conclusion to his unifying efforts for the Ka`u community.”
Class of 1961 graduate Ella Louis told the committee Capellas was not afraid to think outside of the box. “Where there was a need, he found a way to make it happen. Mr. Capellas believed you can do anything that you want to. He believed in giving the local kids a chance. His words were, ‘They’ve got the brain power.’ His values are as significant now as it was then and standard for the future.
In her testimony, Class of 1959 member Dorothy Kalua’s said, “Mr. Herkes was a man of our time, and the youth should know of such men who are willing to serve their community. We would like a man of the past, Laurence J. Capellas, to also be honored. The man was an educator who was instrumental in the foundation of our town. Mr. Herkes was a politician, and Mr. Capellas was an educator. Both men worked for others; both men should be honored. The youth should know of the man who did so much for the foundation of our town, and the youth should also learn of the man who helped in its continuing evolution.
Richard Fujioka, from the Class of 1958, said that he nearly drowned while swimming in the gulch and was saved by several boys. After that near-tragedy, Capellas brought Mr. Kelipio to Pahala to teach the kids to swim. Fujioka said there had been several deaths and near drownings. “It was important to build a swimming pool so the children would have a safe place to swim,” he said, and the pool was built using plantation equipment and community volunteers.
Class of 1959 member Robert Barba’s testimony recaptured days of his youth and spoke about how Capellas was influential in his life. “He inspired me, and I loved him,” he said.
In written testimony, Joe Tateyama, from the Ka`u High Class of 1958, said Capellas “always felt that we were not Pahala people, Na`alehu people or Wai`ohinu people; we were Ka`u people. His vision of renaming the school to Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary came to fruition in his 13th year as principal in Ka`u. It was a fitting conclusion to his unifying efforts for the Ka`u community.”
Class of 1961 graduate Ella Louis told the committee Capellas was not afraid to think outside of the box. “Where there was a need, he found a way to make it happen. Mr. Capellas believed you can do anything that you want to. He believed in giving the local kids a chance. His words were, ‘They’ve got the brain power.’ His values are as significant now as it was then and standard for the future.
In her testimony, Class of 1959 member Dorothy Kalua’s said, “Mr. Herkes was a man of our time, and the youth should know of such men who are willing to serve their community. We would like a man of the past, Laurence J. Capellas, to also be honored. The man was an educator who was instrumental in the foundation of our town. Mr. Herkes was a politician, and Mr. Capellas was an educator. Both men worked for others; both men should be honored. The youth should know of the man who did so much for the foundation of our town, and the youth should also learn of the man who helped in its continuing evolution.
Richard Fujioka, from the Class of 1958, said that he nearly drowned while swimming in the gulch and was saved by several boys. After that near-tragedy, Capellas brought Mr. Kelipio to Pahala to teach the kids to swim. Fujioka said there had been several deaths and near drownings. “It was important to build a swimming pool so the children would have a safe place to swim,” he said, and the pool was built using plantation equipment and community volunteers.
Class of 1959 member Robert Barba’s testimony recaptured days of his youth and spoke about how Capellas was influential in his life. “He inspired me, and I loved him,” he said.
Class of 1958 graduate James Yamaki recapped highlights of Mr. Capellas’ life in Pahala.
Upon hearing all the testimony about his father, Laurence “Cappy” Capellas, Jr. said he was humbled by all that he heard.
Jo-Anna Herkes spoke of her husband’s dedicated role in the community and asked that they honor him by naming the facility the Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelter.
Seven committee members gave Ford’s legislation a positive recommendation, and it now goes to the full council.
THIS MONTH’S SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explores Palm Trail, a 2.6-mile loop through scenic pasture, along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views the Kahuku Unit has to offer. Along the way are relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
Set for tomorrow from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the walk is free for Friends members; non-members can join the nonprofit in order to attend. Call 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org to register.
“HONORING ALL WHO SERVE” is the theme at Kilauea Military Camp’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. on KMC’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.
A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| County Council member Brenda Ford, who is helping Ka`u residents with naming of the new Ka`u Gym & Shelter, rode in Hilo's Veterans Day parade this morning. Photo by Ron Johnson |
Jo-Anna Herkes spoke of her husband’s dedicated role in the community and asked that they honor him by naming the facility the Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelter.
Seven committee members gave Ford’s legislation a positive recommendation, and it now goes to the full council.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HAS PASSED the first reading of Bill 194 that would authorize the Department of Water Supply to terminate water services for non-payment of sewer service charges. The bill calls for the Director of Environmental Management to first provide due notice of the shut-off. Customers must also have an opportunity for a hearing before the Environmental Management Commission and resolution of any appeal before water can be turned off.
The bill previously received a negative recommendation from the council’s Finance Committee, where five members voted no and three voted yes. All eight council members present, including Ka`u’s Brenda Ford, voted for the bill.
According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, county government loses about $25,000 a month in unpaid sewer fees, with past-due bills amount to almost $1 million mark.
Nancy Cook Lauer reported that Jerry Warren, of Na`alehu, was one of several county residents who testified against the measure. “Turning off one utility because someone didn’t pay another utility is strange,” Warren said.
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HAS PASSED the first reading of Bill 194 that would authorize the Department of Water Supply to terminate water services for non-payment of sewer service charges. The bill calls for the Director of Environmental Management to first provide due notice of the shut-off. Customers must also have an opportunity for a hearing before the Environmental Management Commission and resolution of any appeal before water can be turned off.
The bill previously received a negative recommendation from the council’s Finance Committee, where five members voted no and three voted yes. All eight council members present, including Ka`u’s Brenda Ford, voted for the bill.
According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, county government loses about $25,000 a month in unpaid sewer fees, with past-due bills amount to almost $1 million mark.
Nancy Cook Lauer reported that Jerry Warren, of Na`alehu, was one of several county residents who testified against the measure. “Turning off one utility because someone didn’t pay another utility is strange,” Warren said.
Warren told The Ka`u Calendar that he contends residents in the old camps were not supposed to have to pay any monthly sewer fees until the new sewer system is installed and working, replacing the old gang cesspools in Pahala and Na`alehu.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Ka`u residents can apply for vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which provides funds to protect valuable lands. Photo from DLNR |
THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks applications for three vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the department on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program. The program provides state grant funding to state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect lands having value as watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.
So far, Legacy Land has awarded funds for the protection of more than 20,000 acres of conservation lands on five islands. Projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. Legacy Land grants allow agencies and nonprofit organizations to protect Hawai`i’s lands and resources when the opportunity to purchase them becomes available.
The Legacy Land program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
The three vacancies are for a member possessing an academic degree in the sciences, such as wildlife or marine biology, botany, forestry, ecology, resource management, biogeography, zoology or geology; a member of a Hawai`i environmental organization; and a member of a statewide agricultural association.
Applications may be submitted online to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
More information regarding the Legacy Land Conservation Program is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and 586-0921.
The Legacy Land program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
The three vacancies are for a member possessing an academic degree in the sciences, such as wildlife or marine biology, botany, forestry, ecology, resource management, biogeography, zoology or geology; a member of a Hawai`i environmental organization; and a member of a statewide agricultural association.
Applications may be submitted online to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
More information regarding the Legacy Land Conservation Program is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and 586-0921.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Martin Pahinui performs today at Pahala Plantation House. Photo from Youtube |
A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more.
Donations will be accepted.
Donations will be accepted.
KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY at Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook tomorrow, when a limited number of trees will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Arbor Day in Hawai`i is the first Friday in November, the month that marks the beginning of the rainy season.
Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has rescheduled its Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from today to Saturday, Dec. 13 at its office in Hilo due to unavailability of plants.
Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has rescheduled its Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from today to Saturday, Dec. 13 at its office in Hilo due to unavailability of plants.
THIS MONTH’S SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explores Palm Trail, a 2.6-mile loop through scenic pasture, along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views the Kahuku Unit has to offer. Along the way are relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
Set for tomorrow from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the walk is free for Friends members; non-members can join the nonprofit in order to attend. Call 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org to register.
“HONORING ALL WHO SERVE” is the theme at Kilauea Military Camp’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. on KMC’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.
A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. |