Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015

Grants from NOAA will support coral reef conservation and coastal management. Photo from NOAA

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC Administration has awarded $1,485,007 in various grants to support coral reef conservation and coastal management in Hawai`i and throughout the Pacific. The funding will support efforts to improve water quality, fisheries management and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Funds will also support UH’s Sea Grant Program as it continues its work to supply science and technical expertise to support resilient coastal communities.

“Climate change and other manmade threats pose a serious risk to Hawai`i’s coral reefs and fisheries, vital parts of our state’s ecosystem and economy,” Sen. Mazie K. Hirono said. “The federal investments will support efforts by the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, Conservation International Hawai`i, the Nature Conservancy in Hawai`i and the University of Hawai`i to search for solutions to protect and responsibly manage our ocean environment.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Coastal communities live by the health of the ocean, reefs and beaches. The variety of Hawai`i institutions that have received funding demonstrates our state’s deep commitment and understanding that coastal management and conservation depends on all of us. I hope that grantees use this opportunity to make real progress for a better environment and to help grow public understanding and commitment to our oceans and beaches.”
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “Hawai`i’s coral reefs are vital to protecting our coastline, marine life, ecosystem and local economy. Warmer than normal ocean temperatures have put the survival of our reefs at serious risk, especially following a major coral bleaching event just last year. While there is much more that must be done to address the causes of this destruction, this funding will support projects in Hawai`i and in many of our other coastal states and territories that work to protect and conserve our precious reefs.”  
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Deborah Craig

AN OCEAN VIEW WOMAN has been charged with seven offenses in connection with three burglaries in Kailua-Kona. Deborah Craig, of Ocean View, also known as Deborah Dias, was arrested Thursday and taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation.

On Friday, she was charged with three counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree theft, one count of attempted second-degree theft and one count of fourth-degree criminal property damage. Her bail was set at $19,250.
Craig remains at the cellblock pending her initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14.
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A NEW, MANDATORY GOVERNANCE process administered by the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services is meant to ensure success for information technology programs and projects.

“Proper governance outlined by the Office of Enterprise Technology Services will ensure that taxpayer funds for IT development and modernization programs will be subject to an efficient planning review and approval process,” Gov. Ige said. “The goal is to provide the essential state oversight necessary so that intended objectives are achieved and positive return on investment is realized for the people of Hawai`i.”
Under the IT governance process, projects must pass several review gates during four key phases: pre-initiation (concept), initiating, planning, and contract execution and implementation.

Todd Nacapuy

At each gate, prerequisite documentation will be required for an investment or project to be approved, denied or deferred by a reviewing body before proceeding to the next phase. This graduated approach provides multiple review points for IT investments and projects, from inception through completion.
“The IT governance process has been set up to promote efficiency and accountability, as well as to help us make smart, informed and coordinated decisions about our IT investment portfolio that will incorporate strategic goals and objectives, leverage value and mitigate risk,” Chief Information Officer Todd Nacapuy said. “In consultation with state agencies, our IT governance team has developed a strong process based on industry best practices to provide appropriate oversight and to maximize opportunities to leverage resources to improve and enhance state business operations.”
The process will also require that state-executed contracts include all necessary functional and technical requirements, including measurable performance delivery metrics in order to approve and remit contract payments. Should the contract delivery metrics not be met as determined by the designated state contract administrator, the state will reserve the right to withhold payment delivery due to insufficient performance.
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FORMER PUBLIC UTILITIES CHAIR Mina Morita agrees with Hawaiian Electric Co.’s changes to its rooftop solar programs, which limit rooftop solar because too many systems can endanger the grid, according to HECO.

Mina Morita

“Rooftop solar has only benefited between 10 to 15 percent of electricity customers but has created a situation where critical upgrades must be made to ensure stability and reliability of the electric grid,” Morita wrote at minamoritaenergydynamics.com. “Without correct pricing signals and adjustment to fix charges, the bulk of these upgrades will be paid by electricity customers who cannot afford or do not have access to rooftop solar. The Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission order was well-reasoned and justified to protect these customers and the general public interest advocating for fairness and equity of the electric system to ensure clean energy policies benefit all electricity customers.”

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FIREWORKS PERMITS WILL BE AVAILABLE for purchase beginning Saturday, Dec. 26 for the upcoming New Year’s celebration at firecracker vending outlets, including TNT Tents at Wai`akea Center Parking Lot, 325 Maka`ala Street in Hilo, Kona Crossroads Parking Lot, 75-1027 Henry Street in Kona and 78-6831 Ali`i Drive in Keauhou; KTA Puainako in Hilo and KTA at Kona Coast Shopping Center.
Fireworks permits will also be available for purchase on Dec. 28, 29, 30 and 31 at Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawai`i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, second floor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits shall only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Fireworks sales end at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Permits are not required for purchasing novelties and paperless firecrackers. Permits must be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of the firing.
Setting off of fireworks is allowed between 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS its final meeting of the calendar year tomorrow at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
The agenda and live streaming of the meeting are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
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Kenneth Makuakane performs Wednesday at Kilauea Visitor Center.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Na Leo Manu – Heavenly Voices program presents Kenneth Makuakane in Concert Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Makuakane is recognized as the producer of producers of Hawaiian music. He has recorded many groups, including Na Leo, HAPA, Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom, O’brian Eselu, Raiatea Helm and the Pandanus Club. He has received more than 150 nominations and a total of 15 Na Hoku Hanohano awards and in May of this year received the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, the youngest award recipient at age 60.

His songs have been performed many times at the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, and his music has been featured on major films such as Honeymoon in Las Vegas, Ka`iulani and Parent Trap in Paradise. He has five solo CDs and two `ukulele instrumental CDs to his credit.
The concert is free; park entrance fees apply. See nps.gov/havo.

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