Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 21, 2010

Sen. Russell Kokubun, who is headed for top job at the state Department of Agriculture,
and former Sen. Dwight Takamine, who will head the state Department of Labor and
Industrial Relations join hands with Gov. Neil Abercrombie at a ceremony in Pahala.
The Democratic Party will pick three candidates for each of their senate seats, and
Abercrombie will make the final decisions on who will represent the two districts.

THE SEARCH FOR A REPLACEMENT for Senator Russell Kokubun, who will leave his seat to head the state Department of Agriculture continues, as the Democratic Party gets deep into the same process on the Hamakua side of the island, where Senator Dwight Takamine stepped down to become chief of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Hawai`i Tribune Herald reports that the precinct officers on the Hamakua side have interviewed six candidates to take Takamine's place. They are former state Rep. Kenneth Goodenow, County Council member Donald Ikeda, former Hawai`i County Mayor and former state Senator Lorraine Inouye, Hilo attorney Bob Marx, state Rep. Mark Nakashima and former state Senator Malama Solomon. Anyone interested in Kokubun's senate seat must turn in a resume to the Democratic Party, which will select three nominees to present to Governor Neil Abercrombie, who will make his final choice, which will face confirmation by the state senate.

THE FUTURE OF GREEN JOBS is bright, according to a report released yesterday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The report predicts a 26 percent increase in green jobs, which contribute to Hawai`i's renewable energy and energy efficiency occupations. Green Jobs aim to generate clean, renewable sustainable energy; reduce pollution and waste, conserve natural resources, recycle; increase energy efficiency, educate, train or support a green workforce and increase production that is natural and environmentally friendly.

EMERGENCY HELP for farmers and ranchers will soon be available from the federal SURE program. Ka`u and the rest of the island were declared a primary disaster county due to the drought in 2010 that started years ago. The applications can be submitted starting January 15. Contact the Farm Services Agency in Hilo.

THE COUNTY OPEN SPACE Committee, which recommends properties to be purchased by the county for preservation of beaches, parks, natural resources and historic sites, is looking into buying agricultural easements to protect farmland. The committee is also looking for a new member, since Bill Gilmartin, of Volcano, has stepped down. The new member will be chosen by Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Council member Brittany Smart says she will answer any questions about the position. Call her at 961-8263.

THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I has posted a position for employment in Ka`u. The job is a recreation supervisor for a Ka`u county park facility. Applicants must have experience in organizing groups of people and in managing recreational activities. See the county employment website for more details.

Volunteers cleaning Hanalua Bay. Photo by Dr. Drew Kapp

THE HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND is giving a big mahalo to everyone who has helped clean up the Ka`u Coast over the past year. The most recent cleanup covered 2.5 miles from Kaulana Boat Ramp to Pohakuloa just south of Mahana Bay, and some participants found glass balls and were able to take them home. Some of the more than 2,000 pounds of fishing nets and other debris which can endanger dolphins, monk seals, seabirds and other wildlife will be compiled into a massive sculpture by artist Aurura Robson. It will go on display at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival in early January. The next cleanup is January 8. Call Megan Lamson at 769-7629. 

Debra Kettleson, APRN looks forward
to pulling medical records up on a
screen at Ka`u Hospital when the
electronic system is installed.

KA`U HOSPITAL has begun a six month project to upgrade to electronic medical records. This should lead to easy access to important health records in the Emergency Room, clinic and at medical facilities away from home.

THE JUDGING AT Kilauea Military Camp for the cottage decorating contest has been extended to December 26. Anyone can sign in and receive tokens to use at KMC facilities. The creators of the Christmas scenes are all employees at KMC. 

THE KUAHIWIS SHARE songs from their new CD and many more classic local favorites tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. A $5 donation is suggested.