Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 4, 2010

Ka`u Coffee is a popular item at the Ka`u Farmers Market, celebrating its ninth anniversary today. Everyone is invited to stop by the market in front of Ace Hardware in Na`alehu.

Guy Enriques

THE OUTGOING County Council will meet for the last time on Monday. On the agenda is a resolution introduced by Council member J Yoshimoto to extend a Sincere Gratitude to Council Member Guy K. Enriques for his service to the county of Hawai`i. Enriques leaves his post on Monday and has promised to remain involved in community service, including working toward the new shelter gym in Pahala.

THE NEW COUNTY COUNCIL will be sworn in on Monday at noon at the Civic Auditorium, with Brittany Smart taking her seat for Ka`u and District 6. The first council meeting will follow at 3 p.m. The new council will appoint Council Chair Dominic Yagong and the County Clerk -- Ka`u's own Jamae Kawauchi. Brittany Smart is expected to become chair of the Environmental Management Committee and vice chair of Governmental Relations. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS of the new County Council will be Wednesday, December 15 at 9 a.m. at Sheraton Keauhou, then the first committee meetings on Tuesday, January 4 and a full Council meeting on Wednesday, January 5, both in Hilo.

A NEW PROGRAM TO PROTECT THE NATIVE FOREST within neighborhoods will be dedicated this afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center educational center. The idea is that home builders will nestle houses into the rainforest rather than clear cut houselots, leaving the overstory – the canopy of the forest for native birds and other wildlife. The name of the program is KIPUKA MOSAIC. Owners of houselots can donate an easement that requires retaining most of the trees on the property in perpetuity. The first easements in Volcano will be dedicated at the ceremony today. The project is co-sponsored by the Hawai`i Island Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and the Volcano Community Association.

THE VOLCANO Festival Chorus Concert will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Military Camp Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The chorus performs Season of Wonders and favorite Christmas carols. The concert is free.

Demetrius Oliveira

A FUNDRAISER FOR KAHU station co-manager Demetrius Oliveira will be held tomorrow, Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. right here on Maile Street in Pahala. The event raises money to help pay for surgery to restore Demetrius’ health. There will be live entertainment all day and some Christmas gifts for sale. Donations can be made to the Demetrius Oliveira Medical Fund.