Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 11, 2011

The initial site selection for the proposed biodiesel mill was near cottages above the truck shed in Pahala.

MAYOR BILLY KENOI said he is pleased that Hawai`i County has been selected to be the home of `Aina Koa Pono’s proposed biofuels processing facility. He said the island uses the highest level of renewable energy in the state and is an ideal place for building a sustainable energy future because of its incredible natural resources and expansive amount of available land. The mayor wrote to `Aina Koa Pono President, Dr. Melvin Chiogioji: “As you plan your project, please remember it is critically important to include our community in your planning, to offer meaningful consultation with your neighbors and all other stakeholders, and to build a true community consensus in support of your proposals. Ka`u deserves nothing less,” the mayor said. 

BOTH `AINA KOA PONO representatives and Council member Brittany Smart said they plan to soon hold public meetings to solicit and answer questions about the proposed project. Questions involve the location of the proposed biodiesel processing plant and power plant on the edge, within or away from Pahala, as well as mitigation of noise and traffic and the promise of no odor, little emissions and 100 permanent jobs created in the village. 

Applications to enter the 2011 pageant for Miss Ka`u Coffee, Little Miss Ka`u Coffee
and Miss Peaberry are open through Jan. 26. Miss Ka`u Coffee 2010, Ulu Makuakane,
recently danced for Gov. Neil Abercrombie at inauguration ceremonies in Ka`u.

APPLICATIONS FOR MISS KA`U COFFEE 2011, Miss Ka`u Peaberry and Little Miss Ka`u Coffee are being accepted through Wednesday. January 26. For Miss Ka`u Coffee, girls must be ages 17 to 24; for Little Miss Ka`u Coffee ages 10 to12 and Miss Ka`u Peaberry ages 7 to 9. The age category is determined by the age of the contender on May 13, 2011. 

     Each contestant’s main residence must be in the district of Ka`u. Pick up applications at R&G Store in Pahala, Pahala Community Center or call Gloria Camba at 928-8558, Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. 

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB has a new chief professional officer, Zavi Brees-Saunders. The CPO serves as the executive in charge of the six clubs on the island. Brees-Saunders has nearly 10 years’ experience in nonprofit management. She was raised in rural Hana, Maui, holds a Master’s degree in public health, worked in the Balkans and in Albania for the American Red Cross, and most recently for Family Support Hawai`i, for which she had oversight of islandwide programs. 

Zavi Brees-Saunders

     “Zavi understands the nature of Hawai`i Island, our vast geography and the need to make sure programs in the furthest reaches get the resources they need,” said Bill Walter, the chief volunteer officer who leads the Boys & Girls Club board. “With units in Hilo, Kea`au, Pahoa, Pahala, Ocean View, and Hamakua, we need the skills she brings.”
     Brees-Saunders has been the program director for Family Support Hawai`i’s Malama Perinatal Program since 2007. Before that, she was with Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services on O`ahu, where she oversaw women’s health and was director of the active living program.
     Since its inception the Club has serviced over 50,000 youth islandwide and now has 1,200 active members in Hilo, Kea`au, Pahoa, Pahala, Na`alehu, Ocean View and Hamakua. For an annual membership fee of $10, youth ages six through 18 are welcome to join. Contact the Club for more information at 808-961-5536 or www.bgcbi.com.