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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 23, 2011

South Point is a place of enormous energy with windmills, this blowhole and possibly geothermal in the future.
Photo by Peter Anderson
SOUTH POINT is one of the areas being considered by Huena Power for development of geothermal resources. Innovations Development Group has formed the company for a 50-megawatt geothermal project with a construction budget of $200 million. Other locations being considered are Hualalai volcano above Kona and in Puna. Huena is promising 150 construction jobs, according to a story in Pacific Business News.
Roberta Cabral, of IDG
     Innovations Development Group founder Roberta Cabral promotes a “native-to-native” business model and says it has worked successfully in New Zealand with Maori people developing wind and geothermal.
     If Hawaiian Home Lands are used for geothermal at South Point, there is some question as to whether the state or Department of Hawaiian Home Lands would be paid for the resource. OHA already receives 20 percent of revenues provided to the state by owners of the geothermal plant in Puna.

MUFI HANNEMANN, who is running for Rep. Mazie Hirono’s seat while she campaigns for U.S. Senate, told Civil Beat last week that he could help Hawai`i’s tourism industry if he goes to Congress.
     Hannemann represented the Islands last week as president of the Hawai`i Lodging & Tourism Association and hosted a fundraiser sponsored by the visitor industry for his campaign. 
Mufi Hannemann
     He told Civil Beat that the visitor industry is “a lost opportunity in Washington. People still do not see tourism, in my opinion, as a growth industry, as a good industry for jobs. It’s also a great diplomatic tool for America in the increasingly hostile environment we’re operating in throughout the rest of the world.”
     Civil Beat reporter Adrienne LaFrance and Hannemann discussed the new Travel Promotion Act, supported by Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010. It created a United States tourism board to promote travel to this country. “For the first time, our country is going to market itself internationally,” Hannemann told Civil Beat. “That has never happened before. Given the competition, you can’t just say, ‘If you have it, they will come.’ But when marketing in Asia, who’s going to benefit most out of that? I see Hawai`i. We’ve always been the gateway. Certainly, whatever committee I sit on in Congress, travel and tourism presents itself.”
     Hannemann also noted his work as Honolulu mayor to bring the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to Hawai`i. APEC comes to Hawai`i in November. See more at civilbeat.com.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL team is raising money to go to O`ahu this Wednesday to play in the state finals. The Trojans beat Kohala, 25-14, 25-18 and 25-11 on Saturday to come in third in Division II. Businesses or individuals wanting to donate can call Coach Elijah Navarro at 430-9461.

Robert Domingos, at left, has developed numerous art programs in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal
KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS’ annual meeting is today at 2 p.m. in Wai`ohinu Park. The agenda includes a review of programs over the past year and upcoming events. The Ka`u `Ohana Band will play. The public is invited and asked to bring pupus to share. 
     Robert Domingos recently announced that he is leaving the leadership role he has occupied for a decade. “I’m confident that Ka`u School of the Arts will continue to grow and adapt,” he said. During his tenure, the organization has conceived and implemented many classes, programs and events.
     The next event is Saturday, Nov. 5 with a Fall Fling on the grounds of Punalu`u Bake Shop. Local artists and musicians will present their creations and perform from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths are available for $25. Contact Jym Duncan at 929-8694.
     Ka`u School of the Arts also sponsors Christmas music performances Dec. 3 and 4 in Ocean View and Discovery Harbour.
     Domingos plans to stay involved with the organization. “Don’t expect me to disappear from the scene,” he said.
     For more, visit kauarts.org.

Mantracker is looking for human prey in Ka`u.
Photo from Bonterra Productions
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY as human prey on Mantracker, the Discovery Science Channel hit that follows riders and horses across the backcountry tracking down human prey, is this Friday, Oct. 28. Mantracker is returning to Ka`u to film two shows. The producers are looking for teams of prey who think they can outsmart Mantracker. Each team will have 36 hours to make it over 25 miles of Ka`u wilderness without getting caught by Mantracker. Mantracker will be guided by a local sidekick, a paniolo, also on horseback. 
     The prey must be “exciting, competitive and compelling people who have the strength, smarts and strategy to outfox and evade,” says Mantracker production coordinator Michelle Budden. Members of each team of prey must be related in some way. They could be siblings, co-workers, or husband and wife.
     To apply, visit www.mantracker.ca or email Budden at contact@bonterraproductions.com for more information.
     Mantracker airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

Senator Gil Kahele
Photo by Julia Neal
SEN. GIL KAHELE holds a public forum at Pahala Community Center on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Kahele said he will listen to concerns of constituents who can help him prepare for the upcoming 27th Hawai`i Legislature which begins in January. He will report on the 26th legislative session and address specific issues. Anyone can call 808-586-6760 or email senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov ahead of the meeting with issues or questions for the forum.

NONA WILSON, TI CHUN AND WES AWANA perform at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday. Billed as Friends and Neighbors, the trio has played at many community events. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.