Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 5, 2012

Japanese Tsunami debris? Hikers discovered a metal "pontoon," well grounded on the lava shore below Na`alehu on
 Wednesday, Oct. 3. Debris that washes up on the Ka`u Coast can be reported to government and educatoinal agencies.

POSSIBLE TSUNAMI DEBRIS from Japan has washed up on the lava shore below Na`alehu. The giant container like object is metal, yellow, about 12 feet tall and 20 feet wide and could possibly be a pontoon for a floating dock. It was discovered Oct. 3 on state property, within the wash of the waves. Hikers came across the possible tsunami debris along the shore makai of Na`alehu, on the uninhabited Ka`u Coast.
      Tsunami debris that has washed into Hawaiian waters and suspected to be from the 2011 tsunami include a floating dock, a large blue fish bin, and oyster buoys. Some debris from Japan is most likely unrelated to the tsunami, such as an Asahi beer crate that came ashore in O`ahu on Sunday. After inspecting the beer crate for invasive species, Carey Morishege, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Coordinator for Hawai`i, said this type of debris is commonplace in Hawaiian waters.

A close view of the wall of the giant container washed ashore,
showing sea life attached to its yellow metal. 

      However, tsunami debris is expected to come ashore intermittently in Hawai`i until next spring, according to a model generated by the University of Hawai`i International Pacific Research Center. Researchers and government agencies urge sightings of debris to be reported to marinedebris@soesthawaii.edu, disasterdebris@noaa.gov, and dlnr@hawaii.gov, with photos, time, location and contact information. Also, call the state Department of land and Natural Resources at 808-587-0400. 

     The DLNR, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are also on the outlook for a 30 by 50-foot floating dock, last seen Sept. 19 by fishermen off the north coast of Moloka`i. It is considered a hazard to navigation. The dock is believed to one of four identical docks reported missing from Japan after the 2011 tsunami.  One came ashore on an Oregon beach earlier this year. The second was retrieved off the coast of Japan. The third was sighted near Moloka`i and the fourth has not been seen.
      “DLNR’s priority, with the critical help of the public and federal partners, is to re-find this large floating object, which is a hazard to vessels at sea and the wellbeing of our coastal resources. We need to be able to track its movement to try to intercept and handle the dock at sea, and to prevent serious environmental damage if it should reach shore,” said William Aila, chief of the DLNR.
      According to a DLNR statement, the Japan Consulate in Honolulu will work with DLNR and NOAA to confirm the dock’s origin, should it be found. See more at marinedebris.noaa.gov.
      To preserve evidence and for public safety reasons, large debris items should be left untouched, said representatives of the agencies. 

Planning Director Bobby Jean
Leithead-Todd.

URBAN SPRAWL beyond the planned commercial corridor along Hwy 11 in Ocean View was stated as a reason for yesterday’s denial of a special use permit for a coffee shop. According to a story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today, the Windward Planning Commission voted 5-0 against the commercial establishment at the corner of Aloha Blvd and Hwy 11. The proposal came from Mark Maus, a HOVE resident, who said he wanted to open the shop to employ his daughter and hopefully create jobs beyond his family, said the story by Nancy Cook Lauer.

      The planning department, however, recommended against the permit, noting the property is zoned agriculture and is located two miles from the planned commercial center of Ocean View. Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd wrote that approval would make it difficult to refrain from approving other permits outside the planned commercial area, the West Hawai`i Today story reported. Also quoted was Raylene Moses, a planning commissioner from Ka`u. “I understand Mark’s situation, and it’s unfortunate that you purchased the property at the time you did and the general plan was adopted at the same time,” said Moses.

At last years event a sugar truck was decorated in flowers, ti leaves
and cane to open Ka`u Plantation Days. Photo by Michael Neal

TOMORROW IS KA`U PLANTATION DAYS in Pahala, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pahala Plantation manager's house. Pastor Troy Gacayan will give the opening pule, followed by a procession of pa`u riders on horseback and old cane haul trucks traveling down Pikake Street from the old national guard armory to the manager’s house where displays, photos, storytelling, food and dance will be offered to the public free of charge.

      Darylene Viera will talk about Ka`u's history on the front porch, Iwao Yonemitsu will present a slide show of Ka`u historical photos in the living room, and Dennis and Marge Elwell will display artifacts and information in the dinning hall. On the front lawn, members of Pop Warner play a friendly game of football, Lovey Espirtu and five of her sisters share about their time living in the Pahala camp during the cane days, `O Ka`u Kakou sells shave ice and pop corn, Big Island Invasive Species Committee shares about invasives, Manuel Marques represents the Ka`u Coffee Growers Coop., and Walter Wong Yuen shares about Chinese history in Ka`u.

WWII veteran Tokuichi Nakano, who served in the 442nd,
talks about Japanese sugar workers leaving Ka`u
to fight for the U.S.  Photo by Michael Neal

      On the back lawn, representatives from the International Longshore & Warehouse Union and representatives from the Ka`u Hospital Foundation will be available along with Ann Fontes, who represents Friends of Ka`u Libraries.

      In the old carriage house, Na`alehu and Pahala Hongwanji team up to sell homemade sushi and senior citizen representatives along with Toku Nakano of the 442 and Frank Usman talk story and share treasures of the past. On the side lawn, John Kahiapo represents the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Ka`u schools will be represented, along with hunting groups selling a smoke meat plate lunch. Members of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative will sell coffee, and homemade Portuguese bean soup, malasadas, and sweet bread will be for sale.
     The event is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Lynn Hamilton at 928-0303 or lynnbybay@aol.com.

KA`U HIGH’S TROJAN WAHINE varsity volleyball team beat Kea`au Cougars on Wednesday night. The three game scores were 25-10, 25-22 and 25-12. The Junior Varsity Trojans lost 25-18, 22-25 and 14-16. Next game is at Ka`u High School gym against Hawai`i Preparatory at 6 p.m. on Saturday with only varsity playing.

OTHER TROJAN SPORTS GAMES FOR TOMORROW include a cross country match, 3 p.m., and an air riflery competition at Kamehameha Schools and a football game at Hawai`i Preparatory - starting at 2 p.m.

OKTOBERFEST AT ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View is tonight, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tables may be reserved for larger parties. Ticket prices are $13 each or two for $22. For tickets, to volunteer or for more information call 939-7555.

The Directory 2012 cover.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S art show and contest for The Directory 2013 continues through tomorrow at CU Hawai`i in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon today and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow. The adult winner of the popular vote will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2013. All first-prize winners will appear inside with appropriate credit given.

A WORKSHOP ON WRITTEN AND VERBAL STORYTELLING is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Kimberly Dark teaches the workshop with writing and storytelling games, fun to identify themes, insightful strategies, and various storytelling devices to entertain an audience, along with guidance and commentary. That afternoon, participants are invited to stay and work with the new tools and rehearse their work with one another. The class is $50 to the general public and $45 for VAC members. Call 967-8222 to sign up.

POP WARNER Ka`u Lions face Panaewa Ali`i Sunday in Pahala.

KAHUKU LUNCH WITH A RANGER is this Sunday. Oct. 7 and again on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 12 p.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers choose varied topics ranging from land management and conservation issues to environmental and cultural history and guide an open discussion with visitors over a bring-your-own-bag lunch. Check the Activities Boards at the Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area for the day’s Lunch With a Ranger topic and location. Free.

AN INTERFAITH SERVICE is Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. Music, singing, hula, drums, chants and prayers celebrate the Oneness of Mankind. Potluck follows. For more, call 929-7236 or email marge@hawaii.rr.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is hosted at Manuka Park Sunday. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028

THIS MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR VOTERS TO REGISTER. In order to cast a vote in the 2012 General Election on November 6, U.S. citizens must register by Monday. For more, call 961-8277.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.