Ka‘ū News Brief Saturday, April 14, 2018

Valerie Gali urges residents to Hoʻolohe - Listen, then ask questions about SpinLaunch. She receives a round of applause 
in the middle of residents who were overwhelmingly against locating a space launch facility in Kaʻū. 
Photo from Big Island Video News

SPINLAUNCH WOULD CHOOSE KAʻŪ ONLY WITH COMMUNITY BACKING: The company's representatives made the promise to more than 100 people who attended the public meeting Saturday concerning the proposed space launch facility. Hawaiian cultural practitioner Nohea Kaʻawa's request for a show of hands resulted in about 99 going up in opposition to space launches from Kaʻū, with one in support. Veteran opponents of other space launch proposals and development along the Kaʻū Coast joined the opposition.

     Signs at Nāʻālehu Community Center and on Hwy 11 carried such slogans as "No to SpinLaunch" and  "Defend the Hawksbill." They referred to the Pohuʻe Bay hawksbill turtle nesting area at the bottom of the 16,455 acre Kaʻū property. The property, for sale for $18 million, is one of six considered for the SpinLaunch project site proposed for the Hawaiian Islands.

Maile David, who represents Kaʻū on the County Council, thanked
 SpinLaunch and Sen. Glen Wakai, as she introduced them at the
community meeting on the space launch facility.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     One opponent suggested a SpinLaunch location at Loʻihi Seamount, just offshore of Kaʻū, as the active underwater volcano will likely rise from the ocean to become an island some tens of thousands of years from now.

     Kaʻū County Council member Maile David opened the meeting, thanking the SpinLaunch representatives and Sen. Glenn Wakai, who supports the technology, for making the presentations tot the community. The council member said the meeting was "necessary today." She looked forward to people leaving the meeting, with "some sense of either closure or I don't know what," she said, raising her arms, inviting the community to listen to the SpinLaunch presentation and decide.

     SpinLaunch representatives and the state Senator from Oʻahu, who proposed a $25 million Special Revenue Bond at the Hawaiʻi Legislature to help finance SpinLaunch, answered questions. They shared SpinLaunch history, including the tract above Pohuʻe Bay becoming a possible location for new technology that would catapult small satellites into space at a lower cost than solid fuel rockets.

     In reference to Pohuʻe as a possible site, Wakai said he came to the public meeting to apologize for "causing lots of trepidation in this community," which led the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to call for the public meeting. 

Ryan Hampton of SpinLaunch promised that the space launch facility 

would not come to Kaʻū without the community's backing.

Photo from Big Island Video News

     Wakai explained that he met SpinLaunch representatives last year on Oʻahu, as chair of the state Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism & Technology. When they talked about how they would use electricity to spin and catapult satellites into space at an affordable cost, Wakai said, he was skeptical and visited them at their headquarters last October in Sunnyvale, CA. Wakai said he saw a prototype in a vacuum chamber and the SpinLaunch team "launch, through centripetal force, a projectile into a wall."

     After seeing that the plan was serious and not just make believe or something on paper, or diagrams on a website, Wakai said, he proceeded to find out more. He said he was interested in opening up aerospace economic opportunities for Hawaiʻi. "I like innovation. I like making life better. More and more of our life is dependent on this," he said, pointing to his cell phone. "We are going to need more satellites," he said.

     To connect with the community, Wakai said, he talked to the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy in Honolulu. "That was where my discussion with the community ended and that's where I was wrong in not coming here months ago to tell you about this proposal. Whether you agree with it or not - you are due that - and I apologize I was not here pre-January." the Honolulu Senator also emphasized to the Kaʻū crowd that Pohuʻe was only one of a number of possible Hawaiʻi locations.

     Wakai said that Sen. Josh Green, who represents west Kaʻū and voted along with all other South Hawaiʻi state Senators against the SpinLaunch bond, let him know there was resistance here. Wakai said he quickly realized that Pohuʻe Bay could be inappropriate.

Nohea Kaʻawa called for a hands up on who opposed
SpinLaunch and who approved. About 99 persons
of 100 raised their hands against the project.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     Wakai also said that he wanted to make sure people understand that the Special Purpose Revenue Bond is not money coming out of state tax coffers, but a mechanism to raise funding for the project through bond markets, the money coming from private investors. He said that after passing the Senate, the Special Purpose Revenue Bond is at a critical stage in its possible approval by the 2018 Hawaiʻi Legislature.

     Representing SpinLaunch at the meeting were Raphael Feldman, a project manager, and Ryan Hampton, in charge of location and facilities. Hampton explained that SpinLaunch was interested in using a portion of the Pohuʻe property for launch site and buffer, while possibly turning over the rest of the property, including the Pohuʻe Bay area, to a conservancy or other entity acceptable to the community. He said he could envision Kaʻū residents having increased access to the shore around Pohuʻe Bay, which is currently limited with the existing owners blocking public access by road. However, if the community does not want to work with SpinLaunch toward mutual goals, Hampton insisted, the company will not attempt to come here.

Signs and speakers of opposition Saturday, as SpinLaunch and
an Oʻahu Senator make a presentation on the space launch possibility.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     Hampton gave the history of SpinLaunch technology, saying the concept - to send up satellites affordably to make for better internet and other technological advances - faced "complete opposition in the aerospace community," before its initial testing. However, "We pulled it off," he said, describing the hands-on construction of the first testing site for the prototype.

     He emphasized that the SpinLaunch team has "limited resources. We’re not Boeing, We’re not Raytheon. We're not part of the big six," he said, referring to large technology and aerospace companies. He said SpinLaunch is a very small company, with trusted friends, family, and experts helping. "We're privately funded. There was a point when we dipped down near zero before pulling back through with financing. To be able to get to a point that we can even stand in front of you guys right now is absolutely baffling to me that we made it this far," he told Kaʻū residents.

     He again insisted that, "We would not and are not going to come to Kaʻū without community support. We don't have the resources to do it or the manpower. This is a group of guys and girls that have an amazing product to help propel space forward. But we need a community to get behind us or we can't even start."

     When some community members interrupted the SpinLaunch presentation, proclaiming they don't want the space launches here, Darlyne Vierra, of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, stepped in and asked for the public to allow SpinLaunch to make the presentation and then ask questions.

Peacekeepers Darlyne Vierra, left, and Valerie Gali, along with Sen.
Glenn Wakai, the Oʻahu legislator who proposed the SpinLaunch bonds.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     When interruptions continued, Valerie Gali stepped forward and said, "We're not going to get anywhere if everybody keeps interrupting. Hui - Hoʻolohe - first, listen, then ask the questions," she said to a big round of applause. "Enough already. We want solutions and the only way we going get solutions is if we listen." She told the crowd, "Got to let them talk, then we can share our manaʻo. Why we love Pohuʻe, why we love Kaʻū, why we don't want them here. Why we want it for us too. We got to hear 'em from their mouths. I don't want to hear second-hand message. I want to hear it directly from the people who putting them out. That's why I’m here. I want to know what is it the truth. Then I can ask my question and everybody can do the same. But if we keep interrupting, we're not going to hear, we're not going to have our chance and the meeting's going to be forever like every other meeting. I don’t want our meeting to be forever. I want it to be concise. I want my questions answered. So enough already. Come on. Let's listen!" Most people again applauded.
     See more on the SpinLaunch presentation, community questions, answers, and community and political leaders' statements of opposition and other proclamations in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

     Watch and listen to more than an hour of the meeting presented by Big Island Video News.

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A SECTOR MAPPING TOOL to assist incoming students with making a better decision on their career path was presented last month by Peter Quigley, University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges' Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, to a delegation hosted by Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele. The tool provides an avenue for the business sector and UH to identify and address future workforce needs.

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Mini-Bazaar Fundraiser event at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church on 
Saturday, April 14. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER AT KAUAHA‘AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday, April 14, brought vendors of jewelry, original artwork, baked goods, chocolate, fruit and vegetables, filipino food, henna tattoos, solar lights, and second-hand items such as clothes, toys, and trinkets. O Ka‘ū Kakou sold shaved ice. The church sold canned beverages, baked goods - such as brownies and banana bread - and two plate lunch choices: smoked meat and rice with onion or roast chicken and rice. The Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church hosts is main Bazaar fundraiser annually in November.

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ROSE ADARE OFFERS A GOLD LEAF AND ILLUMINATION WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center. The class is open to all levels of painters.

Learn about Gold Leaf and Illumination at a workshop in 
Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     Students learn how to lay out and prepare their materials to implement gold, copper, or silver leaf in the most effective way possible. Tutorials include how to incorporate leaf with under-paintings and over-paintings, how to work highlights and shadows into their paintings, the distinction between warm and cool light, and how to seal leaf properly. Other topics include metallic pigments and metal paints.
     Adare is a graduate of the San Francisco Academy of Art University, and trained under the esteemed living master David Hardy. Adare began her Fine Art career at The Muse Studio, founding the annual Muse Showcase: A Celebration in Art and Music, in Berkeley, California. Struck by a municipal train in 2005, Adare spent the following years in physical rehabilitation and retaught herself how to paint, returning to the art scene in 2009. Adare's portrait series Restraint & Revolution was featured as part of a three-woman concurrent solo show at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and went on tour throughout the states with 21 evocative oil paintings.
     Students are asked to bring painting supplies (oils or acrylics, brushes, solvents, mediums if the artist chooses to use them, and cleaning supplies), including three different photos to work with and two small canvases, no bigger than 11"x14". The class fee is $60 per Volcano Art Center Member and $65 per non-Member, plus a $15 supply fee. The supply fee will be waived for those who bring their own gold leaf sizing and sealant. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL LAST SPRING GAME yesterday, April 14, was a loss at 5 to 18 against Kea‘au, but a good effort from the team. Lead Pitcher CeAndra Silva-Kamei scored 3 strike-outs during the game.

     Analei Emmsley, Rebekah Polido-Kalili, Shanastie Hu Blanco, and Shaylani Viera each hit 1 Single, Tiare Wong Yuen hit 2 Singles, and Chaunalisa Velez hit a Double.

     The last two Spring season games, boys volleyball, are this coming week. See full schedule, below.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 16

Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
Hawai‘i County Council Finance Committee Special Meetings, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo, beginning at 9 a.m. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Pāhala Community Center Offers Clothespin Plane and Car, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 Meter Races for Keiki Ages 6 to 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Keiki, Ages 6 to 12, Welcomed to Paint a Rainbow. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Veteran's Center & VA Medical Services, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Apr 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
‘Ohe Kapala, Hawaiian Bamboo Stamping, Fri, Apr 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Apr 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

Gold Leaf and Illumination w/Rose Adare, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students learn how to use gold, copper or silver leaf. Includes metallic pigments and paints. Class fee $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Art Express, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums; old or new projects. Monthly class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets, $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, re-air, Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Apr 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Ho’oku’i I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/with questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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