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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Kaʻū Mountain Water Hike will take hikers into the rain forest above Kaʻū Coffee Mill next Wednesday,
the hike led by Kaʻū's new Planning Commissioner John Replogle. See story below. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Fest

JOHN REPLOGLE, THE NEW PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR KAʻŪ, will meet the public and lead a hike into the rainforest above Kaʻū Coffee Mill next Wednesday, May 2, as part of the Tenth Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival. The longtime resident of Ocean View is known for his work as Field Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy, from which he recently retired. He grew up in Kaʻū, graduated from Parsons College on the mainland, and has been a ranch manager on the Big Island and Kauaʻi. He is known for his role in the conservation of the Kaʻū Coast, particularly Honuʻapo. He was a spokesperson in the award winning film Saving Kaʻū's Coast, produced by The Kaʻū Calendar Newspaper.
John Replogle, Kaʻū's Planning Commissioner, will
lead a hike next Wednesday, May 2, into the rainforest
and along the old sugar plantation waterways.
Photo by Big Island Video News
     Replogle was a founding member of the Ka ʻOhana ʻO Honuʻapo organization that partners with the county to steward its lands and wetlands. He is known for his effort to create setbacks for building construction along the 80-mile Kaʻū Coast and for his advocacy in creating the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. Replogle also advocates for night skies, with Kaʻū one of the darkest places at night and best stargazing places on the planet.
     Replogle and his wife Velvet are Master Gardeners and live at a high elevation in Ocean View where they grow food.
     While working with The Nature Conservancy, Replogle assisted with invasive species projects, the protection of the hawksbill turtle reserve at Kamehame makai of Pāhala, and outreach and education in conservation to the local community, from children to kupuna.
Hikers can join Kaʻū Planning Commissioner John Reploge 
on a water systems hike next Wednesday. To make 
reservations, call 928-0550. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Fest
     Replogle will lead the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Kaʻū Mountain Water Systems Hike next Wednesday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Participants will ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountain, and into the rainforest to walk along water ways from sugar plantation days. Reservations required; call 928-0550.

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THE HAWAIʻI RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT IS LAW and is expected to incentivize both the utility companies and consumers to use electricity more efficiently. It could possibly reduce electric bills. Signed today by Gov. David Ige, Senate Bill 2939 SD2, Act 005, requires Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission to create a framework that will tie electric utility revenues to performance metrics.
     Act 005 "Establishes performance metrics that PUC will consider while establishing performance incentives and penalty mechanisms. They include: affordability of electric rates and customer electric bills; service reliability; customer engagement and satisfaction, including customer options for managing electricity costs; access to utility system information; rapid integration of renewable energy sources; timely execution of competitive procurement," states a release from the governor's office.
Gov. Ige signs Act 005 to improve cost effectiveness
 of public electric utilities. Photo from @GovHawaii
     Act 005 "Exempts member-owned cooperative electric utilities," per the language of the bill.
     Ige said, "The bottom line is that SB 2939 is a victory for Hawai‘i's energy consumers who will see more value for their hard-earned dollars. Through its expertise and oversight, the PUC will ensure that we move aggressively toward our renewable energy and consumer protection goals while maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient electric grid operated by a financially stable utility."
     Sen. Stanley Chang, who introduced the bill, said, "By aligning the utility's incentives with the consumer's incentives, everyone wins. Electricity bills will be based on performance: bringing renewable power sources online, upgrading the electric grid, ensuring reliability of the power supply, and even customer satisfaction. That's good for consumers, good for businesses, good for the environment, good for the state, and good for the utilities."
Rep. Chris Lee, chair of Committee on Energy and
Environmental Protection. Photo from @chrisleeforhi
     Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, said, "This bill aligns the interests of utilities and our communities they serve. It is a big win for local consumers who will get improved electric services with more options for innovative renewables and batteries, and it is a responsible step forward helping our utilities transition to a sustainable business model that can survive disruption in the energy market."
     Rep. Della Belatti said, "The Legislature has worked hard to establish regulatory policy that will better align electric utility incentives with customer needs and the State's energy policy. The Legislature is confident that the Public Utilities Commission... will appropriately incorporate stakeholder... Through this collaborative, deliberative, and balanced process, the State will achieve the necessary update to our regulatory framework that ensures a safe, reliable, and resilient electric grid for all of our residents from our rural, agricultural communities to our most densely populated urban areas."
     Act 005 takes effect on July 1, 2018. The PUC is required to create the framework by Jan. 1, 2020. 

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.
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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Apr 25, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i; referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Kāhili Demonstration, Wed, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to make a small hand-held feather standard - an example of Hawaiian art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO


THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Apr 26, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Fri, Apr 27. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409

Coffee Talk, Fri, Apr 27, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join park rangers in an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Pa‘ina & Open House, Fri, Apr 27, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House, the opening party for the Tenth Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival. Listen to Hawaiian music, enjoy hula and the band Shootz. Taste Ka`u Coffee. Meet the coffee growers and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund. Julia Neal, 928-9811, mahalo@aloha.net. kaucoffeefestival.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Apr 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, Sat, Apr 28, 10 - 4 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Hosted by The Collective. Free.

Hawai‘i Democratic County Convention, Sat, Apr 28, Sangha Hall, Hilo. hawaiidemocrats.org

Flameworking - an Introductory Class, Sat - Sun, Apr 28 - 29, 1 - 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Glasswork using a torch or lamp to melt glass. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee per person. Advanced registration required. Workshop limited to 4 adults. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sun, Apr 29, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Sun, Apr 29, 11 a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Free coffee and recipe tastings. Nikki, 928-0550, kcm.nikki@gmail.com. kaucoffeemill.com


MONDAY, MAY 1
Hula Hoop Challenge, Fri, May 4, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. For ages 6-12 years. Register May 1-4. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

NEW & UPCOMING
ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES: END OF LIFE PLANNING event comes to Hilo Wed, May 9, 5 to 6:30 p.m., with a follow-up session Wed, May 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Aging & Disability Resource Center, 1055 Kinoole Street Hilo, 96720. Registration required: CommunityFirstHawaii.org/registration, or call Tony Kent at 464-2800 or Amy Hamane at 935-1500.
     The announcement states: "Let us help you complete an Advanced Health Care Directive that documents your own end-of-life wishes. It's free and does not require an attorney. Sign up for any session!
     "An Advanced Health Care Directive is an important gift to your loved ones so that they won't have to guess what you want if you can no longer speak for yourself, as you will have made those choices ahead of time. If you already have a living will, Health Care Power of Attorney, or an Advanced Health Care Directive, learn how to review it to be sure it meets your needs today.
     "It's not easy to talk about how you want the end of your life to be. But, it's one of the most important conversations that you can have with your loved ones. Bring family and loved ones with you to learn about this important topic together."
     Sponsored by: Community First's Committee on Advanced Health Care Directives. Co-sponsored by: Aging and Disability Resource Center, County of Hawai‘i. Learn more at communityfirsthawaii.org/initiative-1

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VOLCANO SCHOOLS OF ARTS AND SCIENCES MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER NIGHT SPRING SHOW, Thu, May 10, 6 p.m., at KMC's Kilauea Theater. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will each perform a one-act play. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
     In their eighth and final performance, the Eighth Grade will present Rapunzel Uncut by Mariah Everman. The story of Rapunzel is told by dueling narrators, and includes a misunderstood witch, an off-pitch Rapunzel, and an unimaginably unaware Prince.
     The Seventh Grade will perform The Ever After by Natha Hartswick. A cheesy talk show host invites traditional fairy tale characters, who have been estranged, to reconcile on live television. Complete with a trash-talking clairvoyant mirror, an unfortunate prince who is turning slowly back into a frog, and many other wacky fractured fairy tale bits, your talk show spoof will be the talk of the town.
     In their second show, the Sixth Grade will perform 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play by Alan Haehnel. This is a play about not being in a play, expressed through a hilarious series of monologues, duets, and ensemble scenes.
     "Please join us for an evening of fun," says the announcement.

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 - at nps.gov/HAVO.

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi 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

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

 St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. 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. 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.

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.

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