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Monday, March 19, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, March 19, 2018

Slingatron, a technology for launching small packages into space, received some funding from the U.S. Army. A different technology is 
proposed by SpinLaunch, with one of the potential sites above Pohue Bay. Image from nextBigFuture
SPINLAUNCH REPRESENTATIVES plan to meet with the Ka‘ū Community on Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center, according to the Ahu Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. SpinLaunch is the company that proposes a small space launch facility, selecting from four possible sites on Hawai‘i Island and one on Kaua‘i. One of the proposed sites is likely the land around Pohu‘e Bay, next to the Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos community.
     According to the Ahu Moku Advisory Committee, representing SpinLaunch will be Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman. Also attending will be state Sen. Glenn Wakai, of O‘ahu, who introduced the Special Purpose Revenue Bond measure into the Hawai‘i Legislature to help SpinLaunch raise some $25 million for the project. SB2703 is cosponsored by Sen. Kai Kahele of Hilo. The companion bill HB 2559 was introduced by Rep. Cindy Evans who represents North Kona and Kohala in the state House of Representatives.
Oahu Sen. Glen Wakai will meet with
Kaū residents on April 16. He introduced
the $25 million Special Purpose Revenue
Bond into the Hawaii Senate to
help fund SpinLaunch.
     Members of the Ahu Moku Advisory Committee have provided testimony to the legislature, questioning the project and asking for the public meeting in Ka‘ū. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL come from Ililani Media's Henry Curtis, of Life of the Land. Curtis is an energy expert who frequently testifies, with standing, before the state Public Utilities Commission.
     SpinLaunch proposes to launch small packages and satellites into space by using a spinning machine that would fling them into orbit at a far lower cost than traditional, larger rockets. The company proposes to use only about eight acres, plus a large solar farm for energy to run the project, and a large buffer zone between the launch site and the public. One of the possible sites, around Pohu‘e Bay, is 16,000 acres and for sale for $18 million.
     On Ililani Media, Curtis asks why legislators are not asking more questions of the SpinLaunch team? He noted that Regenerative Breaking is one element of the new technology of SpinLaunch. Curtis writes: "Regenerative Breaking is a method of braking in which energy is extracted from the parts braked, to be stored and reused. Why would Regenerative Breaking help launch satellites? No legislator asked."
     He also points out that SpinLaunch was created when "one California individual formed a mainland company with only one officer, himself. The company is not registered to do business in Hawai‘i. Life of the Land questioned this, but no answer was provided."
     Curtis questions, "Would the use of renewable energy for launching satellites compete with other demands for renewable energy? What is the greenhouse gas impacts form launching Hawai‘i satellites? The questions were not asked or answered."
Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents North Kona and Kohala, 
introduced the SpinLaunch bill intothe state House of Representatives.
     Curtis points out that "Hawai‘i has 2045 goals and is now passing laws encouraging the adoption of U.N. sustainability goals for 12 years from now." SpinLaunch proposes to, "use a vast amount of energy from some source to create ground-based electricity to propel satellites into orbit without the need for rocket ships....SB 2703 states that SpinLaunch will grab a share of the growing Hawai‘i market of 'abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources' to provide the necessary launching power, and the system will also use 'regenerative braking', whatever that means.
     "This upshot will allegedly be a multi-million dollar construction and launching industry in Hawai‘i. This will facilitate a 'pro-growth environment for the developing commercial space industry' that will 'contribute to space exploration, observation, and transportation,'" Curtis quotes the proposal before the legislature.
     He states that "The substantive totality of the SpinLaunch CEO's testimony before the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Committee was brief." It includes the statement "SpinLaunch's adoption in Hawai‘i will facilitate a pro-growth environment for the developing commercial space industry on the Islands, bringing a unique capability to market that will facilitate new satellite based business models. SpinLaunch will contribute to the continued development of the Hawai[i aerospace presence with new technologies, creating a diversity of 21st century jobs locally, while educating communities and improving on the sustainability of Hawai‘i."
     Late testimony at the legislature was submitted by the SpinLaunch Project Manager: "I have recently become acquainted with Hawai‘i and have found the people of the Islands to respect and honor the value and prestige of the land in a way more passionately than I have seen in most other places around the world. SpinLaunch aims to uphold and honor these values while working with communities to help propel economies of new technology."
Henry Curtis questions the energy needed for SpinLaunch to
 take packages to space. Photo from Ililani Media
     Curtis states that SpinLaunch added new voices to the testimony when it went before the Senate Ways and Means Committee: The Director of Launch Site Development at SpinLaunch Inc. wrote that "Recently my family and I moved to the Pāhoa area of the Big Island in 2017. My background comes from time spent in the US Navy and working in various capacities of deep water diving and construction such as natural disaster relief and clean up. My history allows me a unique perspective and love for life on tropical islands, populated by ecological wonders that I feel are ever present in the Hawaiian Islands. I see SpinLaunch development on the Islands as a way to continue the rich history of navigation, exploration and discovery while stimulating and encouraging technological advancements and education that can help humankind understand more about our planet, our universe and ourselves."
     The O‘ahu County Committee Legislative Priorities Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i testified in favor of the bill for many reasons, states Curtis, including that it "uses an abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources - solar energy and regenerative braking - to provide electrical loading."
     An article from nextBigFuture describes the SpinLaunch plan: "SpinLaunch is raising $30 million to use large centrifuges to power catapult to launch payloads into space. They use large centrifuges to store energy and will then rapidly transfer that momentum into a catapult to send a payload to space at up to 4,800 kilometers per hour (3,000 mph). If successful, the acceleration architecture is projected to be both lower cost and use much less power, with the price of a single space launch reduced to under US$500,000.
The U.S. Army put money into a related idea for a cheaper launch
 mechanism into space. It was called the Slingatron. Image from nextBigFuture
     "SpinLaunch was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney, who previously started Titan Aerospace, a solar-powered drone company and subsequently sold it to Google. They raised $1 million in equity in 2014, the year SpinLaunch was founded, $2.9 million in equity in 2015, $2.2 million in debt in mid-2017 and another $2 million in debt in late 2017. SpinLaunch has raised a total of $10 million to date.
     The article talks about the bill "proposed in the Hawai‘i state senate to issue $25 million in bonds to assist SpinLaunch with 'constructing a portion of its electrical small satellite launch system.'"
     The nextBigFuture article compares SpinLaunch to a different technique for space launches proposed in 1979 by Derek A. Tidman. He called it the Slingatron. The idea is to launch the Slingatron from a mountain, high up where the earth's atmosphere is thin and much easier to penetrate, requiring less energy than at sea level. The U.S. military conducted some testing. One of the military concerns for Slingatron and and apparent challenges for SpinLaunch is whether delicate instruments could survive the high amount of G Force during the launch.The Slingathron and several other launch initiatives are further described on the website, nextBigFuture.

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Jennifer Potter, nominated to the Public Utilities
Commission by Gov. David Ige. 
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I ENERGY SPECIALIST Jennifer "Jennie" Potter has been nominated to the Public Utilities Commission by Gov. David Ige. Potter is an assistant specialist with the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa's Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute, announces Ige's office.
     Prior to joining the Institute, Potter was a senior scientific engineering associate in the Electricity Market and Policy group at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. While there, she was the project lead on the 2025 California Demand Response Potential Study for the California Public Utilities Commission. Potter also worked at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in various positions, including enterprise performance data manager, principal market analyst, and project manager. She was also an electric analyst for the City of Roseville in California.
     Potter earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Economics from Southern Oregon University, and her Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
     "Jennifer has a solid background and extensive experience that will enable her to serve well on the Public Utilities Commission. I look forward to working with her to achieve a 100 percent clean energy future," Gov. Ige said.
     "I am deeply honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission. I am dedicated to serving the people of Hawai‘i and supporting the state's clean energy and resiliency goals," said Potter.
     Potter begins her six-year term on July 1, 2018. She will replace Lorraine Akiba, whose term expires on June 30, 2018.
     "We thank Commissioner Akiba for her distinguished public service, expertise and leadership. She has played a key role in representing Hawai'i in the state's renewable energy transformation. I wish her well in all her future endeavors," Gov. Ige said. Potter's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

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DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY ADVISES CUSTOMERS TO CHECK FOR PLUMBING LEAKS this week, during Fix-A-Leak Week, through Saturday.
   The event is a national effort to promote water conservation. To encourage water conservation islandwide, Department of Water Supply distributes free toilet tank leak detection tablets in front of the Hilo Safeway store on Wednesday, Mar. 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additional tablets and other water conservation materials will be available throughout the week at Department of Water Supply office locations in Hilo, Waimea, and Kona, while supplies last.
     According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average American home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.
     To check for leaks, residents should observe their water meter after turning off all faucets, spigots, and other household appliances (dishwashers, clothes washers, etc.). If the meter is still moving, a leak may be present. Customers should also review their water bill for spikes in water usage.
     For more leak detection and water conservation tips, visit the Department of Water Supply website at hawaiidws.org or the United States Environmental Protection Agency website at epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.


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VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES KIMCHI WORKSHOP CANCELLED for Sat, Mar. 31. See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more details.

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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP ANNOUNCES AN EASTER BRUNCH EVENT for Sunday, Apr. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon., at Crater Rim Café - within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet menu includes: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations are required, though attendees must pay $17 per adult guest and $9.50 per child guest (ages 6 to 11 years old).
     KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8356, or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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     KA‘Ū TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL played against green this past Saturday, with an away game at Kona. Ka‘ū scored 1, but Kona won with 11.
     Next game played today, with Ka‘ū hosting KHS. Ka‘ū Boys Volleyball also has a home game today, hosting Pāhoa. See the game scores in tomorrow's briefs.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Softball: Thursday, Mar 22, @ Hilo
   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a
   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala
   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa
   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū
   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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TUESDAY, MARCH 20
WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar 20 and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk
_into_the_past.htm

THE WONDERFUL WORD OF WINE AND WATERCOLOR, Tue, Mar 20, 4 - 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from wine store "Grapes" in Hilo. $30 VAC members/$35 non-members, plus $17 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 20, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
OVCA BOARD MEETING, Wed, Mar 21, 12 - 1 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SENIOR BINGO DAY, Wed, Mar 21, free lunch 11 a.m., free bingo 1 - 2:30 p.m.Pāhala Community Center. Prizes for all. ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, okaukakou.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 22
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 22 and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL, Thu, Mar 22, 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, omingoc1975@yahoo.comccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MARCH 23
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, March 23, at its Kona Hema Preserve Honomolino (located across Hwy 11 from Miloli‘i), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri., March 23. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE, Fri, Mar 23, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For ages 6 - 12 years. Free. Register Mar 19 - 22. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, MARCH 24
EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies, Sat, Mar 24, 8 a.m. to noon, meet at Volcano Art Center. Hands-on immersion and discovery. $30 per VAC member and $40 per non-member, plus a $15 transportation fee. Pre-registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

KAIKI STAINED GLASS, Sat & Sun, Mar 24 & 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

WRITING FOR INNER EXPLORATION AND LIFE REFLECTION, Sat, Mar 24, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. No previous writing experience necessary. $65 per VAC member and $75 per non-member. Bring lunch and pictures of parent/parents. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Mar 24, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

JAZZ IN THE FOREST, a monthly event held at the Volcano Art Center in the Village, has been moved to the last Saturday in March, the 24th.
     This month's performance offers exciting original compositions by pianist/composer Loren Wilken, and the beautiful Brazilian samba sounds of vocalist/trumpet stylist Andrea Linborg, along with Jean Pierre Thoma on winds, Brian McCree on bass, Russ on drums, and Luke on acoustic guitar.
     As usual, the concerts will be at 4:30 & 7 p.m., and refreshments will be available. Tickets are available online, and are $18 per VAC member/$20 non-member. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25
FINAL DAY OF TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advanced; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

PALM TRAIL, Sun, Mar 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.
TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery, featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - 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.

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