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| Hawaiian Electric Light and its sister companies plan to encourage development of more than 80,000 rooftop systems to interact with grids around the state. Photo from HELCo |
HAWAIʻI ELECTRIC CO. WANTS TO DOUBLE THE 80,000 ROOFTOP SOLAR installations that interact with the grids on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lanaʻi, and Molokaʻi. The utility announced this week the creation of a Customer Energy Resources department to oversee Distributed Energy Resources and Demand Response. The aim is more buying and selling of electricity between HECO and local sources to reach clean energy goals.
The plan is to increase participation by customers and contractors in private rooftop solar, and storage and grid services, said Shelee Kimura, senior vice president for customer service. With "customers now able to add rooftop solar, energy storage, demand response devices like grid-
interactive water heaters, and electric vehicles that store energy on their side of the meter; it made sense to unify and simplify the customers' interaction with the companies," she said.
interactive water heaters, and electric vehicles that store energy on their side of the meter; it made sense to unify and simplify the customers' interaction with the companies," she said.
Early next year, the utility will publish a Customer Energy Resources Strategy. The utility is consulting with stakeholders, including solar developers and their trade associations, outside renewable energy experts, regulators, and others, in developing the strategy.
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| Image from revisionenergy.com |
Said Kaiulani Shinsato, Customer Energy Resources co-director for programs and policy, "As the new name suggests, we are putting the customer first, by providing a unified way for customers to understand and take advantage of more options to 'help your wallet and help the grid,' as we move to 100 percent clean energy." She and Yoh Kawanami, co-director for operations, will oversee the new department.
Hawai`i Island will be assigned employees for the new department.
Hawai`i Island will be assigned employees for the new department.
NEW RULES FOR MAUNAKEA under the University of Hawaiʻi received opposition from numerous testifiers at the U.H. Regents meeting this week. Dr. Noe Noe Wong Wilson, Executive Director of Lālākea Foundation and Heritage Management faculty at UH-Hilo, testified for herself and Dr. Pualani Kanahele. They were both arrested for blocking the Mauankea access road in protest of building new telescopes there, in July.
Wong Wilson objected to building the Thirty Meter and other telescopes, even those to replace decommissioned ones. She also objected to an educational center at 9,000 feet at Hale Pohaku. She said an educational center already exists at the corner of Saddle Road and Maunakea Access Road, referring to the encampment of Hawaiians where classes on culture, history, and justice are presented regularly.
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| Dr. Noe Noe Wong Wilson opposes the new rules for Maunakea. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"We're now at a critical junction, where major changes should take place on the mountain for the management and the involvement of Native Hawaiians in determining the future of our most sacred spaces," she said to a standing ovation.
Former Maunakea guide and author Tom Peek asked the Regents to withdraw support for the Thirty Meter Telescope and to urge its board to take the project elsewhere, "so you can actually begin the healing work...."
Author Mark Panek said that Maunakea might be astronomy's most productive place on the planet. It is also "the most academically productive place on planet Earth to study the effects of historical trauma on indigenous people." He said the Maunakea issue is "tearing actual families apart."
For more, see Big Island Video News. See testimony on support of telescopes on Maunakea in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs. See a story on the new rules in this past Thursday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
LEARN WHY THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY DATA WEBSITE has been
updated by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Volcano
Watch, a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological
Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, explains, in a story from colleagues with the health department:
Information
about air quality is important to Hawaiʻi residents, particularly those living
on the Island of Hawaiʻi
The goal of
the updated website is to provide near real-time statewide air quality data
online. The website has proven useful to island residents and visitors, as well
as state and county officials, all of whom now have a one-stop online resource
for DOH air quality information. This resource will be especially useful during
future eruptions.
Data for the
website is pulled from 17 air quality monitoring stations throughout the state,
ten of which are on the Island of Hawaiʻi
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The Short-term Sulfur Dioxide Advisory Level
Information table, hiso2index.info/assets/FinalSO2Exposurelevels.pdf,
uses a
six-tiered color-coded system to depict sulfur dioxide concentrations and
provide guidance for different
groups of people exposed to SO2. Graphic
courtesy hiso2index.info
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PM2.5 and
SO2 emissions increase during eruptions and are the key contributors to
vog (volcanic air pollution). Other measured pollutants include chemicals
frequently found in anthropogenic (human-caused) air pollution, including large
particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2). Website users can sort data by pollutant or location.
The opening
page of the website displays Air Quality Index (AQI) values for each air
monitoring station. The AQI is a national standard that indicates how clean or
polluted the air is using a six-tiered color-coded system: good (green),
moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red),
very unhealthy (purple), or hazardous (maroon). It also provides information on
associated health effects and who may be affected at each level.
The AQI is a
calculated number based on the concentration of the pollutant in the air. The
higher the AQI value, the greater the air pollution level and the greater the
health concern.
Values shown
on the website are for the pollutant with the highest AQI for the respective
site. To view current and previous AQIs in a graphical format, click on a
specific station. To display AQI values for a specific pollutant, select from
pollutants listed below the "Air Quality Index" tab.
Average
hourly concentrations for each monitored pollutant – PM10, PM2.5, SO2, CO, O3,
and NO2 – can be viewed by selecting "Pollutant" in the "Air
Quality Index' dropdown menu. Select the pollutant of interest to display
hourly concentrations in parts per million (ppm) or micrograms per cubic meter
(µg/m3). This data is available in both map and table formats. To access the
table format, click on "Hourly Monitoring Data" under the "Reports"
tab.
Hawaiʻi
Short Term SO2 Advisory data can be viewed by selecting "SO2 Advisory"
from the "Current Air Quality" tab. Unlike the main webpage, which
provides average hourly concentrations, the "SO2 Advisory" page
provides 15-minute SO2 average concentrations in ppm and displays
corresponding color-coded advisory levels based on specific DOH guidance for
short-term SO2 exposure. The DOH guidance uses the same six-tiered
color-coded structure and contains recommended actions for different groups
according to SO2 concentration levels – summarized in the attached table.
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| In May of 2018, air quality was much worse in Pāhala than this year. Image from hiso2index.info |
Hawaiʻi
residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the DOH Hawaiʻi Ambient Air
Quality Data website to keep informed about changing air quality conditions and
to use posted links to available resources to learn more about air pollution
and its impacts on health. Additional resources related to air quality and
volcanic emissions include the Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard, vog.ivhhn.org, and the USGS
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/gas.html.
HAWAIʻI FARM TRAILS website and mobile app is a USDA-funded project designed to build the visibility of farms, ranches, farmers markets, and ag-related events on Hawaiʻi Island. The free mobile app and website share information about local farms, agritours, and more in a centralized, easily accessible resource. Hawaiʻi Island farmers, ranchers, and food producers interested in adding their business information to the app may contact Kalisi Mausio at hifarmtrails@gmail.com. Visit hifarmtrails.com to learn more.
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.
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.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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UPCOMING
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Nov. 10, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Nov. 10 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org
MONDAY, NOV. 11
P&R Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration, Nov. 11 - Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 7-8. Athletic shoes, glove, and uniform required. Program takes place Jan. 13 - Apr. 16, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Free Entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in honor of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, sunrise to sunset. nps.gov/havo
Veteran's Day Celebration, Monday, Nov. 11, 9a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park. Live entertainment. Free lunch for all. Informational booths. Free. All ages. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kakou. 939-2510, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation, okaukakou.org
Veterans Day Ceremony, Monday, Nov. 11, 3p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Front Lawn. Keynote Speaker: Captain Dylan Nonaka, Commander of the 871st EN CO. All veterans that attend the ceremony invited as guests for free Prime Rib Buffet. Call 967-8371 to reserve voucher before Nov. 8, late registration can register on site. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Veterans Day Buffet, Monday, Nov. 11, 4-7.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe. All veterans that attend the ceremony at 3p.m. on the front lawn of KMC are invited as guests for free Prime Rib Buffet. Call 967-8371 to reserve voucher before Nov. 8, late registration can register on site. All others - $29.95/adult, $15.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
Turkey Trot Event Registration, Nov. 12-27, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Wednesday, Nov. 27, noon-2p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Lauhala Weaving with Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13
Nā Pa‘ani Hula, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10a.m.-noon, outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center Gallery, HVNP. Hula practitioner Amy Kaʻawaloa demonstrates the instruments used to provide rhythmic structure to hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo/
Nā Pa‘ani Hula, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10a.m.-noon, outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center Gallery, HVNP. Hula practitioner Amy Kaʻawaloa demonstrates the instruments used to provide rhythmic structure to hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo/
Trail Less Traveled, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10a.m.-noon, Devastation Trail parking lot, HVNP. Moderate, 2 mile, two hour roundtrip hike. $40/person. Register online. Family friendly. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Nov. 14, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - parking lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. Two hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
‘Alalā Project Update, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
Health Insurance Sign-Up, Friday, Nov. 15, 10a.m.-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
Small Group Kama‘oa Cleanup, Saturday, Nov. 16. Limited space available. Contact to be added to waitlist. 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. wildhawaii.org
Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9a.m.-2p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Wai‘ōhinu. Free entry. Hot lunches and baked goods for sale. Vendor booths. Debbie Wong Yuen, 928-8039
Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree will hand out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Supplies provided. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Nov. 16, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Ha‘amauliola Aiona with haumana (students) of Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Public Charter School, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Wes Awana, Saturday, Nov. 16, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
ONGOING
ONGOING
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale Holy Rosary Church Heart Church 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
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.
