Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

Uncle Richard Ho`opi'i brought his famous falsetto and vocal range from bass to high tenor to the stage last night in Pahala, playing with Peter D`Aqino, Keoki Kahumoku, Guy Sesson and Carl Halemano. Another concert will be this Saturday, with Sonny Lim, James Hill and many more to wrap up the annual Kahumoku workshop.  Photo by Julia Neal

David Kamakahi plays his father's compositions, honoring the late Dennis Kamakahi,
who taught at the annual workshop for many years. Photo by Julia Neal

OPENING CONCERT FOR THE KAHUMOKU MUSIC WORKSHOP last night drew Hawaiian music greats, including Martin Pahinui, Diana Aki, John Keawe,
Richard Ho`opi'i  and David Kamakahi, honoring his late father Dennis Kamakahi. Performers, including Keoki Kahumoku, talked about working on the road and recording with Dennis Kamakahi and about his work with youth, his many original
 songs and his uplifting inspiration to everyone. Keawe performed a new song in memory of Dennis Kamakahi. Also honored was the late Auntie Kaiwi Perkins, who taught lauhala weaving at workshops.

      The workshop, in its ninth year in Pahala and sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies and Keoki Kahumoku, continues all week with a Veterans Day gathering on Tuesday at Punalu`u Beach, beginning with an E Ala E chant at dawn, followed by music. Throughout the week, there are classes in `ukulele, slack key guitar, composition, hula and cultural practices.

      A free concert will be held this coming Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House with Sonny Lim, James Hill, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Debbie Ryder, Keoki Kahumoku and many more.

Lifetime partner is Richard Ho`opi`i's wife who danced
hula last night. Photo by Pam Taylor

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OCEAN VIEW AND OTHER KA`U RESIDENTS interested in expanding education on the Kona side of the island can attend a community forum on higher education in West Hawai`i on Tuesday, Nov.11 at 6 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Park, Maka`eo Pavilion. The forum will discuss post-high school educational opportunities in West Hawai`i with a particular focus on the role of the facilities at Palamanui. A brief report on Hawai`i County Council activities will be made by Council member Dru Kanuha prior to forum presentations.
      The forum consists of four presentations, a panel discussion and a question and answer period. Sherry Bracken serves as moderator. Dr. Sandra Scarr delivers a power point presentation on the need for post-high school educational opportunities for residents of West Hawai`i.

      Dr. Walter Kunitake, first director of the West Hawai`i Center in Kealakekua, describes the early years and the community’s hopes and dreams for a University of Hawai`i facility in West Hawai`i.
      Dr. Marty Fletcher, current director of the West Hawai`i facilities, explains the current status of the West Hawai`i center and his understanding of future plans for higher education at Palamanui.
      Former Hawai`i County Council member Pete Hoffmann, who was recently appointed to represent West Hawai`i on the UH Board of Regents, provides an update to the community on current UH plans to improve access to higher education for the residents of West Hawai`i.
      The panel discussion following the presentations will last approximately 45 minutes and will include questions from the audience. Questions must be submitted in writing either before or during the program.

Kris Fujigami stunned musicians and audience with his lightning-fast `ukulele,
accompanied by his mother Keiko on keyboard. Photo by Julia Neal

      Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and pupus and beverages will be served.
      For more information, contact John Buckstead at 326-9779 or jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV.-ELECT DAVID IGE HAS ENLISTED Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority, as his chief of staff. McCartney was a state senator in the 1990s. He was previously also executive director and Hawai`i State Teachers Association and chair of HTA’s board of directors.

Songbird of Miloli`i, Auntie Diana Aki, shared her famous falsetto.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “Since 2009, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the president and CEO of the Hawai`i Tourism Authority," McCartney said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership, collaboration and friendship over the years. All of you play an integral role in supporting Hawai`i’s tourism economy, one of the state’s largest industries and economic drivers.” HTA board chair Aaron Sala said McCartney’s leadership of HTA “has contributed to record levels of growth for tourism, and he has created a solid foundation for continued success. Moreover, his tireless work across the diverse populations of our community, and in both public and private sectors, is a testament to his commitment to Hawai`i — our land, our people, and our culture. We wish him the very best and look forward to working with him in his new capacity in the years to come.” 

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A RECORD NUMBER OF SHARK AND RAY SPECIES, some which inhabit Hawaiian waters, have been proposed for listing under the Appendices of the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Sharks, rays and sawfish make up 21 of the 32 proposals for new listings. A landmark decision might well be about to be taken at the 11th Meeting of the Conference of Parties in Quito, Ecuador.

Famed singer Martin Pahinui plays with Guy Sesson, of Pahala, last night
at the open-air concert. Photo by Julia Neal

      CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers said, “The CMS Conference of the Parties offers an important opportunity to boost the global conservation of some highly threatened sharks and rays. The proposals to list 21 additional sharks and rays species on the Convention reflect the interest of a growing number of countries to promote recovery of these biologically vulnerable and ecologically important fish. These proposals, if accepted by CMS Parties, can pave the way for more effective shark and ray conservation action by the international community in the years to come.”
      According to an analysis by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group published in January, an estimated quarter of the world’s more than 1,000 shark and ray species are threatened.
      The SSG highlighted overfishing as the main threat to sharks and rays. The species have long been sought for their meat and fins, and in some cases their unique gills and snouts, and are also taken in substantial numbers by fisheries targeting other species. The SSG has stressed that rays are generally more threatened and less protected than sharks.
      Most shark and ray species are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation because they grow slowly, mature late and have few young compared with other fish species. Manta rays, for example, give birth to only one pup every two years.

Some hammerhead shark species are proposed for global conservation.
Photo from wikipedia

      A growing number of countries are acknowledging the importance of sharks and rays and the urgent need to stop declines, and yet most shark and ray fishing nations lack effective safeguards for the species.
      At the CMS COP, governments will consider internationally coordinated conservation measures for migratory species over the next three years and decide which of the species put forward should be listed under its two Appendices.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday during A Walk into the Past at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kilauea Visitor Center and then visit the Whitney Vault near Volcano House.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees on Veterans Day this Tuesday.

      In conjunction with HVNP’s Fee-Free Day, all park visitors are invited to experience how Kilauea Military Camp supports America’s troops by utilizing any of KMC’s facilities and services. 

      KMC’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. on the front lawn. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.

Caring for seedlings planted at Mauna Loa strip continues
Friday. Photo from FHVNP

      A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.

KA`U RESIDENTS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Forest Restoration Project on Friday Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. should register before Tuesday, Nov. 11. Volunteers clear invasive weeds around native seedlings on the Mauna Loa Strip. Register at 985-7373 or forest@fhvnp.org.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup Saturday, Nov. 15. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
      HWF is one of five nonprofit organizations chosen by Subaru for their annual Share the Love campaign. Facebook users are asked to go to the Subaru Hawai`i page daily and vote for HWF. 

      “We will use funds to protect native wildlife,” Lamson said.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014

Ka`u residents testified at the County Council's Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee meeting Thursday regarding naming of the new Ka`u Gymnasium & Disaster Shelter. Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i

MORE THAN 20 KA`U RESIDENTS AND FORMER RESIDENTS attended a meeting of Hawai`i County Council’s Committee on Public Works & Parks and Recreation Thursday regarding naming of the new Ka`u Disaster Shelter & Gymnasium. The residents supported naming the facility after Principal Laurence J. Capellas, Sr. and state Rep. Bob Herkes. Herkes worked on many issues, including public health, safety and welfare of the people of Ka`u. Capellas promoted education and sports activities for the children of Ka`u.

Pahala resident Robert Barba went to Hilo
to give testimony about Principal Capellas.
Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i

      Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s Resolution 566-14 calls for creating a plaque, and her Bill 316 names the gymnasium after Herkes and Capellas.
      In written testimony, Joe Tateyama, from the Ka`u High Class of 1958, said Capellas “always felt that we were not Pahala people, Na`alehu people or Wai`ohinu people; we were Ka`u people. His vision of renaming the school to Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary came to fruition in his 13th year as principal in Ka`u. It was a fitting conclusion to his unifying efforts for the Ka`u community.”
      Class of 1961 graduate Ella Louis told the committee Capellas was not afraid to think outside of the box. “Where there was a need, he found a way to make it happen. Mr. Capellas believed you can do anything that you want to. He believed in giving the local kids a chance. His words were, ‘They’ve got the brain power.’ His values are as significant now as it was then and standard for the future.
      In her testimony, Class of 1959 member Dorothy Kalua’s said, “Mr. Herkes was a man of our time, and the youth should know of such men who are willing to serve their community. We would like a man of the past, Laurence J. Capellas, to also be honored. The man was an educator who was instrumental in the foundation of our town. Mr. Herkes was a politician, and Mr. Capellas was an educator. Both men worked for others; both men should be honored. The youth should know of the man who did so much for the foundation of our town, and the youth should also learn of the man who helped in its continuing evolution.
      Richard Fujioka, from the Class of 1958, said that he nearly drowned while swimming in the gulch and was saved by several boys. After that near-tragedy, Capellas brought Mr. Kelipio to Pahala to teach the kids to swim. Fujioka said there had been several deaths and near drownings. “It was important to build a swimming pool so the children would have a safe place to swim,” he said, and the pool was built using plantation equipment and community volunteers.
      Class of 1959 member Robert Barba’s testimony recaptured days of his youth and spoke about how Capellas was influential in his life. “He inspired me, and I loved him,” he said.

      Class of 1958 graduate James Yamaki recapped highlights of Mr. Capellas’ life in Pahala.

County Council member Brenda Ford, who is helping Ka`u residents with naming
of the new Ka`u Gym & Shelter, rode in Hilo's Veterans Day parade this morning.
Photo by Ron Johnson

      Upon hearing all the testimony about his father, Laurence “Cappy” Capellas, Jr. said he was humbled by all that he heard.
      Jo-Anna Herkes spoke of her husband’s dedicated role in the community and asked that they honor him by naming the facility the Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelter.
      Seven committee members gave Ford’s legislation a positive recommendation, and it now goes to the full council.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HAS PASSED the first reading of Bill 194 that would authorize the Department of Water Supply to terminate water services for non-payment of sewer service charges. The bill calls for the Director of Environmental Management to first provide due notice of the shut-off. Customers must also have an opportunity for a hearing before the Environmental Management Commission and resolution of any appeal before water can be turned off.
      The bill previously received a negative recommendation from the council’s Finance Committee, where five members voted no and three voted yes. All eight council members present, including Ka`u’s Brenda Ford, voted for the bill.
      According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, county government loses about $25,000 a month in unpaid sewer fees, with past-due bills amount to almost $1 million mark.
      Nancy Cook Lauer reported that Jerry Warren, of Na`alehu, was one of several county residents who testified against the measure. “Turning off one utility because someone didn’t pay another utility is strange,” Warren said.

      Warren told The Ka`u Calendar that he contends residents in the old camps were not supposed to have to pay any monthly sewer fees until the new sewer system is installed and working, replacing the old gang cesspools in Pahala and Na`alehu.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents can apply for vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation
Commission, which provides funds to protect valuable lands.
Photo from DLNR

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks applications for three vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the department on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program. The program provides state grant funding to state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect lands having value as watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources. 

      So far, Legacy Land has awarded funds for the protection of more than 20,000 acres of conservation lands on five islands. Projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. Legacy Land grants allow agencies and nonprofit organizations to protect Hawai`i’s lands and resources when the opportunity to purchase them becomes available.
      The Legacy Land program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
      The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
      The three vacancies are for a member possessing an academic degree in the sciences, such as wildlife or marine biology, botany, forestry, ecology, resource management, biogeography, zoology or geology; a member of a Hawai`i environmental organization; and a member of a statewide agricultural association.
      Applications may be submitted online to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
      More information regarding the Legacy Land Conservation Program is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and 586-0921.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Martin Pahinui performs today at Pahala Plantation House.
Photo from Youtube

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. 

      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more.
      Donations will be accepted.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY at Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook tomorrow, when a limited number of trees will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Arbor Day in Hawai`i is the first Friday in November, the month that marks the beginning of the rainy season.
      Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has rescheduled its Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from today to Saturday, Dec. 13 at its office in Hilo due to unavailability of plants.  

THIS MONTH’S SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explores Palm Trail, a 2.6-mile loop through scenic pasture, along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views the Kahuku Unit has to offer. Along the way are relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
      Set for tomorrow from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the walk is free for Friends members; non-members can join the nonprofit in order to attend. Call 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org to register.

“HONORING ALL WHO SERVE” is the theme at Kilauea Military Camp’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. on KMC’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.
      A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

Ka`u residents are invited to participate in Kahuku: Born of a Hot Spot tomorrow at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from National Park Service

KA`U'S LARGE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY and others will continue to receive state-funded health care during a pending lawsuit. In April, when Congress enacted the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 and eliminated all federal funding for health benefits for COFA residents, Hawai`i’s Ninth Circuit Court decided that the state of Hawai`i could not be mandated to fund the federal government’s portion of benefits. “The Ninth Circuit’s decision confirms that the federal government cannot impose a duty on states to perform a function for which it does not provide funds,” said Attorney General David Louie. “The state will make sure that COFA residents continue to have uninterrupted access to their health benefits while this lawsuit is pending.”
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie approved and signed temporary emergency rules to maintain this status quo for receipt of medical assistance benefits by noncitizens, including citizens of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands residents. According to Department of Human Services Director Patricia McManaman, temporary emergency rules have been filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and shall remain in effect for up to 120 days.

Patricia McManaman

      The rules can be reviewed in full on at http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/.

 
 Noncitizen children and pregnant women receive Medicaid benefits, and therefore they are not and never have been at risk of losing their Medicaid benefits.

 Noncitizen aged, blind or disabled individuals currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will continue to receive the same benefits without interruption.

      Under the emergency rules, noncitizens who are not aged, blind or disabled and who are currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will continue to receive this assistance through Feb. 28, 2015.
      To avoid a gap in coverage and obtain health insurance beginning March 1, 2015, noncitizens who are not aged, blind or disabled and who are currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will be required to choose a health plan through Hawai`i Health Connector by Feb. 15, 2015. To facilitate this process, DHS will transfer eligibility information to the Connector.

      Certain low-income noncitizens enrolled in a health plan through the Connector may receive state-funded premium assistance.
      DHS has drafted proposed administrative rules to replace the temporary emergency rules and will hold a public hearing, as required by law, to ensure that the public has the opportunity to review and comment on the rules.
      Individuals affected by the temporary emergency rules and the proposed administrative rules will receive written notices that provide more detailed information.


      “My intent has always been to ensure that all of Hawai`i’s needy residents receive healthcare benefits,” said McManaman. “The emergency rules and the proposed administrative rules will do this.”
      McManaman anticipates a substantial annual savings after the administrative rules are adopted.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Richard Creagan

Richard Onishi

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR U.S. and state Legislatures received strong support in precincts from Volcano to Miloli`i in Tuesday’s General Election. 

      At the local precincts, Sen. Brian Schatz got the most support in Pahala, where 81.7 percent of voters cast ballots for him. In Miloli`i, he got 73 percent of votes, followed by Na`alehu with 69.6 percent, Volcano with 69 percent and Ocean View with 59.5 percent.
      In Pahala, 87.7 percent of voters re-elected Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, followed by 77.4 percent in Volcano 77.2 percent Na`alehu, 72.6 percent in Miloli`i and 68 percent in Ocean View.
      State Sen. Josh Green in District Three took 80.6 percent of votes in Miloli`i, 76.9 percent in Na`alehu and 67.7 percent in Ocean View.
      In House District Five, Rep. Richard Creagan got the most votes in Miloli`i with 61.2 percent, followed by 59.9 percent in Na`alehu and 56.6 percent in Ocean View.
      Voters in House District Three re-elected Rep. Richard Onishi with 83.6 percent of Pahala’s votes and 56.8 percent of Volcano’s.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Augie T performed in Ka`u
last year.

Image from Amazon.com

AUGIE T, THE COMEDIAN WHOSE BIRTH NAME is Augusto Tulba, is a new administrative assistant in the mayor’s office and will visit schools in Ka`u and around the island to motivate young people to exercise (Kenoi recently finished the Ironman Triathlon), refrain from bullying, do well and live clean. Mayor Billy Kenoi also visited schools years ago when he was hired as an administrative assistant for former Mayor Harry Kim. Kenoi brought an anti-drug message, for example, to a county-organized event for youth at Pahala pool, using his own humor for the delivery. Kenoi was often called the Hawaiian Jay Leno. 

      Augie T is familiar to the public for his comedy routines – live, on TV, radio and on DVD. He has acted as a helicopter pilot on Hawai`i Five-O. He performed in Ka`u at Shaka’s in Na`alehu. He is also the author of a book available on Amazon.com called Positive Stuff I Like.
      Another new assistant is Peter Boylan, former Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter who also worked on Colleen Hanabusa’s U.S. Senate campaign and as deputy legislative chief of staff for the late Sen. Dan Inouye.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

State Department of Transportation is assessing possible ways to return access
to roads recently covered by lava, such as Apa`a Street/Cemetery Road in Pahoa.
Images from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION is testing ways to rebuild roads in Puna if lava covers them. According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said DOT will begin applying aggregate over the portion of Apa`a Street covered by lava to see how geothermal heat reacts with it. Oliveira said officials from DOT, county Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will analyze how much insulation the material provides. 

      Oliveira said similar methods were used to re-establish access to Kalapana homes after flows there began to cool and harden.
      “Different ideas are being explored, realizing that restoration of the highway would be a definite benefit to returning the community to some form of normalcy,” Oliveira said. “It is being considered as well some protective measure to prevent or minimize concerns for collapse. There’s a lot of engineering being done behind this; aggregate is one piece of a full-scale concept.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AFTER RECEIVING LETTERS FROM THE STATE Department of Agriculture warning ag lot lessees in Puna of an effort to “do what is necessary to channel the lava flow down Kahakai Boulevard to try and control the direction of the flow,” Hawai`i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said the information is incorrect and reiterated the county’s plans not to divert lava because, no matter what direction the lava goes, there are populated areas and structures in its path.
      Oliveira also reported that the lava flow is still stalled in Pahoa, with breakouts upslope. Continued inflation of interior portions of the flow could contribute to additional breakouts.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO.’S PARENT, Hawaiian Electric Co., reported net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $38.9 million compared to $37.8 million in the third quarter of 2013. Net revenues were $8 million higher compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to $7 million in 2014 revenues attributable to recovery of costs for clean energy and reliability investments and $1 million for better fuel efficiency performance. 

      “We continue to work aggressively to lower customer bills by reducing Hawai`i’s dependence on imported oil. The recent energy plans we filed with the Public Utilities Commission are providing the starting point to launch important initiatives with a broad set of stakeholders to achieve our shared vision for Hawai`i’s clean energy future,” said Constance H. Lau, HEI president and chief executive officer. “In addition, we are proud of our dedicated utility company employees who worked tirelessly to restore power and help customers after Tropical Storm Iselle while completing our energy plans on time.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY FREE PROGRAMS at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park this weekend.

      During Born from a Hotspot tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation.

Alan Okami, of Ko Aloha, with Keoki
Kahumoku Photo by Julia Neal

      A hike on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. focuses on the area’s human history. People & Lands of Kahuku is a guided, three-hour, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain.

A concert tomorrow celebrates
the life of Dennis Kamakahi.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is the site of an `ukulele build reunion Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who have built `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pāhala Plantation Cottages are invited. Reservations for the `ukulele build have closed, but alumni are invited to bring their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing.

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more.

      Donations will be accepted.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.