Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 5, 2012

Japanese Tsunami debris? Hikers discovered a metal "pontoon," well grounded on the lava shore below Na`alehu on
 Wednesday, Oct. 3. Debris that washes up on the Ka`u Coast can be reported to government and educatoinal agencies.

POSSIBLE TSUNAMI DEBRIS from Japan has washed up on the lava shore below Na`alehu. The giant container like object is metal, yellow, about 12 feet tall and 20 feet wide and could possibly be a pontoon for a floating dock. It was discovered Oct. 3 on state property, within the wash of the waves. Hikers came across the possible tsunami debris along the shore makai of Na`alehu, on the uninhabited Ka`u Coast.
      Tsunami debris that has washed into Hawaiian waters and suspected to be from the 2011 tsunami include a floating dock, a large blue fish bin, and oyster buoys. Some debris from Japan is most likely unrelated to the tsunami, such as an Asahi beer crate that came ashore in O`ahu on Sunday. After inspecting the beer crate for invasive species, Carey Morishege, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Coordinator for Hawai`i, said this type of debris is commonplace in Hawaiian waters.

A close view of the wall of the giant container washed ashore,
showing sea life attached to its yellow metal. 

      However, tsunami debris is expected to come ashore intermittently in Hawai`i until next spring, according to a model generated by the University of Hawai`i International Pacific Research Center. Researchers and government agencies urge sightings of debris to be reported to marinedebris@soesthawaii.edu, disasterdebris@noaa.gov, and dlnr@hawaii.gov, with photos, time, location and contact information. Also, call the state Department of land and Natural Resources at 808-587-0400. 

     The DLNR, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are also on the outlook for a 30 by 50-foot floating dock, last seen Sept. 19 by fishermen off the north coast of Moloka`i. It is considered a hazard to navigation. The dock is believed to one of four identical docks reported missing from Japan after the 2011 tsunami.  One came ashore on an Oregon beach earlier this year. The second was retrieved off the coast of Japan. The third was sighted near Moloka`i and the fourth has not been seen.
      “DLNR’s priority, with the critical help of the public and federal partners, is to re-find this large floating object, which is a hazard to vessels at sea and the wellbeing of our coastal resources. We need to be able to track its movement to try to intercept and handle the dock at sea, and to prevent serious environmental damage if it should reach shore,” said William Aila, chief of the DLNR.
      According to a DLNR statement, the Japan Consulate in Honolulu will work with DLNR and NOAA to confirm the dock’s origin, should it be found. See more at marinedebris.noaa.gov.
      To preserve evidence and for public safety reasons, large debris items should be left untouched, said representatives of the agencies. 

Planning Director Bobby Jean
Leithead-Todd.

URBAN SPRAWL beyond the planned commercial corridor along Hwy 11 in Ocean View was stated as a reason for yesterday’s denial of a special use permit for a coffee shop. According to a story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today, the Windward Planning Commission voted 5-0 against the commercial establishment at the corner of Aloha Blvd and Hwy 11. The proposal came from Mark Maus, a HOVE resident, who said he wanted to open the shop to employ his daughter and hopefully create jobs beyond his family, said the story by Nancy Cook Lauer.

      The planning department, however, recommended against the permit, noting the property is zoned agriculture and is located two miles from the planned commercial center of Ocean View. Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd wrote that approval would make it difficult to refrain from approving other permits outside the planned commercial area, the West Hawai`i Today story reported. Also quoted was Raylene Moses, a planning commissioner from Ka`u. “I understand Mark’s situation, and it’s unfortunate that you purchased the property at the time you did and the general plan was adopted at the same time,” said Moses.

At last years event a sugar truck was decorated in flowers, ti leaves
and cane to open Ka`u Plantation Days. Photo by Michael Neal

TOMORROW IS KA`U PLANTATION DAYS in Pahala, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pahala Plantation manager's house. Pastor Troy Gacayan will give the opening pule, followed by a procession of pa`u riders on horseback and old cane haul trucks traveling down Pikake Street from the old national guard armory to the manager’s house where displays, photos, storytelling, food and dance will be offered to the public free of charge.

      Darylene Viera will talk about Ka`u's history on the front porch, Iwao Yonemitsu will present a slide show of Ka`u historical photos in the living room, and Dennis and Marge Elwell will display artifacts and information in the dinning hall. On the front lawn, members of Pop Warner play a friendly game of football, Lovey Espirtu and five of her sisters share about their time living in the Pahala camp during the cane days, `O Ka`u Kakou sells shave ice and pop corn, Big Island Invasive Species Committee shares about invasives, Manuel Marques represents the Ka`u Coffee Growers Coop., and Walter Wong Yuen shares about Chinese history in Ka`u.

WWII veteran Tokuichi Nakano, who served in the 442nd,
talks about Japanese sugar workers leaving Ka`u
to fight for the U.S.  Photo by Michael Neal

      On the back lawn, representatives from the International Longshore & Warehouse Union and representatives from the Ka`u Hospital Foundation will be available along with Ann Fontes, who represents Friends of Ka`u Libraries.

      In the old carriage house, Na`alehu and Pahala Hongwanji team up to sell homemade sushi and senior citizen representatives along with Toku Nakano of the 442 and Frank Usman talk story and share treasures of the past. On the side lawn, John Kahiapo represents the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Ka`u schools will be represented, along with hunting groups selling a smoke meat plate lunch. Members of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative will sell coffee, and homemade Portuguese bean soup, malasadas, and sweet bread will be for sale.
     The event is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Lynn Hamilton at 928-0303 or lynnbybay@aol.com.

KA`U HIGH’S TROJAN WAHINE varsity volleyball team beat Kea`au Cougars on Wednesday night. The three game scores were 25-10, 25-22 and 25-12. The Junior Varsity Trojans lost 25-18, 22-25 and 14-16. Next game is at Ka`u High School gym against Hawai`i Preparatory at 6 p.m. on Saturday with only varsity playing.

OTHER TROJAN SPORTS GAMES FOR TOMORROW include a cross country match, 3 p.m., and an air riflery competition at Kamehameha Schools and a football game at Hawai`i Preparatory - starting at 2 p.m.

OKTOBERFEST AT ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View is tonight, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tables may be reserved for larger parties. Ticket prices are $13 each or two for $22. For tickets, to volunteer or for more information call 939-7555.

The Directory 2012 cover.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S art show and contest for The Directory 2013 continues through tomorrow at CU Hawai`i in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon today and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow. The adult winner of the popular vote will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2013. All first-prize winners will appear inside with appropriate credit given.

A WORKSHOP ON WRITTEN AND VERBAL STORYTELLING is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Kimberly Dark teaches the workshop with writing and storytelling games, fun to identify themes, insightful strategies, and various storytelling devices to entertain an audience, along with guidance and commentary. That afternoon, participants are invited to stay and work with the new tools and rehearse their work with one another. The class is $50 to the general public and $45 for VAC members. Call 967-8222 to sign up.

POP WARNER Ka`u Lions face Panaewa Ali`i Sunday in Pahala.

KAHUKU LUNCH WITH A RANGER is this Sunday. Oct. 7 and again on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 12 p.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers choose varied topics ranging from land management and conservation issues to environmental and cultural history and guide an open discussion with visitors over a bring-your-own-bag lunch. Check the Activities Boards at the Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area for the day’s Lunch With a Ranger topic and location. Free.

AN INTERFAITH SERVICE is Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. Music, singing, hula, drums, chants and prayers celebrate the Oneness of Mankind. Potluck follows. For more, call 929-7236 or email marge@hawaii.rr.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is hosted at Manuka Park Sunday. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028

THIS MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR VOTERS TO REGISTER. In order to cast a vote in the 2012 General Election on November 6, U.S. citizens must register by Monday. For more, call 961-8277.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 4, 2012

Ka`u High School students join Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Billy Kenoi and other officials at yesterday's groundbreaking for Ka`u District Shelter & Gym. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

THE COUNTY COUNCIL voted unanimously yesterday to ask the state Legislature to abolish the new Public Lands Development Corp. that allows private enterprise to develop state lands under the auspices of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. Originally seen as a way for the state to raise revenues, the PLDC faced stiff opposition at public hearings this summer around the islands, and Kaua`i’s County Council recently passed its own amendment asking for the PLDC to be abolished.
      On this island, the resolution was introduced by Council member Brenda Ford, who argued that it diminishes home rule as it allows the state and private partnerships to avoid county zoning and building regulations. Most of those who testified opposed the PLDC.

A FULL INVESTIGATION OF PROBLEMS with the Aug. 8 primary election has been requested by the County Council. It voted 9-0 yesterday to endorse a Big Island League of Women Voters request to ask “the state Elections Commission to investigate what went on. Big Island voters need to be able to trust that their vote counts, but indicators are that voters’ faith in the system has now been shaken,” the League request stated. 

      The resolution was introduced by Council member Angel Pilago, and Ka`u Council member Brittany Smart said she supports a state investigation to research the problem. The state elections division said earlier this week that it will take over the administration of the general election Nov. 6, requiring County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi to give over most of her election preparation responsibilities.

Jamae Kawauchi

      Kawauchi was expected to go to Honolulu today to meet with the lawyers from the state Attorney General’s office and representatives of the state elections office to discuss the issues.
      Kawauchi and the elections division defended themselves after ballots arrived late at some precincts and other glitches occurred during the primary election.

HAWAI` COUNTY COUNCIL passed a bill banning geothermal drilling at night on its first reading. At issue is drilling at Puna Geothermal Venture's location outside Pahoa. The bill, which would ban drilling between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. within a mile of residences, is in response to complaints from neighbors.
      In today’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Tom Callis reports that, according to PGV attorney Thomas Yeh, Council actions can’t be retroactive and therefore would not apply to the permit, which was already approved by the Windward Planning Commission. However, PGV plant manager Mike Kaleikini said future drilling would require additional permits from the state. In that case, the bill may apply to future drilling.
      Drilling of the well was completed in July, and Kaleikini said more drilling is not currently planned.
      The proposed bill’s second and final reading is expected to be on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Principal Sharon Beck, vice principal Stacey Bello and athletic director Kalei Namohala  stand next to a rendering of the Ka`u District Shelter & Gym, which will be under construction soon.

THE NEW KA`U GYMNASIUM & DISASTER SHELTER in Pahala will be under construction soon, and the county and Summit Construction plan to build an eight-foot barrier around the building site to help protect adjacent homes and the school facilities from dust, noise and construction activity.
      The 37,827-square-foot gym and separate 4,354-square-foot multipurpose complex will be built on the field between the Pahala tennis courts and school cafeteria. It will be a category three hurricane-hardened disaster shelter as well as a gymnasium for school and community sports.

Golden shovels break ground to begin construction of the
Ka`u District Shelter & Gym.

      Those who attended the groundbreaking yesterday are well aware of the rugged terrain and natural risks that riddle life in Ka`u. Hawai`i Tribune Herald writer Peter Sur pointed out that the groundbreaking ceremony served as a reminder, “from the light veil of vog that hung over Ka`u like a blanket to the charred trees across the street from Ka`u hospital” from the summer fires that surrounded the village. “Pahala has been subjected to brush fires, earthquakes, volcanic gases and the occasional passing hurricane, but there wasn’t any Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved shelter to hold displaced residents,” Sur wrote.
      The new gymnasium is expected to become part of small, independent business development for Ka`u, as tournaments for volleyball and other sports come to the community for weekend and longer stays, and concerts and events are held in the facility, supporting vacation rentals, restaurants and local food and gift shops, as well as the Ka`u Coffee Mill and farmers. The gym and recreational facilities themselves will require employment for management and upkeep.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S art show and contest for The Directory 2013 continues through Saturday at CU Hawai`i in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. The adult winner of the popular vote will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2013. All first-prize winners will appear inside with appropriate credit given. 

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS is Saturday in Pahala, with cane haul trucks and pa`u riders traveling down Pikake Street to the manager’s house where displays, photos, storytelling, food and dance are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Lynn Hamilton at 928-0303 or lynnbybay@aol.com.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 3, 2012

Several key politicians and community members helped break the ground for the new Ka`u Gymnasium and Disaster Shelter today. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

GROUNDBREAKING FOR KA`U’S NEW GYMNASIUM AND DISASTER SHELTER drew dignitaries to Pahala from the governor to state senator, member of the House of Representatives and County Council this morning. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said that when groundbreaking for the $17 million complex was scheduled, he thought of it as “no big deal,” meaning that, “I didn’t give a second thought to getting up at 4:30 a.m. this morning” to fly from O`ahu and come to Ka`u” for the important event.

Ka`u students sat, ate and chatted with Gov. Abercrombie.

      He said he recalled the ceremony after his election, which was held at Pahala Plantation House. A Hawaiian hawk, an `io, flew overhead. He said he heard the Ka`u people saying, “This is not the end of the island. This is the beginning of Hawai`i’s future.”
      Abercrombie said that before he was elected he promised that there would not be a Honolulu-centrist government. And even on the Big Island – it is a Big Island, not just East and West. He said such communities as Ka`u, where a handshake is still a handshake, are hard to find. There is a true aloha spirit here, a lot of old Hawai`i. “You folks live aloha.” He said Ka`u people understand what it is to have a sense of family. You’ve got one big family down here. It is not who you are, what you look like, what your name is. It’s what you give,” Abercrombie said.
      He said it is no small thing that the state and county have worked together to make the gym and disaster shelter a reality.

Rep. Bob Herkes led the campaign for a disaster shelter for nearly a decade.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie released the funds to the County of Hawai`i. 

      Rep. Bob Herkes talked about trying to get funding for a gym in 2005, 2006 and 2007. A longtime promoter of a regional disaster shelter for Ka`u, Herkes said that, when he helped shepherd the $18 million through the state Legislature, the Department of Education said they would not build it anytime soon.
      He asked Mayor Billy Kenoi if the county could take it. Kenoi said that when the facility was ranked 42nd on the Department of Education’s priority list, he saw it could take years, and he agreed the county would take the money. “This required a community that “never said no can.” They said “can.”
      Kenoi turned to the Ka`u high students who attended and said, “Dream, dream big, work hard, never give up, and treat everyone with aloha and respect.”
      Sen. Gil Kahele said it was an amazing experience for him to help bring the funding to the gym as a freshman senator. He and others also credited former Sen. Russell Kokubun for helping with the cause. Kahele said the short timeline from funding to groundbreaking was the result of “people behind the desk, everyday people from the state and county.”

Bobby Gomes spoke and invited the new priest for the Catholic churches in Pahala
and Na`alehu to bless the site.

      Principal Sharon Beck said the dream for the gym was more than seven years in the making, starting with concerns that it was difficult to play regulation games with the low ceiling and confined space. The new gym will allow multiple courts and weekend tournaments. Public officials also acknowledged former County Council member Guy Enriques for working on the project when he was in office.
      Community member Bobby Gomes introduced the new priest from the Catholic churches in Pahala and Na`alehu. Gomes talked about the small population of the vast Ka`u district, crediting the community for tackling big goals “as small as we are, when we unite and share our mana`o.” He credited the school principal for lighting the kindling to build the fire that became the new gymnasium and disaster shelter project.
      After the speeches and prayer, the governor ordered the line of dignitaries to take their shovels, put them into the ground and “huli to the right and huli to the left,” and the new gym and shelter construction was launched.

Bringing axis deer to Hawai`i Island for hunting has
resulted in fines. Photo from mauinow.com

MORE PENALTIES have been handed down to perpetrators of helping to establish invasive species on the Big Island to establish game stock for hunters. On Monday, Judge Richard Puglisi, a federal magistrate, told Daniel Rocha of this island that he will have to complete 200 hours of community service and pay a $1,000 fine. He was found harboring sheep. Both sheep and axis deer have been introduced to the Big Island for game, competing with native wildlife and threatening ranches and farms with overrunning them. A rancher – this one from Maui – was ordered to perform 100 hours of service and pay $15,000 fine for taking an unlicensed person hunting for big game. He will be on probation for a year.

Green sea turtles that frequent the Ka`u Coast will stay on the
endangered species list. Photo by William Neal

KEEPING HONU ON THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST is in, with more than 100,000 people opposing delisting of the Hawaiian green sea turtle. That is according to a report in Civil Beat this week. The federal goal is for honu to reach a population of at least 5,000 nesting turtles a year before taking it off the endangered species list. The population has reached only about 500. Miyoko Sakashita, the oceans director at Center for Biological Diversity, says, “It’s far too soon to take away the protections that just recently helped Hawai`i’s green sea turtle come back from the bring of extinction. We’re lucky to have green sea turtles coming back in Hawai`i, but they face continuing threats to their existence, and they need the Endangered Species Act.” See more at civilbeat.com.

 
OVERSEEING ELECTIONS NOV. 6 in Hawai`i County will be accomplished by the state elections office. Scott Nago, who heads up the elections statewide, made the announcement on Tuesday. The state office and County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi have been at odds over who is responsible for glitches in the primary election. Kawauchi previously fired several election officials, and the state came to their defense.

HONOKA`A HIGH CAME TO KA`U last night and lost both the varsity and junior varsity matches. The junior varsity women of Ka`u won two out three games against the Dragons, 24 – 26, 25 – 20 and 15-6. The varsity women won in three games 25-10, 25-12 and 25-14. The next match is tonight, with Ka`u hosting Kea`au Cougars at 6 p.m. This weekend Ka`u hosts HPA on Saturday at 6 p.m. Ka`u women will vy for the number one spot in Division II of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation league volleyball. 

OKTOBERFEST AT ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View is this Friday, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tables may be reserved for larger parties. Ticket prices are $13 each or two for $22. For tickets, to volunteer or for more information call 939-7555.

MAILE YAMANAKA presents her monthly program at Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Friday. Kohala in Myth, Chant, Dance & Song is the topic at 11 a.m. Hula begins at 1 p.m., with Keiki Hula, at 3 p.m. Call 937-4249 for more information.

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

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.