Ka`u News Briefs Nov. 16, 2012

Tulsi Gabbard in Hilo the night before she was elected to serve rural Hawai`i. Photo by Julia Neal

TULSI GABBARD, the newly elected U.S. House of Representative member who is entrusted with the concerns of Ka`u, Volcano, South Kona and all rural areas in the state of Hawai`i, has been in Washington, D.C. this week for orientation.
      According to a Michael Levine story this morning in Civil Beat, she said she has been learning “everything from figuring out where to go in the building to very important and in-depth briefings on ethics.” She told Civil Beat, “I’m taking every opportunity to meet both with our Democratic colleagues, our fellow new member-elects, as well as on the Republican side, so there have been a number of occasions to introduce ourselves to each other and get to know each other. What I have found very refreshing and exciting has been how happy everyone is to be here, how ready everyone is to get to work and really come in with a new approach to getting things done and working together.”

      The Civil Beat story says that Gabbard has chosen Amy Asselbaye for her Hawai`i-based chief of staff and is yet to choose a Washington-based chief. Asselbaye was chief of staff for more than a year under Gov. Neil Abercrombie and also worked for Abercrombie for almost two decades when he represented urban O`ahu in the U.S. House of Representatives.
      Gabbard’s Washington, D.C. orientation also involved a $1,500 to $2,500 a person fundraiser breakfast on Wednesday for her campaign expenses, with the keynote speaker being Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The breakfast was reported by Civil Beat and also by The Sunlight Foundation. Sunlight’s Political Party Time website at http://politicalpartytime.org reports that the breakfast was held at Hotel George and billed as Breakfast with Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Checks were payable to Tulsi for Hawai`i, PO Box 636, Annandale, VA 22003.

     See more at civilbeat.com.

Tulsi Gabbard, front row, red jacket, fifth from right, has been in Washington, D.C. for
House of Representatives photos and orientation, including her fundraiser for $1,500 a person with
keynote speaker Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Photo from Tulsi Gabbard.

HAWAI`I’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL in October to more than three percent below the national 7.9 percent average and reached the lowest unemployment rate in Hawai`i since November 2008. According to statistics released yesterday by the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, a drop of 1.3 percentage points from 6.8 percent in October 2011. Unemployment in September fell to 5.7 percent – the lowest in Hawai`i since December 2008.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES LOST TO DELTA AIRLINES in its quest for direct flights between Japan and Kona Airport, the airline announced yesterday. Hawaiian was attempting to fill a gap left by Japan Airlines. During bankruptcy reorganization, JAL ceased its direct flights in October 2010 after serving the market for 14 years. Hawaiian’s proposed new route, heavily lobbied by the Big Island visitor industry, would have flown between Kona International Airport and Haneda, the airport closest to Tokyo. 

      Delta, which was abandoning service between Detroit and Haneda, however, was allowed to switch its service to Seattle and Haneda. In addition to Hawaiian competing for the route, United Airlines wanted flights between San Francisco and Haneda, and American Airlines wanted flights between Los Angeles and Haneda. In its arguments for the route, Delta claimed that it could best serve demand on the West Coast with the flight from Seattle. Only one slot was open, and Delta won permission from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
      Anyone wanting to continue the plea for the Kona route can write to the U.S. Department of Transportation by Nov. 26 and object to the decision. Objections would be answered by a Dec. 3 deadline.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards headquarters in Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal


ROYAL HAWAIIAN ORCHARDS released its quarterly results for the first time yesterday under its new company name. Formerly called ML Macadamia Orchards, the newly named entity plans to sell retail macadamia under its own name and to possibly open a retail operation. It is marketing its products as “better for you macadamia nut products” and plans to market them to health and nutrition foods stores and suppliers. President Dennis Simoni said, “This strategy is a highly complementary addition to our growing and processing operations. We believe we are well positioned for success in defining and penetrating a sizeable market for bulk and branded macadamia nut products targeted for health-conscious consumers.”
      Royal Hawaiian Orchards is one of the larger employers in Ka`u and the world’s largest grower of macadamia nuts, owning or leasing 5,070 acres of orchards on Hawai`i Island. Its headquarters is in the historic sugar management building in Pahala.

MORE PUBLIC TESTIMONY REGARDING the proposed contract between Hawai`i Electric Light Company and `Aina Koa Pono has been received by the Public Utilities Commission.

“SOLUTION NUMBER ONE IS GEOTHERMAL, for our island and for our state. Solution number two (is) biofuels for our trucks, buses, tractors and airplanes,” writes mechanical engineer Ken Obenski, of Honaunau, in his letter to the Public Utilities Commission regarding `Aina Koa Pono’s plan to make use biomass to create biofuel at a refinery near Wood Valley Road. Obenski offered support for the project as a means to make transportation fuel, claiming that, while cars can run on battery power, “airplanes, trucks and buses though need a denser, more portable energy medium, (and) biofuels can fill that gap.” 

      While he supports AKP’s project for transportation fuel, Obenski said he supports geothermal energy to create electricity because it “can make other energy technologies competitive. Cheap electricity can make conversion of biomass to fuel economical.” He said that geothermal energy is cheap because “the technology is mature, not experimental. You can buy the equipment like buying a truck, or lease it. The supply is dependable, and once installed very inexpensive to operate.” He also said that geothermal “has all the advantages of fossil power, without the fuel cost or the pollution.”
      In support of the biofuel project, Obenski said that “growing biofuel feedstock will support the agricultural infrastructure that can make all other farm activities more effective. Almost anything green from algae to jatropha to sugarcane to Christmasberry can be converted to a biofuel.”

Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton, in the front row at right, listens to HELCO
president Jay Ignacio during an AKP meeting last year.

“CAN THE STATE OF HAWAI`I AFFORD to use our land for fuel rather than food?” asked Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton in her letter to the PUC. “We only need to look to other areas of the world to see the result of such decisions. There are international concerns about the use of land for fuel rather than food. Hawai`i has other sources of alternative energy. If the rate payers finance this microwave catalytic depolymerization project for 20 years, will they be able or willing to finance another energy project that might appear in the future? Can we afford to take the gamble? 

      “Considering the cost of transportation needed in the process, the potential cost is questionable. The transportation costs would include importing and storing supplies such as fertilizer (and) tons of minerals such as zeolite which are needed daily (and) transporting feedstock from the fields to the refinery and tanker trucks traveling 71.2 miles daily to Kailua-Kona, all of which would be using petroleum.”
      Hamilton said she is also concerned that transporting fuel on the two-lane road from Pahala to HELCO’s power plant in Kailua-Kona would “certainly have an economic cost to the people along the coast,” citing “the danger of accidents transporting synthetic fuel on the winding road” and “the disruption of other commerce on the road.”
      “I question the financial viability, the technical viability, the wisdom of committing our state’s resource for 20 years to an untried process. We are concerned for our water, our land use, lost job opportunities, the health and safely our people both now and in the future,” she said.

      PUC is accepting public testimony through Friday, Nov. 30. Email comments to hawaii.puc@hawaii.gov.

ST. JUDE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND PLANT SALE is tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s on Paradise Circle in Ocean View. From Hwy 11, turn mauka on Donola Drive to Paradise Parkway. 



KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FUNDRAISING BAZAAR is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wai`ohinu on Hwy 11.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS hosts its Fall Fling tomorrow at Punalu`u Bake Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes music, hula, creative corner, talent contest and an arts and crafts sale.

`OHANA CELEBRATION DAY takes place tomorrow at Pahala Plantation House, with exhibits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a concert and lu`au at noon. Organizer Kumu `Ola Leina`ala Brown describes the event as “a wonderful day of Lokahi, Lapa`au, delicious foods, healthy solutions, caring for the land, `ohana, self and each other.” Kama`aina rate is $50, and keiki are free. Call Brown at 961-3118 for more information.

13TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT opens to the public tomorrow at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional through Sunday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

ALSO AT VOLCANO ART CENTER, Christmas in the Country begins tomorrow and continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations and print and book signings by gallery artists, plus a selection of handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season. The event is also held Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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 Nov. 15, 2012

Abolish the PLDC became background lighting at the Democratic rally in Hilo before the General Election.
Photo from http://www.facebook.com/AbolishThePLDC/photos_stream

KA`U, VOLCANO AND SOUTH KONA COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Brenda Ford has been named chair of the council’s Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee. Margaret Wille will be vice chair.

Brenda Ford

Margaret Wille 

Future Council Chair J Yoshimoto

      Ford said she requested to be the committee chair. “I always have been interested in getting our infrastructure fixed and also in public health, safety and welfare,” said Ford. She noted that she has been supportive of the safety of the police officers and initiated successful legislation for a policy for police officers to take home radios so they can communicate with each other and dispatch. “Should there be an emergency, they can call for backup.” She said she has also worked for a special fund to allow the fire chief to purchase equipment and vehicles for the fire department.

Valerie Poindexter

Greggor Ilagan

Karen Eoff

     As with the other council members, Ford will serve on all committees and on the Housing Agency. “I will continue to work hard on legislation in all committees,” she said.
      Newly elected council members take their posts with a swearing in on Dec. 3 in Hilo.
       Announcement of new County Council committee chairs came after a closed-door meeting among the council members-elect who attended either in person, by phone or by Skype last weekend. The organizing led to the selection of J Yoshimoto as Chair of the council. Vice Chair will be Karen Eoff.
      Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability will be chaired by Margaret Wille. Valerie Poindexter will be vice chair.
      Finance will be chaired by Poindexter. Greggor Ilagan will be vice chair.
      Human & Social Services will be chaired by Eoff. Poindexter will be vice chair. 

Dru Kanuha

Zendo Kern

Dennis Onishi

Intergovernmental Relations & Economic Development will be chaired by Dennis Onishi. Ilagan will be vice chair.
      County Housing Agency will be chaired by IIagan. Onishi will be vice chair.
      Planning will be chaired by Zendo Kern. Wille will be vice chair.
      Public Works will be chaired by Dru Kanuha. Onishi will be vice chair.

Local 5 protested the PLDC at this weeks hearing on O`ahu

PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT CORP. faced another round of opposition this week at a hearing held in the Department of Land & Natural Resources boardroom in Honolulu. The hearing, set for approving draft rules for the agency that is designed to allow development on state lands to raise money for the DLNR, was criticized at its core with signs held by Local 5 union members outside the building, declaring “Don’t Sell Off Our `Aina” and “Repeal the PLDC.”
      Hawai`i County Council and Kaua`i County Council issued a resolution asking for the PLDC to be abolished, stating erosion of home rule and local planning, as well as concern about environmental protection.

Former County Council member
Kiko Bonk's name is used in
the anti-PLDC battle cry.

      According to a story in yesterday’s Honolulu Star Advertiser, state “Sen. Laura Thielen, a former DLNR director, said the PLDC does not need exemptions from land use and county zoning laws to redevelop or improve public land. The new draft of rules, she said, also removes a provision that would have required projects to follow existing laws, charter provisions and ordinances.”
      The Derrick DePledge story quotes Outdoor Circle Executive Director Martha Townsend: “"Good planning is not a burden. It is a requirement…Good public engagement is not a burden. It's a requirement."
      The story also reports on testimony by former Big Island County Council member Kiko Bonk: She “testified on behalf of her mother, Fumi Bonk, who was sitting in a wheelchair in the front row of the small meeting room. Bonk described the PLDC as a ‘developer plot’ that ‘goes against every process that we have in place in Hawai`i.’ Bonk asked her mother whether she had anything else to say to the PLDC. ‘God damn you,’ Fumi Bonk said to cheers.”
      See more of the DePledge story at staradvertiser.com.

 PLDC has become the subject of art, cartoons and posters.
Image from http://www.facebook.com/AbolishThePLDC/photos_stream

WAIT FOR THE 2013 LEGISLATURE is what the Honolulu Star Advertiser editorial page recommends this morning for the Public Land Development Corp. The editorial page says that the word Public as part of the PLDC name “ought to mean something, at the very least that its officials are listening to the public whose land is at issue.” The editorial says that public concerns “demand at the very least a major revision of the entire PLDC statute in the next Legislature. For that reason, the PLDC should not act on its proposed rules, a decision that had been scheduled for later this month,” the Star Advertiser urges.
      The newspaper editors also call for “more hearings on the neighbor islands — many of the potential projects of PLDC could involve underutilized public land on those islands — to give residents there a voice on the rules and on the agency itself.” See more at staradvertiser.com.

U.S. Attorneys Office in Honolulu is the workplace of
Derrick Kahala Watson who is nominated to become a
federal judge. Photo from DOJ

DERRICK KAHALA WATSON has been nominated by Pres. Barack Obama to a lifetime appointment as U.S. district judge for Hawai`i. Confirmation by the U.S. Senate would make him the first Hawaiian federal judge since Samuel King. Watson, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Harvard College and Harvard Law School, would fill the vacancy of U.S. District Judge David Ezra who left his post in June to become a senior federal judge. There are four full-time U.S. District Judges in Hawai`i.
      Obama issued a statement on the seven nominees for federal judgeships around the country. They have “talent, expertise and fair-mindedness.” He said his nominations are an effort to “ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves.”
      Watson, the son of a police officer, has been working at the U.S. Attorney’s office for five years in Honolulu. Previously, he worked as a U.S. District Attorney in northern California and for private law firms in San Francisco.
      He was also a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and an attorney with JAG Corps.

Sen. Dan Inouye

DANIEL INOUYE, PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. SENATE and the third in line for the U.S. Presidency, should something happen to Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, was hospitalized this morning. Inouye suffered a cut on his head after falling in his home in the Washington, D.C. area. His family insisted that he go to the hospital as a precaution, according to his staff, while Inouye wanted to go off to work with a bandaid. Inouye spokesperson Peter Boylan said the senator is available by phone for any votes to be taken in the Senate today. Inouye is 88 years of age.

THE 13TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT opens to the public Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional through Sunday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

KAHUKU JUNIOR RANGER `OHANA DAY is set for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Keiki of all ages are invited to explore the park’s newest addition with their `ohana. Participants walk in the footsteps of kupuna to experience the `aina; connect ancient traditions through stories, `oli, GPS and compass; hear mo`olelo of Pu`u-Enuhe and Pupuhuluena; create hu, kukui nut top and `ohe kapala, bamboo stamped canvas bag. For more, call 985-6019.

PALM TRAIL HIKE is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, between miles 70 and 71 on Hwy 11. This relatively easy, guided 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. For more, call 985-6011.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and volunteers clean up the coast this Saturday.
Photo by Sean King

POHAKULOA COVE, SOUTH OF GREEN SANDS, is the site of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund’s Ka`u coast cleanup on Saturday. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to carpool and caravan to the site. Four-wheel-drive and high-clearance vehicles are needed to access the cove. RSVP at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com to coordinate rides.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS hosts its Fall Fling this Saturday at Punalu`u Bake Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes music, hula, creative corner, talent contest and an arts and crafts sale. For more information, call Ms. Davis at 967-7565.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is gearing up for its annual Keiki Christmas Party. Keiki Christmas Coordinator Sandy Honnold says, "Christmas is coming and the star trees are out." She encourages community members to find a star tree, pick a star, buy a gift for a child and return the unwrapped gift with the star to the Ocean View Community Center or the store at which the star was picked from. "We need your generous donations of gifts for the keiki so... Be a Star!"
       Star trees can be found at the following locations: Aloha Dreams Computer, Malama Market, Ocean View Community Center, Kahuku Country Market, Ocean View Ace Hardware, Ocean View Pizzaria, South Hawai`i Realty, Solarworks, Ocean View Auto Parts, Ocean View Market, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Spin Zone Wash Laundromat, Coffee Grinds Cafe, and South Point U-Cart.
       For more, contact Sandy at 557-9847.

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 Nov. 14, 2012

Local flower growers are hoping to support more destination and local weddings. This arrangement took second place in a recent flower arranging contest at a conference to bolster the industry. Photo from the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council

THE FLOWER INDUSTRY IS LOOKING for new markets, including local weddings where much of the foliage and blossoms are imported from the mainland. To buck that trend, designers are coming up with arrangements using locally grown flowers and have competed at the recent Tropical Trends Collaboration Now in the 21st Century Conference. It was presented by the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council, Crop Productions Services and the Hawai`i Floriculture and Nursery Association.

      Award-winning floral designer, author and educator Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, served as the contest’s lead judge, assisted by Carol Okada, Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, and Margarita (Day Day) Hopkins, a retired economic development specialist with Hawai`i County.

Iris Viacrusis of Iris Gill Design in Hilo took first place.
Photo from the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council

      “The contestants exceeded my expectations, producing interesting designs that illustrated their mechanical and professional knowledge,” said Gilliam of Design 358.
      Participating design contestants from O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i Island were tasked with using a surprise package of materials to create a bridal bouquet, a table centerpiece and one table setting “for the sophisticated bride and groom from New York City.” The winning contestants took home cash and the public was invited to attend for free.
      “A competition like this brings out the best of what Hawai`i has to offer, both in product and floral design,” said Eric Tanouye, president of HFNA. “Many of our local designers have the talent to compete on the larger stage. Their designs were beautiful and definitely cutting-edge.”
      Taking first place was Iris Viacrusis of Iris Gill Design in Hilo, followed by second place winner Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi of Su-V Expression in Honolulu. Lia Mercado of Ainahua Florals in Kamuela earned third place and the people’s choice award.
      “Local residents usually want flowers from the Mainland for their weddings but after seeing what we did with the Hawai`i product, they were amazed,” Viacrusis said. “Events like this can excite our citizens to request our tropical flowers for their weddings, which is more affordable than shipping product in.”
      The first day of the conference focused on ways to improve floral production, delving into pest control, fertilizer and research. Other programs covered the importance of a business plan and a marketing strategy with a Hawai`i brand identity. Attendees learned about capitalizing on the trend in interior-scapes, like “living walls,” and got an update on the global production and marketing of cut flowers, blooming plants and potted foliage by worldwide authority Henry Winogrond of Novelle Consulting.

 Lia Meercado was the People's Choice and third place winner.
Photo from the Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council

      While discussing “Trends, Design and Demand in the Floriculture and Nursery Industry,” Gilliam told growers they “have all the right things” — quality product with interesting colors and textures and good delivery with Fed Ex — but need to better market themselves.
      “The market is not going to come to the small grower; competition is fierce,” said Gilliam. “Collaboration of all growers is essential to sell product to a targeted customer wanting the Hawai`i brand and all the wonderful attributes the brand has to offer.”
      Tanouye agreed, adding, “It’s important to stay in the top tier of the marketplace by delivering on the Hawai`i brand promise of highest quality, consistency, an ever-changing diversified product, and service with aloha.”
      The 4th Annual Tropical Trends Collaboration Now in the 21st Century was a partnership between county Research & Development, Crop Production Services, Flora-Dec, Hawai`i Export Nursery Association, Hawai`i Floriculture and Nursery Association, Hawai`i Tropical Flower Council, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Orchid Growers of Hawai`i, State of Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Richard Ha.

`AINA KOA PONO is on the editorial pages of the Hawai`i Tribune Herald this morning. Geothermal proponent and rancher Richard Ha writes: “`Aina Koa Pono, the Ka`u biofuel project, tells us that consumers will pay only if they succeed. If they do succeed, the cost will be roughly $200 per barrel of oil and locked-in for a 20-year contract with HELCO.
      “By comparison, HELCO recently announced that they are planning to add 50 megawatts of geothermal power to our island’s grid. The cost to produce geothermal electricity equates to roughly $57 a barrel of oil. Why is `Aina Koa Pono and HELCO pursuing this unproven biofuel venture when it clearly means higher electricity rates?
      “Our economy took a nosedive at $147 a barrel of oil in 2008, causing hardship to many families. Please submit written testimony (to the Public Utilities Commission) by Nov. 30 for Docket No. 2012-0185, and send it to: hawaii.puc@hawaii.gov.
      “`Aina Koa Pono’s success does not mean our success,” concludes Ha.
      `Aina Koa Pono’s promise to Ka`u is 400 union construction jobs to build a refinery off Wood Valley Road and 200 permanent jobs on the biofuel farm and at the refinery. See more of the `Aina Koa Pono perspective at www.ainakoapono.com.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE is meeting tomorrow at the Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala at 4 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The cooperative is helping to organize the repair and upgrade of the old plantation water tunnels and distribution system. The water is for use by farmers and ranchers. The water system has many tunnels from Kapapala to Wai`ohinu and user groups are forming around each of the old systems to help organize repair and distribution of the water for agriculture.

Ali`i Keanaaina performs tonight, 7  p.m.  Pahala Plantation House.
Photo from Lawakua Productions

A FREE CONCERT, FEATURING ALI`I KEANAAINA and his band as they celebrate their CD release of He Mele No, is held tonight in Pahala at the Plantation House from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
      Leader of the band Devin Kahale Ali`i Keanaina was born in Kealakekua and raised in Kalaoa. “Growing up music has surrounded me, from Hawaiian and English hymns at church, to traditional contemporary Hawaiian music at home gatherings and parties,” he recalls. “Coming from a very musical family with my father playing music with my brothers and my mother being our church's choral director, I learned how to sing at a very young age both in Hawaiian and English.” Keanaaina was introduced to hula at the age of eight through lessons from cousin and Kumu Hula Kaina Keanaaina, and later joined Halau Napua Ha`aheo O Kona with his uncle and Kumu Hula Bobo Palacat. “Both Kaina and uncle Bobo instilled the love of hula within me, especially the expression of the dance that I now share with my own students of Vehiwa Productions,” he said. Keanaaina has become a teacher, storyteller, actor, and has refined his skills as a musician and singer. His band members are Bradshaw Ellis, Nui Keanaaina and Pili Pua-Kaipo.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA`U meets tomorrow. For more, call 929-9731 or 936-7262.

KICK ICE SIGN WAIVING takes place Friday in front of Na`alehu School gym from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ST. JUDE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND PLANT SALE is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s on Paradise Circle in Ocean View. Soup and bread, homemade baked goods, cakes, pies, jams, jellies, candies, plants, crafts, books, gift items and Jumble Sale (rummage sale not including clothes). From Hwy 11, turn mauka on Donola Drive to Paradise Parkway.

KAUAHA`OA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FUNDRAISING BAZAAR is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wai`ohinu on Highway 11. The bazaar features a flea market, food, and entertainment. Call 928-8039 or after 7 p.m. call 929-9997.

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.