Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 20, 2013

A thousand moths are being released in Kamuela today and could lead to fireweed control in Ka`u as well, where pastures are being devastated. Fireweed can look like a daisy patch but is poisonous to cattle.
Photo from hawaiianinvasivespecies.org

PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT LAW was severely threatened yesterday by the state Senate with a unanimous vote and no discussion regarding scrapping the agency. The decision to rid the state of the Public Land Development Corp. that would allow private entities to partner with the state to develop public lands follows the state House of Representatives voting last week to get rid of the PLDC. The decision follows months of protests and promises during the campaigns of elected officials last fall to either radically change the law allowing the PLDC or to dissolve the agency altogether. West Ka`u’s Rep. Denny Coffman said he made a mistake voting for the PLDC last year. New East Ka`u Sen. Russell Ruderman campaigned on getting rid of the PLDC, as did West Ka`u Sen. Josh Green. East Ka`u Rep. Richard Onishi said he wanted the law to be rewritten to give more home rule or to be overturned.
      Final wording of the agreement to abolish the agency will be hammered out by the House and Senate. Another bill that is moving forward at the 2013 Legislature, however, would allow the state and developers to use public school lands for development.

Caterpillar that eats fireweed becomes the madagascar fireweed moth.
Photo from  state Department of Agriculture

MADAGASCAR FIREWEED MOTH, Secusio extensa, is being introduced today on the Big Island – a thousand to be released at first at Kahua Ranch in Kamuela. Fireweed is native of Madagascar and believed to have been imported by mistake from Australia in the 1980s. It is toxic to cattle, horses, and even goats and sheep, causing slow growth and liver problems The daisy like weed is fast spreading in Ka`u as well as other parts of the Big Island and Maui.        The state Department of Agriculture plans to release more than a million moths this year, hoping to hold back the infestation which has reached more than 850,000 acres. The moth controls fireweed when its caterpillar eats the invasive plant.

CONCERNING THE `AINA KOA PONO proposal, the Public Utilities Commission yesterday published responses to more questions asked by the state Consumer Advocate, Hawai`i County and Life of the Land. The questions concern the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to annually sell, at a fixed price for 20 years, 16 million gallons of diesel that would be manufactured at a refinery off Wood Valley Road above Pahala. The fuel, produced in 27 microwave units, would be sold to Hawai`i Electric Light and Hawaiian Electric Companies, with most of it trucked up Hwy 11 to a power plant in Kona. It would mean higher electric bills on O`ahu and the Big Island.

      “Does the MicroDee process directly produce biodiesel following the microwave depolymerization step, or is the product pyrolysis oil that requires further upgrading to biodiesel?” asks Hawai`i County. “If the latter, then what is the composition of the pyrolysis oil (and variability in this composition based on the proposed feedstock or multiple anticipated feedstocks), what facilities will be required to upgrade the pyrolysis oil, will these facilities be on-site (and if not, where will upgrading be performed), and what will be the source of hydrogen to obtain the final biodiesel product? Could this product be called green diesel or simply renewable diesel? Have any additional transportation costs and raw material (especially hydrogen) costs been incorporated in the analysis?”
      HECO and HELCO responded, “According to `Aina Koa Pono-Ka`u, LLC, the MicroDee process produces a pyrolytic oil. An on-site scalable upgrade process will be provided to further process the pyrolytic oil to a synthetic renewable diesel. The source of hydrogen would be from a commercially available mobile skid unit or in industrial supply tanks.

      “According to AKP, the finished fuel is a synthetic renewable diesel; any additional transportation costs and raw material (including hydrogen) costs have been incorporated in their analysis.”
      Hawai`i County asked, “What are the predicted final overall economics? When electricity is finally made by the proposed process, is the net energy balance positive or negative, and is the total amount of petroleum input per kilowatt-hour more or less than if the electricity had been made by using the petroleum directly, or if the biomass were simply burned? Is there a potential that this project will potentially increase the Islands’ reliance on imported petroleum?”
      “According to AKP, the net energy balance will be positive,” the utilities replied. “When the feedstock is processed, biochar and biodiesel will be produced. The biochar will be used to generate electricity to power AKP’s facility while the biodiesel will be sold to HELCO and third parties. As a result, the total amount of petroleum input per kilowatt-hour will be lower than if electricity had been made by petroleum directly. The overall MicroDee process is far more efficient than simply burning biomass because it yields multiple products; biochar which can be used to power the AKP facility and biodiesel which can be used by HELCO at Keahole to generate electricity.
      “According to AKP, their project will not increase the island’s reliance on petroleum.’

      Life of the Land asked, “HECO/HELCO has told the Commission that both AKP1 and AKP2 are reasonable and in the public interest. How is that possible?”
      The utilities responded, “At the time the AKP1 Biodiesel Supply Contract was executed and filed with the Commission, the Companies’ believed that the AKP1 Biodiesel Supply Contract was reasonable and in the public interest over the twenty year term. The Consumer Advocate’s Statement of Position was also generally in agreement with the Companies’ position that the AKP1 Biodiesel Supply Contract was fair and reasonable. However, the Commission issued its Decision and Order in Docket No. 2011-0005 denying the AKP1 Biodiesel Supply Contract on Sept. 29, 2011. One of the main reasons for the denial was that the Commission concluded that the contract price was unreasonable and not in the public interest.
      “Since the denial of the AKP1 Biodiesel Supply Contract, a lower per gallon price of AKP biodiesel was agreed upon by both parties. Because of this, the Companies believe that the proposed AKP biodiesel price is reasonable and in the public interest.… The lower biodiesel price will amount to a lesser ratepayer impact over the twenty-year term. The proposed AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract is reasonable as a hedge against unpredictable fossil fuel prices and provide security of fuel supply through locally available resources.”

      Previously, Life of the Land had asked the utilities to provide all documentation that O`ahu lacks sufficient renewable energy resources to provide all of its renewable energy needs. The companies replied that they “have no documentation that, with certainty, either supports or refutes that ‘O`ahu lacks sufficient renewable energy resources to provide all of its renewable energy needs.’”
      Life of the Land then asked, “Will HECO/HELCO stop asserting that O`ahu is resource poor?”
      The companies replied, “O`ahu currently has the lowest renewable portfolio standard compared to the neighbor islands and, as explained in the Companies’ (earlier) response, the renewable technologies mentioned by LOL are either being developed, demonstrated (wave energy, OTEC and deep water offshore wind) or are not firm and dispatchable (wave energy, PV, offshore wind). At some time in the future, these renewable technologies may make the transition to a commercial state for installation on or about O`ahu. However, as LOL is aware, even if some of the as-available energy such as wave energy or offshore wind becomes commercially viable, this as-available energy is not a replacement for firm, dispatchable energy, which is needed in part to help the Companies provide firm and stable power to its customers.”
      Ka`u News Briefs will cover more responses in the coming days.
      Complete responses to all questions are online at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

KA`U AG WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

PROCESS PAINTING - SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY is the topic at a workshop Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban encourages participants to experiment, explore, discover and play. No previous art education or experience needed. $45/$40 for VAC members plus $5 supply fee. Advance registration is required at 967-8222. 

SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN holds a talk story at Pahala Plantation House Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ruderman meets with constituents to discuss issues before the state Legislature. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 974-4000, ext. 66890.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 19, 2013

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail will receive $275,000 to improve infrastructure and access.
Map from nps.gov.alka

ALA KAHAKAI NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL, which stretches along the entire coast of Ka`u as well as the entire west coast of Hawai`i Island, will receive $275,000 to improve infrastructure and access to the historic 175-mile trail, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced yesterday. Funds will be used to install road, parking, and trail signs and trail treatments to improve trail user safety, protect cultural and natural resources, and enhance visitor’s experiences while honoring Native Hawaiian culture and the environment, LaHood’s news release states.

Ala Kahakai crosses 175 miles of Hawai`i Island's
coast. Photo from nps.gov/alka

      “In his State of the Union address last week, President Obama called on us to upgrade our nation’s transportation infrastructure to help grow our economy and improve energy efficiency,” said LaHood. “Improving access to modern transit services throughout our scenic parklands and protected areas will help us to preserve these national treasures for future generations.”
      Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is administered by the National Park Service. According to the website, nps.gov/alka, the trail was established in 2000 “for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources.” It describes the trail as “full of cultural and historical significance” and says it “traverses through hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlement sites and through over 200 ahupua`a.
      Ala Kahakai Trail Association is a private, nonprofit association established to provide community support to the planning and management of the trail. The association’s website states, “This shoreline trail is unique in that it is a model of community management and involvement, focusing on the preservation of Hawaiian culture and heritage as well as promoting environmental stewardship and education. It is more than a recreational trail – it is a path that joins the past to the present and the future.”
      The trail can be unofficially accessed through sections within the four National Parks on the Island of Hawai`i including Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and Pu`ukohola National Historic Site
      The funding is part of $12.5 million in grants for 29 projects in 20 states to improve access to America’s national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. The funds are provided through the Federal Transit Administration’s Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program.

Rep. Denny Coffman

MANY BILLS INTRODUCED BY INCUMBENT state Rep. Denny Coffman, whose district extends through West Ka`u, are making their way through the state Legislature. 

      House Bill 1133, which would repeal the Public Land Development Corp, has been sent to the Senate, where it passed its first reading. Coffman said he made a mistake earlier, voting for the legislation that gives private developers the opportunity to use state-owned land without oversight of the county.
      Several other bills introduced by Coffman have passed their first or second readings in the House.
      House Bill 17 would require maintenance of public beach access by adjacent landowners and would impose penalties for noncompliance. It would establish shoreline access as an objective of the coastal zone management program and require the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to provide written notice to affected property owners.
      HB 1256 would make the feed-in-tariff system more available to independent energy producers. The bill would incentivize “a class of, or classes of, eligible customer-generators who generate electricity and upon meeting utility requirements are compensated at current Public Utility Commission established tariff rates for electricity fed back to the electric grid.”
      HB 279 would establish a Food Safety Task Force within the Department of Agriculture to study and recommend methods to prepare for compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act and food safety management practices within the state.
      House Bill 281 would provide funding for drought mitigation. The bill says, “The legislature finds that a viable agriculture industry requires a steady, reliable supply of water. However, drought conditions continue to adversely affect Hawai`i’s farms and ranches, hampering the state’s ability to produce quality products on a consistent bases throughout the year.” The justification for the bill says that drought committees were formed at the county level and that funding for the drought mitigation projects would be provided to the local government in each county.

Rep. Denny Coffman is seeking funding for coffee berry borer research.
Photo by Peggy Greb, USDA Ag Research Service  

      HB 353 would fund coffee berry borer research. It would underwrite a program at the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center to develop methods for the prevention and treatment of coffee berry borer infestation. Grants in aid would come from the state agriculture development and food security special fund.
      HB 358 would require both chambers of the Legislature to implement rules to permit residents to present testimony through audiovisual technology. It would provide funding to establish audiovisual systems throughout the state.
       House Bill 417 would provide $2.8 million to Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation to implement and sustain its primary care training program at the Hilo Medical Center. This program is expected to also provide physicians in Ka`u.
      House Bill 533 would establish a return-to-home program to assist eligible homeless individuals to return to their home states when there is a support network able to receive them and care for them. The bill would help finance the logistics and transportation.
      House Bill 540 requires the state employer-union health benefits trust fund to require all the health plans to give a break on co-payments to those employees and retirees who do not smoke. It also considers deductions for other risk lowering behavior.
      These and other bills can be tracked at capitol.hawaii.gov.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center. An item on the agenda calls for $200,000 in funding for improvements to the water supply at Kahuku Park that would provide sufficient water for drinking and irrigation and an auxiliary source of potable water in a disaster. The bill, introduced by Council member Brenda Ford, passed the Finance Committee unanimously at the committee’s last meeting.

Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center
during County Council meetings.

      Council agendas, along with information on how to submit testimony, can be viewed at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-council-meeting.
      Ka`u residents can now participate in committee and Council meetings via videoconference at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle. The system is available until 3 p.m. or later if public witness testimony has not been completed.
      For more information, call 961-8536 or edistrict6@co.hawaii.hi.us.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK host a winter fundraiser with wine tasting, pupus and artwork by Christina Skaggs at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel’s Wai`oli Lounge tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wine tasting will include four specially selected wines with unlimited return visits to the wine bar. Another feature is an unlimited, open pupu buffet. The event includes live music, an optional raffle and silent auction as well as an art display and sale. Participants may choose wine tasting or pupu bar for $20 each or both for $40. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends group. Tickets are available at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

ISLAND MUSIC SINGER/SONGWRITER Darryl Castillo performs tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Castillo’s two albums, Follow the Light and Son Crazy, both garnered Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations for Best Inspirational Album. His CDs will be available for purchase. This Na Leo Manu – Heavenly Voices program is free, and park entrance fees apply.

FINAL PERFORMANCES of Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network’s production of the musical comedy Nunsense by Dan Goggin take place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Kilauea Military Camp Theater. Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise. The nuns decide to stage a variety show to raise funds for the last four burials. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, Paradise Plants, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. For ticket information and reservations, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. 

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 18, 2013

Alternating lane closures will occur on Hwy 11 between South Point Road (Point A) and Punalu`u Road (Point B) tomorrow through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for water tie-ins and sidewalk work. Image from maps.google.com

HAWAI`I HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has passed HB 865, which would create Hawai`i Community Development Authority and establish a framework for redevelopment of public school lands. The bill was introduced by Rep. Joseph Souki, Speaker of the House. According to the bill, its purpose is to grant the responsibility to facilitate the redevelopment of public school lands in order to generate income to improve public school facilities and infrastructure to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Rep. Joseph Souki

      “The Legislature recognizes that because public funds to meet school facilities needs are severely limited, a new, innovative approach is needed to complement traditional general fund appropriations to bring Hawai`i’s public schools into the twenty-first century,” the bill states. “The public school lands of the state’s two hundred fifty-four school campuses, some of which are considered underutilized, are an untapped resource. Public private partnerships to use these lands differently would provide opportunities for the state to use available lands to enable 21st century facilities. Leasing the underutilized lands can generate income to upgrade existing schools or construct new schools to 21st century standards and opportunities. By engaging in public-private partnerships, refocusing uses of these properties will support community-driven redevelopment and help communities make better use of land while increasing educational and economic opportunities for the benefit of Hawai`i’s public school children. Any use of public lands must be compatible with and provide benefits to the surrounding community. Teachers, administrators, students, parents, community residents and other stakeholders must play a meaningful role in the planning, design and partnership between the school and surrounding community.”
      The bill now goes to the Senate.

MANY BILLS INTRODUCED BY INCUMBENT state Sen. Josh Green, whose district extends through West Ka`u, are making their way through the state Legislature, having passed their first or second readings.
      SB 932 would prohibit any person who is a danger to self or danger to others from possessing, having custody or control of, receiving, purchasing, or attempting to receive or purchase firearms or other dangerous or deadly weapons. It would create a reporting system for persons who seriously threaten a readily identifiable person or persons to a mental health professional. It would require the Department of Public Safety to create a database and list of persons prohibited from possessing, having custody or control of, receiving, purchasing, or attempting to receive or purchase firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons, which will be accessible to law enforcement, mental health professionals, and sellers of firearms. It would require the Department of Public Safety to make a list of persons whose license for firearms or other dangerous or deadly weapons has been revoked.

      A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. on SB 69, which relates to firearms. The bill would require county police departments to fingerprint, photograph, and perform background checks on individuals who wish to register a firearm that was procured out-of-state. It would authorize police departments to assess a fee for conducting a fingerprint check and specifies the amount of the fee. It also appropriates funds to the county police departments to develop gun safety programs, including offering gun safety education and training, performing extensive background checks for mental health concerns for certain individuals wishing to register guns and initiating a gun buy-back program.
      SB 98 would reduce the tax liability for low-income people by creating a tax credit that will reduce a person’s income tax to zero when federal adjusted gross income falls below federal poverty guidelines. It would reduce a person’s income tax liability by 50 percent when federal adjusted gross income falls between 100 and 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
      SB 481 would establish the Instructional Office of Hawaiian Studies for the purpose of providing instruction to public school students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language.
      SB 610 would direct the state Department of Education to name the next completed public high school the “Daniel Ken Inouye High School.”
      SB 616 would prohibit smoking at public bus stops, parks, beaches and in vehicles when a minor is present in the vehicle.

      SB 343 would require the state director of Health to participate in the national oral health surveillance system. It would permit dental hygienists to apply preventative sealants in a school-based dental sealant program. It would require the state Department of Health to establish and administer a school-based dental sealant program in a high-need demonstration school and report to the Legislature about the department’s efforts to prioritize prevention of tooth decay. It would appropriate funds to establish and administer a school-based dental sealant program in a high-need demonstration school, including plans to implement the program on a statewide level.

Sen. Josh Green

      SB 59 would increase the monthly board rate distributed by the department of human services for foster care services for children.
      SB 640 would prohibit manufacture, sale, or distribution of child-care products and toys for young children that contain bisphenol-A or phthalates beginning Jan. 1, 2014. It would require manufacturers to choose safe alternatives. It would prohibit use of packages and packaging containing lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium beginning Jan. 1, 2014. It would prohibit Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. from purchasing and using vinyl intravenous solution bags and vinyl tubing beginning Jan. 1, 2014.
      SB 643 would mandate that all public school teachers receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and certification.
      SB 1238 would establish the maternal mortality review committee to conduct comprehensive reviews of maternal deaths in Hawai`i, which would include collecting, analyzing, and disseminating maternal mortality information. It would require the committee to hold meetings and submit an annual report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature.
      The status of these and other bills is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

THE STATE HIGHWAYS DIVISION has announced that Hwy 11 in the vicinity of Na`alehu will have alternating lane closures in both directions between South Point Road and Punalu`u Road tomorrow through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for water line tie-ins and sidewalk work.

Ka`u Golf Group, Red Hat Ladies and Ka Lae Quilters raise funds for Ka`u
Hospital's emergency room every February. Photo by Julia Neal

FIRST PLACE IN KA`U GOLF GROUP’S sixth annual tournament on Friday went to a team from Na`alehu made up by Hunter Larson, Greg Larson, Steve Lent and Shawn Anderson. Second place went to Charles White, Lisa White, Brian Bence and Charmine Bence from Waiakea, with third place going to George Harai, Jean Okayama, Rodney Maeda and Craig Aoki from Kona.
      Play started with a sunny day at Volcano Golf & Country Club. One hour into the game the rain started, and ten teams stopped playing. The other 11 teams continued on “because they wanted to prove they had the spirit of golf in them,” said organizer Ron Young. After lunch, door prizes were given out, followed by an auction of items donated by island merchants. All proceeds go to Ka`u Hospital, which uses matching federal dollars to purchase emergency room equipment. Young sends a big mahalo to everyone who participated, with a special thank you to Beverly Velazquez, who for the last two years baked pastries and pies for morning check-ins and lunches.
      Another fundraiser for the hospital takes place Saturday, when Red Hat Ladies of Ka`u and Ka Lae Quilters host their seventh annual Spaghetti Dinner at 4 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Call Barbara Beatty at 929-9072 for more information.

Ocean View resident Dick Hershberger portrays Thomas Jaggar in KDEN's
production of A Walk into the Past. Photo from KDEN

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The living history program features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger bringing back to life Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of the study of volcanoes. Free performances are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply. 

ISLAND MUSIC SINGER/SONGWRITER Darryl Castillo performs Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Castillo has been featured in numerous television programs, including Jake and the Fatman and Island Son. His two albums, Follow the Light and Son Crazy, both garnered Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations for Best Inspirational Album. His CDs will be available for purchase. This Na Leo Manu – Heavenly Voices program is free, and park entrance fees apply.

PROCESS PAINTING - SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY is the topic at a workshop Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Patricia Hoban encourages participants to experiment, explore, discover and play. No previous art education or experience needed. $45/$40 for VAC members plus $5 supply fee. Advance registration is required at 967-8222.

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

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