Ka`u News Briefs May 5, 2013

Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative offered samples to Ka`u Coffee Festival attendees yesterday. Photos by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A drew more than a thousand people to the grounds of Pahala Community Center yesterday in celebration of 17 years of Ka`u Coffee becoming a new industry for the district, with small businesses and small farms creating a worldwide reputation. Gov. Neil Abercrombie declared last week Ka`u Coffee Week. A cultural exchange based around the festival was further forged between the small community of Lana`i and halau members in Pahala and from Japan. Lori Lei Shirakawa’s hula studio presented dancers from tiny keiki to kupuna, accompanied by Gene Akamu, Lori Lei and friends. Cyril Pahinui, D, Gene and Curtis, and Debbie Ryder were among the performers along with Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids. The many brands of Ka`u Coffee were shared with visitors and local residents who also visited farms and Ka`u Coffee Mill. Ka`u Coffee College continues today at Pahala Community Center.

Keiki from Lori Lei Shirakawa's halau get ready to perform.

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has received more public testimony regarding the proposed contract being considered for `Aina Koa Pono to grow feedstock and refine biofuel in Ka`u and sell it to Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. 

      Referring to an April 30 op-ed piece in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser from Big Island Community Coalition member Richard Ha opposing the project, Bert Oshiro, of O`ahu, said, “If what he says is true, that is totally unfair for O`ahu ratepayers. Why should we pay for a project that only benefits the Big Island residents? We already pay the highest electricity rates in the country, and now we are expected to pay for electricity that we can’t even use? Give me a break. Tell HEI that their request will not be approved. This is outrageous.”

Ka`u Coffee Festival attendees enjoy the Ka`u Coffee Experience.

      Referring to the same article, Mark Torreano, of Honolulu, said, “I was shocked to read in the Star-Advertiser that you are considering signing a long-term contract with `Aina Koa Pono for biomass fuel for HELCO at about $200 a barrel. At twice the price of oil and even some alternate energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal, this just would not make sense. And it is especially wrong to ask O`ahu electricity users to pay more to support this Big Island experiment. Stick to technologies that are more mature and less expensive and do not put this burden on the captive and much abused public.”
      Another resident wrote, “O`ahu residents would pay about 90 percent of the cost — even though the very expensive biofuel would be used only on the Big Island.

Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele students entertain the crowd.

      “Why should O`ahu ratepayers pay for power consumed by ratepayers on another island? We pay way too much already!
      “The simple answer is that if ratepayers on Hawai`i island had to bear the burden, there is no way this could be approved.
“I am a Hawaiian Electric stockholder, but I am human first. ‘People over profit!’ as Bob’s Red Mill says’ referring to the natural foods producer in Oregon.
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov.

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. HAS RECEIVED six bids for a second geothermal power plant on the Big Island, according to a story from Stephens Media. 

      HELCO president Jay Ignacio said who submitted bids and other details about the bids are confidential.

Members of Halau Hula O Leionalani perform.

      Ormat Technologies, which owns Puna Geothermal Venture, submitted a bid, said Mike Kaleikini, Ormat’s senior director for Hawaiian affairs. Kaleikini told Stephens Media he could not comment on any details of the proposal, including whether Ormat is offering its current site in Pohoiki for an expansion.
      PGV has a contract with HELCO for up to 38 megawatts of power.
      According to the story, Innovations Development Group, of Honolulu, also said it planned to submit a bid.
      Ignacio said the utility is working with an independent observer to review the bids. The utility plans to have a contract awarded by September for another 50 megawatts of geothermal electricity. “We don’t have a deadline, but that’s what we’re targeting,” he said.

Lori Lei Shirakawa and friends play while members of her
hula halau dance.

      After a contract is awarded, HELCO will seek a power purchase agreement through the state Public Utilities Commission. Ignacio said that process could take about a year.

      See more at westhawaiitoday.com or hawaiitribune-herald.com.

HAWAI`I COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS OFFERING NEW AGRICULTURE CLASSES that are designed for people with a wide range of horticultural interests and goals. By completing the courses, students can obtain a Certificate of Participation or Certificate of Professional Development in the following areas of study: Farm Management, Sustainable Production Practices, Irrigation Repair and Theory, Integrated Pest Management, Farm Food Safety, Ag Business Management and Marketing. The courses will be condensed into a short timeframe: classes on two days for a Certification of Participation and classes on four days for a Certificate of Professional Development. Classes begin May 30 and continue through October. 

Chris Manfredi, co-chair of Ka`u Coffee Festival,
with Wendy Cortez-Botelho,representing Gov. Neil
Abercrombie who declared Ka`u Coffee Week.

      HCC hosts an “AgCurious” information session on May 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for people who want to learn more about the courses and about agriculture on Hawai`i Island. The meeting takes place in Building 388 at HCC in Hilo.
      For more information and to sign up for the classes, contact Amy Shimabukuro at amysanae@hawaii.edu or 934-2687.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a buffet today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu includes chicken and cheese enchiladas, short rib fajitas, make-your-own-burrito station, cinnamon chips, ice cream bar and beverage. Prices are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 11.
      Another buffet is set for Mother’s Day next Sunday with prime rib au jus, blackened shrimp alfredo, macadamia nut-crusted fish, salad and potato bar, mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, pineapple-upside-down cake, ice cream bar and beverage. Prices are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children 6 - 11.
      KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests, and park entrance fees apply.

Kumu hula Debbie Ryder, of Halau Hula O Leionalani, dances in front
of members of her halau.

ARTS IN BLOOM, A MOTHER’S DAY orchid sale and fundraising event, is coming up this Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Pupus, mimosas, champagne, orchids and native plants will be available for purchase. The event features live music, giveaways, a Ni`aulani Rain Forest photo tour with local photographer Britten Traughber, a talk story with a local native fauna expert, tea education by JoAnn Aguirre and more. Tickets, $5 in advance and $8 at the door, are available at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the Ni`aulani Campus, the office of The Ka`u Calendar in Pahala, online at volcanoartcenter.org or by calling 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.

Ka`u News Briefs May 4, 2013

At last night's Ka`u Star Gazing event atop Makanau, `Imiloa astronomer Shawn Laatsch discussed Ka`u's night skies.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

A PETITION IS BEING CIRCULATED at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a today stating: “We, the undersigned farmers and friends of Ka`u, do declare our support for the project undertaken on our behalf by the Red Lizard 501 (c) (3) Corp. to achieve the following goals:

1. To raise donations from wealthy individuals, entities and from the population at large to support the purchase of this land under foreclosure by Lehman Bros.; 
2. To hold this land in perpetuity without the possibility of sale; 
3. To commit to indefinite leases for agricultural producers, so long as they serve as stewards of the land and protect its value as agricultural land; 
4. To found a for-profit cooperative that will market the products of the land, and train, educate, and encourage those with ties to the land and leadership, agricultural knowledge, health, culture, and entrepreneurship, specifically in the brokerage of agricultural products and commodities, so that the wealth and wisdom of the community and the consumers of their products continues to grow.” 

      Text accompanying the petition says farmers on the land to be auctioned off, in the past “had no choice but to use their labor to create wealth for others” and says that farmers, “since the end of the C. Brewer plantation in Pahala, use their meager resources to create their own wealth.
      “The foreclosure of this property represents an opportunity for the farmers who have made the land valuable to gain their independence and self-determination in perpetuity.”
      The material states that Hawai`i “faces a food crisis in which 85 percent of the food consumed on our islands is produced somewhere else, and that the Ka`u district has been earmarked as Hawai`i’s future breadbasket.”
      It also says ongoing improvements to the ag water system in Ka`u are “for the purpose of supporting a sustainable food production that will ensure food security for our state.”
      The petition contends that “Lehman Bros. has been known to severely abuse their authority in the ownership of land, to distort the value of land, and to place the number of dollars they reap from any given transaction, above the value of human life and relationships, let alone the stability and continuity of the society in which they operate.”

Aikane Plantatioon hosted Coffee & Cattle Day yesterday.
Photo by Tom McAlexander

      The petition is in response to the plan to auction off 5,800 acres of Ka`u land in foreclosure, including large acreage around Waikapuna, lands on the hillside of Honu‘apo, the Moa‘ula coffee farms as well as several houses and lots.
      Several coffee growers have identified Malian Lahey, a Wood Valley property owner and coffee buyer, as the organizer of the petition drive.
      The ho`olaule`a continues until 5 p.m. with entertainment throughout the day. Ka`u Coffee Experience and farm tours are also available. See kaucoffeefest.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION hosted Coffee & Cattle Day yesterday. At the Ka`u Coffee Festival event, Phil and Merle Becker explained to participants how coffee is integrated into cattle production and other agriculture. The Beckers are manning the information booth at today's ho`olaule`a.

Ka`u Star Gazers gained experience using laser
pointers. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

KA`U STAR GAZING, another event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, also took place yesterday. `Imiloa astronomer Shawn Laatsch gave a lecture on stars from Makanau last evening as the sun set. While the clouds prevented many stars from being seen, the astronomer used the sky as a backdrop for teaching the group about Ka`u’s night skies. Before dark, the group was able to see the view from Makanau, a famous sacred site for Hawaiians and lookout place. The name of the tabletop mountain, Makanau, incorporates the Hawaiian word for eyes, “maka.”    

HYDROELECTRIC POWER FROM THE KA`U AG WATER SYSTEM is closer to becoming a reality with the recent delivery of equipment to Olson Trust. Electricity produced would be used to power Ka`u Coffee Mill, as well as about 400 homes in Pahala, according to land manager John Cross. He said the trust is discussing a power purchase agreement with Hawai`i Electric Light Co.
      Cross informed participants about the project during Wednesday’s Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike, an event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival.
      Cross also discussed conservation efforts in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, which manages 3,000 acres of forest in its Ka`u Preserve. The conservancy is helping to remove invasive kahili ginger, which was once used to mark trails.
      Shalan Crysdale, TNC’s Hawai`i Island director, said the conservancy wants to ensure that the ginger doesn’t find its way into the preserve. “It’s unusual for private landowners to work so closely to rid their land of invasive species,” he said.

An alliance of fishermen wants NOAA to remove humpback
whales from the endangered species list. Photo from NOAA

HAWAI`I FISHERMEN’S ALLIANCE FOR CONSERVATION AND TRADITION, INC., a coalition of fishing clubs and groups from across the islands, has filed a petition with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to remove northern Pacific humpback whales from the endangered species list. According to an Associated Press story by Audrey McAvoy, the group says the population has steadily grown since the international community banned commercial whaling nearly 50 years ago. There are more than 21,000 humpback whales in the North Pacific today, compared with about 1,400 in the mid-1960s.
      McAvoy reported that the coalition’s president Philip Fernandez said the fishermen are acting after watching environmental conservation groups petition to add many more species to the endangered list in recent years, like dozens of corals, seven different damselfish and a rare dolphin called a false killer whale, said. Fernandez told her that the government should consider humpback whales for removal to maintain a balance.
      “You cannot add species after species after species without evaluating whether there are species that should come off,” the West Hawai`i fisherman said.
      He said are concerned the Endangered Species Act is being used as a tool to manage the oceans and this will ultimately affect how fishermen are allowed to fish.
      Angela Somma, NOAA Fisheries endangered species division chief, told McAvoy the petition is the first seeking to delist humpback whales since they were classified as endangered in 1970.
     The agency has until mid-July to determine whether the petition merits consideration. If NOAA finds the petition has merit, the agency must come to a conclusion by mid-April of 2014.

      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Ka`u High's Kristina Padrigo placed first in the 100-meter dash and
long jump at yesterday's BIIF track and field trials.
Photo by Tim Wright

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has received more public testimony regarding the proposed contract being considered for `Aina Koa Pono to grow feedstock and refine biofuel in Ka`u and sell it to Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawai`i Electric Light Co.
      “I am opposed to the prospective contract between Hawai`i Island utility and `Aina Koa Pono,” wrote Jim Shipman, of Honolulu. “It is a bad deal for the taxpayers.”
      Anna Subiono, of Kona Hema in South Kona, wrote, “I do not agree with `Aina Koa Pono. I have concerns over: It being situated in a watershed area; placement of four giant microwaves in my community; health concerns in an area that already has low air quality; usage of GMO farming practices; usage of more pesticides; usage of county road for transporting biofuel (which we have to pay for); toxic chemicals; destroying our quality of life and the communities’ well being.
      “I do not agree with HELCO on any of its fuel alternatives so called ‘clean energy.’ `Aina Koa’s model lacks cleanliness.”

Ka`u High's Marley Strand-Nicolaisen, seen here competing in hurdles,
placed first in the triple jump. Photo by Tim Wright

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM today plays Pahoa at 5:30 p.m. at Kamehameha Schools in Kea`au for the BIIF number one seed in the upcoming state Division II tournament on O`ahu. This comes after the team upset top-seeded Hawai`i Prep yesterday in five games with scores of 13-25, 25-15, 25-19, 16-25, 15-10.

IN BIIF TRACK AND FIELD TRIALS yesterday, Ka`u High’s Kristina Padrigo placed first in the 100-meter dash (12.73) and long jump (16-03.75), second in the 200-meter dash (26.46) and third in the triple jump (33-08.00). Marley Strand-Nicolaisen yesterday placed first in the triple jump (35-06.75), fourth in the long jump (16-00.00) and fifth in the 100 hurdles (16.51).

KA`U SUMMER FUN REGISTRATION for keiki who completed grades kindergarten to six will be held May 6 - 9. In Ocean View, registration takes place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kahuku Park. Families can also register at their respective sites at Pahala Community Center and at Na`alehu Community Center between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
      The Summer Fun program runs from June 10 to July 19, Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Pahala and Na`alehu and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Ocean View.
      Payment of $100 per child must be by cash, money order or a certified check.

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 May 3, 2013

Halau Hula O Leionalani, with kumu hula Debbie Ryder, danced at dawn on Punalu`u Black Sand Beach
this morning to celebrate the friendship between Ka`u, Lana`i and Japan. The halau performs at tomorrow's Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center.  Photo by Julia Neal

OPPOSITION TO A TEN PERCENT hike in property taxes to pay for the county budget is what Ka`u Council member Brenda Ford has expressed, according to a report in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The tax hike proposal came from Mayor Billy Kenoi’s revised budget yesterday, and the County Council will take up the issue, along with the proposed budget, beginning May 13.
      According to the Tribune-Herald, “Ford said she’s opposed to property tax hikes until a task force completes a study on some 40 recommendations of an outside auditor. In particular,” Ford said, “the county could cut its past-due backlog from three years to two years before foreclosure actions are taken as a way to recoup money currently owed to the county. With a $17 million backlog in unpaid property taxes, that could add a minimum $5 million to the budget without raising taxes.
      “There are some tax increases I could support,’ Ford said. ‘A property tax increase is not one of them,’” according to the article by Nancy Cook Lauer. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, right, will be able to assign more officers to
Ka`u under the proposed county budget. Photo by Julia Neal

ADDING ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS to cover the Ka`u District is a proposal in the county budget supported by both Mayor Billy Kenoi and Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford. Ka`u has had only two police officers on duty for many years for an area larger than the island of O`ahu. Ford said she also supports more lifeguard service at Punalu`u.

THE MAYOR’S REVISED $394.3 MILLION BUDGET is a 7.9 percent increase over this year’s budget. Kenoi said, “This budget tries to accurately reflect the priorities of the County Council and the concerns of the community that came forward. We’re at the point that after years of budget cuts, we need to begin readdressing our needs.” The budget allows for the ending of county worker furloughs that led to back-logs in processing permits for the public and put many county projects on hold.

Chris Manfredi

STARBUCKS IS DOUBLING KA`U COFFEE OUTLETS in its stores that carry Ka`u Coffee to drink and to take home. Ka`u Coffee has been chosen for Starbucks’ Reserve(R) line, according to Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Local Products, who buys Ka`u Coffee and sells it to Starbucks. 

      Manfredi said this morning that “KLP’s relationship with Starbucks has increased Ka`u’s visibility in the marketplace. This, combined with the exceptional work on the part of the growers to produce a stellar crop that has earned numerous awards, has more than doubled the price paid to the farmers in just three short years. That means the Ka`u Coffee industry is far more sustainable than it was, say, in 2006, when growers were abandoning farms because they could not make ends meet. The ability of the Ka`u community to come together on this marketing program and for the Ka`u Coffee Festival is one of many things that make Ka`u a special place."
      Manfredi is chair of the Ka`u Coffee Festival with events through the weekend, including Coffee and Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation today, Star Gazing at Makanau Mountain, sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Mill tonight, the annual Ho`olaule`a tomorrow with free hula, music, arts, crafts and coffee tasting tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and Ka`u Coffee College on Sunday, also at Pahala Community Center. See kaucoffeefest.com.

THE 27TH HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE ended Thursday with members from the House and the Senate joining in the singing of Hawai`i Aloha. Before gaveling the session closed, House Speaker Joseph M. Souki acknowledged the work of everyone involved in the legislative process and summarized the session’s accomplishments.
      Of the 2,872 bills introduced during the Legislature, 293 passed and have been sent to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for consideration.

      Souki said the approach this session was to focus on the state’s long-term needs such as reducing long term fiscal liabilities, replenishing reserve funds, promoting economic development, education, sustainability and improving the quality of life for all residents.
      “I am deeply grateful to all of you,” Souki said. “It is an honor to serve as your speaker, and I look forward to working together next session to serve the people of this state.”

Jobie Masagatani

THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS has received the largest general funds appropriation in the department’s history. The 2013 state Legislature’s operating budget includes $9.6 million of general funds for administrative and operating costs. While more than any previous appropriation, it was less than the $14.68 million for DHHL that Gov. Neil Abercrombie requested in December or the nearly $26 million that the Hawaiian Homes Commission and DHHL had developed and proposed to “sufficiently” cover administrative and operating costs. 

      According to Jobie Masagatani, chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of DHHL, the appropriation will allow the trust fund and other revenues generated by the Department that currently fund department operational expenses to now be made available for future development of Hawaiian Homestead projects and programs.
      The Legislature’s action comes in light of the May 2012 Hawai`i Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the Intermediate Court of Appeals judgment that a determination could be made for what constituted “sufficient sums” for DHHL’s administrative and operating expenses to carry out the purposes of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The case is still ongoing, and the definition of what is “sufficient sums” for DHHL’s administrative and operating expenses is still to be judicially determined.
      Masagatani said, “We look forward to continuing this important conversation and dialogue in working with the Legislature in the coming years toward furthering our efforts to obtain ‘sufficient’ funds essential to revitalizing our programs, increasing development on homestead projects and placing more native Hawaiian families onto Hawaiian home lands.”

Agricultural water systems between Pahala and Na`alehu will be restored with help from the state. This system, funded
by Olson Trust, was toured by the public this week as part of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

KA`U’S AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS have received appropriations as Capital Improvement Projects in the state Legislature’s budget. Ha`ao Springs and Mountain House Ag Water Co-op receives $2.5 million for plans, design and construction. Another $2.5 million is listed to be used for design and construction of systems in the Ka`u Ag Water Cooperative.
      The Legislature’s $23.9 billion biennium budget now goes to Gov. Abercrombie for final approval.

VISITATION AT HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is up more than 20 percent for the first quarter of 2013, reports park public affairs officer Jessica Ferracane. January saw 150,606 visitors, up 22.65 percent from January 2012; February had 147,131 visitors, an increase of 24.85 percent from February 2012; and in March, the increase was 18.95 percent over March 2012, with 139,222 visitors.
      Statistics for 2012 show an overall increase in visitation of 9.7 percent over 2011.

Halau Hula O Leionalani greeted the sun as it rose this morning at Punalu`u
Black Sand Beach. Photo by Julia Neal

HULA SISTERS FROM PAHALA, LANA`I, O`AHU, JAPAN AND OKINAWA greeted the sunrise at Punalu`u Beach this morning with chanting for more than an hour. After the sun lit up the beach, they danced Ka Nani Ao Ka`u, by Uncle George Na`ope, the teacher of kumu hula Debbie Ryder. Ryder is kumu to Pahala dancers who are forging a cultural exchange with Lana`i, where they will participate in its festival in October. The Halau Hula O Leionalani, led by Ryder, will perform tomorrow afternoon at the Ka`u Coffee Festival at Pahala Community Center. Lori Lei Shirakawa’s Hula Studio from Wai`ohinu will perform in the morning. Admission to the festival is free. See kaucoffeefest.com. 

JOANN AGUIRRE, TEA EDUCATOR and member of Hawai`i Tea Society, commemorates Tango-no-sekku (Boy’s Day) and Mother’s Day with a special tea tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. $15 per person includes tea, scones, tea sandwiches, salad, desserts and tea favors. Reservations are required. Call 982-7691 or email teaquiero@yahoo.com.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a buffet Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu includes chicken and cheese enchiladas, short rib fajitas, make-your-own-burrito station, cinnamon chips, ice cream bar and beverage. Prices are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 11. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests, and park entrance fees apply.

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.