Ka`u News Briefs May 14, 2013

The Public Utilities Commission has received responses from the state Consumer Advocate to questions posed by Life
of the Land regarding the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel to HELCO that would be refined above
Pahala from feedstock grown in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

A GROUP OF OPPONENTS to the Thirty Meter Telescope has filed an appeal regarding last month’s approval of a land use permit by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. University of Hawai`i – Hilo “has admitted that the TMT will have adverse, significant and substantial impact on the natural and cultural resources,” Kealoha Pisciotta told Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “The rules are clear in that regard. A project may not have that impact. They should have been denied the permit. That’s why we need to seek justice in the court.”
      Pisciotta is spokesperson for appellants including Kahea: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance, Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, Clarence Kukauakahi Ching, the Flores-Case Ohana, Deborah J. Ward, and Paul K. Neves.
      According to the story, Sandra Dawson, TMT Manager of Hawai`i Community Affairs, said that she didn’t see any grounds for an appeal “that opponents might use to slow or halt the project.”

      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has received responses to questions posed by Life of the Land to the state Consumer Advocate regarding the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel refined above Pahala from biomass grown in Ka`u to Hawai`i Electric Light Co. 

      “The land slated to be used for biofuel production is former sugar cane land that is currently not being used for food or ranching,” said the Consumer Advocate in response to Life of the Land’s questions: “How many existing leases exist for land owned by the Edmund Olson Trust that is slated for biofuel production. How many of these leases are currently in (a) food production? (b) ranching? (c) other diversified agricultural production?”
      Life of the Land also asked how many of the lessees the Consumer Advocate talked with and to document the date and contact person for each discussion. The Consumer Advocate replied that he did not have any discussions with lessees.

Hawai`i state Consumer Advocate
Jeffrey Ono

      Life of the Land asked the Consumer Advocate about Hawaiian Electric Co. and HELCO saying that “both AKP-1 and AKP-2 are reasonable and in the public interest even though there is a $100M differential in the pricing. ‘Does the Consumer Advocate believe that two widely different ratepayer impact proposals could both be reasonable and in the public interest?’” 

      “The Consumer Advocate contends that the different proposals could be found reasonable,” was the response.
      “Does the Consumer Advocate believe that HECO/HELCO conducted adequate due diligence?” Life of the Land asked.
      The Consumer Advocate replied, “Given the nature of the contract terms and conditions, such as where HECO/HELCO would not be burdened with purchasing fuel that did not meet specifications or was not produced, the level of due diligence appears adequate.”
      Life of the Land asked, “Does the Consumer Advocate believe that AKP management and owners have strong biofuel experience? Please document your response.”
      “The Consumer Advocate believes that AKP management and owners are relying upon resources that should allow the project, if approved, to achieve success. AKP is relying upon the expertise of AECOM. AECOM reported to the Consumer Advocate that its pilot project has been successful. AKP intends to build a mobile unit that will be able to demonstrate that this technology is viable.”
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov.

REINSTATING COUNTY COUNCIL’S discretionary funds is part of the proposed $4.3 million budget for the Council during the upcoming fiscal year. The budget proposes to provide $100,000 to each of the nine Council members that could be used for unbudgeted projects in their districts. Such funds were eliminated from the Council budget four years ago.

PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASES are the subject of a public meeting today at 5 p.m. The meeting takes place at Hilo Council chambers, with videoconferencing available at Ocean View Community Center. Mayor Billy Kenoi proposes raising property taxes by 10 percent.

Ka`u residents can offer testimony at tonight's meeting on proposed
property tax increases and at tomorrow's County Council meeting
from Ocean View Community Center.

      The mayor’s revised $394.3 million budget is a 7.9 percent increase over this year’s budget. The budget allows for the ending of county worker furloughs that led to backlogs in processing permits for the public and put many county projects on hold. 

      Ka`u Council member Brenda Ford has expressed opposition to the tax increase. “There are some tax increases I could support,” Ford said. “A property tax increase is not one of them,’” according to an article by Nancy Cook Lauer. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      The Council is scheduled to vote on the budget at a special meeting on May 30.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO PARTICIPATE in tomorrow’s County Council meeting from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site, which Hawai`i County Council is considering closing down due to lack of use. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council chambers in Hilo.
      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

DR. JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA DISCUSSES fossilized human footprints in the Ka`u Desert at this evening’s After Dark in the Park program. Research suggests the story behind the footprints may be more complex than originally thought. The footprints found in ash layers were believed to have been created in 1790 by the army of the Hawaiian Chief Keoua on their way back from battle. While in the area, Kilauea erupted, sending suffocating ash down on one group. Others made it out alive, leaving their footprints in the then-wet ash. The ash dried, forever memorializing this event – or did it?
      The program begins at 7 p.m. 
at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs.

HAWA`I ISLAND NETWORK OF ARTISTS holds a wrap-up meeting tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. This is a final opportunity to learn about VAC’s HINA Project and be included in this research study. The project aims to encourage and support a greater awareness of Hawai`i Island artists and the economic impact of this creative workforce. See more at www.HINArtists.org.

Members of Hula Halau Ke `Olu Makani O Mauna Loa

AN EVENING OF HULA AND MUSIC with Hula Halau Ke `Olu Makani O Mauna Loa takes place tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The halau has participated in many competitions, festivals and other events throughout the state of Hawai`i, the U.S. mainland as well as Japan. Its goal is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture, protocol and history through song and dance, and instill confidence, respect and responsibility in the dancers. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THE NEXT KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Field Office. The organization is restoring agricultural water from the old plantation system. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT will hold a community meeting in Ka`u a week from today on Tuesday, May 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
      The purpose of the meeting is to allow the public to meet the Police Department’s command staff and to discuss concerns with the police chief and commanders who oversee police operations in Ka`u.
      The Ka`u event continues the district community meetings, which are rotated throughout the eight police districts on the Big Island. To aid police commanders in focusing on specific concerns, it is requested that participation be limited to persons who live or work in the Ka`u District.
      Those interested in participating but unable to attend may call Captain Andrew Burian at 939-2520, stop by the Ka`u police station in Na`alehu or e-mail their concerns or comments to copsysop@hawaiipolice.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 May 13, 2013

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger, portraying Thomas Jaggar, shows the scientist's equipment in the Whitney Vault
during A Walk into the Past tomorrow and every other Tuesday. Photo from KDEN

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office will visit Pahala Senior Center on the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as part of Gabbard’s districtwide constituent outreach program. The program, called Tulsi in Your Town, will allow her local staff members in every county to assist with casework and other issues.

Tulsi Gabbard

      “As a member of Congress, it is my priority to be accessible and available to people in every corner of Hawai`i,” Gabbard said. “My constituent outreach plan will maximize my team members in every county. While my office is open and available on a daily basis, my team and I want to be proactive and let people know we are always here to help. I encourage people to visit with my staff during these community outreach days to get to know how we can be of assistance, and so they may share their thoughts and opinions about how we can best serve Hawai`i and our country.”
      For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
(808) 987-5698.

AFTER TAKING A SIX-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM for eight-week summer internships in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, students participating in the park’s Youth Ranger Internship Program took part in graduation ceremonies last week at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. They included students from Ka`u, Pahoa and Kea`au high schools and Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science.

Kupono McDaniel, who won the
recent King Kalakaua look-alike
contest, oversees HVNP's summer
internship program.

      The school internship program began in 2010 with Ka`u High. Training started after visiting professor Joan Rubin and The Ka`u Calendar publisher Julia Neal worked on a grant with Ka`u High School principal Sharon Beck and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park staff. Edmund C. Olson provided classroom space and has been providing a van for transportation each year. The initial $60,000 grant grew last year to $320,000. After federal funding was cut this year, community groups and individuals helped make up the difference. Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was able to provide over $90,000 after receiving grants from the Cooke Foundation, Ltd, the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation and Kamehameha Schools’ Aima Education Program. 

      Hawai`i Pacific Park Association also provided funding.
      “We are so grateful to our community for embracing this life-changing program,” said park ranger Kupono McDaniel. “The Youth Ranger Internship Program is designed to empower local students to affect change in the world and to expose them to meaningful career options. The skills they learn will make them better candidates for any career they choose to pursue.”
      Elizabeth Fien, education and outreach coordinator for the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, said the class included “a lovely group of Ka`u kids.” She also said that McDaniel, who has coordinated the program since its inception, “is amazing to work with” and “knows how to connect” with the youth. Fien, who also arranges forest restoration events in the park, said, “We need to grow children, too.” She said she sees the program as a way to get young people involved in stewardship or the environment.
      This summer, many of the students will have an opportunity to work in the parks divisions of interpretation, natural resources, cultural resources, maintenance, protection and administration.

This koa at Kona Hema, managed by The Nature Conservancy, was placed on
the National Register of Big Trees in 2012. Photo from American Forests

OF THE SIX NEW HAWAIIAN TREES CROWNED as national champions in the American Forests’ Big Tree Program, five are on Hawai`i Island. 

      The Big Tree Program is a nationwide competition to find the largest trees in the United States that are recognized as “champions” of their species.
      According to American Forests, the goal of the Big Tree Program is “to preserve and promote the iconic stature of these living monarchs and to educate people about the key role that these remarkable trees and forests play in sustaining a healthy environment.”
      American Forests’ newly released spring 2013 National Register of Big Trees includes about 40 new national champion trees, with a total of 780 national champions.
      In 2012, Hawai`i had six champions, including a koa, two coconuts, an a`ali`i, a manele, and a hau.
      With the six new champions, Hawai`i is now home to a total of 10 nationally recognized champion trees.
       Hawai`i Island’s five new champion trees are a wiliwili (Eryrthrina sandwicensis) at Pu`u Lani Ranch and, at Pu`u Wa`awa`a Forest Reserve, a kolea (Myrsine lessertiana), an olopua (Nestegis sandwicensis), a papalakepau (Pisonia brunoniana) and a mamane (Sophora chrysophylla).
      “The Big Tree Program has really grown in Hawai`i over the past few years, and we’re proud that some of our native trees are being recognized on a national level,” said Sheri Mann, forestry program manager at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “These trees help highlight the beauty and uniqueness of Hawaiian ecosystems, as well as the importance of preserving our native forests.”
      New nominations for champion trees are being accepted until a fall deadline yet to be determined. All nominations must include the tree’s exact location and three measurements: trunk circumference (inches), height (feet), and average crown spread (feet). These are combined to assign the tree a score.
      Send nominations and questions relating to the Hawai`i Big Tree Program to Hannah Bergemann, 
1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325 or contact her at 808-587-0164 or 
Hannah.A.Bergemann@hawaii.gov.
      For more information about the Hawai`i Big Tree Program, see hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/forestrr/big-trees.

A WALK INTO THE PAST, the living history program that brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life, takes place tomorrow at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, then walk across the road to the Whitney Vault, an underground room containing original equipment used by Jaggar in his research on Hawai`i’s volcanoes.

 Fossilized footprints in the Ka`u Desert are the topic at tomorrow's
After Dark in the Park. Photo from NPS

AT TOMORROW’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program, Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura discusses fossilized human footprints in the Ka`u Desert. Research suggests the story behind the fossilized human footprints in the Ka`u Desert may be more complex than originally thought. Footprints found in desert ash layers were believed to have been created in 1790 by the army of the Hawaiian Chief Keoua on their way back from battle. While in the area, Kilauea erupted, sending suffocating ash down on one group. Others made it out alive, leaving their footprints in the then-wet ash. The ash dried, forever memorializing this event – or did it? 

      The program begins at 7 p.m. 
at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO PARTICIPATE in Wednesday’s County Council meeting from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site, which Hawai`i County Council is considering closing down due to lack of use. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council chambers in Hilo.
      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWA`I ISLAND NETWORK OF ARTISTS holds a wrap-up meeting Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. This is a final opportunity to learn about VAC’s HINA Project and be included in this research study. Partially funded by Hawai`i County, the project aims to encourage and support a greater awareness of Hawai`i Island artists and the economic impact of this unrecognized creative workforce. See more at www.HINArtists.org. 

THE NEXT KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Orchards Field Office. The organization is restoring agricultural water from the old plantation system. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

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 12, 2013

Fossilized footprints in the Ka`u Desert are the topic of discussion at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from NPS

KAU’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD went on national television this morning asking for a new way to handle sexual assault accusations in the military. Gabbard, herself a member of the National Guard and a veteran of Middle East combat, talked about recent revelations that the number of accusations of rape and other sex crimes in the military is on the rise. She was interviewed by Candy Crowley on CNN’s State of the Union along with U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckwork, another National Guard member, veteran of Iraq, helicopter pilot and double amputee.
      “It is not enough to say it is unacceptable,” said Gabbard. The response to accusations of sexual assault in the military “has to be a victim-centered response that is safe, transparent and responsible.”

Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Tammy Duckwork discussed sexual assault
accusations in the military on CNN's State of the Union.

      Gabbard and Duckworth described sexual assault as a power issue, not a sex issue. With the military tradition of power and rank, it can be fixed, they said. 

      However, reporting sexual assaults has led to retaliation in the ranks. The atmosphere for women soldiers has been one of having to travel in buddy teams, not going out alone, even when a woman thinks she should be safe with her military colleagues. Gabbard said that sexual predators “seek out weak targets. I was not a weak target,” she noted, saying that she did not experience inappropriate sexual aggression during her time on duty.
      Both Gabbard and Duckworth said the Uniform Code of Military Justice has not been able to solve the problem. They called for independent investigators for such cases and a code that will prevent commanders from overturning the outcomes.
      The two also noted that almost half of the sexual assault victims are men. They said that such assaults on women and men are a betrayal to the unit, the military and the nation, not only the victim.

AGRICULTURAL TOURISM is on the agenda for the Leeward Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center. The initiator is the County Council, which wants to amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to “clarify definitions, procedural guidelines and requirements, and standards related to agriculture tourism operations.” The rules for ag tourism have been debated at the County Council and its Planning Committee with testimony from the public for more than a year. County Council member Brenda Ford asked, “Will this bill result in new food crops growing on the island, or will this bill be for people who want to cash in and be part of the tourist industry?”

Leeward Planning Commission meets at West Hawai`i Civic Center
Thursday. Image from bigislandvideonews.com

      During hearings, neighbors of ag tourism activities talked about crowded roads, lack of parking and noise, along with such activities as loud music and parties that don’t have anything to do with agriculture.
      Ford pointed out that 15,000 visitors a year would average 40 people a day. People in rural areas “don’t want to be in an urban area with buses coming next door to our properties,” said Ford. “When you get to 30,000, that is 82 people a day.” Imagine 30- something a day vehicles coming to your neighbor’s property,” she said. “Urban traffic going in and out of a little private road,” in some cases, she said.
      “I am for ag tourism,” she said, but called for regulation.
      Previous discussions included keeping weekly or daily numbers of visitors going to ag tourism destinations and requiring a plan approval for locations with larger numbers.
      Planning director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd said up to 30,000 visitors a year are allowed under current county ordinance. A plan approval with drainage study for new construction is required for operations with that many visitors expected.
      Leithead-Todd noted that farm stands are separate issues under county and state law and are permitted use – they are not ag tourism, she said.

AN INNOVATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM by the U.S. Department of Defense will bring 75 military reservists to Ka`u June 4 - 12 to provide free medical care in clinics open to the public.
      Tropic Care 2013 will run two clinics, at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School and Ocean View Community Center. Clinics will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing early at 12 p.m. on the final day, June 12.
      Health care services that will be provided free of charge include physical exams, dentistry, optometry (exams and glasses), medication review and provision of some medication, and nutrition education. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis and are advised that there may be long wait times.

Tropic Care, which visited Kaua`i last year, comes to Ka`u next month.
Image from youtube

      “This is an opportunity to bring needed medical, dental and vision services to the district of Ka`u,” said Aaron Ueno, Hawai`i District health officer with the state Department of Health. “These services are open to the entire island, and we are hoping to do this again in the future with community support.” 

      Tropic Care 2013 is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and the state Hawai`i District Health Office, supported by the County of Hawai`i and Ka`u Rural Health Community Association. It is an exercise of the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training program, which challenges reservists to plan and implement rapid mobilizations to distant and unfamiliar areas.
      “We thank the Department of Defense and all the reservists for coming to Hawai`i Island and reaching out to our residents,” said Karen Teshima, executive assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi. “This innovative program will benefit everyone involved and will further our goal of keeping our community safe and healthy.”
      Other community partners collaborating to bring this service to Ka`u are the Hawai`i Department of Education, Ocean View Family Health Center, Hui Malama Ola Na `Oiwi, Bay Clinic, Hawai`i Island Cardiovascular, Hawai`i Island Community Lung Assessment Science Studies, Ocean View Community Association, Kona Community Hospital, Hawai`i Police Department, Hawai`i National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy, Ka`u Hospital, Pacific Quest and the Veteran’s Administration.
      For more information on Tropic Care 2013 or to request special assistance or an auxiliary aid seven days prior to the event, call (808) 974-6035 or email Martha Yamada of the Public Health Nursing Section at martha.yamada@doh.hawaii.gov.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO PARTICIPATE in this week’s county government meetings from Ocean View Community Center’s remote videoconferencing site, which Hawai`i County Council is considering closing down due to lack of use. A special meeting of the Council, focusing on the budget for the next fiscal, takes place tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Council chambers in Hilo. The Council’s regular meeting begins Wednesday at 9 a.m., also in Hilo.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors more cleanup activities this month. 

      Anchialine pool cleanups take place this Tuesday and Wednesday. The group seeks volunteers to help remove non-native plant species (Seashore paspalum) and excess sediment from the bottom of the northernmost Ho`onoua anchialine pool. Participants will also monitor water quality, shrimp abundance, and survey for `ope`ape`a (Hawaiian hoary bats).
      Saturday, May 25 marks the fourth annual Manuka Natural Area Reserve coastal cleanup being co-hosted by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and DLNR’s Natural Area Reserve staff. Volunteers meet at Manuka State Park (mauka of highway) for caravanning to cleanup. This cleanup requires at least a mile of hiking. Camping is an option at Kiolaka`a Ranger’s cabin Saturday evening after the cleanup. Space is very limited, and coordinator Megan Lamson suggests signing up early. For more information or to RSVP, contact her at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY FOUNDER Thomas Jaggar comes to life Tuesday when Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger presents the living history program A Walk into the Past. Programs begin at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants then walk across the road to the Whitney Vault, an underground room containing original equipment used by Jaggar in his research on Hawai`i’s volcanoes.

Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura

WHOSE FOOTPRINTS ARE THESE REALLY? is the question discussed at After Dark in the Park this Tuesday. Research suggests the story behind the fossilized human footprints in the Ka`u Desert may be more complex than originally thought. Footprints found in desert ash layers were believed to have been created in 1790 by the army of the Hawaiian Chief Keoua on their way back from battle. While in the area, Kilauea erupted, sending suffocating ash down on one group. Others made it out alive, leaving their footprints in the then-wet ash. The ash dried, forever memorializing this event – or did it? Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura examines geologic evidence that may indicate much more prehistoric activity in the area. The program begins at 7 p.m. 
at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs.

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.