Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Pepe Miranda with Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative members on July 4 at Lorie Obra's Moa`ula Farm, training to
hold back the coffee berry borer. Photo by Ralph Gaston

KA`U FARMERS AND BACKYARD COFFEE GROWERS are able to receive benefits of federal and state grant assistance to help hold back the coffee berry borer pest that threatens to devastate Ka`u Coffee the way it severely damaged Kona Coffee. Pepe Miranda, who runs the program operated by Synergistic Hawai`i Agricultural Council, said that a person with even one coffee tree can qualify for help in identifying and quantifying the pests as well as application of a fungus that kills the coffee berry borer. 

      Miranda said the goal is to exterminate the coffee berry borer on all lands in Ka`u, even abandoned coffee farms, which could become breeding grounds for the tiny beetles that could infest the working farms.

Help is available to anyone fighting the coffee berry borer.

      Miranda has trained and provided assistance since December. He said the help includes providing the Beauveria bassiana fungus in the form of Botanigard, as well as Wide Spread, a soapy chemical that helps spread the fungus on the coffee tree. The amount of Botanigard distributed to farmers is one quart per 800 trees or a fraction of that amount. Coffee tree owners are encouraged to adopt an Integrated pest Management Program that involves counting any affected coffee cherries and keeping good records that can be used to analyze progress in fighting the borers.
      On July 4, Miranda came to Ka`u to work with the Ka`u Coffee Growers and Palehua Cooperatives at Pear Tree and Moa`ula coffee farms. He said that income of each grower is not involved in qualifying for the Botaniguard. Coffee tree owners do not have to be members of a cooperative to qualify. Miranda said the goal of the grant is education, mitigation, prevention and compiling a database.
      To sign up, call Rod Yonemura, of Synergistic Hawai`i Agriculture Council, at 345-4217 or Miranda at 443-7100.
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill in late June to provide $250,000 a year over two years to the state Department of Agriculture for research and another $300,000 to control and mitigate the coffee berry borer.

Sen. David Ige

STATE SEN. DAVID IGE HAS ANNOUNCED his candidacy for governor of Hawai`i, according to a report on KITV this morning. He is challenging fellow Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie. 

      “The citizens of Hawai`i continue to face serious issues,” Ige said. “We need to strengthen and diversify our economy, improve education, and re-engineer government to better serve the people. It is time for real and enduring solutions to ensure that we are taking the right steps to create opportunities for our children and future generations, but government cannot do this alone. It takes people who are committed and engaged, and a leader who listens and works together to find solutions. Throughout my career in the Legislature, I worked in this way, bringing people together to identify common goals, find solutions, and build trust in our government. As governor of the state of Hawai`i, I will work with our communities in that same way to move our state forward.”

LIFE OF THE LAND HAS SUBMITTED QUESTIONS regarding Hawaiian Electric Co.’s testimony on the proposed contract to purchase biofuel from `Aina Koa Pono. AKP plans to use feedstock from Ka`u to refine biofuel at a facility above Pahala.

      Life of the Land questions HECO about the proposal for O`ahu electric rates to go up to pay for the biofuel produced and used on Hawai`i Island.
      “HECO has asked the Commission for a Waiver from Competitive Bidding to negotiate five wind and solar contracts for on-island renewable energy projects,” Life of the Land states. “Under Protective Order, please identify the projects and their parameters.
      “Please provide detailed cost analysis of these five projects in comparison with the costs proposed for the `Aina Koa Pono proposal.
      “Is there sufficient renewable energy resources on O`ahu so that HECO can meet its renewable energy requirements on its own?
      “Please provide all documentation, analysis, etc., on why HECO ratepayers should pay a premium for the `Aina Koa Pono proposal when they can save money on the five waiver projects.

      “If the cheapest renewable energy resources are on O`ahu, wouldn’t it make sense to only install new renewable energy projects on O`ahu and to allow all islands to share in those reduced prices?
      “A HECO employee was quoted in Civil Beat as saying that the five waiver projects should put downward pressure on other renewable energy developers. Does this include any current proposals before the PUC?”

      Regarding possible Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, Life of the Land says, “As you know, the chair of the Commission, in a previous life re: Superferry, noted that any EIS had to precede all permit approval, and that obviously includes the Commission. Are you stating that if the State Department of Transportation determines there is a need for an EIS, then the preparation of the EIS should occur after a Commission ruling on the reasonableness of the Project?”
      Regarding HECO’s statement that assessment of possible positive or negative impacts of the AKP project “is more appropriately addressed in the Project permitting process or in an EIS or EA process if so required, Life of the Land asks, “When did the company change its position from analyzing externalities in an IRP docket prior to an Application to waiting until the permitting process after the Application has been approved by the Commission?”
      See more in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs.
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED for free or reduced-price school meals during the upcoming school year.
      An online application is available at ezmealapp.com.
      DOE is also sending application forms to all parents and guardians, who can fill them out and return them to schools where their children are enrolled.
      The Department of Education has revised income eligibility levels for the program.
      School begins Monday, Aug. 5.

Ocean View Community Center offers videoconferencing of tomorrow's
County Council meeting.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. On the agenda are Mayor Billy Kenoi’s appointments of Bobby Jean Leithead Todd as director of Environmental Management and Duane Kanuha as director of Planning. 

      Ka`u residents can participate and provide testimony at Ocean View Community Center’s videoconferencing site.

      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. The Tulsi in Your Town program takes place in Pahala on the second Wednesday of each month. Call 987-5698 for more information.

Joe Iacuzzo, here with Samson, a tyrannosaurus rex fossil, brings Jurassic
Park to Na`alehu Public Library tomorrow. Photo from Joe Iacuzzo

THE DOCUMENTARY FILM SECRETS OF THE DINOSAUR MUMMY screens tomorrow at noon at Na`alehu Public Library. After the film, Joe Iacuzzo discusses his latest book, Last Day of the Dinosaur Mummy, at 1 p.m. For more information, call 939-2442. 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR PUNA CHICKS. “Puna Princess” Sherri Carden, “Puna Tita” Angie Libadisos and Tanya Anne, VAC’s Chief Entertainment Officer, present the night of comedy Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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 Monday, July 8, 2013

A contestant wrangles a cow at Ka`u Roping & Riding Association's Fourth of July Rodeo held at Na`alehu Arena
Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

THE PANIOLO TRADITION of ranchers and other rodeo riders gathering together with families filled the Na`alehu Arena grounds over the weekend with events designed for keiki, wahine and kane. Junior bull riding and keiki riding sheep in the mutton busting event entertained the crowds, along with grown-up competition, including roping, mugging and showing off horses trained to herd and round up cattle. The annual Fourth of July Rodeo is sponsored by the Ka`u Roping & Riding Association. See results in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs.

SOUTHSIDE BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM members returned victorious late last week to the Big Island, with Mayor Billy Kenoi and Sen. Gil Kahele among a thousand people who greeted them at Hilo Airport. The Boys 14-year-old team won the 2013 United States Association of Volleyball National Championship for their age category in Reno, Nevada. Ka`u members of the team are Addie Enriques, Avery Enriques, Nai`ia Makuakane and Kameron Moses. The 16-years-old team took seventh out of 68 teams in the national competition. Ka`u members are Brian Gascon, Emmett Enriques and Kai Enriques.

Southside Boys 14 at Hilo Airport after winning the 2013 U.S.
Association of Volleyball National Championship.
Photo from Southside Volleyball

      Hilo Airport Fire Chief Nawai Chartrand welcomed the returning teams with a Water Lei, as firefighters turned water cannons onto United Airlines Flight 1004 as it taxied to a stop, bringing home the winners.
      The public greeted the team with cheers, applause, hugs, lei and an air horn.
      The mayor awarded each team member a certificate of congratulations stating, “The magnitude of your accomplishment is awesome!” Kahele noted his connection with volleyball as his own son Kaiali`i Kahele played volleyball in his youth and becoming a star at University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Gov. Neil Abercrombie sent his eastside representative Wendy Botelho-Cortez to present to each player a Certificate of Special Recognition.
      Sam Thomas, who coached the team along with Guy Enriques, announced that the last timeout taken during the final match was in order to tell the players that they were about to win a national championship for the Island of Hawai`i and the state of Hawai`i. He also related how it was more than just about volleyball, recalling that before and after each match, the team made a special effort to clean up discarded beverage containers and other trash left by the other teams who played on the court and how this was very important to the team.

NATIVE HAWAIIANS MAY FIND IT EASIER to qualify for benefits under a new state law which allows more ways to prove ancestry. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, called Kana`iolowalu, will be able to use state Department of Health, Kamehameha Schools and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and other agency records to determine ancestry. 

      To date, there are under 15,000 on the list being comprised to help form a Hawaiian parallel government similar to those formed by Native American Indian tribes on the mainland.
      A deadline to sign up has been set for January of 2014.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HAS SUBMITTED QUESTIONS regarding Hawaiian Electric Co.’s testimony on the proposed contract to purchase biofuel from `Aina Koa Pono. AKP plans to use feedstock from Ka`u to refine biofuel at a facility it would build along Wood Valley Road above Pahala. Hawai`i County questions HECO about its position regarding externalities, or positive and negative impacts of the project.

Robert Alm

      Regarding HECO executive vice president Robert Alm’s statement that externalities of a project “are often intangible and difficult to quantify,” the county asks, “Are you saying that … only certain externalities – such as those cited immediately after this statement – should be considered by the Commission?” Alm had listed direct economic benefit to the state, energy security from locally produced feedstock, alignment with the state’s energy policy and lower greenhouse gas emissions as examples of externalities to consider.
      Regarding a similar statement from manager of HECO’s Fuels Department Cecily Barnes that the utilities “have not quantified any negative externalities, and it is difficult to determine the impact, if any, they will have,” Hawai`i County asks: “Are you saying that it is not worth considering negative externalities, since their impact is difficult to determine?
      “You list several negative externalities prior to this statement. Are these the only negative externalities you believe should be considered? If not, could you please provide a full (list) of all externalities you identified as being important?”
      Barnes had testified that “potential negative externalities include: fuel spills or leaks associated with fuel storage or transportation of the biodiesel; social issues, such as traffic congestion; and, land use, such as roadway damage and noise.”
      Hawai`i County states that, “although negative externalities are always difficult to determine, sometimes useful estimates can help provide some perspective. For example, you cite the possibility of fuel spills or leaks as a few. Suppose there is a biodiesel leak in one or more of the four 300-thousand-gallon fuel storage facilities contractually required to be located at the AKP facility (say, from an earthquake), would you be able to compare the estimated clean-up costs to, for example, the promised community benefits package?”

Cecily Barnes

      County of Hawai`i had previously raised the issue of decommissioning the AKP facility if it goes bankrupt. The county asks: “How would these costs compare to the community benefits package?
      “Please quantify the cost of remediation or decommissioning of the AKP facility, and who would be required to cover that cost?
      “Please describe what would be involved in such remediation or decommission process to restore the town of Pahala to its original condition.”
      Regarding statements by Alm and Barnes that assessment of many externalities “more directly associated within the AKP Project itself … is more appropriately addressed in the Project permitting process, or in an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment process if so required,” the county asks, “Are you asserting that the Commission is not to consider either positive or negative externalities of the AKP project? Please be clear whether HELCO is asserting that Commission has no role in evaluating either positive or negative externalities.
      “Is it HECO/HELCO’s position that the Commission should not concern itself with externalities of the AKP project, but that the Commission should concern itself only with the AKP contract?”
      Barnes had testified, “Benefits of locally produced biofuels include the creation of new agricultural and manufacturing jobs, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy security and independence, and the shifting of a portion of our significant expenditures on Imported fossil fuels to locally produced biofuel.”
      County of Hawai`i asks: “Are these the only externalities that you believe should be considered?
      “Do you believe there will be no other agricultural or manufacturing jobs created if the AKP project does not proceed?

      “On what basis do you assert there will be a reduction in GHG emissions? Please provide detailed GHG emissions evaluation based on actual AKP feedstocks and actual AKP processes (including all inputs)?
      “Can you please elaborate on why you believe AKP will contribute to increased energy security and independence, given the many identified risks of on-island fuel production and physical barriers to attaining energy independence?
      “You imply there is an advantage to having ‘significant expenditures’ go toward locally produced biofuel, but can you please elaborate where those ‘significant expenditures’ would go – to whom, how much to investors and technology providers, to management versus workers of AKP, the Island economy, etc.?”
      See more in future Ka`u News Briefs.
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office meets with constituents and assists with casework and other issues Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. The Tulsi in Your Town program takes place in Pahala on the second Wednesday of each month. Call 987-5698 for more information.

Jurassic Park comes to Na`alehu Public Library
Wednesday. Photo from Joe Iacuzzo

JURASSIC PARK COMES TO NA`ALEHU Public Library Wednesday when Joe Iacuzzo presents the documentary film Secrets of the Dinosaur Mummy at noon. Iacuzzo discusses his latest book, Last Day of the Dinosaur Mummy, at 1 p.m. For more information, call 939-2442. 

VOLUNTEERS ARE INVITED TO SIGN UP for Saturday’s Ka`u Coast Cleanup at `Onikinalu Bay near Green Sands Beach. Contact coordinator Megan Lamson, of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

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 Sunday, July 7, 2013

KAHU Radio station on Maile Street in Pahala was the scene of many community fundraisers during its operation.
At this event, founder Wendell Kaehuaea asked for donations for Civil Defense equipment. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COMMUNITY RADIO manager Christine Kaehuaea is selling off more of the station’s assets. In addition to the license which is being sold for $20,000 to Hawai`i Public Radio, she is selling off equipment described in an email circulated online. Among the items is the Crown 2,000-kilowatt FM transmitter, valued at $16,280, for which she is seeking $8,500 or best offer. Other items include a Crown 600-watt “T” transmitter for $7,500 and a Shively Antenna, 2-bay full wavelength, for $4,250. An Audio Arts Console R55e is for sale for $3,525, and a Sage Digital Endec for $1,950.

One Journey raised money at a KAHU function to go to O`ahu for the high
school Brown Bags to Stardom music contest and won the
statewide event. Photo by Julia Neal

      Also on her for-sale list are a Crown Broadcast Equipment FM 2000PS FM Power Supply for $1,500, a cabinet with racking fans and thermostat for $1,475 and 71 feet of 7/8-inch cable for $725. There are many other items from chairs to desk to cables, pipe and anchors for the radio tower. Kaehuaea is offering free delivery between Ocean View and Hilo. The cost of gas or $40 will be charged for delivery on Hawai`i Island, beyond Hilo and Ocean View, she states in her email.
      “Your purchase will be helping us fulfill our obligations with our vendors. We appreciate you,” she states in the email that she signed as Station General Manager & Owner, KAHU 91.7 FM, and as President/Director of Ka`u Community Radio, Inc.
      Wendell Kaehuaea, the only other person now named as an officer of the Ka`u Community Radio organization, said he hopes the income from the equipment and license will go to pay off debt owed to local businesses hired to work on building, setting up and maintaining the radio station or for services while KAHU was on the air. The station shut down recently when Hawai`i Electric Light Co. turned off the power.
      To purchase equipment or for more information on the transition of the station to Hawai`i Public Radio, contact Christine Kaehuaea at 925-895-9098 or kahufm@yahoo.com.

Paying minimum wage or by the amount of
coffee picked is addressed in a coffer farmer
petition. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

COFFEE FARMERS are signing a petition, hoping to continue the practice of paying pickers by volume instead of by the hour. 

      The petition says that “Hawai`i is unique as the only state that grows coffee. Its coffee pickers are primarily local individuals who pick the ripe coffee beans over a period of months – as the coffee beans ripen. They are paid on the amount of coffee picked, not on how many hours it takes. To require ‘minimum wages’ and ‘overtime requirements’ will be the demise of the coffee industry. Coffee picking abilities and hours per day vary substantially based on the pickers’ abilities and availability.
      “We, the following Petitioners, support a change in the State and Federal laws to clearly exempt seasonal coffee pickers, who pick by hand and are paid piece-rate by the pound, from the Federal Wage and Hour Employment Security Laws and Regulations."
      Petitions are due by July 15. The petition drive is organized by Friends of Kona Coffee, c/o Virginia Isbell, PO Box 926, Kealakekua, HI 96750.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HAS SUBMITTED QUESTIONS to the Public Utilities Commission regarding Hawaiian Electric Co.’s testimony on the proposed contract to purchase biofuel from `Aina Koa Pono. AKP plans to use feedstock from Ka`u to refine biofuel at a facility above Pahala.
      The county questions HECO president Robert Alm about his testimony regarding economics of the `Aina Koa Pono project.
      Regarding Alm’s statement that “Hawai`i’s most important economic enterprise right now is to pursue energy independence,” the county asks Alm to comment on whether the “important economic issue now in mid-2013 is reducing electricity rates to enable economic growth, vitality, survivability (for some) and financial independence for all?”

      Regarding Alm’s statement that “it is also important to note that unlike other sources of renewable energy that require the construction of new facilities or plants, biofuels can be utilized in the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ existing generating units, which often require little to no changes to operate on biofuel,” the county asks, “Would HECO/HELCO sign a statement that any modifications needed to Keahole Power Plant (or any other power plants using AKP Biodiesel) to receive the fuel and burn the fuel, or clean-up the fuel, never be borne by the ratepayer?”

      Hawai`i County asks Alm to explain the economic theory that underlies his statement that “keeping energy expenditures at home” grows a “sustainable economy,” and “to provide justification for the theory within classical economics, including verification whether this style of mercantilist approach has historically proven to make people within an economy better or worse off?
      “Further, please cite peer-reviewed studies to justify this assertion that modern-day application of mercantilist, import substitution policies improves the well-being of people, especially in light of the extensive body of literature discrediting import substitution policies and the resultant impoverishment of populations who have been subject to them.”
      “Is it your position that the AKP2 price has become a fair price, because it is lower than the AKP1 price?” the county asks.
      Regarding Alm’s statement that “a diversified portfolio is prudent and in the public’s interest,” Hawai`i County asks:

• Does HECO/HELCO believe it is prudent to commit for twenty years such a large percentage of Hawai`i Island’s biodiesel demand to such an unproven technology, especially when your statement seems to indicate that HECO/HELCO has its own doubts whether AKP will be able to deliver the expected amount of biodiesel? 
• Many experts might also have their doubts, so it is prudent to ask what the Utilities’ contingency plan is if AKP is incapable of delivering contracted quantities of on-spec biodiesel.”

      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

Sen. Josh Green

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO A FREE KIDNEY SCREENING, co-hosted by west Ka`u state Senator Josh Green, who is a physician, and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai`i. The screening is Wednesday, July 10 and includes Kidney Early Detection Screening (KEDS) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center, Building G. Free health services will include blood pressure checks, a blood glucose assessment to check for diabetes, urinalysis to screen for kidney disease and a health consultation. For most accurate results, it is best not to eat for eight hours before the tests (optional), advised the senator. 

      Questions about the event and pre-registration can be directed to project partner Kim Oyama at kim@kidneyhi.org.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION wraps up its rodeo today at Na`alehu Arena with many events for wahine, kane and keiki. Tickets are $6.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The free programs begin at Kilauea Visitor Center and continue at Whitney Vault by Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund sponsors a Ka`u Coast cleanup Saturday.
Photo from HWF

THE NEXT KA`U COASTAL CLEANUP is this Saturday, July 13 at `Onikinalu Bay, just north of Mahana Bay – Green Sands Beach. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund volunteers have room for a handful of helpers in their vehicles but are always recruiting more. “Many hands make light work!” said Wildlife Fund organizer Megan Lamson. The group could use more four-wheel-drive vehicles. Pam Longobardi of the Drifter’s Project and Boyan Slat of the Ocean Cleanup are helping with the cleanup. 

      Participants meet at 7:45 a.m. Saturday at Wai`ohinu Park to caravan and carpool to the cleanup site. Bring sturdy footwear, bag lunch, snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sun/wind protection and gloves and buckets if available. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund will provide extra gloves, some buckets, trash bags, water refills, first-aid kit and a composting lua.
      If enough people RSVP, the organization will rent a van. Volunteers are asked to RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com as soon as possible.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1973 is getting ready for its 40-year class reunion at Pahala Community Center Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The potluck family event features live entertainment. Any questions, contact Darlene Vierra at 640-8740.

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.