Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Nina Gebhardt was sworn in as an American citizen this morning, the oath given by Immigrations officer
Evangelista McKee. Photo by Julia Neal

NINA GEBHARDT IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. The 76-year-old was sworn in today by Evangelina McKee, a U.S. Immigrations Officer II, who flew in from Honolulu and drove out to Pahala for the paper signing and to retrieve Gebhardt’s green card in exchange for citizenship papers. Gebhardt lives in Pahala with her husband, Captain James Gebhardt. The couple arrived from Germany aboard ship in Hilo on Jan. 5, 2004 aboard the MS Deutschland and bought a house in Pahala in October of the same year. Nina Gebhardt understands five languages, but the progression of muscular dystrophy has made it impossible for her to talk in recent years. The Immigration Service agreed to come to her home for the citizenship ceremony this morning. Capt. Gebhardt is a retired military man and retired commercial pilot. He is also a boat captain. In Pahala, he has made it one of his community missions to obtain a helicopter landing pad for Ka`u Hospital. He has been working on the issue since 2009. He said that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard helped with the citizenship process. State Sen. Russell Ruderman visited with the Gebhardts this afternoon to congratulate them on Nina becoming a U.S. citizen.
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Kaiwi Perkins, Dayva Keolanui, Caroline Garrett, Lynn Hamilton, Russell
Ruderman and Gaye Polido helped fold The Ka`u Calendar today.
Photo by Julia Neal

STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN DROPPED IN on the volunteer sorting and folding of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper’s August edition this morning. He also took a tour of the irrigation and hydroelectric system project on Olson Trust lands along Wood Valley Road and met with the Scenic Byway Committee of the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. According to chair Marge Elwell, Ruderman will consider, through Capital Improvement Project funding, helping with establishment of scenic byway educational signage and pullout locations for those traveling along Hwy 11 through Ka`u. She said that Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Denny Coffman have also shown support. 

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR is supporting a special resource study of the Ka`u Coast for inclusion in the national park system. At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, Stephanie Toothman, associate director of Cultural Resources, Partnerships and Science at the National Park Service, reported that while significant cultural features, geological forms and coastal-marine natural resources of the study area are each represented to some extent within other national parks in Hawai`i, “in no other location do these features coexist in such a long and uninterrupted coastal landscape with continuous scenic, interpretive, and recreational integrity. Compared to existing coastal managed areas within the state, it is uniquely wild, yet accessible. 

      “Based upon the significance of the resources in the Ka`u study area, and the current integrity and intact condition of these resources, the reconnaissance survey resulted in a preliminary finding of national significance and suitability.”

      Today’s hearing considered the Pacific Islands Parks Act, introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz, which calls for the National Park Service to complete studies of the Ka`u Coast and two other sites in Hawai`i.

The U.S. Department of the Interior supports a special resource study of
the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Peter Anderson

      “The Pacific Island Parks Act is making good progress in the United States Senate, Schatz said in a media release. “This bill would improve our local economy, preserve our parks and increase tourism in Hawai`i. Hawai`i is home to some of the most incredible and unique sites, many of which have been designated as national parks. By passing this legislation, we would be opening the door to protecting additional sites while also contributing to tourism and economic growth. I will continue to work with my colleagues, including Chairman Ron Wyden, to make this bill a reality."

NEW DRAFT KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN materials are available for public review. The material includes Appendix V4B: “Community Building Analysis,” Appendix V4D: “Preferred Future Growth Patterns” and an updated Appendix V6: “Glossary.”
      Appendix V4B covers issues that directly impact the quality of community life in Ka`u, like land use, infrastructure, services, design, and redevelopment. It outlines existing policy, summarizes related planning initiatives and introduces alternative strategies available to achieve Ka`u’s community objectives. The focus is on developed areas in Ka`u, including Pahala, Punalu`u, Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu, the Discovery Harbour area and Ocean View. It also focuses on regulations, infrastructure, and strategies that impact their future.
      Appendix V4D assesses historical, contemporary and future human settlement patterns relative to a community’s goals and objectives for resource management, community development, and economic development.
      Planner Ron Whitmore said the draft materials are works-in-progress. He expects that they will be revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
      The Steering Committee will discuss the materials at its Tuesday, Aug. 13 meeting at the Ocean View Community Association Center. The 5:30 p.m. meeting is open to the public, and comment on agenda items is invited.
      In an effort to diversify Ka`u CDP outreach, the project now has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kaucdp. This page is intended to provide updates on the CDP’s status and not meant to be an interactive page or for public comment. “‘Like’ the page if you’d like to use it to follow the CDP, but please give your feedback where it can be used in a meaningful way at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/feedback-1,” Whitmore suggests. The deadline for feedback on Appendices V4B and V4D is Monday, Sept. 9.
      Reference copies are available at Pahala Public & School Library, Pahala Community Center, Na`alehu Public Library, Na`alehu Community Center, Discovery Harbour Community Association Center, Ocean View Community Association Center and Kona and Hilo Planning Department offices. The material is available online at hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.
To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park fire crew members Andrew Lee (left) and
Al Aviles remove a large fallen koa tree on Mauna Loa Road Tuesday
morning. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HAS REOPENED areas that were closed due to Tropical Storm Flossie. Kilauea Visitor Center returned to normal operating hours of 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily. 

      Storm impacts were minimal, reported Jessica Ferracane, of Public Affairs. A large koa tree fell across Mauna Loa Road. It was removed, and the road, popular with hikers and birdwatchers, reopened late Tuesday morning.

KA`U NONPROFITS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY for Walmart SGC grants by the final deadline for 2013 on Aug. 9. Minimum grant amounts are $25,000. Details and the online application are at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving. 

      The Walmart Foundation’s Hawai`i State Giving Council recently announced $126,000 in grants from the first grant-giving cycle for 2013 to three Hawai`i nonprofits — Family Promise of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice and Junior Achievement of Hawai`i.
      “At Walmart, we understand that nonprofit organizations are essential to building stronger communities across the islands, said Rey Armijo, Walmart’s Hawai`i market manager. “We’re proud to give back to the communities we serve and are hopeful that Hawai`i residents will feel a positive effect through these grants.”
      To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation Hawai`i State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria.

Tropical Storm Gil is not expected to impact Hawai`i.
 Image from accuweather.com

HURRICANE GIL IS GATHERING STRENGTH as he follows a westward path from Baja California in Mexico. 

      Although Gil is currently a hurricane, he is expected to be weakened by increasing vertical wind shear and stable, dry air.
      Gil is not expected to impact Hawai`i, but he could pass nearby next week.
      Another Gil was a tropical storm when he passed just north of the state in 1983.

NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY BEGINS SHOWINGS of free family movies tomorrow. Movies begin at 2:30 p.m. every Thursday. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 939-2442.

STEWARDSHIP IN THE PARK takes place tomorrow and once per week throughout August and September. Volunteers help Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by cutting invasive kahili ginger on park trails from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required; interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 30, 2013

South Point waves in the wake of Tropical Storm Flossie, which veered north, sparing Ka`u but bringing some surf
and a few showers yesterday. Photo by Peter Anderson

“ULTIMATELY, OUR GOAL IS TO CHART A FUTURE PATH to provide our customers with reliable, clean electricity at the lowest possible cost,” Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Peter Rosegg told Civil Beat. He was responding to Carl Freedman’s decision not to certify HECO’s five-year energy plans that were released in June. Freedman was hired by state regulators as an Independent Entity to oversee the utility’s planning process.

      In his report, Freedman says, “Several aspects of the Integrated Resource Planning Report and Action Plans are not compliant with specific framework requirements and do not meaningfully address several of the principal issues.”
      He also says that “the rate and bill impacts of the Action Plans are understated and downplayed in the IRP Report but represent substantial concerns for all of the HECO Company systems. Rates and bills for all customer classes for all of the HECO Companies are projected to increase substantially over the initial five-year Action Plan period.”
      Freedman says that concerns about customers installing renewable energy systems in order to lower their electric bills in response to higher rates, which further exacerbates rate impacts on those who cannot afford such systems, “have not been sufficiently addressed or dispelled in the IRP Report.”
      Freedman also criticizes HECO for not involving an advisory group more in the planning process. Because the IRP process fell substantially behind schedule, “consideration of advisory group comments was minimal.” He said that, while “the amounts of analysis, progress and work performed by the HECO Companies in the final weeks of the IRP process were impressive, … there was very limited opportunity for clarifications regarding the new material presented.”
      Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land and a member of the advisory group, told Civil Beat, “I think there’s enormous risk and opportunity in the near future about how we shape energy policy, and Hawaiian Electric Co. is no longer in the driver’s seat. There are many players out there, and we are all going to shape where energy policy goes in this state.”
      See more at civilbeat.com.

      To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Flossie's fleece in bands of clouds and little moisture brought to Ka`u by
the tropical storm yesterday at South Point. Photo by Peter Anderson

TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE HELD A DIFFERENT PERSONALITY than Hurricane Flossie of 2007, who sat off South Point and ground herself into exhaustion, never coming onshore. The Flossie of yesterday made a right turn and headed away from Hawai`i Island, bringing slight moisture, little wind and a lot of humidity that remains in the air today.

      County and state offices have re-opened, and Hele-On bus service is back on schedule. Hawai`i Electric Light Co. offices are also open.

HAMAKUA MACADAMIA NUT CO. made Pacific Business News’ list of the 2013 fastest 50 growing companies. The majority owner of the company, Edmund C. Olson, and Hamakua president and founder Richard Schnitzler will attend the presentation in Honolulu at Hawai`i Convention Center on Aug. 15. Schnitzler said this marks the third time Hamakua has been ranked in the Fastest 50, previously ranked 28th and 38th in the statewide listings. Olson said this morning, “I am just happy to have another successful operation that employs Ka`u people growing and harvesting more tons of nuts for Hamakua each year.” 

THE HAWAI`I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that its Race to the Top grant is no longer considered “high-risk” and is in good standing.
      “This is great news that validates the good work that’s been done by the teachers, educational leaders and our community partners,” superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The transformation of our public schools is in full swing. We are staying the course in our mission to ensure all students graduate from our public schools prepared for college and careers.”
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie said, “The commitment made by the Hawai`i State Department of Education to get to where it is today speaks for itself, and I congratulate all of those involved for a job well done. It is clear that transformation in our education system is taking place at all levels from the Board of Education meeting room to the classroom.”

      Key improvement areas in the DOE’s transformation efforts include:

• Aligned state, complex area and school planning and monitoring. This allows for a cohesive system at all levels focused on shared goals for students. From the strategic plan to the school’s academic plans and evaluations of educators, administrators and teachers are tracking students to ensure all graduate college and career ready. 
• Worked with union partners to formalize new evaluation systems for teachers and principals. 
• Improved communication both internally and externally. Earlier this month, the DOE launched its new website and is in the process of establishing an intranet service for staff that allows for increased exchange of information. 

      The DOE also provided clarity of roles, responsibilities, and vision both within the system and in the community.
      Find out more at 
HawaiiPublicSchools.org.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TULSI GABBARD PRAISED the decision by the U.S. Department of Education to remove Hawai`i’s “High Risk” grant designation and allow the state to continue receiving $75 million in Race to the Top grant funding. 

      “I am encouraged that the U.S. Department of Education has recognized our schools are making changes that will serve all of our keiki,” Gabbard said. “I recently visited five of Hawai`i’s Race to the Top schools in West O`ahu and Hawai`i Island and saw firsthand the hard work our local schools have done to improve our students’ education and prospects for success. As Hawai`i moves into the last year of its Race to the Top grant, I look forward to continued improvement and sustained support for improving our schools across the islands.”
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THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS has announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June declined to 4.6 percent from 4.7 percent in May. The last time the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent was in September 2008.
      Statewide, there were 617,250 employed and 29,700 unemployed in June, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 646,950. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in June, unchanged from May.
      Initial claims and weeks claims decreased by 48, or -2.5 percent, and by 1,796, or -13.0 percent, consecutively for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago.
      The unemployment rate figures for the State of Hawai`i and the U.S. in this release are seasonally adjusted, in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology. The not seasonally adjusted rate for the state increased to 5.2 percent in June from 4.5 percent in May.

Sugarcane being loaded onto train cars. Photo from thetrainmuseum.com

LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN MUSEUM is the topic at this evening’s After Dark in the Park. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK by cutting invasive kahili ginger on park trails Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sounds of native honeycreepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required. Interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information. The hike is about one mile and a moderate round trip into Kilauea caldera down Halem`auma`u trail, leaving from Kilauea Visitor Center. The hike involves walking over rough, uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path with up to a 400-foot elevation change.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 29, 2013

Tropical Storm Flossie churns toward Hawai`i Island. Wind, rain and possibly thunderstorms and flooding are
expected. Image from National Weather Service

HAWAI`I ISLAND REMAINS UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING this morning. Tropical Storm Flossie’s path shifted slightly overnight, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was 150 miles northeast of South Point and 80 miles northeast of Hilo as of 8 a.m. 

      The storm had sustained wind speeds of 45 mph. The National Weather Service predicted it would bring heavy rains, high surf and flash flooding across the state.
      Flossie is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of six to 10 inches over the Big Island, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches possible, mainly windward.
     “This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in the mountains,” the National Weather Service warned.
      Dangerously high surf may cause coastal road closures, the National Weather Service stated.
      For updates on Tropical Storm Flossie, see prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc.
      For Civil Defense updates for the County of Hawai`i, see hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts.
To comment on this story, go to https://www.facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NOAA's tracking of Tropical Storm Flossie shows a path skirting to the
north of Hawai`i Island.

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED an Emergency Proclamation in preparation of Tropical Storm Flossie. The proclamation provides certain authorities that will allow the state to more effectively prepare for the arrival of Flossie, expected to make landfall today on the eastern end of Hawai`i Island. Local, state and federal governmental agencies and nonprofit partners are coordinating and working together to minimize the impact of the projected high wind, waves and torrential rain.
      “All parts of our emergency response system for the entire state are working together,” Abercrombie said. “The purpose of signing this proclamation is to ensure that state agencies have full powers necessary to best protect and serve the people of Hawai`i.”
      The emergency proclamation covers such items as access to the major disaster fund to cover staff overtime and other expenses, allowing emergency procurement of needed supplies and resources, as well as activation of the National Guard, if needed.

Location of Tropical Storm Flossie as of 8 a.m.

HAWAI`I COUNTY IS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE to stay home from work today: “In an effort to insure the safety of, and reduce the risk to employees, employers are encouraged to limit staffing to essential employees only. The County of Hawai`i will be directing all non-essential employees to remain home, and county operations will be adjusted for emergency operations.”

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S HELE-ON BUS SERVICE has been suspended due to the storm. Weather conditions will be evaluated and bus service restored as soon as safely possible, according to a statement from the county.

A HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING about prohibiting GMOs that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to the impending tropical storm, reports Big Island Chronicle.

DUE TO THE ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE, Hawai`i Electric Light Company offices are closed today. The company’s trouble line remains operational. Customers may call 969-6666 to report power outages and downed power lines.
      HELCO reminds the public to not touch fallen or low-hanging power lines or anything they may be in contact with. A seemingly harmless wire may still be energized. Stay clear of puddles where downed lines may have landed.
      “The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority,” said president Jay Ignacio. “We encourage the community to monitor local television, radio and other media broadcasts for storm updates and the locations of open emergency shelters.”
      The company will issue a news release when customer operations resume.

While Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park remains open during the storm,
Namakanipaio Campgrounds and other parts of the park are closed.
Photo from hawaiivolcanohouse.com

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK remains open during Tropical Storm Flossie, but with minimal services.
      “We encourage people to shelter in place and stay off roads. Our first priority is safety and keeping our park employees and visitors out of harm’s way,” said park superintendent Cindy Orlando.
      Park officials have closed the following areas as of Sunday evening. Closures remain in effect until the storm has passed and conditions are safe:

• Chain of Craters Road, from Devastation Trail parking lot to the coast; 
• All backcountry areas, including Mauna Loa and cabins; 
• Mauna Loa Road (known locally as “Mauna Loa Strip Road”); 
• All coastal areas, including, `Apua Point, Keauhou, Halape and Ka`aha; 
• Kulanaokuaiki campsite; 
• Napau campsite; 
• Namakanipaio Campgrounds and A-frame cabins; 
• Jaggar Museum (observation deck open but no rangers on duty). 

      Additional closures may be warranted as conditions change.
      Kilauea Visitor Center is open today until 5 p.m. with reduced staffing. Thurston Lava Tube remains open. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp are open.

EARLY REGISTRATION WITH LOWER ENTRY FEES is still available for Volcano Art Center’s fourth annual Rain Forest Runs set for Saturday, Aug. 17. The half marathon, 10K run and 5K run/walk are held in Volcano Village. This event traverses the native rain forest in Volcano Village and the ranches near Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All distances are open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
      Entry fees before Aug. 1 are $75 for the half marathon, $45 for the 10K run and $30 for the 5K run/walk. Fees increase Aug. 1.
       Volcano Art Center presents art awards donated by local artists to the top three male and female winners of the half marathon, to the overall winners for the 10K and 5K and to the top two male and female winners in each ten-year age division for all race events. In addition, medals are presented to half marathon finishers and to the top male and female winners of the military division for each race.
      More information and registration forms are available at volcanoartcenter.org/rain-forest-runs.

Doug Connors

LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN MUSEUM TREASURER DOUG CONNORS discusses the history of railroads on the island of Hawai`i, the sugar plantations and the development of the Hamakua Coast at tomorrow’s After Dark in the Park. Topics include effects of the 1946 tsunami and the development of the train museum, which started in 1995.
      The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

      Due to uncertainty as a result of Tropical Storm Flossie, call 985-6011 to verify that the program is still scheduled.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES