Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013

Scholarships are available for Ka`u youth to attend next month's eighth annual Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music &
Lifestyle Workshop at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS HAS HIRED a new chief operating officer. Kawika Burgess starts his job Oct. 31, taking responsibility for running the day-to-day operations of the agency, which has about 170 employees.

Kawika Burgess Photo from Kanu Hawai`i

      OHA said Burgess brings to his second-in-command post a background in land management from positions held at Kamehameha Schools and the Trust for Public Land.
      He joins OHA at a time when the agency is focused on tackling challenges including improving its effectiveness as the state’s 13th-largest landowner, with more than 27,530 acres of land.
      “With this appointment, we have put in place an essential management and structural dimension for addressing the critical issues facing our organization,” said OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe. “I am very excited about the prospects for our organization with the addition of Kawika to OHA’s executive team.”
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO has sent “a heartfelt mahalo” to her constituents following the reopening of the partially shutdown federal government. “After 16 days of standing strong against an extreme faction of Republicans, we convinced enough people to finally end the misguided government shutdown and prevent a catastrophic default on our nation’s bills,” Hirono said. “Now that we’re on the other side of this manufactured crisis, I’m taking some time to reflect. It’s clear this never should have happened – and I’m disappointed about the turmoil and pain this has caused for so many families.
      “But I also am incredibly grateful for something: you. 

      “You helped end this shutdown. Almost 200,000 people signed our ‘End the Shutdown’ petition to John Boehner – an amazing number that got noticed on Capitol Hill.
      “And hundreds of supporters just like you shared stories with me: stories like Scott’s, whose ability to take care of his deteriorating health relies on the tourist economy surrounding Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park – a park and economy shuttered for 16 days because of the shutdown. Or the story of a worker at Pearl Harbor who worried not just about his ability to pay his mortgage, but the negative impact the shutdown could have on our Pacific Fleet’s ability to stay ready and defend our country.
      “I shared your stories on the Senate floor and with my colleagues to convince those supporting the shutdown just how devastating this crisis was for real families and communities.
      I truly think it helped make a difference, so from the bottom of my heart: Mahalo.
      “While there is absolutely no excuse for the kind of reckless politics the right wing of the Republican party has played, I find encouragement in your participation in the civic process. That’s what gives me great hope that we will continue to tackle tough challenges that lie ahead, like finally getting immigration reform through both chambers of Congress.”
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

False killer whales are listed as an endangered species. Photo from
NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

A NECROPSY OF A RARE DOLPHIN found dead at South Point on Oct. 5 revealed five fish hooks in its stomach. The hooks were floating along with partially digested remains of a large marlin, some tuna and several types of squid. The hooks weren’t embedded in the stomach lining, and there’s no evidence they caused the dolphin’s death, Kristi West, the Hawai`i Pacific University professor who led the necropsy, told reporter Audrey McAvoy. 

      The cause of death is yet to be determined.
      Last year, the National Marine Fisheries Service listed the dolphins, also called false killer whales, as endangered. There are just 150 to 200 of them remaining.
      According to the Associated Press story, the hooks were types used by commercial and recreational fishermen. Some looked new, and others appeared to be ingested a while ago. None were circle hooks recently adopted by Hawai`i longline fishermen under a rule issued last year by the NMFS to prevent accidental snagging of dolphins. Circle hooks are designed to hook fish on the mouth, which makes it less likely that dolphins will get caught when stealing fish.
      The dolphins like to eat ahi tuna, mahimahi and many other fish caught on fishing lines.
      The National Marine Fisheries Service considers hook ingestion a serious injury, said Robin Baird, a research biologist with Cascadia Research Collective. Marine mammals have died trying to regurgitate hooks.

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Keoki Kahumoku hosts the eighth annual
Hawaiian Music & Lifestyles Workshop
next month.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO KA`U YOUTH for the eighth annual Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music and Lifestyles Workshop taking place from Nov. 2 through Nov. 10 on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. This week-long event offers opportunities to learn ki ho`alu (slack key guitar), `ukulele, steel guitar, songwriting, music theory and hula from some of today’s top masters. Other cultural activities include lei making, chant, Hawaiian Song and choir, lauhala and coconut palm weaving, food preparation and traditional crafts. Tuition for the event includes all music and cultural classes, private one-on-one lessons from all instructors, three meals a day prepared by Keoki Kahumoku and staff featuring local farmers and ranchers of Hawai`i Island, nightly kani ka pila, imu ceremony, food demonstrations, and more. 

      Instructors include Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi, Led Kaapana, George Kahumoku Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, John Keawe, James Hill, Anne Janelle, Brittni Paiva, Jon Yamasato, Brad Bordessa, Peter deAquino, Konabob Stoffer, Darci Baker, Ka`iwi Perkins and Jesse Ke.
      Scholarships are given to students who show a specific interest in Hawaiian music, language, culture and lifestyle. Students are required to write an essay on a given topic and fill out a questionnaire in order to be considered. Forms are available at konaweb.com/keoki and are due this Friday, Oct. 25.
      For more information, contact Tiffany Crosson at tiffanyfreedom@gmail.com or 938-6582.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Feed the Hunger Foundation invites Ka`u entrepreneurs to apply
for loans to start or expand production of food for local
consumption. Photo from feed-hunger.com

FEED THE HUNGER FOUNDATION explains its program on Monday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The organization invites Ka`u low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses aiming to expand or start producing food for local consumption to apply for loans from $2,000 to $100,000. With $1.5 million to award in Hawai`i micro-loans, the foundation “is dedicated to helping Hawai`i achieve economic 
resiliency through innovative and sustainable solutions,” said a statement about loan availability. 

      Past loan awardees in Hawai`i have included entrepreneurs who 
purchased equipment and supplies for a highly efficient aquaponic fish and 
vegetable system, opened a small café dedicated to using local ingredients, took
 courses to become a commercially licensed driver, and opened a business 
serving ethnic foods.
      For
 information about FTHF, visit feed-hunger.com. For further information and to apply for a 
loan, contact Denise Albano at denisealbano@feed-hunger.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Na`ohulelua Historical Church hosts a garden talk story and
plant and seed exchange tomorrow.

NA`OHULELUA HISTORICAL CHURCH hosts its monthly garden talk story and plant and seed exchange tomorrow from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 929-8164 for more information. 

IN SPORTS, KA`U HIGH’S GIRLS VOLLEYBALL team plays Pahoa today at 4 p.m. in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation third-place match and final spot in Hawai`i High School Athletic Association’s Division II state tournament. The Trojans fell to HPA yesterday with scores of 25-15, 23-25, 25-15 and 27-25.

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 Friday, Oct. 18, 2013

With the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park reopened, Ka`u residents and visitors can enjoy the guided
Palm Trail Hike Sunday morning. Photo by David Boyle

“I AM TRULY THANKFUL TO HAVE BEEN ON HAND in our nation’s capital as an agreement was reached,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who traveled to Washington, D.C. to urge Hawai`i’s congressional delegation and his former colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to take action to resolve the federal government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis. 

      “Strong fiscal management has been a cornerstone of my administration,” Abercrombie said. “Since taking office, I have made tough choices to improve the state’s financial condition, strategically cutting spending in some areas while investing in others. I am pleased to report that we had a roughly $833 million positive balance in the state budget for the 2013 fiscal year. This strong liquidity, our prudent fiscal management and the overall health of Hawai`i’s economy enabled the state to weather the federal shutdown.
      “Unfortunately, challenges remain, and the current agreement on the federal budget and debt ceiling is only a stopgap measure. We must continue to manage the state’s finances wisely, foster our economy and work together across all levels of government if we are to withstand another fiscal crisis.”
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AN EVIDENTIARY HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD by the Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel refined in Ka`u from plants harvested and grown in Ka`u to the electric utilities for 20 years. 

      After several rounds of questions and answers by the parties involved in the docket, the utility companies, the Consumer Advocate and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism had told the commission the docket was ready for a decision from the PUC. “The record in this Docket is sufficient to provide the commission with the requisite information needed for its evaluation of the overall reasonableness,” said Dan Brown, of Hawaiian Electric Company. Jeffrey Ono, of the state Division of Consumer Advocacy, said the department has “no additional information and data to supplement the instant docket record, it has no intention to enter into a stipulation, and that the subject proceeding is ready for decision-making.”
      The County of Hawai`i disagreed and asked that an evidentiary hearing be held if the PUC is still undecided. “We have not been proffered appropriate or adequate responses to our information requests and must seek a means to compel parties to provide that information,” the county stated in its proposed evidentiary hearing schedule.
      Life of the Land took a similar position: “Should the commission decide that the application should be denied immediately through Summary Judgment; that is, the applicant’s argument fails to meet minimal public interest, then that would eliminate the need for an evidentiary hearing,” director Henry Curtis said. “In the absence of such action from the commission, we believe that a hearing is needed.”
      According to the PUC, the utility companies, the Consumer Advocate, and DBEDT stated that an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary and that the County of Hawai`i’s participation in an evidentiary hearing is allowed only “if an evidentiary hearing is held” by the commission.
      In its decision, the PUC emphasized that an evidentiary hearing is subject to the commission’s discretion and said, “The commission finds that the docket record is complete. Thus, an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary and will not be held.”
      The decision, as well as all testimony regarding the case, is available at puc.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Accomplishments at Ka`u Hospital include electronic records, improved
trauma readiness and being named a Top Ten Facility in Hawai`i
for nursing home care. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL WILL be reaching out through a community steering committee over the next three months to assess the health needs of Ka`u. Steering committee members, ranging from the principal of the Pahala schools to the head of Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, owners of local businesses, members of the Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation Board and the editor of The Ka`u Calendar, held their first meeting this week to help design a survey for the Ka`u community. The outreach is required through the federal designation of Ka`u Hospital as a Critical Needs facility. The steering committee will be meeting with community residents to fill out surveys regarding the hospital and the overall health care services provided to the community. The survey will also be online. 

      Presenters at the first meeting noted that Ka`u Hospital has a direct benefit to the Ka`u economy. While the facility employs 61 people, the multiplier impact on spending in the community brings the impact to employment of 82 persons. The operations income is $5.5 million, with a secondary income bringing the total economic benefit to the community of more than $6.6 million.
      Those working on the Community Health Needs Assessment for Ka`u Hospital include hospital staff and representatives from the state Department of Health Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. However, the assessment will come “from the community’s perspective as to health care needs and from analysis of data and information from the public health department, other data sources, survey results and an economic impact study,” according to the presentation by state Primary Care facilitators R. Scott Daniels and Gregg Kishaba.
      Many accomplishments at Ka`u Hospital, some of them not well known to the community, were discussed, including Ka`u becoming the first critical access hospital in the state to attest to “meaningful use” as required by the federal government for maximum reimbursement for costs of converting to electronic records. Ka`u Hospital has also improved readiness for trauma patients to become a Trauma Support Facility by providing on-site training and certification in Trauma Nursing for all RNs and purchasing portable ultrasound equipment. The hospital is the winner of the Performance Management Institute National ED Efficiency Award and is one of U.S. News & World Report’s top ten facilities in Hawai`i for nursing home care. It has earned the Five-Star Rating from CMS Nursing Home Compare website. The expenses of the hospital total approximately $7.98 million a year.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Climate change will effect every part of the world ocean by 2100,
according to a new study. Map from wikimedia.org

EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD OCEAN, which covers 70 percent of the earth’s surface, will be touched by climate change by 2100, according to a new study by lead author Camilo Mora, assistant professor at the Department of Geography in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa. The study factors in predictable synergistic changes such as the depletion of dissolved oxygen in seawater and a decline in productivity of ocean ecosystems. 

      Previous analyses have focused mainly on ocean warming and acidification, considerably underestimating the biological and social consequences of climate change.
      “The consequences of these co-occurring changes are massive – everything from species survival, to abundance, to range size, to body size, to species richness, to ecosystem functioning are affected by changes in ocean biogeochemistry,” Mora said.
     According to the study, human ramifications of these changes are likely to be massive and disruptive. Food chains, fishing, and tourism could all be impacted. The study shows that some 470 to 870 million of the world’s poorest people rely on the ocean for food, jobs, and revenues, and live in countries where ocean goods and services could be compromised by multiple ocean biogeochemical changes.
      The study was published in the journal PLOS Biology.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH’S GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM takes on Hawai`i Preparatory Academy at Kamehameha School today at 4 p.m. during BIIF semifinals and finals in Kea`au. 

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION holds its monthly pancake breakfast tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. All-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee/juice for $5. This is the final pancake breakfast this year due to Thanksgiving and keiki holiday events in November and December. To help, call 939-7033.

PALM TRAIL HIKE TAKES PLACE SUNDAY from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. For more information, call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo.

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, Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Macfarlane's of Scotland were the first visitors to enter the park when it reopened at 6 a.m. They enjoyed views of Halema‘uma‘u
Crater aglow at dawn from Steaming Bluffs before  their return flight  tonight. Photo by Jessica Ferricane, National Park Service.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK reopened at 6 a.m., following yesterday's U.S. Senate and House of Representatives’ vote and Pres. Barack Obama’s signature to fund the federal government. Visitors can access public areas and roads immediately while facilities and other public services are brought back online. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park had been closed since Oct. 1 due to the government shutdown.

KMC employees, many of them from Ka`u, went back
 to work today with the federal shutdown over.
Photo from KMC

    “We are all eager and excited to reopen and welcome visitors back to the park,” stated Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. The following areas in the park are open:
     Roads: Chain of Craters Road and all scenic overlooks are now open. Crater Rim Drive is open, except for the section closed since 2008 due to volcanic fumes.
     Features: Thurston Lava Tube, Steam Vents, and the Jaggar Museum observation deck overlooking erupting Halema‘uma‘u Crater are now open.
    Visitor Centers and Programs: Kīlauea Visitor Center opened at 8:45 a.m. today, the Jaggar Museum opened at 8:30 a.m., and ranger-led programs will resume as quickly as possible.

     Trails: All trails are open for day use.
     Campgrounds: All park campgrounds, including Nāmakanipaio, Kulanaokuaiki, and backcountry campgrounds, are open.
     Concessionaire Services: Volcano House, the Nāmakanipaio A-frame cabins, and Kīlauea Military Camp are welcoming guests immediately, and limited food service will begin tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 18.
     For more information about Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit www.nps.gov/havo. Call 985-6000.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY reopened this morning, with 9 a.m. to 5 p.m hours, inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Art Center, along with concessions inside the park, were forced to close Oct. 1 with the federal shutdown. Gallery employees were furloughed. Volcano Art Center Chief Executive Officer Tanya Aynessazian said, “We are glad to put people back to work but it will probably take several weeks to ramp up and start recovering losses,” as the park returns to a regular visitor count. She said the shutdown was not only a loss to those working at the gallery and visitors but also to the many local artists who depend on the gallery sales to make a living. Aynessazian said that she hopes that Congress will be able to prevent another shutdown at its next government funding deadline, “which is in the peek of our busy season.”

Hilo native Reyn Ojiri's show is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park. Image from Volcano Art Center

     Now showing at Volcano Art Center Gallery are the acrylic and oil paintings of Reyne Ojiri, a native of Hilo. Called Island Inspired, the exhibit shows through Oct. 27.
     In addition to reopening, Volcano Art Center is raising money to make up for the losses. Call Aynessazian at 967-8222.

To comment on or “Like” these stories, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REGULATION OF GMO crops moved a step closer to becoming law yesterday, as the County Council passed a bill on first reading with a 6-2 vote. 

     According to a story by Tom Callis in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune Herald, the vote prompted the audience to "erupt in applause with repeated shouts of  'Bravo.'" To become law, the bill restricting Genetically Modified Organisms needs another round of voting by the council and Mayor Billy Kenoi's signature.

     The bill contains an emergency exemption that would allow farmers to choose GMO crops to fight such problems as disease. Ka`u council member Brenda Ford called it a loopholine, saying "I think it dramatically weakens the bill," the Hawai`i Tribune Herald story reported. "The legislation, while not banning all transgenic crops, is intended to limit their spread on the Big Island. The isle has the most agricultural lan in the state but has not been selected by biotech companies to host seed farms as seen on Kaua`i, O`ahu and Maui, County," Callis reported. 

Tulsi Gabbard on MSNBC yesterday.

     According to the story, papaya business representative Eric Weinert, of Calavo Growers, said he would file a law suit challenging the bill, if it passes. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on or “Like” these stories, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TULSI GABBARD has commented on the agreement to restart the federal government. "Finally, Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate are doing what's necessary to get our country back on track." Ka`u's member in congress noted that yesterday she joined Republican Rep. Aaron Schock on MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown. "Even though we're from different political parties, we understand we have a responsibility to work together to move our country forward for the good of our next generation – not just treading water as we deal with repeated short-term, unnecessary crises. There’s a growing chorus of voices who are determined to work together," she said.
     In a segment called How the center can change politics, Gabbard was presented as a member of the political center, a leader in the Congressional Future Caucus. She said the 13 members of the caucus comprised of Republicans and Democrats "can provide kind of a game changer to do things better so that we are not constantly having to dig ourselves out of a hole or play defense."  She talked about being responsible in governance  but also encouraging growth and innovation in government and the economy.

     When the MSNBC host said he was "beaten down by congress," Gabbard said, "Aloha!" and he replied,  "You are always smiling because you are from Hawai`i." See the MSNBC video at http://www.msnbc.com/the-daily-rundown/watch/how-the-center-can-change-politics-54510147546

THE ANTI FRACKING BILL, authored by Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford, was unanimously passed Wednesday by the County Council and goes to Mayor Billy Kenoi for his signature.

     Hydraulic fracturing and hydro fracturing, also called fracking, injects fluids into the ground under high pressure to fracture rock. On this island, it could be used to release water and steam from geothermal sources. On the mainland and in Europe, where it is controversial and banned in some places, it is mostly used to release natural gas and oil. Water is mixed with sand and chemicals and is blamed for contaminating drinking water sources.
     Ford said she is not against geothermal, but is concerned with contaminating groundwater with chemicals used to drill and frack for geothermal resources. Geothermal uses water heated by the volcanoes on the island to run turbines to make electricity. While fracking can also be used to find and develop potable water sources, the county Department of Water Supply does not and refuses to use fracking, Ford said.  Several places in Ka`u are considered possible locations for geothermal.  To comment on or “Like” these stories, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Trojan Kamalani Fujikawa gets ready to pound Honoka`a during
 the winning BIIF game that takes Ka`u to play HPA on Friday.
Photo by Pam Taylor of Taylor's Treasures Photography

NEW SCENIC BYWAY SIGNAGE AT Mile Marker 75 on Hwy 11 will be blessed on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. The Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee of the Ka'u Chamber of Commerce will celebrate completion of its first project, installation of Wayside Signs at the Scenic Point just south of Ocean View on Mamalahoa Highway. One of the two signs tells The Story Behind the Scenery, with focus on geology and reference to local history. The second describes Plant Regrown on New Lava and points out contrasts between older, vegetated brown lava and new, relatively bare black lava. 

     Ka`u Civic Club President Blossom DeSilva is making her own signs directing the public to the blessing. For more information, contact Marge or Dennis Elwell at 929-7236. They will also give a presentation at the Ocean View Community Association Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, Oct. 17. It begins at 7:30 a.m. To comment on or “Like” these stories, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U TROJAN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL moved forward in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs by beating Honoka`a Dragons in a home game last night. Scores for the game were 25-14, 25-16, 25-14. The Trojans take on Hawai`i Preparatory Academy at Kamehameha School tomorrow, Friday at 4 p.m. in Kea`au. To comment on or “Like” these stories, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB MEETS tonight at the Na`alehu Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. President Blossom DeSilva said the organization will discuss recent donations to its scholarship fund. "The educational committee is doing an awesome job in reaching their goal," she said. The group will also talk about its recent participation in the Ka`u Plantation Days and its goal to increase membership. For more information, call De Silva at 929-9731.

MAKE YOUR OWN WORM FARM is a workshop at the county Kahuku Park in Ocean View, tomorrow, Friday at 3 p.m. The program is free. Call 929-9113.

RECYCLING AT NA`ALEHU SCHOOL takes place this Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at the school gym. Redeem HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. Call 939-2413, ext. 230.