Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Cold fronts from the north have brought precipitation, helping dry areas of Hawai`i Island out of severe drought. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLANS to develop clearer rules regarding replacement of state legislators who leave office before their terms expire, according to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. This follows an appeal of the party’s recent election of Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to replace state Rep. Denny Coffman, who resigned. Lei Kihoi, one of nine candidates who submitted applications for the seat, claimed the election was rigged. According to reporter Nancy Cook Lauer, Kihoi said she was barred from the election meeting even though she was eligible to vote as a president of a district precinct.

Rep. Richard Creagan

      “The core question is whether the election on Dec. 27, 2013 was ‘rigged’ in order to bring an expected result,” Kihoi said in a Jan. 6 memo to party chair Dante Carpenter. “My answer is yes.”
      Kihoi asked the party to re-do the election, but, according to Cook Lauer, several Hawai`i Island Democratic Party officials said they and Carpenter “looked into the allegations and determined they were without merit.”
      Carpenter told Cook Lauer, “The Democratic Party examined all of the concerns that were raised and determined that what did transpire was in compliance with the Democratic Party constitution and bylaws as well as the Hawai`i County party rules.
      “Things were brought up … we know to be not perfect by any stretch,” he added. “We look forward to lots of discussion and changes of rules regarding elections.”
      Creagan, who recused himself from the election meeting, told Cook Lauer he questioned the process because of his concerns it could be more transparent. “I didn’t want to take a position where there was any question,” Creagan said. “I was concerned that things were done properly because we hadn’t done them before.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

KA`U HAS RECEIVED LESS SEVERE RATINGS on the national drought monitor in the last several months, reported Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald.

Drought conditions have improved in Ka`u.
Map from National Drought Monitor

      “So far, the wet season has been kind of what we expected since the early fall,” Kevin Kodama, hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, told Stewart. “At the start of the season, we were thinking it was going to be wet until at least the beginning of 2014, and then we’d see how it goes from there. The drought has been getting a lot better.”
      Despite lower-than-average rainfall totals for many of the island’s rainiest areas, many of the usual dry areas have seen increases in rainfall amounts.
      “We still need additional rain as we head into the dry season (beginning in May),” Kodama said. “As for the long-term outlook for the next couple of months, the Climate Prediction Center is still calling for above normal rainfall.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

TRINETY S. CRAPSER, OF OCEAN VIEW, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree robbery, second-degree attempted assault, third-degree assault, first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and attempted unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. The charges follow a robbery last month where the victim, Discovery Harbour resident Trudi Grentz, alleged that Crapser, wielding a hatchet, attacked her.
      At a preliminary hearing, Grentz said Crapser demanded possession of her purple Corvette parked on South Point Road.
      Kainoa Kahele-Bishop, of Ocean View, a second suspect in this robbery as well as another reported that same day, is scheduled for an arraignment and plea hearing Feb. 19.

      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

Sen. Brian Schatz

THE U.S. SENATE HAS ADVANCED the Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, which would safeguard military retirees from changes in cost of living adjustments that are set to take effect in 2015. Schatz helped to introduce similar legislation that would protect military retiree pay in December and fought to include this provision as part of the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act last month. 

      “The last place we should be looking for savings is in reductions in military retiree benefits. These people put their lives on the line, and we need to hold up our end of the bargain and make sure they get every dollar they were promised after careers of service to our country,” said Schatz. “We need to pass this bill and reverse any pay changes before they have a chance to go into effect.”

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

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ARE SENDING out an email that reminds employers that a state of Hawai`i Department of Labor notice reviews a new law that expands employee rights to express milk in the workplace.
      Employers must provide a reasonable break time for employees to express milk for the employee’s nursing child for one year after the child’s birth each time the employee has a need to express breast milk.
      They must also provide a location, other than the restroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public that may be used by an employee to express breast milk.
      The law requires employers to post a notice in a conspicuous place accessible to employees and use other appropriate means to keep employees informed of this right.
      Employers with fewer than twenty employees may be exempt from this requirement if they can show that accommodating the first two points would cause undue hardship.

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

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? The first class today at 4 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji gauges interest for future classes and starts with the absolute beginner; more advanced students are also welcome. Space is limited.
      Contact Maiki at 989-4259 or hawaiiislandlife@gmail.com.

NA`ALEHU ASSEMBLY OF GOD hosts guest speakers today and this weekend. A Missions Service with Jeff & Pam Gregory takes place today at 6:30 p.m. 

      John & Meleana Harke present Camp Meeting 2014 Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
      For more information, call 929-7278 or email office@naalehuag.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., when volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT in Na`alehu offers Valentine’s Day dinners Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special menu items include prime rib, crab lasagna and garlic shrimp, baby back ribs with guava BBQ glaze and baked mahi mahi stuffed with crab and scallops. Meals include starter and dessert for $30 per person. Earnest Kalani provides entertainment on Friday.
      Call 929-9717 for reservations.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER SPECIALS are available Friday at South Side Shaka’s in Na`alehu. Prime rib is $21.95, snow crab is $26.95, and a combination is $29.95. Music by Kaleo Peters.

      For reservations, call 929-7404.

VALENTINE’S DAY BUFFET is available at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The buffet features prime rib, chicken piccata, shrimp and mushroom alfredo and more for $24.95 for adults and $14.50 for children ages 6 to 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014

Biomass, such trees and grasses growing in Ka`u, may not be a good alternative to fossil fuel in creating electricity, according to a lawyer for a community group opposing the Hu Honua project in Pepeekeo. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION would implement a pilot project to research solutions for addressing the little fire ant threat in the state if HB2469 passes the Legislature. The bill calls for the department to address the spread of the little fire ants within infested county parks, test different types of pesticides for controlling and eradicating the little fire ant and develop model strategies to eradicate the threat of little fire ants that other counties can implement. The project would begin June 30 and last one year. The department would submit a report detailing findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature before convening of the 2016 legislative session.

      According to an Associated Press story in West Hawai`i Today by Sam Eifling, The ants live both in trees and on the ground, infesting crops and attacking people, pets and other animals. “They drive away insects, birds, lizards and mammals that prey on other pest insects, further harming crops.”

Legislation calls for research on eradication of little fire ants, which are much smaller
than tropical fire ants. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture 

      Cas Vanderwoude, research manager of the Hawai`i Ant Lab at University of Hawai`i, told Eifling that “officials can eradicate an entire colony using bait poisons that foraging ants carry back to the 90 percent of workers who don’t leave the nest.”

      Information on this and other bills is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

BURNING BIOMASS OR BIOFUEL TO CREATE electricity may not be a good alternative to burning fossil fuels, according to a lawyer representing the community group Preserve Pepeekeo Health and Environment. The group challenged the permit approved by the state Department of Health Clean Air Branch to operate Hu Honua power plant. Federal Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy has called for the state to consider pertinent factors, including pollutants that would be generated during start-up, shutdown and malfunctions at the facility, as well as by certain types of equipment, such as backup generators, and modify or reissue the permit.
      Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission approved the Hu Honua project, while it rejected twice the `Aina Koa Pono proposal to produce biofuel from plants and trees growing in Ka`u at a refinery above Pahala.
      “This (Hu Honua) is not an isolated facility,” attorney Mark Chytilo told John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “There is a number of biomass or biofuel facilities throughout the country that we’re all looking at pretty carefully. You may say, on one hand, biofuel, what a great idea to reduce our burning of fossil fuels for greenhouse gas purposes, but the reality is that there’s new analysis coming out that even burning wood waste may not be beneficial from a greenhouse gas perspective. Add to that the fact you can’t regulate it; you can’t clean it very well. You can’t clean the fuel very well.
      “Air pollution control devices can be very effective at scrubbing pollution out of a waste stream, but they need a uniform and regular effluent stream. Wood waste is never uniform because it’s an irregular fuel. For those reasons, these are issues that have significance well beyond this individual facility.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

Rep. Mazie Hirono, second from right, has introduced the Native Adult Education
and Literacy Act. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, along with Sens. Jerry Moran, of Kansas, and Mark Begich, of Alaska, has introduced the Native Adult Education and Literacy Act, legislation that would “increase educational access to Native communities by awarding competitive grants for Tribal Colleges and Universities and Native Hawaiian Education Organizations,” according to Hirono’s office. 

      “Current law doesn’t do enough to respond to low high school completion rates, basic literacy skills and employment rates of adult American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians,” Hirono said.

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

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD has supported passage of the National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act. The legislation aims to take steps toward protecting the United States from cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, both physical and technical.
      “The threat of cyber-attacks is real and is not limited to our bank accounts or email; they threaten our electrical grid, mass transportation and the management of water and gas pipelines,” said Gabbard, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “We take this threat seriously and establish necessary public-private partnerships to protect our critical infrastructure. A large-scale attack on any of these sophisticated systems would have devastating impacts on families and communities across our country.
      “The NCCIP Act is a first step toward strengthening our defenses against these kinds of cyber-attacks. It also guards personal privacy protections by requiring all federal agencies to report, without delay, network data breaches involving personally identifiable data to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Information Center, as well notifying any potential victims.”

Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia

      Privacy, national security and industry advocates have expressed support for the legislation. The bill now awaits consideration and a vote by the full House of Representatives.

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

SANJEEV “SONNY” BHAGOWALIA IS HAWAI`I’S new chief advisor for technology and cyber-security. The new executive leadership position was created to establish Hawai`i as a premier technology and cyber-security hub in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to strengthen ties between Hawai`i and Washington, D.C. in support of the state’s Business and Technology Transformation. 

      “Under Sonny’s exceptionally positive leadership and energy, the state of Hawai`i has made great strides in developing a strong technology and security foundation, launching key programs to transform business and technology in the state and charting a strong course for the future with a nationally recognized transformation plan,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “Now more than ever, we need Sonny to help our state take the next step by representing Hawai`i at a national level to ensure we establish a cohesive technology and cyber-security strategy, position Hawai`i for future federal collaboration and investments and encourage our community stakeholders to continue to support Hawai`i’s technology transformation.”

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

IN SPORTS, KA`U HIGH BOYS VARSITY basketball team won their last game of the season on Friday, beating St. Joseph’s 65 – 57. Larry-Dan Al-Navarro was high scorer, with 25 points. 

      Leah Mello-Waiwaiole won her wrestling matches at Waiakea and Hilo, pinning her four opponents.

ARCHAEOLOGIST JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA discusses challenges faced by the National Park Service before, during and after World War II at Kilauea during an After Dark in the Park program at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today at 7 p.m. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

SAM AND EDNA BULDADO SHARE the cultural uses of the kalo (taro) plant tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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 Community Center.
      Call 987-5698 for more information.

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? The first class tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji gauges interest for future classes and starts with the absolute beginner; more advanced students are also welcome. Space is limited. 

      Contact Maiki at 989-4259 or hawaiiislandlife@gmail.com.

SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN MEETS with his Ka`u constituents Monday, Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Ruderman will review the current legislative session and discuss issues important to the community.
      For more information, contact Ruderman at senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov or 808-586-6890.

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Feb. 10, 2014

Edna Buldado shares the cultural uses of kalo, or taro, tomorrow at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD invites Ka`u High School students to participate in the first-ever Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Academic Competition. The House STEM App Challenge offers high school students in Hawai`i and across the country an opportunity to compete in the creation of a software application, commonly referred to as an app, for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

      “Our students are equipped to become leaders in technology and innovation, and friendly competitions like the House STEM App Challenge encourage them to explore advanced industries,” said Gabbard. “This is an opportunity for our talented keiki to showcase their abilities and work toward high-skilled opportunities in our 21st Century economy.”
      The apps will be judged by an appointed panel of individuals within the academic, tech and entrepreneurial fields. The winning student’s app in each participating congressional district will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website and on display at an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol.
      Additional details about the competition and application are available at gabbard.house.gov/house-stem-app-challenge.
      The deadline to submit applications to Gabbard’s office is Wednesday, Apr. 30.

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

AS THE U.S. SENATE PREPARES TO VOTE on the bipartisan Military Justice Improvement Act, a strong bipartisan coalition continued the push for an independent, objective and unbiased military justice system. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined 52 senators, including 43 Democrats and nine Republicans, who have publicly announced their support of this proposal that seeks to reverse the systemic fear that victims of military sexual assault consistently describe in deciding whether to report the crimes committed against them due to bias and inherent conflicts of interest posed by the military chain of command’s current sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to a trial. 

      “The awareness of sexual assault in the military has led to a number of important changes,” Hirono said. “But, in listening to the survivors, we have not made what they consider the most important change: putting the decision to prosecute these crimes in the hands of trained military prosecutors. While we have more than 50 senators supporting this bill, the challenge right now is for us to get the 60 votes necessary to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. We are still hopeful we can bring this bill to the floor.”

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

U. S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS CO-INTRODUCED the Safe Streets Act of 2014, legislation intended to improve safety of Hawai`i’s and the nation’s roads and expand access for all users. With many roads today designed only for cars and busy traffic, communities across the country have pushed for safer, more livable, Complete Streets. Complete Streets policies call for safely accommodating travelers of all ages and abilities, including drivers, transit passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. 

      The Safe Streets Act would change the approach to the way federally funded roads are planned, designed and built, ensuring new roads follow Complete Streets policies that make sure sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe transit access are taken into consideration as roadway plans are developed. Safe Streets legislation would increase safe travel options, like walking and biking, and help save lives, Schatz said.


      “Too many people are killed or injured each year because our streets are simply not designed and built with the safety of everyone – including pedestrians and bicyclists – in mind. Our communities deserve safer streets,” Schatz said. “Many of our roads in Hawai`i and across America make travel difficult for seniors, families, youth and others who are unable or choose not to drive. Our legislation provides common sense solutions to consider the needs of our seniors and children, encourage alternative forms of transportation and make our roads and communities safer for everyone.”

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

Hawai`i County prosecuting attorney Mitch Roth
Photo by Chuck Green

THE STATE INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS has upheld Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura’s dismissal of a civil lawsuit against several county officials. Nakamura, in Jan. 2013, said Hawai`i County’s initiative making marijuana use by adults on private property the lowest law enforcement priority is unenforceable. The initiative passed in 2008 by a vote of 35,689 to 25,940.
      A group of marijuana activists filed a suit against several county officials, including County Council members, in March 2011, alleging that they failed to implement and enforce the initiative.
      In the decision for a panel of three judges, Associate Judge Daniel R. Foley wrote: “The County derives its powers to enact and enforce ordinances from the general laws of the state of Hawai`i. … The county’s authority to enact and enforce ordinances, however, is limited by the Legislature’s power to enact laws of ‘statewide concern.’”
      Foley also said state laws that criminalize and regulate adult use of cannabis “provide further evidence of legislative intent to pre-empt the Lowest Level of Enforcement Priority of Cannabis Ordinance.”
      One of the defendants, Hawai`i County prosecuting attorney Mitch Roth, called the ruling “the right decision for the court to make,” reported John Burnett in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald.
      County deputy corporation counsel Michael Udovic, who represented the county in the original lawsuit and in the appeal, told Burnett the opinion was “an appropriate decision” and “pretty straightforward.”  

      “Once you have a state law that covers a specific area, the County Council really doesn’t have any authority to make any laws which are in conflict with the state law,” he said. “That’s what the whole thing was all about.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

Daryl "Sammy" Sampaga, wearing his Never Give Up shirt,
never gave up and has completed his trek around the island.
Photo by Julia Neal

AFTER ARRIVING IN PAHALA ON JAN. 18, Daryl “Sammy” Sampaga has completed his walk around the island to raise funds for his nonprofit Operation Sammy Muscular Dystrophy. Sampaga plans to use money raised from the walk to purchase two Hawaiian canoes that he plans to use to teach handicapped keiki how to paddle. 

      Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reported that Sampaga raised $8,000 of his goal of $25,000. Mayor Billy Kenoi, who had walked with Sampaga on his way through Hamakua, told Sampaga, “Whatever you short, no worry, because we goin’ buy those wa`as. And we’re goin’ finish the fundraising for you. … You got all the community behind you,” reported John Burnett.

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

JOANN AGUIRRE DISCUSSES HOW TEA has served as the foundation for romance in the arts tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free to VAC members; donations welcome.
      For more information, email teaquiero77@gmail.com.

HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE is available Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Na`alehu United Methodist Church. Kamehameha Schools representatives meet with students who want to pursue education beyond high school and families who want help with summer program applications and more information about resources.
      For more information, call 935-0116.

ARCHAEOLOGIST JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA discusses challenges faced by the National Park Service before, during and after World War II at Kilauea during an After Dark in the Park program at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura

SAM AND EDNA BULDADO SHARE the cultural uses of the kalo (taro) plant Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

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 Community Center.

      Call 987-5698 for more information.

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? The first class on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji gauges interest for future classes and starts with the absolute beginner; more advanced students are also welcome. Space is limited. 

      Contact Maiki at 989-4259 or hawaiiislandlife@gmail.com.

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.