Ka`u News Briefs Monday, May 26, 2014

Volunteers scoured the South Point coast this past week and hauled away more than 1,700 lbs. of debris.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

ALMOST .75 TONS OF GARBAGE WERE REMOVED during the last week from Green Sands -Mahana Bay, from Kaulana Boat Ramp at South Point to `Onikinalu, and from Kaulana Boat Ramp to Ka`ahue. 

Nurdle in the Rough Jewelry company volunteers joined the Ka``u Coast cleanup.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund 

The effort, organized by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, Three Mountain Alliance and state Department of Forestry & Wildlife, drew 18 students and teachers from a field study course at Normandale Community College in Minnesota.  
     On Saturday, 16 island residents and representatives from Sustainable Coastlines Hawai`i, Method Home cleaning products of San Francisco, Nurdle in the Rough Jewelry of Holualoa, and Recycle Hawai`i lent many hands.
     The five miles of coastal cleanup from Kaulana Boat Ramp to `Onikinalu brought in 1,312 lbs of items that washed up or were discarded on the beach. There were 250 lbs of nets, 240 lbs of tar bundles and other non-net debris. The group removed 124 pounds of plastics. Interesting finds included a long gas cylinder, plastic fishing reel from Guayaquiil, Ecuador, a large black fishing lure, a syringe, and a refrigerator door with local graffiti. The trash ranged from six-pack rings, to food wrappers, disposable cigarette lighters, buoys and floats, styrofoam cups and plastic utensils to aerosol cans and a GI Joe American Hero Toy. Tires and flip flops were also hauled away.

     The more than three miles from Kaulana Boat Ramp to Ka`ahue were cleaned of 394 lbs of rubbish including 50 lbs of nets and 344 non-net items. There were lots of cigarette lighters, according to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund report.

College students from Minnesota helped clean up nets and other debris.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

Hawai`i Wildife Fund will participate on Saturday, June 28 in the Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu. Another Ka`u community coastal cleanup will be held at Kamilo Point on Sunday, July 13. For more information, contact Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Also helping over the last week was Nohea Ka`awa, of DOFAW.

KA`U DEMOCRATS FLEW TO HONOLULU for the state Democratic Party Convention over the weekend, to work among 604 delegates statewide to craft a new platform. The new party platform formalizes support for agricultural home rule, for which those wanting limitations to pesticides and genetically engineered crops have lobbied.
       However, the Democrats voted against GMO food labeling, with those in opposition including delegate and state Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright who recently spoke at the annual meeting of the Ka`u Farm Bureau.
     The Ka`u Farm Bureau has opposed local  law to register GMO, its then president Chris Manfredi contending in testimony to the County Council last September that  "There are numerous studies that indicate that transgenic crops are safe" and that farmers who register GMO "could become targets of eco-terorism and enviro-terrorism." Regarding GMO labeling, Manfredi, now president of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau, has said that the organization takes the position that labeling should be regulated by the federal government. He said that Ka`u Farm Bureau has not taken a stand on labeling.
       U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who spoke at the Democratic Convention has introduced legislation to congress asking for GMO labeling nationwide.  During the convention, according to Civil Beat, she encouraged the conventioneers not to be discouraged by the "doom and gloom" in Washington, saying there are "undercurrents of hope" inspirational to those considering and working in public service. 

     Resolutions adopted at the Deomocratic Convention also include financial support for public preschools. The new platform recognizes climate change as a "real threat to our islands and the world." It calls for utilities to "open the grid to alternative power sources including solar power and geothermal energy." It brings attention to lobbying and candidate contributions by corporations by stating that "we do not believe that money equals speech or that corporations are people for proposes of First Amendment protections." The Democrats also voted to "support Native Hawaiian rights to self-determination in the formation of the chosen governmental entity."

      Gov. Neil Abercrombie told conventioneers that raising the minimum wage, the state providing funding for pre-schools and such conservation efforts as preserving lands around Turtle Bay on O`ahu are the right thing to do. He said his administration is contributing to the economic health of Hawai`i by "focusing on growth and sustainability....We have the right values, we have the right priorities and I can report to you, you've got the right governor."

Statewid Chair of the Democratic Party is Stephanie Ohigashi.

      Abercrombie's strongest opponent in the Democratic Primary to be held in August is David Ige. A state senator who has served 27 years in the state legislature, he also spoke to the convention. Ige contended that special interests rather than public interest are getting too much attention in state government. He also vowed to incentivize solar power for every home in Hawai`i and to fight invasive species coming into the state, which not only damage agriculture but tourism, he said.

       Ige took issue with Abercrombie's recent fundraising dinner at a mainland home of billionaire Larry Ellison who recently bought the island of Lana`i. "I never wanted a fundraiser at a billionaire's house," said Ige.  According to a story in this morning's Honolulu Star Advertiser, Abercrombie earlier said, "It's not a question of whether someone who supports you has money or not. It's a question of whether those who support you respect campaign spending limitations and campaign contribution limitations."

    The new Democratic Party Chair is Stephanie Ohigashi, who works in the County Council office of Mike Victorino on Maui. She defeated Tony Gill, of Honolulu. She replaces long time Democratic leader Dante Carpenter. In his speech, Carpenter reviewed the history of the Democratic revolution that started around 1954 and led to the toppling of Hawai`i's  "Republican oligarchy," reported Civil Beat.

      U.S. Sen Brien Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who are running against each other for a Senate seat in Washington, also gave political speeches. According to the Civil Beat report, Hanabusa "said the party's commitment to fair wages, workers rights, social equality and building a middle class can be directly traced back to 1954. To Hanabusa, the party's core values are family, respect, hard work, equality and kindness." She also talked about equal pay for women. "It is insulting and absurd women do not earn what men do," she said, according to Civil Beat.

       Schatz also named pay hikes for women as a top priority. He also called for more affordability for higher education and the expansion of Social Security, which he described as  "the most successful anti-poverty program in American history - and we have got to protect it."

Mayor Billy Kenoi and wife Takako at the
Na Hoku Hano Hano event on Saturday.

 more at www.civilbeat.com and www.staradvertiser.com.

NA HOKU HANOHANO AWARDS provided praise and Hokus for the Big Island's Mark Yamanaka who performed at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park last week ahead of attending the award ceremonies on Saturday in Honolulu.
      Yamanaka took the titles Album of the Year for Lei Maile, Male Vocalist of the Year and Hawaiian Music Album of the Year. He is known for his falsetto voice and skill on stringed instruments.
      Yamanaka shares the Male Vocalist of the Year title with Kamaka Kukona, who also won Most Promising Artist of the Year. A band called The Green won Group of the Year and Favored Entertainer of the Year with its reggae music.
     All of the titles are won through voting by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Artists with the exception of Favored Entertainer by popular vote.  Along with the winners, Hawai`i Mayor Billy Kenoi took the stage as a presenters of Na Hoku Hano Hano awards.

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

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Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, May 25, 2014

Amanda, off the west coast of Mexico, is this year's first hurricane. Image from The Weather Channel

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE will hold its September 2016 World Conservation Congress in Hawai`i. This will be the first time a U.S. location is hosting the WCC since IUCN’s inception in 1948. 

      In February, a four-person delegation from IUCN visited Hawai`i for one week. The delegation toured natural and cultural sites on Hawai`i Island, O`ahu and Kaua`i and held meetings with government, non-government organizations, nonprofit and private industry representatives who will be involved in the planning and execution of the 2016 gathering. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will continue to lead a multi-agency, private-public sector team up to and through the 2016 World Conservation Congress.

      IUCN World Conservation Congress has two main parts. The Forum is a hub of public debate bringing together people from all walks of life to discuss the world’s most pressing conservation issues. There will be many types of events, which will enable participants to explore the depths of conservation and innovation. The Members’ Assembly is IUCN’s highest decision-making body. A unique global environmental parliament, it involves governments and non-government organizations – large and small, national and international – making joint decisions.
      The WCC is held every four years and is considered the only global summit that represents every aspect of conservation. It aims to improve management of our natural environment for human, social and economic development. The event is considered a place to set aside differences and to work together to provide the means and mechanisms for good environmental governance, engaging all parts of society to share both responsibilities and the benefits of conservation.

      President Barack Obama expressed his support for the decision: “Hawai`i is one of the most culturally and ecologically rich areas in the United States, with a wealth of unique natural resources and a distinctive traditional culture that draws from the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. After successfully hosting the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting, it is appropriate that Hawai`i now turn its focus to the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability. The diversity and vulnerability of Hawai`i’s natural resources, as well as their importance to the islands’ economy, make Hawai`i a perfect location to discuss these challenges.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie with Hawai`i IUCN 2016 Steering Committee co-chairs
Chipper Wichman, at left, and William J. Aila, Jr.
Photo from Office of the Governor

      Gov. Neil Abercrombie said, “This is both an honor and opportunity for us to show the entire conservation community, the world over, how Hawai`i has adopted a leadership role in preserving and protecting resources, developing sustainability programs on multiple fronts and addressing many of the issues associated with global climate change. The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest and most prestigious of all gatherings of the conservation community. We look forward to welcoming as many as 8,000 delegates to Hawai`i in 2016.”
      William J. Aila, Jr., chair of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, said, “Hawai`i’s unique culture, location and environment are the perfect attributes for this worldwide conference. We have a lot to offer in how we manage our limited resources and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices in our changing world.” 

      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Hawai`i is a top global venue for high profile international events. Hawai`i also faces challenges as our nation’s only island state with unique ecosystems and the highest percentage of threatened and endangered species in the country. Our track record as a gathering place, and in balancing conservation with economic growth, make us a solid choice for the first U.S. host of IUCN. Mahalo to the leaders in Washington and Hawai`i who helped make this momentous announcement possible, including Senators Inouye and Akaka.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “As the world’s largest and most important conservation event, the WCC will shine a positive spotlight on Hawai`i as leaders from around the world converge on our beautiful islands. … We welcome this exciting news and look forward to hosting these distinguished leaders as we work toward our shared goal of preserving our environment for generations to come.”
      The last World Conservation Congress was held in 2012 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

Amanda is expected to weaken as she heads north.
Image from The Weather Channel

      For more information, see http://iucn.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AMANDA IS THE FIRST HURRICANE THIS YEAR, located in the east Pacific region. According to The Weather Channel, Amanda is the strongest eastern Pacific hurricane on record for the month of May, with wind speeds reaching 155 miles per hour. As it travels north off the coast of Mexico, stirring up cold water and experiencing increased vertical wind shear, it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression and not threaten land.
      See weather.com.

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LIVING IN HARMONY WITH VOLCANOES: BRIDGING THE WILL OF NATURE TO SOCIETY will be the featured theme at the Cities on Volcanoes meeting in September in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on the island of Java, and in the shadow of Merapi volcano. Indonesia, with over 60 historically active volcanoes and the fourth largest population on Earth, all situated on a combined island area about the size of North Carolina, “is clearly a place on the planet that’s acutely aware—on a daily basis—of what living with active volcanoes means,” reports USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

Kawah Ijen, a hot, acidic crater lake in East Java, Indonesia, will be the location of
a workshop studying wet volcanoes. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

      According to HVO, an estimated half-billion people worldwide live on or near active volcanoes. COV meetings, held about every three years, bring together scientists studying volcanic phenomena and emergency managers to exchange ideas on how to meld science and public policy in order to lessen the effects of volcanic unrest on communities worldwide.
      Following the weeklong meeting, there will be several field trips and specialized workshops. “One of the workshops will be dedicated to studying eruptive characteristics on volcanoes that have large-scale systems in which magma and water are continuously in close proximity,” the article states. “Many of these so-called ‘wet volcanoes’ host large crater lakes whose water can be thrown out abruptly when the volcano becomes restless. When wet volcanoes erupt violently, they often produce deadly volcanic mud and debris flows, called lahars, and surges of scorching-hot rock debris. They can also produce gas- or steam-driven eruptions similar to those at Kilauea in 1924.
      “The recent anniversary of Kilauea’s May 1924 explosive summit eruptions reminds us of the sometimes violent interactions that occur when relatively cool water near the Earth’s surface comes into contact with much hotter magmatic material found at depth. … Even relatively small, steam-driven eruptions like those of 1924 can affect people who live on and near active volcanoes.
      “Long before 1924 – indeed for over a thousand years – Hawaiians recognized the significance of magma-water interaction and depicted their understanding through oral tradition and dance. In this way, native Hawaiians have taught, during many generations, that living in harmony with volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa means respecting their power while appreciating their beauty.”  

      For more, see hvo.wr.usg.gov/volcanowatch.

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Commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA, LCDR Shawn Deweese,
is keynote speaker at Kilauea Military Camp tomorrow.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony on tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC Front Lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. LCDR Shawn Deweese, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter KISKA in Hilo, is keynote speaker. Sgt. Rita Miller, of the 291st Combat Communications, Hilo, is guest speaker. Park entrance fees will be waived from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for those notifying gatekeepers that they will attend the ceremony. 

A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes Kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, Volcano chili con carne, tossed salad, potato salad, buttered corn, steamed rice, biscuits and honey, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
      Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
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Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 24, 2014

Confetti time for Ka`u High graduation yesterday on the stage. Next year, the ceremony will be in the new gym. Photo by Julia Neal

FORTY-SEVEN SENIORS GRADUATED from Ka`u High School yesterday, with co-valedictorians Kamrie Koi and Toni Beck encouraging graduates to keep their eyes on their dreams. Beck encouraged all Ka`u High students to learn more about how the world works and participate by becoming more involved in student government.

Co-valedictorian Toni Beck encouraged
participation in school government.
Photo by Julia Neal

Co-valedictorian Kamrie Koi said
commencement is the beginning.
Photo by Julia Neal

       Regarding the commencement ceremonies, Koi told the audience that while commencement “honors our accomplishments in high school, we need to remember that ‘commence’ means to begin; we are just starting our independent lives.

      “There are choices that will transform each of us, those that will destroy each of us, and those that will define each of us. We transform through destruction because we learn from our mistakes. Transformation is a process because change is hard. We overestimate the value of what we have and underestimate what we will gain and the abilities we are capable of. The defining moment is the step toward testing what we all know we can accomplish.” 

       Principal Sharon Beck listed accomplishments of the graduating seniors, including winning their way to the state science fair; training, internships and jobs at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; more than a dozen National Honor Society memberships; acceptance to local colleges and education on the mainland and Japan, with more than $250,000 in scholarships.

      “Be proud. Stand tall. Stay strong,” Beck told the graduating class of 2014 as she proclaimed that they are the new alumni of Ka`u High.

Commencement speaker Kupono
McDaniel Photo by Julia Neal

      Commencement speaker Kupono McDaniel, of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, advised the graduates, “Love what you do, and you are sure to succeed.” He also provided additional advice:
      “Find your voice and use it. Build relationships and give others the benefit of the doubt.” Avoid burning bridges. Adversaries can be allies, he said.
      “Do what you love, and you will love what you do.” McDaniel told students. “I am thankful that you will be taking the helm and steering this world’s future.”
      As is the tradition, family and friends filled the gym, and more waited outside with lei, balloons, signage and hugs to cheer on the 2014 graduating class on the lawn of Ka`u High.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED A MEASURE that incrementally increases the state’s minimum wage rate over the next four years and the tip credit over the next two years.
      “A hardworking sector of our community has gone seven years without a raise,” Abercrombie said. “This legislation will raise Hawai`i’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour, providing our lowest paid workers with the economic stability and security they deserve.”

      Act 82 increases the state’s minimum wage rate to $7.75 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2015; $8.50 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2016; $9.25 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2017; and $10.10 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2018. It also raises the tip credit to 50 cents per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and 75 cents per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2016, as long as the combined amount the employee receives in wages and tips is at least $7 more than the applicable minimum wage beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

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Well documented. Family member and friends pull out all kinds of devices to record the 2014 Ka`u High School graduation yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

MODERATE ECONOMIC EXPANSION WILL CONTINUE in Hawai`i County and other counties, according to the latest report from the Economic Research Organization at University of Hawai`i. Last year’s tourism weakness continued in the first quarter of this year, and incremental gains for 2014 will be slight. Beyond this year, available capacity will limit further visitor industry growth. 

      Construction is poised to contribute growth momentum to all counties going forward. In the broader economy, job growth will continue to bring down unemployment rates and will set the stage for a return to more satisfactory growth in personal income.
      The report forecasts that the statewide unemployment rate, which was 4.4 percent in April, will be 4.5 percent at the end of 2014 and fall to 4.1 percent next year.

      The report is available at uhero.hawaii.edu/assets/14Q2CountyForecast-PublicSummary.pdf.

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Ka`u High 2010 alumnus Jacob Edwards
graduates from University of Wyoming.
Photo from UW

JACOB EDWARDS, A 2010 ALUMNUS OF KA`U HIGH from Ocean View, graduates from University of Wyoming this year. A profile of Edwards appears in West Hawai`i Today. “During his productive career, Wyoming senior Jacob Edwards was a record-setter in the hurdles for both the indoor and outdoor seasons, soaring high and running fast to leave a couple of all-time marks at the school,” writes Kevin Jakahi. 

       Jakahi reports that Jacobs recorded a time of 14.58 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles earlier this month, better than his 14.74 last year, UW’s 10th-best all-time mark in the event.

      More of Edwards’ achievements are available at gowyo.com/sports/c-track/mtt/jacob_edwards_737022.html:

• UW’s second-best all-time mark in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.13 at the Air Force Team Challenge; 
• competed at the Mountain West Indoor Championships, finishing ninth in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.24 and helped the 4x400 relay to fourth place in 3:23; 
• ran a career-best 54.74 in the 400-meter hurdles for seventh place at the meet; 
• placed fifth in the 110-meter hurdles in 15.67 at the Nebraska Quad; 
• opened the outdoor season at the Tom Benich Invite, placing third in the 110-meter hurdles in 14.86 and fifth in the 400-meter hurdles in 55.66; 
• named Academic All-MW. 

      UW’s biography of Edwards notes that he was one of Hawai`i’s best track athletes during his high school years, “evidenced by his Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2009 and 2010.” He was also Male Athlete of the Year each year from 2008-2010 and was a multiple state champion in the hurdles, long and triple jumps.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE CONDUCTING DUI checkpoints and roving patrols through Memorial Day. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called Drunk Driving: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. 

      Police ask residents to do their part to keep roads safe by remembering to have a designated sober and licensed driver before starting to drink. They advise, “If you don’t find one, don’t take a chance — take a taxi.”

AN EXHIBIT OF CYANOTYPE PRINTS by Joe Laceby begins at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today, with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      VAC Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult hike has one of the unit’s most panoramic vistas.
      See more at nps.gov/havo.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC Front Lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees will be waived from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for those notifying gatekeepers that they will attend the ceremony.

A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS Kilauea Military Camp’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes Kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, Volcano chili con carne, tossed salad, potato salad, buttered corn, steamed rice, biscuits and honey, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

      Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.