Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

Punalu`u Bake Shop is expanding, building a new cookie kitchen and purchasing additional property in Na`alehu.
Photo by Ron Johnson

PUNALU`U BAKE SHOP IS EXPANDING, building a new cookie kitchen at its Punalu`u Sweet Bread Visitor Center in Na`alehu. Punalu`u Bake Shop employs 32 people and General Manager Connie Koi said, “It is our hope to continue to grow the business and to offer more jobs to the people of Ka`u in the near future.”
     Koi said that during the past few years, the Bake Shop has expanded its Sweetbread distribution of select bread items to the Neighbor Islands. “It was a slow start at first; however, the products have caught on and have taken off to new heights.” She said that Punalu`u Bake Shop has outgrown its current facility. “It’s definitely a nice problem to have. However, to keep up with demand, it was an obvious choice to create more space.”
     In addition to the famous Hawaiian Sweetbread, the Bake Shop is known for Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies. “We are fortunate enough to supply Hawaiian Airlines with their individually wrapped macadamia nut shortbread cookie as an inflight dessert item,” Koi said. The shortbread cookies have gained much exposure through Hawaiian Airlines and distribution has been extended to select grocery stores on the Big Island. With the added space of the cookie kitchen, Punalu`u Bake Shop is looking to expanding its cookie line as well as introducing new confectionary products for the retail shop in Naalehu, Koi explained.
     Punalu`u Bake Shop owners have also purchased additional land mauka of the facility. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Brenda Ford

COFFEE BLENDING LABELING, proposed by Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford, will be on the agenda again for the council Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability committee. The truth-in-labeling bill drew mixed comments at Tuesday's meeting. According to a report this morning in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Roger Kaiwi, who manages Royal Kona Coffee, said "This resolution is not recommended, not needed." Royal Kona's parent company, Hawai`i Coffee Co. has purchased Ka`u Coffee to blend with foreign coffees and sells it under Alan Wong's name. The companies also blend Kona Coffee.
      According to the story, farmer Clare Wilson said, "It is consumer fraud to continue this 10 percent packaging." The story quoted Ford saying, "I'm not trying to stop blending. I never have tried to stop it. I want the label to say 90 percent Columbia coffee and 10 percent Kona....You put it on the front label, all the blenders know exactly what will happen. People won't buy that coffee. I don't care if you blend, but you'd better be honest about it." She said she would propose amending her resolution. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Julie Rutherford is Pahala's
new postmaster.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA HAS A NEW POSTMASTER. She is Julie Rutherford who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 21 years. She talked about Pahala yesterday, saying, “I like the small town feel. It’s like where I grew up,” in Blues Creek, North Carolina. Rutherford is the mother of one middle school and one high school student. She has worked at the Kona and Kamuela Post Offices as well as mainland large and small post offices and distribution facilities from North Carolina to Florida, Oklahoma to Texas. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

HUMPBACK WHALES ARE RETURNING and should be spotted in Ka`u waters soon. The first sighting was Monday, considered early, when a humpback was seen north in west Kaua`i waters. The Hawaiian Islands Marine Sanctuary is reminding Ka`u ocean goers of the regulations that protect this endangered species. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     “It’s important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals, and this year whale season seems to be starting early” said Malia Chow, Superintendent of the sanctuary.
     Humpback whale season in Hawai‘i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. More than 10,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.

 Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, obstructions, divers and other vessels.

Humpback whales are on their way to winter in Hawai`i where they will give birth and
stay through winter. Photo from NOAA

    The whales attract wildlife enthusiasts, but they also pose safety hazards to ocean users when the 45-ton marine mammals surface, breach or slap their massive tails or flippers. Vessel-whale collisions can also result in death or injury to boaters and whales. Whale calves are vulnerable to vessel strikes because they are difficult to see as they rest just under the surface. Young whales also must surface more frequently.

 Ed Lyman, marine mammal response manager for the sanctuary, said ocean users such as those that reported the whale sightings are a “great resource” in helping monitor humpback whales in the sanctuary. “By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts,” Lyman said.



      Those who come across an injured or entangled marine mammal, are urged to maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.


      The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Enthusiasts can join the sanctuary on Facebook. Also see Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

    NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov. State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

A HEARING INVOLVING HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. and various solar organizations will be held by the state Senate and House of Representatives tomorrow. The purpose is for an update on the current status of solar interconnection and future plans for distributed generation. Last September, HECO notified its customers of a policy change that would require permission from the company to proceed with the installation of photovoltaic systems. Since the policy change, many solar customers have been facing delays in getting their PV systems connected to the grid.

     Studying the issue will be the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, Sen. Mike Gabbard, Chair; Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, Sen. Roz Baker, Chair; House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Rep. Chris Lee, Chair; House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Chair. Presentations will be made by Hawaiian Electric Co.; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Hawaii PV Coalition and The Alliance for Solar Choice. The hearing will be in the Hawaii State Capitol, Conference Room 325 on Friday at 1 p.m. Ka`u residents can submit comments. The hearing will be televised live on `Olelo Channel 49.

IN TROJAN VOLLEYBALL, Ka`u lost against Waiakea High School in HIlo with varsity scores of 16-25, 8-25 and 6-25.. Trojans host the Honoka`a Daggers at home tomorrow, with jayvee play beginning at 6 p.m. The next eight-man football game will be at Kamehameha on Friday, Sept. 26. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Ka`u Coffee Trail Run travels through the

forest and farms.

Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

TODAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

MANY RUNNERS WILL COME TO KA`U tomorrow night to get ready for the first Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, which begins at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by
community service organization `O Ka`u Kakou, the half-marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day with entertainment, food, educational and vendor booths. See okaukakou.org for updates and photos of the course.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford is asking for a council resolution to encourage the state legislature to
require more complete coffee sourcing labeling.

COFFEE BLENDERS yesterday called for defeat of Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s efforts to require coffee origin labeling for coffee claiming to be from Ka`u, Kona and other Hawaiian regions. The blenders testified at the County Council’s agriculture committee meeting. According to Ford, the blenders opposed “full disclosure” of the percentage of foreign coffees in their blends. She said she encourages the community and its farmers to watch television coverage of the ag committee meeting on Channel 55 on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and 30th at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to witness the testimony and discussion.
     Ford’s resolution before the County Council is directed to the Hawai`i State Legislature “to adopt provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i-grown coffees.” It refers to the Hawai`i County Council’s 2006 resolution encouraging labeling of coffee sources and the state legislature’s resolution adopted in 2007, which zeroed in on Kona coffee and stated: “Existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud; existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee degrades the “Kona coffee” name; and the Confusion as to the difference between Kona coffee and Kona coffee blends caused Consumer Reports magazine to rate Kona coffee as “second rate.”
     Ford said the issue also applies to Ka`u Coffee and her proposed council resolution notes that the Hawai`i County Democratic Party Convention adopted a truth-in-labeling resolution this year.
     Ford’s resolution states that the “Hawai`i State Legislature has not protected the regional coffees grown in the State of Hawai`i, the only state in the United States capable of growing coffee for commercial purposes.”        
     It states that “it is essential that the Hawai`I State Legislature act immediately to stop the consumer fraud, deception and confusion that continues due to existing labeling requirements for Hawai`i-grown coffees of any region or district.”

     The proposed resolution before the council says, “Immediate legislative action is necessary to protect the reputation of Hawai`i-grown coffees as premier, specialty coffees and from further degradation and asks that the legislature schedule committee hearings, give floor consideration, and adopt into law provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i grown coffees.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Statewide Farmers Union United President Vince Mina and his daughter Kahaulani at
Earth Matters farm in Ka Lae. Mina will beat the Sept. 27 Ka`u Farmers Union meeting
 in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED PRESIDENT  Vince Mina will address the Ka`u chapter’s next meeting, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “Bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table - drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
     “Our meetings are always All About the Food! Bring a dish made from local produce for our pot luck dinner.”
     Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the National Farmer's Union Fly-In event.
     The new Ka`u chapter also encourages local farmers to register to vote to give agriculture more clout in state and national government. Voter registration forms will be available at the meeting. Registration for the November general election is allowed through Oct. 6. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

RE-GROWING COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS is the theme of  the Oct. 3 conference to bring together education, health, and agricultural stakeholders from across the islands to raise awareness and facilitate discussions about increasing the supply, distribution, and procurement of locally grown food for Hawai‘i’s schools. Two scholarships were made available for travel to the event on O`ahu.

     “Farm to school is a local, national, and international movement that is simultaneously making positive and significant strides in the areas of agriculture, education, and health,” said Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui coordinator Lydi Morgan Bernal. “This conference will promote the knowledge and best practices needed to develop and sustain a statewide farm to school program to re-grow Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy, future farmers, and healthy schools and communities.”
     Keynote speaker Kacie O’Brien, farm to school regional lead for the Western Region of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, will provide federal-level guidance and support for strengthening Hawai‘i’s farm to school efforts. Panelists include Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture chair Scott Enright, state procurement administrator Sarah Allen and Hawai‘i Department of Education school food services branch director Glenna Owens.  Hale Kealoha ‘Ai Pono will offer attendees a model school lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

     Presented by the Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui and The Kohala Center, Hawai‘i Farm to School Conference will be held at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama Campus in Honolulu from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Registration is $50 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. More information and registration are available online at hif2sc.eventbrite.com or by calling The Kohala Center at  887-6411. Conference sponsors include Kamehameha Schools, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Slow Food of Hawai‘i, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, and USDA Farm to School Program.
     According to a statement from the sponsors, "The local farm to school movement seeks to effect meaningful food systems change in Hawai‘i by connecting island agricultural producers and distributors with public, charter, and independent schools across the state, and by increasing youth and community awareness, interest, and involvement in local agriculture. With well over 100,000 school meals served daily in Hawai‘i and a growing interest in fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs for schools, the potential is great for a significant expansion of Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy. Additionally, studies have shown that farm to school programs increase student knowledge about and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to improvements in health and social behaviors, and can boost academic achievement."
     Farm to school site visits will also be offered statewide throughout October in conjunction with National Farm to School Month. 

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

Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News recorded the lava flow yesterday
with Baron Sekiya cameraman. Photo from Big Island Video News

THE LAVA FLOW has picked up speed, is about 1.7 miles upslope from Apa`a Road, and has been moving about 890 feet a day in Puna, according to the update this morning from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 

     The leading edge of the flow is 9.9 miles from its source at Pu`u O`o Crater where it began on June 27. The front  is moving through unoccupied thick forest in Kaohe Homesteads. According to USGS, as of this morning the lava had advanced 350 yards since yesterday. Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy over the Kaohe area. USGS predicts that the lava may cut off Hwy 130 and march through or near Pahoa town. The county is improving an alternate unpaved road for residents in the area, using Railroad Avenue and Beach Road.
     Should the lava flow over these alternate routes, some Puna residents may have to rely on the possible reconstruction of a road that was earlier covered by lava, connecting Kalapana and the surrounding area from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

VIDEO OF THE LAVA FLOW from Pu`u O`o to the leading edge in Kaohe Homesteads was taken and edited yesterday by Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News with Paradise Helicopters pilot Calvin Dorn leading the way. See www.bigislandvideonews.com and www.hawaii247.com for the coverage. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

SEPT. 30 IS THE DEADLINE to donate through Foodland to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund which leads beach cleanups and pond restorations along the Ka`u Coast. The donations opportunity is the Give Aloha Campaign through which Foodland allows contributors to double the impact of their gifts. Foodland matches each donation it receives to specific charities up to $300,000 total. Last year, it raised over $2 million for over 650 island non-profit organizations. Support Hawai`i Wildlife Funds Maui and Hawai'i Island projects by using the separate codes 78764 for this island and 77187 for Maui. 

     Meagan Lamson of Hawai`I Wildlife Fund reminds prospective donors that donations of up to $249 will be added to receipt at checkout; each donation guarantees that a percentage of Foodland's $300,000 matching gift will go to Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The more support HWF receives from the community to more matching funds it will receive from Foodland; and HWF will not be informed who donated so please let the organization know if acknowledgement for gift is desired. She also asks to “Please share this with all your friends!”
     Give Aloha is Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. It was created in 1999 to honor Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Each year during the month of September, customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawaii non-profit organization. The nearest Foodland to Ka`u is in Kea`au. Sack n Save Foods in Hilo and Kona are also raising money for the non-profits.

Along the route of the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

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

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN has drawn more than 150 entries for its races this Saturday, beginning at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road. While online registration has stopped, registration will be taken beginning at 6:30 a.m. on site. 

     Racers who have not received their packets in the mail, can pick them up beginning at 6:30 and until 7:15 a.m. on race day. The half marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day, which also includes games for kids, vendors, food, art and entertainment, as well as legal assistance. Runs are designed for people of all ages and abilities.
    Races start at 7:30 a.m. and include running through orchards, coffee fields and the rainforest into the mountainous terrain above the coffee mill with views of the ocean and volcano.
     According to sponsoring organization O Ka`u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi, all income from the race will stay in Ka`u and benefit the Ka`u community.
     See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos. 

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM travels to Waiakea High School in Hilo this evening with jayvee game starting at 6 p.m. and varsity to follow. The Trojans will host Honoka`a  Daggers in the Ka`u High gym this Friday, also at 6 p.m. Ka`u Trojans next eight-man football game is at Kamehameha Schools on Friday, Sept. 26.

KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TOMORROW  IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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 Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists measure the flow rate of lava in the tube that is transporting lava
to the flow front near Pahoa. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION will hold community input meetings to update four Hawai`i County Community Wildfire Protection Plans. One-hour meetings will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.; Na`alehu School, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.; and Ocean View Community Center, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
      Community input is critical to the CWPP process in determining priority wildfire concerns, needs and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires, according to Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO Director. The CWPP update meetings will identify and prioritize projects to reduce the threat of wildfire in these communities. All full-time and part-time residents in these areas are encouraged to attend.

HWMO will have an information booth at `Ohana Day & Ka`u Coffee Trail Run
at Ka`u Coffee Mill this Saturday.

      CWPPs have become a prerequisite in order to receive federal funding for wildfire protection projects. The CWPP updates help communities identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuels reduction treatments, and support communities to take action. The plan assesses values at risk such as safety, natural resource protection, recreation, scenic values and economic issues. CWPPs are collaborative efforts with input from community members, firefighting agencies and any other organizations that are interested in taking part. These plans are becoming increasingly important in Hawai`i. They bring wildfire hazard information and planning/action opportunities to all who are affected, making it possible to address wildfire more effectively. As drought episodes increase and land uses continue to change, working at all levels to mitigate wildfire has become essential.

Ka`u Coffee farmers know the dangers of wildfires after experiencing them
is 2012. Photo by William Neal

      Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darren Rosario said, “The number one defense against the effects of a wildfire to your community is prevention. The Hawai`i Fire Department stands ready to respond to the needs of our community. This includes responding through prevention and collaborative efforts to reduce the threat of wildfires to your community. We are a proud team member with HWMO, and your community, in providing you with information and assistance in the sustainability of your community through fire prevention efforts.”
      “CWPPs are meant to tie into existing or planned projects,” said Pickett. “Many communities are developing disaster plans or long-range community plans, and the CWPP is meant to complement those plans. It will be a useful tool for community members to help make their communities and natural areas fire-safe. Wildfires tie into many natural resource, municipal, and community issues, so this is an important opportunity for communities to learn, have their voices heard and get involved.”

      HWMO will also have an information booth at Saturday’s `Ohana Day and Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGISTS are tracking the rate of lava flowing through the lava tube on the June 27th lava flow in Puna by conducting very low frequency surveys.
      According to HVO, the measurement consists of two steps. First, a transect of VLF measurements across the roof of the tube is used to measure the cross-sectional area of lava flowing through the tube. Second, a radar gun is used to measure the speed that lava is flowing at that location. An open skylight that provides a view of flowing lava inside the tube is required for this speed measurement.

Lava continues to crawl toward Pahoa. Map from USGS/HVO

      By multiplying the cross-sectional area with the velocity, the volume rate of lava flowing through the tube can be estimated. Yesterday’s measurement showed a flow rate of 5.8 cubic meters, or roughly 1,500 gallons, per second. Tracking the lava supply rate like this can be helpful for anticipating fluctuations in activity at the flow front, scientists said.
      According to HVO, the flow narrowness and rapid development of a robust tube system within subsurface cracks make the current lava flow unique among the hundreds of flows that Puʻu `O`o has erupted. “Our best estimates suggest that the tube is transporting about 300,000 – 400,000 cubic meters per day (55,000 – 73,000 gallons per minute) of lava to the flow. This is approximately the long-term average eruption rate for Pu`u `O`o over its 31-plus year eruptive history,” according to the current issue of HVO’s Volcano Watch.
      As of this morning, the flow crossed into an uninhabited portion of Ka`ohe Homesteads Subdivision, is continuing northeast and is 2.1 miles from Apa`a Road, which connects with Pahoa Village Road northwest of the center of town.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE MORE THAN $1 MILLION in federal funding for programs aimed to incentivize and further generate economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, announced U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

DBEDT's Georja Skinner

      The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will receive a $400,000 investment to support a technical assistance program for entrepreneurs in Hawai`i. The program focuses on launching new businesses and products for export in the film, creative media, new media, music and fashion design industries.


      University of Hawai`i will receive $510,000 to help renovate the Shidler School of Business. The facility will serve as an accelerator to commercialize and license research ideas at the main campus at Manoa.


      The state Office of Planning will receive $180,000 to fund a major revision and update of the Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS process is designed to bring together public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
      “Investing in programs that spur innovation and boost startup businesses is one of the best ways to create jobs,” Schatz said. “These investments will give UH and state agencies the resources to develop business and research programs that will create jobs and grow our local economy.”
      “These grants will help provide Hawai`i entrepreneurs with assistance that allows them to take their ideas and turn them into new businesses,” said Hirono. “Innovation is a key ingredient for a thriving economy. While Hawai`i businesses face unique challenges, they also face unique opportunities, and this support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will help our businesses grow, create jobs, and increase production of local consumer goods.”

      “These federal economic development grants will provide more than $1 million to local programs supporting our most innovative entrepreneurs,” said Gabbard. “We have so much homegrown talent right here in Hawai`i; we need to make sure we are

Kai Ho`opi`i Photo from NPS

empowering people who will strengthen our local economy and create jobs through innovation. In my conversations with local start-up leaders, I have been so impressed by their drive to make Hawai`i a ‘Start-Up Paradise.’ Their work, combined with support like this, creates great opportunity for Hawai`i’s bright economic future.”
      “These funds will help expand the global reach and export of Hawai`i's creative entrepreneurs in the broadband, film, television, new media, music and design clusters,” said Georja Skinner, Administrator of DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division.



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

KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by this Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. 

      Call 985-6019.

THURSDAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN & `OHANA DAY is this Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a 5K walk/run, 10K and Half Marathon, along with entertainment, games, legal assistance, silent auction and more.
      See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos.
      To sign up for food, arts & crafts, retail and information booths, contact Gay Polido at 808-638-1831 or gay.polido@yahoo.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.