Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 14, 2015

A $2500 reward is offered for finding anyone who shot and killed three endangered nene goose and seriously injured another.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Mill

WHO SHOT THE NENE? A $2500 reward is being offered by the Edmund C. Olson Trust II for information on identifying who shot and killed three native Nene (Hawaiian geese) and seriously injured another on lands near Ka'u Coffee Mill. The state bird, the Nene, is on the endangered species list. Federal fines can be as high as $100,000 with a year in prison.

     A poster circulating around Ka`u says, "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, is investigating the shooting of several endangered Nene, the Hawaiian Goose. Four Nene were shot on or about January 30, 2015 in the area of the Ka‘u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road in Pahala. Three of the four Nene died as a result of their injuries; the fourth is currently under veterinary treatment and monitoring.
       "The Edmund C. Olson Trust II, which owns and operates the Ka‘u Coffee Mill, is cooperating with the FWS investigation and is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to the locating and apprehending of those responsible for the shootings." U.S. Fish & Wildlife officer Paul Chang said informants can call 933-6964 to provide information confidentially.  "Individuals who provide key information resulting in a conviction of those involved will be considered to receive the reward," the poster says.  

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THE COUNTY ETHICS COMMISSION yesterday deferred a hearing on Mayor Billy Kenoi's use of the county credit card for personal expenses. Kapa`au citizen Lanric Hyland called for the hearing, asking that Kenoi be ousted for misuse of the card. The ethics commission deferred the hearing until the state Attorney General's office comes up with its findings. The county ethics commission was appointed by Kenoi and Hyland told media after the meeting that the commission's ruling helps delay any decision until Kenoi's term as mayor is over. Kenoi has apologized for his use of the card and stated that he always intended to repay the county. He has been making payments to clear the expenses. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SAVING THE HAWAI`I  HEALTH CONNECTOR is a priority for Gov. David Ige, according to a press release from the governor's office issued yesterday.  A billion dollars in federal funding for Medicaid are at stake, should the state be unable to fix Hawai`i Health Connector to meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services standards. The agency found the Hawai’i Health Connector to be non-compliant with the Affordable Care Act earlier this year. "The non-compliance included unresolved IT issues, a non-integrated eligibility enrollment system and lack of financial sustainability," the governor's press release noted. It states that representatives of Ige’s administration have been meeting, since February, with Hawai`i Health Connector staff members, to determine how to address non-compliance.

     The federal government has restricted grant funding to Hawai`i Health Connector and is providing limited funding pending approval of a draft plan being developed by the state. "If Hawai’i’s plan is not acceptable to CMS, Hawai’i risks losing $1 billion in matching federal Medicaid funds," the governor's message states.
     “Governor Ige and his administration will negotiate the release of federal grant funds to ensure compliance with the ACA in time for the Fall 2015 open enrollment,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Laurel Johnston.
     “Our first priority is to ensure the continuity of coverage for the 37,000 to 40,000 Hawai’i residents who are receiving health insurance coverage through HHC,” said Hawai`i Health Connector Executive Director Jeff Kissel. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A BUSY WEEKEND AT HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is expected as the Park welcomes hundreds of scientists, students and Hawaiian cultural practitioners to the National Geographic sponsored BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival.    

   Opportunities remain to participate in the BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, and new registrations are welcome to sign up for a program that will join scientists and the community together to count species within the park on Friday and Saturday. The BioBlitz will host hundreds of Hawai`i school children. One aim is to show youth how using mobile technology can impact education and help get kids out of the classroom and into the world to learn from experience.

National Geographic and its BioBlitz activities tomorrow and Saturday aim to
show youth that mobile technology can lead keiki outdoors for a
learning experience. Photo from National Geographic

    To learn more and to register, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com

/explorers/projects/bioblitz/volcanoes-hawaii-2015/ 

     Entrance fees will be waived on both days of the BioBlitz and festival, tomorrow, Friday, May 15,  and Saturday, May 16.
     “This weekend will showcase the very best of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and we welcome everyone to enjoy and find their national park,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Following our ‘insider tips’ will help everyone make the most of their park visit.”
     To best enjoy the park, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for their visit. Insider tips include:
     • Expect heavy traffic before 5 p.m., when BioBlitz and cultural festival activities will be taking place. Be prepared for long waits and follow the directions of park rangers and parking attendants.
     • Consider exploring Chain of Craters Road during the day and leave Crater Rim Drive for after 6 p.m.
     • Use the free shuttle buses for traveling Crater Rim Drive, or travel by foot along Crater Rim Trail.
     • If planning to view the glow from Halema‘uma‘u Crater after dark, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight – walking is required to reach the viewpoint at the Jaggar Museum observation deck. Parking is limited at Kīlauea summit and you may need to walk up to a mile one way along an unlit path.

Halemau`umau, though in a deflation phase, still puts on a show for
BioBlitz. Photo from National Park Service

    • Before leaving home, check the weather forecast. Prepare for cold, wet and windy conditions. The temperature at the summit is often more than 20 degrees lower than along the coast.
     • Check volcano visibility at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcams.
     • The use of unmanned aircraft (drones) is prohibited in all national parks without a special use permit.
     While the lava lake within Halema‘ma‘u Crater at Kīlauea volcano’s summit has continued to drop and lava is no longer visible from the Jaggar Museum observation deck, volcanic activity is still very visible. Particularly after dark, a spectacular orange glow reflects off the crater walls with a plume of gas, particulates and vapor.
    Because of an increase in seismic activity along the east and southwest rift zones, all backcountry trails between Crater Rim Drive and the coast, as well as Kulanaokuaiki campground, are closed to overnight use. They remain open for day use.
     For the most current volcano status report, check hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php

     For more on BioBlitz, see www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/projects/bioblitz

     For more information about visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/havo. 

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INTRODUCING NEW WILDLIFE to Hawaiian islands will net law breakers heavy fines, says new Department of Land & Natural Resources chief Suzanne Case. She recently left her longtime mission, as head of The Nature Conservancy in Hawai`i, to run DLNR and chair the state Board of Land & Natural Resources, after her appointment by Gov. David Ige.

The first axis deer, after illegal introduction to the Big Island, was killed
 in Ka`u in 2012. Photo from Big Island Invasive Species Committee

    Case issued a statement pointing to new state law that provides for fines of up to $25,000 and allows the state to seize aircraft, vehicles, boats and any other equipment used to illegally transport wildlife into the state or from one island to another. The new fines went into effect in late February and were prompted by a Maui helicopter pilot and a hunting enthusiast lifting axis deer from Maui, where they are a scourge on native forests, farms and ranches, to the Big Island where the lawbreakers hoped that herds of deer would become established and would expand for hunting.      

     Deer were spotted in Ka`u, one killed in 2012, and the two men prosecuted.
     Case noted that, “The movement of live, introduced wildlife such as was experienced in (2009) with discovery of deer on Hawai`i Island, poses direct threats to our native ecosystems." She said the new level of enforcement and punishment "will help prevent harm to our natural resources and economy.”
     Under new rules, DLNR will also have more power to eliminate invasive animals. They state that invasive species "found harmful or destructive to agriculture or aquaculture, native plants or wildlife, or constituting a threat to human health or safety," can be the subject to board approval for programs to control or eliminate the species "in any area for a specified time period without requiring permits or reports.”  The new rules can be viewed at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/rules.

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RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING is tonight at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may attend. Call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The one home destroyed by fire Monday in Green Sands subdivision was vacant at the time. Photo by Daryl Lee

GREEN SANDS SUBDIVISION RESIDENTS are back in their homes and the fire that burned through the area is now 80 percent controlled, according to the county fire department.  The fire burned more than 15 acres, destroyed one vacant home and came close to burning other homes. At one house, flames reportedly spread under the floors and singed the house posts. A number of  residents are without water after the fire melted surface pipes that run along Ka`alu`alu Road from county meters near Hwy 11.
     The fire was apparently started by someone attempting to burn rubbish, who called the fire department to say the fire had raged out of control. Volunteer, county and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park firefighters as well as private contractors with heavy equipment and water tankers helped to quiet the runaway fire, which was driven by strong winds. Helicopters were employed to drop water onto the fire.

Aftermath of the fire that destroyed this vacant home. Photo by Daryl Lee

     According to a county civil defense statement issued this morning, emergency personnel are working to extinguish the fire and will remain on scene throughout the day. All highways and major roadways remain open.  However, some roads within the subdivision are closed and limited to local traffic only.
    Due to the damage to residential water systems in the Green Sands Subdivision, a water tanker will be available at the Green Sands Park until 1 p.m. this afternoon for potable water needs. The Wai`ohinu water spigot is also open and operational for water needs. "With the improvement in fire conditions along the Ka`alu`alu Road residents who would like to repair their water lines and systems are approved and encouraged to do so," said the statement from Civil Defense.   
     The Red Cross has closed its shelter at Na`alehu Community Center with about two dozen people having reported there early Monday evening but leaving once roads were re-opened.
      Hawai`i County Red Cross Disaster Manager Barney Sheffield was quoted in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald saying, “the fire department did an amazing job. It’s really incredible we didn’t lose more houses with all the wind we had out there.” See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES shareholders failed to approve the company’s proposed merger with Florida-based NextEra Energy at a meeting yesterday. While approval requires 75 percent of shares, only 70 percent voted in favor of the merger.

Connie Lau

      Shareholders authorized the company to seek additional votes and reconvene on June 10 for another approval attempt. HEI President and CEO Connie Lau said 90 percent of votes received favored the merger, but the number of voters did not meet the minimum required by state law.
      The company is trying to reach out to investors who hold shares through mutual funds, pension plans and banks to gain additional favorable votes.
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MARCO MANGELSDORF, DIRECTOR of Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative and president of ProVision Solar, explains why an energy co-op may be better than a private utility company on Hawai`i Island.
      “Imagine an electric utility company that’s not beholden to far-flung shareholders and instead is directly responsible to its local customers,” Mangelsdorf says. “Imagine that utility company being owned and controlled by the ratepayers, with its board of directors democratically elected from the community. Think one electric meter, one vote. Finally, imagine an electric company that actually sends its customers a check from time to time once certain financial objectives are reached.
      “Hard to imagine? It shouldn’t be because this has been the experience of residents of Kaua`i for more than 10 years since Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative came into existence and purchased that island’s electric utility from Connecticut-based Citizens Communications Company in 2002.
      “Such a cooperative could be the future for Big Island residents as well, if we were to have the opportunity to convert Hawai`i Electric Light Co. to a member-owned and member-controlled co-op.
      “The Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative came into existence earlier this year in response to the proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries by Florida-based NextEra Energy. HIEC, along with 28 others, is an intervenor on the HEI-NextEra merger docket before the Public Utilities Commission.
      “Now that the procedural schedule was decided, information requests and testimony will be flying as the commissioners, the consumer advocate and their staffs put together a body of knowledge and evidence that will allow a determination to be made on the fundamental question before them: Will NextEra’s proposed acquisition of the largest corporation in the state be in the public’s best interest?

Marco Mangelsdorf

      “While HIEC has taken the position of being neither for or against the purchase, there is the case to be made that it’s in the best interest of Big Island residents to consider the establishment of an energy cooperative. The goals and potential benefits include:

• Local, democratic control of one of the most critical infrastructures and public institutions on the island, providing for direct ownership by the customers it serves, and direct election of the board of directors that governs the utility; 
• Community-based and community-chosen priorities would serve as the basis for the co-op to work for the sustainable development of the island through policies accepted and supported by its members; 
• Potentially lower electricity costs through tax-exempt status, access to lower cost financing, elimination of a return-on-equity component in electric rate structures, promotion of education, markedly improved energy efficiency programs and the accelerated adoption of appropriate alternative technologies; 
• Greater energy independence and sustainability through a comprehensive and integrated approach to all energy-consuming sectors on the island. 

      “The fate of the merger will be determined in the months to come as the record is filled with facts, figures and testimony as the applicants and intervenors play out their strategies. The public and pundits also will weigh in at PUC-organized meetings across the islands. If the commissioners ultimately determine the transaction to be in the public’s best interests, approval of the deal very likely will be subject to stipulations and agreements that act as conditions to modify the purchase as proposed.
      “Whether the required changes and regulatory conditions will be acceptable to the HEI and NextEra boards will depend on how substantively and materially the proposed deal would be altered.
      “If and when the circumstances warrant the consideration of an energy cooperative taking root on Hawai`i Island, HIEC will be there at the table, raising our hand, ready to make a serious and credible pitch to allow us the extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate what can be done on our island on many different and innovative levels.”
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Sens. Schatz and Hirono and Rep. Gabbard
represent Ka`u in the U.S. Congress

HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION introduced legislation to reinstate Medicaid eligibility for Compact of Free Association migrants, which represents Ka`u’s large Marshallese population. 

      In 1996, Congress passed a law that made migrants from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands ineligible for federal Medicaid dollars. Each year, the state spends an estimated $30 to $40 million to provide health care to these families. By making all COFA migrants eligible for Medicaid, the Restore Medicaid to Compact of Free Association Migrants Act requires the federal government to honor Compacts of Free Association and share the cost of providing health care. Restoring Medicaid eligibility for these compact migrants has been a priority of Hawai`i leaders for more than a decade.
      “In the history of our country, many migrant groups have had growing pains, and it is our duty as a nation of migrants and immigrants to welcome new people and their families to our communities,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “We must live up to the promise we made, and the federal government should pay its fair share to meet those commitments. Both Republicans and Democrats supported legislation to restore Medicaid eligibility to COFA migrants in the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform legislation that passed the U.S. Senate but died in the House. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pursue this goal and uphold the promises we made in these Compacts.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Providing health care to compact migrants is not only a legal obligation, it is a moral obligation. Hawai`i has spent millions on health care for migrants to comply with the Compacts of Free Association. Our legislation will restore federal Medicaid funding so that the costs of providing critical health care to migrants is shared by the state and the federal government.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “This bill will right a wrong that has gone on for far too long. The federal government made a promise to these individuals, and it must uphold that commitment and provide Medicaid to COFA migrants from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.”

      The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which passed the Senate earlier this year and was signed into law, continued Medicaid eligibility for COFA children and pregnant women.

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Nene feeds on naupaka kahakai. NPS photo by Janice Wei 

A MEETING FOR Red Cross volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers takes place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more information, call 929-9953. 

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is expanding its 35th annual Cultural Festival to include biodiversity this year. At this free two-day festival, visitors of all ages will discover how native Hawaiians, as keen observers, lived closely to the land by embodying I ka nana no a iike principles that continue today. The Biodiversity and Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture. Explorers of all ages can enjoy the festival and “graduate” from Biodiversity University by participating in a variety of activities. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. No advance registration is required for the festival.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Helicopters joined ground crews to battle yesterday's fire at Green Sands subdivision. Photo by Pamela Taylor

A BRUSHFIRE DESTROYED ONE HOME in Green Sands subdivision yesterday. Residents of that home and several more had evacuated after Hawai`i County Civil Defense warned of danger due to high winds and heavy smoke. The Red Cross opened a shelter an Na`alehu Community Center.

Winds move clouds and smoke from the Green Sands fire west.
Photo by Shalan Crysdale

      At 9 p.m., Civil Defense reported the fire 50 percent contained and allowed evacuated residents to return home.
      Fire and emergency personnel were on scene all night working to contain the fire.
      As of 5 p.m. yesterday, 15 acres of dry brush had burned, which according to resident Bob Martin on his Facebook page, is the equivalent of 60 lots on Pele, Mark Twain and Mauka Streets. Wind and rough terrain made the fire difficult to control.
      According to Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Assistant Chief Gantry Andrade said a caller to Hawai`i Fire Department said he “had started a controlled burn, but the fire got away from them.”
      Firefighters worked on the ground and in the air to stop the blaze. A fire department helicopter and another private one made water drops.
      Andrade said two bulldozers, one county and one private, cut firebreaks.
      Martin thanked Hawai`i County Police and Fire Departments, volunteers and neighbors for a job well done. “I’ll be sleeping in my bed tonight, after all,” he said.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Keawe Lanakila Liu

KEAWE LANAKILA LIU IS VICE PRESIDENT of advancement and innovation at The Kohala Center. Liu assumes the newly created role on July 1. 

      Over the course of his 20-year career, Liu has established a successful track record in advancement, educational leadership, small business administration and developing innovative partnerships and collaboration strategies to build collective support for community-based programs. He joins The Center from his current role as the executive director of the Pauahi Foundation, where he is responsible for developing strategic initiatives for the advancement of Native Hawaiian education. While at Pauahi, he co-founded Mahi`ai Matchup, a program that provides local farmers with access to agricultural lands held by Kamehameha Schools, and started the Paka Ua Movement, which leveraged community and corporate partnerships to increase scholarships for Native Hawaiians in schools across the islands and continental United States.
      “Hawai`i Island is a special place for me, and I’ve long admired The Kohala Center’s efforts to uphold it as an example of sustainable living – for Hawai`i and the world,” Liu said. “I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the momentum The Kohala Center has already created and to play a role in developing new and innovative ways to further its progress, especially through the development of its spectacular new campus on Kohala Mountain. This opportunity to join The Center and contribute to expanding its community of support for resource management, education and sustainability in agriculture and energy is one I simply could not pass up.”
     Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, The Kohala Center’s president and chief executive officer, said, “Given his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for Hawai`i’s youth and his work to move our islands toward greater food and energy independence, Keawe’s interests and accomplishments are in perfect alignment with The Kohala Center’s values.” 

      The Kohala Center’s connections to Ka`u include annual Mellon Fellowship retreats, advising residents on formation and operation of cooperatives and school garden programs.
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Judy Mohr Peterson

JUDY MOHR PETERSON, PH.D. is the state Department of Human Services’ new Med-QUEST Division Administrator. Mohr Peterson, who is a nationally recognized leader in Medicaid, health care transformation and Affordable Care Act implementation, begins work on July 1 and brings 18 years of public health care experience to Hawai`i. She has served as Oregon’s State Medicaid Director since September 2009 and in that role was an architect of Oregon’s successful health system transformation and coverage expansion. During her tenure, local community and primary care increased through coordinated care organizations, which reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations for chronic conditions for Medicaid clients. Oregon also began publicly reporting on health disparities, believing that is the first step to reducing those disparities and improving health for everyone. 

       “Dr. Peterson’s leadership as Medicaid director in Oregon is ideal for Hawai`i as we consider innovations within our own Medicaid programs,” said Gov. David Y. Ige. “I expect she will work closely with DHS Director Rachael Wong to reshape the culture of government and improve services for our keiki, kupuna and all Hawai`i people.”
      Throughout her career, Mohr Peterson’s work has focused on improving care for people who need it the most. Using the tools available as a major health care purchaser in Oregon, she brought physical, mental and dental services together in a way that puts patients at the center of care.
      “Health care services work best when they are focused on the people we serve,” Mohr Peterson said. “I look forward to working with Hawai`i communities to help bring new innovations for better health, better care and lower costs for everyone.”
      Mohr Peterson currently sits on the board of the National Association of Medicaid Directors and serves as an advisor to the National Organization for State and Local Officials. She also is a contributor to multiple organizations focused on health care delivery system and payment reform. In 2010, Mohr Peterson was named one of six Medicaid Director Fellows in the Robert Wood Johnson’s Medicaid Leadership Institute.
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Last week was National Small Business Week. Image from SBA

DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, introduced two pieces of legislation to help small businesses in Hawai`i and across the country grow and succeed. 

      “All small businesses in Hawai`i and across the country deserve a fair shot to succeed, and National Small Business Week serves as a reminder that small businesses create 90 percent of Hawai`i’s jobs, and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of building a more sustainable economy that creates opportunity and prosperity for all,” Hirono said. “The bills I’ve introduced this week focus on two things: helping make it easier for entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground and making it easier for clean energy entrepreneurs and manufacturers to access new markets and opportunities. As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I’ll continue fighting to make sure that anyone with ingenuity and commitment to working hard has the resources and support to start, build, and grow their business.”
      The Small Business Start-Up Savings Account Act would allow entrepreneurs to contribute up to $10,000 a year into an account that could be used for purchasing equipment or facilities, marketing, training or paying incorporation and accounting fees for starting a new business. Similar to an individual retirement account, spending from the account would not be included in gross income. Over a lifetime, entrepreneurs could accumulate $150,000 in their accounts, which could be taken out tax free.
      The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing And Export Assistance Act will help small and medium-sized clean technology businesses find new markets in the United States and around the world by creating a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund administered by the International Trade Administration. The fund would assist clean technology firms with export assistance, including finding and navigating foreign markets to export their goods and services abroad. The bill would expand domestic clean technology manufacturing industry by promoting policies that reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment and productivity in the domestic clean energy technology industry, which would help domestic companies increase demand and create jobs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hu, or kukui nut top Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION staff members share their knowledge and love of Hu: Kukui Nut Tops tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hu is one of Hawai`i’s popular traditional arts. 

BIOBLITZ AND BIODIVERSITY & Annual Cultural Festival are coming up on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. For BioBlitz, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, students and the public join forces to discover and inventory as many living plants and creatures as possible in the park. The Biodiversity & Cultural Festival offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture – and learn how to join their efforts. Park entry fees are waived.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.