Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Na`alehu Fourth of July Parade begins at 12 p.m. Saturday at Na`alehu Elementary School and ends at Na`alehu Hongwanji.
Photo by William Neal

WHILE HAWAIIAN AIRLINES has been one of the fastest growing airlines in the county, other major airlines have slowed growth and cut back on flights, a strategy that has drawn the attention of antitrust officials in the federal government. The Associated Press is reporting today that the “U.S. government is investigating possible collusion between major airlines to limit available seats, which keeps airfares high.” The story by reporters David Koenig, Scott Mayerowitz and Eric Tucker says that a document obtained by The Associated Press says, “The civil antitrust investigation by the Justice Department appears to focus on whether airlines illegally signaled to each other how quickly they would add new flights, routes and extra seats.” 

      The Justice Department, in a letter sent yesterday, demands “copies of all communications the airlines had with each other, Wall Street analysts and major shareholders about their plans for passenger-carrying capacity,” reports AP.
      AP explains that “American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United now control more than 80 percent of the seats in the domestic travel market. Since the trend began in 2008 when more mergers were allowed, “they have eliminated unprofitable flights, filled a higher percentage of seats on planes and made a very public effort to slow growth in order to command higher airfares... . The average domestic airfare rose 13 percent from 2009 to 2014, when adjusted for inflation, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. And that doesn’t include the billions of dollars airlines collect from new fees: $25 each way to check a bag and $200 to change a domestic reservation.
      “During the past 12 months, the airlines took in $3.6 billion in bag fees and another $3 billion in reservation change fees,” reports AP. “All of that has led to record profits for the industry. In the past two years, U.S. airlines earned a combined $19.7 billion.” These airlines could be more profitable this year with a huge drop in fuel prices, “their single highest expense,” the reporters write.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Solar Impulse is two-thirds of the way to Hawai`i this morning.

ENTHUSIASTS CAN FOLLOW THE SOLAR IMPULSE 120-hour flight from Japan to Hawai`i at http://www.solarimpulse.com/leg-8-from-Nagoya-to-Hawaii. Endeavoring to reach Hawai`i from Japan to encourage the use of clean technologies the solar-powered aircraft of Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg attempts the longest exploration leg of Solar Impulse’s round-the-World mission.

      The website explains that the plane “flies within very tight margins – the batteries must be full at peak altitude in order to make it through the night, and the pilot cannot start climbing again until the sun provides enough power in the mornings.

 Efficient sun is the term used to describe the time in which the energy generated from the solar cells is sufficient to fully power the motors. This period begins around two hours after sunrise and ends around two hours before sunset. At all other times, the batteries must at least supplement the power going to the motors. If the pilot begins climbing too early in the morning, then he could run the batteries below their minimum level (around 10 percent), which causes permanent damage.”

Ka`u residents can join Joe the Shark in tracking Solar Impulse's flight
from Japan to Hawai`i. Image from Solar Impulse

      There is also discussion about fueling the future with alternative energy, including news updates such as “USA & Brazil announced a joint clean energy plan, promise 20 percent of energy from renewables by 2030: ‪goo.gl/mPUCI8 ‪@guardianeco ‪#COP21.”
      A message about the pilot this morning: “André Borschberg is resting now. Let’s hope Joe the Shark won’t make too much noise to wake him up. In the meantime, the solar team monitors every minute of this flight, paying a close attention at André Borschberg’s spirit and health.”
      A message about the solar batteries needing a charge: “The batteries state of charge is now 55 percent and with the current trend, they should be below 40 percent in one hour. Sunrise is close now, and in three hours and 45 minutes the solar cells should receive enough energy to charge the batteries again. Will we make it through the night this time?!”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED THREE BILLS relating to Native Hawaiian communities’ customs, cultural practices and rights into law yesterday during bill signing ceremonies at the State Capitol.

Kamana`opono Crabbe, Ka Pouhana
(CEO) of OHA

      Effective today, HB 207 (Act 169) requires certain state councils, boards and commissions to attend a legal training course administered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on native Hawaiian customs and rights. The law ensures that state decision makers have the information necessary to carry out their constitutional responsibilities and ensure that places, practices and values are sustained for the benefit of all Hawai`i’s people. OHA will fund development and administration of the training courses.
      Those to receive training include members of the state Land Use Commission, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management, Environmental Council, Agribusiness Development Corp., Board of Agriculture, Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Natural Area Reserve Systems Commission, Hawai`i Historic Places Review Board and Board of Health.
      Also effective today, HB 209 (Act 170) provides OHA with nearly $3 million in general funds from the state in each of the next two fiscal years, matched by more than $6.4 million a year in OHA funds. More than 70 percent of the general funds will be used to support direct services for individuals, families and community groups.
      SB 1166 (Act 171) helps to perpetuate the sacred Native Hawaiian traditions of preparing deceased beloved family members for burial. This law clarifies ambiguities in state law and allows these traditions to continue without the threat of criminal prosecution.
      “This measure just makes it crystal clear that our laws will allow for anyone wanting to exercise the traditional burial practices of Native Hawaiians, that they would be allowed to do so,” Ige said.
      “Hawai`i is a special place, and these new laws will help educate government officials on cultural protections guaranteed by the State Constitution and protect Hawaiian cultural practices. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs thanks Gov. Ige and the State Legislature for their support of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights,” said Kamana`opono Crabbe, Ka Pouhana (CEO) of OHA.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. seeks public comment regarding Hawai`i Police Department’s policies and procedures, administration, operations and support services. CALEA is reviewing HPD to verify that it continues to meet National Standards that are required for the department to maintain voluntary accreditation. 

      Of the roughly 23,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, Hawai`i Police Department is one of only about 1,200 that have been awarded CALEA accreditation. The department was initially awarded accreditation on Nov. 17, 2012.
      The review includes a public comment session at 5 p.m. on July 14 at Hawai`i County Council chambers in Hilo. The session will be hosted by the visiting assessment team, which is seeking the community’s input as to whether accreditation should be maintained.
      Individuals who cannot attend the session are encouraged to phone in their comments to 961-2270 on July 14 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
      Written comments may be sent to CALEA, 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA, 22030-2215 or through the CALEA website at www.calea.org.
      Comments are limited to the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.
      A link to CALEA Standards is available on the Accreditation page of www.hawaiipolice.com. A full copy of the Standards may be viewed at the Police Department’s main station at 349 Kapi`olani Street in Hilo.
      For more information, call Lt. Kenneth Quiocho at 961-2260.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Early registration for Kahuku `Ohana Day includes free lunch.
Photo from NPS

INTERESTED KA`U RESIDENTS should sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day by tomorrow to be included in the free lunch count. The event takes place Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Register at 985-6019.

“COME CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S BIRTHDAY in Na`alehu Saturday, July Fourth,” said `O Ka`u Kakou board member Lee McIntosh. “We have a full day of festivities planned for the whole family.” 

       First, the Na`alehu Independence Day Parade starts at 12 p.m. “Be sure to come early to find a good spot as the road will be closing at 11:55 a.m.,” said McIntosh, who is also parade committee chair. The route begins at Na`alehu Elementary School and ends at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission.
      There are 35 parade entries this year that include elected officials, a train, a bagpipe player and horses, among others.
      After the parade, there will be a giant water slide and bounce houses for the kids to enjoy, along with free hot dogs, watermelon and shave ice at Na`alehu Park. While the kids are busy playing, senior bingo will begin after a free lunch at Naalehu Community Center, with prizes for everyone to win.
      Call 929-9872 for more information.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION'S 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo is Saturday and Sunday, with shows at 12 p.m. both days. Slack roping begins at 8 a.m. Saturday.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Ka`u Roping & Riding Association's 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo is this Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

A PROPOSAL FOR STEWARDSHIP of Kawa, which Hawai`i County purchased for preservation, comes before Hawai`i County Council's Finance Committee tomorrow. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i is requesting $9,500 to purchase supplies, plants and power tools toward a project that it estimates to cost $131,088.
      Kawehi Ryder, of Pahala, is organizing the stewardship program. He and his family, including kumu hula Debbie Ryder, who is from the Big Island, moved here from Lana`i almost two years ago. According to the application, Ryder’s hui proposes to restore the area’s cultural sites, including Kawa Fishpond, grave sites and Ke`eku Heiau, while also removing invasive species. These activities would be in conjunction with developing a community work plan involving youth, with a special focus on at-risk keiki, who would be taught traditional farming and other cultural practices.

Stewardship of Ka`u is on tomorrow's Finance Committee agenda.
Photo by Julia Neal

      The hui's application listed other projects it has worked on, including Mauanlei Stream restoration and Fisherman’s Alanui Trail stewardship maintenance on Lana`i. It also lists organizations the hui has worked with, such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center. In Ka`u, the Ryders work on programs with the Salvation Army and organize the annual Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival.
     Other nonprofits are asking the county to help steward places around the island. Kohala Kahakai has a plan for Pa'o'o and Kaiholena in North Kohala. Pohaha I Ka Lani and Friends of the Future have plans for Waipi'o Valley.
      Finance Committee meets at 1 p.m. at County Council Chambers in Hilo. Also meeting tomorrow are the full council at 9 a.m. and Planning Committee at 10:30 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are also streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.

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

ORGANIC FARMING IS MORE PROFITABLE that conventional agriculture, according to researchers at Washington State University. Professors David Crowder and John Reganold examined the financial performance of organic and conventional agriculture among 55 crops grown on five continents. They found that organic agriculture was significantly more profitable (22–35 percent) and had higher benefit/cost ratios (20–24 percent) than conventional agriculture. 

      The researchers pointed out that although organic agriculture is rapidly growing, it currently occupies only one percent of global cropland and has room to expand. “Moreover, with its environmental benefits, organic agriculture can contribute a larger share in sustainably feeding the world,” according to the report.

      See pnas.org/content/112/24/7611.abstract.

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

New tipping fees at Kona and Hilo will help finance expansion of greenwaste recycling
at facilities such as Pahala Transfer Station. Commercial dumping is not allowed at
local transfer stations. Photo from Hawai`i Zero Waste

NEW TIPPING FEES ON COMMERCIAL greenwaste recycling go into effect tomorrow and the county reminds residents that commercial disposal of waste at local transfer stations is not allowed.
      Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management will charge $21.25 per ton for businesses that drop off greenwaste at recycling facilities in West Hawai`i and East Hawai`i. Revenue will help finance an expansion of greenwaste recycling services across the island.
      The new fees do not affect residential customers with self-hauled greenwaste from their private residential properties.
      For more information, see HawaiiZeroWaste.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mufi Hannemann 

MUFI HANNEMANN HAS RETURNED to Hawai`i Lodging & Tourism Association as president and CEO, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hannemann previously held the posts in 2011 and 2012. 

      In recent years, Hannemann has toured Ka`u during his campaigns for higher office. Decades ago, he lived in Ka`u when he worked for C. Brewer and lived in what is now Punalu`u Bake Shop, which was established under Hannemann management and Brewer ownership originally at the SeaMountain at Punalu`u resort development location.
      “We had excellent candidates come forward wanting to lead HLTA, but the search committee felt that Mufi was the best choice considering his superb record of leadership, experience and drive in supporting tourism’s best interests,” said Kelly Hoen, chair of HLTA’s board of directors. “Mufi did a stellar job in leading HLTA previously, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to advance initiatives that build on our success for Hawai`i’s lodging industry and its thousands of employees statewide.”
      Hannemann replaces George Szigeti, who became president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS INFORMED the state Legislature of his intent to veto eight bills passed by the 28th legislative session before it adjourned on May 7.
      HB540 would extend authority of University of Hawai`i to maintain separate accounting and financial management system. “The University of Hawai`i believes, and I agree, that this measure contains provisions that violate the Hawai`i state constitution regarding autonomy for University System management over university finances,” Ige said.
      HB553 would allow UH graduate student assistants employed by UH to collectively bargain their wages, hours and other terms. Ige said these concerns can and should be addressed internally.

Gov. David Ige

      SB105 would require estimated future debt service for proposed capital improvement projects to be included in budget documents submitted to the Legislature. Ige’s rationale for vetoing this bill is that it would be difficult to implement given the uncertainty of capital finance markets.
      SB218 calls for clarification in the order of succession to the lieutenant governor’s office. Ige said the existing order of succession is adequate and appropriate and that these changes might leave a gap in succession that would be difficult to address in a state of emergency or disaster.
      SB265 changes wording in statute from “promoting prostitution in the first degree” to “sex trafficking.” The state Attorney General and three of four county prosecutors advised Ige that this bill may result in fewer prosecutions for these types of crimes. Ige asked the state attorney general and county prosecutors to propose a bill that would allow for prosecution of the full range of prostitution and sex trafficking offenses.
      SB349 would repeal ethanol facility tax credit and establish a five-year renewable fuels production tax credit. The state attorney general advised Ige that the definition of qualified taxpayers doesn’t allow for companies outside of Hawai`i to be qualified. “This potentially violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could subject our state to potential litigation,” Ige said.
      SB569 would increase the dollar threshold with respect to property or services, for theft in the second degree, from the current $300 to $750. County prosecutors advised Ige that increasing the threshold for felony theft would eliminate the deterrent effect within retail markets.
      SB1324 provides authority for Employees’ Retirement System to make direct payments of benefits to a non-member former spouse of a member on order of court judgment, order or divorce decree. Ige said this can be accomplished without state law by working with the Employee Retirement System Board and administration.
      This Intent to Veto list gives the governor the option to veto any, but not necessarily all, of the bills on the list by July 14.
      Bills that are not on this list will become law with or without the governor’s signature no later than July 14.

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

Ka`u residents are invited to join an Interfaith devotional meeting
today and every Tuesday.

INTERFAITH DEVOTIONAL MEETINGS are held each Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 96-1164 Holei Street at the corner of Ohia Street in Pahala. “We pray to praise God and to seek understanding. We pray for our loved ones. We pray for assistance in hard times and gratitude for good times,” says a flyer in the community. The gathering is also for music and fellowship for healing and elimination of racial prejudice. It is sponsored by the Bahai community and open to all. 

KA`U IS GEARING UP FOR A CELEBRATORY Fourth of July. Na`alehu’s patriotic parade begins at 12 p.m. Saturday, with participants walking and riding in classic cars. Pa`u riders and lei-bedecked horses join decorated trucks and floats. `O Ka`u Kakou sponsors the parade and festivities at Na`alehu Park that begin at 12:30 p.m. Participants enjoy shave ice, hot dogs, watermelon water slides and bounce houses. Senior bingo and luncheon takes place in the community center.
      For more information, call 929-9872.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo begins Saturday with slack roping at 8 a.m. Shows start at 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u Pastor Bob Tominaga presents Cowboy Church at 10 a.m. 

      Paniolo events scheduled include Open Team Roping, Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Kane/Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Break Away, Po`o Wai U and Bull Riding.
      Dummy Roping, Goat Undecorating, Calf Riding and Youth Barrel Racing events are set for youngsters.
      For more rodeo information, call Tammy Kaapana at 929-8079.

      

VOLCANO VILLAGE’S FOURTH OF JULY PARADE begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the post office and travels to Cooper Center, where festivities continue. Volcano Rotary will be selling pulled pork and other goodies. Volcano Friends Feeding Friends sponsors the Great American Bake Sale. Volcano Community Association offers keiki face painting, games and toy giveaways. Friends of Hawai’’i Volcanoes National Park raises funds through its popular silent auction.

      See thecoopercenter.org 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/KauCalendar_June2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 29, 2015

Southside 16's Boys Volleyball team defeated all three adversaries yesterday during their first day of play at the U.S. Association of Volleyball Boys National Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Photos from Julie Enriques

SOUTHSIDE 16’S BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM won all three matches Sunday on their first day of play at U.S. Association of Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships being held in Columbus, Ohio. The team consists of nine players from the Big Island and one from O`ahu. Coached by Guy Enriques, Sam Thomas and Kainoa Downing, the team defeated others from California (Ventura County), Maryland (MCVC) and Wisconsin (Milwaukee Sting).

Southside 16's Players and coaches
in Columbus, Ohio

      The team was led by the hitting of Avery Enriques, blocking of Sam “Nalu” Kahapea and setting of Jai “Nai`a” Makuakane.
      The championships continue through Sunday, July 5, with some matches streamed live at teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/events/indoor/boys/2015-bjnc.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A REWARD IS OFFERED for information leading to the return of more than $25,000 in equipment from the Kaiholena workshop operated by The Nature Conservancy. It is believed that the theft took place this morning around dawn. Stolen were a Troy Flatbed trailer 2009 with wooden bed and black wheel rails, no railings; a 2009 Honda ATV called Big Red, painted in green and tan camouflage: a Briggs & Stratton compressor; and a green ATV 500.
      Also stolen were a standing gun safe with a .22 calibre rifle and a handgun, three Stihl chain saws, a Honda 1000 generator and a Shindaiwa weedwacker, hand tools and landscaping tools. The thieves were seen driving a black 1996 - 2000 Toyota pickup headed through roads from macadamia orchards toward Pahala. Thieves broke hinges off gates to access the property. Any information can be provided to Ka`u Police Station at 939-2520.

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

THE DEATH PENALTY UNCONSTITUTIONAL? For the first time in Supreme Court history, two justices wrote that this is probably so in their opinions issued today concerning a case over legality  of a drug used in executions. While the court upheld use of midazolam, saying that its alleged problems in delivering a humane death are speculative, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, “Under the court’s new rule, it would not matter whether the state intended to use midazolam, or instead to have petitioners drawn and quartered, slowly tortured to death, or actually burned at the stake.”
      Justice Sanuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion that allows the drug to be used, said. “The dissent’s resort to this outlandish rhetoric reveals the weakness of its legal arguments."
      Associated Press writer Mark Shwerman reported: “In a separate dissent, Justice Stephen Breyer said the time has come for the court to debate whether the death penalty itself is constitutional. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined Breyer’s opinion.”
      The AP reported conservative justice Alito saying that “death penalty opponents are waging a ‘guerrilla war’ against executions by working to limit the supply of more effective drugs. On the other side, liberal Justice Elena Kagan contended that the way states carry out most executions amounts to having prisoners ‘burned alive from the inside.’”
      The death penalty became illegal in Hawai`i before statehood. On June 4, 1957, the territorial Legislature passed HB 706, and the death penalty was abolished the next day when Gov. Sam King signed it. However, in 2014, the first death penalty case was heard in the state of Hawai`i. It was in
federal court in Honolulu, where a soldier was convicted of murder and could have received the death penalty. The jury rejected the death penalty.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A solar-powered plane is on its way to Hawai`i from Japan.
Photo from Solar Impulse

SOLAR PLANE IS ON ITS WAY TO HAWAI`I, attempting to be the first to fly around the world without using liquid fuel. Powered by 17,000 solar cells, Solar Impulse Two left Japan at 3 a.m. on the longest flight of its journey. The estimated time is 120 hours
for pilot Andre Borschberg. His team issued a statement this morning saying that Solar Impulse has passed the “point of no return” in its flight to Hawai`i. 

      The flight can be followed at solarimpulse.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD VOTED in favor of H.R. 1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, which includes Trade Adjustment Assistance. TAA supports American workers who lose their jobs or experience wage reductions as a result of foreign trade and includes worker support services such as job retraining and income assistance. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1295 by a vote of 266-138.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      Thursday was the second time the House of Representatives voted on TAA in the 114th Congress. It was originally voted down by a bipartisan majority, including Gabbard, after it was attached to a bill granting the Administration Trade Promotion Authority, also known as fast-track.
      “In the past weeks, we have seen fast-track authority packaged with widely supported bills like worker displacement programs and public servant pensions in order to bully legislators into passing the Administration’s trade agenda,” Gabbard said. “I am disappointed that Congress has passed fast-track authority and given away the ability to voice the opinions of the American people in trade negotiations like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.


      “NAFTA and other trade agreements have thrown millions of Americans out of work. This is why I voted in favor of H.R. 1295, which authorizes funding for job training services and other support for displaced workers.


      “Although fast-track has passed, this does not mean that those of us who are concerned about protecting American jobs and our nation’s sovereignty should throw up our hands and surrender. The monstrosity known as Trade Pacific Authority still needs to come back to Congress for an up or down vote. If that bill contains the same noxious elements that appear in it at this time, we must do everything we can to defeat it.”


      Under TAA, Hawai`i workers who are adversely affected by trade may receive training for another job or career, weekly cash payments after regular unemployment benefits are exhausted and half the difference between lower, new wages and old wages for two years if they are 50 years or older. Also, the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which helps pay for health care for workers displaced by trade, would be retroactively renewed for six years through December 31, 2019. The bill also extends trade preference programs to developing countries to help them grow their economies.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

An Ocean View resident asks neighbors
to be on the lookout for Hercules.

OCEAN VIEW RESIDENT ROSALYN (last name not provided) asked community members to be on the lookout for Hercules, her two-year-old male Siamese cat. Hercules went missing May 31 from Tiki Lane and could have traveled further than this area. He has marbled markings and blue eyes and is timid. He does not have a collar but is chipped. Rosalyn is offering a reward. Call 896-2000.

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

HENRY CURTIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Life of the Land, discusses what he calls LNG: The Hawai`i Bridge Fuel Myth, at ililanimedia.blogspot.com. “Many people have asked whether it is worth spending upwards of a billion dollars to build the importation and distribution infrastructure necessary for liquefied natural gas to serve as a bridge fuel to a future world without fossil fuel,” Curtis said. “However, the plan is for that infrastructure not to go to waste.
      “The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawai`i, Manoa contracted with Facts Inc. to write a report on Liquified Natural Gas which was then submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy.
      “The 2013 report, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for Hawai`i: Policy, Economic, and Technical Questions, discussed the role of LNG: ‘A notable point in this analysis is the increasing LNG demand for transportation … which would provide an opportunity to shift LNG demand from the power sector to the transportation sector over time.’
      “Hawai`i has already established state policies that mirror federal policies on transportation that could aid in this transition. Hawai`i defines alternative fuel to include a bunch of non-gasoline alternatives such as natural gas, coal-derived liquid fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel.
      “Hawaii` has established a non-gasoline procurement standard where the ‘priority for selecting vehicles’ includes electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles.
      “The terminology for alternative fuel vehicles varies. The category includes natural gas vehicles, natural gas light-duty vehicles, and compressed natural gas buses and trucks.

Face-painting and furry friends are some
of the ho`olaule`a fun.

      “The HNEI analysis states, ‘If LNG comes to Hawai`i it could make sense to convert transit buses, waste collection and transfer vehicles, airport shuttles and vehicles, and city and state vehicles to run on natural gas instead of petroleum products.’
      “Hawai`i currently imports large amounts of petroleum and coal. The dream of the fossil fuel industry is to add natural gas to the mix, first in the electricity sector and then in the transportation sector. The hook is that it will be a temporary import, at least in the electric sector.”

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

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL CHURCH gifts the community with a ho`olaule`a and lu`au and on Saturday, Aug. 8. This will be the church’s third year holding the event.
      Churches from the Ka`u area will present entertainment, and a variety of services will be present such as The Food Bank, The Pregnancy Center, Keiki ID, Operation Christmas Child, CERT and a Prayer Booth.
      Many local business have donated door prizes. Free Hawaiian food including lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice and kalua pork will be served while supplies last. There will be a bounce house, tie-dying, children’s games and face-painting for keiki.
      Registration opens at 9 a.m. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.
      This is an alcohol- and drug-free event. Everything is free, “like God’s salvation and is given for God in Jesus’ name as a gift to the community,” said organizer Daneille Scheiern. “Come and join the fun!”

PAHALA POOL CLOSES in observance of Independence Day on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4. This week, public recreational swimming is available today through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday. Adult lap swim takes place Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The pool reopens on Sunday.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June2015.pdf.

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