Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016

President Obama's 2017 budget provides funds for Ala Kahakai Historic Trail land acquisition. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

BILLS OF INTEREST TO RURAL KA`U residents receive hearings at the state Legislature this week.

      SB2350 would restrict any subdivision of parcels of agricultural land 100 acres or greater in size. It would require owners to make and implement farm plans prior to construction of any homes on the resulting legal lots of record.

A bill at the state Legislature calls for study of Korean Natural
Farming methods to control invasive species such as
the coffee berry borer.

      “Hawai`i State Constitution makes the conservation and protection of Hawai`i’s agricultural lands a priority,” the bills states. “It charges the state to ‘promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands.’ This priority is reflected in the state plan as well, which declares self-sufficiency, social and economic mobility, and community well-being as the values guiding the state plan. Securing agricultural lands and promoting agriculture are essential to meet these goals. …
      “Agricultural lands must be protected from such subdivision in order to prevent the fractionalization of agricultural parcels and promote the conservation of large agricultural tracts.”
      SB2746 and HB2718 support Korean Natural Farming practices. The bills call for establishment within the Department of Agriculture of a Korean Natural Farming pilot program to explore the feasibility of using the techniques to combat various agricultural pests in Hawai`i, including the little fire ant, coffee berry borer, macadamia felted coccid, macadamia fungus, `ohi`a wilt, banana bungee, coqui frogs and fire weed. Korean natural farming is a technique that involves collecting and culturing indigenous microorganisms and reintroducing them into an agroecosystem.
      SB2659 calls for Hawai`i Department of Agriculture to issue hemp grow permits. It would establish an industrial hemp pilot program to allow cultivation of industrial hemp and distribution of its seed in Hawai`i through limited activities by the Board of Agriculture for purposes of agricultural or academic research. It appropriates funds for Department of Agriculture staff to assist in registration of industrial hemp licensees.
      Testimony can be submitted on these and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

George Szigeti

HAWAI`I TOURISM AUTHORITY is informing travelers about the state of emergency declared by Hawai`i County Mayor Billy Kenoi on Feb. 8 regarding the dengue fever outbreak.

      “Travelers should not be alarmed by the County of Hawai`i’s state of emergency declaration for Hawai`i Island or allow this decision to alter their travel plans to any of the Hawaiian Islands,” HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said. “This declaration is a good strategic move by the County of Hawai`i, as it will provide government officials with additional funding and resources to eliminate dengue fever from Hawai`i Island.

      “As of today, 252 people on Hawai`i Island have become ill by dengue fever over the past five months, of which 24 have been visitors. The rate of confirmed cases has been declining since January and, currently, only one case is considered infectious. Moreover, most of the dengue fever cases on Hawai`i Island have been confined to the rural southwestern region. No locally acquired cases of dengue fever have been found on any other island of Hawai`i.
      “It’s important to note that no health organization has advised against traveling to the Hawaiian Islands at any time since the outbreak of dengue fever began on Hawai`i Island. Travelers should also take note that Hawai`i Gov. David Ige has chosen not to issue a statewide emergency proclamation since none of the conditions for doing so have been realized.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO PRAISED President Obama’s inclusion of a number of Hawai`i priorities in his Fiscal Year 2017 budget, released yesterday.

      “The economic and social progress that our country has made since President Obama took office in 2009 is a testament to the Administration’s work and the resilience of the American people,” Hirono said. “The President’s final budget continues to fund priorities that support middle class families and small businesses, and charts a path forward to face challenges that lie ahead,” Hirono said. “The budget demonstrates that Hawai`i continues to play a key role in keeping our country safe, supporting research and development, and protecting our environment and natural resources. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to see these programs fully funded.”
      For education, the budget includes $33.97 million for Native Hawaiian Education Act programs; $350 million for Preschool Development Grants; $28.8 million for Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions in Higher Education; $8.3 million to fund the Asian-American and Native American-Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions program; $30 million for Compact Impact funding, which Hawai`i used in 2015 to provide educational and educational-related services for Compact of Free Association migrants; $800 million for Title III English Language Acquisition Formula Grants, which states use to fund English Language Learners programs; protecting and strengthening the Pell Grant program, consistent with Hirono’s proposals to allow students to use Pell Grants on a year-round basis and index Pell Grant awards to inflation in the future to help families keep up with rising college costs.
      Obama budgeted more than $32 million for Hawai`i’s Island Forests at Risk landscape proposal, including $12 million for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. An additional $5 million is provided for Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail land acquisition under the National Trails Systems Collaborative Landscape.
      Support in the fight against Rapid `Ohi`a Death includes studies by U.S. Geological Survey to predict areas that may be at risk of further invasion. USGS will also develop genetic assays to quantify fungal infection in wood, soil, potential insect vectors and other relevant environmental samples and to rapidly confirm presence of the fungus in the field.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, commended the Obama Administration’s proposal of $1.8 billion to fight the Zika virus. 

      “I’m pleased that the administration is aggressively responding to the Zika outbreaks and is working to protect Americans from this devastating virus,” Schatz said. “We should quickly approve these funds, which will give our communities, states, and health professionals at home and around the world the resources needed to address Zika.”
      The president’s proposal will go toward expanding mosquito control, speeding up research and testing of vaccines and new diagnostics, and funding education and outreach to health care providers and women who are or may become pregnant, among other activities.
      Last week, Schatz joined 45 Senate Democrats and sent a letter to President Obama urging a coordinated interagency response plan to address the spread of the Zika virus both at home and abroad. The letter called for the president to take a number of new actions, including taking the Zika virus into consideration in his Fiscal Year 2017 budget request.
      Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, has been spreading throughout the Americas and has been linked with neurological ailments which can cause paralysis and devastating birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control have issued its highest alert level for Zika, while the World Health Organization has declared it a global health emergency.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tutu & Me teaching assistants Janessa Jara and Tiana Pascubillo
and lead teacher Tori Kaeo are raising funds
for the program this month.

TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL is raising funds by selling Punalu`u Cinnamon Bread. Tickets are on sale now through Monday, Feb. 22 for $7 per loaf, and quantities are limited. Delivery date is Friday, March 4 in front of Na`alehu Ace Hardware from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

      To purchase tickets, call 929-8571 or stop by Na`alehu Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays or Pahala Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IMUA KA`U COMMUNITY Outreach Team presents the Train the Trainer Series with Hannah Preston Pita, the CEO of Big Island Substance Abuse Council, starting in February and continuing through August. The first workshop will be Friday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and will focus on the subject of mental health. Donations will be accepted for class attendance, and coffee and snacks provided. 

      To register, email Pamella.Deniz@bisac.com with IMUA KA`U in the subject line. For questions, call Elizabeth Murph at 961-7051.

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND HUKILAU begins Friday and continues through Sunday at Whittington Beach Park. Handijam presents this blanket and toy drive featuring Buddy Cage, of New Riders of the Purple Sage. $15 suggested donation; veterans free. 

      Call 917-561-4800.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S 12th annual fundraiser is takes place Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Tickets are $55 for VAC members; $65 for nonmembers.

      See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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_February2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016

Members of Kea`au High School's Peace for the Roots team traveled to Ka`u last weekend, staying at Pahala Plantation Cottages and volunteering at Hawai`i Wildlife Fund's first 2016 Ka`u Coast Cleanup. HWF Photo by K. Matthews

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR BILLY KENOI yesterday declared a state of emergency as the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on the island surpassed 250. In October 2015, the state Department of Health reported the first two confirmed cases.

      “A state of emergency for Hawai`i County is authorized in order to prevent the continued spread of this outbreak and to eliminate the dengue fever virus from Hawai`i Island,” Kenoi said in the declaration, which helps county officials undertake mosquito control measures and engage in public education and outreach efforts.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

      While Gov. David Ige said he supports the county’s decision to issue a state of emergency and is working to add additional resources to the effort, he declined to follow Kenoi’s proclamation with one at the state level. He also said he will issue a state of emergency if necessary. He said the state will issue an emergency proclamation if and when conditions meet the following criteria:

• The dengue outbreak requires additional resources beyond current levels;
• The dengue outbreak has spread to other islands;
• The outbreak has expanded to include zika and other vector-borne diseases;
• It is necessary to waive certain laws and regulations;
• The state determines it will need federal assistance.

      Ige said the state is working to release the state Health Department’s five percent budget restriction of $250,000 to fund eight vector control positions, one entomologist and one communications position.
      The state previously released another five percent ($250,000) restriction so the department could fund costs incurred while responding to the onset of the dengue outbreak.

      “The decision to issue an emergency proclamation is one made by professionals,” Ige said at a news conference days before Kenoi’s action. At that time, Hawai`i County Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira said the county was close to declaring an emergency, citing a depletion of funds.

      “The state supports the county’s effort to break the cycle of dengue fever infection and transmission on Hawai`i Island,” Ige said. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of Hawai`i’s residents and visitors. We will continue to work with county officials on a daily basis.”

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FIREWORKS WERE HEARD around Ka`u last night. It was a New Year celebration, the Chinese New Year, which began yesterday. It is the Year of the Red Fire Monkey, known for quickness and smarts.

      According to Chinese Five Elements Horoscopes, Monkey contains Metal and Water. Metal is connected to gold, and Water is connected to wisdom and danger. Therefore, we will deal with more financial events in the Year of the Monkey. Monkey is a smart, naughty, wily and vigilant animal. To have good return for monetary investments, we need to outsmart the Monkey. Metal is also connected to the Wind. That implies the status of events will be changing very quickly. Think twice before you leap when making changes to finance, career, and business and personal relationships.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED asks Ka`u residents to testify on bills scheduled for hearings tomorrow.

      SB2989 would exempt non-hazardous foods at farmers markets from inspection or permitting and calls for permits for potentially hazardous food sales.

      SB3098 calls for creation of a state-level land acquisition fund for ag land.
      SB3031 appropriates funds to repair old irrigation systems.
      SB 2967 and HB2581 would appropriate funds for community food forests.
      SB2959 and HB1999 create an incentive to grow feed in Hawai`i.
      To be included in the hearing, testimony must be received by 3:30 p.m. today. Read the bills and provide testimony at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund staff and volunteers continue to scour
the Ka`u Coast this year. HWF Photo by Megan Lamson

THIRTY-SEVEN people helped Hawai`i Wildlife Fund during its first 2016 Ka`u Coast Cleanup on Super Bowl Sunday. Participants included Peace for the Roots team at Kea`au High School, whose members stayed at Pahala Plantation Cottages during their trip to Ka`u, and Hawai`i Community College’s Service Learning Projects.

      Volunteers removed nearly 870 pounds of debris, including about 450 pounds of derelict fishing nets. They also removed one tire from Japan and moved one propane tank above the high tide level so it wouldn’t refloat and endanger wildlife. HWF has now removed over 204 tons of debris from the shores around the Hawaiian archipelago.
      HWF hosts its next event on Hawai`i Island on Saturday, March 5, a kayak cleanup at Ka`awaloa/Captain Cook Monument with Kona Boys and Hawai`i State Parks.
      Sign up at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FEBRUARY IS PEAK HUMPBACK whale season in Hawai`i, and boaters are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual visitors. Vessel-whale collisions can result in death or injury to whales and boaters.

      Whales are now here in large numbers, so it is important for everyone to be extra vigilant for their own safety and for the protection of the whales. Two confirmed whale-vessel contacts have been reported in Hawai`i this season. Ocean users may provide information on distressed animals to aid in monitoring and conservation efforts.

      Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year and maintain a safe speed. Whale calves are especially vulnerable to vessel strikes because they are difficult to see as they rest just under the surface and surface more frequently.

Approaching and viewing from the side is an acceptable
boating maneuver. Image from HIHWNMS

      Humpback whale season in Hawai`i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months.
      Mariners are asked to report any collisions with whales, or injured or entangled whales, to NOAA by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-256-9840.
      The following guidelines are suggested to help reduce vessel-whale collisions:

• Keep a Sharp Lookout – Look for whales and other hazards;
• Watch Your Speed – Research shows that speeds of 10 knots or less to reduce frequency and injuries of collisions;
• Stay at the Helm – Always keep your hands on the wheel and the throttle;
• Keep your Distance – Once you’ve sighted a whale, stay at least 100 yards away as required by law.
• Humpback whales are an endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Hawai`i State Law and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. It is illegal to approach a humpback whale closer than 100 yards by sea and 1,000 feet by air.

      The sanctuary, which is co-managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, was designated to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PETER AND ANN BOSTED, of Ocean View Ranchos, are featured speakers at After Dark in the Park today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The photographers share their 3D photos of mysterious lava tubes and discuss their beauty, ecological and cultural importance and how they are documented, protected and conserved.

Participants learn to play konane tomorrow.
Photo from NPS

      See nps.gov/havo.

PARTICIPANTS TEST THEIR STRATEGIC skills against friends and make their own konane cloth boards to play this popular game at home tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

THE THEME OF VOLCANO ART CENTER’S 12th annual fundraiser is Love the Arts: m’ART’i Gras. The gala takes place this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Tickets are $55 for VAC members; $65 for nonmembers.
See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM ANDKAUCOFFEEMILL.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_February2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, Feb. 8, 2016

An exhibit of works by members of Volcano Village Artists Hui opens this weekend. See more below. Image from VAC

ELECTRIC UTILITY TRANSFORMATION is the topic of a bill under consideration at the state Legislature. HB2571 would require the state’s investor-owned electric utilities to phase out the acquisition, ownership and use of new and existing generation resources.

      “The nature of the electric utility business is evolving rapidly in light of technical, market and public policy changes that are occurring globally, nationally and in Hawai`i,” the bill states. “In particular, alternative energy technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, leading to an explosion of new markets, jobs and local energy sources. Despite these advances, Hawai`i’s electricity customers continue to endure the highest electricity prices in the country, and the high cost of this essential service imposes substantial burdens upon Hawai`i’s households and businesses.”

Hawai`i Island Rep. Nicole Lowen is
vice chair of House Committee on
Energy & Environmental Protection.

      According to the bill, “even in a period of significant energy transformation, Hawai`i’s vertically integrated and monopolistic investor-owned electric utilities have not transitioned, and do not appear to be transitioning, to a sustainable business model capable of addressing the ongoing energy transformation. Investor-owned electric utilities must transform over time from their current role as owner and operator of a fleet of generation units to that of ‘electric utility of the future,’ which plays the critical role of system planner and operator of energy grids that are supplied with high levels of renewable and sustainable energy from distributed energy resources and independent power producers.”
      The bill places a high priority on transforming Hawai`i’s investor-owned electric utilities grids into modern, advanced electrical networks that can integrate greater quantities of customer-sited distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar.
      After Dec. 31, 2020, investor-owned electric utilities would not be permitted to own or operate any generation resources in Hawai`i or acquire electricity from any of their affiliated interests for distribution to their customers.
      The bill is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow before the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.
      Track progress of this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS RECEIVED grades of A from the National Education Association’s Legislative Report Card for the 114th Congress’s first session in 2015. The report card took into account the senators’ stands on issues including the Elementary & Secondary Education Act, college affordability, human and civil rights and education funding.

      “I’m proud to have earned an A on NEA’s Annual Legislative Report Card,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “If we want the best for the next generation, then we need to give them the best education possible. Let’s fund our schools and put our students first.”
      Read about the NEA’s report card at nea.org.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has served two tours of duty
in the Middle East. Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD CO-INTRODUCED the Chris Kotch VA Education Access Act to close a loophole in the Post 9-11 GI Bill that has prevented some injured reservists from getting the full benefits they have earned. The bill is named after Army Reservist Christopher Kotch, who was seriously injured by an IED while serving on active duty in Iraq. He was sent to Walter Reed Hospital but was not officially discharged until he reported back to his Reserve unit. While Kotch was medically retired as a result of his combat injuries – which should have made him eligible for the full benefit – his discharge paperwork says he simply finished his active duty obligation. Because of that wording, which says Kotch was temporarily transferred from active duty service back to the Reserves before being discharged, the Department of Veterans Affairs said Kotch wasn’t eligible for the full benefit and instead would only receive a reduced portion. 

      “Too often, our service members have to fight through bureaucratic red tape to get the benefits they have rightfully earned and deserve,” Gabbard said. “This bill would ease the financial burden for wounded warriors, like Army Reservist Chris Kotch, who were discharged due to a service-connected disability, and have taken on student loans and other personal debt for education rather than receiving the full VA education benefit they earned.”
      The Chris Kotch VA Education Access Act would change the language of the Post 9-11 GI Bill to ensure that anyone medically separated or medically retired from the Armed Forces would be eligible for the full benefit. The legislation would be retroactive to the enactment of the Post 9-11 GI Bill in 2009.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ocean View residents Peter and Ann Bosted
Photo from LaSalle 3D

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tomorrow features Ka`u photographers Peter and Ann Bosted. The photographers, who have been permitted to survey and photograph lava tubes, share their 3D photos of these mysterious volcanic caves and discuss their beauty, ecological and cultural importance and how they are documented, protected and conserved.

      The program at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park begins at 7 p.m.
      See nps.gov/havo.

KONANE: A TRADITIONAL GAME of Strategy is the topic Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants test their strategic skills against friends and make their own konane cloth boards to play this popular game on at home.   Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI presents Sightlines, a curated collection of members’ works, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park beginning Saturday, Feb. 13. The exhibit continues through March 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Volcano Village Artists Hui presents Sightlines at Volcano
Art Center Gallery.

      This multi-media exhibition features works by Lisa Louise Adams, Margaret Barnaby, Pam Barton, Mary Goodrich, Emily Herb, Zeke Israel, Elizabeth Miller, Ira Ono, Eric Wold and Michael and Misato Mortara. The artists included in the exhibit have lived, worked and interacted with the unique elements and energy of the Volcano rain forest area over an extended period of time. The exhibit seeks to provide residents and visitors an opportunity to view how the dynamic environment has captured their interest and inspired their imaginations. The surrounding environment within their particular “line of sight” is expressed through the art form they’ve worked years to perfect. 

      Volcano Village Artists Hui is possibly best known for its annual studio tour in November. The event over Thanksgiving weekend draws quite a crowd as the artists open their studios and welcome the public to see their latest works.
      Volcano Village Artists Hui is a group of working artists in Volcano who have skills in many art media. Reflected in their work are the elements of Hawai`i such as lava, birds, animals, tropical plants and the culture of Hawai`i as it blends with each artist’s origins. All of the Hui artists have the distinction of having works included in fine art collections and have won major awards in their chosen media. Over the 25 years the Hui has been in existence, each artist’s work has evolved with new ideas, materials and methods. There is always an awareness of living on Hawai`i Island that suffuses the entire line of works; regardless of artist or medium. Within the group of artists, there is a feeling of achievement as they reach for the goal of fulfilling personal ambitions as well as enriching the community with their creative efforts.

      In addition to the works of art on display, an abundance of educational offerings are scheduled with participating artists including lectures and demonstrations. All educational offerings will be held at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. These events are free of charge; park entrance fees apply.

Tickets are available for Saturday's fundraiser.
Image from VAC

      For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org or call VAC Gallery at 967-7565.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR Love the Arts: m’ART’i Gras taking place Saturday, Feb. 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. VAC’s 12th annual fundraiser gala invites guests to add to their art collection, enjoy gourmet catered food and wines and partake in silent and live auctions that include art experiences, hotel stays, restaurants, local products and gift certificates to local businesses. $55 for VAC members; $65 for nonmembers.
      See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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_February2016.pdf.