Ka`u News Briefs May 28, 2011

Axis deer hunted on Lana`i by Darrel Colburn, an active duty U.S. military soldier.

AXIS DEER, seen as a major threat to the native environment and to farmers, have been seen in Ka`u, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Working with a coalition of resource managers on Hawai`i Island, the staff has confirmed recent sightings of what it calls “an introduced, damaging large mammal.” They have also been seen in areas from Kohala to Kona and Mauna Kea. “We consider this a serious problem with far-reaching economic and environmental impacts to the agriculture industry and native ecosystems on the island,” said DLNR chief William Aila, Jr. He said the search is being expanded and a removal plan developed by DLNR, the state Department of Agriculture, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, federal natural resource management agencies, ranchers, farmers, private landowners and concerned citizens. “Strong, swift action is needed to protect this island from newly introduced damaging ungulates that threaten the environmental character of the Big Island, he said.

DLNR chief William Aila, Jr.

     Jan Schipper, BIISC program manager, said that “ranchers and farmers have already expressed their concerns to me that deer and other species that are suspected to have been illicitly introduced on the Big Island would destroy their crops and possibly introduce new diseases to our island, as has happened on other islands.”
     Besides agriculture and public safety concerns, conservation agencies are particularly concerned about the impact to forest and native ecosystems and threatened and endangered species. There are no fences on Hawai`i Island that are tall enough to keep deer out. If deer become established, conservation and deer exclosure fences on the island will have to be raised to eight feet. Retrofitting the more than 300 miles of fences could cost tens of millions of dollars. Farmers, ranchers and public safety officials would also need to install fences to protect crops and to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
     “DLNR’s mission is to preserve and protect our natural resources, paramount of which are our watersheds and native ecosystems. We will need to take quick and effective action to prevent costly and destructive impacts on the Big Island that will last for generations, perhaps forever,” said Aila.
     DLNR asks the Big Island residents to report any sightings of deer or any other unusual new or introduced mammal anywhere to call the BIISC Hotline at 808-961-3299 or email Jan Schipper at gjs@hawaii.edu. Provide your name, contact information, an estimate of how many deer, and the location where you saw the deer. Anyone with information relating to the unauthorized introduction of these or any other restricted or prohibitive animals is urged to also contact BIISC.

Hurricane Jimena brushed against Ka`u in 2003.
Doppler image courtesy of NOAA

CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCIES around the state have been working on a mock hurricane exercise during the last week, just days before the beginning of hurricane season, which starts June 1. The exercise, called Makani Paihi, has come up with all the statistics of the fake hurricane happening, with appropriate notification of the public and coordination of emergency services. The Civil Defense exercise orchestrated Makani brushing Ka`u and described it as “an extremely dangerous category four storm packing winds of 150 miles per hour, with higher gusts when the center makes landfall on O`ahu. The mock message described many gauges no longer reporting across “the extreme southern portion of the Big Island. While a spotter in Na`alehu reports he could make out the South Point radar during breaks in the heavy rain, we are no longer receiving data,” the make-believe hurricane discussion stated. 

     In 2003, Hurricane Jimena brushed up against the Big Island and sat just offshore of Ka`u until it dissipated. The eye passed some 110 miles below South Point. The Ka`u Doppler radar was able to record its wind and rainfall. It was the closest that a hurricane or tropical storm had come to the Doppler radar system, which was installed across the state in the 1990s.

THE KA`U GONZO MUSIC SOCIETY is sponsoring a music festival on Memorial Day at Punalu`u from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The group members are Bill Filbey on piano, guitar, and harmonica; Tom Pasquale on drums; Tom Favarra on bass; and Rich Zazzi and Dan Corippo on guitar. The group covers rock ‘n’ roll, R & B and reggae, and also plays original songs. Other entertainers include Foggy (aka Gary Cole), the Mile 25 Band and an Elvis impersonator. 

Kara Adanalian           Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Adanalian's winning
Ka`u Coffee & Spice
Shortbread Cookies

KARA ADANALIAN WON FIRST in the Amateur Dessert I category at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest with her Ka`u Coffee & Spice Shortbread Cookies. Adanalian said she has competed in recipe contests for about 20 years now. In 2004, she was named America’s Best Home Cook by Fine Cooking magazine. Adanalian revamped a shortbread cookie recipe to use Ka`u Coffee and other Ka`u ingredients, including ginger and honey from the Ka`u Farmers Market in Na`alehu. Contact Adanalian at kara@acmegraphics.net. 

Ka`u News Briefs May 27, 2011

A temporary transfer station in Ocean View accepts trash, and the county is trying to decide where Ka`u's trash will go in the future, as much of it, from Na`alehu through Volcano, is trucked to a landfill in Hilo. Photo by Al Sherman

A SPECIAL SESSION of the state Legislature to change the budget will not be necessary, according to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. It was feared that the Council on Revenues update might predict less income, leading to more cutbacks. The Council released its estimates yesterday, however, with no change predicted. The governor said the state is also being helped by private foundations, such as Conservation International, which is providing $2 million for the state to enforce fisheries laws, and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, which is giving $10 million toward education. The Council predicts a negative 1.6 percent growth this year and an 11.6 percent growth next year. The Japanese tourism market is starting to reverse its decline that followed the tsunami, and oil prices are dropping, leading to a better economic forecast. 

DURING FISCAL YEAR 2010, state departments reduced their total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
     The 2010 decline in the state’s energy consumption is the third consecutive year agencies have managed to cut energy use. 2010 also marked the first time state agencies were able to decrease costs from the previous year. Director Richard Lim said that “this promising turnaround reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy development to protect against escalating energy costs, expedite energy security and mitigate negative impacts on our economy due to volatile world oil markets.”

Moi is also being grown in aquaculture
farms.  Photo courtesy of NOAA

Two moi, for which the state has placed
a kapu on fishing. Photo courtesy of
U.S. Department of Agriculture

NO FISHING FOR MOI THIS SUMMER, says the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, which has closed the season through June, July and August. The DLNR ban makes it unlawful to take, possess or sell any moi during this time. DLNR chair William Aila, Jr. said that moi was carefully managed during Hawaiian kingdom days. As there was only a small population of the fish, it was reserved for the ali`i. Hawaiians placed kapu on many kinds of fish during the seasons to protect them from overfishing and to allow reproduction. From September through May, moi may be taken only if they are at least 11 inches long, and the limit is a total of 15. Commercial fish dealers are allowed to sell more than 15, but only by showing receipts verifying that fishermen take no more than the 15-moi limit. 

THE COUNTY MAY use a 20,000 square foot facility built for the failed waste to energy station near Hilo as a place to take out paper and organic garbage from trash going into the Hilo landfill. The process would lengthen the life of the landfill, where much of Ka`u’s garbage is taken from transfer stations. The county is also studying whether to expand the landfill or carry Hilo’s garbage to Pu`uanahulu on the other side of the island. 

The Southside Volleyball Club raised funds at a car wash
last Saturday.  Photo by Katherine Okamura

THE SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is looking for any jobs they could do to earn money for a trip to the mainland to participate in the nationals. They have been busy, selling Easter goodies, flower arrangements for Mother’s Day and snacks and drinks at a booth at the Ka`u Coffee Festival. They also held a car wash at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu last weekend. Contact Brenda at 928-8007. 

THE KA`U GONZO MUSIC SOCIETY is sponsoring a music festival on Memorial Day at Punalu`u from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Along with rock ‘n’ roll by the Ka`u Gonzo Music Society, other entertainers include Foggy, the Mile 25 Band and an Elvis impersonator. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP HOSTS A TRIBUTE to those who made the ultimate Sacrifice for Freedom’s Sake in a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC front lawn. Lt. Col. Rolland Niles, Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area, will deliver the keynote address.

A MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET at the Crater Rim Café follows the ceremony from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It features beef pot roast, mahi mahi, clam chowder, salads, and more. The cost is $13.75 for adults and $7.75 for children 6 to 11 years old.
     KMC invites the public to attend. For more information, call 967-8371. Park entrance fees apply.

Mark Joseph Libunao
Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Libunao's winning Chicken Breast
with Ka`u Coffee Rub

MARK JOSEPH LIBUNAO, OF PAHALA, won first in the Professional Entrée category at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest for his Chicken Breast with Ka`u Coffee Rub. He also took second in the Dessert I category for his Ka`u Coffee Lava Flow. He said he wanted a simple recipe that would allow the strong flavors of Ka`u Coffee to flourish. Libunao praised the help of others and said, “My family, friends and mentors inspired me to do this recipe. ” 

     Although it is only Libunao’s first year as a Culinary Arts Student at Hawai`i Community College, he took Culinary I at Ka`u High School and was hired as a chef at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Libunao said he pursued a culinary career because of his love for cooking and learning and because “it allows me to utilize my skills and senses of smell and taste.” He dreams of traveling around the world and learning about the great recipes that other cultures have to offer. Contact Libunao at mjil@hawaii.edu.

Ka`u News Briefs May 26, 2011

Hawai`i County's first double-decker bus is now in service after traveling through Ka`u on a trip around the island.

FORMER HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR and attorney Stephen Yamashiro passed away Tuesday night after suffering from pneumonia. He served on the Hawai`i County Council from 1976 to 1990, as its chair for more than a decade, and was mayor from 1992 until 2000. He was born in Honolulu and schooled at University School, Punahou and University of Hawai`i at Manoa. He became a U.S. Army officer after graduating from Officers Candidate School. He graduated from law school at Willamette University. 

Stephen Yamashiro

     Mayor Billy Kenoi released a statement saying, “Mayor Yamashiro loved this community, and was a loyal friend and mentor to many. He was always ready with advice and suggestions, sharing generously of his many years of experience as a community leader. He will be missed, and I want to offer my condolences to his wife Della.
     “As Hawai`i County Council chairman and mayor, Mayor Yamashiro led our community through a very difficult transition period. As the last of the plantations closed in the 1990s, the Big Island was searching for new directions, and Mayor Yamashiro helped steer our island community into the future. His support and advocacy of sectors such as diversified agriculture, forestry and geothermal power are still paying dividends for our residents today. He knew where we needed to go, and he led the way. We are grateful for Mayor Yamashiro’s many contributions to our community,” said Kenoi. Funeral services are pending.

THIRTEEN MILLION DOLLARS in federal funds to support Hawai`i small businesses are expected to be matched 10-to-1 by private investors over the next seven years. This could lead to $130 million in new funding for small businesses in Hawai`i, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced yesterday. “Now is the time for us to invest in industries that will move Hawai`i’s economy forward,” he said. “We have tremendous opportunities and potential in our clean energy, film, high-tech and other innovative industries. We must take advantage of these opportunities that will create good paying jobs for our local families, lead our drive toward self-sufficiency and bring dollars into our economy.”
     The funding comes as the result of the U.S. Department of the Treasury approving Hawai`i’s application to the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was established by the Federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation will use the funds for its venture capital investment program. HSDC is an attached agency of the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism that supports economic development in Hawai`i by investing in local business ventures in partnership with private funds. 

     “We need to create an environment in Hawai`i for innovative industries to thrive. This investment will raise productivity and create good jobs in all areas of the economy and for all people,” said Richard Lim, DBEDT Director.

Michael Soto. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Soto's winning Tiramisu with
Raspberry Coffee Sauce

MICHAEL SOTO, OF PAHALA, WON FIRST in the Dessert I category of the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest for his Tiramisu with Raspberry Coffee Sauce, second in the Pupu category for a Rosemary & Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Lilikoi Coffee Sauce and third for his Braised Beef with a Cinnamon Coffee Sauce. 

     Soto just graduated from Hawai`i Community College and plans to be a chef. “There’s always an art when you put something on a plate. There’s no such thing as secret ingredients,” he said. “You have to believe in what you’re doing.” Contact Soto about his recipes at 333-2960.

THE FIRST DOUBLE-DECKER BUS in Hawai`i County stopped at Malama Market in Ocean View last week on its first trip around the island. It also stopped at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, and passengers, comprised of county officials and kupuna, collected food for the Hawai`i Island Food Basket. The new Hele-On bus seats 89 passengers. It is 14 feet in height and cost under $900,000. Just like other buses in the county transportation system, the fare will be zero until July 1. The County Council is still deciding whether to charge for the ride. The mayor proposes that $1 be charged for all Hele-On buses, with students, the elderly and disabled riding for free. If no decision is made, fares would go up to as high as $6 per ride. Council member Brittany Smart asked that the council take another vote on the issue, which will come up soon before the County Council. 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES at Ka`u’s public schools. Students will have more than two months before returning to school on Monday, August 1.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and State Rep. Bob Herkes
joined KMC's Memorial Day ceremony last year.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP HOSTS A TRIBUTE to those who made the ultimate Sacrifice for Freedom’s Sake in a special Memorial Day Ceremony to be held on Monday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC front lawn. LTC Rolland Niles, Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area, will deliver the keynote address. Representative Clift Tsuji of House District 3 will also be a guest speaker. Other participants include Pastor Bob Bruzelius, Erin Gallagher, Josh Timmons, Brianne Schlegelmilch, and the Waiakea High School Naval JROTC. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Koa Room inside the lobby. 

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET following the ceremony features beef pot roast, mahi mahi, clam chowder, salads, and more. The buffet will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Crater Rim Café. Cost is $13.75 for adults and $7.75 for children 6 to 11 years old.
     KMC invites the public to attend. For more information, call 967-8371. Park entrance fees apply.