Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 17, 2011

The SS Pallada finds tsunami debris from Japan headed toward Hawai`i.

THE CREW OF ONE OF THE FASTEST TALL SHIPS in the world has found debris from the Japan tsunami near Midway. The debris is headed this way. The 356-foot, three-masted, steel-hulled SS Pallada from Vladivostok, Russia, found the debris that includes a 20-foot-long fishing vessel, clearly marked as a boat from Fukushima. The crew was able to hoist it onto the Pallada, along with other flotsam from the tsunami, and haul it to its homeport in Russia.
     The Pallada crew, from Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University, is working with University of Hawai`i researchers at the International Pacific Research Center using an animated model to predict the path of the tsunami debris. The ship’s crew tested the debris for radiation and found none coming from the items they hauled on board. This is good news for the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund volunteers who clean up the Ka`u Coast and are likely to come across debris from Japan over the next several years.

`AINA KOA PONO is planning to go ahead with its refinery and farm in Ka`u and “is now in negotiations with a publicly traded oil company to buy the entire output of its $350 million, 13,000-acre Big Island project for use in California,” says a story posted by Pacific Business News writer Duane Simogawa on Friday.
     Plans to build the refinery are yet to be submitted to the county planning department and other agencies. Fields have yet to be planted with biofuel crops, but a test plot of various grasses that could be grown for biofuel has been planted along Wood Valley Road.

     Pacific Business News wrote an editorial last Friday contending that the Public Utilities Commission made the right call in turning down a contract through which `Aina Koa Pono would sell biofuel to Hawaiian Electric Co. to be used in its O`ahu and the Big Island power plants. The editorial said that the biofuel contract could have led to $10 million in electric bill hikes in the first year of biofuel production, and $100 million in hikes to ratepayers over life of the contract.
     The PUC said the contract price for the project is “excessive, not cost-effective and, thus, is unreasonable and inconsistent with the public interest.”
     PBN editors said, “The PUC’s responsibility is to decide how much money our state’s regulated utilities should be allowed to make, while keeping costs for consumers under control. And, to that end, we cannot fault the PUC for its decision to ‘just say no.’ While we unequivocally support our state’s push for renewable energy, we also happen to think the transfer can happen in a way that should allow businesses and households alike to balance their budgets.”
     Said PBN, “The `Aina Koa Pono agreement did not, in our opinion, do enough to show an appreciation for the competing interests of energy independence and energy affordability.
     “We don’t think Hawai`i businesses and households have an extra $100 million — or more — to spend on biofuels during the next two decades,” concluded PBN.
     In its response to the PUC denial of the contract, HECO asked for an extension of time to file a motion for “reconsideration and/or clarification.” The PUC has given the HECO until Nov. 10. The state Consumer Advocate has already asked the PUC for a clarification of its decision to deny the `Aina Koa Pono contract. 

     `Aina Koa Pono has posted a response to the PUC decision on its website at ainakoapono.com. `Aina Koa Pono notes that the Consumer Advocate did not object to the PUC approval of the `Aina Koa Pono project and pointed to new laws passed by the state Legislature that would have allowed the cost of the biofuel to be higher than fossil fuel in order to help meet the state’s goals of becoming more independent from fossil fuel.
     `Aina Koa Pono says that the PUC must consider “long-term benefits in this situation and may find that short-term increased costs are reasonable, and not excessive or inconsistent with the state’s energy policies, and thus find a basis for approving the AKP contract.”
     AKP predicts that without its large-scale biofuel production, HECO could be forced to import biofuel at an even higher cost than AKP is proposing. “This would be a substantial undermining of the State of Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative and goals,” states `Aina Koa Pono.
     The PUC stated that it does not oppose locally produced biofuels and is considering other projects, including those using algae as the source for biofuel. It also concluded that the `Aina Koa Pono project could deter the use of alternatives that could be less expensive in the future. `Aina Koa Pono says that its large-scale biofuel farms are the way to balance Hawai‘i’s energy alternatives.
     `Aina Koa Pono is also promising 200 permanent jobs and 400 construction jobs.

Entertainment for fundraising at Cooper Center.  Photo by Julia Neal

  Wok master Ron Serrao cooks for
Mongolian BBQ.  Photo by Julia Neal

THE MONGOLIAN BARBECUE at Cooper Center in Volcano brought together many chefs to cook for each person who made a donation to the fundraiser Saturday night in Volcano. The twice-a-year event raised more than $1,000 for Cooper Center and will be held again next April, said Linda Ugalde, of Cooper Center. It was the 43rd Mongolian BBQ for Cooper Center. 

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPT. hosts a public meeting in Ka`u tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Na`alehu Community Center. The purpose is to allow the public to meet the Police Department’s command staff and to discuss concerns with the police chief and commanders who oversee police operations in the Ka`u District.
     These district community meetings rotate through the eight police districts on the Big Island. To aid police commanders in focusing on specific concerns, participation is encouraged only for persons who live or work in Ka`u.
     Those interested but unable to attend may call Capt. Andrew Burian at 939-2520, stop by the Ka`u police station in Na`alehu or e-mail concerns or comments to copsysop@hawaiipolice.com.

THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP for listings and ads in The Directory 2012 is Monday, Oct. 31 -- two weeks from today. Published by the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, The Directory has information about local businesses, community organizations, important phone numbers, an events calendar, maps of Ka`u, and many photographs as well as art from winners of the latest cover art contest.
     For an application, visit kauchamber.org or call Ron at 928-6471.

SPORTS OVER THE WEEKEND: Ka`u Trojans came up with 14 points in their game against Hawai`i Preparatory Academy in Kamuela on Saturday, but HPA took home the win by putting 49 points on the scoreboard.

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 16, 2011

Fireweed is taking over good pasture in Ka`u. The invasive species can look like a beautiful daisy field.
Photo from hawaiianinvasivespecies.org

FIREWEED that looks like beautiful fields of daisies are taking over good pasture land in Ka`u, according to ranchers who attended Sen. Gil Kahele’s forum Friday in Ocean View. Fireweed started in Waimea and is spreading around the island, according to David Ka`awa. Volunteers who work on the fountain grass problem in Ocean View said that they could possibly help with fireweed control as well.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. turned on the power for the new Ocean View water distribution system last week, and water samples are being taken to send off to a lab and with results reported to the state Department of Health. Sen. Gil Kahele gave the update at his community forum Friday in Ocean View. He said it will take several months for the well water to be certified as potable and the new spigots to be turned on for residents and businesses.

AN ARREST WAS MADE in connection with last Wednesday’s house fire in Miloli`i. Canines were used to help determine that arson was involved. The damage to the unoccupied house is estimated at $480,000. The house location is on Kai Avenue in one of the northern Miloli`i subdivisions.

La Reunion representatives Alain Gerente, Marie Gerente, La Reunion film commissioner Edy Payet, vice president
Jean-Francois Sita, La Reunion President Robert Didier meet with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park chief of
interpretation Jim Gale, along with La Reunion public information officer Corrine Peyron-Beaulieu.
Photo from NPS/Stephen Geiger

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN LA RÉUNION island in the Indian Ocean and the Big Island were stressed by La Réunion Pres. Robert Didier last week during his visit to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
     Didier was accompanied by La Réunion’s vice president Jean-Francois Sita, film commissioner Edy Payet and public information officer Corinne Peyron-Beaulieu. They explored the park as part of a four-day mission to “build a bridge” between La Réunion and Hawai`i Island. They are promoting sister park status between Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Réunion National Park. Both national parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and both are home to active volcanoes.
     Both are located in the middle of vast oceans over volcanic hot spots. La Réunion’s active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise (“Peak of the Furnace”), like Kilauea, is listed among earth’s most active volcanoes and last erupted in 2010. It stands 8,632 feet above sea level, and is also a shield volcano. La Réunion’s national park comprises 40 percent of the 970-square-mile island. By comparison, the Island of Hawai`i is 4,028 square miles.
     The La Réunion president said, “Tourism is key to our economic success. We want to have tourism but also environmental respect. Our ecology, our biodiversity, is unique.” In 2010, approximately 400,000 tourists visited La Réunion. Didier said the goal is to increase the number of visitors to 600,000 by 2015.
     Other similarities between the two islands include a multicultural population. La Réunion has a mix of people from European, African, Malagasy, Indian and Chinese ancestry. Both islands have dense rainforests, a high level of endemism, and are home to white-tailed tropic birds – an important national symbol in La Réunion. La Réunion also has olivine creating green sand beaches.

     Part-time Volcano residents and La Réunion citizens Marie and Alain Gerente were instrumental in planning the La Réunion visit to Hawai`i, and accompanied the delegation as liaisons and translators.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS is calling for local artists to participate in the Fall Fling Arts & Crafts Fair at Punalu`u Bake Shop on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. Booth fees are $25. Contact Robert Domingos at mingokau@gmail.com or Jym Duncan at 929-8694.

Live music on KAHU radio's Bobby Gomes' Friday show
was provided by Pahala school students under the
guidance of Trini Marques.  Photo by Julia Neal

KAHU RADIO plans more live music and participation by local students in broadcasting at 91.7 FM after it takes some days off from local direct broadcasting from Oct. 18 – 22 when it moves broadcasting equipment to a Crown Castle tower between Pahala and Na`alehu. During the downtime, KAHU will be available at KAHUFM.com. Ka`u school students led by Trini Marques sang on Bobby Gomes' live show on KAHU last Friday. 

THE KA`U COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE continues through Tuesday. Those needing food can stop by the Ka`u Family Center in Na`alehu with a photo I.D. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and receive emergency food for their family once a month. Normally the center gives a two-day supply, but lately, due to low rations, only a one-day supply is available.
     Food drive collection sites are Pahala Community Center, Monday and Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Na`alehu Island Market, today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Ka`u Family Center, Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Discovery Harbour Community Association, Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Kahuku Country Market, daily, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

SHORT FILMS BY LOCAL YOUTH will be debuted at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s third annual Digital Mountain youth film festival on Sat., Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in Kilauea Visitor Center. This year’s theme is “It’s My Trail.” The public is encouraged to attend and to vote for their favorite film in advance. The public is also invited to participate in a potluck dinner preceding the festival at 5 p.m.

     Awards, including MacBook Pro laptops and Olympus digital cameras, will be presented at the event to winners selected by a weighted combination of judging by a variety of professionals and popular voting. See films and vote on YouTube: www.youtube.com/itsmytrail. People may vote once each day for their favorite film on YouTube, or by emailing itsmytrail@gmail.com. The Digital Mountain youth film festival is free. For more information, contact Laura Williams at 985-6304 or laura_williams@nps.gov.
 

A HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND PLANT SALE has been announced by St. Jude’s Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle in Ocean View. Plant and craft donation commitments are being taken now for the Nov. 19 fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be food including hot dogs and chips, homemade baked goods, cakes, pies, jams, jellies, and candies. In addition to plants, there will be crafts and gift items. From Highway 11, turn mauka on Donola Drive to Paradise Parkway.

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 15, 2011

Nani Kahuku `Aina's draft EIS is available for review, and comments are due by Nov. 6.

NOV. 6 IS THE DEADLINE to submit testimony for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Nani Kahuku `Aina resort development, Sen. Gil Kahele reminded constituents during his community forum last night in Ocean View. He said that whether people are for or against the project, they should read the EIS and give their opinion. He said that he has remained neutral on the project and wants to let the process take its course. The EIS is available at libraries and online at the Hawai`i Department of Health website under Office of Environmental Quality Control.
     The resort plan calls for hotel, condominium, house, golf course and commercial development and would require a change of county General Plan and state Land Use Commission designation from Conservation to Urban near the coast.
     During the meeting both Kahele and Rep. Bob Herkes talked about efforts since the 1980s to preserve the South Kona and Ka`u Coast for the benefit of all Hawai`i. Herkes said that incredible historic sites of old Hawai`i remain along the coast, simply because it is so dry and rugged and has not been developed.
     Kahele said he worked with Pa`a Pono Miloli`i to stop a development at Kapua and the Riviera. His son Kaiali`i Kahele is now president of Pa`a Pono, and the group is working on a response to the EIS for Kahuku. 

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

MAYOR BILLY KENOI announced yesterday that tight restrictions on hiring, overtime, purchases and other expenses have allowed the County of Hawai`i to realize a fund balance of $24.682 million at the end of the 2011 fiscal year on June 30. That is $10.74 million more than the county expected to have on hand at the close of the fiscal year, and represents a determined effort by every department to cut costs, conserve resources, and increase the efficiency of county government, said the mayor. 

     “This is the culmination of years of hard work to reduce the size and cost of county government, and I am extremely proud of our employees for pulling together to cut spending and prepare for the future. We know we face some difficult times ahead, and these reserves will be critical to providing the police, fire and other essential services our communities need,” said Kenoi. The county budget for this year is $35.9 million, 8.9 percent less than the budget in effect when the Kenoi administration took office in 2008.

THE NEW MEDICAL VAN for Ka`u and South Kona will be on the road by early December, Rep. Bob Herkes announced last night at Sen. Gil Kahele’s community forum in Ocean View. He said it would be operated by Kona Hospital and likely make its home during the week at Na`alehu School. It will be used extensively in the schools and will travel to remote communities. Telemedicine will be on board. “Down in the village of Miloli`i,” said Herkes, the staff “can be in contact with doctors at Straub or Queens.” Medications will also be distributed from the van. 

Rep. Bob Herkes gives his report on the new medical van for Ka`u and South Kona during the Kahele forum.
Photo by Julia Neal

OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS say they are considering another tack to prevent Rep. Bob Herkes’ state House district from being cut in half, which would eliminate Herkes as their representative. The redistricting plan would put everyone from Honu`apo through Miloli`i with residents living in resort communities in Kona. Pahala through Volcano would be put with Puna residents. 

     The effort to protect Herkes’ seat comes on the heals of two lawsuits already filed about state Senate reapportionment, one by Sen. Malama Solomon and several other people in Hilo, and a second by Kona attorney Mike Matsukawa. Both go after the Reapportionment Commission and claim it is illegal to include temporary residents like the military when counting the population used for setting up the voting districts. 

     In Herkes’ case, his supporters are considering filing a case with the Circuit Court, stating that they would be unfairly denied representation by the representative whom they have elected. The case would list all of his accomplishments and contend that districting rules require keeping communities together as much as possible. 

Sen. Gil Kahele with some of his constituents who stayed after the forum last night in Ocean View.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE NEW KA`U DISASTER SHELTER AND GYM took a lot of negotiations between the county, state and governor, Rep. Bob Herkes explained. According to a Jason Armstrong story in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, the Legislature had to provide the money directly to the county instead of to the Department of Education, which had placed it 60th out of 64 on its priority list. Herkes told Armstrong that the gym and shelter is the biggest project he can remember the state financing in Ka`u. The cost is $17.9 million. 

     Herkes noted that the facility will be the first federally certified evacuation shelter in Ka`u. It must be impervious to vog and should also “fit into the feeling of Pahala,” he said. The County Council must formally accept the money for the project to proceed, and Council member Brittany Smart has already issued a statement of thanks to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Herkes, Kahele, former council member Guy Enriques and others who helped push for the funding.

Herds of axis deer damage pastures and farms on Maui.
Photo by Eric Nishibayashi

DON’T LET THE VENISON go to waste, said several constituents at the Sen. Gil Kahele meeting last night. Shooting invasive axis deer from helicopters and leaving them to rot in the wilderness is not the way to manage the elimination of the deer, said Donnamarie Pabre. She suggested that local hunters be allowed to harvest the deer and take home the venison, or that professional hunters bring the venison to a central place to be distributed. She also said that the lives of the deer should be considered, as these animals are not responsible for their introduction here. “Don’t mow them down,” she said. 

     Axis deer, which were recently reported in Ka`u, have damaged agriculture on Lana`i, Moloka`i and Maui, said Kahele. The County Council is creating penalties for anyone moving them here, and the governor and Legislature are also looking into additional measures, said the senator. 

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. submitted a Request for Proposals yesterday to the Public Utilities Commission. It asks for proposals to make energy for O`ahu, and some of it could be delivered by cable from Neighbor Islands. The electricity running by cable would likely be generated by wind and/or geothermal. The RFP, which must be approved by the PUC, also calls for proposals to build interisland cables. 

     Life of the Land applauded the RFP, saying its members appreciate an “open and transparent process geared towards maximizing renewable energy penetration in Hawai`i.”

THE MONGOLIAN BARBECUE at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano happens today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fundraiser features 14 masters of the wok preparing each diner’s desired stir-fry combination.