Ka`u News Briefs Sept. 17, 2012

The Department of Land & Natural Resources responsibilities range from helping to manage invasive seaweed with native sea urchins to rules for the new Public Land Development Corp. Photo from DLNR

THE NEW PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT CORP. is getting support from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, according to a Derrick DePledge story in this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser. The act, which the governor signed this year after the bill passed the state legislature, would allow private development on state lands as a way to manage property and bring in income. It would be under the oversight of the Department of Land & Natural Resources.
      The Public Land Development Corp. has received criticism at public hearings around the island from citizens, and environmental, Native Hawaiian, historic preservation and union groups, who said they fear it will allow undesired development of lands owned by the people.

      According to DePledge, the governor “has launched an enthusiastic defense of the troubled Public Land Development Corp, describing it as a potential catalyst for partnerships with the private sector on modern schools, workforce housing, long-term care and early childhood education." According to the story,  “The governor said the corporation, which has a broad exemption from land use and county zoning laws and construction standards, could have the flexibility to cut through government bureaucracy and help the state deliver on long-delayed promises.”
      The DePledge story quotes Abercrombie characterizing those who testified against the PLDC concept at public hearings around the state this summer “as the ‘usual suspects’ who used public hearings this summer on the corporation’s draft administrative rules to create ‘conspiratorial hysteria.’” See more at www.hawaiistaradvertiser.com. See the governor's website explanation of the PLDC at
http://hawaii.gov/gov/faq/public-land-development-corporation-pldc.

STATE SENATOR MALAMA SOLOMON recently issued a statement saying she is “sorely disappointed that there is so much misinformation" about the Public Land Development Corp. "Our public lands are a ‘treasure’ that must be protected.” She said Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state Senate and House of Representatives have agreed to work on a Strategic Plan that “clarifies the vision, mission, goals and values of the PLDC, putting public benefits as a top priority.”

Sen. Malama Solomon

      She said the PLDC, which could bring economic development and income from state lands, is comparable to the idea of managing lands through a national park system. “Our state is very unique in the nation. The state owns and manages most of the public lands, while in other states the federal government is the owner and manager. This legislation is patterned after the federal National Park Mission Statement, which is to conserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects and to provide for the public’s enjoyment of these features in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Solomon. She said, "It is my hope and vision that the PLDC creates a vehicle to replicate what I call 'The Yosemite Model.'"
      She also said there are misunderstandings concerning historic preservation and restated that the act includes a prohibition on selling ceded lands. Under the oversight of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the PLDC would be allowed to go into partnerships with private investors for economic development on state lands and would be exempt from many environmental and zoning laws. Said Solomon: “For some, partnerships are a new way of doing business, but in today’s economic climate, partnerships are the only way we can effectively improve public benefit and make things happen without raising taxes or fees.”

THE HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMISSION hosts a public meeting tonight at Pahala Community Center to gather local input for its regional plan for Hawaiian Home Lands in Ka`u, which are mostly located at South Point, Ka Lae. The session begins at 6 p.m. when community organizations will host information booths and representatives from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be available for one-on-one consultation with beneficiaries. It continues with presentations and public input at 6:30 p.m. The Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association urges everyone to attend. Read the Ka`u Regional Plan at hawaiianhomelands.org.

KA`U HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS ASSOCIATION will host its annual meeting tomorrow, 9:30 a.m., at Na`alehu Community Center regarding the properties in Ka`u under Hawaiian Homes Lands, both residential and agricultural. The meeting is open to the public.

Native collector sea urchins clean the reef from
invasive seaweed. Photo from DLNR

THE DLNR REVEALED series of television productions has released a new hour-long program called Protecting Hawai`i`’s Reefs from Invasive Seaweed. It explains DLNR research with native collector sea urchins used to keep invasive seaweed populations low. The program is shown on ‘Olelo Channel 54. The DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources is also featured. According to a statement from the agency, “DLNR Revealed, a periodic televised program, seeks to share with the community the various exceptional efforts of the department’s staff and partners doing conservation projects throughout our islands.
      Two previous episodes have addressed Wildland Fires and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Wildland Fires features a panel discussion about Hawai‘i’s wildfires, how DLNR and fire-fighting partners work to prevent them, and how the public can help. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary illustrates how DLNR and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration partners with communities to protect the Humpback Whale, and how the public can get involved. Protecting Hawai‘i’s Reefs from Invasive Seaweed airs on Channel 54 on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 24, at noon.

THE HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND’S CLEANUP this past Saturday marked the organization’s fourth annual beach cleanup at Kamilo Point for the statewide Get the Drift & Bag It event. Coordinator Megan Lamson said 61 participants joined in Saturday with volunteers from around the island and five people from San Diego.
      Lamson reported that 2,760 lbs of rubbish, including approximately 1,000 lbs of derelict fishing nets, were removed from one-mile of coast. Other debris included toothbrushes, cigarette lighters, plastic toy figures, and myriads of miscellaneous unidentifiable pieces of plastic bits in every shape and color imaginable. She said, “interesting finds included intact glass light bulbs (standard size and 8" long), several fiberglass boat pieces (up to 6' long), and an odd large orange buoy. As of now, no ‘verifiable’ tsunami debris from the March 11th, 2011 event at Fukushima has washed ashore in the Hawaiian archipelago. However, HWF and volunteers are on the lookout,” Lamson reported.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund drew 61 volunteers to clean up the Ka`u Coast at Kamilo Point last weekend. Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund has cleared marine debris from the shoreline, Ka Lae to Wai`ohinu, since 2003 and has hauled over 155 tons. The next cleanups in Ka`u are Saturdays Nov. 17 and Jan. 12. For more information or to sign-up for the next event, contact Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call the HWF marine debris hotline at 769-7629.

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CELEBRATES OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Oct. 5, with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the church hall in Ocean View. It includes: sauerkraut and bratwurst, boiled potatoes, dill pickles, cookies, and beverages. The event, a fundraiser in which half of the proceeds will be donated to the Food Basket in Ocean View, also includes a live polka band and a drawing for hand quilted wall hangings. St. Jude’s Publicity Committee member Madalyn McWhite-Lamson said, “Bring your friends and ohana for a fun filled evening with good food, music, and polka dancing. This was a popular event last year, so get your tickets early.” Tables may be reserved for larger parties. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $13 each or 2 for $22. For tickets, to volunteer or for more information call 939-7555.

GEMS, the American Association of University Women’s Girls Exploring Math & Science event on Saturday, Nov. 11, has been moved to the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa Keauhou. The deadline for registration forms to be postmarked has been extended to Tuesday, Sept. 25, as the change in venue resulted in a delay in getting registration forms to the schools. For more, contact GEMS Chairperson, Cindy Armer at cbarmer@hotmail.com.

KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, are can sign up today through Thursday for a String Art program hosted at Pahala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more call Nona at 928-3102.

STATE SENATE AND HOUSE CANDIDATES for districts between Honu`apo and Kona will participate in a public forum tomorrow, 6 p.m., at Kealakehe High School. State Senate District 3 candidates are incumbent Josh Green, Jeff La France and Michael Last. State House District 5 candidates are incumbent Denny Coffman and Dave Bateman. In advance of the forum, citizens can submit questions by email to sherryb@lava105.com.The forum will air live, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on LAVA 105.3 FM. Other candidate forums at Kealakehe High School are: U.S. Senate and U.S. House at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23; Hawai`i County Mayor and Hawai`i County Prosecutor at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1; and Hawai`i County Council District 6 (Volcano through South Kona) and District 9 (Waikoloa, Kohala) 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8.

ALI`I KEANAAINA performs at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Singer, songwriter and musician Keanaaina debuts his first solo album, He Mele No. The public event is free, but entrance fees may apply.

Ka`u News Briefs Sept. 16, 2012

Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter design by Matsunaga & Associates to be built by Summit Construction, Inc. with a
groundbreaking in early October.

KA`U HIGH, PAHALA AND NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY schools will receive funding from the state of Hawai`i to make repairs and take care of deferred maintenance. The funding is part of uplifting schools that are undergoing transition through the federal Race to the Top program. The schools are described as being in “zones of school innovation.” The Pahala campus will receive $1.3 million and Na`alehu will receive $650,000. Funding statewide is $18 million and is aimed a leveling the playing field for students who study in facilities that may be sub-par compared to others.

Plans for Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter.

THE NEW KA`U GYMNASIUM & DISASTER SHELTER is expected to break ground in early October with the date to be confirmed this week. Building the 46,000 square-foot facility, designed by Honolulu-based Matsunaga & Associates, will help improve statistics for new construction on the island, particularly in Ka`u where there has been no project of this size since the condominiums, restaurant and golf course clubhouse at Punalu`u a generation ago. The more than $17 million  has been awarded to Summit Construction, of O`ahu to build the complex. Public officials, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Billy Kenoi and county council members and state legislators and political candidates and are expected to attend. Members of the community are invited to the groundbreaking and to enjoy light refreshments.

      The facility will be managed by the county Department of Parks and Recreation for Ka`u High School and Pahala Elementary and Intermediate school athletics and for the community. There will be activities rooms, workout rooms, a gym that is flexible to offer multiple courts for practices and tournaments, and seating that will allow community concerts and events, with a portable stage. A certified kitchen will help community groups raise money during events at the gym.
      Sections of the facility will have air-filtering systems where students and residents can gather during vog events and the entire facility is designed to become a disaster shelter, if needed.

Federal agricultural loans of up to $300,000 are available
to farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE offered very low interest loans to Ka`u farmers who attended a lender fair yesterday at Pahala Community Center. The federal government offers operating loans, as low as 1.1 percent, and loans to purchase agricultural property, as low as 3 percent. Both have a maximum of $300,000. State agricultural loans range from 3.3 percent to 7.5 percent with a maximum of $800,000.

State agricultural loans of up to $500,000 are also
available to farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

      The event was sponsored by the Ka`u Farm Bureau and coffee growers and other farmers came through the doors all afternoon. Farm Loan Programs Assistant Manager Linda Kow explained that federal operating and ownership loans are accepted only if applicants do not qualify for the loans from other creditors.
      Those unable to attend yesterday can contact U.S.D.A. Farm Services Agency at 933-8343 or fsa.usda.gov, State Dept. of Agriculture Agricultural Loan Division 933-9975 or hawaii.gov/hdoa/agl, and Farm Credit Services at 961-3781 or hawaiifarmcredit.com.
      Some of the farmers attending yesterday said they need help following the disastrous fire this summer that burned sections of some coffee farms and surrounding windbreaks at Pear Tree above Pahala.

Sherry Bracken moderates State
Senate and House forum Tuesday.

STATE SENATE AND HOUSE contenders for the districts from Honu`apo into Kona will present their views at a public forum this Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Kealakehe High School at 6 p.m. State Senate District 3 candidates are Sen. Josh Green, Jeff La France and Michael Last. State House District 5 candidates are Rep. Denny Coffman and Dave Bateman.
      In advance of the forum, citizens can submit questions by email to sherryb@lava105.com.
      The moderator is Sherry Bracken of Mahalo Broadcasting (LAVA 105 and KKOA) and Hawai`i Public Radio. This forum is sponsored by Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kohala Coast Resort Association, Hawai`i Island Board of Realtors, Kealakehe High School, Mahalo Broadcasting/LAVA 105 radio, Hawai`i 24/7, West Hawaii Today, Kealakehe High School, and Rotary of Kona.
      The forum will also air live 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 on LAVA 105.3 FM. Other candidate forums at Kealakehe High School are:
      U.S. Senate and U.S. House at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23; Hawai`i County Mayor and Hawai`i County Prosecutor at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1; and Hawai`i County Council District 6 (Volcano through South Kona) and District 9 (Waikoloa, Kohala) 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8.

FREE AG TOURISM WORKSHOPS will be offered in Ka`u. The Hawai`i Agri-Tourism Association invites the public to meet Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Pahala Community Center to help plan the workshops. Information will be provided on scope and timing. Those with agri-tourism potential in Ka`u can sign up for the workshops, which are funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. 

      “The intention of the trainings is to help build economic development for the Ka`u agricultural community and it’s partners,” says Hawai`i Agri-Tourism Association Executive Director Lani Weigert. For more, visit hiagtourism.org. Those interested in attending can reserve a seat by emailing lani@hiagtourism.org or calling (808) 283-3777. 

A CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY THE FARM BUREAU, All About Agriculture, is tonight at 6 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal Meeting Hall, in Kealakekua. Candidates seeking legislative office, both state and county will include incumbent Brenda Ford and Maile David who are running for Ka`u District 6 in the County Council. Also on hand will be incumbent Josh Green who is running for state Senate, along with his competitors Jeff LaFrance and Michael Last and incumbent Denny Coffman who is running for state House of Representative to represent Honu`apo through Kona, along with his competitor Dave Bateman. Questions at the forum will range from economic development, land use, resource management to product development and protection, with agriculture being the common theme. For further information, call 324-6011.

A GARDEN TALK STORY & PLANT & SEED EXCHANGE is today at Na`ohulelua Historical Church and Garden from noon to 3 p.m. Call 929-8164 for more. 

Hawaiian Homes Lands property on the Big Island.

THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION hosts a public meeting tomorrow at Pahala Community Center, 6:30 p.m. to gather local input for its regional plan for Ka`u. From 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. community organizations will host information booths and representatives from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be available for one-on-one consultation with beneficiaries.
      The Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association urges everyone to attend. Read the Ka`u Regional Plan at hawaiianhomelands.org.
      The Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association will host its annual meeting Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., at Na`alehu Community Center regarding the properties in Ka`u under Hawaiian Homes Lands, both residential and agricultural. The meeting is open to the public.

KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, are encouraged to sign up between this Monday and Thursday for a String Art program hosted at Pahala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more call Nona at 928-3102.

Ali`i Keanaaina performs at HVNP Wednesday.
Photo from waimeatown.org

ALI`I KEANAAINA is scheduled to perform at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Singer, songwriter and musician Keanaaina debuts his first solo album, He Mele No, an album dedicated to those who inspired him to sing and write. Keanaaina's stories that he has set to melody are brought to life by his band, He Mele No, which is comprised of his twin brother Nui, and cousins Pililani Pua-Kaipo and Bradshaw Ellis. CD’s available for purchase at the concert. The concert is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. The public event is free, but entrance fees may apply.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE will be celebrated at Honu`apo Park on Friday. The public is invited to gather at 3 p.m. and organizers encourage everyone to wear white for a human peace sign photo at 4 p.m. The photo will be “shared with the world,” says one event coordinator Shary Crocker. For more, call 939-9461 or 929-7647.

KA`U JUNIOR VARISITY AND VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL WON at Kamehameha Schools yesterday. JV scored 25-7 in the first set and 25-22 in the second set against Kamehameha Schools. Varsity scored 25-23, 25-13 and 25-15 in the final set against Kamehameha Schools and 25-9, 25-8 and 25-8 in the final set against Laupahoehoe. The volleyball teams face Makualani at Konawaena Saturday, Sept. 22, starting at 10 a.m. For more, call Ka`u Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 928-2012 or 928-2088.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM.AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Sept. 15, 2012

Wind power was one of the alternative energies discussed at the Dept. of Energy meeting last night in Hilo.
Photo from jawsnap.net

THE ENERGY FUTURE OF THE BIG ISLAND hearing drew a large crowd from this county and as far away as Honolulu and Lana`i last night as the U.S. Department of Energy took comments for its Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on energy alternatives for the islands.

Billy Kenoi. Photo by Julia Neal

Harry Kim. Photo from Harry Kim

      Mayor Billy Kenoi said the county is looking for cheaper renewable energy not just more renewable energy. He pointed to photovoltaic on county buildings, small windmills installed by the county and energy efficiencies that are saving the county millions of dollars a year in electric bills. He asked the federal Department of Energy in helping to find additional options that would lower energy bills for government and citizens. He said the burden of high energy could fall on the poor people.
      Harry Kim, the predecessor to Kenoi who is running to get his seat back after terming out before the last election, stood in the back of the Hilo High cafeteria, silently. He said after the meeting that he was pleased that so many people showed up to the hearing. He said that he was proud that many people who have grave concerns about geothermal were able to get past anger and emotion to ask the Department of Energy to seriously study and answer questions about possible health effects of geothermal to the land, the people and the ocean. He said that people in the small communities around the island often feel like no one is listening to them when they have concerns about how new industry and developments are going to change their lives. He said both sides need to meet with each other to create win/win results and sometimes these negotiations can take years.

Russell Ruderman. Photo from russellruderman.com

      Russell Ruderman who is running for state Senate from Punalu`u through Puna, pushed for solar, wind and more energy efficiency as solutions for the high cost of energy in Hawai`i. The owner of four Island Naturals food markets on the island, he decried the cost that energy adds to the price of food, saying, “High food prices harm people every day.” He said that in every case, the rent for each location of his food stores is less than the electric bill. He asked whether energy solutions could “plan not to harm people.”

      He asked the Department of Energy to analyze the cost and risks of installing local energy production versus industrial scale projects such as geothermal with cables on the ocean floor taking the power to O`ahu and other islands. He suggested studying locating electrical production at the demand site. “There is precious little land here that is dearly loved,” said Ruderman.
      Fifty-five people signed up to give comments. Most of them spoke in favor of small-scale solutions where energy is produced where the energy is needed. 

Cables carrying geothermal energy could connect the source on
Hawai`i Island with the rest of Hawai`i in channels where
telecommunications cables already rest on the ocean floor.

     Several people from Lana`i talked about the plan to “industrialize” the island by building giant windmills and said it would detract from the lifestyle of the people who live there, its attraction for visitors who go there for the quiet and natural beauty and the attempt to attract more people to live there. One Lana`i resident said that Castle & Cook, which is also the landlord for her home, wants to build windmills nearby, but “won’t even let me have a clothesline.”
      One woman from the Big Island said she opposed sending energy from the Big Island to O`ahu where “they are growing more houses” on some of their best agricultural lands.
      A number of people said they feared scaling up geothermal without understanding the chemical makeup of byproduct – a brine – and how much brine would be re-injected into the land each day and whether it would make its way into fresh water sources and the ocean if geothermal grew to a large scale that would send electricity to other islands. Testifiers also said they were afraid of what could happen with a strong earthquake in Puna, a blowout at the geothermal plant and the long term health effects of living near noise and emissions. One man claimed that the geology of Hawai`i makes geothermal more toxic than other places because of the porous earth.
      One woman said she doesn’t “accept the industrialization of Hawai`i for energy. Solar is a far better option.”

Solar power was the alternative energy most touted last night at a
 public hearing on the future of energy. This is the county's civic center
in Kona powered by solar voltaics, which will also charge electric vehicles.
Photo from government-fleet.com

      Another asked that government be wary of “powerful interests that want to make a quick buck” off the energy crisis and another asked government to be wary of “proposals that look clever today but foolish tomorrow.”
      A testifier asked that industrial sized energy project developers be required to put in escrow funding that would tear down their facilities and restore the land, should their projects fail.
      Another asked for energy proposals be considered through a “certificate of need” process that connects directly to each community needing electricity at lower rates.
      A testifier stated that Saudi Arabia was powering towns with solar in the 1970s, while selling its expensive oil off to other countries who stay behind, using oil for power plants.
      The public can read more about the Department of Energy’s Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement at hawaiicleanenergypeis.com. Also see hawaiicleanergyinitiative.org. Public comments are being accepted through Oct. 9.

THE FARM BUREAU hosts a candidate forum entitled All About Agriculture, tomorrow, Sunday at 6 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal Meeting Hall, in Kealakekua. Candidates seeking legislative office, both state and county will include incumbent Brenda Ford and Maile David who are running for Ka`u District 6 in the County Council. Also on hand will be incumbent Josh Green who is running for state Senate and incumbent Denny Coffman who is running for state House of Representative to represent Honu`apo through Kona, along with their competitors Dave Bateman, Jeff LaFrance and Michael Last.

Maile David and fellow co-workers volunteered for Habitat for Humanity
Thursday. Photo from Maile David

      Questions at the forum will range from economic development, land use, resource management to product development and protection, with agriculture being the common theme. 

      “Diversified agriculture is providing an increasing contribution to our economy and is a huge component of our culture and lifestyle. It will be important to learn what perspectives these individuals hold. It will also be important for these candidates to see that many people in Kona place a very high priority on agriculture and the policies that may impact the industry and the life style,” said Stefanie Delmont, president of the Kona County Farm Bureau, which is sponsoring the event. For further information, call 324-6011.

COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYEES, including District 6 council candidate Maile David, volunteered Thursday for Habitat for Humanities Blitz Build at Hawaiian Home Lands "La`iopua" at Kealakehe. David says, “I nailed stud brackets and stapled moisture paper and other miscellaneous construction duties for a few hours. It was a great feeling helping families build their first home! Such a outpouring of aloha and working together.” She said she also plans to attend the Hawaiian Homes Commission community meeting in Pahala Monday.

THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION will host a meeting Monday at Pahala Community Center, 6:30 p.m. for local input to the regional plan for Ka`u. From 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. community organizations will present information booths and representatives from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be available for one-on-one consultation with beneficiaries. The Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association urges everyone to attend. Read the Ka`u Regional Plan at hawaiianhomelands.org.
      The commission will host their regular annual meeting Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., at Na`alehu Community Center regarding the properties in Ka`u under Hawaiian Homes Lands, both residential and agricultural. The meeting is open to the public.

KA`U TROJANS FOOTBALL lost 56-0 to Honoka`a last night. They face a home game against Kamehameha Friday at 7 p.m.

KA`U SPORTS TODAY include girls volleyball against Laupahoehoe at Kamehameha Schools at 10 a.m., Air Riflery at Konawaena starting at 9 a.m. and a bowling challenge against St. Joseph’s, 9 a.m., and Kamehameha Schools at Hilo Lanes.

KA`U FARM BUREAU HOSTS A LENDER FAIR TODAY, noon to 4 p.m., at the Pahala Community Center. Attendees will hear a brief presentation and meet with representatives from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture and Farm Credit Services. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

RECYCLING AT NA`ALEHU SCHOOL gym is accepted today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more call 929-2413, extension 230.

SOCIETY OF CREATIVE ANACHRONISM, a medieval recreation group, meets, talks, plans events, does handicraft and more today from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call for location, 895-8013.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS A BBQ today from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 937-7033.

A GARDEN TALK STORY & PLANT & SEED EXCHANGE is hosted tomorrow at Na`ohulelua Historical Church and Garden from noon to 3 p.m. Call 929-8164 for more.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM.AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.