Ka`u News Briefs March 16, 2013

County of Hawai`i has submitted testimony to the Public Utilities Commission regarding `Aina Koa Pono's proposal to grow biofuel crops and refine biofuel in Ka`u and sell it to HELCO. Photo by Julia Neal

RENEWABLE FUELS EXPERT Peter Y. Matlock weighed in on `Aina Koa Pono this week with testimony submitted to the Public Utilities Commission by Hawai`i County. He analyzed the proposed contract for a 20-year fixed price for `Aina Koa Pono to sell 16 million gallons of biofuel a year to the electric companies. Land for clearing and growing biomass would be  located between Pahala and Na`alehu. The refinery would be off Wood Valley Road.
    In the mid-1990's, Matlock  started several companies applying new technologies to market and social needs, including Viridis, Inc., aiming to make commodity and specialty chemicals from renewable sugars to reduce reliance on petroleum as an industrial feedstock. He  provided assistance to one of the leading bio-product companies making large-volume industrial chemicals in two rounds of financing of $20 million each, product selection and business strategy. He was vice-president of Micromidas, Inc., a California company developing technologies to efficiently utilize waste streams as feedstock to make renewables-based chemicals and fuels. He is an expert in agricultural biotechnology and medical biotechnology. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree with honors in economics from Swarthmore College and two graduate degrees in management science and engineering from Stanford University.
      The following is a sample of Matlock’s testimony:
      “Biofuels and other products made from renewable carbon sources provide great promise for the U.S. and State of Hawai`i. To be sustainable in the long-term, renewable fuels and chemicals must meet product performance requirements and be economically competitive. Although there is policy-level concern that higher priced fuels may be justified to counter the perceived negative externalities of fossil fuels (global warming, price volatility, energy security), there are also policy questions of how high a price should be imposed on individuals and the economy in regions that are relatively early and greater adopters of alternative — and often higher priced — energy sources. This plays out at the national level (will the U.S. suffer a competitive disadvantage under carbon tax or cap-and-trade scenarios compared to China), state level (will California’s AB32 program disadvantage its manufacturing base relative to other states; do Hawai`i’s higher energy prices discourage certain types of economic growth on the Islands), and county level (with an existing higher rate of renewable energy production, what will be the Impact on the County of Hawai`i’s economic growth from higher electricity costs). The Public Utilities Commission’s analysis of the proposed AKP contract places it directly in the middle of these policy questions.

Matlock questions whether it is appropriate to make a
20-year commitment prior to Micro Dee technology
being proven on a large scale. Photo from AKP

      “There are many interesting technical approaches to directly utilizing the complete lignocellulosic material of biomass, and they carry both great promise and demonstrated technical challenges and costs. It is indeed hoped that the Microwave Catalytic Depolymerization technology will prove itself as a commercially viable approach to making biofuels at prices that are not only competitive but provide cost reductions to Hawai`i’s strained ratepayers. There is discussion of a 33 ton per day AKP demonstration facility (installation of the first of many 33 ton per day modules that make up the MicroDee design). The challenge for AKP and the commission is a “chicken and egg” one: whether it is appropriate to make the twenty-year commitment prior to demonstration with a plant of this size, or whether the twenty-year commitment is necessary to enable this demonstration plant to be built.
      “However, current and available evidence indicates the following:
It is simply too early in the development of this technology to commit to a potential twenty-year supply contract;

• The technology has not been sufficiently demonstrated to confidently anticipate a scale-up to commercial production within (redacted) years, especially given the experience of other biofuels companies and evidence that this technology development is at an extremely early stage for the nature of these discussions; 
• System design has not been sufficiently described to confidently understand its operations, costs, inputs and byproducts, including potential waste streams and pollutants; Certain unit operations, such as hydrogen generation, could impose substantial externalities (costs, emissions, truck transport of flammable materials), but have not been adequately characterized to understand their impact; 
• Feedstock for the process has not been identified and sufficiently tested for agronomic production conditions to adequately predict growth and supply impacts in Ka`u; 
• Fuels from this process using Hawai`i-specific feedstocks have not been made or tested for their composition, so it is not yet possible to anticipate potential impacts on HECO/HELCO infrastructure; 
• Impacts on the surrounding communities and local/tourist traffic from truck transport along Route 11 have not been adequately addressed; 
• Economics of the process have not been predicted and analyzed, which would provide the appropriate basis for establishing fuel prices for sales to HELCO; and 
• Demonstration by the technology providers appears to be limited to the South Carolina facility, which is rated at five tons per day but appears to have been operated for one hour runs at lower capacities more appropriate to lab-scale demonstration. 

      “While eagerly encouraging technology providers to offer demonstrations at commercially relevant scale and duration of technologies to convert lignocellulose material to fuels and other valuable products, commission should seek greater clarification of issues identified above before allowing ratepayers to be committed to a twenty-year supply contract at the proposed prices. To do otherwise is to expose individual ratepayers to prices that are high and may not be necessary or justified, and to obligate the state to a project that is not sufficiently demonstrated for this level of economic commitment.”
      See more of Matlock’s testimony as well as other testimony and documents at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

Atrazine cycling in the environment. Image from USGS

ATRAZINE LEVELS IN KA`U WATER SUPPLIES are low, according to reports from the county Department of Water Supply. In reports from 2011, Pahala water supply showed a level of 0.14 parts per billion, and the Wai`ohinu/Na`alehu water supplies showed no contamination. The maximum contaminant level for atrazine as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is three parts per billion. No known or expected health risks to humans are proven below these levels, according to the EPA.
      Higher, but still-below EPA levels, were found in Hamakua water supplies. The reports say the source of contamination is “runoff from herbicide used on row crops.”
      Resolutions in the state Legislature call for the director of the state Health Department to establish a task force to study the effects of atrazine on human health. The resolution, introduced by West Ka`u Rep. Denny Coffman and others, says there is evidence that atrazine exposure is associated with low sperm counts and poor motility in exposed adult men and that pre-birth atrazine exposure is associated with low birth weight and abnormal development of the gut wall in infants. It also says the United States Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledges that atrazine may have potential adverse effects on fish, including organ tissue disease, disruption to the endocrine and olfactory systems, and reduced reproductive function.
      “Atrazine has been used for decades in Hawai`i to treat sugarcane, pineapple, and more recently seed corn,” and “rainfall sweeps atrazine into rivers and streams, threatening plant and aquatic life,” the resolution states.
      Another reason for the task force, according to the resolution, is that “the Department of Agriculture does not test for atrazine because of the lack of inspectors, and atrazine users are largely left to police themselves with regard to compliance with atrazine guidelines promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency that limit spraying and require setbacks from water resources.”

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTER’s rummage sale supporting the volunteer fire department continues today to 4 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

THIS EVENING’S CONCERT at Pahala Plantation House featuring piligrass music begins at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15 to $20 for performances by Aloha Bluegrass Band and Keoki Kahumoku. For more information, call 938-6582.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES INSTITUTE, part of the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, presents Life on Recent Lava Flows with botanist Tim Tunison next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Tunison, the park, with two active volcanoes, may be one of the world’s best outdoor classrooms for learning about the colonization of new geological surfaces, a process that ecologists label primary succession.
      Program cost is $50 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Student fees (K-12 and college with valid ID) are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount. Tuition includes a pictorial species identification handout and a PDF mini-book.
      To register, email institute@fhnvp.org or call 985-7373.

ALSO NEXT SATURDAY is Ka`u `Ohana Day, when participants explore Palm Trail at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by GPS and compass from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event includes lunch and cultural craft demonstrations. Call 985-6019 to pre-register.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs March 15, 2013

`Aina Koa Pono would use pasture lands between Pahala and Na`alehu, clearing them and attempting to
grow biofuel crops. Photo by Julia Neal

CAUTION WITH `AINA KOA PONO is what County of Hawai`i urged this week in its submittals to the Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed 20-year contract for the electric companies to purchase biofuel at prices higher than current oil prices. The county submitted testimony from witnesses with backgrounds in engineering, new energy development, start-up financing and agriculture.

         They pointed out that electric bills would rise and that Hawai`i Island residents, businesses and government already pay the utility company more than three times mainland rates; expensive electricity holds back economic development and burdens the poor. They said the AKP model could “crowd out” other less expensive ways to make electricity. They contended that more research needs to be done to prove the feasibility of the AKP plan to grow biofuel crops in Ka`u and to prove that a refinery can be built off Wood Valley Road near Pahala without risks to the community. They questioned the plan to use electric bills to “jump start” and finance the unproven AKP plan.

      Testimony came from the county’s energy coordinator, William J. Rolston. His background includes projects administrator and manager of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority – the facility near Kona Airport. At NELHA, he facilitated projects involving solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and a net-zero energy facility with seawater air conditioning. He developed a micro-grid master plan for NELHA. Previously, Rolston worked as a director in charge of research for institutional and private investors on energy industry developments for Gilmartin Capital, studying renewable energies, as well as oil and gas supply and demand. At Gilmartin, he supervised 11 analysts on feasibility and investment potential of energy companies and projects. He worked at Janus Mutual Funds. He served as project engineer for Siemens-Westinghouse Power generation, providing technical support for wind, photovoltaic, solar-thermal and geothermal projects. Rolston has a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA in marketing and finance.

William J. Rolston, Hawai`i County's energy coordinator, said microwave
depolymerization is an "unproven technology."

      When asked, “What have you concluded with respect to the reasonableness of the AKP Biofuel Contract?” the county’s energy coordinator responded that the AKP proposal “is not reasonable and should not be approved by the Commission based on its excessive biofuel price, long-term contract, unproven technology, lack of due-diligence, associated negative externalities (including ‘crowding- out’ of better alternatives) that will impact the community and environment for many years to come.”

      Rolston testified that “dramatically increased prices for electricity have been experienced by Island of Hawai`i residents over the past several years. These high electricity prices come at a time when the population is suffering economically, unemployment is at record rates and disposable income is shrinking dramatically. In response to these high prices, residents have cut back on their electricity use (as shown by HELCO statistics). Wealthier residents that are able to install solar panels, sign-up for net-energy-metering agreements and pay for energy efficiency measures are doing so at exponential rates. Unfortunately, the shrinking number of kilowatt-hour sales and residents that can; installing solar panels to opt-out of the cycle of high prices, puts the burden of the rising rates disproportionately on the low-income customers.”

Rolston said the burden of rising rates is disproportionately placed on
low-income customers who cannot afford alternative energy sources.

      He pointed out that “the County of Hawai`i Department of Water Supply, the largest single customer on the HELCO system (approximately five percent of Utility kWh sales), has experienced a total electric bill cost increase (23 percent per kwh over calendar year 2011); these costs are also directly passed on to water ratepayers.
      Rolston concluded that “this Biofuel Supply Contract, with it excessive price contract (if approved), would fall on remaining electricity ratepayers (that substantially pay for utility power) and negatively impact the lower-income population segment struggling for basic necessities.”
      When asked, “What have you concluded with respect to the public interest of the Biofuel Supply Contract?” the county energy coordinator testified: “Island of Hawai`i electricity prices are 35 percent higher than those on O`ahu and exceed the mainland average by more than 300 percent (through Dec. 31, 2011). Projects that could lower the cost for utility ratepayers could be “crowded-out” over the time period allowed for this experimental project, and the ratepayers would be burdened by subsidizing a biofuels technology that is largely unproven. Committing to a twenty-year supply contract that represents the largest contract for biodiesel on this island (16 million gallons per year), this contract effectively crowds out alternative, potentially more cost-effective and more proven biofuels technologies; ultimately undermining the future for the Island of Hawai`i ratepayers. Making biofuel price comparisons to short-term contracts already approved in the state that are experimental and blend with fossil fuels are not comparable to this long-term premium contract and the long-term financial consequences that can result from this large-scale unproven technology.”

      Rolston said that, “It is well-known on this island that electricity-related expenditures are a particular burden on low-income households because they cannot easily reduce consumption in the face of rising prices. Consequently, low-income households tend to spend a higher percentage of their disposable income on energy than other households. Hawai`i County (compared to Maui, Kaua`i and Honolulu Counties) has the largest population of low-income residents, the lowest median household income, the lowest median family income and the highest poverty rate in the state. Many of these ratepayers are struggling with their ever-increasing electric bills; this would add to that burden. On the Island of Hawai`i, low-income families spend more than twice as much of their income on electricity compared to the state average.”
      When asked, “What have you concluded about the associated externalities of the Biofuels Supply Contract?, the county energy coordinator testified: “County of Hawai`i believes that this large-scale project being placed in a small town setting has significant negative externalities,” and said they should be “further explored before deciding upon this project.
      “Externalities include: fuel spills or leaks associated with fuel storage or transportation of the biofuel, traffic congestion on the very narrow-curvy roads from Ka`u to Keahole Power Plant, a negative impact on tourism and future land use in the Ka`u area, roadway damage and increased noise levels. There is an overall quality of living for residents who live around the proposed project area or continue to be attracted to live there because of the small town setting. These are negative externalities based on the project’s success. There would be more negative externalities associated with the project’s failure including restoration of the area and environmental clean-up. The information we have to determine this project’s chances of success is based upon a large amount of unknowns, and failure is a distinct possibility.

Rolston said Hawai`i Island is fortunate to have geothermal
resources to create electricity.

      When asked, “What ratepayer risks should the commission consider in evaluating the Biodiesel Supply Contract? What quantitative or qualitative values should be assigned to such risks?” Rolston replied, “For the year ending Dec. 31, 2011, HELCO had already achieved an RPS penetration level of 49.9 percent, with 41.1 percent of its energy generated from renewable resources (on an hourly basis it has reached 69.5 percent and on a weekly basis has reached 51.6 percent). This exceeds the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of 40 percent (by the year 2030), and while we are proud of this achievement, it has come with a high-cost per kWh. HELCO's own statements attest that the HELCO grid has among the highest percentages of renewable energy penetration in the world, but with such high penetrations, the discussions should be moved to mitigating the high cost associated with that. Lower-cost solutions, such as the recently added eight-megawatt geothermal energy (not linked to oil), moves us toward a lower cost of electricity on an island fortunate to have this renewable resource. De-linking existing Renewable Power Purchase Agreements from oil (with the existing Independent Power Producers) on this Island should be a more productive course and less intrusive than constructing and experimenting with an unproven, high-cost biofuels technology project. Energy efficiency and demand response programs should be more cost-effectively and aggressively pursued, setting a more beneficial trajectory for an island that has achieved such high renewable generation. The most immediate ratepayer risks are pursuing this biofuels supply contract rather than more cost-effective paths to lower our utility rates.” 

      When asked, “To what extent, if any, will utility customers assume any economic risks, if the biofuel is not truly a ‘drop-in diesel’ or a substitute fuel or in the event that HELCO’s Keahole power plant must be subsequently modified, or operations altered, to accommodate biofuels?” the county energy coordinator testified: “If this project is approved, with its high cost and ratepayer subsidy, the utility customer should assume no further economic risks if the biofuel is not truly a ‘drop-in diesel’ or a substitute fuel or in the event the HELCO’s Keahole power plant must be subsequently modified, or operations altered, to accommodate biofuels. The decision to negotiate and promote the prior biofuels supply contract (PUC Docket No. 2011-0005) and this current one (PUC Docket 2012-0185) has been led by the utility.”

      When asked, “To what extent should utility customers be required to provide financial assurances for indigenous biofuel development, and if so, under what terms and conditions,” the county energy coordinator testified:
      “The role of the ratepayer is not to provide financial assurances for “jump starting” a local biofuels industry. At 40+ percent Renewable Generation on the Island of Hawai`i with its diverse, already-proven, cost-effective renewable resources, the utility customers on this island should not be required to provide financial assurances for higher-priced biofuel development. The ratepayer has already carried a high financial burden for supporting high penetrations of renewable energy they thought was meant to achieve lower-priced electricity on this island. At the highest electricity rates in the nation, the Island of Hawai`i utility customer is already burdened with enough financial liability. When biofuels and biomass projects can compete to effectively lower the cost of utility customer bills, we will consider those projects, provide support and help make them happen.”
      See more testimony from the county on AKP in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs. The entire testimony can be read at www.puc.hawaii.gov. Click on `Aina Koa Pono and on documents to read the history of this case.

A HEALTH FAIR TAKES PLACE AT MILOLI`I tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone to receive health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and weight. Education will be on diabetes, women’s health, heart health and pharmacy. Family fun will include a keiki sport camp, Easter Egg Hunt, raffle giveaways and keiki crafts. The event is sponsored by the University of Hawai`i-Hilo College of Pharmacy PHI DELTA CHI Hawai`i Chapter.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTER holds its bi-annual rummage sale to benefit the volunteer fire department today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

`Ukulele builders will be the youth this weekend, making their
instruments out of koa. Photo by Julia Neal

`UKULELE BUILDING WORKSHOP takes place today and tomorrow with about 35 students using koa to create their instruments. The workshop is sponsored by Center for Hawaiian Music Studies and is held at Pahala Plantation House.

TOMORROW’S CONCERT AT Pahala Plantation House features piligrass music with Aloha Bluegrass Band and Keoki Kahumoku performing at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15 to $20. For more information, call 938-6582.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs March 14, 2013

A Hawaiian monk seal visited Green Sands Beach yesterday. Wildlife officials ask that the public stay away. She may
be pregnant. Photo by Brady Barrows

PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS are planned for Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, according to Jeremy Staat, of Ohana Solar Power, LLC. Staat said this morning that his company has invested $10 to $12 million in fee-simple properties in Hawai`i, technology and proposals to the electric utilities. He said he is waiting for approvals from the state Public Utilities Commission and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. for the Ranchos project in Hawai`i.
      Staat said his company plans solar on three islands and owns 20 lots in Ranchos. Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Solar Hub Utilities show that building permits were issued for all 20 lots in early 2012.

A veteran of the Marines and the NFL, Jeremy Staat plans solar in
Ranchos. Photo from nflplayers.com

     “Unfortunately, we are stuck in dealing with Hawaiian Electric Co. and the PUC after they invited us to put in these projects,” he said.
      The proposed locations of the solar installations are on Maikai Boulevard, Kahili Boulevard, Lanikai Drive, Li`i Boulevard, Kona Kai Boulevard, Macadamia Drive, and Poha Drive.
      Don Nitsche, a member of Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. and the Ranchos Community Association, said this morning that both groups are interested in learning more about the project. Residents also asked whether the utility would also allow them to put solar systems on their properties and feed back into the grid.
      Ohana Solar Power, LLC is listed as a Nevada company with its principal Jeremy Staat, of Bakersfield, California. Staat is a former professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the St. Louis Rams. More recently, he served in Iraq as a U.S. Marine. He earned a degree from Arizona State University, where he was roommate and friend with Pat Tillman, an NFL player who joined the Marines and was killed in Afghanistan. Staat heads the Jeremy Staat Foundation. See his community work at www.jeremystaatfoundation.org.

KA`U’S CATHOLIC CHURCH MEMBERS are celebrating the selection yesterday of the new pope for the 1.2 billion Catholic congregation worldwide. Of Italian heritage and a speaker of the Italian language, Pope Francis, whose given name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, comes from Argentina. He is the only non-European named pope in more than 1,200 years.
      Pope Francis is known as pastoral and for living simply in an apartment rather than a cardinal’s official residence. In Argentina, he frequently chooses to take the bus over a cardinal vehicle. All eyes are on the popemobile to see how often he rides it.
      After being selected on Wednesday, Pope Francis greeted the 114 cardinals on the floor at the Vatican rather than sitting on the pope’s throne.
      With a reputation of being humble, Pope Francis is expected to maintain a conservative approach to the Catholic Church, shying away from support of gay marriage and adoptions of children by gay couples. Pope Francis has managed Catholic institutions in Argentina and never worked in the Vatican. He is considered an outsider of the politics of the Vatican in Europe.
      Father Martin, the Catholic priest for Na`alehu and Pahala, also comes from outside the world of the Vatican. He is originally from Africa and is expected to address the selection of the new pope at services in Na`alehu and Pahala.

The old spaceport idea for Ka`u was exhumed in the state Legislature
and in the press last week. Image from capitol.hawaii.gov

THE OLD SPACEPORT IDEA FOR KA`U was exhumed last week at the state Legislature and in the press with discussions of space travel and research possibilities for Hawai`i. Erin Miller, of West Hawai`i Today, however, reported yesterday that Mayor Billy Kenoi said, “We’re far, far away from any approvals” for rocket and satellite launching facilities. In 1994, wrote Miller, the mayor, then a law student, joined in the opposition to a launch facility proposed by C. Brewer in Ka`u. According to the West Hawai`i Today story, the mayor said the Environmental Impact Statement was inadequate. Kenoi told the reporter that he would have to see a specific proposal before giving any new consideration to space launch facilities on the Big Island, West Hawai`i Today reported. See www.westhawaiitoday.com.

NAMING SADDLE ROAD for Sen. Daniel Inouye received a kanalua vote from Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford this week, meaning she has reservations. During Council deliberations, Ford noted that county ordinances require street names to be in Hawaiian and that several constituents had reminded her. The Council voted unanimously, however, to support the state highway being renamed Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Highway in honor of the late and long-serving U.S. senator.

PAYING DOCTORS TO SPEAK on behalf of drug companies is not something physician and West Ka`u Senator Josh Green supports. In a West Hawai`i Today story by Erin Miller, Green said that he has never been comfortable drug companies buying expensive meals or rounds of golf for doctors. People already distrust the medical system, and those actions don’t increase anyone’s trust, he said. “That’s pure corruption,” Green told West Hawai`i Today. “They’re buying a hired gun.” The story reports on Big Island doctors receiving speaking fees from drug companies. See www.westhawaiitoday.com.

UH pharmacy students will hold a health screening fair at Miloli`i
this Saturday.

MILOLI`I IS U.H. PHARMACY STUDENTS’ destination on Saturday, when they will hold a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone to receive health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and weight. Education will be on diabetes, women’s health, heart health and pharmacy. Family fun will include a keiki sport camp, Easter Egg Hunt, raffle giveaways and keiki crafts. The event is sponsored by the University of Hawai`i-Hilo College of Pharmacy Phi Delta Chi Hawai`i Chapter.

PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY is sponsoring a haiku poetry-writing contest as part of its 50th anniversary. Deadline for Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School students to enter the contest is 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Students will read their poems, and prizes will be awarded, at a celebration on Friday, April 19 during National Library Week. For more information about the contest, see Debbie Wong Yuen at the library or call 928-2015.
      The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with performances throughout the day by local hula halau, students of Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School and craft demonstrations by the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u. There will also be contests, door prizes and refreshments.
      Throughout National Library Week, Friends of Ka`u Libraries will have a book sale. Donations of good used books are welcomed to help with the book sale. Monies raised help support both Pahala Public &School Library and Na`alehu Public Library with programs and materials. Donations can be dropped off at both libraries.
      Wong Yuen encourages everyone to support Pahala Public &School Library by using it often. While it is currently open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Plans are in the works to be open five days a week and longer hours. On Friday afternoons a free movie matinee begins at 2 p.m.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTER is taking donations today for its bi-annual rummage sale tomorrow and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds are used to purchase equipment for the volunteer fire department. For more information, call Suzanne at 929-9576.

A CONCERT AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE Saturday features piligrass music when Aloha Bluegrass Band and Keoki Kahumoku perform at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15 to $20. For more information, call 938-6582.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free hikes and other programs on weekends this month.
      On Saturday, a guided 2.6-mile hike explores Palm Trail, crossing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. The relatively easy, three-hour hike begins at 9:30 a.m.
      Lunch with a Ranger takes place Sunday, March 17 and Saturday, March 30 at 11:30 a.m. Rangers choose varied topics and guide an open discussion with visitors over a bring-your-own-bag lunch. Check Activities Boards at Kahuku Visitor Greeting Area for the day’s topic and location.
      Registration is required for Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants explore Palm Trail by GPS and compass. The free event includes lunch and cultural craft demonstrations. Call 985-6019.

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

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