Ka`u News Briefs May 23, 2013

The Ka`u District Gym & Shelter under construction will be hardened to withstand a category three hurricane,
which has winds between 111 and 130 miles per hour.

HURRICANE SEASON IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC BASIN will be below normal this year, announced National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 25 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a five percent chance of an above-normal season. 

      Forecasters expect one to three tropical cyclones to affect the central Pacific this season. An average season has four to five tropical cyclones, which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
      The outlook for a below-normal season is based on the continuation of neutral El Nino-Southern Oscillation conditions. The Central Pacific Basin also remains on the low activity side of a multi-decadal cycle. Historical records show that this combination of conditions tends to produce a less active hurricane season for the central Pacific, according to NOAA.

Two hurricanes passed south of Ka`u last July.

      This outlook is a general guide to the overall seasonal hurricane activity in the central Pacific and does not predict whether, where, when, or how many of these systems will affect Hawai`i.
      NOAA urges Hawai`i residents to be fully prepared before the hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs until Nov. 30.
      “I encourage the public to become weather-ready by signing up for weather alerts, developing a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit before hurricane season begins,” said Ray Tanabe, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “Just because the season is predicted to be ‘below normal’ does not mean that a single storm cannot have significant impacts.”
      The Central Pacific Hurricane Center continuously monitors weather conditions, employing a network of satellites, land- and ocean-based sensors and aircraft reconnaissance missions operated by NOAA and its partners. This array of data supplies the information for complex computer modeling and human expertise that serves as the basis for the hurricane center’s track and intensity forecasts that extend out five days.
      The seasonal hurricane outlook is produced in collaboration with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service.

 NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Working with partners, NOAA’s National Weather Service is building a Weather-Ready Nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.
      NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources.
      Find out more at weather.gov.

No tsunami threat has been produced by an earthquake south of Fiji.

A 7.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS this morning produced no tsunami threat to Hawai`i, reported Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. 

      U.S. Geological Survey explains earthquake magnitudes and their relationships to tsunami:
      Earthquakes of magnitudes below 6.5
 are very unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
      Magnitudes between 6.5 and 7.5
 do not usually produce destructive tsunamis. However, small sea level changes may be observed in the vicinity of the epicenter. Tsunamis capable of producing damage or casualties are rare in this magnitude range but have occurred due to secondary effects such as landslides or submarine slumps.
      Magnitudes between 7.6 and 7.8
 may produce destructive tsunamis especially near the epicenter; at greater distances, small sea level changes may be observed. Tsunamis capable of producing damage at great distances are rare in the magnitude range.
      For magnitude 7.9 and greater
, destructive local tsunamis are possible near the epicenter, and significant sea level changes and damage may occur in a broader region.
      With a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the probability of an aftershock with a magnitude exceeding 7.5 is not negligible. To date, the largest aftershock recorded has been magnitude 7.1 that did not produce a damaging tsunami.

      See more at earthquake.usgs.gov.

Hawai`i Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine order
relating to Bovine Trichomoniasis. Photo from HDOA

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S Animal Industry Division has issued a quarantine order that requires testing of all beef and dairy bulls for Bovine Trichomoniasis prior to entry into the state and before movement between herds within the state. 

      Bovine Trichomoniasis is a serious contagious reproductive disease of cattle that can cause significant production losses and economic harm to affected herds. It is a disease of cattle only that is spread during breeding and does not affect humans or the safety of beef.
      The quarantine order requires that all herd owners in Hawai`i have their bulls tested with a negative result for Trichomoniasis prior to being sold, acquired or moved. The order also requires that bulls 12 months of age or older enter Hawai`i with a negative test result for Trichomoniasis that was conducted within 30 days of arrival in Hawai`i. In addition, bulls for entry shall not have contact with female cattle after testing and prior to arrival in Hawai`i.
      Trichomoniasis was detected in bulls in Ka`u in 2011, triggering area testing of exposed herds, slaughter surveillance testing and testing by private veterinarians in 2011 and 2012.
      Ten infected herds have been detected – nine on Hawai`i Island (Ka`u, North Hilo and Kohala districts) and one on O`ahu (Makakilo). All of the infected herds have association or had contact with the Ka`u or Kohala infected herds.

      Infected herds were issued individual quarantine orders by the state veterinarian, and herd clean-up plans were instituted. There has been no spread from infected herds since the individual quarantine orders were placed. One herd has been released from quarantine and remains negative for the disease. Four herds achieved one negative test round on all bulls, have been retested and are being evaluated for quarantine release. The four remaining herds continue to test positive and are continuing testing programs, with removal of positive bulls along with other control measures aimed at eliminating infection.
      According to the Department of Agriculture, its and cattle producers’ experiences with the protracted nature of this disease and the cost to clean up infections in herds warrants this statewide effort by all cattle owners to prevent Trichomoniasis from spreading.
      Trichomoniasis is found in many areas of the United States and is an economically important venereal disease of cattle because it can reduce a calf production due to a large number of cows that can abort or reabsorb their pregnancy when they get infected.
      Thirty to 70 percent of cows or heifers bred to infected bulls can lose their pregnancy several months after conception.
      It has not been determined how the disease got to Hawai`i; however, the disease is found in many states on the mainland where Hawai`i cattle producers purchase cattle.
      To read the full quarantine order, see http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/QO-132-2013.0521-BOVINE-TRICHOMONIASIS.pdf.

Bobby Gomes, seen here at Ka`u District Shelter &
Gym groundbreaking, was keynote speaker at Ka`u
High School graduation. Photo by Julia Neal

POLICE COMMISSIONER BOBBY GOMES was keynote speaker at Ka`u High School’s graduation ceremonies last Friday. Gomes told members of the Class of 2013 to appreciate `ohana. “Be proud of your name and your parents,” he said. Gomes emphasized love of the country and apologized for turning it over to the next generation “in such a bad shape.” Gomes also advised the graduating class to get involved in politics and to run for office and find jobs they enjoy so that they “can love what you do.” He thanked teachers for their hard work and dedication. He said he could tell that the graduates were very close to one another. As Principal Sharon Beck gave out diplomas, “she was given hugs to show that `ohana love – the closeness,” Gomes said. 

HALAU KAHULA O NAWAHINE NOHO PU`UKAPU, under the direction of kumu hula Ana Nawahine Kahoopii, perform Sunset Hula tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This is the first of four sunset performances to be held once each month through August, with dates and times chosen specifically for their closeness to the full moon cycle and actual times of sunset.
      For more information, call 967-8222 or email julie@volcanoartcenter.org.

PALM TRAIL HIKE TAKES PLACE SUNDAY from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has to offer. Call 985-6011 for more information.

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 May 22, 2013

Volcano Art Center's new Sunset Hula programs feature Halau Kahula O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu.
Photo by Dino Morrow

LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS USED ITS CREDIT to become top bidder on more than 5,800 acres of Ka`u coffee, cattle and coastal conservation lands yesterday during a foreclosure auction at a Honolulu courthouse. The only outside bidder was Edmund C. Olson, who said he wanted to protect the Ka`u Coffee lands which make up less than 400 acres of the total. Each time Olson bid, a Lehman representative bid more until Olson dropped out at $12 million.
      Observing the bidding from Ka`u were Chris Manfredi, who has managed the land and helped promote Ka`u Coffee to international fame, and Malian Lahey, who said she hopes to help the farmers keep the acreage where they grow Ka`u Coffee. Also observing were representatives of The Nature Conservancy, who said they have an interest in preserving the coastal parcels.
      Lehman’s bidding more than Olson does not mean the company had to put up money. It means that Lehman was willing to use credit towards the money it is owed to secure ownership of the property. Lehman bid $12,246,000.

Lehman Bros. became owners of more than 5,800 acres of Ka`u coffee,
cattle and coastal conservation lands at yesterday's auction.

      The auction was part of the Lehman foreclosure on the Windwalker entities that borrowed $45 million from Lehman to develop the property, with the first subdivision to have been the lands where more than 30 farmers are growing their famous Ka`u Coffee and becoming successful entrepreneurs after many of them lost their jobs at the sugar company in Ka`u in 1996. 

      Windwalker and its representative Chris Manfredi were successful in convincing the county to allow Windwalker to subdivide the 2,000 acres on which the coffee growers farm some 380 acres into estate-type parcels, most of them under the 20 acres for which the land is agriculturally zoned. However, final approval would require millions of dollars in road and other infrastructure improvements. That opportunity could go to Lehman, while the coffee farmers say they hope the land where they farm will be set aside in long-term leases or as an ag park without subdivision of their orchards. Farmers said they need land security for their growing Ka`u Coffee business. Most of their long-term leases, left over from the old sugar company that used to own the land, have expired.
      The lands went to auction as a bundle, but Lehman could choose to sell the parcels separately to varying interested parties once a judge reviews the auction, considers any last-minute bids in the courtroom and confirms the results.
      Olson said yesterday that he is interested in the coffee not only for the farmers themselves but also for the coffee mill he built on Wood Valley Road. “We can buy all the coffee they can provide us,” he said. The foreclosure will be finalized before a judge who will allow additional bidding on the property.

Solar Hub Utilities plans to construct photovoltaic panels on ag lots
in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos. Image from sehsolar.com

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS TO BE CONSTRUCTED on eighteen three-acre lots with agriculture zoning in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos should cover one acre per lot, according to a story by Erin Miller for Stephens Media. Pat Shudak, CEO of Solar Hub Utilities, told Miller he expects work on the 250-kilowatt-hour project to begin within two or three months. The company is contracting to sell energy to Hawaiian Electric Light Co. for 23.6 cents per kilowatt-hour through its feed-in tariff program. 

      Some residents have expressed concern about the project, Miller reported. Ward Lambert, who said some of the lots have vegetation and mature `ohi`a trees, asked, “Are they going to bulldoze them?” He had previously said to The Ka`u Calendar, “Ag is green; tearing out trees is not green.”
      Another concern mentioned is the probability that the lots will have chain-link fencing to protect the panels. Shudak told Miller he would use shrubbery and other foliage to mask the fences.
      Regarding lack of communication about the project with the community, Shudak told Miller that he did try to contact a community association in the area, “but couldn’t get through to anyone.”
      Several members of the Hawaiian Ranchos Maintenance Corp. and the Ranchos Association said that they had not been contacted, however at press time Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. had begun negotiations with Shudak.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Deputy Police Chief Paul Ferreira and other officers
met with Ka`u residents yesterday.

KA`U RESIDENTS EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT at a community meeting in Na`alehu yesterday. Lani and Bill Petrie, of Kapapala Ranch, noted that, with help they received from the police, they were able to reach a mediated agreement with trespassers. 

      The Petries voiced their concerns about night hunting, which is dangerous because hunters cannot be sure what they’re shooting at in the dark. Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira said the department is joining the Department of Land and Natural Resources in another hunter education program. Lani Petrie said it really helped the last time the program was used.
      Another resident thanked the police for help in a dispute over land ownership. The resident said he had been issued a trespass warning when on land he thinks is his. An officer told him, “There’s nothing keeping you from filing suit against the other person if you think he is on your land” and that land disputes are settled in civil courts.
      Discovery Harbour resident Harry McIntosh asked the officers what their main concerns are in Ka`u. Ferreira said agricultural thefts are of concern at present, although they have “slowed down.”
      Ferreira brought up Chief Harry Kubojiri’s request that the County Council include five more officers for Ka`u in the upcoming budget, noting that Ka`u is one of the fastest growing districts in Hawai`i County. He said that would allow one additional officer per shift. Recruits would come from a class graduating in June. Kubojiri is also hoping to fill a vacant sergeant position in Ka`u.
Ferreira asked that people call with concerns and not wait until their next community meeting. He said they are always available to attend Neighborhood Watch and other meetings.
      Community Policing Officer Blaine Morishita thanked residents for their cooperation, saying, “Ka`u is an awesome place to work.”

STORYTIME WITH AUNTIE JUDI is a new program at Na`alehu Public Library tomorrow and every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Along with reading of stories and nursery rhymes, toddlers and preschoolers can participate in a simple craft. Call 939-2443 for more information.

Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba joins PBS's
Insight panel tomorrow.

FOOD SECURITY WILL BE THE SUBJECT of the PBS television program Insights tomorrow at 8 p.m. with Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba, of Kuahiwi Ranch, on the panel. 

      Dan Boylan moderates and said that studies estimate that as much as 90 percent of Hawai`i’s food is imported, placing the islands at the mercy of shipping interruptions and natural disasters. Guests will explore what can be done to reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on imports and encourage local food production.
      Also scheduled to appear are Shin Ho, farmer at Ho Farms; Lynette Larson, general manager of Kokua Market; and Fred Lau, aquaponics farmer at Mari’s Gardens.
      Viewers can join the live discussion at pbshawaii.org or through Twitter using the #PBSinsights hash tag.

SUNSET HULA, THE LATEST ADDITION To Volcano Art Center’s expanding Hula Arts at Kilauea program, takes place Friday at 6 p.m. at the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      One evening per month through August, VAC enhances the lava glow experience by introducing special hula performances just before sunset. The dates and times were chosen specifically for their closeness to the full moon cycle and actual times of sunset. “We are thrilled to have the dancers of Halau Kahula O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu performing under the direction of kumu hula Ana Nawahine Kahoopii,” said VAC’s Hula Program coordinator Julie Callahan. “Their movement is pure poetry come to life.”
      Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222 or email julie@volcanoartcenter.org.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO IS LOOKING for contestants to enter its special Pork in the Park event on Father’s Day. The barbecue pork contest will take place during a free family event at Honu`apo Park Sunday, June 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Along with first-, second- and third-place prizes, the public will be able to sample entries and vote for the Fan Favorite. The event will also feature local musicians, shave ice for sale and a big tent to relax under. 

      “If you think you have the ‘chops’ to win this contest, or you know someone who can, please contact me,” said organizer Lehua Lopez-Mau. “We’re also looking for volunteers to help us set up and clean up.” Contact Lopez-Mau at 929-9891 or ka_ohana@gmail.com to register or for more information.

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 May 21, 2013

Moa`ula coffee growers are anxiously waiting to see who the new owner of the land will be when it and other
properties are auctioned at noon today.

MOA`ULA COFFEE LANDS are scheduled to be auctioned off at noon today on the lanai of the First Circuit Court Building in Honolulu. The coffee farms, which have been the economic hope of more than 30 farmers since the shutdown of the sugar plantation in 1996, are tied up in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy disaster of 2008. Lehman Brothers has foreclosed on 5,800 acres of farm, coastal and residential land in Ka`u that was purchased from C. Brewer subsidiaries by Windwalker, Hawai`i and WWK Hawai`i Holdings, a group led by developer Alan Worden. 

      The coffee growers farm fewer than 400 acres in a Project Unit Development area of some 2,000 acres that has been approved for subdivision into estates. The growers, who said all their leases are over or running out, are anxiously waiting to learn who will be the new owner and possibly new manager for the lands. If Lehman Bros. keeps the property by not accepting any bids, it could later sell off parcels perhaps at higher prices than the the price that could be drawn for the 5,800 acres that are bundled for the all-or-nothing sale at auction.
      Other properties included in the bundled sale include large acreage around Waikapuna, lands on the hillside of Honu`apo and lots with and without homes.

Gov. Abercrombie signed a law requiring all occupants of a vehicle to
buckle up. Photo from Office of the Governor

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED INTO LAW two traffic safety bills aimed at saving lives and reducing serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes in Hawai`i.

 “Hawai`i is putting safety first on our roadways with the enactment of our state’s universal seat belt law. This measure closes the gap in protecting all passengers riding in a motor vehicle,” Abercrombie said. “In addition, the enactment of Hawai`i’s distracted driving law establishes consistency across the state for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, simplifying enforcement and likewise making our highways and roadways safer.”

 

      Senate Bill 4, enacted as Act 73, is effective immediately. It requires all front- and back-seat occupants to buckle up. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back-seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on a state Department of Health analysis of Emergency Medical Services records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts, compared to restrained passengers. 

“The Department of Health is pleased to see rates of passenger-related injuries going down based on high levels of seat belt use among front-seat passengers,” said director Loretta Fuddy. “We anticipate that we’ll see further reductions in injuries and death with the passage of this law for back seat passengers.”


      House Bill 980, enacted as Act 74, is effective July 1. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the Department of Transportation shows that during 2007, 32 percent were attributed to inattention to driving. 

“People are injured or dying each year simply because they were not paying attention to the road. The possibility of causing a crash that could ruin lives is just too great,” said DOT director Glenn Okimoto. “We are focusing on changing the behaviors of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness and education – the same activities that have helped curb impaired driving and increased seat belt use. Our goal is to help drivers understand that texting, cell phone use, and other distractions behind the wheel can have dangerous consequences.”
      The bill signings were held in conjunction with DOT’s launch of the annual Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, a partnership between the state and counties with federal funding.

REGARDING HAWAI`I COUNTY’S TESTIMONY on the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel refined above Pahala from biomass grown in Ka`u to Hawai`i Electric Light Co., the state Consumer Advocate asked the county to provide all analyses upon which it relied as the basis for its position “that HELCO termination of the proposed AKP agreement has the potential to delay meeting its renewable energy objectives.” 

      “The AKP project is estimated to contribute approximately two percent toward Hawai`i’s Renewable Portfolio Standards,” Hawai`i county responded. “On the Big Island, AKP diesel will supply (redacted as confidential) of the target facility’s diesel consumption, and over (redacted as confidential) of total power-generation diesel demand on the Big Island. AKP is relying on early-stage technology (and, based on lack of evidence to indicate otherwise, extremely early-stage technology) that has yet to be demonstrated at meaningful larger scale. In an industry where there are substantial, and often project-killing, scale-up risks between laboratory/small-scale demonstrations and commercial operations, any potential customer of products made from such processes is wise to exercise caution.

Hawai`i County calls AKP's MicroDee process "extremely early-stage
technology." Photo from TekGar

      “Analysis in the original 2011-0005 docket indicates that AKP biodiesel is an important, but not the sole contributor to meeting RPS biofuel expectations: ‘The analyses show that there is no single answer for the companies to meet the challenges of the RPS requirements, but the HELCO biodiesel is one strategy that would help the near-term and long-term RPS requirements.’ 

      “With such a large commitment of its demand based on such early-stage technology — that inherently carries large risks of scale-up — it is not inconceivable that the HELCO-AKP contract is terminated. For example, AKP may simply be unable to make fuel. The fuel may not meet specifications. AKP may not be able to deliver fuel within economic constraints of the fixed price, and may choose to shut down.
      “In any of these events, the end result would be that – after however many years it has taken to get to this point – a substantial component of the utility’s and the state’s renewable power expectations would disappear, and the utility and state will be that much behind in meeting their RPS goals.
      “Since it is true that the Big Island already exceeds RPS targets, this may not be of such importance for the Island of Hawai`i – although there will be disruptions as new diesel supply sources must be established. This setback to the RPS may be of greater importance at the state level, however, and it is at the Commission’s discretion to determine whether basing such large contributions to the RPS on such early-stage technology is good policy.
      More testimony will be covered in future Ka`u News Briefs. All testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S 2013 iFILM CAMP is accepting financial aid applications through this Friday. The camp, which focuses on video production arts, is for ages 10 to 14. It will be held at VAC’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village weekdays from June 3 to June 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      The first week focuses on storyboarding, shot lists, camera basics, performance arts and equipment use and care. The goal for week one is to complete a public service announcement on a community need in Volcano.
      The second week’s project progresses into creating a five- to 15-minute biographical project on a local Volcano “celebrity.” All projects focus on the importance of teamwork.
      Fees are $400, or $360 for VAC members. Space is limited to eight students. Call 967-8222 to register.

Hawai`i County Police Chief
Harry Kubojiri

HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT holds a community meeting today from noon to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center 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 Ka`u. 

AUDITIONS FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST continue this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents the musical July 12 – 28.
      For more information, call 982-7344, email kden73@aol.com or check KDEN’s Facebook page.

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.