Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013

Sunset at South Point, Kalae, last night, captured by Ka`u photographer Peter Anderson.

SHARK SIGHTING - KEEP OUT signs are posted at turtle laden Punalu`u Beach today following a tiger shark biting a bodyboarder 20 yards off shore in 8 feet of water at Ninole Horseshoe  around 8 a.m.. The 29 year-old Captain Cook man was paddling out to bodyboard for his second session with two friends when a shark knocked him off his board.  According to police reports, companions of the surfer identified the attacker as a tiger shark about ten to 12 feet long. Friends escorted the victim to  Ka`u Hospital where he was treated in the Emergency Room, receiving stitches and released.
      As a precaution, the lifeguard at Punalu`u posted signs along the waterfront. Swimming, wading, diving and surfing are prohibited. If no sharks are seen following a helicopter flyover tomorrow by the county fire department, the beach could be reopened by noon.
      Punalu`u waterman Guy Enriques said his sons saw a tiger shark in the bay earlier this week when they were diving at Punalu`u. This is the fourteenth shark attack in the state this year, eight of them in waters off Maui, including one leading to the death of a kayak fisherman. Until this year there were no fatal shark attacks in Hawai`i in a decade. In August, a surfer at Dead Trees in Poho`iki suffered bites to his leg and was hospitalized and recovered.
     O Ka`u Kakou, the community organization, has volunteered to help warn the public to stay out of the water at Punalu`u until the beach reopens, a statement from the State Department of Land & Natural Resources reports. Punalu`u is a favorite spot for sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, a favorite food of tiger sharks.

THE VACANT STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEAT to be left by Denny Coffman, who is resigning to help his family, will be determined through the district’s Democratic party members interviewing prospective candidates and submitting three names directly to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The governor will make the appointment of the new House member to serve west Ka`u and Kona.
     Names mentioned so far include current County Council member Brenda Ford, who said she plans to stay on the council, south Kona organic coffee farmer Una Greenway; Maile David, who ran to be Ka`u’s County Council member last election and now works for the county clerk; and Dru Kanuha, serving his first term in the County Council.

Denny Coffman resigns to care for his
 family. Photo by William Neal

     The former County Council member for Ka`u, Brittany Smart, who has been living on Maui for the last four months, called it “surreal” that her name was listed as a possibility by Civil Beat other news organizations. She said this morning that she would be unable to take the legislative position with her and her husband’s work commitment on Maui. Smart and her husband were both transferred by their company to its Maui EKO Systems composting facility. Living on Maui, she is ineligible to represent District 5 on the Big Island.
     Smart praised Coffman for his work in the legislature and said, “My heart goes out to Denny and his struggles with his family.” This could not have happened to a nicer guy.
    Chair for the Ka`u area for the Hawai`i County Democrats Committee is Dr. Richard Creagan. Chair for the island is David Tarnas.

HAWAI`I RANKS AT THE TOP AS HEALTHIEST PLACE TO LIVE in 2013, according to United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings, released this morning. At the bottom is Mississippi. During the last 24 years, Hawai`i reached number one four times and ranked in the top six in every one of the last 15 years.
    In major measures, Hawai`i ranks third in the country for the least number of smokers and third for the least number of obese people. Hawai`i ranks seventh in the fewest number of people with diabetes. It ranks second in the determinants of good health, with a high rate of health insurance coverage and access to health care. It has one of the lowest rates for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Hawai`i boasts the highest rate of childhood immunization in the country. Eighty-two percent of people exercise regularly in Hawai`i, compared to 77 percent nationally.

Hui Malama provides health services and education in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

These are more of the Hawai`i highlights, which also show some challenges, according to the America’s Health Rankings report:
• In the past year, smoking prevalence decreased from 16.8 percent to 14.6 percent of adults; however, more than 150,000 adults still smoke.

• Nationally, Hawai`i has one of the lowest prevalence of obesity; however, there are almost 250,000 obese adults in the state.
• In the past year, the violent crime rate decreased from 287 to 239 offenses per 100,000 population.
• In the past five years, levels of air pollution increased from 4.6 to 9.1 micrograms of fine particulate per cubic meter.
• Hawai`i has the lowest rate of preventable hospitalizations in the nation. In the past 10 years, preventable hospitalizations decreased from 34.8 to 27.4 discharges per 1,000 Medicare enrollees. 

     In addition to the low rate of obesity within the population dominated by Asian, multiracial and Caucasian residents, the health of Native Hawaiians, who have previously registered some of the shortest life spans in the country, has also improved in the last decade, Hawai`i based studies show.
     Local education through Native Hawaiian programs, such as Hui Malama, based in Na`alehu, urges and supports preventative care and teaches a move away from fast foods toward simpler, locally grown nutrition, which gave Hawaiians a healthy and fit lifestyle in ancient times. While obesity rates among Hawaiians are going down, obesity rates within the U.S. population are soaring, rising from around 13 percent in 1990 to 28 percent in 2011. 

    Nationally, diabetes rates have risen since 1996 from under 5 percent to around 9 percent.
     Another organization deep into health education is Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., which is helping local residents sign up for insurance through the Hawai`i Health Connector. Its executive director Jessie Marques also helps organize health fairs, training for careers in health and organizing studies of lung health in the wake of volcanic emissions. See www.krhcai.com.
     Reaching out to the community to improve health care is Ka`u Hospital which urges residents to fill out its survey online or in person. See surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

        Another advance in Ka`u health care is the recent opening of the new Bay Clinic facility in Na`alehu for medical, dental and mental health services. The staff sees patients regardless of whether they have health insurance. 

     Making a big impact on preventative health care is the HMSA health van which gives free physicals to student athletes in Ocean View and on the campus of Ka`u High School, as well as free care to anyone.
     The 2013 America's Health Rankings are not only based on lifestyle choices, availability of medical and preventative care, but also the amount of pollution in the environment. Hawai`i has a low rate of pollution, but more particulates in the air in recent years due to the ongoing volcanic eruption.    

    According to a story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser this morning, State of Hawai`i Director of Health Loretta Fuddy said the number one ranking “reminds us how fortunate we are to live in the Aloha State.” She noted that state government has long helped the needy with coverage through Med-Quest and the state child health insurance programs.
     "We do very well for the population that's economically challenged," Fuddy said.

A STRONG VOICE FOR CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE is what Gov. Neil Abercrombie calls his participation in the President’s Task Force on the issue. Abercrombie attended the first meeting yesterday at the White House’s Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. On the task force are seven other governors, numerous mayors and Native American tribal officials.
   A statement from Abercrombie said, “The President established the task force to advise his administration on how the federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are currently dealing with or anticipate extreme weather, sea level rise, and other impacts of climate change.”
 Named to the task force last month, Abercrombie attended along with Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro and Hawaii State Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Kozak Thiel.
     Cited as factors in his selection for the task force were Abercrombie’s congressional experience (including serving on the Armed Forces Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and as a senior member on the Natural Resources Committee) “along with his ability to provide insight into the needs of the Asia-Pacific region,” the statement from his office said.

HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU’S Public Access Room offers free training to help the public follow the 2014 state Legislature tomorrow, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The training demystifies the state lawmaking process and demonstrates ways people can participate in the Legislature.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL WAHINE VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM fell to the Konawaena Wildcats last night, 11 - 69. Denisha Navarro led the Trojans , scoring 6 points. Ka`u Wahine basketball will host the Kea`au Cougars on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL team spent four days at the Waiakea - Kea`au Classic Basketball tournament in Hilo from Dec. 4 - 7. On Wednesday, Ka`u defeated Kea`au Two, 57 - 41. On Thursday, Konawaena defeated Ka`u, 58 - 20. On Friday, Kea`au Defeated Ka`u 59 - 40, and on Saturday, Kaiser defeated Ka`u 69 - 32. The next preseason tournament will be on Dec. 19 - 21 hosted by St. Joseph High School.

Drake Fujimoto invites all keiki to the annual Hana Hou Christmas party today
 at 5 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY is today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Na`alehu. The annual event includes buffet dinner, lucky number prizes, keiki ID and photos with Santa. Call 929-9717 for more information.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE holds its annual dinner and meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 12 at Tiki Mama's, near the corner of Aloha and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Cost is $12 per person for dinner. Entertainment at 5 p.m. will feature live music by The Last Fling Dance Band and magic by Allan Humble. Dinner and voting are at 6 p.m. RSVP to cytodbd@aol.com or 930-4697.

SECOND SATURDAY VOLCANO POTTERY SALE will be held at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus on the lawn beside Hale Ho'omana, from 9 am - 4 pm. this Saturday, Dec. 14. Big Island potters TR Andrews, Ron Hanatani, Shannon Hickey and Carol Yamashita will show and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural work, in this outdoor setting.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues its exhibit featuring artist-designed holiday wreaths and ornaments continues, in addition to the fine art that the gallery features year-round. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day but Christmas Day from now until the end of the year.

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 Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013

Hawai`i Legislature's Public Access Room offers training on the lawmaking process Thursday at Pahala Plantation House.

WEST KA`U’S STATE REP. DENNY COFFMAN is resigning. Coffman recently lost his wife after a long illness, and his daughter is currently battling cancer. He plans to move to the mainland to help care for her and his grandchild.

Denny Coffman

      “I am extremely honored to have been elected by the people of Hawai`i Island and to serve three terms in the Legislature,” he said in a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that I made this decision, but as a father and grandfather, I am firmly committed to my family and will be there for my daughters and grandchildren in their time of need. I leave knowing that I have represented the communities of Hawai`i Island and the state to the best of my ability.”
      Coffman was chair of the House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection during the 2011 and 2012 sessions. He also currently serves on the Judiciary, Water & Land and Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs committees.
      “Denny served our country and state with great honor and strength of purpose,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “He represented the people of Hawai`i Island well and helped set the state on a viable path to a responsible and economically sustainable energy policy, which will benefit generations to come.”
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEMOCRATIC CHAIR DANTE CARPENTER said Coffman “has done a helluva job for West Hawai`i and the state of Hawai`i. We wish him well in tending to his daughter’s physical ailment at this time.”
      According to a story in Civil Beat, Carpenter said talks are underway regarding the process of nominating Coffman’s replacement.

Brenda Ford

      Hawai`i’s Democratic Party has 30 days to submit a list of three names for consideration by the governor, who, according to Hawai`i law, has 60 days from the time of the resignation, Dec. 20, to appoint a replacement.
      Sen. Josh Green said, “Denny stands out in how analytical and nonpolitical he was as a legislator.” Green and other lawmakers pointed out Coffman’s contributions to ethical standards and energy policy, including development of renewable sources such as geothermal.
      See civilbeat.com.
     To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD said she does not plan to pursue the seat being vacated by state Rep. Denny Coffman. “I am staying on the council through the end of this term,” Ford said. “That is all that I am planning for at this time. I feel I can best serve my constituents by district and the island by staying on the County Council.
      “I feel a strong sense of duty here. I think I can do more here at this time.”
      Other names being considered, according to Civil Beat, are County Council District 7 member Dru Kanuha, representing portions of South and North Kona; former District 6 Council member Brittany Smart, who sought state Rep. Bob Herkes’ vacated seat in the last election; and Maile David, a candidate for County Council District 6 in the previous two elections.
      See civilbeat.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HOSPITAL COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY is available for area residents to fill out online to help guide the future of health care in the district.

 

      Survey questions ask where Ka`u residents are receiving health care, from emergency services to cardiology, cancer and other ailments. There are questions about insurance and needs for improvements as well as the satisfaction of Ka`u residents with current services. The short survey can be taken at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HAS HELPED 15,318 seniors in Hawai`i save a total of $35,300,393 on their prescription drug costs so far this year, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. “The Affordable Care Act is saving Hawai`i’s seniors real money on their prescription drugs,” Schatz said. “The implementation of the law needs to be improved, but this is good policy that is helping seniors, and we can’t go back to a time when seniors were choosing between food and prescriptions. We need to all work together to make sure the law works and keeps delivering benefits to seniors and people across Hawai`i.”
      The data, released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, reveals that beneficiaries have saved an average of $921 each – equivalent to the national cost of approximately four months’ worth of groceries for Americans 71 and older.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MORE THAN TEN PERCENT ARE UNINSURED. That’s the word on Hawai`i Island population’s health insurance coverage. Statewide, as of the end of last week, 574 residents had signed up for health insurance through the local insurance locator service, Hawai`i Health Connector, said its spokesman Bobby Lambrix.

Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. helps local
residents sign up for health insurance.

      In a press release yesterday, Hawai`i Health Connector’s new manager Tom Matsuda said, “I’m committed to devoting my full attention and energy to continuously improve the Connector. Although the Connector has made major strides forward in comparison to some of the other state marketplaces, we have more room for improvement. The Connector team will continue to focus on ongoing process improvements, and I will be responsible for keeping all of our stakeholders apprised of our progress on a regular basis.” Health Connector representatives said they hope many people will sign up by Dec. 23.
      Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. has received a $125,000 grant to help sign up people locally. Call 928-0101. The organization’s offices are at 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pahala. Email krhcai@yahoo.com. Its website is krhcai.com. Hawai`i Health Connector's website is hawaiihealthconnector.com.
     The Kokua role for KRHCAI is to reach and educate individuals, families and small business owners. The grant also supports providing jobs in the local community and providing impartial information about health insurance plan options.
    “Partnering with Hawai`i Health Connector allows us to work directly with our community to provide critical health coverage information," said Jessie Marques, KRHCAI executive director.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is asking constituents to support an increase in the minimum wage. “Millions of people in our communities go to work every single day and still come up short, relying on social programs to support their families. Right now, a family with two children and a parent earning minimum wage lives below the poverty line.
      “For over four years, the federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 an hour, even though the prices of everyday necessities are going up. Congress has the opportunity right now to raise it.
      “Now is the time to raise the minimum wage. It’s the right thing for our hardworking families, and it’s the right thing for our economy.

Tulsi Gabbard

      “There’s just no way that families can survive on $7.25 an hour. As we’ve watched our economy grow, the minimum wage has remained the same.
      “The solution is simple, but despite the clear benefits and overwhelming support by a majority of Americans, opponents in Congress continue to block minimum wage legislation. We can’t stand by and allow this to happen.”
      Gabbard asks interested persons to add their names to the list of people supporting an increase to the minimum wage at increasetheminimumwage.com.

BLAISE DE LIMA, FROM REP. TULSI GABBARD’S OFFICE, meets with Ka`u constituents tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center to hear ideas and concerns and bring them to Gabbard’s attention. For more information, call 808-541-1986.

AFTER SPENDING MORE THAN A DECADE on the mainland teaching `ukulele and guitar at Santa Barbara City College and performing throughout California, Hilo native Carl Ray Villaverde performs music from his new CD Hawaiian Magic this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park program.

Participants weave lauhala bracelets tomorrow.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

LAUHALA WEAVING IS THE TOPIC tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park when members of `Aha Puhala O Puna share the art. Participants weave their very own bracelets from leaves of the hala (pandanus) tree. Lauhala ornaments crafted by the club will be available for sale.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY is tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The annual event includes buffet dinner, lucky number prizes, keiki ID and photos with Santa. Call 929-9717 for more information.

HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU’S Public Access Room offers free training to help the public follow the 2014 state Legislature Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The training demystifies the state lawmaking process and demonstrates ways people can participate in the Legislature.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE holds its annual dinner and meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Tiki Mama's, near the corner of Aloha and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Cost is $12 per person for dinner. Entertainment at 5 p.m. will feature live music by The Last Fling Dance Band and magic by Allan Humble. Dinner and voting are at 6 p.m. RSVP to cytodbd@aol.com or 930-4697.

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 Monday, Dec. 9, 2013

Santa and his helpers spread holiday greetings during the 35th annual Pahala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

 THE DIE-HARD CHRISTMAS PARADERS wove through Pahala Town yesterday for the 35th annual event organized by Eddie Andrade. Andrade said he was praying hard in church Sunday morning for the clouds to part and rays of hope to shine down on Pahala. They did.

Members of Pahala Holy Rosary Church entertain parade onlookers.
Photo by Julia Neal

      About a half hour before the 1 p.m. parade, a heavy rain and near-flood conditions stopped, and the parade went on. Ka`u Coffee Mill, which helps fund the event, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Keoki Kahumoku’s `ukulele kids, Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare Lee Shibuya, Tutu & Me, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Pahala Preschool, County Council member Brenda Ford, the Filipino Club, Pahala Fire Department, the police department, Frosty the Snowman, the reindeer and a Christmas elephant, along with Santa and his helpers, paraded up and down the village slope.

     Santa threw candy to the children and spoke to many of the onlookers by name. The entire parade visited Ka`u Hospital to entertain the residents and staff, with the event wrapping up at Holy Rosary Church for lunch.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CHANGING LIGHT FIXTURES, REPLACING TRANSFORMERS, chillers and installing energy efficient control panels at the state building in Hilo and around the islands is a $17.4 million contract that is going to a Framingham, Massachusetts company. The state Department of Accounting and General Services awarded Ameresco, Inc. the Energy Savings Performance Contract.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare Lee Shibuya braves the possibility of rain
in a convertible driven by her mother, Terry-Lee. Photo by Julia Neal 

      The ESPC project is expected to save DAGS more than a million dollars in the first year and lower operational costs by $28 million over the 20-year term.
      “I commend DAGS and Ameresco for working together in developing a comprehensive efficiency and renewable energy project that is on target with our commitment to energy independence and sustainability,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “Ameresco’s innovative approach will assist DAGS in reaching its energy savings and emission reduction goals.”



      The design-build DAGS project is expected to reduce energy and water consumption through the installation of state-of-the-art technology in the 33 buildings and will also generate renewable energy at 13 facilities.

      The approximate two-year design-build implementation period will include energy conservation measures such as replacing or retrofitting 13,000 light fixtures, expanding the energy management system to include 2,750 control points, installing seven new chillers with bearingless compressors and replacing 53 transformers with premium efficiency custom-wound transformers. The new photovoltaic arrays will consist of over 3,370 solar panels connected to 17 inverters spread across the five islands. 

The new solar arrays are expected to cumulatively generate about 1.3 million kilowatt-hours a year in renewable power from the sun, which will help DAGS facilities lower the state’s dependence on electricity produced from fossil-fueled power plants.

 The annual emissions reduction is expected to be approximately 5.6 million pounds of CO2, 14,200 pounds of SO2 and 12,700 pounds of N2O, the equivalent of taking 466 cars off the road, according to a statement released by the company.
      See more at ameresco.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tutu & Me decorates its van for Pahala Christmas Parade yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS has contracted with SMS to conduct a phone survey of Hawai`i residents and small businesses over the next few weeks to find out how people in Hawai`i are using their Internet connections today and how they plan to use Internet service in the future.

      The survey is part of the state’s effort to improve broadband capabilities, address anticipated future needs and ensure that Hawai`i is competitive with the rest of the world as a venue for digital commerce.
      DCCA is part of a multi-agency state effort to move to high-speed broadband and meet Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s goal of providing affordable Internet access to Hawai`i’s residents.

  

The phone calls will be made to businesses between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and to residences from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The calls are confidential, and no names will be used. No personal identifying information will be requested, nor will it be required.

      The phone survey is being conducted in conjunction with DCCA’s broadband speed test campaign to measure Internet access speeds around the state and to look for gaps in connection.

      People around the state can go to hibroadbandmap.org/speedtest (or goo.gl/e23RPl) to be part of the campaign to measure and improve broadband access around the islands.

County Council member Brenda Ford receives a warm greeting
from Frosty the Snowman. Photo by Julia Neal 

      The speed test can be performed using a desktop or mobile web browser.
      In addition to its regulatory oversight of the franchised cable industry, the Cable Television Division has been given the responsibility to implement activities to promote ubiquitous access to high speed broadband at affordable prices across the state.
      According to its website, SMS has provided advanced technology products and services to the federal government since 1976.
      See sms.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan is due one week from today on Monday, Dec. 16. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website. 

      The appendix discusses opportunities in various sectors of Ka`u’s economy, including retail.

      “Overall, the generation of future new jobs through the retail sector in Ka`u is modest, with the possible exception of Ocean View,” the analysis states. It lists keys to the future development of the retail sector:

Ed Olson stands by his Ka`u Coffee Mill's float carrying Keoki Kahumoku's `ukulele
kids and students from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Photo by Julia Neal

• Development of Other Emerging Sectors: Other sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, health and wellness, creative and visitor industries could be developed in ways that generate and support retail opportunities. 
• Fostering Supportive Networks: An expansion of Ka`u’s business support network could provide access to capital, marketing, distribution and other business development services. 
• Creation of a Locally Focused Retail Campaign: A viable and on-going “plug the leaks” campaign could be created to raise the awareness, willingness and capacity of residents to buy locally produced services and goods. 

      The document suggests that, for Pahala and Na`alehu, “any retail growth will require a reversal of declining population trends and/or an increased capacity to capture visitor traffic and local residents who shop outside the district.
      “However, while population projections for Na`alehu do not appear to support increases in retail activity, the town’s historical role as a commercial center for the region along with its social and physical infrastructure support may provide some impetus for retail expansion.”  

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Pahala Filipino Community Association joins Pahala Christmas parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

INTERESTED PERSONS CAN STILL SIGN UP to help Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with their Forest Restoration Project Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers plant native seedling trees on Mauna Loa strip in the national park. 

      Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain through brush in an area with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions (be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.) plus drinking water and a lunch.

      To sign up, call 985-7373 or email forest@fhvnp.org today.

MUSICIAN AND HILO NATIVE CARL RAY VILLAVERDE performs tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. After spending more than a decade on the mainland teaching `ukulele and guitar at Santa Barbara City College and performing throughout California, Villaverde returns to the islands with his new CD, Hawaiian Magic, on sale at the show. $2 donations support park program.

Pahala Preschool thanks the community for its support during Pahala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

MEMBERS OF `AHA PUHALA O PUNA SHARE THE ART of lauhala weaving to perpetuate this Hawaiian skill Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants weave their very own bracelets from leaves of the hala (pandanus) tree. Lauhala ornaments crafted by the club will be available for sale. This free program is part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.

Hawai`i's Public Access Room
offers training Thursday at
Pahala Plantation House.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY is Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The annual event includes buffet dinner, lucky number prizes, keiki ID and photos with Santa. Call 929-9717 for more information. 

HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU’S Public Access Room offers free training to help the public follow the 2014 state Legislature Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The training demystifies the state lawmaking process and demonstrates ways people can participate in the Legislature.

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.